Sen. John Payton

Maddy summaryHJR 1015 was a proposed constitutional amendment in Arkansas that aimed to change how judicial candidates appear on the ballot. If approved, it would have required candidates for Supreme Court Justice, Court of Appeals Judge, Circuit Judge, and District Judge to declare their political party affiliation or independent status. This declared affiliation or independent status would then be printed on the ballot for voters to see. The stated purpose of the amendment was to ensure transparency regarding judicial candidates' affiliations. This amendment would have taken effect on January 1, 2027, if passed.

Maddy summaryHB 1882 proposes changes to Arkansas's Medicaid Provider-Led Organized Care Act. It expands the definition of "enrollable Medicaid beneficiary population" to include groups designated by the Governor and approved by the Legislative Council. This allows the Governor to add new segments of Medicaid recipients to the organized care system. The bill also specifies that services provided under the 340B Drug Pricing Program will be exempt from the organized care system if certain populations, specifically those in Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me Program plans, are designated for enrollment. This directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries and the administration of their healthcare services.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 11 (SJR 11) proposes a constitutional amendment to the Arkansas Constitution. This measure aims to modify Article 2, Section 5, with the specific intent to protect the right to keep and bear arms for individuals. If enacted, it would alter the state's foundational document concerning this right.

Maddy summaryHJR 1018, titled "THE CITIZENS ONLY VOTING AMENDMENT," is a joint resolution that successfully passed both legislative chambers and was approved by the Governor. Based on its title, this bill proposes an amendment aimed at restricting voting eligibility to citizens only. However, the provided bill text primarily consists of an amendment adding various representatives and senators as cosponsors to the resolution, and does not detail the specific language, mechanisms, or provisions of the proposed "Citizens Only Voting Amendment" itself.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 375 creates the new offense of "capital rape" in Arkansas, targeting individuals who commit sexual offenses against victims aged thirteen (13) years or younger under specific aggravated circumstances. This offense is defined by actions such as causing or threatening serious physical injury, committing certain other felonies concurrently, using a deadly weapon, or having prior convictions for similar offenses. For offenders aged eighteen (18) or older, the penalties include death or life imprisonment without parole, while offenders younger than eighteen (18) face life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after twenty (20) years. The bill also ensures that prosecution for capital rape can be commenced at any time.

Maddy summaryHB 1187 authorizes a new pathway for Marriage and Family Therapists to obtain a professional license. This bill establishes licensure by endorsement, allowing therapists who are already licensed in another jurisdiction to be licensed in this state. This mechanism streamlines the process for qualified professionals seeking to practice within the state.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1807 amends the existing sales tax exemption for certain aircraft. It specifically targets aircraft held for resale and those used for rental or charter, clarifying which individuals or entities are eligible for this exemption. An amendment to the bill refined a provision by changing "resale, rental, lease, or charter" to "resale" in a specific section, thereby adjusting the scope of that particular part of the exemption.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1847 authorizes the Arkansas Racing Commission to establish and maintain a statewide self-exclusion list. This list allows individuals to voluntarily ban themselves from casinos across the state. The bill specifies that funds forfeited by self-excluded individuals, as well as other persons excluded by the commission or casino licensees, will be used to cover certain costs. The act is set to become effective on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1678 aims to amend the Abortion-Inducing Drugs Safety Act by increasing criminal penalties and clarifying civil penalties. An amendment to the bill expands who can pursue civil action for violations to include any state resident who receives a shipment of abortion-inducing drugs for illegal purposes. It also specifies that civil damages will not be awarded if the pregnancy resulted from the plaintiff's criminal conduct. Additionally, the amendment establishes that a violation is considered a deceptive and unconscionable act, and allows courts to award attorney's fees to defendants if a plaintiff's suit is found to be frivolous and brought in bad faith.

Maddy summaryHB 1677 authorizes alcohol and drug abuse treatment programs to maintain emergency medication kits. These programs must be licensed by the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy. The kits must be stored behind a locked door and cannot contain any Schedule II controlled substances. A physician or advanced practice registered nurse oversees the kit's contents, use, and access.