Sen. Missy Irvin

Maddy summaryHB 1258, now Act 435, creates a statewide certification program for community health workers in Arkansas. The bill establishes a standardized certification process, requiring workers to meet specific training and competency standards to practice. This directly affects community health workers who must obtain this certification to work legally in the state, ensuring consistent qualifications across all communities. The law replaces inconsistent local or employer-based requirements with a single state-administered system.

Maddy summaryHB 1245, now Act 432, establishes a registration system for behavior analysts in Arkansas. It requires practitioners to pay an application fee of up to $200 and a renewal fee of up to $150, with fines for violations ranging from $500 to $1,000 for initial offenses and up to $5,000 plus potential license revocation for repeat violations. The law directly affects behavior analysts providing services in Arkansas and explicitly states it does not require additional training or continuing education beyond existing certification. Key provisions include standardized fees, penalty structures, and verification of current certification for renewal. The bill was enacted on April 3, 2025, after Senate amendments were approved.

Maddy summaryHB 1288 (now Act 423) requires healthcare insurers in Arkansas to pay providers retroactively for services rendered before the provider was officially approved by the insurer. This directly affects healthcare providers (like doctors or clinics) who treat patients while waiting for insurer credentialing approval. The key provision mandates that insurers make these retroactive payments once a provider is finally added to their network. The law aims to prevent providers from bearing financial losses for care delivered during the credentialing delay. It amends the Arkansas Health Care Consumer Act to enforce this payment requirement.

Maddy summaryHB 1257 removes a restriction preventing psychologists from employing technicians to perform neuropsychology services. It changes reimbursement rules so psychologists, not technicians, receive payment for services provided by these technicians. The bill directly affects psychologists and their psychology technicians in Arkansas by allowing technicians to support neuropsychology work under a psychologist’s supervision. This policy change streamlines employment and billing for these roles without altering licensing requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1254 allows licensed psychologists (psychological practitioners) to practice independently in Arkansas without supervision. It removes the existing independent practice rights previously held by psychological examiners. The bill changes licensing regulations to distinguish between these two professional groups, granting full independent practice authority to psychologists while restricting psychological examiners to supervised roles. The bill passed the legislature and became Act 433 in April 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1167 modifies signature authority for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) and Physician Assistants (PAs), allowing them to sign certain medical documents that previously required a physician's signature. It also clarifies that durable medical equipment (DME) covers diabetic shoes and shoe inserts, ensuring these items are included in insurance coverage. The bill directly affects healthcare providers (APRNs, PAs) and diabetic patients who rely on covered DME. These changes streamline care coordination and improve access to essential foot care equipment. The bill became law as Act 431 on April 3, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1297 was an amendment to clarify which healthcare insurance plans are subject to existing regulations. It defined "health benefit plan" to explicitly include indemnity and managed care plans while removing specific plan types (like disease-specific or long-term-care-only plans) from the definition. The bill did not create new AI or algorithm regulations despite its title - it only adjusted technical definitions for insurance oversight. The amendment was adopted but the bill was withdrawn by the author on April 1, 2025, before further action. This was a procedural change to insurance plan definitions, not a substantive policy on AI.

Maddy summarySB 279 amends Arkansas' wage enforcement laws to strengthen the Division of Labor's ability to recover unpaid wages for workers. It clarifies investigation timelines (allowing reviews of wages from the past two years, extendable if investigations are hindered), tolls the statute of limitations during complaints, and sets a one-year deadline for legal action after a final decision. The bill directly affects Arkansas workers owed wages, the Division of Labor (which enforces it), and employers who may face enforcement actions. Key provisions include allowing employees to join administrative proceedings if violations delayed investigations and requiring the Division to fully investigate all wage complaints. These changes aim to make wage enforcement more efficient and accessible for workers.

Maddy summarySB 345 (now Act 421) simplifies permitting for hotels, restaurants, and large-event venues by removing a tax requirement that previously applied to private club operations. The bill streamlines the process for these businesses to obtain necessary permits, reducing administrative hurdles and associated costs. It directly affects hospitality and event businesses that must navigate permitting systems for private club services. The key change eliminates a specific tax obligation, aiming to boost tourism and economic development through more efficient operations.

Maddy summaryHB 1652, now Act 393, changes rules for self-service storage facilities by making unsigned rental agreements legally enforceable and establishing a clear process for ending such agreements. It directly affects storage facility operators and renters who may have entered into verbal or incomplete written contracts. Key provisions require facilities to honor unsigned agreements (preventing disputes over missing signatures) and provide a standardized procedure for both parties to terminate agreements without lengthy legal steps. The law applies to all self-service storage facilities in the state and became effective after passing both legislative chambers and the Governor's office.