Sen. Missy Irvin

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 summarySenate Concurrent Resolution 5 (SCR 5) is a resolution that expresses the Arkansas General Assembly's continued encouragement for the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) to achieve National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation. The resolution commends the Institute's progress, acknowledges its fundraising efforts, and encourages further private fundraising and collaboration among state entities to support this goal. This legislative action aims to facilitate the establishment of an NCI-designated cancer center in Arkansas, which could expand access to advanced cancer treatments, clinical trials, and research for Arkansans.

Maddy summarySB 483 modifies reporting requirements for two state agencies. It repeals certain reporting requirements for both the State Insurance Department and the State Securities Department. Additionally, the bill revises other reporting requirements specifically for the State Insurance Department. This legislation directly affects the administrative duties and information reporting processes of these state departments.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 400, titled "TO AMEND THE FAIR-FUNDING PROGRAM," modifies the structure of the state's fair-funding program by reassigning specific counties to different fair districts. The bill removes Independence County from one assignment and explicitly places Lee County, Monroe County, and Phillips County into the Tri-County Fair. These changes directly affect the designated counties and the fair organizations by clarifying their participation within the state's fair-funding framework. The bill also includes a minor typographical correction.

Maddy summaryHB 1841, now Act 1021, creates the Arkansas Revenue Investment in Vital EMS Systems (ARRIVES) Act. This act establishes the Arkansas Revenue Investment in Vital EMS Systems (ARRIVES) Fund, specifically designed to support emergency medical services (EMS) agencies. The fund will disburse assessed moneys to these agencies, aiming to provide financial investment for their operations.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 450 (SB 450) requires the Arkansas Department of Education to incorporate a discussion of human fetal growth and development into its academic standards. This provision will be implemented during the regular academic standards revision cycle, affecting the curriculum taught to public school students. The bill specifies that this discussion must include a high-quality, computer-generated rendering or animation. This visual aid will depict the process of fertilization and every stage of human development inside the uterus, noting significant markers in cell growth and organ development during each week of pregnancy until birth.

Maddy summarySB 619 concerns the formation of an isolated school district. An amendment to this bill clarifies the election process, enabling voters within the original boundaries of a consolidated isolated school to vote on establishing an isolated school district. It also sets rules for how initial board members of these isolated school districts will draw lots for two, four, or six-year terms to create staggered election schedules. This affects voters in specific school district areas and establishes governance procedures for isolated school districts.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1840 amends the Medicaid Provider-Led Organized Care Act. This bill ensures that sedation dentistry services are covered by risk-based provider organizations within the Medicaid program. The change directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries who require sedation for dental procedures, ensuring access to these services through their managed care plans.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1933 establishes a process for the recall and removal of members of a school district board of directors. It introduces mechanisms for a recall election and a petition for removal, allowing citizens to initiate a process to remove an elected school board member. The bill specifies that county clerks will manage the petition process and outlines procedures for filling vacancies that occur due to a board member's removal.

Maddy summaryHB 1846 creates the Arkansas 2036 Commission to develop a long-term strategic plan for the state's future. The commission will be tasked with establishing goals and strategies for Arkansas by the year 2036. This bill directly affects state government operations by establishing a new entity to guide long-term planning. The commission's work will inform future policy decisions without making specific legislative changes. (Procedural bill; summary limited to creation of the commission as stated in the bill text.)