Sen. Breanne Davis

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the Arkansas homestead property tax credit for property owners, raising the annual reduction in real property taxes from $600 to $675. The change applies to assessment years starting on or after January 1, 2026, directly benefiting homeowners who qualify for the credit. By amending the state code, the legislation provides a slightly larger tax relief amount for eligible residents without altering other tax provisions.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 631 amends Arkansas law regarding hearings for the revocation of probation or a suspended sentence. It details the rights of defendants during preliminary and revocation hearings, ensuring they receive notice of the alleged violation and have the opportunity to present evidence and be represented by counsel. The bill introduces a new provision allowing revocation proceedings to be held in a different county or judicial district if a defendant on probation or a suspended sentence is arrested and charged with a violent felony in that different location, provided the court that originally imposed the sentence gives written consent. This aims to modify the jurisdictional rules for such cases.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 350 proposed to establish and fund state-supported Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Forces under the Office of the Prosecutor Coordinator for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The bill aimed to appropriate over $14 million from the State Central Services Fund for personal services and operating expenses. This funding would create 121 positions, including a Drug Task Force Coordinator and 120 task force employees such as commanders, agents, and administrative assistants. It also provided for the transition of employees from county to state funding, recognizing prior service for leave benefits, while noting that local task forces would still be responsible for some operational expenses.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 628 proposes to increase the fees paid to court reporters for producing court transcripts. It raises the compensation for an original and two copies of a transcript from $4.10 to $8.00 per page, and additional copies from $0.50 to $1.00 per page. The bill also increases fees for photocopied evidence transcripts and provides higher compensation for official court reporters in criminal docket cases and for substitute reporters. Additionally, it clarifies how the State of Arkansas pays for transcripts in indigent proceedings, limiting state payment to the original and two copies.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 63 proclaims April as AARP Month at the State Capitol and designates April 8, 2025, as AARP Red Shirt Day at the State Capitol. This resolution recognizes AARP Arkansas's contributions to serving Arkansans aged fifty and over and their families.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 499 aimed to reduce and revise reporting requirements for several state departments. It sought to eliminate the State Securities Department's quarterly reports on funds received from court orders or settlements. The bill also proposed repealing annual reports from the State Insurance Department on health insurance fraud activities and from the Risk Management Division to the Governor and Legislative Council. Additionally, it would have removed requirements for the Insurance Commissioner to report on the Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace and the Workers' Compensation Insurance Plan to the Legislative Council and legislative committees.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 248 aimed to amend the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act of 1967, specifically concerning the disclosure of personnel records. The bill sought to redefine what constitutes a "clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy" for records pertaining to private citizens or information about public officials not related to their official duties. It proposed that such records would be exempt from disclosure if the information is personal or intimate, and the substantial privacy interest outweighs the public's interest in disclosure. The bill also clarified that individuals could still access their own records, even if those records were otherwise exempt from public release.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 542 aimed to amend the Medicaid Provider-Led Organized Care Act in Arkansas, focusing on improving the experience for Medicaid beneficiaries. It would have required risk-based provider organizations to establish an online quality rating system, making data on service delivery, care coordinator performance, and member satisfaction publicly accessible. The bill also mandated real-time online provider directories and the creation of a dedicated beneficiary support system within the Department of Human Services. These measures were intended to empower beneficiaries, particularly those with intellectual, developmental, or behavioral health needs, with information to make informed choices about their care providers.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 221 (SB 221) aims to prohibit specific contracting practices by risk-based provider organizations when they negotiate with direct healthcare service providers in Arkansas. The bill prevents these organizations from using "tying" tactics, which involve requiring a provider to contract for multiple services if they only agree to one, or penalizing them for declining certain services. It also prohibits discrimination against providers who refuse such terms. Violations of these provisions would be considered unfair trade practices, and any problematic contract clauses would be voided. The bill seeks to ensure fair negotiation for providers and protect access to healthcare for Medicaid beneficiaries, especially individuals with disabilities.

Maddy summarySB 465 would amend the Consolidated Incentive Act of 2003 to allow developers of "speculative development projects" to qualify for state and local sales and use tax refunds. A speculative development project is defined as a basic structure of at least 100,000 square feet, built for eventual sale or lease, requiring a minimum investment of $25 million. The bill also requires that if a qualified business seeks multiple financial incentive agreements for the same project under the Act, these agreements must be executed within 24 months of each other. This affects developers and businesses seeking various state incentives for large-scale, pre-leased or pre-sold construction projects.