Sen. Breanne Davis

Maddy summarySenate Bill 622 sought to remove a current restriction on tire retailers in Arkansas. Previously, retailers were prohibited from charging any fees other than a specific rim removal fee when a customer purchased the service of removing a tire from its rim. This bill would have repealed that prohibition, potentially allowing tire retailers to charge additional fees for this service. It also clarified that only one of two specific fees (rim removal or commercial generator fee) should be charged for tire rim removal related to a replacement tire sale, preventing duplicate charges for customers.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1004, as amended, requires Medicaid coverage for mothers to be extended for one year after they give birth. This bill directly affects postpartum mothers by providing them with continued health insurance benefits beyond the standard period. A key provision of the bill also directs the state to request federal Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) funding from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to support this extended postpartum coverage through a health services initiative project.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 204 proposes to exempt certain financial gains from state gross income for tax purposes. This exemption would apply to taxpayers whose property is acquired by a government or entity under the right of eminent domain or the threat of condemnation. Essentially, any profit a property owner makes from such a forced sale would not be considered taxable income under this bill.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 606 aims to revise Arkansas's system for managing used tires. It would repeal the existing Used Tire Recycling and Accountability Act and its associated fund, replacing them with a new Tire Management and Recycling Act and a Waste Tire Abatement Fund. The bill clarifies that fees for tire management would apply to subsequent retail sales. This legislation primarily affects tire retailers by establishing new regulations and a new funding mechanism for waste tire abatement.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 630 would change who is responsible for determining punishment in felony and misdemeanor cases in Arkansas. This bill specifies that if a defendant is found guilty by a jury, the court (a judge), rather than the jury, would fix the punishment. It also clarifies that after a guilty plea, the court would be solely responsible for imposing the sentence. These changes would affect individuals charged with non-capital felony or misdemeanor offenses and the state's sentencing procedures.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1792 would require private employers in Arkansas to grant unpaid leave on Veterans Day to their veteran employees. To receive this leave, veteran employees would need to provide one month's written notice and proof of their veteran status. Employers could only deny the request if the absence would adversely impact public health and safety or cause significant economic or operational disruption, as determined by the Department of Labor and Licensing. The bill defines a "veteran" as a former member of the U.S. Armed Forces or certain Arkansas Reserve/National Guard members called to active duty.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1900 aims to amend Arkansas law regarding information provided to royalty owners in the oil and gas industry. It requires operators to itemize each deduction, specifying its nature, purpose, and amount, from payments made to royalty owners. The bill also revises the civil penalties for non-compliance related to information requests, changing the maximum penalty from a fixed $500 to the amount specified in a separate delinquency statute. Additionally, it grants the Oil and Gas Commission authority to suspend sanctions for up to 60 days to allow for compliance.

Maddy summaryHB 1770, known as the "Pregnancy Parking Act," would have allowed pregnant women in Arkansas to obtain a temporary special parking certificate. This certificate would grant access to parking spaces reserved for persons with disabilities. To qualify, a woman would need a licensed physician's confirmation of pregnancy and would apply through the Office of Motor Vehicle. The certificate would be valid for one year following the date the woman gives birth, and the special parking privilege would only apply when the permit holder is present in the vehicle.

Maddy summaryHB 1725 would amend Arkansas law concerning the office and compensation of sheriffs. It would require individuals newly elected or appointed as sheriff to file documentation with the county clerk within ten days, stating whether they meet specific law enforcement training or eligibility requirements. If a new sheriff does not have these qualifications, the county's quorum court would be mandated to set their annual salary at the minimum provided by law. Sheriffs who later gain the required training could submit new documentation for the quorum court to consider for compensation adjustments.

Maddy summaryHB 1435 aimed to modify state income tax laws concerning child care. The bill sought to amend the existing income tax credit available to employers who provide child care services. Additionally, it proposed to establish a new income tax credit specifically for licensed child care providers. These provisions were intended to adjust financial incentives for both businesses supporting child care and the providers themselves.