Sen. Gary Stubblefield

Maddy summarySenate Bill 363 proposes to appropriate $500,000 to the Department of Finance and Administration - Disbursing Officer. These funds are designated for grants to cover renovation and construction-related costs specifically for Smith Hospital. The appropriation is intended for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.

Maddy summarySenate Memorial Resolution 2 is a commemorative bill that honors the life and public service of James "Jim" Guy Tucker, former Arkansas Attorney General, U.S. Congressman, and the forty-third Governor of Arkansas. The resolution serves to respectfully acknowledge his contributions to the state and nation following his passing.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 75 formally honors Sylvia Ann Hindsman Cornwell for her 45 years of exemplary and dedicated service to the Arkansas Senate and the State of Arkansas. It recognizes her significant contributions, such as modernizing Senate records and serving as the first female Secretary of the Senate.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 23 recognizes February 15-22, 2025, as National FFA Week in Arkansas. This resolution commends the National FFA Organization and its Arkansas Division for their work in agricultural education and youth leadership.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1534 proposes to increase the existing homestead property tax credit. This bill directly affects homeowners by reducing the amount of property taxes they owe on their primary residence. The key mechanism is an adjustment to the credit amount, providing a larger tax reduction for eligible households.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 509 creates the new criminal offense of "Theft of Equipment Rental Services" in Arkansas. This bill directly affects individuals who rent or lease equipment and the businesses that provide these services. It outlines that a person commits this offense by knowingly failing to return equipment after the rental period, damaging leased equipment, or failing to pay for the time they had control of the equipment. Penalties range from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class B felony, depending on the monetary value of the unreturned service or damage. The bill also requires convicted individuals to pay restitution for any unpaid rental services and equipment damage.

Maddy summarySB 526 proposed to prohibit the retail sale of specific disposable vapor products in Arkansas. It defined a "disposable vapor product" as one with a non-detachable battery that cannot be refilled and is designed for disposal after use. The bill would have banned retailers from selling such products if they originated from a "prohibited foreign party." The Director of Arkansas Tobacco Control could seize non-compliant products, with violations being a Class A misdemeanor, although FDA-approved products were exempt. A 90-day grace period was included for businesses to liquidate existing inventory.

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 399, known as the "Anti-ATF Commandeering Act," aims to prevent the State of Arkansas, its political subdivisions, and public employees from assisting in the enforcement of federal firearms laws. It prohibits the provision of "material aid and support" for federal firearms law enforcement and forbids state elected officials or public employees from knowingly enforcing such laws or referring violations to the U.S. Government. Public employees who refer violations face termination, and individuals subjected to a violation can seek civil remedies, including a $50,000 award per violation. The bill clarifies that it does not prevent the enforcement of state firearms laws or the use of federal information to enforce state laws.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 82 aimed to modify the sales and use tax regulations for used motor vehicles. The bill proposed to increase the sales and use tax exemption for these vehicles, meaning a larger portion of a used vehicle's purchase price would not be subject to tax. It also sought to amend the reduced sales and use tax rate currently applicable to purchases of used motor vehicles. These changes would directly affect individuals and businesses purchasing used motor vehicles.