Sen. Gary Stubblefield

Maddy summarySenate Bill 477 creates a new criminal offense in Arkansas called "Theft of Equipment Rental Services," impacting individuals who rent equipment and the businesses that lease it. This offense occurs if a person knowingly keeps rented equipment beyond the agreed-upon period without authorization or causes damage that prevents the equipment from being rented again without repair. A person can avoid prosecution by compensating the lessor for the value of the extended rental time and any damage. Penalties for violations range from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class B felony, depending on the value of the unreturned service or damage, and convicted individuals must pay restitution.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1626, as amended, aimed to prohibit the sale of certain disposable vapor products. The bill's central provision was to ban the sale of disposable vapor products that originate from a "prohibited foreign party," a term defined by referencing an existing legal statute (§ 18-11-802). This measure would have directly impacted retailers selling vapor products and consumers who purchase them. The bill did not pass and died in committee.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1481, known as the Anti-ATF Commandeering Act, aims to restrict state and local public employees and elected officials in Arkansas. It prohibits them from providing material aid or support for enforcing federal firearms laws, including attempting to enforce such laws or referring federal firearms violations to the U.S. Government. Public employees found to have referred federal firearms violations would face termination of employment. The bill clarifies that it does not prevent the enforcement of state firearms laws or the use of federal information for enforcing state laws.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1722 sought to regulate hemp-derived products in Arkansas, affecting manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers. It would have assigned the Arkansas Tobacco Control Board the responsibility for overseeing these products, including permitting, fees, and enforcement. The bill clarified the legal status of hemp-derived products with no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC, while explicitly listing various other delta-THC compounds and synthetic derivatives as controlled substances. It also aimed to establish a three-tiered system for product distribution and create a dedicated revenue fund for regulatory expenses.

Maddy summaryHJR 1015 was a proposed constitutional amendment in Arkansas that aimed to change how judicial candidates appear on the ballot. If approved, it would have required candidates for Supreme Court Justice, Court of Appeals Judge, Circuit Judge, and District Judge to declare their political party affiliation or independent status. This declared affiliation or independent status would then be printed on the ballot for voters to see. The stated purpose of the amendment was to ensure transparency regarding judicial candidates' affiliations. This amendment would have taken effect on January 1, 2027, if passed.

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 summaryThis bill, SB 489, authorizes the placement of a monument on the Arkansas State Capitol grounds. The monument will recognize the desegregation of the Charleston and Fayetteville School Districts in 1954. It also establishes a dedicated fund, the Charleston and Fayetteville Desegregation Memorial Monument Fund, to accept donations for the monument's erection and upkeep, with the Secretary of State overseeing its design and site selection.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1983 clarifies and confirms the absolute title of certain property for the Natural State Council of Boy Scouts of America, Inc., which is the successor to the Westark Area Council. The bill addresses historical ambiguities and concerns regarding the precise acreage and existing conditions, restrictive uses, or rights of reverter held by the State of Arkansas from previous land conveyances in 1973 and 1991. It specifically frees the majority of the property from these state-held conditions. However, the bill mandates that certain identified lots and portions of land must continue to be used for Boy Scout programs, Girl Scout activities, other youth recreation, or controlled public use under agreements with state agencies. This ensures clear ownership for the Boy Scouts while preserving specific areas for youth and public benefit.

Maddy summaryHB 1701, as amended, focuses on updating the laws governing sewer collection and treatment providers and related services. The amendment primarily clarifies and modifies references to state agencies involved in regulating these services, specifically concerning the Division of Environmental Quality and the former Arkansas Natural Resources Commission. It also adjusts provisions related to improvement plans and the transfer of assets by sewer entities. Additionally, the amendment includes "an individual homeowner" in a specified section, indicating potential implications for individual property owners regarding sewer services.

Maddy summaryHJR 1018, titled "THE CITIZENS ONLY VOTING AMENDMENT," is a joint resolution that successfully passed both legislative chambers and was approved by the Governor. Based on its title, this bill proposes an amendment aimed at restricting voting eligibility to citizens only. However, the provided bill text primarily consists of an amendment adding various representatives and senators as cosponsors to the resolution, and does not detail the specific language, mechanisms, or provisions of the proposed "Citizens Only Voting Amendment" itself.