Sen. Justin Boyd

Maddy summaryHB 1419 would revise Arkansas's workers' compensation insurance plan by requiring the Insurance Commissioner to competitively select the plan's administrator and insurance providers at least every three years, based on cost, service quality, and performance history. The bill allows the commissioner to skip competitive bidding if the current provider has improved service, continuation benefits Arkansas, and coverage for employees working in other states remains adequate. It also mandates an annual report to the legislature detailing the selection process, plan performance, coverage in other states, and compliance with the law.

Maddy summaryHB 1282 (now Act 110) amends Arkansas law to clarify and strengthen penalties for unauthorized practice of law. It directly affects non-lawyers who offer legal services in personal injury or property damage cases, such as those advising on claims, negotiating settlements, or soliciting clients for these matters. The bill specifically prohibits actions like contracting for representation on a contingent fee basis, advising on settlement offers, or entering exclusive agreements for selecting legal counsel without a license. This makes it a criminal offense to engage in these activities with the intent of gaining direct economic benefit, tightening existing restrictions on unlicensed legal assistance. The law took effect on February 18, 2025, after passing both legislative chambers.

Maddy summaryThis Arkansas bill (SB 133, now Act 50) amends state commercial law to define "central bank digital currency" (CBDC) and clarify its exclusion from key financial terms. It adds a specific definition for CBDC as digital currency issued directly by central banks (like the Federal Reserve) or governments, and explicitly states CBDC is not considered "money" or a "deposit account" under the Uniform Commercial Code. These changes ensure CBDC is treated separately from traditional currency and bank deposits in commercial transactions. The bill directly affects how Arkansas financial institutions and legal systems categorize digital currencies issued by government entities.

Maddy summarySB 16 increases penalties for discharging firearms or throwing objects like stones at trains or railroad cars. It directly affects individuals who intentionally fire guns or throw projectiles at trains, which is currently a Class A misdemeanor. The bill raises the maximum fine for these offenses from $250 to a higher amount (though the exact new maximum isn't specified in the text), while keeping the current minimum fine of $25. This amendment strengthens existing penalties without changing the offense classification or adding new requirements.

Maddy summarySB 15 repeals Arkansas' existing law (§ 15-43-205) that imposed fines ($100-$1,000) or jail time (30 days-6 months) for deer hunters who negligently discharge firearms, endangering others. This bill removes the specific penalties for negligent firearm discharges during deer hunting. It directly affects deer hunters in Arkansas who would have faced these penalties under the repealed law. The bill does not create new rules or penalties - it solely eliminates the previous legal consequence. The repeal became effective when the bill was signed into law as Act 26 on February 12, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1204 (now Act 28) amends Arkansas law to clarify that plaintiffs in medical negligence cases can only recover the actual costs they paid for necessary medical care, treatment, or services - or costs legally owed by them or a third party. It directly affects individuals filing medical malpractice claims and healthcare providers by limiting recoverable damages to amounts actually paid or legally responsible. The key provision changes the standard for medical cost recovery from billed rates to verified payments, preventing recovery of unpaid or inflated charges. This law, enacted on February 11, 2025, provides a clearer financial framework for medical negligence claims in Arkansas.

Maddy summaryHB 1135 allows Arkansas residents to obtain a digital version of their state identification card (in addition to the existing digital driver's license option) through a mobile app. It sets a $10 fee for this service, which must be paid at the time of application or renewal, and requires the digital ID to display the user's current license status (valid, expired, etc.). The law specifies that digital IDs can be used by both public and private entities for any purpose requiring a physical ID, but does not replace the physical card. This bill directly affects Arkansans with valid driver's licenses or state ID cards who choose to use the digital option.

Maddy summaryHB 1351 aimed to regulate vision benefit managers and amend Arkansas' Vision Care Plan Act and Healthcare Contracting Simplification Act. It would have prohibited insurers from reducing vision benefits solely due to other insurance coverage, defined key terms like "covered materials" and "vision benefit manager," and set rules for provider agreements. The bill specifically targeted how vision care providers (like optometrists) and insurers handle payments for services and materials such as glasses, contacts, and eye exams. However, the bill was withdrawn by its authors on February 4, 2025, and never became law.

Maddy summaryHB 1052 would require health insurance plans in Arkansas to cover respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunization for infants under eight months old, using a specific antibody treatment, without cost-sharing like deductibles or copayments. This mandate applies to all health benefit plans, including Medicaid and the Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me Program, starting January 1, 2026. The bill also directs state agencies to create implementing rules by that date to ensure compliance.