Sen. Justin Boyd

Maddy summaryHB 1944 would have authorized the creation and renewal of a special license plate to promote and support the Arkansas EMS Foundation. It also sought to repeal the existing special license plate for the Grand Lodge of Arkansas. This bill would have directly affected drivers interested in these specific license plates and the two organizations involved.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 41 recognizes Wednesday, March 12, 2025, as Scouting Day at the State Capitol. This resolution acknowledges the history and positive impact of Scouting programs on young people.

Maddy summaryThe provided text is Amendment No. 1 to SB 179, not the full bill. Based on the title, SB 179 aims to establish the "Strengthen Arkansas Homes Act" and create the "Strengthen Arkansas Homes Program Premium Tax Fund." Amendment No. 1 modifies provisions regarding the admissibility of certain information, clarifying that it would be admissible as evidence in private civil actions. It also specifies that these provisions do not prevent disclosure to legislative auditing bodies or preclude subpoena authority.

Maddy summarySB 86 modifies the rules for nonprofit, tax-exempt, or governmentally funded hospitals to hold retail pharmacy permits and introduces new regulations for pharmacy contracting. It would allow eligible hospitals, meeting criteria like a minimum inpatient census and providing emergency care, to hold one retail pharmacy permit at each licensed hospital location. These pharmacies must be located on or near the hospital campus and offer 24/7 access to emergency medications. The bill also prohibits pharmacies from entering contracts with parent entities that create anti-competitive advantages or limit patient choice, with enforcement by the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 569 proposed an amendment to Article 5, Section 1 of the Arkansas Constitution, concerning the ballot titles of proposed measures. This bill would require all ballot titles for statewide, county, and municipal measures to be readable, clear, concise, and not exceed 500 words. This change would directly affect petitioners who submit proposed measures and the election boards responsible for placing these titles on the ballot. The General Assembly would also be authorized to enact laws establishing specific standards for title readability.

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 summaryHB 1483 would allow public school districts to use state funds to pay for adult education programs with which they contract. This bill directly affects public school districts and the adult education programs they choose to partner with. The primary mechanism is to provide explicit authorization for districts to allocate state funds for these contracted adult education services.

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 summarySB 138 expands the types of historical war reenactments permitted on school property in Arkansas. It allows "war reenactors" to carry unloaded firearms or replicas of historical weapons on school grounds for educational purposes. This applies to reenactments of the Revolutionary War, Civil War, French and Indian War, Mexican-American War, and War of 1812. Such activities are only permitted with advance approval from a school official, and any firearm used must be unloaded.