Sen. Justin Boyd

Maddy summarySenate Bill 49 proposes to amend the existing law concerning the collection of sales and use tax on purchases of new or used motor vehicles, trailers, semitrailers, and motorboats. The bill specifically introduces a special rate of tax that would apply to certain used motorboats. This legislation directly affects individuals and businesses involved in the purchase or sale of these types of vehicles and watercraft, particularly those acquiring used motorboats.

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.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 229 proposes to establish a new Department of Financial Services within the existing Department of Commerce. This new department would consolidate the operations of the State Bank Department and the State Securities Department. The bill designates the current Bank Commissioner to serve as the Director of the newly formed Department of Financial Services. This aims to reorganize and combine state oversight of banking and securities activities.

Maddy summaryHB 1993 establishes a specific rule for determining fault in certain motor vehicle rear-end collisions, intending to prevent insurance fraud. It directly affects drivers involved in multi-vehicle accidents where a third vehicle is alleged to have caused the incident and left the scene. Under this bill, if a driver rear-ends another vehicle and claims a third vehicle caused them to do so, but there is no obvious new damage to the rear of the striking vehicle, then the driver of the striking vehicle is considered at fault. This provision aims to provide a clear standard for assigning responsibility in these particular accident scenarios.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1738 proposes a sales and use tax exemption for disabled veterans and authorized members of their households in Arkansas. To qualify, a disabled veteran must be certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and submit a letter to the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA). This exemption applies to sales of tangible personal property, digital products, and services, with an annual maximum limit of $25,000 per disabled veteran. The DFA would issue exemption cards and establish rules for the program.

Maddy summaryHB 1932 proposed to amend Arkansas laws related to the corporate franchise tax and repeal the Arkansas Corporate Franchise Tax Act of 1979. The bill would have required most corporations and limited liability companies, both domestic and foreign, to file an annual report with the Secretary of State. This report would detail the corporation's condition, status, and other information like officers and stock. While some information in the annual report would be confidential, basic corporate details such as the name, address, and principal officers would be publicly available.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1237 sought to prohibit medical professionals from directly soliciting individuals who have recently been injured in an accident or other event, for the purpose of offering treatment. This restriction would apply to various forms of direct contact, including in-person, telephonic, and electronic messages. However, it would not apply if the medical professional has a prior relationship with the individual or if the solicitation occurs more than 30 days after the injury-causing event. Violations would be classified as a Class D felony, invalidate any resulting healthcare service agreements, and entitle affected patients to a full refund and attorney's fees.

Maddy summaryHB 1969 aimed to improve healthcare access in Arkansas by modifying how hospitals are assessed and reimbursed for Medicaid services. The bill proposed creating a "Graduate Medical Education Expansion Program" to fund eligible hospitals for new medical residency and fellowship positions, intending to increase the number of doctors in training. It also sought to establish a "Hospital Directed Payment Assessment" system, designed to maximize Medicaid reimbursement for hospitals, support their financial stability (especially in rural areas), and enhance patient care. This system would involve specific payments directed through managed care entities and updated definitions related to hospital cost reporting and Medicaid payment limits.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1849 would allow municipalities, counties, and the state of Arkansas to enter into agreements with federally-recognized tribal nations. These agreements would enable the cross deputization of law enforcement officers. This means municipal, county, state, and tribal law enforcement agencies could be authorized to enforce tribal, state, and local laws. This authority would apply on federally-recognized tribal land within Arkansas and in surrounding areas.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1290 aims to mandate insurance coverage for mental health wellness examinations and establish the Arkansas Support of Mental Health Wellness Examinations Act. This bill would directly affect individuals with health benefit plans and the healthcare insurers providing those plans. An amendment to the bill clarified provisions regarding the scope of these examinations, including age-appropriate screenings and other clinically appropriate supports. It also specified that cost-sharing is required for health benefit plans issued by a healthcare insurer to a state entity.