Sen. Bryan King

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution authorizes a new bill that would require digital asset mining businesses in Arkansas to pay fees to the Department of Energy and Environment for high levels of electricity consumption. The proposed law establishes a tiered fee structure based on monthly energy usage, ranging from $25,000 for moderate consumption to $100,000 for the highest usage levels. It also mandates that these businesses submit usage estimates and documentation to the state and outlines how the collected funds would be distributed to various agencies for oversight and operational expenses. Although the resolution was introduced to enable this legislation, the associated bill ultimately failed to pass during the 2026 session.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution authorized the introduction of a bill to modify the Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program, which allows parents to use state funds for private school tuition or homeschooling. The proposed changes would adjust the annual funding amount students receive, introduce minimum score requirements on standardized tests for continued participation, and reduce funding for students who do not meet these academic benchmarks. Additionally, the bill sought to restrict eligibility by barring students who are already enrolled in private schools or have previously attended them from using the program. Although the bill passed initial readings, it ultimately failed to be adopted when it was defeated on the third reading in April 2026.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Memorial Resolution honors the memory of former Senator Luther Boyd "Lu" Hardin, who passed away in August 2025. The bill formally recognizes his significant contributions to Arkansas, including his service as a state senator, director of the State Department of Higher Education, and president of the University of Central Arkansas. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to provide a copy of the resolution to Hardin's family as a gesture of respect. This is a ceremonial document that acknowledges Hardin's life and public service rather than changing any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the creation of a new law to regulate how blockchain networks and digital asset mining operations affect Arkansas's water supplies and electric grid. It would require the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission to monitor water usage and allow the commission to shut down facilities that excessively consume groundwater. Additionally, it would task the Arkansas Public Service Commission with monitoring the impact on the electric grid and permitting utilities to halt service to mining operations that threaten grid reliability. The bill also mandates that the relevant agencies create specific rules to enforce these monitoring and enforcement powers by January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the Arkansas homestead property tax credit for property owners, raising the annual reduction in real property taxes from $600 to $675. The change applies to assessment years starting on or after January 1, 2026, directly benefiting homeowners who qualify for the credit. By amending the state code, the legislation provides a slightly larger tax relief amount for eligible residents without altering other tax provisions.

Maddy summarySJR 5 proposes an amendment to the Arkansas Constitution to repeal the office of Lieutenant Governor. If passed by the Arkansas General Assembly, this amendment would be submitted to the state's electors for approval or rejection at the next general election. If a majority of voters adopt the amendment, the position of Lieutenant Governor would be eliminated from the Arkansas Constitution, thereby changing the structure of the state government.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 452, had it passed, would have required contracts for the installation of wind turbines over 200 feet tall in Arkansas to include specific provisions for their maintenance and recycling. Starting January 1, 2026, these contracts would have needed to outline how the wind turbine would be maintained, recycled, and disposed of if the installing entity dissolved or could no longer maintain it. The entity installing or maintaining the turbine would also assume joint liability for any damages related to the failure to properly manage the turbine. Violations would be considered an unfair or deceptive trade practice, enforceable by the Attorney General.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 141 aimed to prohibit state agencies in Arkansas from using state funds to provide funding, grants, or contracts to the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement (ACHI). This would have directly affected ACHI by eliminating a source of state financial support, and state agencies by restricting their ability to engage with ACHI using public money. The bill specified that existing contracts using state funds could continue until their expiration but could not be renewed with state moneys. State agencies would also have been required to certify that no state funds were used if they entered into any agreements with ACHI.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 310 enables the Commissioner of State Lands to conduct auctions for tax-delinquent and unsold properties online. It also modifies the legal procedures for selling these properties by removing the explicit "in-person" requirement from descriptions of tax-delinquent property auctions within the notice and sale processes. This allows for greater flexibility in how the Commissioner sells properties and affects individuals involved in such sales.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5 aims to establish a new criminal offense related to prescription drug harm or homicide. While the full text defining this offense is not provided, an amendment to the bill clarifies that a specific fund created by the bill "shall be used" for its intended purpose, rather than explicitly by the Attorney General. This bill would directly affect individuals involved in incidents leading to harm or death from prescription drugs. The bill died in the Senate Committee.