Sen. Bryan King

Maddy summarySenate Bill 566 proposed to transfer $250 million from the General Revenue Allotment Reserve Fund to the Department of Corrections. These funds were intended to address prison overcrowding by supporting the construction and expansion of new and existing state correctional facilities, including a facility designated for mental health. The bill also allocated grants to counties. These grants were for construction-related costs for new or expanded county jails, improvements to existing jails, and principal payments on county jail debt.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 12 is a procedural amendment to Arkansas' Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and redistricting communication rules. It primarily updates section numbering in the law (e.g., changing references from "(d)" to "(c)") without altering substantive requirements for public records access or redistricting communications. The bill does not create new policies or directly affect specific groups, as it only adjusts existing legal references. It passed the Senate in March 2025 but died in the House committee in May 2025 without becoming law.

Maddy summarySJR 1 proposes an amendment to the Arkansas Constitution that would change the voting requirements for laws concerning public records and public meetings. If approved by voters, this amendment would require a three-fourths vote from each house of the General Assembly to enact, amend, or repeal such laws. This elevated threshold would apply to all relevant legislation, including the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, effective January 1, 2027.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 2 (SB 2) proposes to repeal the existing statewide fluoridation program in Arkansas. If enacted, this bill would remove the current mandate for water systems serving 5,000 or more people to maintain a specific fluoride content in their water supply. It would eliminate the authority of the Department of Health and State Board of Health to set rules and requirements for water fluoridation, including permissible concentrations, necessary equipment, and testing procedures. Essentially, it would end the state requirement for public water systems to add fluoride to drinking water.

Maddy summarySJR 2 proposes a constitutional amendment to change how legislative and congressional districts are drawn in Arkansas. It creates an Arkansas Apportionment Commission, which would be responsible for drawing district maps for the state House of Representatives, state Senate, and U.S. House of Representatives. The current Board of Apportionment, consisting of the Governor, Secretary of State, and Attorney General, would appoint members to this new commission and then approve or reject its proposed district maps. This amendment shifts the primary map-drawing duty from the Board to the new Commission, while keeping the Board's final approval authority.

Maddy summarySR 73 was a Senate Resolution that sought to authorize Senator King to pursue the consideration of Senate Joint Resolution 6 (SJR 6) as a third proposed constitutional amendment. This authorization was required by the General Assembly's joint rules to allow for an additional constitutional amendment to be considered.

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 Bill 4 proposes to allow customers of public water systems serving 5,000 or more people to vote on whether their water supply should be fluoridated. An election can be called by various entities, including the water system's board or a petition signed by at least ten percent of qualified electors. If a majority of voters choose to prohibit fluoridation, the public water system would be required to cease fluoridation within 30 days of the election results being certified. This bill would amend existing law, making the Department of Health's fluoride content standards conditional on the outcome of these local elections.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 410 aimed to amend laws concerning public officers and employees. It sought to require former state employees and former elected officials to disclose their subsequent employment, applying to both full-time and part-time positions. The bill specified that this disclosure was necessary when individuals *knowingly* engaged in certain activities, such as taking a new job or selling services. The proposed legislation included a sunset clause, meaning it would have expired on June 30, 2029, unless extended.

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.