Sen. Bryan King

Maddy summarySJR 10 proposes an amendment to the Arkansas Constitution aimed at improving government efficiency. This amendment would establish a new state entity known as the Department of Government Efficiency. If approved by the legislature, the measure would be presented to Arkansas voters for their approval or rejection at the next general election. Should a majority of voters adopt the amendment, it would become a permanent part of the state's constitution.

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 summarySenate Bill 6 proposes to create a new criminal offense in Arkansas titled "vaccine harm." While the specific definitions and mechanisms of this offense are not detailed in the provided text, the bill also appears to establish a related fund. An amendment to the bill modifies how this fund is managed, stating that the fund "shall be used" rather than specifying it would be used by the Attorney General.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 282 proposed to amend Arkansas law regarding public water systems. It would have allowed customers of public water systems serving 5,000 or more people to hold an election to determine whether their water should be fluoridated. An election could be initiated by a petition signed by at least five percent of voters in each affected county or by a majority vote of a county's quorum court. If a majority of voters in a majority of the counties supplied by the system voted to prohibit fluoridation, the water system would have been required to cease fluoridating the water within 30 days.

Maddy summarySB 145 amends Arkansas law concerning the allocation of funds obtained from certain lawsuits. Currently, the Attorney General typically distributes settlement funds, but this bill creates an exception for litigation involving the General Improvement Fund or its successor accounts. Under this bill, funds from such lawsuits would be deposited into the State Treasury. These funds would then be specifically directed to the Division of Arkansas State Police for crime reduction and prevention programs, and to assist the Division of Community Correction with probation, parole, and post-release supervision services.

Maddy summarySJR 9 proposes a constitutional amendment in Arkansas to change Article 5, Section 20 of the state's constitution. If approved by voters, this amendment would permit the State of Arkansas to be sued as a defendant in state court. This change would allow individuals to bring lawsuits against the state to enforce constitutional rights or as otherwise provided by law.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 14 (SR 14) recognizes February 9-15, 2025, as Eureka Springs FBLA Week. This resolution commends the Eureka Springs chapter of Future Business Leaders of America, Inc. for their positive work and community service.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 143 would authorize the Division of Arkansas State Police to coordinate with local sheriffs and the Division of Community Correction on activities aimed at reducing and preventing crime. An amendment to the bill places specific restrictions on officers involved in these efforts. These officers would be prohibited from stopping or detaining individuals without reasonable cause for arrest, conducting warrantless searches, or executing "no-knock warrants."

Maddy summarySenate Bill 11 amends the Arkansas Data Centers Act of 2023 and the Uniform Money Services Act. The bill repeals a previous exemption that prevented individuals engaged in home digital asset mining or operating a digital asset mining business from being considered "money transmitters." It now explicitly includes these activities within the definition of "money transmission," bringing digital asset miners under the purview of the Uniform Money Services Act. Consequently, existing digital asset miners must apply for licensure under this act by September 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 582 establishes the State Action Poultry Flock Depopulation Grant Program within the Department of Finance and Administration. This program aims to provide financial assistance to eligible poultry growers across the state. Growers qualify for funds if their poultry flock was depopulated by the state, including any such events that occurred before the bill's effective date. The Department of Finance and Administration is tasked with creating rules for growers to submit documentation of their losses and for the distribution of these grant funds.