Sen. Bryan King

Maddy summarySenate Bill 581, titled the "Poultry Integrators Deceptive Trade Practices and Taxpayer Protection Act," aims to regulate business practices between poultry integrators and growers in Arkansas. The bill prohibits integrators from specific deceptive actions, such as failing to disclose material business facts to growers or requiring costly improvements without adequate assurance. If passed, integrators who knowingly violate these provisions could face criminal charges, including a Class B felony, and injured growers would be able to file civil lawsuits for damages and attorney's fees.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 204 proposes to exempt certain financial gains from state gross income for tax purposes. This exemption would apply to taxpayers whose property is acquired by a government or entity under the right of eminent domain or the threat of condemnation. Essentially, any profit a property owner makes from such a forced sale would not be considered taxable income under this bill.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 613 sought to establish a specific election procedure for registered voters to decide whether their public water system should fluoridate its water. This process would apply to public water systems serving at least 5,000 people. To initiate such an election, a petition signed by 38% of the registered voters supplied by the affected public water system was required. The bill detailed procedures for filing and verifying these petitions, outlined responsibilities for election officials, and set requirements for paid canvassers and how voters must sign petitions.

Maddy summarySB 144 aims to address the backlog of inmates awaiting transfer to the Division of Correction. The bill allows the Board of Corrections to partner with specific counties to fund, construct, expand, or improve facilities to house these inmates. These partnerships are intended for the eight counties contributing the most inmates to the state system, or their adjoining counties, with local approval. Additionally, the bill mandates the establishment of a diagnostic intake facility for new adult inmates in one of four designated counties: Washington, Benton, Crawford, or Sebastian.

Maddy summarySB 607 aimed to establish requirements for Arkansas public school districts that choose to implement a four-day school week. The bill would authorize local school boards to adopt this schedule, explicitly preventing the State Board of Education from approving or denying their decision. However, the State Board would be required to set standards for state funding distribution and ensure districts provide an average of 30 hours of instruction per week. Districts would also need to provide documentation of their program's success using state-approved tests and include the four-day week on their annual report for community input. A district could forfeit the four-day week option if classified as needing intensive support and showing persistent underperformance.

Maddy summarySJR 20 proposes an amendment to the Arkansas Constitution. This amendment would change the vote requirements for constitutional amendments to be considered approved at a general election. If adopted by voters, it would alter the threshold needed for future proposed changes to the state constitution to be ratified.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution authorizes a new bill to regulate blockchain networks and digital asset mining operations in Arkansas by giving state agencies the power to monitor their impact on water supplies and the electric grid. Under the proposed rules, the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission could order the closure of mining facilities that excessively consume groundwater, while the Arkansas Public Service Commission could halt service to operations threatening grid reliability. The bill requires these agencies to create specific regulations by January 1, 2025, and ensures those rules receive legislative approval before taking effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes a new law that changes how Arkansas regulates digital asset mining. It removes the current exemption that allows people mining cryptocurrency at home or running mining businesses to operate without a money transmitter license. Under the new rules, individuals and companies engaged in digital asset mining must apply for a license under the Uniform Money Services Act by September 1, 2024. This change directly affects anyone operating a home mining setup or a commercial mining facility in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Arkansas Data Centers Act to update regulations for digital asset mining businesses and individuals operating blockchain networks in the state. It clarifies that local governments cannot impose special noise limits, discriminatory zoning rules, or unique permit requirements specifically targeting these mining operations. Additionally, the legislation prohibits citizens of certain foreign nations from owning or investing in digital asset mining businesses within Arkansas.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution authorizes a new bill that would require digital asset mining businesses to notify state and local officials before acquiring land or starting construction for a mining facility. The proposed law mandates that these companies submit a written notice to the Arkansas Public Service Commission and the relevant local government at least six months prior to purchasing, leasing, or beginning work on the site. This requirement applies to any business using blockchain networks for mining and aims to ensure early communication regarding potential new developments. The measure is currently procedural, as it only grants permission to introduce the substantive legislation rather than enacting the notification rule itself.