Sen. Jim Petty

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 summarySenate Bill 499 aimed to reduce and revise reporting requirements for several state departments. It sought to eliminate the State Securities Department's quarterly reports on funds received from court orders or settlements. The bill also proposed repealing annual reports from the State Insurance Department on health insurance fraud activities and from the Risk Management Division to the Governor and Legislative Council. Additionally, it would have removed requirements for the Insurance Commissioner to report on the Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace and the Workers' Compensation Insurance Plan to the Legislative Council and legislative committees.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 62 recognizes the Van Buren High School Pointers wrestling team as the 2024-2025 Class 5A State Champions. It also recognizes the Lady Pointers wrestling team as the 2024-2025 Class 5A State Runners-Up.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 456, known as the Home Opportunities Made Easier Act, aims to increase housing options by limiting certain local government regulations on residential development. It prohibits local governments from imposing aesthetic design requirements for homes and garages, unless necessary for public health, safety, or structural integrity. The bill mandates that areas zoned for single-family homes must also allow duplexes, and certain cities must allow triplexes and quadplexes. Additionally, it permits attached or detached secondary dwelling units on lots with single-family homes, with local governments only able to impose reasonable restrictions like setbacks. These changes primarily affect property owners and local governments by altering zoning and design control over housing construction.

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 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.

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 360 appropriates $1.7 million to the Department of Education for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. This funding is designated for a grant program supporting comprehensive out-of-school time programs for school-aged children in Arkansas. The grants will fund programs offering evidence-based academic enhancement activities, which must include at least two of five areas such as STEM or career exposure. Eligible applicants are qualified non-profit organizations that have operated for over five years, maintain fiscal accountability, and demonstrate a sustainability model. These programs must also operate for a minimum of 12 hours weekly during the school year and adhere to rigorous safety standards.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1534 proposes to increase the existing homestead property tax credit. This bill directly affects homeowners by reducing the amount of property taxes they owe on their primary residence. The key mechanism is an adjustment to the credit amount, providing a larger tax reduction for eligible households.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 11 commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Robert W. Jack Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1322 in Van Buren, Arkansas, on February 13, 2025. This resolution recognizes the post's century of service as the oldest VFW post in Arkansas, supporting veterans and their families.