Sen. Jim Petty

Maddy summarySenate Bill 447 aimed to require permitted common carriers to submit detailed reports for all alcoholic beverage shipments entering the state. These reports would have included specific information such as the common carrier's parcel tracking number, the recipient's zip code, and the name and business address of each supplier or manufacturer. Additionally, the reports would have specified the weight of the alcoholic beverages shipped. This bill was designed to track the movement of alcoholic beverages into the state via common carriers.

Maddy summarySB 526 proposed to prohibit the retail sale of specific disposable vapor products in Arkansas. It defined a "disposable vapor product" as one with a non-detachable battery that cannot be refilled and is designed for disposal after use. The bill would have banned retailers from selling such products if they originated from a "prohibited foreign party." The Director of Arkansas Tobacco Control could seize non-compliant products, with violations being a Class A misdemeanor, although FDA-approved products were exempt. A 90-day grace period was included for businesses to liquidate existing inventory.

Maddy summaryHB 1180, also known as the "Baby Olivia Act," mandates specific video content for human fetal growth and development discussions. These discussions must include a high-definition ultrasound video showing early fetal organ development. Additionally, a video at least three minutes long depicting fertilization and every stage of human development inside the uterus until birth is required. The bill tasks the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education with approving a list of these videos, specifically mentioning the "Meet Baby Olivia" video. This legislation would affect the content of educational discussions on fetal development and the responsibilities of the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.

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 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 summarySenate Bill 82 aimed to modify the sales and use tax regulations for used motor vehicles. The bill proposed to increase the sales and use tax exemption for these vehicles, meaning a larger portion of a used vehicle's purchase price would not be subject to tax. It also sought to amend the reduced sales and use tax rate currently applicable to purchases of used motor vehicles. These changes would directly affect individuals and businesses purchasing used motor vehicles.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 642, the "Families' Rights and Responsibilities Act," aims to codify and protect the fundamental rights of parents in Arkansas concerning their children. It establishes a parent's liberty to the care, custody, and control of their child, including directing their upbringing, education, and healthcare, as a fundamental right. The bill requires the government to meet a strict scrutiny standard, demonstrating a compelling interest and using the least restrictive means, before it can substantially burden these parental rights. It outlines specific parental rights, such as accessing health and educational records, consenting to the collection of biometric data, and receiving prompt notification of suspected child maltreatment, with certain exceptions for ongoing investigations.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1904 proposed to amend the penalties for taxpayers who fail to comply with the Arkansas Tax Procedure Act. It aimed to reduce the maximum aggregate penalty for failing to file a required tax return from 35% to 10% of the tax due. The bill also sought to lower the maximum penalty for failing to pay various state taxes, including individual income tax, from 35% to 10% of the amount owed. These changes would have directly affected individuals and entities in Arkansas who do not meet tax filing or payment deadlines, provided the failure was not due to willful neglect.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1626, as amended, aimed to prohibit the sale of certain disposable vapor products. The bill's central provision was to ban the sale of disposable vapor products that originate from a "prohibited foreign party," a term defined by referencing an existing legal statute (§ 18-11-802). This measure would have directly impacted retailers selling vapor products and consumers who purchase them. The bill did not pass and died in committee.

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 1004 (HJR 1004) proposes that the state formally requests the United States Congress to call a Convention of the States. The specific purpose of this convention would be to propose an amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This amendment would establish term limits for members of the United States Congress, directly affecting those who serve in the House of Representatives and the Senate.