Sen. Jim Petty

Maddy summarySB 227 amends the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, specifically updating provisions related to public meetings. The bill's text provided does not specify the exact nature of these amendments or the concrete policy changes it would implement. It was passed by the legislature on April 7, 2025, and became Act 505 on April 10, 2025. The context lacks details on the specific changes to FOIA or who would be directly affected, so a substantive summary of the policy mechanisms cannot be provided from the given information.

Maddy summaryHB 1636 would phase out Arkansas' soft drink tax by gradually eliminating it based on sales tax collections from soft drink sales. The bill proposed replacing the current tax with a system tied directly to existing sales tax data, ensuring a smooth transition. This change would directly affect soft drink retailers (who collect the tax) and consumers (who pay it). The legislation aimed to replace an outdated tax structure with one aligned to current sales tax reporting practices.

Maddy summarySB 432 amends Arkansas accounting laws to streamline practice rights for out-of-state certified public accountants (CPAs). It revises the definition of "substantial equivalency" to allow CPAs licensed in states verified by NASBA as meeting Arkansas standards to practice without additional licensing, while requiring others to obtain NASBA verification. The bill eliminates fee requirements for applicants eligible under board programs and clarifies that verified out-of-state CPAs may offer services (including audits) without notifying the state board. This directly affects licensed accountants seeking to practice across state lines, reducing barriers for those from states with aligned licensing standards.

Maddy summarySB 189, now Act 396, allows pharmacies and consumers to purchase Ivermectin for human use without a prescription or consultation with a healthcare professional. The bill removes existing requirements for medical oversight when buying this medication. It directly affects pharmacies (which can now sell it without a prescription) and consumers (who can obtain it without seeing a doctor). The law took effect after the bill passed the legislature and was signed by the governor on March 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1129 amends the definition of "homestead" to increase the maximum acreage eligible for a property tax exemption for disabled veterans, surviving spouses, and minor dependent children from 80 to 160 acres. This change directly affects qualifying veterans and their families by expanding the land size they can own while still receiving the tax exemption. The key provision modifies the acreage threshold in existing law, allowing more property to qualify under the exemption program. The bill was enacted as Act 407 on March 25, 2025, making this change effective immediately.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 263 (now Act 330) increases the amount of the homestead property tax credit available to Arkansas homeowners. This policy change directly benefits qualifying homeowners who own and occupy their primary residence, reducing their annual property tax bill. The bill amends the existing tax credit structure to provide a higher dollar amount for eligible taxpayers. It became law after passing the Arkansas legislature and being delivered to the Governor on March 13, 2025. The change represents a concrete adjustment to tax relief for qualified homeowners without altering eligibility requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1521 aimed to repeal specific tax incentives in Arkansas that were deemed unused, underused, or unfunded, including programs for research at colleges and universities (Arkansas Code § 15-3-110), Centers for Applied Technology (§§ 15-3-130-135), public roads improvements, and equipment donations to educational institutions. The bill targeted provisions requiring state funding for research projects, technology development, and incentive programs that had not been actively utilized or lacked allocated resources. It was introduced on February 18, 2025, referred to the Revenue & Taxation committee, but withdrawn by the author on March 4, 2025, before further action. This repeal effort focused solely on eliminating existing, inactive tax provisions without creating new policies or affecting current taxpayers.

Maddy summarySB 142, now Act 122, bans students from possessing or using personal electronic devices (like phones) during the entire school day, directly affecting public school students. The law requires schools to update discipline policies to include specific exemptions: devices issued by the school for educational use, special events (defined by future rules), and devices needed for students with special education plans or concurrent enrollment college courses. It replaces prior rules with these clear exemptions while maintaining the overall "bell to bell" device ban. The bill passed in February 2025 and became law without additional committee action.

Maddy summarySB 59 requires all public schools to provide one free breakfast daily to every student upon request, without checking if they qualify for federally funded free or reduced-price meals. This policy directly affects all public school students in the state, eliminating eligibility barriers for breakfast access. The bill includes an emergency clause, allowing it to take effect immediately upon enactment. It changes school meal procedures by mandating universal breakfast availability as a standard practice, not tied to existing federal program eligibility. The bill became law as Act 123 on February 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1311 requires Arkansas's Legislative Auditor to create a standardized "uniform chart of accounts" for cities of the second class and incorporated towns. This system will standardize how these local governments track and report their public funds, including revenue, spending, and balances. Key features include uniform account coding, detailed budgeting tools, and clear breakdowns of expenditures by department and purpose. The bill mandates that cities implement this system within 36 months of the law taking effect. The change directly affects city administrators and finance departments in these municipalities, aiming to improve financial transparency and reporting consistency.