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 Bill 502 amends the Arkansas Income Tax Withholding Act of 1965. This bill requires taxpayers subject to withholding requirements, who are also payers on an Internal Revenue Service Form 1099, to file these forms with the Arkansas Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration. The forms must be submitted by January 31 following the income year they were issued. Furthermore, if a payer files 1,000 or more Form 1099s in an income year, they are required to file them electronically. This act would apply to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.
Maddy summarySenate Resolution 58 recognizes the Arkadelphia High School Badgers football team as the 2024 Class 4A state champions. This resolution commends the team, coaches, and managers for their achievement in winning the state championship game.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 558 proposes to require certain corporations in Arkansas to file their state income tax returns electronically. This bill directly affects corporations that are already mandated to file their federal income tax returns electronically with the IRS. It also applies to members of an affiliated group if their federal parent corporation is required to file electronically with the IRS. The Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration can waive this electronic filing requirement if it would cause undue hardship for a taxpayer. These provisions would take effect for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 386 proposes to repeal an existing law that requires the Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration to submit a specific report. Currently, the Secretary monitors changes in federal income tax laws and regulations to determine their impact on Arkansas income tax law. The Secretary is mandated to report these findings annually to the House and Senate Committees on Revenue and Taxation. If enacted, SB 386 would remove this duty, meaning the Secretary would no longer be required to produce or submit this annual report to the legislative committees.
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 summaryHouse Bill 1611 amends the existing legal definition of "animal fighting" in relation to the offense of unlawful animal fighting. The bill also establishes a new, specific offense called "unlawful rooster fighting." It clarifies that certain activities involving birds from flocks certified under the United States Department of Agriculture's National Poultry Improvement Plan are not included within the scope of these specified unlawful activities. This legislation impacts individuals involved in animal fighting, particularly those concerning roosters, by refining and expanding the relevant legal prohibitions.
Maddy summarySenate Resolution 56 congratulates the students of Murfreesboro High School for their victories in competitive Computerized Numeric Control (CNC) metal, wood, and laser design. This resolution recognizes the achievements of the students and their advisor in a competition designed to encourage female high school students in STEM fields.
Maddy summarySJR 16 proposes an amendment to the Arkansas Constitution. If approved by voters, this amendment would exempt certain types of real property from property tax. Additionally, it would create new property tax exemptions for specific individuals. This resolution aims to modify state law regarding who pays property taxes and on what types of land.
