Sen. Steve Crowell

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1862 amends Arkansas's income tax laws related to caring for individuals with disabilities. The bill repeals the $500 income tax deduction previously available for taxpayers caring for a totally and permanently disabled child in their home. Simultaneously, it increases the state income tax credit for taxpayers maintaining, supporting, and caring for an individual with a developmental disability from $500 to $750. The bill also updates the definition of "developmental disability" for the credit and expands the types of licensed medical professionals who can provide certification for the disability.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1940 sets requirements for public school districts that choose to implement a four-day school week. The bill outlines how state aid funds will be determined and distributed to these districts. Its primary aim is to ensure that schools operating on a four-day schedule receive an equitable share of state aid. This is intended to guarantee that the educational opportunities provided are equivalent to those offered by districts following a traditional five-day school week.

Maddy summaryHB 1675 aims to amend the inspection fees established under the Arkansas Grade "A" Milk Program Act of 1981. This bill directly affects milk producers, processors, and other entities in Arkansas that are subject to these inspections and their associated costs. The key mechanism involves modifying the existing fee structure for inspections conducted as part of the state's Grade "A" milk program. The provided text is an amendment form that adds a sponsor, Representative Gonzales, but does not detail the specific changes to the fees themselves.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1750 proposes to eliminate the Arkansas Corporate Franchise Tax Act of 1979. This bill directly affects corporations operating in Arkansas by repealing the state's corporate franchise tax. If enacted, this would remove the requirement for these businesses to pay this specific tax. The bill also includes provisions for making conforming changes to other state laws to align with this repeal.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1695 clarifies the foreclosure process for properties subject to municipal liens, directly affecting municipalities, property owners, and other lienholders. The bill allows municipalities to establish priority for unrecorded municipal liens and outlines how proceeds from property sales are distributed based on lien priority. It requires municipalities to name all record lienholders in foreclosure actions where they claim priority; otherwise, the unnamed lienholder's claim remains on the property. Additionally, the bill enables municipalities to petition to set aside the sale of property to certain persons.

Maddy summaryHB 1540 was a legislative bill intended to amend existing income tax credits and deductions for taxpayers who maintain, support, and care for an individual with a disability. While the bill aimed to modify these specific tax provisions, the provided text only contains an amendment adding a cosponsor, not the detailed changes to the credit or deduction themselves. The bill ultimately died in the House Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1676 proposes to amend Arkansas law concerning garnishment against the state. This bill would allow judgment creditors to legally seize (garnish) Arkansas state income tax refunds to satisfy debts owed to them by court order. Currently, these state income tax refunds are explicitly exempt from garnishment by judgment creditors. The bill clarifies that this change would not affect the state's existing ability to offset refunds for debts owed to state programs.

Maddy summaryHB 1565 would amend Arkansas law regarding county property assessors' duties. The bill requires county assessors who maintain online databases for property records to allow property owners to opt out of having their information posted there. To opt out, a property owner must submit a written request to the county assessor. This directly affects property owners in Arkansas who desire to remove their information from public online databases and county assessors who manage these records.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 568 amends laws concerning taxes on lithium extraction and development, including establishing a sales and use tax exemption for lithium resource development. It also modifies the distribution of severance taxes, specifically detailing how funds collected from salt water are allocated. The bill creates a tiered system where portions of these salt water severance taxes are directed to state general revenues. A significant share is also allocated to county road funds, distributed based on where the tax was generated. This impacts companies involved in lithium development and the funding available for state and local government services.

Maddy summaryHB 1694 amends the law concerning campaign finance reporting. It allows candidates to submit their campaign contribution and expenditure reports via email, fax, or a paper copy to the Secretary of State in the event of an emergency, ensuring they meet filing deadlines. However, candidates utilizing this emergency provision are required to electronically upload the report within ten days of submitting the paper copy. This bill directly affects candidates who are required to file campaign finance reports.