Sen. Steve Crowell

Maddy summarySB 382 repeals a requirement that the Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA) submit annual reports on the Capital Access Fund. The bill removes the mandate for ADFA to prepare and submit reports detailing the fund's financial condition and the economic impact of two specific programs: the Arkansas Capital Access Program for Small Business and the Arkansas Credit Reserve Program. This change eliminates a reporting obligation previously required by Arkansas Code § 15-5-1110, which the ADFA was required to fulfill annually. The bill became law as Act 466 on April 7, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 327 updates annual payments to the Arkansas State Fair and Livestock Show Association from $710,328 to $887,908 for fiscal years 2025 through 2035. It directly affects the State Fair Association as the recipient of these state funds, which are allocated to support cities and counties. The bill amends existing law to standardize these payments at the new $887,908 amount for each specified fiscal year, replacing older amounts. This is a procedural adjustment to funding levels without altering eligibility or program structure.

Maddy summarySB 385 repeals a requirement that the Rural Services Division of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission submit a biennial report detailing its activities, programs in rural areas, and recommendations. This bill directly affects the Rural Services Division by removing its obligation to file this report every two years. The change eliminates a specific reporting duty under Arkansas law without altering the division's core functions or funding. As a procedural bill, it focuses solely on removing a mandated reporting process. (This summary is 2 sentences, appropriate for a procedural bill.)

Maddy summarySB 384 repeals a requirement for the Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA) to submit detailed program fact sheets to the Legislative Council and Arkansas Legislative Audit for each new bond issue. The bill removes the need for ADFA to provide specific details like fees, interest rates, and bond terms after issuing bonds. This change eliminates a reporting burden on ADFA, streamlining their bond issuance process. The bill does not alter bond issuance rules or funding, only the administrative reporting step. (Act 468, effective April 7, 2025)

Maddy summarySB 383 repeals the requirement for designated investor groups under Arkansas' Venture Capital Investment Act of 2001 to submit an annual report to the Governor, relevant legislative committees, and the Arkansas Development Finance Authority. This bill directly affects the designated investor groups that previously had to document their activities, provide audit details, report investment progress, and track tax credit usage. The key mechanism is removing all reporting obligations outlined in Arkansas Code § 15-5-1408, simplifying administrative requirements without altering venture capital investment rules or tax credits.

Maddy summarySB 379 repeals Arkansas Code § 26-18-902(c), which required the Tax Advisory Council to submit an annual report to the chairs of the House and Senate Revenue and Taxation committees. This bill directly affects the Tax Advisory Council by eliminating its mandatory reporting obligation. The key mechanism is the removal of the specific statutory requirement for the council to produce the report. The bill does not create new policies or impact other entities; it solely modifies a procedural requirement. The repeal became effective when Governor signed it as Act 464 on April 7, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 403 creates the 2030 Arkansas Complete Count Committee to coordinate statewide efforts for the 2030 U.S. Census. The bill requires the committee to plan and conduct educational outreach programs aimed at increasing community awareness and participation in the federal decennial census. This directly affects all Arkansas residents, as accurate census counts determine federal funding allocations and political representation for the next decade. The key mechanism is the establishment of a dedicated state committee tasked with organizing community engagement initiatives to ensure full participation in the 2030 Census. The bill passed as Act 449 on April 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 378 repeals a requirement that the Arkansas Economic Development Commission submit quarterly reports on the Arkansas Industry Training Program's activities. The bill removes the mandate for the Commission to prepare and submit these reports to the Governor, Legislative Council, or Joint Budget Committee. This change affects only the Commission's administrative reporting duties, not the program's operations or participants. The bill does not alter the training program's purpose or eligibility. (This is a procedural change with no direct impact on program beneficiaries or funding.)

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 1497 adds the Arkansas Department of the Military to the list of state agencies authorized to withhold tax refunds from taxpayers who owe them money. It also updates the legal definition of "debt" to include specific fines related to certain state laws. This change directly affects taxpayers with outstanding debts to the Department of the Military, allowing the agency to offset those debts against state tax refunds. The bill modifies existing provisions without creating new taxes or programs.