Sen. Clint Penzo

Maddy summarySB 589, the "340B Program Transparency Act," requires certain Arkansas hospitals and healthcare providers participating in the federal 340B drug discount program to report annually on how they utilize their program savings. These "covered entities" must submit a detailed report to the Department of Health each year. The report outlines the total 340B savings realized and provides an itemized account of how those savings were allocated. This includes funds directed towards uncompensated care, patient financial assistance, expanding healthcare access in medically underserved areas, and administrative operations, aiming to ensure accountability and transparency.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 258, known as the "Arkansas Digital Responsibility, Safety, and Trust Act," aims to establish rules for how companies handle consumer data. The bill, as amended, clarifies definitions for terms such as "identified or identifiable individual" and "targeted advertising." It outlines specific provisions for processing sensitive consumer data and details exclusions for certain entities, including financial institutions and healthcare providers. This legislation, intended to govern digital data practices affecting consumers in Arkansas, is set to become effective on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 2 (SB 2) proposes to repeal the existing statewide fluoridation program in Arkansas. If enacted, this bill would remove the current mandate for water systems serving 5,000 or more people to maintain a specific fluoride content in their water supply. It would eliminate the authority of the Department of Health and State Board of Health to set rules and requirements for water fluoridation, including permissible concentrations, necessary equipment, and testing procedures. Essentially, it would end the state requirement for public water systems to add fluoride to drinking water.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1055 mandates that the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other dementia-related illnesses. This bill directly affects state and public school employees and their dependents who are covered by this insurance program. It ensures that treatments aimed at slowing the progression of these diseases are covered, provided they align with medical standards in the state and guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 269, as amended, seeks to update requirements for hospice and home health services agencies regarding their office locations and service areas. The amendment clarifies the types of agency locations to include primary offices, satellite offices, or alternate delivery sites. It also requires these agencies to provide 45 days' advance notification to the Department of Health and the Health Services Permit Agency before adding a new office location from which they plan to serve within a one-hundred-mile area.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1442 aims to regulate pharmacy contracting practices and address potential conflicts of interest within the pharmaceutical industry. It seeks to establish greater patient freedom in choosing their pharmacy for prescriptions. The bill sets restrictions on how pharmacies enter contracts and intends to prevent situations where financial interests might compromise patient choice. Additionally, it grants a regulatory board the authority to issue temporary exemptions to these restrictions for specific drugs or to protect public health, and to develop rules for these exemptions.

Maddy summarySenate Memorial Resolution 2 is a commemorative bill that honors the life and public service of James "Jim" Guy Tucker, former Arkansas Attorney General, U.S. Congressman, and the forty-third Governor of Arkansas. The resolution serves to respectfully acknowledge his contributions to the state and nation following his passing.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 4 proposes to allow customers of public water systems serving 5,000 or more people to vote on whether their water supply should be fluoridated. An election can be called by various entities, including the water system's board or a petition signed by at least ten percent of qualified electors. If a majority of voters choose to prohibit fluoridation, the public water system would be required to cease fluoridation within 30 days of the election results being certified. This bill would amend existing law, making the Department of Health's fluoride content standards conditional on the outcome of these local elections.

Maddy summaryHB 1218 proposes to create a new system for licensing therapeutic recreation specialists. It establishes a "Therapeutic Recreation Practice Act" to govern the practice of this profession. An amendment to the bill clarifies specific exemptions from this new licensure. These exemptions include individuals providing recreational activities for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and those supporting individuals with disabilities in community programs like Special Olympics or Miracle League.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1946 proposed requiring human growth and development instruction in Arkansas public schools for students in grades 6-12, starting with the 2025-2026 school year. This instruction would have included a high-definition ultrasound video of at least three minutes showing early fetal organ development. It also mandated a high-quality, computer-generated rendering or animation illustrating the process of fertilization and every stage of human development inside the uterus until birth. This content would have been integrated into classes discussing human biology, contraception, or sexually transmitted diseases.