Sen. Clint Penzo

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 1004 (HJR 1004) proposes that the state formally requests the United States Congress to call a Convention of the States. The specific purpose of this convention would be to propose an amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This amendment would establish term limits for members of the United States Congress, directly affecting those who serve in the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Maddy summaryHB 1775 proposes changes to how accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are valued for property taxes in Arkansas. The bill prohibits assessing an ADU separately from the primary residence. Instead, it requires residential property, including any accessory dwelling unit, to be valued and assessed as a single parcel for property tax purposes. This change would affect owners of residential properties with ADUs and is intended to be effective for assessment years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends campaign finance reporting requirements for candidates seeking school district, township, municipal, and county offices. It mandates annual reports for candidates not on a ballot and adjusts filing deadlines for certain preelection and supplemental reports. The bill also creates exceptions to preelection reporting for candidates with less than $500 in campaign activity (excluding filing fees) or those running unopposed. Conversely, candidates receiving over $5,000 in contributions will now be required to file monthly preelection reports.

Maddy summaryHB 1473, through an adopted amendment, revises the enforcement provisions for laws concerning health-related cash discount cards. This change clarifies who can take legal action if these laws are violated. Under the amendment, both the Attorney General and any injured person, firm, private or public corporation, or trade association can file a lawsuit to stop violations and recover damages.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1443, known as the "Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act," aims to protect the financial privacy of customers purchasing firearms, ammunition, and firearm accessories. The bill prohibits financial institutions and payment networks from implementing practices that assign specific "firearms codes" to payment card transactions. These codes could identify a merchant as a firearms retailer or indicate that a transaction involves firearms or related items. The legislation also restricts the disclosure of such protected financial information for purposes other than processing the payment transaction, directly affecting financial institutions, payment networks, and their customers in the state.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1892 aimed to regulate "nonexport facilities," which are customer-owned systems generating electricity for personal use without intentionally sending power back to the grid. It sought to prohibit public utilities from charging discriminatory electricity rates to customers operating these facilities. The bill would have also required the Arkansas Public Service Commission to create rules for the safe and reliable operation of nonexport facilities, including standards for managing accidental electricity export and an expedited interconnection review process. Additionally, it clarified that these nonexport facilities would not be considered net-metering facilities.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1791 aimed to clarify that the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN) do not hold jurisdiction or power within the state of Arkansas. It sought to prevent the state and its political subdivisions, including counties and school districts, from enforcing or implementing any requirements or mandates issued by these international organizations. The bill specifically prohibited using such mandates as a basis for actions like imposing requirements for masks, vaccinations, or medical testing that conflict with Arkansas law. Additionally, it aimed to prevent the use of WHO or UN mandates to gather public or private information about Arkansas citizens or residents.

Maddy summaryHJR 1015 was a proposed constitutional amendment in Arkansas that aimed to change how judicial candidates appear on the ballot. If approved, it would have required candidates for Supreme Court Justice, Court of Appeals Judge, Circuit Judge, and District Judge to declare their political party affiliation or independent status. This declared affiliation or independent status would then be printed on the ballot for voters to see. The stated purpose of the amendment was to ensure transparency regarding judicial candidates' affiliations. This amendment would have taken effect on January 1, 2027, if passed.

Maddy summaryHB 1592, the "Arkansas Alzheimer’s and Dementia Public Health Act," establishes a framework for the state to address Alzheimer's disease and related dementias as a public health priority. It mandates the Department of Human Services and the Department of Health to collaborate on a state plan, expand public health campaigns, and integrate cognitive health education into existing programs. This includes educating healthcare providers on early detection and care planning, and launching public awareness campaigns about risk reduction and early warning signs. The bill also requires enhanced data collection and analysis, the creation of a publicly accessible data dashboard, and seeking funding to support these efforts.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 347, now Act 1025, requires the Arkansas Medicaid Program to increase reimbursement rates for specific dental services. Starting September 1, 2025, rates for oral and maxillofacial surgeons, pediatric dental services, and dental services for adults with special needs will be set to 60% of the national 50th percentile fee. Additionally, the annual reimbursement cap for dental services for adults with special needs will increase from $500 to $1,000. This bill directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries needing these dental services and the providers who offer them.