Sen. Clint Penzo

Maddy summarySB 591, also known as the Race Discrimination by Abortion Prohibition Act, prohibits abortions in Arkansas if the decision is based on the race of the unborn child or the pregnant woman. The bill establishes a legal framework to prevent such race-selection abortions within the state. This legislation directly affects individuals seeking abortions and medical professionals providing abortion services in Arkansas.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 11 (SJR 11) proposes a constitutional amendment to the Arkansas Constitution. This measure aims to modify Article 2, Section 5, with the specific intent to protect the right to keep and bear arms for individuals. If enacted, it would alter the state's foundational document concerning this right.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1243, now Act 994, aims to increase transparency in campaign finance reporting and protect election integrity. The bill amends existing campaign finance law by shifting the responsibility for receiving campaign contribution and expenditure reports from county clerks to the Secretary of State. It also adjusts the deadline for filing monthly financial reports, requiring them to be submitted no later than twenty days after the end of each month. These changes affect political campaigns and candidates by modifying where and when their financial disclosures must be filed.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1967 amends the law concerning the unlawful distribution of sexual images, renaming the offense to "unlawful distribution of an intimate image." The bill defines an "intimate image" as one depicting nudity or sexual activity and an "identifiable person" as someone recognizable. It makes it an offense for anyone 18 or older to purposely distribute an intimate image of an identifiable person without their consent. The legislation clarifies that prior consent to an image's creation or initial sharing does not serve as a defense against unlawful distribution without consent. Penalties for the offense range from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class C felony, depending on factors such as prior offenses or intent to cause harm.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 121 amends the existing Automatic Occupational Licensure for Out-of-State Licensure Act. This bill specifically expands the scope of the act to include physician assistants. The change means that physician assistants who hold a valid license in another state will now be eligible for automatic occupational licensure in Arkansas. This aims to simplify the process for out-of-state physician assistants to practice within the state.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 217 requires the Arkansas Department of Human Services to request a federal waiver. This waiver would seek to exclude candy and soft drinks from the list of food items eligible for purchase under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). If the waiver is granted, it would change what SNAP beneficiaries in Arkansas are able to buy with their benefits. The bill mandates the department to pursue this specific modification to the program's eligible food list.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1131 authorizes Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) to delegate specific medical tasks. This bill directly impacts APRNs by expanding their ability to assign duties. It also affects medical assistants and other unlicensed staff who may perform these delegated tasks. The key mechanism is granting APRNs the legal authority to assign certain responsibilities to unlicensed personnel. This bill is now Act 959.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1683 prohibits governmental entities from purchasing electric vehicles or components manufactured using forced labor. It requires suppliers to provide information in good faith regarding their manufacturing processes. The bill also establishes that any governmental employee who knowingly violates this prohibition will be personally liable for a civil penalty of $5,000. This measure aims to prevent state funds from supporting industries that utilize forced labor in their supply chains.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1186, now Act 960, establishes the Pain Relief Parity Act in Arkansas. This legislation mandates "pain relief parity" within the Arkansas Medicaid program. It requires Medicaid to provide coverage for certain pain relief treatments. The parity applies specifically to pain relief administered when there is no therapeutic equivalent available. This bill directly affects individuals enrolled in Arkansas Medicaid who require access to these pain management options.

Maddy summaryHJR 1018, titled "THE CITIZENS ONLY VOTING AMENDMENT," is a joint resolution that successfully passed both legislative chambers and was approved by the Governor. Based on its title, this bill proposes an amendment aimed at restricting voting eligibility to citizens only. However, the provided bill text primarily consists of an amendment adding various representatives and senators as cosponsors to the resolution, and does not detail the specific language, mechanisms, or provisions of the proposed "Citizens Only Voting Amendment" itself.