Sen. Clint Penzo

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1572 mandates a technical feasibility study to explore new nuclear energy generation within the state. It requires the hiring of a specialized consulting firm to evaluate various nuclear reactor technologies, including small modular reactors and microreactors, their siting requirements, safety criteria, and potential industrial uses. The study involves collaboration with the Department of Energy and Environment, investor-owned electric utilities, and electric generation and transmission cooperatives. A third-party evaluation will ensure the technical accuracy and independence of the final report. The bill also includes an emergency clause, allowing it to take effect immediately upon becoming law.

Maddy summaryHB 1962 would ban Arkansas schools from serving or selling ultra-processed foods during regular school hours. It defines "ultra-processed food" as items containing specific additives like yellow dyes 5 and 6, red dyes 3 and 40, or titanium dioxide. The ban applies to all public schools, charter schools, and private schools in Arkansas, but does not restrict food brought by parents or guardians. Schools would need to comply with this rule for foods produced after January 1, 2028. The bill aims to promote healthier school meals by focusing on nutrient-dense options.

Maddy summaryHB 1794 creates new exemptions from continuing education requirements for certain experienced real estate licensees in Arkansas. Specifically, it allows salespersons, associate brokers, principal brokers, and executive brokers who meet strict criteria (including being 72+ years old, holding an active license for 25+ consecutive years, having no disciplinary actions in 5 years, and no delinquent education requirements) to apply for exemption during license renewal. The bill establishes a formal application process requiring written proof of these qualifications to the Arkansas Real Estate Commission. Exemptions may be revoked if disciplinary action occurs after approval, and denied applications can be appealed. This directly affects long-tenured, low-risk licensees who qualify under the specified conditions.

Maddy summarySB 433 (now Act 573) requires all Arkansas state government buildings to display a durable poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments in a large font, alongside the national motto and accurate representations of both the U.S. and Arkansas state flags. The law mandates specific placement, with the U.S. flag displayed under the national motto and the Arkansas flag(s) included. This procedural bill affects all state government facilities, not specific individuals or policies. The legislation passed in 2025 and became effective after the governor signed it on April 14, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 463 requires Arkansas public utilities to obtain approval from the Arkansas Public Service Commission before entering settlement agreements that would close or eliminate power plants or transmission assets. The bill directly affects utilities, the Commission, and consumers by mandating that settlements must legally resolve claims, not exceed regulatory costs, and avoid decisions driven by environmental goals rather than law. The Commission must evaluate whether proposed settlements are legally sound, cost-justified for consumers, and based on reasonable legal interpretations before approving or denying them. This creates a new review process to ensure settlements protect consumer interests and comply with state regulations. The bill does not change existing utility operations but adds oversight for specific settlement agreements.

Maddy summarySB 348 increases the annual spending limit for diagnostic laboratory services under Arkansas Medicaid. It raises the standard cap from $500 to $1,800 per year for beneficiaries with chronic pain or pain management, while keeping the cap at $500 for other diagnostic lab services (excluding radiology, which remains at $500). The bill declares an emergency, citing that current low caps contribute to inadequate monitoring of medication use, potentially worsening opioid misuse and increasing emergency room visits. The changes aim to improve patient care by allowing more comprehensive testing for Medicaid patients managing chronic pain.

Maddy summaryHB 1860 modifies the expiration period and renewal process for medical marijuana patient registry cards. It sets the card's validity to one year from issuance (unless a certifying physician specifies an earlier expiration) and establishes a two-step renewal system. For the first renewal, patients can submit a written request to the health department without needing a new physician certification, but after that initial renewal, a new certification from the physician is required for a new card. This directly affects medical marijuana patients who hold these registry cards and need to maintain legal access to their medication.

Maddy summaryHouse Concurrent Resolution 1009 is a request to the Arkansas congressional delegation to introduce federal legislation addressing the Nuclear Waste Fund. It seeks a federal report on the fund's accounting practices and $10 million in funding for a state study on recycling spent nuclear fuel, aligning with Arkansas' existing nuclear recycling program established by Act 2023, No. 259. This resolution does not create new law but aims to advance Arkansas' study of nuclear fuel recycling and resolve federal budgeting issues affecting nuclear waste disposal.

Maddy summaryHB 1274 allows title insurance agents, insurers, or title companies to pay real property taxes on behalf of property sellers during a property transfer, directly affecting these title professionals and county tax collectors. The bill requires county collectors to accept payment of real estate taxes at closing if the title company covers any delinquent personal property taxes, and mandates they respond within three business days to written requests for tax information. It amends Arkansas tax collection laws to streamline this process during real estate transactions. The bill passed in 2025 and became Act 521.

Maddy summarySB 118 amends the legal definition of "audiology" to clarify the scope of practice for audiologists in the state. The bill specifically allows audiologists to order certain medical tests (like bloodwork, cultures, and non-radiographic ear canal exams) solely for evaluating hearing or balance disorders, but explicitly prohibits them from interpreting those test results. It also permits audiologists to order radiographic imaging for ear conditions without interpretation. These changes directly affect licensed audiologists by defining what diagnostic procedures they may initiate within their professional practice. The bill was passed and became law (Act 517) on April 10, 2025.