Sen. Josh Bryant

Maddy summaryHB 1355 makes technical corrections to Arkansas' criminal code (Title 5) without creating new laws or penalties. It removes outdated references (like a non-existent offense in child crime fines), clarifies reporting requirements for seized property (e.g., tracking firearms sales), and refines definitions for offenses like "death by delivery" and "personal use" of controlled substances. These changes primarily affect law enforcement agencies, courts, and legal proceedings by ensuring existing statutes accurately reflect current law. The bill was enacted as Act 171 on February 25, 2025, with the General Assembly confirming it only makes technical, not substantive, updates.

Maddy summarySB 176 makes minor technical updates to Arkansas Code sections related to natural resources and economic development. It clarifies rules for state employees providing golf lessons (requiring outside work hours and PGA/LPGA certification), refines definitions for "eligible companies" investing in tourism projects (specifying minimum dollar amounts by county type), and updates selection criteria for the Arkansas Great Places Program (removing outdated references and adjusting timelines). These changes are strictly procedural and do not create new programs or funding. The bill was enacted as Act 169 on February 25, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 170 repeals an expired section (Arkansas Code § 1-2-125) from Title 1 of the Arkansas Code that previously governed electronic document submissions by state agencies, courts, and local governments. This is a purely procedural bill making technical corrections to the code, not a substantive policy change. It directly affects the Arkansas Code by removing outdated language that had already expired (as noted in the section's expiration date of August 1, 2021). The bill does not create new requirements or impact any specific groups, as it simply removes a section that was no longer in effect.

Maddy summaryHB 1067 allows federal firearms licensees (FFLs), such as gun shops, to enter into agreements with individuals to temporarily hold firearms. It directly affects FFLs who offer this service and individuals seeking to store firearms without immediate possession. The bill's key provision grants FFLs legal protection from civil lawsuits if they comply with the agreement, shielding them from liability related to the stored firearm. This creates a clear legal framework for temporary firearm storage arrangements without requiring FFLs to sell or transfer the weapon.

Maddy summaryHB 1215 allows coaches or athletic staff of the opposite sex to address, supervise, or treat student athletes in shared restroom or changing areas at schools, under specific conditions. The bill directly affects school athletic staff and student athletes in Arkansas public schools. Key provisions authorize these staff members to be present in multi-occupancy facilities during athletic activities when necessary for supervision or care. The bill was enacted as Act 119 on February 18, 2025, following passage by the Arkansas Senate.

Maddy summaryHB 1199, now Act 118, removes a legal barrier that previously prevented Arkansas school district boards from approving student transfers under specific conditions. The bill repeals a statute prohibiting school boards from granting such transfers, meaning boards can now allow transfers when they meet defined criteria without violating state law. This directly affects school district boards (who gain authority to approve transfers) and students/families seeking to transfer between districts. The key change is simply the removal of the existing prohibition, allowing districts to manage student transfers more flexibly under their own policies.

Maddy summaryHB 1421 amends Arkansas law to require agencies hiring law enforcement officers trained by another agency to reimburse training costs, with the reimbursement amount decreasing over time: 100% if hired within 2 months, 80% for 2-6 months, 60% for 6-10 months, 40% for 10-14 months, and 20% for 14-18 months. It expands eligibility to include any law enforcement agency recognized by the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training, as well as private communities over 5,000 population that employ certified officers. If an agency fails to reimburse, the Treasurer of State will withhold the amount from the agency’s funds and pay the training agency. This policy affects county, city, town, state, and private law enforcement agencies across Arkansas.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Arkansas Data Centers Act to regulate digital asset mining businesses by introducing specific noise reduction requirements and clarifying rules for home-based mining operations. It mandates that commercial mining facilities use noise-control methods like liquid cooling or fully enclosed structures to minimize sound emissions and prevents local governments from banning or restricting home mining activities. Additionally, the legislation prohibits businesses with significant ownership ties to foreign governments or entities listed under U.S. arms control regulations from owning or operating digital asset mining businesses in the state.