Sen. Bart Hester

Maddy summaryThis bill reduces income tax rates for individuals, trusts, estates, and corporations in Arkansas, with changes taking effect starting in 2026. For individuals, it lowers the top tax bracket to 3.7% on income up to $94,700 and introduces a sliding scale of tax credits for those earning between $94,701 and $97,600. Corporations and foreign businesses operating in the state will see their tax rates adjusted to a tiered structure ranging from 1% to 4.1% on net income beginning in 2027. The law also includes provisions to automatically adjust these tax brackets each year based on inflation.

Maddy summarySenate Memorial Resolution 3 honors the late Senator Uvalde Rex Lindsey for his service to the State of Arkansas and his local community. The resolution formally acknowledges his career in public service, which included roles in the Arkansas House and Senate, as well as his work in business and local government. It also directs the Secretary of the Senate to provide a copy of the resolution to Senator Lindsey's family.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 23 formally honors John Pendleton Reed for his thirty-five years of service as the Arkansas Senate's public information officer. The resolution acknowledges his professional contributions, including his work covering the legislature and state government, and expresses gratitude for his dedication to the institution. It concludes by presenting a copy of the resolution to Reed as a gesture of appreciation upon his retirement.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution authorizes the Arkansas House of Representatives and Senate to take recesses lasting four consecutive days or longer during the 2026 fiscal session. The measure allows the Speaker of the House and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to declare these breaks without requiring additional legislative approval for each instance. By setting a minimum duration of four days, the bill provides the legislative leadership with flexibility to pause operations for extended periods while maintaining a specific threshold for such actions.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Memorial Resolution honors the memory of Representative Stanley Jack "Stan" Berry, who passed away in March 2026, and recognizes his contributions to Arkansas and his local community. The bill formally acknowledges Berry's extensive public service, including his roles in the National Guard, various local boards, and his legislative career representing District 44. It also notes his leadership on several committees and his dedication to education and community support throughout his life. The resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to provide a copy of the document to Berry's family as a gesture of respect.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Memorial Resolution formally honors the memory of former Arkansas State Senator Gary Don Stubblefield, who passed away in September 2025. The measure directs the Senate to recognize his contributions to the state and provides a copy of the resolution to his family. It serves as an official record of his service without establishing new laws or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution schedules a joint session of the Arkansas Senate and House of Representatives to take place at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. The primary purpose of the meeting is for the legislators to listen to a speech delivered by Governor Sarah Sanders. The event will occur in the House Chamber and serves as a formal address by the state's governor to the legislative body.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally honors Loy Bailey upon his retirement from the Arkansas Department of Health after 48 years of service. It commends his career contributions and wishes him well in retirement, acknowledging his long history with the department and various community leadership roles. The resolution is a ceremonial gesture that does not change any laws or policies but serves to recognize his public service.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Memorial Resolution honors the late college football coach Lou Holtz for his contributions to the University of Arkansas, the state of Arkansas, and the sport of football. The bill formally acknowledges Holtz's successful seven-year tenure as head coach of the Razorbacks, highlighting his record of 60 wins and memorable achievements such as the 1978 Orange Bowl victory. Upon passage, a copy of the resolution will be presented to Holtz's family by the Secretary of the Senate as a gesture of respect and gratitude.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Memorial Resolution honors the memory of former Senator Luther Boyd "Lu" Hardin, who passed away in August 2025. The bill formally recognizes his significant contributions to Arkansas, including his service as a state senator, director of the State Department of Higher Education, and president of the University of Central Arkansas. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to provide a copy of the resolution to Hardin's family as a gesture of respect. This is a ceremonial document that acknowledges Hardin's life and public service rather than changing any laws or policies.