Sen. Bart Hester

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the Arkansas homestead property tax credit for property owners, raising the annual reduction in real property taxes from $600 to $675. The change applies to assessment years starting on or after January 1, 2026, directly benefiting homeowners who qualify for the credit. By amending the state code, the legislation provides a slightly larger tax relief amount for eligible residents without altering other tax provisions.

Maddy summarySR 26 is a procedural resolution that authorizes the Arkansas House of Representatives and Senate to take recesses during the Regular Session. It allows each chamber to recess for periods of four consecutive days or longer, with the Speaker of the House or the President Pro Tempore of the Senate declaring the recess for their respective chamber.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 499 aimed to reduce and revise reporting requirements for several state departments. It sought to eliminate the State Securities Department's quarterly reports on funds received from court orders or settlements. The bill also proposed repealing annual reports from the State Insurance Department on health insurance fraud activities and from the Risk Management Division to the Governor and Legislative Council. Additionally, it would have removed requirements for the Insurance Commissioner to report on the Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace and the Workers' Compensation Insurance Plan to the Legislative Council and legislative committees.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 377, also known as the "Grocery Tax Relief Act," proposes to exempt food and food ingredients from state sales and use taxes in Arkansas. This means consumers would no longer pay the state portion of sales tax on their grocery purchases. However, the bill specifies that sales taxes levied by municipalities and counties on food and food ingredients would continue to apply. This legislative change aims to reduce the tax burden on essential food items for all Arkansans.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 61 honors Warren A. Stephens of Arkansas for his achievements and philanthropy. It expresses the Arkansas Senate's support for his nomination as the Ambassador to the Court of St. James's and urges his swift confirmation.

Maddy summarySenate Memorial Resolution 2 is a commemorative bill that honors the life and public service of James "Jim" Guy Tucker, former Arkansas Attorney General, U.S. Congressman, and the forty-third Governor of Arkansas. The resolution serves to respectfully acknowledge his contributions to the state and nation following his passing.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 524 proposes making the operation of an illegal online casino or sports betting a felony offense in Arkansas. The bill creates the "Interactive Gaming Act," which expands the legal definition of interactive gaming to include online casino games and "name, image, or likeness" (NIL) drawing games. Under this Act, licensed casinos would be permitted to operate approved interactive gaming systems, subject to oversight and standards set by the Arkansas Racing Commission. This establishes a regulatory framework for certain forms of online gambling while criminalizing unlicensed operations.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 75 formally honors Sylvia Ann Hindsman Cornwell for her 45 years of exemplary and dedicated service to the Arkansas Senate and the State of Arkansas. It recognizes her significant contributions, such as modernizing Senate records and serving as the first female Secretary of the Senate.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 23 recognizes February 15-22, 2025, as National FFA Week in Arkansas. This resolution commends the National FFA Organization and its Arkansas Division for their work in agricultural education and youth leadership.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 518 (SB 518) sought to limit the regulatory authority of local governments in Arkansas concerning flood-prone areas. The bill would have prohibited cities, towns, and counties from enacting land use regulations that are more restrictive than the specific guidelines of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for special flood hazard areas. Local governments could only adopt more restrictive measures if they provided compensation for any resulting decrease in the property's value. This bill directly affected local government's ability to set flood-related building and zoning codes.