Sen. Bart Hester

Maddy summaryHB 1204 (now Act 28) amends Arkansas law to clarify that plaintiffs in medical negligence cases can only recover the actual costs they paid for necessary medical care, treatment, or services - or costs legally owed by them or a third party. It directly affects individuals filing medical malpractice claims and healthcare providers by limiting recoverable damages to amounts actually paid or legally responsible. The key provision changes the standard for medical cost recovery from billed rates to verified payments, preventing recovery of unpaid or inflated charges. This law, enacted on February 11, 2025, provides a clearer financial framework for medical negligence claims in Arkansas.

Maddy summaryHB 1056 creates a new joint committee in the Arkansas legislature, composed of members from both the House and Senate, to specifically address military and veterans affairs. The bill declares an emergency, allowing the committee to be established and operate under expedited procedures without standard legislative delays. This committee will oversee state policies, review veterans' programs, and make recommendations on legislation related to military personnel and veterans' benefits. The bill became law (Act 34) on February 11, 2025, after passing through the legislature with an amendment to its referral process.

Maddy summarySCR 1 is a procedural resolution that adopts the official rules governing the operations of Arkansas' 95th General Assembly. It establishes standard procedures for joint sessions, bill presentation between chambers, engrossment (final formatting), enrollment (official recording), and signing of bills. The resolution also sets specific deadlines for introducing appropriation bills and retirement system legislation. As a procedural measure, it directly affects how the House and Senate conduct their business but does not create new policies or impact external stakeholders. The resolution was enacted on February 4, 2025, after approval by the Governor.

Maddy summaryHB 1080 repeals two requirements affecting bills related to health benefit plans for state entities. It removes the need for a cost analysis report when bills impose new or increased costs on health benefit plans (including pharmacy benefits) for state agencies, schools, or other public entities. It also eliminates the 15-day deadline for introducing such bills during regular legislative sessions. This change simplifies the legislative process for health benefit plan-related bills by removing administrative hurdles. The bill directly affects state agencies, public schools, and other entities that manage health benefit programs.

Maddy summaryHCR 1003 is a procedural resolution scheduling a joint session of Arkansas' House and Senate for Tuesday, January 14, 2025. It directs both chambers to meet at 10:30 a.m. in the House Chamber to declare election results, administer oaths to elected constitutional officers, and hear Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders' address. This resolution solely sets the timing for a required legislative session following elections and does not alter any laws or policies. It directly affects the Arkansas General Assembly and state officials participating in the session. The resolution was approved by both chambers and signed by the Governor on January 16, 2025.

Maddy summaryHCR 1001 is a procedural resolution scheduling a joint session of the Arkansas General Assembly. It directs the House and Senate to meet on January 14, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. in the House Chamber to declare election results, administer oaths to elected constitutional officers, and hear Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders' address. This resolution was approved by the governor on January 16, 2025, and is now enacted. As a scheduling measure, it does not create new laws or affect specific groups.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution authorizes the Arkansas House of Representatives and Senate to take breaks of four consecutive days or more during the 2024 fiscal session. Under the new rules, the Speaker of the House can declare a recess for the House, while the President Pro Tempore can do the same for the Senate. This change allows legislative leaders to pause proceedings for extended periods without needing special approval for each instance. The resolution applies only to the current session and does not alter the fundamental powers or duties of the state legislature.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution establishes the schedule for ending the fiscal session of Arkansas's 94th General Assembly. It sets a deadline of noon on May 9, 2024, by which the legislature must either be adjourned or reconvened to address governor vetoes and correct legislative errors. The Speaker of the House and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate are authorized to decide whether to reopen the session before that date or to formally end it. If no action is taken to reconvene the assembly by the deadline, the session automatically ends sine die, meaning it is permanently closed.