Sen. Matt McKee

Maddy summaryHB 1180, also known as the "Baby Olivia Act," mandates specific video content for human fetal growth and development discussions. These discussions must include a high-definition ultrasound video showing early fetal organ development. Additionally, a video at least three minutes long depicting fertilization and every stage of human development inside the uterus until birth is required. The bill tasks the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education with approving a list of these videos, specifically mentioning the "Meet Baby Olivia" video. This legislation would affect the content of educational discussions on fetal development and the responsibilities of the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 204 proposes to exempt certain financial gains from state gross income for tax purposes. This exemption would apply to taxpayers whose property is acquired by a government or entity under the right of eminent domain or the threat of condemnation. Essentially, any profit a property owner makes from such a forced sale would not be considered taxable income under this bill.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 82 aimed to modify the sales and use tax regulations for used motor vehicles. The bill proposed to increase the sales and use tax exemption for these vehicles, meaning a larger portion of a used vehicle's purchase price would not be subject to tax. It also sought to amend the reduced sales and use tax rate currently applicable to purchases of used motor vehicles. These changes would directly affect individuals and businesses purchasing used motor vehicles.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1044 aims to establish the Arkansas Sports Raffle Act. An amendment to the bill introduces a specific rule regarding payment methods for these raffles. It mandates that if a qualifying organization permits credit card payments, each transaction using a credit card will have a maximum limit of $250. This provision directly affects organizations that choose to operate sports raffles and individuals participating in them via credit card. The provided text only includes an amendment, so the full details of the Arkansas Sports Raffle Act are not available.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1800 (now Act 998) amends Arkansas law to establish new disclosure requirements for individuals and organizations acting as "representatives of a hostile foreign principal." This applies to those who act on behalf of, or are financed by, governments or entities from specific nations such as China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran, and engage in political activity within Arkansas. These representatives are required to register with the Secretary of State within ten days of beginning their activities and to update their registration quarterly. The bill aims to increase transparency regarding political and propaganda activities that may be influenced by foreign interests deemed hostile to the state and the United States.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 596 establishes a state energy policy and regulates the retirement of dispatchable electric generation facilities in Arkansas. It specifically applies to facilities that are 100 megawatts or larger and located within the state. However, the bill does not apply to the retirement or repowering of such facilities if already agreed upon through a settlement or legal proceeding before the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 1959, now Act 986, simplifies the process for reviving outstanding judgments. It abolishes the use of a writ of scire facias, replacing it with a new mechanism that allows judgments to be revived by notice. This change directly affects individuals and entities involved in the legal process of renewing old judgments. Additionally, the bill amends the laws concerning the fees that clerks of the circuit courts are allowed to charge.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 450 (SB 450) requires the Arkansas Department of Education to incorporate a discussion of human fetal growth and development into its academic standards. This provision will be implemented during the regular academic standards revision cycle, affecting the curriculum taught to public school students. The bill specifies that this discussion must include a high-quality, computer-generated rendering or animation. This visual aid will depict the process of fertilization and every stage of human development inside the uterus, noting significant markers in cell growth and organ development during each week of pregnancy until birth.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1974, also known as the E-Verify Requirement Act, prohibits state government departments, boards, bureaus, political subdivisions, and agencies from employing individuals who are not authorized to work. The bill mandates these state entities to use the federal E-Verify system to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires. This ensures that only legally authorized individuals are hired by state government bodies. The provisions of this act are set to become effective on January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHJR 1018, titled "THE CITIZENS ONLY VOTING AMENDMENT," is a joint resolution that successfully passed both legislative chambers and was approved by the Governor. Based on its title, this bill proposes an amendment aimed at restricting voting eligibility to citizens only. However, the provided bill text primarily consists of an amendment adding various representatives and senators as cosponsors to the resolution, and does not detail the specific language, mechanisms, or provisions of the proposed "Citizens Only Voting Amendment" itself.