Sen. Matt McKee

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1646, as amended, mandates that certain unspecified materials be stored in locked compartments within a designated area. This requirement primarily affects individuals employed in public schools who are responsible for these materials. The bill establishes a clear disciplinary process for knowingly failing to comply with these storage rules. A first offense may result in a suspension without pay for up to five days, while a second offense can lead to the suspension of a teaching license. A third instance of non-compliance requires the revocation of the individual's teaching license by the Professional Licensure Standards Board.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 375 creates the new offense of "capital rape" in Arkansas, targeting individuals who commit sexual offenses against victims aged thirteen (13) years or younger under specific aggravated circumstances. This offense is defined by actions such as causing or threatening serious physical injury, committing certain other felonies concurrently, using a deadly weapon, or having prior convictions for similar offenses. For offenders aged eighteen (18) or older, the penalties include death or life imprisonment without parole, while offenders younger than eighteen (18) face life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after twenty (20) years. The bill also ensures that prosecution for capital rape can be commenced at any time.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 594 amends Arkansas law regarding when public service providers need a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) for new construction or service extensions. The bill clarifies existing exemptions, specifying that a CPCN is not required for certain activities. This includes replacing or expanding existing equipment with similar facilities in the same location, or upgrading facilities to increase capacity without widening an existing right-of-way. It also exempts the extension of public service within an area already lawfully served or when necessary in the ordinary course of business. Additionally, it confirms exemptions for major utility facilities under a separate act and certain equipment owned by exempt wholesale generators.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 522 amends existing laws concerning the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts (ASMSA). Specifically, it modifies regulations related to the tuition and fees paid by students who are enrolled in ASMSA's online programs. The bill directly affects ASMSA and its online students by changing the legal framework governing their financial obligations. The provided text indicates the law is amended, but does not detail the specific changes to the tuition and fee structure.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 352 prohibits antisemitism in public elementary and secondary schools. It also extends this prohibition to state-supported institutions of higher education. The bill establishes a standard for conduct within these educational environments, directly affecting students, faculty, and staff. This legislation aims to prevent and address antisemitic acts or expressions within these institutions.

Maddy summarySB 530 is a procedural bill that added 21 senators and 37 representatives as cosponsors to the original bill. It did not change the tax credit policy itself, as the title references an existing Arkansas Wood Energy Products and Forest Maintenance Income Tax Credit. The bill's purpose was solely to expand the list of legislators supporting the tax credit legislation. The bill was passed and became Act 701 on April 18, 2025. No substantive policy changes to the tax credit were made by this amendment.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1681 establishes the Water and Sewer Treatment Facilities Grant Program. This program provides grants to local entities to help fund improvements and upgrades to their water and sewer treatment infrastructure. The grants will be supported by revenues authorized by law. The program is set to expire five years after its effective date, and the administering commission is required to report annually on the status of all awarded grants.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1870 allows the Secretary of State to provide information derived from voter registration lists to federal courts. This measure enables federal courts to receive a "notice" containing voter information, which is typically utilized for purposes such as jury selection. An amendment to the bill clarifies that this notice may include individuals who are registered voters but are ineligible to vote under Arkansas law.

Maddy summaryHB 1918 amends state law concerning legal tender, providing new options for financial transactions. It authorizes the establishment of a bullion depository, a facility designed to securely store precious metals such as gold and silver. Additionally, the bill permits the creation of an electronic system where digital transactions are backed by these stored precious metals. This offers individuals and businesses alternative methods for holding and exchanging value.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1809 (HB 1809) expands the eligibility for the property tax exemption for disabled veterans. This bill allows a property to qualify as a homestead for this exemption even if it is owned by a trust or a limited liability company (LLC), rather than directly by the individual. This change directly affects disabled veterans who hold their primary residence through these types of legal entities.