Rep. Jeremy Wooldridge

Maddy summaryHB 1001 reduces income tax rates for Arkansas residents, including individuals, trusts, estates, and both domestic and foreign corporations. For individuals, the bill establishes a progressive tax structure with rates ranging from 0% to 3.7% for income up to $94,700, while providing a specific tax credit for income between $94,701 and $97,600. Corporations see their tax brackets adjusted starting in 2027, with rates increasing from 1% to 4.1% on net income exceeding $11,000. The legislation also includes provisions for annual adjustments to the individual tax tables to account for inflation or other economic factors.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution officially recognizes April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Arkansas to raise awareness about protecting children. It also commends the state's Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) programs and their volunteers for their work supporting children in the foster care system. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal statement of appreciation and encouragement for community involvement.

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 summarySB 398 would amend Arkansas law to add a 30-day "cure period" for sponsors of initiative or referendum petitions that the Secretary of State deems insufficient. If a petition lacks enough valid signatures, the Secretary must notify sponsors in writing, giving them 30 days to fix the issues (like adding missing signatures) and resubmit. The Secretary would then recheck the resubmitted petition within 10 days and notify sponsors of the result. This bill directly affects petition sponsors and signers, ensuring they have a clear process to correct errors before a petition is rejected, aligning with constitutional provisions on initiative and referendum rights.

Maddy summarySB 602 prohibits insurance companies and appraisers from requiring an insured individual to use a specific facility for the repair or replacement of damaged motor vehicle safety glass. This bill directly affects insured car owners, insurance companies, and appraisers by giving policyholders more choice in where their vehicle glass is repaired. It ensures that consumers are not mandated to use certain repair shops. The bill also includes provisions for penalties for any violations of these requirements.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1982, titled the "Tire Management and Recycling Act," aims to update Arkansas's system for managing used tires. The bill renames and amends the "Used Tire Recycling and Accountability Act" to enhance standards for the hauling, collection, storage, and recycling or disposal of various tire types. It introduces an electronic uniform used tire manifest system and requires business plans to improve accountability and sustainability for used tire programs. Additionally, the legislation repeals the Used Tire Recycling Fund and establishes a new Waste Tire Abatement Fund to support these initiatives.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 269, as amended, seeks to update requirements for hospice and home health services agencies regarding their office locations and service areas. The amendment clarifies the types of agency locations to include primary offices, satellite offices, or alternate delivery sites. It also requires these agencies to provide 45 days' advance notification to the Department of Health and the Health Services Permit Agency before adding a new office location from which they plan to serve within a one-hundred-mile area.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1534 proposes to increase the existing homestead property tax credit. This bill directly affects homeowners by reducing the amount of property taxes they owe on their primary residence. The key mechanism is an adjustment to the credit amount, providing a larger tax reduction for eligible households.

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 606 aims to revise Arkansas's system for managing used tires. It would repeal the existing Used Tire Recycling and Accountability Act and its associated fund, replacing them with a new Tire Management and Recycling Act and a Waste Tire Abatement Fund. The bill clarifies that fees for tire management would apply to subsequent retail sales. This legislation primarily affects tire retailers by establishing new regulations and a new funding mechanism for waste tire abatement.