Rep. Denise Garner

Maddy summarySenate Bill 507 aimed to require the Arkansas Medicaid Program to cover Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services for specific beneficiaries. It would have provided ABA coverage for individuals over 21 years old who have an autism diagnosis, participate in the Community and Employment Services Waiver, and have a medical necessity determination from a physician. The bill specified that these services should be delivered based on individual needs, including one-on-one sessions at home and in the community, by qualified professionals. It also stated that ABA services should not be limited to group or clinical settings.

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 summarySB 526 proposed to prohibit the retail sale of specific disposable vapor products in Arkansas. It defined a "disposable vapor product" as one with a non-detachable battery that cannot be refilled and is designed for disposal after use. The bill would have banned retailers from selling such products if they originated from a "prohibited foreign party." The Director of Arkansas Tobacco Control could seize non-compliant products, with violations being a Class A misdemeanor, although FDA-approved products were exempt. A 90-day grace period was included for businesses to liquidate existing inventory.

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 summaryHouse Bill 1042 proposes to create the "Direct Democracy Act of 2025" in Arkansas. This bill would repeal the "Ensuring Access for All Arkansans and Voter Protection Act of 2023." Additionally, it would amend the current procedures for filing ballot initiative petitions and referendum petitions, affecting how citizens can propose or challenge laws through direct vote.

Maddy summaryHB 1037, known as the "Preregistration to Vote Act," allows individuals in Arkansas to preregister to vote when they are seventeen years old. This means that while they can complete the registration process at age 17, they will not be eligible to cast a ballot until they reach the legal voting age of eighteen. The bill amends provisions of Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 51, to implement this change. This act aims to increase voter registration and turnout by enabling earlier engagement in the electoral process.

Maddy summaryHB 1035, titled the "Online Voter Registration Act of 2025," sought to establish a system allowing individuals to register to vote online. This bill aimed to amend Amendment 51 of the Arkansas Constitution to permit online voter registration. It also proposed changes to the duties of the Secretary of State to incorporate and manage this new registration method. If passed, this would have provided Arkansas voters with an additional, online option for voter registration.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1021, known as the "Early Childhood Education Workforce Quality Incentive Act," aims to support the early childhood education sector. The bill directly affects certain early childhood education workers by creating a new income tax credit for them. This credit is designed to incentivize and improve the overall quality of the workforce in early childhood education.

Maddy summaryHB 1761 establishes income limits for student eligibility in the Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program, affecting families seeking these educational accounts starting with the 2025-2026 school year. Under the bill, full eligibility would be granted to students from families with gross incomes up to 250% of the federal poverty level. Students from families earning between 250% and 350% of the federal poverty level would receive 50% of the per-student funding, and those between 350% and 400% would receive 25%. The bill also includes a provision to grandfather in students who were already participating in the program during the 2024-2025 school year.

Maddy summaryThe provided text includes the title of HB 1013, "TO PROTECT FERTILITY TREATMENT RIGHTS IN THIS STATE," and an amendment relating to its sponsors. However, the full text of the bill outlining its specific provisions, mechanisms, or who it directly affects beyond a general scope is not included. Based solely on its title, HB 1013 aimed to establish protections for fertility treatment rights within the state. The bill was placed on second reading for amendment, had Amendment No. 1 adopted, and was engrossed, but ultimately died in the House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.