Rep. Denise Garner

Maddy summaryHB 1859 amends Arkansas law to strengthen health insurance coverage for mastectomy patients. It requires health insurers to cover specific benefits including a minimum 48-hour hospital stay post-mastectomy, full breast reconstruction (including both breasts for symmetry), prostheses, lymphedema treatment, and coverage for mesh/nerve grafts. Insurers must provide written coverage notices at enrollment and annually, and cannot deny coverage or penalize providers for following these requirements. The law applies to most health plans (excluding state/public school employee plans) and expires June 30, 2031.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 29, 2025, as Vietnam War Veterans Day and March 2025 as Vietnam Era Veterans Month in Arkansas. It formally recognizes the sacrifices and contributions of Vietnam War veterans through state-level ceremonial observance. The resolution does not create new laws, programs, or benefits - it serves solely as a symbolic gesture of appreciation. It affects Arkansas residents by establishing official dates for state-level recognition of veterans' service.

Maddy summaryHR 1084 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Arkansas House of Representatives to honor Martha Jarrow, Director of Member Services, for her dedicated service to the House and state. The resolution recognizes her leadership in developing staff training programs, improving legislative communication, and fostering a collaborative workplace environment. Adopted on March 20, 2025, it formally acknowledges her contributions and will be presented to her by the House Chief Clerk.

Maddy summaryHR 1076 is a ceremonial House Resolution recognizing Judge Stacey Zimmerman's retirement after 34 years of service as a juvenile judge in Madison and Washington Counties, Arkansas. It formally honors her career, including her legal education, private practice, and roles as a judge and community volunteer. The resolution, adopted by the Arkansas House of Representatives on March 19, 2025, includes no new laws or policy changes - it is a non-binding gesture of appreciation. The House will present a copy of the resolution to Judge Zimmerman personally. This bill directly affects no individuals through legal obligations, as it solely expresses legislative recognition.

Maddy summarySCR 4 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing former Arkansas State Representative and Senator Joyce Elliott during Black History Month for her legislative service. It honors her 23-year career in the Arkansas legislature (2000-2023), her focus on education policy, and her founding of the civic engagement nonprofit Get Loud Arkansas. The resolution has no binding effect - it simply acknowledges her contributions through a formal commendation presented to her. This is a procedural recognition, not a policy change, and was approved by both chambers and the Governor in March 2025.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 263 (now Act 330) increases the amount of the homestead property tax credit available to Arkansas homeowners. This policy change directly benefits qualifying homeowners who own and occupy their primary residence, reducing their annual property tax bill. The bill amends the existing tax credit structure to provide a higher dollar amount for eligible taxpayers. It became law after passing the Arkansas legislature and being delivered to the Governor on March 13, 2025. The change represents a concrete adjustment to tax relief for qualified homeowners without altering eligibility requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1319, which was withdrawn by its author on March 17, 2025, would have created a state sales tax exemption for disabled veterans, their unremarried spouses, and surviving spouses of disabled veterans in Arkansas. The bill would have allowed these individuals to exclude up to $5,000 annually in sales tax on tangible personal property and certain digital products purchased at physical stores within the state. To claim the exemption, veterans would have needed an identification card from the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs, while surviving spouses would have required certification from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The exemption would not apply to local sales taxes or the compensating use tax.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 1069) formally recognizes Women’s History Month in March 2025 and International Women’s Day on March 8, 2025, through the Arkansas House of Representatives. It also specifically acknowledges the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas for its work improving economic mobility for women and girls in the state. The resolution has no binding policy requirements - it is a symbolic gesture of recognition, not a law creating new programs or funding. It was adopted by the Arkansas House on March 11, 2025.

Maddy summaryHR 1051 is a symbolic resolution recognizing "Eating Disorder Action Week" to raise public awareness, promote education, and encourage early intervention and treatment for eating disorders. It specifically cites Arkansas hospital data from 2021 (516 inpatient admissions and 140 ER visits for eating disorders) as context for the recognition. The bill does not create new programs, allocate funding, or impose legal requirements - it serves solely as a formal acknowledgment by the Arkansas legislature. This procedural resolution was passed unanimously in the House on February 27, 2025, with an amendment adding the state-specific statistics.

Maddy summaryThis is a memorial resolution (HMR 1004), not a substantive bill. It formally commemorates James "Jim" Guy Tucker, who served as Arkansas Attorney General, U.S. Congressman, and the state's 43rd Governor. The resolution honors his career and legacy without enacting any policy changes or affecting any group. It passed unanimously in the Arkansas House of Representatives on February 25, 2025.