Rep. Nicole Clowney

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 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 517 would allow county boards of election commissioners in Arkansas to designate specific restroom facilities at polling sites for use by campaign workers and volunteers. Campaign workers or volunteers who are working outside the polling site could use these designated restrooms. When entering the polling site for this purpose, they would be required to cover or remove any campaign materials, not solicit votes, and avoid interacting with poll workers. Violating these rules would be considered electioneering.

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 Concurrent Resolution 2 (SCR 2) is a resolution that affirms the State of Arkansas's commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles. It expresses the belief that DEI is essential for all individuals to achieve the American Dream and encourages policymakers, educational institutions, workplaces, and other organizations to adopt and uphold these principles.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1947 (HB 1947) proposed to amend the law concerning the offense of possession of drug paraphernalia in Arkansas. The bill sought to replace the existing Class A misdemeanor and certain Class D felony classifications with a new tiered penalty structure. This system would have assigned an unclassified misdemeanor for a first offense, with increasing fines and imprisonment for second and third offenses occurring within ten years. A fourth or subsequent offense within ten years would have been classified as an unclassified felony. These changes would have directly affected individuals convicted of possessing drug paraphernalia.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1880 proposes amendments to Arkansas's Human Life Protection Act and Unborn Child Protection Act. The bill seeks to add new exceptions to the state's abortion prohibitions, allowing the procedure in cases of pregnancies resulting from incest or rape, provided a report has been filed with law enforcement. It also includes an exception for fetal abnormalities incompatible with life. Additionally, the bill expands the definition of "medical emergency" to include circumstances where an abortion is necessary to preserve the health of a pregnant woman, not just her life.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 458 requires courts to consider specific factors when making decisions about individuals who committed crimes as minors. It mandates that judges take into account the impact of factors such as trauma and prior involvement with the child welfare system. These considerations apply during transfer hearings, which determine if a case moves to adult court, or during sentencing hearings. This bill aims to integrate an understanding of these background factors into the judicial process for these individuals.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 490 allows a court to waive certain fees for juveniles who are ordered to register as sex offenders. This bill provides courts with the discretion to reduce financial burdens on these individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill, SB 489, authorizes the placement of a monument on the Arkansas State Capitol grounds. The monument will recognize the desegregation of the Charleston and Fayetteville School Districts in 1954. It also establishes a dedicated fund, the Charleston and Fayetteville Desegregation Memorial Monument Fund, to accept donations for the monument's erection and upkeep, with the Secretary of State overseeing its design and site selection.