Rep. Bart Schulz

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 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 summaryThis bill designates April 21, 2026, as Arkansas Lineworker Appreciation Day at the State Capitol. It formally recognizes utility lineworkers who maintain electric, telephone, and cable infrastructure across the state. The resolution serves as a commemorative acknowledgment of their service and safety risks without altering existing laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes a representative to introduce legislation that would increase the homestead property tax credit for Arkansas homeowners. The proposed change would raise the annual tax credit from $600 to $675, directly reducing property tax bills for eligible property owners. The increase is set to take effect for assessment years beginning on or after January 1, 2026. Currently, the bill has passed the House Rules Committee and was adopted by the House of Representatives.

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 summaryHB 1949 amends Arkansas law regarding how local governments, or political subdivisions, acquire professional services. The bill adds medical, emergency medical, and ambulance services to the list of professional services that are exempt from competitive bidding requirements. This means political subdivisions would follow a different procedure, rather than competitive bidding, when selecting providers for these specific services.

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 summarySB 607 aimed to establish requirements for Arkansas public school districts that choose to implement a four-day school week. The bill would authorize local school boards to adopt this schedule, explicitly preventing the State Board of Education from approving or denying their decision. However, the State Board would be required to set standards for state funding distribution and ensure districts provide an average of 30 hours of instruction per week. Districts would also need to provide documentation of their program's success using state-approved tests and include the four-day week on their annual report for community input. A district could forfeit the four-day week option if classified as needing intensive support and showing persistent underperformance.

Maddy summarySB 338 aims to provide sales and use tax exemptions for student farmers in Arkansas. It defines a "student farmer" as an individual under 23 enrolled in a youth farming program, such as FFA or 4-H. The bill exempts sales tax on various items purchased by student farmers for their projects, including feed, livestock, seeds, fertilizer, medical supplies for animals, and farm equipment. It also exempts taxes on the lease of personal property and accommodations for student farmers or program leaders attending livestock shows or competitions. To claim these exemptions, student farmers must apply for an exemption certificate from the Department of Finance and Administration.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1940 sets requirements for public school districts that choose to implement a four-day school week. The bill outlines how state aid funds will be determined and distributed to these districts. Its primary aim is to ensure that schools operating on a four-day schedule receive an equitable share of state aid. This is intended to guarantee that the educational opportunities provided are equivalent to those offered by districts following a traditional five-day school week.