Rep. Johnny Rye

Maddy summaryHB 1080 proposes to allocate $20 million from the state's General Revenue Allotment Reserve Fund to the Jonesboro Human Development Center for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. These funds are designated for Phase 2 of a master plan aimed at planning, demolishing, constructing, renovating, and upgrading facilities for the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services. The bill includes standard provisions requiring compliance with state procurement and budget laws, as well as an emergency clause to ensure funding is available starting July 1, 2026. Although the legislation was introduced, it did not advance beyond the House Budget Committee before the session ended.

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 summarySenate Bill 592 would require financial institutions to automatically renew certificates of deposit (CDs) for customers who do not provide specific renewal instructions. This bill mandates that such renewals must occur at the highest fixed interest rate available for a term closest to the original CD's term. Furthermore, the renewed CD must be for the same duration as the previous one. This legislation directly affects financial institutions and their customers holding certificates of deposit.

Maddy summarySB 273 proposed to require all dialysis centers operating in Arkansas to have at least one backup generator on site. The bill defined a "dialysis center" as a healthcare facility providing outpatient dialysis services to patients with renal disease. This measure aimed to ensure power for critical medical equipment during outages, directly affecting these facilities and their patients. SB 273 was referred to the Senate Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee but died in committee at Sine Die adjournment.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1055 mandates that the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other dementia-related illnesses. This bill directly affects state and public school employees and their dependents who are covered by this insurance program. It ensures that treatments aimed at slowing the progression of these diseases are covered, provided they align with medical standards in the state and guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

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 440 amends existing laws concerning embalmers and funeral directors. The bill introduces regulations for the use of alkaline hydrolysis, a method for body disposition. It also establishes rules and oversight for facilities that provide alkaline hydrolysis services. This legislation directly affects licensed funeral professionals and businesses offering this specific alternative to traditional burial or cremation.

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 120 aimed to require all private care agencies in Arkansas to obtain licensure, intended to provide consumer protection for vulnerable aging adults. A key provision of the bill mandated specific background checks for applicants. These checks would involve federal and state criminal background screenings, as well as searches of child and adult maltreatment registries.

Maddy summaryHB 1180, also known as the "Baby Olivia Act," mandates specific video content for human fetal growth and development discussions. These discussions must include a high-definition ultrasound video showing early fetal organ development. Additionally, a video at least three minutes long depicting fertilization and every stage of human development inside the uterus until birth is required. The bill tasks the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education with approving a list of these videos, specifically mentioning the "Meet Baby Olivia" video. This legislation would affect the content of educational discussions on fetal development and the responsibilities of the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.