Rep. Wayne Long

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 Bill 399, known as the "Anti-ATF Commandeering Act," aims to prevent the State of Arkansas, its political subdivisions, and public employees from assisting in the enforcement of federal firearms laws. It prohibits the provision of "material aid and support" for federal firearms law enforcement and forbids state elected officials or public employees from knowingly enforcing such laws or referring violations to the U.S. Government. Public employees who refer violations face termination, and individuals subjected to a violation can seek civil remedies, including a $50,000 award per violation. The bill clarifies that it does not prevent the enforcement of state firearms laws or the use of federal information to enforce state laws.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 17 proposes an amendment to the Arkansas Constitution to create an "Arkansas Taxpayer Bill of Rights." This amendment would require the General Assembly to utilize a budgeting process that prohibits deficit spending. It would also limit the annual increase in state expenditures of net general revenue to the lower of three percent or the increase in the Consumer Price Index. Furthermore, enacting new taxes, increasing rates, or extending expiring taxes or fees would require a three-fourths vote in both legislative houses, and excess net general revenues would be refunded to taxpayers.

Maddy summarySB 122 proposed to amend the state's Automatic Occupational Licensure for Out-of-State Licensure Act. The bill's primary purpose was to extend the provisions of this existing act to include physicians. If enacted, physicians holding a valid license in another state would have been able to automatically obtain an occupational license to practice in Arkansas. This aimed to simplify the licensing process for out-of-state physicians seeking to work in the state.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1914 proposed an amendment to the Arkansas Motor Carrier Act of 1955. The bill sought to require operators of commercial motor vehicles in Arkansas to possess sufficient English language proficiency. This proficiency would entail the ability to converse with the general public, understand English highway signs, respond to official inquiries, and make entries on reports and records. Operating a commercial motor vehicle without meeting these English language requirements would constitute a violation subject to a fine.

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 1005 proposes an amendment to the Arkansas Constitution to establish a "Taxpayer Bill of Rights." This proposed constitutional amendment aims to limit the annual increase in the state's net general revenue expenditures. Under the bill, as amended, the increase in these expenditures would be capped at the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers from the immediately preceding fiscal year. This measure, if adopted, would directly impact the state government's spending growth and could affect Arkansas taxpayers.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1626, as amended, aimed to prohibit the sale of certain disposable vapor products. The bill's central provision was to ban the sale of disposable vapor products that originate from a "prohibited foreign party," a term defined by referencing an existing legal statute (§ 18-11-802). This measure would have directly impacted retailers selling vapor products and consumers who purchase them. The bill did not pass and died in committee.

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 1004 (HJR 1004) proposes that the state formally requests the United States Congress to call a Convention of the States. The specific purpose of this convention would be to propose an amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This amendment would establish term limits for members of the United States Congress, directly affecting those who serve in the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1883, the Arkansas Fourth Amendment Protection Act, aims to regulate the collection of electronic data and metadata within the state. The bill prohibits Arkansas state agencies from assisting federal government agencies in collecting an individual's electronic data or metadata. This prohibition applies unless the person provides informed consent, or the collection occurs under a warrant based on reasonable cause and specific description, or through another legally recognized exception to warrant requirements.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1655, as amended, proposes to create new criminal offenses: human smuggling and harboring illegal immigrants. The bill defines these offenses and establishes penalties ranging from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class C felony, depending on factors such as repeat offenses or whether value was exchanged. It specifically clarifies that the bill does not restrict or prevent schools or higher education institutions from providing housing services to their regularly enrolled students.