Rep. Lee Johnson

Maddy summarySenate Bill 47 proposes changes to Arkansas's financial statutes by amending both the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) and the Arkansas Banking Code of 1997. The bill introduces a definition for "Central Bank Digital Currency" (CBDC) within the UCC and modifies other UCC definitions related to "money" and "deposit account." A key provision clarifies that under the Arkansas Banking Code, "deposit" and "deposit account" will explicitly not include central bank digital currency or investment property. This legislation aims to update the legal framework for classifying certain digital assets and traditional bank accounts for financial institutions in Arkansas.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 543 aimed to establish minimum reimbursement rates for home- and community-based services delivered by direct service providers within risk-based provider organizations under the Medicaid program. The bill required a rate study to be completed by October 1, 2025, to determine these minimum rates. These rates would cover services in specific Community and Employment Support programs and would be developed by the Department of Human Services with input from service providers. If the study resulted in a rate increase greater than ten percent, the department could phase it in over two years.

Maddy summaryHB 1251, known as the Arkansas Anesthesiologist Assistant Act, aims to establish a new licensed healthcare profession in Arkansas: anesthesiologist assistants. The bill, as amended, defines both anesthesiologists and anesthesiologist assistants, requiring assistants to be graduates of accredited training programs. It mandates that these assistants be licensed and in good standing with the Arkansas State Medical Board. The board would also be empowered to set specific licensing requirements, including continuing medical education hours, and to assess associated fees for licensure. This bill directly affects individuals seeking to practice as anesthesiologist assistants in the state.

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 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 49 proposes to amend the existing law concerning the collection of sales and use tax on purchases of new or used motor vehicles, trailers, semitrailers, and motorboats. The bill specifically introduces a special rate of tax that would apply to certain used motorboats. This legislation directly affects individuals and businesses involved in the purchase or sale of these types of vehicles and watercraft, particularly those acquiring used motorboats.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 570 amends Arkansas law concerning the membership of the Joint Budget Committee. The bill revises the list of ex-officio members and clarifies the process for appointing members to this committee. It allows the Speaker of the House or the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to appoint substitute members if immediate past cochairs of other legislative committees or past chamber leaders are no longer serving in their respective chambers. Additionally, it establishes temporary appointment procedures if certain House cochairs have not yet been elected and outlines the selection method for the Senate Vice Chair of the Joint Budget Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as "Emma's Law," requires air ambulance services in Arkansas to contact the Arkansas Trauma System. The purpose of this contact is to receive a recommendation on the most appropriate destination for transporting individuals. This requirement specifically applies to persons with trauma concerns or cases, aiming to guide air ambulances to the best facility for these patients.

Maddy summaryHB 1295, titled the "Healthcare Cost-Sharing Collections Transparency Act," aims to bring transparency to healthcare cost-sharing. The provided text is an amendment to this bill. This amendment clarifies the definition of "healthcare insurer" by excluding sponsors of nonfederal self-funded governmental plans and third-party administrators from its scope. It also specifies that healthcare insurers must provide a report to each enrollee by mail or electronically by the initial date of Medicare open enrollment.