Rep. Zack Gramlich

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 summarySJR 4 proposes an amendment to the Arkansas Constitution regarding annual school elections. It specifies that if a school district's proposed annual property tax levy for school maintenance, operation, and debt retirement is the same as the rate last approved by voters, this tax rate will not appear on the ballot. Additionally, if the tax rate is not on the ballot and there are no other issues to be decided, the annual school election for that district will not be held. This aims to streamline the election process when there are no changes to the school tax levy or other matters requiring a vote.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 524 proposes making the operation of an illegal online casino or sports betting a felony offense in Arkansas. The bill creates the "Interactive Gaming Act," which expands the legal definition of interactive gaming to include online casino games and "name, image, or likeness" (NIL) drawing games. Under this Act, licensed casinos would be permitted to operate approved interactive gaming systems, subject to oversight and standards set by the Arkansas Racing Commission. This establishes a regulatory framework for certain forms of online gambling while criminalizing unlicensed operations.

Maddy summarySB 239 proposes to amend the requirements for student report cards in Arkansas. If enacted, the bill would mandate that a student's current reading grade level be included on their official report card. This change would directly affect students and their parents by providing specific information about the student's reading proficiency alongside their academic grades.

Maddy summaryHB 1483 would allow public school districts to use state funds to pay for adult education programs with which they contract. This bill directly affects public school districts and the adult education programs they choose to partner with. The primary mechanism is to provide explicit authorization for districts to allocate state funds for these contracted adult education services.

Maddy summarySB 138 expands the types of historical war reenactments permitted on school property in Arkansas. It allows "war reenactors" to carry unloaded firearms or replicas of historical weapons on school grounds for educational purposes. This applies to reenactments of the Revolutionary War, Civil War, French and Indian War, Mexican-American War, and War of 1812. Such activities are only permitted with advance approval from a school official, and any firearm used must be unloaded.

Maddy summaryHB 1726, known as the "Arkansas Kids Online Safety Act," aimed to establish safety regulations for certain online services. The provided amendment clarifies which online platforms would be subject to the act. It defines covered platforms as online platforms, messaging applications, or video streaming services that are intentionally designed, marketed, or promoted with the primary purpose of attracting or engaging individuals aged sixteen or younger. This amendment refines the scope of the bill to focus on services explicitly targeting minors.

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.