Rep. Matt Duffield

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that formally recognizes Coach Dave Wilbers for his achievements as the head coach of the Arkansas Tech University women's basketball program and congratulates him on his retirement. The resolution highlights specific accomplishments during his nineteen-season tenure, including multiple conference championships, NCAA tournament appearances, and a high ranking for total wins among all coaches at the university. Upon passing, a copy of the resolution will be presented to Coach Wilbers by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution formally recognizes the Arkansas Tech University Golden Suns women's cross country team for winning the Great American Conference Championship. The measure highlights the team's historic first-place finish and acknowledges the individual achievements of specific athletes and coaches involved in the victory. Upon adoption, a copy of the resolution will be presented to Head Coach Gabe Sams as an official gesture of appreciation.

Maddy summaryHR 1046 is a House resolution that formally recognizes the Arkansas Tech University Golden Suns women's cross country team for winning the Great American Conference Championship in October 2025. The bill lists the specific team members, coaches, and individual academic and athletic honors earned by the athletes during the season. It directs the Chief Clerk of the House to present a copy of the resolution to the team's head coach as a gesture of appreciation. This measure is a commemorative action and does not create any new laws or change existing policies.

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 2 (SB 2) proposes to repeal the existing statewide fluoridation program in Arkansas. If enacted, this bill would remove the current mandate for water systems serving 5,000 or more people to maintain a specific fluoride content in their water supply. It would eliminate the authority of the Department of Health and State Board of Health to set rules and requirements for water fluoridation, including permissible concentrations, necessary equipment, and testing procedures. Essentially, it would end the state requirement for public water systems to add fluoride to drinking water.

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 summarySenate Bill 4 proposes to allow customers of public water systems serving 5,000 or more people to vote on whether their water supply should be fluoridated. An election can be called by various entities, including the water system's board or a petition signed by at least ten percent of qualified electors. If a majority of voters choose to prohibit fluoridation, the public water system would be required to cease fluoridation within 30 days of the election results being certified. This bill would amend existing law, making the Department of Health's fluoride content standards conditional on the outcome of these local elections.

Maddy summaryHB 1218 proposes to create a new system for licensing therapeutic recreation specialists. It establishes a "Therapeutic Recreation Practice Act" to govern the practice of this profession. An amendment to the bill clarifies specific exemptions from this new licensure. These exemptions include individuals providing recreational activities for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and those supporting individuals with disabilities in community programs like Special Olympics or Miracle League.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 282 proposed to amend Arkansas law regarding public water systems. It would have allowed customers of public water systems serving 5,000 or more people to hold an election to determine whether their water should be fluoridated. An election could be initiated by a petition signed by at least five percent of voters in each affected county or by a majority vote of a county's quorum court. If a majority of voters in a majority of the counties supplied by the system voted to prohibit fluoridation, the water system would have been required to cease fluoridating the water within 30 days.

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.