Rep. Matt Duffield

Maddy summaryHB 1823, known as the "Disrupt Explicit Forged Images and Nonconsensual Edits Act of 2025," aimed to establish a new legal framework in Arkansas to protect individuals from the nonconsensual use of their intimate visual depictions. It would have created a civil right of action, allowing individuals to sue those who disclose their intimate visual depictions without consent, or who create, possess with intent to disclose, or distribute "digital forgeries" depicting them without their consent. A "digital forgery" is defined as an intimate visual depiction created using technology like artificial intelligence to appear authentic. Affected individuals could seek financial damages, attorney's fees, and court orders to stop the display or disclosure of these images, with provisions for privacy protection during legal proceedings.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 1119 was a procedural measure requesting authorization for Senator King to pursue Senate Joint Resolution 6 (SJR 6) as a third proposed constitutional amendment. This resolution aimed to grant permission, as required by legislative rules, for the General Assembly to consider SJR 6 for referral to state electors.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1930 aimed to mandate minimum reimbursement levels for healthcare services provided by healthcare insurers. The bill proposed a phased increase in these minimums, starting at 45% in 2026 and reaching 100% by 2030. It would have also required the Insurance Commissioner to consider specific factors, such as an insurer's Risk-Based Capital level and Medical Loss Ratio, when reviewing proposed increases to premium rates or cost sharing for policyholders.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1044 aims to establish the Arkansas Sports Raffle Act. An amendment to the bill introduces a specific rule regarding payment methods for these raffles. It mandates that if a qualifying organization permits credit card payments, each transaction using a credit card will have a maximum limit of $250. This provision directly affects organizations that choose to operate sports raffles and individuals participating in them via credit card. The provided text only includes an amendment, so the full details of the Arkansas Sports Raffle Act are not available.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 11 (SJR 11) proposes a constitutional amendment to the Arkansas Constitution. This measure aims to modify Article 2, Section 5, with the specific intent to protect the right to keep and bear arms for individuals. If enacted, it would alter the state's foundational document concerning this right.

Maddy summaryHB 1682, known as the "Arkansas Good Neighbor Act," clarifies and expands liability protections for entities and individuals involved in donating and distributing food. The bill grants civil and criminal immunity to good faith donors, gleaners (those who harvest donated crops), and nonprofit organizations, even if the donated food does not meet consumer safety standards or is not readily marketable due to appearance or surplus. To qualify for this protection, donors must inform the receiving organization, and the organization must inform recipients, about the food's condition to the best of their knowledge. This immunity does not apply in cases of gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. The act aims to encourage food donations by reducing liability concerns for those who help provide food to the public through charitable channels.

Maddy summaryHJR 1018, titled "THE CITIZENS ONLY VOTING AMENDMENT," is a joint resolution that successfully passed both legislative chambers and was approved by the Governor. Based on its title, this bill proposes an amendment aimed at restricting voting eligibility to citizens only. However, the provided bill text primarily consists of an amendment adding various representatives and senators as cosponsors to the resolution, and does not detail the specific language, mechanisms, or provisions of the proposed "Citizens Only Voting Amendment" itself.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 375 creates the new offense of "capital rape" in Arkansas, targeting individuals who commit sexual offenses against victims aged thirteen (13) years or younger under specific aggravated circumstances. This offense is defined by actions such as causing or threatening serious physical injury, committing certain other felonies concurrently, using a deadly weapon, or having prior convictions for similar offenses. For offenders aged eighteen (18) or older, the penalties include death or life imprisonment without parole, while offenders younger than eighteen (18) face life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after twenty (20) years. The bill also ensures that prosecution for capital rape can be commenced at any time.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 535 creates a sales and use tax exemption specifically for the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts and the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Foundation. This means that these two organizations will not be required to pay sales tax on their purchases of physical goods, digital products, or services. The bill amends existing state code to add this new exemption. This change aims to reduce the tax burden on the museum and its associated foundation.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies the requirements for a property tax exemption offered to disabled veterans, their surviving spouses, and minor dependent children. It requires recipients to notify the county collector if their eligibility status, property description, ownership, use, or occupancy changes, or if they change their homestead. Additionally, if an exemption is determined to be erroneously granted, the county collector must remove it and may levy up to three years of unpaid property taxes, along with any applicable penalties, interest, and costs.