Rep. Ken Ferguson

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Concurrent Memorial Resolution that honors the life and legacy of Bishop Kenneth Lydell Robinson Sr., who passed away in April 2026. The resolution formally recognizes his significant contributions to Arkansas, including his fifty years of ministry, his role as a founding father of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International, and his work as a musician, radio host, and businessman. It does not change any laws or policies but serves to publicly acknowledge his achievements and impact on the state and his local community. Upon passage, the legislature will provide a copy of the resolution to Bishop Robinson's family.

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 summaryHouse Bill 1987 proposes to amend the laws governing the State Board of Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Cemeteries, and Burial Services in Arkansas. This bill directly affects individuals and businesses licensed by this board, including embalmers, funeral directors, and cemetery operators. Its primary provision is to increase the maximum civil penalty the board can impose on a licensee for failing to comply with laws, rules, or orders. The bill would raise the maximum penalty from five hundred dollars ($500) to one thousand dollars ($1,000) per violation.

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.

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 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 summaryHJR 1002 proposes an amendment to the Arkansas Constitution. This amendment aims to repeal the existing exception that currently permits slavery and involuntary servitude as a punishment for a crime. If adopted, it would remove this specific allowance from the state's constitution, ensuring a complete prohibition of slavery and involuntary servitude for all individuals in Arkansas.

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 summaryHB 1331 addresses situations where an Arkansas county's local legislative body does not adopt a new annual budget. The bill requires that if a new annual spending plan is not passed, the county must continue its operations and pay for expenditures, including employee salaries, based on the previous year's budget. This process continues until a new annual budget is officially adopted. The bill includes an emergency clause to ensure immediate implementation, aiming to prevent disruptions to county services and employee payments.