Rep. Tracy Steele

Maddy summaryThis House resolution formally recognizes the North Little Rock High School Lady Charging Wildcats girls' basketball team as the 2026 Class 6A state champions. The document lists the team members, coaches, and individual award winners to honor their achievement of defeating Har-Ber High School in the state final. Upon adoption, a copy of the resolution will be provided to the team's coaching staff as an official record of their victory.

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 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 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 summarySenate Concurrent Resolution 2 (SCR 2) is a resolution that affirms the State of Arkansas's commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles. It expresses the belief that DEI is essential for all individuals to achieve the American Dream and encourages policymakers, educational institutions, workplaces, and other organizations to adopt and uphold these principles.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1709 proposes to amend the existing Human Services Workers in the Schools Program by formally including mental health counselors. This expansion aims to enhance support for children and families within Arkansas school districts through a collaborative program among state agencies. The bill outlines services provided by these professionals, such as crisis intervention, home visits, and parent training, requiring specific bachelor's or master's degrees for both roles. Funding for these positions would be prioritized for schools where at least 80% of students are eligible for the Free and Reduced Lunch Program, and parents or students retain the option to refuse services.

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 1888 proposes to amend the Division of Workforce Services law to provide individuals with access to their employment records. It requires the Division of Workforce Services to make an individual's wage and employment record available, without charge, upon a written request. The bill also mandates that, upon request, these records be provided via electronic transmission, either directly or through a qualified third-party vendor, for purposes related to the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Any revenue generated from a third-party vendor would support eligible workforce programs.

Maddy summaryHB 1436 proposes to establish location restrictions for certain food processing plants operating a slaughterhouse on the same property. The bill stipulates that such plants, if located within a city of the first class, cannot operate within two miles of a church, a public school, or a densely populated residential area. This measure would apply to new or relocating food processing plants that include a slaughterhouse in these specific urban areas. However, it would not affect plants already operating on the effective date of the act.