Rep. Andrew Collins

Maddy summarySenate Bill 221 (SB 221) aims to prohibit specific contracting practices by risk-based provider organizations when they negotiate with direct healthcare service providers in Arkansas. The bill prevents these organizations from using "tying" tactics, which involve requiring a provider to contract for multiple services if they only agree to one, or penalizing them for declining certain services. It also prohibits discrimination against providers who refuse such terms. Violations of these provisions would be considered unfair trade practices, and any problematic contract clauses would be voided. The bill seeks to ensure fair negotiation for providers and protect access to healthcare for Medicaid beneficiaries, especially individuals with disabilities.

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 1994 amends the law concerning self-service storage facilities in Arkansas. It requires operators of these facilities to notify an occupant if their leased storage space is "compromised." A space is considered compromised if it has been forcibly accessed, property has been taken, or it has been damaged to allow unauthorized access. Operators must contact the occupant by telephone, email, or regular mail within five business days of having actual knowledge that the space was compromised. The bill specifies that it does not impose responsibility on the operator for the occupant's personal property or create a duty to determine if a space has been compromised.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1042 proposes to create the "Direct Democracy Act of 2025" in Arkansas. This bill would repeal the "Ensuring Access for All Arkansans and Voter Protection Act of 2023." Additionally, it would amend the current procedures for filing ballot initiative petitions and referendum petitions, affecting how citizens can propose or challenge laws through direct vote.

Maddy summaryHB 1037, known as the "Preregistration to Vote Act," allows individuals in Arkansas to preregister to vote when they are seventeen years old. This means that while they can complete the registration process at age 17, they will not be eligible to cast a ballot until they reach the legal voting age of eighteen. The bill amends provisions of Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 51, to implement this change. This act aims to increase voter registration and turnout by enabling earlier engagement in the electoral process.

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 summaryHB 1035, titled the "Online Voter Registration Act of 2025," sought to establish a system allowing individuals to register to vote online. This bill aimed to amend Amendment 51 of the Arkansas Constitution to permit online voter registration. It also proposed changes to the duties of the Secretary of State to incorporate and manage this new registration method. If passed, this would have provided Arkansas voters with an additional, online option for voter registration.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1009 proposed to allow pregnancy to be considered a qualifying event for enrollment in certain health benefit plans. This change would have enabled individuals who become pregnant to enroll in health insurance outside of the standard annual open enrollment period. The bill aimed to provide a special enrollment opportunity for those affected by a new pregnancy.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1021, known as the "Early Childhood Education Workforce Quality Incentive Act," aims to support the early childhood education sector. The bill directly affects certain early childhood education workers by creating a new income tax credit for them. This credit is designed to incentivize and improve the overall quality of the workforce in early childhood education.

Maddy summaryHB 1010 aims to establish specific reimbursement rates for maternal health services within the Arkansas Medicaid program. This bill directly affects healthcare providers who offer maternal health services to Medicaid beneficiaries, as well as the state's Medicaid program itself. By setting these rates, the bill intends to define how much providers will be paid for services related to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care for eligible individuals. The bill's ultimate goal is to standardize compensation for these essential healthcare services within the state's Medicaid system.