Rep. Ashley Hudson

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 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 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 summarySenate Bill 623 concerns the treatment of female inmates and detainees in correctional or detention facilities. The bill specifically addresses the care of individuals who are pregnant or have recently delivered a child. An amendment to the bill details a provision requiring a female medical provider or a female staff member to be present during medical procedures for these female inmates or detainees.

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 summarySB 459 is a legislative bill titled "TO AMEND THE MINIMUM AGE NECESSARY TO ADJUDICATE A JUVENILE DELINQUENT." This bill proposes to change the lowest age at which a young person can be legally declared a juvenile delinquent. The aim is to modify the existing minimum age requirement within the juvenile justice system. The provided text, however, does not specify the current age or the new age proposed by the bill.

Maddy summaryHB 1848 amends Arkansas law concerning child custody and visitation decisions when domestic abuse is involved. It clarifies that courts must consider the effect of proven domestic abuse on a child's best interest, regardless of whether the child was physically injured or witnessed the abuse. The bill establishes a new presumption that it is not in a child's best interest to be placed in the sole custody or care of a parent found to have engaged in a pattern of domestic abuse. This parent would then have the responsibility to prove that granting them custody would not endanger the child. If unsupervised parenting time is still awarded to such a parent, the court must make specific findings about the risk of harm and may order safety conditions or domestic violence intervention programs.

Maddy summaryBased on the provided information, House Bill 1018, titled "The Strong Families Act," aimed to create an income tax credit for employers. This credit would be offered to businesses that provide paid family and medical leave to certain employees. However, the provided bill text primarily describes an amendment to the bill's sponsors and procedural actions, and does not detail the specific mechanisms or eligibility requirements for this proposed tax credit or the leave program.

Maddy summaryThe provided text includes the title of HB 1013, "TO PROTECT FERTILITY TREATMENT RIGHTS IN THIS STATE," and an amendment relating to its sponsors. However, the full text of the bill outlining its specific provisions, mechanisms, or who it directly affects beyond a general scope is not included. Based solely on its title, HB 1013 aimed to establish protections for fertility treatment rights within the state. The bill was placed on second reading for amendment, had Amendment No. 1 adopted, and was engrossed, but ultimately died in the House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.