Sen. Mark Johnson

Maddy summarySJR 23 proposes a constitutional amendment in Arkansas to change how certain funds are used. If approved by the state's electors, this amendment would allow proceeds generated under Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 91, to be applied to multilane highway improvements. This would expand the permissible uses for these specific funds to include multilane highway projects.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 557 amends Arkansas law concerning water permits and wastewater discharge, affecting permit applicants, retail developers, and local officials. It authorizes the Division of Environmental Quality to deny wastewater permits to applicants with a history of environmental noncompliance, making denial mandatory if there are five or more noncompliance events within five years. The bill also prohibits certain wastewater discharges into ephemeral or intermittent streams and requires mail notification to residents near proposed new or modified permit facilities. Additionally, it mandates the Division of Environmental Quality to establish a method for local officials to receive immediate technical support during sewage or storm water emergencies.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 35 formally recognizes University of Central Arkansas and NBA star Scottie Pippen for his achievements and contributions to his community, the State of Arkansas, the nation, and the world. This resolution serves as a commendation for his career and positive impact.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 634 creates the Division of Interscholastic Activities within the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education. This new division is established to provide oversight and regulation for interscholastic activities, such as sports and clubs, for students in grades 6-12 at public and open-enrollment charter schools, with private schools having the option to participate. Its responsibilities include monitoring compliance with state and federal rules, promoting educational values and sportsmanship, and ensuring consistent interpretation of activity rules. The division will be led by an Assistant Commissioner and is required to submit an annual report to legislative education committees.

Maddy summarySJR 24 proposes constitutional amendments to Arkansas' initiative and referendum process. It requires ballot titles for state-wide measures to be clear, concise, and under 500 words, submitted to election officials for certification. The bill also mandates that petition signatures be verified through affidavits confirming each signer's eligibility and signature authenticity. Additionally, it sets a 75% signature requirement for correcting insufficient petitions, including 75% of required signatures from at least 15 counties for state-wide measures. These changes aim to standardize and verify the petition process for citizen-initiated laws and constitutional amendments.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 561 proposed changes to regulations concerning temporary vehicle buyer's tags. It aimed to allow for the issuance of an additional temporary preprinted paper buyer's tag under specific, undefined circumstances. Furthermore, the bill sought to create a penalty for individuals who use an expired temporary preprinted paper buyer's tag.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 525 aimed to amend the laws governing how municipalities are incorporated and organized within Arkansas. A primary provision of the bill was to transfer the responsibilities for these municipal incorporation duties to the Secretary of State. This bill sought to centralize the process for establishing and structuring new cities and towns.

Maddy summaryHB 1180, also known as the "Baby Olivia Act," mandates specific video content for human fetal growth and development discussions. These discussions must include a high-definition ultrasound video showing early fetal organ development. Additionally, a video at least three minutes long depicting fertilization and every stage of human development inside the uterus until birth is required. The bill tasks the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education with approving a list of these videos, specifically mentioning the "Meet Baby Olivia" video. This legislation would affect the content of educational discussions on fetal development and the responsibilities of the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.

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 Bill 556 aims to protect public drinking water sources in Arkansas. It proposes to prohibit any person or entity from discharging wastewater via surface discharge into a watershed that supplies public drinking water, specifically upstream of where public water systems draw water. This prohibition does not apply to stormwater discharges permitted under federal or state programs. The Division of Environmental Quality would be responsible for enforcing these new restrictions.