Sen. Jonathan Dismang

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $2 million from the state treasury to fund matching grants for county extension offices in Arkansas. The money is designated for capital improvements and is administered by the Department of Finance and Administration, with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture managing the distribution. The legislation includes standard provisions requiring compliance with state procurement and budget laws, and it declares an emergency to ensure the funds take effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill, now enacted as Act 144, establishes a new method for distributing state general revenues in Arkansas starting in fiscal year 2026-2027. It requires the State Treasurer to transfer all available funds to various government accounts, including those for public schools, human services, and state agencies, based on specific maximum dollar amounts set for each. The legislation creates a total allocation of approximately $6.6 billion to be distributed monthly according to these fixed proportions. By declaring an emergency, the bill ensures these new distribution rules take immediate effect without further legislative delay.

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 summaryHouse Bill 1915 directs the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) to request a federal waiver for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This waiver would exempt SNAP applicants and enrollees from the federal resource limit. Upon obtaining the waiver, the bill would set the SNAP asset limit at $6,000, with biennial adjustments for inflation. It also includes provisions for a temporary asset limit increase to $5,500 for enrolled households that exceed the federal limit, available once every five years.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 499 aimed to reduce and revise reporting requirements for several state departments. It sought to eliminate the State Securities Department's quarterly reports on funds received from court orders or settlements. The bill also proposed repealing annual reports from the State Insurance Department on health insurance fraud activities and from the Risk Management Division to the Governor and Legislative Council. Additionally, it would have removed requirements for the Insurance Commissioner to report on the Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace and the Workers' Compensation Insurance Plan to the Legislative Council and legislative committees.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 466 would have placed a temporary moratorium on the height of new wind power devices in Arkansas. It proposed prohibiting these devices from exceeding 150 feet in height until July 1, 2027. This prohibition would not apply to wind power devices already under construction, broken ground, or in operation before March 21, 2025. Additionally, the bill mandated that the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission conduct a study on the effects of wind power devices, primarily focusing on migratory waterfowl and predatory birds.

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 summarySenate Memorial Resolution 2 is a commemorative bill that honors the life and public service of James "Jim" Guy Tucker, former Arkansas Attorney General, U.S. Congressman, and the forty-third Governor of Arkansas. The resolution serves to respectfully acknowledge his contributions to the state and nation following his passing.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 75 formally honors Sylvia Ann Hindsman Cornwell for her 45 years of exemplary and dedicated service to the Arkansas Senate and the State of Arkansas. It recognizes her significant contributions, such as modernizing Senate records and serving as the first female Secretary of the Senate.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 647, the "Economic Development District Act of 2025," creates a framework for municipalities, counties, or cooperative areas in Arkansas to establish Economic Development Districts. These districts are designated areas intended to promote economic growth and revitalization. They can fund projects like infrastructure and various forms of economic development construction by utilizing "property charge increments" and "sales charge increments," which are the increases in property and sales taxes generated within the district above a set baseline. The Department of Commerce is tasked with providing support, technical assistance, and resources for the establishment and management of these districts.