Sen. Justin Boyd

Maddy summaryThis bill reduces income tax rates for individuals, trusts, estates, and corporations in Arkansas, with changes taking effect starting in 2026. For individuals, it lowers the top tax bracket to 3.7% on income up to $94,700 and introduces a sliding scale of tax credits for those earning between $94,701 and $97,600. Corporations and foreign businesses operating in the state will see their tax rates adjusted to a tiered structure ranging from 1% to 4.1% on net income beginning in 2027. The law also includes provisions to automatically adjust these tax brackets each year based on inflation.

Maddy summarySenate Memorial Resolution 3 honors the late Senator Uvalde Rex Lindsey for his service to the State of Arkansas and his local community. The resolution formally acknowledges his career in public service, which included roles in the Arkansas House and Senate, as well as his work in business and local government. It also directs the Secretary of the Senate to provide a copy of the resolution to Senator Lindsey's family.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 23 formally honors John Pendleton Reed for his thirty-five years of service as the Arkansas Senate's public information officer. The resolution acknowledges his professional contributions, including his work covering the legislature and state government, and expresses gratitude for his dedication to the institution. It concludes by presenting a copy of the resolution to Reed as a gesture of appreciation upon his retirement.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Memorial Resolution honors the memory of Representative Stanley Jack "Stan" Berry, who passed away in March 2026, and recognizes his contributions to Arkansas and his local community. The bill formally acknowledges Berry's extensive public service, including his roles in the National Guard, various local boards, and his legislative career representing District 44. It also notes his leadership on several committees and his dedication to education and community support throughout his life. The resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to provide a copy of the document to Berry's family as a gesture of respect.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Memorial Resolution formally honors the memory of former Arkansas State Senator Gary Don Stubblefield, who passed away in September 2025. The measure directs the Senate to recognize his contributions to the state and provides a copy of the resolution to his family. It serves as an official record of his service without establishing new laws or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Memorial Resolution honors the memory of former Senator Luther Boyd "Lu" Hardin, who passed away in August 2025. The bill formally recognizes his significant contributions to Arkansas, including his service as a state senator, director of the State Department of Higher Education, and president of the University of Central Arkansas. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to provide a copy of the resolution to Hardin's family as a gesture of respect. This is a ceremonial document that acknowledges Hardin's life and public service rather than changing any laws or policies.

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 summaryHB 1961 would allow medical providers in Arkansas to temporarily withhold a patient's medical records for up to 30 days from the patient or their authorized representative. This is permitted if the provider reasonably believes immediate disclosure could negatively affect the patient's health or safety due to misinterpretation, requires time to review the information to prepare a treatment plan, and schedules a timely discussion with the patient. The temporary withholding must be for the minimum necessary period and ceases once the discussion occurs or the risk is no longer present. After this period, all applicable federal and state information-blocking laws apply, and the records must be released promptly.

Maddy summarySJR 4 proposes an amendment to the Arkansas Constitution regarding annual school elections. It specifies that if a school district's proposed annual property tax levy for school maintenance, operation, and debt retirement is the same as the rate last approved by voters, this tax rate will not appear on the ballot. Additionally, if the tax rate is not on the ballot and there are no other issues to be decided, the annual school election for that district will not be held. This aims to streamline the election process when there are no changes to the school tax levy or other matters requiring a vote.

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.