Committee passes package of bills on marketplaces, real estate, health screenings, financing and provider rates

The House Insurance & Commerce Committee advanced a group of bills by voice vote, moving several measures to the next stage of the legislative process.

Votes at a glance

- Update to inform statute (sponsor: Representative John Maddox): Sponsor said Arkansas originally passed an INFORM‑style law in 2021 requiring online marketplaces to verify third‑party sellers and post contact information; passage of the federal INFORM Act in 2023 prompted a statute update to conform state law to the federal language. Representative Maddox said the change primarily extends the seller‑verification window from 24 hours to 10 calendar days to match the federal law. The committee passed the bill by voice vote; no roll‑call recorded.

- House Bill 1853 — Dual‑agency for real‑estate agents (sponsor: Representative Jeremiah Moore): Sponsor said the bill “enshrines dual agency for real estate agents in state law” and that dual agency is already allowed by rule. The committee passed the bill by voice vote.

- Senate Bill 463 — Utility notification to PSC on plant closures (presenter: Matt Brown): The bill would require a utility subject to the Public Service Commission (PSC) to…