Representative Bart Schulz

Insurance & Commerce (House) — April 7, 2025 (2:15)

and you go to number one and you negotiate a contract. If you can come up with a fair negotiation, that's the end of it. Number one gets it. If that doesn't work, you go to number two, repeat the process, then to number three. So we would just be adding ambulance services to that same process. Thank

Insurance & Commerce (House) — April 7, 2025 (2:06)

it currently works is with all these other entities that I named, you rank the top three, one, two, three,

Insurance & Commerce (House) — April 7, 2025 (1:12)

engineering construction management land surveying or professional consultant services they go through an rfq process all i'm proposing with this bill is we change ambulance services over to this same RFQ process as all these professional entities. And with that, I would answer any questions. We

Insurance & Commerce (House) — April 7, 2025 (0:41)

county has a contract with an ambulance service, if they put out bids for this ambulance service, it is strictly lowest bidder. That's all they can look at, whoever's the cheapest. Well, if you want somebody taking care of your family, do you want the cheapest or do you want the best? that was the way i always looked at it so when i got down here some folks brought this idea to me currently if a county submits for contracts for financial services architectural services

Insurance & Commerce (House) — April 7, 2025 (0:12)

Schultz, District 28, Sharpstone, Lawrence, and Independence Counties. Committee, I ran a bill very similar to this two years ago that we passed unanimously out of the House, but our friends in the Senate decided not to let it out. We made a few changes, but basically what this is, to

Meeting — April 8, 2025 (2:28:24)

professionals or other consultants there's a process in place all we're proposing to do with this bill is take this medical piece out of just a strict lowest bidder and put it into this process with all these other professional services. And with that, I would answer any questions. Seeing none, I'd appreciate a good vote. See no

Meeting — April 8, 2025 (2:27:49)

wants to contract with an ambulance service or just say a doctor in their jail they simply go with lowest bidder that's the only option they have so from my personal perspective if I'm looking for someone to take care of my family do I want the cheapest or do I want the best so already in Arkansas law if a political subdivision wants to contract with a financial advisor an architect an engineer a construction manager land surveying

Meeting — April 8, 2025 (2:27:16)

Good afternoon, colleagues. Two years ago, we basically passed this bill unanimously out of this chamber. When it got to the Senate end, it got mired down, and it didn't make it out. After that, upon review of the title, it really wasn't written all that well, so there was quite a bit of confusion. So we retooled the title, and we're bringing it back. Basically what this does, if a political subdivision, such as a quorum court,

Meeting — April 8, 2025 (40:07)

She competed among the nation's best and continued to shine just as she has throughout her career. Izzy, we thank you for your dedication, your leadership, and the way you have represented the university and this state with pride. Congratulations on your outstanding achievements, and we cannot wait to see what is next in your journey. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Representative Schultz. Izzy, would you stand

Meeting — April 8, 2025 (39:36)

She's a role model. For every young girl in Arkansas and beyond who dreams of stepping onto the court, she's proof that hard work, determination, and passion can turn dreams into reality. She carries the heart of her hometown, the spirit of Arkansas, and the inspiration of a generation on her shoulders. This week, Izzy took to the national stage once more in the 2025 Lilly Women's College All-Star Game.

Meeting — April 8, 2025 (39:04)

Representing the University of Arkansas, Izzie has proven herself to be one of the best scorers in the nation. Averaging an incredible 24.4 points per game, she led the SEC and ranked third nationally in scoring. Her dominance on the court is undeniable, leading the entire NCAA in total points, in free throws made, and ranking among the best free throw percentages in field goals. But beyond the numbers, Izzy is more than just a star player.

Meeting — April 8, 2025 (38:27)

Izzy Higginbottom. In addition to this resolution, we have letters from Chancellor Robertson at the U of A, and We also have one from Hunter Urichek, but in the interest of time, I'm not going to read all those, but I do want to say a few words. Today we celebrate not just a remarkable athlete, but an extraordinary young woman who has left an indelible mark on the game of basketball. Izzy Higginbottom, a proud native of Batesville, Arkansas, has dazzled us with her skills, leadership, and relentless dedication to the sport.

Meeting — April 8, 2025 (37:51)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Could I ask Representative Pierce to join

Meeting — April 8, 2025 (38:19)

join Representative Schultz in the well. Colleagues, today it is our distinct honor to recognize Arkansas Razorback Superstar

Meeting — April 9, 2025 (20:13)

In coordinated madness, it was quite a thing to see. My point is, these people are miracle workers. Within a couple days, our residents were back up and going, and it's due to the dedication of these people. We appreciate y'all very, very much. Would you all please stand? Thank you.

Meeting — April 9, 2025 (19:43)

All four counties in District 28 were hit the same night. The next morning as the sun came up in my hometown of Cave City, we didn't know where to start. Poles down, wires, you just can't imagine the devastation. By that afternoon, Main Street in Cave City looked like a Transformers movie. Somewhere I have a picture on my phone, there were so many booms in the air working, it was just unbelievable.

Meeting — April 9, 2025 (19:04)

Despite the emotional toll of being separated from loved ones and the physical demands that can inflict lasting strain, it is their grit that motivates these line workers to persevere. Their resilience endures that we continue to enjoy the vital modern convenience of electricity, underscoring the silent sacrifices made by those who serve in this critical role. Now, I want to add a personal note to this. As most of y'all know, on March 14th, my district, District 28, was hit hard by a significant tornado incident.

Meeting — April 9, 2025 (18:54)

shines on holidays like Christmas or Memorial Day during significant life events such as their child's first t-ball game.

Meeting — April 14, 2025 (2:51:23)

that's correct. Seeing no other questions, I would ask for a good vote. Thank

Meeting — April 14, 2025 (2:50:16)

from three years to a maximum of five years if it is approved by the Arkansas Forestry Commission. Thank you. Representative