Senate Convenes
Video
Transcript
Bills discussed (19)
| Bill | Title | Sponsor | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
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HB1100
Act 143
· 10 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “HB1100 TO AMEND THE REVENUE STABILIZATION LAW; TO CREATE FUNDS; TO…”
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TO AMEND THE REVENUE STABILIZATION LAW; TO CREATE FUNDS; TO MAKE TRANSFERS TO AND FROM … | Jean | Notification that HB1100 is now Act 143 |
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HB1022
· 5 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “HB1022 AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS DEVELOPMENT FINANCE AUTHORITY APPRO…”
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AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS DEVELOPMENT FINANCE AUTHORITY APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR. | Joint Budget Committee | Correctly enrolled and ordered transmitted to the Governor's … |
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HB1023
· 5 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “HB1023 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - SECRETARY'S O…”
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AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - SECRETARY'S OFFICE APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 … | Joint Budget Committee | Correctly enrolled and ordered transmitted to the Governor's … |
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HB1034
· 5 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “HB1034 AN ACT FOR THE OFFICE OF THE TREASURER OF STATE APPROPRIATI…”
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AN ACT FOR THE OFFICE OF THE TREASURER OF STATE APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL … | Joint Budget Committee | Correctly enrolled and ordered transmitted to the Governor's … |
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HB1035
· 5 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “HB1035 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH - TOBACCO PREVENTION AN…”
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AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH - TOBACCO PREVENTION AND CESSATION PROGRAMS APPROPRIATION FOR … | Joint Budget Committee | Correctly enrolled and ordered transmitted to the Governor's … |
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HB1036
· 5 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “HB1036 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2…”
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AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR. | Joint Budget Committee | Correctly enrolled and ordered transmitted to the Governor's … |
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HB1007
· 4 mentions in transcript, chapter
Matched: “…ote it separate or have a conversation about it separately. House Bill 1007. House Bill 1022, House Bill 1023. House Bill 1034, House B…”
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AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - DIVISION OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION - … | Joint Budget Committee | Correctly enrolled and ordered transmitted to the Governor's … |
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HB1053
· 3 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “HB1053 AN ACT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT LITTLE ROCK APPROP…”
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AN ACT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT LITTLE ROCK APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL … | Joint Budget Committee | Correctly enrolled and ordered transmitted to the Governor's … |
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HB1064
· 3 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “HB1064 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION - D…”
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AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION - DISBURSING OFFICER APPROPRIATION FOR THE … | Joint Budget Committee | Correctly enrolled and ordered transmitted to the Governor's … |
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HB1066
· 3 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “HB1066 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT - DIVIS…”
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AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT - DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY APPROPRIATION … | Joint Budget Committee | Correctly enrolled and ordered transmitted to the Governor's … |
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SB15
· 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “>> Bill 7. Enroll it. Senate Bill 15. Enroll it. Senate Bill 21. Enroll it. Senate Bill 31. Enro…”
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AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, HERITAGE, AND TOURISM - STATE PARKS AND TOURISM … | Joint Budget Committee | DELIVERED TO GOVERNOR. |
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SB21
· 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “>> Bill 7. Enroll it. Senate Bill 15. Enroll it. Senate Bill 21. Enroll it. Senate Bill 31. Enroll it. Senate Bill 75. >> E…”
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AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - DIVISION OF AGING, ADULT, AND BEHAVIORAL … | Joint Budget Committee | DELIVERED TO GOVERNOR. |
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SB31
· 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…l it. Senate Bill 15. Enroll it. Senate Bill 21. Enroll it. Senate Bill 31. Enroll it. Senate Bill 75. >> Enroll it. Any further busin…”
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AN ACT FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR. | Joint Budget Committee | DELIVERED TO GOVERNOR. |
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SB4
· 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “3. >> Enroll it. >> Senate Bill 4. >> Enroll it. Senate”
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AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH - LICENSING AND REGULATION BOARDS APPROPRIATION FOR THE … | Joint Budget Committee | DELIVERED TO GOVERNOR. |
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SB5
Act 65
· 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…asures from the fiscal Session of the 95th General Assembly Senate Bill 5, Act 65, Senate Bill 13, Act 66, Senate Bill 39, Act 67, an…”
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AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH - ARKANSAS TOBACCO SETTLEMENT COMMISSION APPROPRIATION FOR THE … | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB5 is now Act 65 |
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SB75
Act 144
· 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…l it. Senate Bill 21. Enroll it. Senate Bill 31. Enroll it. Senate Bill 75. >> Enroll it. Any further business to come before the body…”
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TO AMEND THE REVENUE STABILIZATION LAW; TO CREATE FUNDS; TO MAKE TRANSFERS TO AND FROM … | J. Dismang | Notification that SB75 is now Act 144 |
|
SB56
Act 68
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…Act 65, Senate Bill 13, Act 66, Senate Bill 39, Act 67, and Senate Bill 56, Act 68. Sincerely,”
|
AN ACT FOR THE AUDITOR OF STATE - CONTINUING EDUCATION OF LOCAL OFFICIALS APPROPRIATION FOR … | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB56 is now Act 68 |
|
SB7
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “3. Enroll it. Senate Bill 4. Enroll it. Senate Bill 7. Enroll it. Senate Bill 15. Enroll it. Senate Bill 21. Enro…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - STATE INSURANCE DEPARTMENT APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 … | Joint Budget Committee | DELIVERED TO GOVERNOR. |
|
SR32
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SR32 F. Love TO RECOGNIZE THE PARKVIEW ARTS AND SCIENCES MAGNET…”
|
TO RECOGNIZE THE PARKVIEW ARTS AND SCIENCES MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL PATRIOTS BOYS' BASKETBALL TEAM AS … | F. Love | Sine Die adjournment |
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Unknown speaker
0:00
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Unknown speaker
2:30
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Transcription by CastingWords
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Speaker 9
6:00
Senate will be called to order. Are there any request
for leave at this time? Senator Hammer, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam Governor. Members, I
Senator Kim Hammer
Unverified
6:14
would like to ask leave for a very special lady in the room, and that would be my wife, Karen, who is back here in the back with me
today. If we could leave her. That doesn't mean leave. Just hang on. Any other requests for leave?
Senator Mark Johnson? Thank you, Madam President. I'd like to ask leave for a special group of folks from Southside High School. Former Senator Sturge is here with them. There's at least one of my constituents over there, Ava Weeks. So Ava, we'll get together in a moment, but I just ask leave for these folks. Thank you. Any other requests for leave? Oh, I'm sorry. Senator Blake Johnson.
Chair
Unverified
7:05
Any others? Madam Secretary, please call the roll. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Kroll, Davis, Dees, Dismang, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Peyton, Penzo, Petty, Bryce, Scott, Simon, Stone, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace.
Thank you, Madam Secretary. If everyone in the chamber and in the galleries would please rise, first we'll be
led in prayer by Senator Dodson. That will be followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance. Senator, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair. Members, please join with me. Father God, thank you for this wonderful, beautiful day that you have given us, this final day of the fiscal session of the 95th General Assembly. I pray that we would all make good decisions and that everyone would be able to have a safe travels home
and the Senate would win the baseball game or the softball game tonight. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. I
Speaker 30
8:19
pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the rebellion for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for
all. Thank you, Senator, for those words. Ladies and gentlemen in the galleries, welcome to your Arkansas Senate.
It is our expectation that each of you will exercise proper decorum and govern yourselves accordingly during today's proceedings without objection. The Senate, rather the rules will be suspended and the Senate will dispense with the reading of the journal. The
Speaker 33
8:58
morning hour has now begun. Any announcements or introductions at this time? Senator Kroll,
you are recognized. I wanted to take a point of personal privilege. There's a young lady, my wife up there, about a couple weeks ago she was named Women's by Forbes, top wealth manager in Arkansas of all women.
Thank you very much. Senator Love. Good morning, colleagues. Today, the Arkansas chapter of the American Association of Blacks in Energy, they're here for their capital today. They have members here who work in the energy industry from Entergy, MISO, and other companies in the state.
Please welcome them. Any other introductions or announcements? Senator Hickey, you're recognized.
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
Unverified
10:03
Right. This just got given to me, Dr. Jason Lofton. He's our doctor today with Family Medicine in Dequeen, Arkansas. And the nurse is Lee Farazone. Did I say that correct? Close enough? My apologies. But y'all would welcome him.
Other announcements or introductions? If not, I'm going to take a point of personal privilege and introduce a couple of the folks that Senator Mark Johnson asked leave for, in addition to former Senator Sturge bringing students from my alma mater of Southside High School here. So welcome to you all and glad to have you all in the Senate. I've also got a couple of young people shadowing in our office today in the Lieutenant Governor's office.
First is Senator Mark Johnson's constituent, Ava Weeks. She is the niece of Mr. Bobby Gosser, who was here with us last year, I believe, from Baldwin-Shell. She aspires to be a high school English teacher. She's a junior at Ouachita Baptist. She was Miss Ouachita Baptist University and now Miss Southwest Arkansas, headed to the Mr. Arkansas pageant in June. Her platform is Backseat Buddies. It's to help get a law passed in Arkansas for backseats to be,
those in backseats to be required to wear seatbelts. So if someone's looking to sponsor that, I'm sure Ms. Weeks would be happy to visit with you about that. Next, we have James Drummond, who is a constituent of Senator John Payton. And since Senator Payton's not here today, I wanted to make sure we introduced James. He is 18. He is a senior at Southside Charter High School. His teacher is Senator James Sturge. He aspires to be in public service, perhaps a representative or senator one day. So you'll get some good experience today. He's currently in the National Guard as a private first class.
So welcome to you both. Glad to have
Senator Breanne Davis
Unverified
12:10
you here today. Senator Davis, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President. I'd like to do two things. First, I'd like to recognize up in the gallery the Arkansas Tech University Golden Suns cross-country team and Coach Dave Wilbers up there. We ran resolutions yesterday on them, but they are here today. If we want to just give them a hand for being here.
And I think our ladies are headed to Searcy later today to run in a conference cross-country meet. So, good luck. And the second thing is Senator Murdoch has a birthday today. If we could all take a moment and
Speaker 34
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sing happy birthday to our favorite senator named Murdoch. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you.
Senator Matt Stone
Unverified
13:14
Senator Stone, you're recognized. Members, I would like to recognize the Parker's Chapel district, our state champion cheerleading team. They represent the 1A, 2A district in the state, and they've driven up here this morning. They've been on the House end, and they wanted to come to the Senate end, so they reached out to me. I have them up here in the gallery, so if y'all would give them a warm welcome.
Young ladies, congratulations. Thank you. Thank you, Madam
President. Thank you. Any other announcements or introductions? If not, Madam Secretary, are there items at the
Chair
Unverified
14:07
desk? Yes, Madam President. Dear Madam President, This is to inform you that on April 23rd, 2026, I reviewed and approved the following measures from the fiscal session of the 95th General Assembly.
Senate Bill 5, Act 65, Senate Bill 13, Act 66, Senate Bill 39, Act 67, and Senate Bill
Speaker 60
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56, Act 68. Sincerely, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Governor of Arkansas. Violet. Notice
Chair
Unverified
14:31
of the passage and return from the House of Senate Bill
Speaker 63
14:36
3. Enroll it. Senate Bill 4. Enroll it. Senate Bill 7. Enroll it. Senate Bill 15. Enroll it. Senate Bill 21. Enroll it. Senate Bill 31. Enroll it. Senate Bill 75. Enroll it.
Any further business to come before the body in the morning hour? If not, the morning hour has expired. We will now
begin the business agenda. we're going to begin with the budget calendar senator dismaying you're recognized
all right members we have some folks waiting outside so let's not disappoint them here at the very end uh
we have a calendar here house bills at the top
i'm going to read those off if there's any that you'd like to pull out uh for a separate vote let me know. We will be voting the House version of RSAs, just like what we passed out the other day or yesterday, first. So with that, I'm going to read off the House bills. If you'd like to pull one out, let me know. We'll vote it separate or have a conversation about it separately. House Bill 1007, House Bill 1022, House Bill 1023, House Bill 1034, House bill 1035 house bill 1036 1053 1064 or 1066 would like to pull any of those out for a separate vote
all right seeing none then we'll bring up our house bill 1100
Chair
Unverified
16:19
to amend the revenue stabilization law to create funds to make transfers to and from funds and fund accounts and to declare an emergency
Speaker 60
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any questions or senator dismaying you're recognized
Speaker 71
16:31
we have to take any questions anyone which
Speaker 75
16:36
speak against or for senator penzo you're recognized to
Senator Clint Penzo
Unverified
16:41
speak on thank you madam president um i just wanted to uh uh make make my position known on this. Yesterday, you know, I had some guests here from out of the country. I'd left the room and SB 35 is a companion built to HB 1100. They're identical. It was moved from the bottom of the agenda to the top. And I just want to explain to my constituents that
I told I was going to be a no vote on it, why I was out of the room and procedurally how it works when a vote is rolled. If you're out of the room, you don't object. Everybody's voted yes unless you change your vote. So when the vote was counted up, I was out of the room and just wanted everybody to know why was a yes on SB 35 and why I'll be a no on HB 1100. I have several positions on why I'm opposed to it, but I just wanted my constituents to know why was a yes on SB 35.
and it was because I was out of
the room. Thank you. Any other senator wish to speak against, for or on? Senator King, you're recognized to
Senator Bryan King
Unverified
17:59
speak against. Thank you, Madam President, to explain my dissension yesterday that I think is important because when I came into office in the Senate, at least in 2013, you could see that there was a crime crisis and overcrowding. And at that time, and then later, I proposed bills to say to take care of that.
And then we just had a big debate over it. And our crime crisis, overcrowding, high incarceration rate is due to the lack of taking care of money to take care of that issue from years ago. And if you looked at corrections being 10% since Republicans took over this Senate chamber, 1.4 billion more dollars would have went to corrections and public safety. We wouldn't be in this crisis. And the disturbing trend that I see now is from the year before I came back in is when I was stressing the turnback percentage has went from around 5% down to anemic's 3.3%, 3.4%.
And when you do that consistently over the last four or five years to explain why RSA is so important, and the reality is our counties are facing higher expenses due to COVID. They're facing less money from this legislature and giving them money back to work with. If you look at RSA, if it had been at 5% instead of these anemic 3% and this last 4%, then our turnback dollars would amounted to, in the last five years, around $450 million.
These next four years, $350 million less is going back for counties and cities to work with because that part is getting squeezed to expand in other areas. That equates in the last four years to $10 million less going back to your cities and counties to work with at a time they're facing more increased cost. I can tell you right now, a lot of counties are already facing setbacks. And if you as a legislator want to look at it and think, wouldn't you love to go back to your district and present a $10 million or $13 million check?
The reality is when these county governments are struggling because of the lack of money being given back to them of tax dollars generated by people to work with and solve problems in a more difficult time, are you going to go back when the county governments have to cut stuff and take responsibility for it? If you look at Pulaski County where the debate on whether they're cash flowing or not between the judge and the quorum court and that, I don't know about that, but what has Pulaski County got, five, six senators, that means 50, 60 million dollars has went back less.
For rural counties and rural Republicans, you're actually sending less back for them to work with. The Reagan, the best governments and closest of people, the Hammersmith Republicans that I was taught to take care of the local people and make sure they're taking over, unfortunately is dead. And I just want to make that point that when you take responsibility and you see these county governments and stuff struggling to make it and making cuts, just remember, go back and take responsibility and tell them we are giving you far less money to work with than we did in years past.
Any other senator wish to speak for,
against or on? If not, Senator Disman, you're recognized to close. Senator has closed. Madam Secretary, please call the roll. Boyd,
Speaker 24
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Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Caldwell, Kroll, Davis, Dees, Dismang, Dotson, English,
Speaker 84
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Flippo Flowers Flowers Gilmore Hammer Hester Hickey Hill Irvin Blake Johnson Mark Johnson
Speaker 24
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King Letting I didn't say one way of the other She's an X Okay. King was no.
Senator Wallace. Any Senator wish to vote who did not vote? Senator Flowers, yes. Senator Clark, yes. Any
other Senator wish to change your vote? Seeing no others, please cast up the ballot by a vote of 30.
to yea to nay house bill 1100 passes and the corresponding emergency clause is adopted please return to the house next we will take up the batch of house bills senator dismayne house bill
Chair
Unverified
23:35
1007 by joint budget an act for the department of
Speaker 60
23:39
education division of Elementary and Secondary Education Public School Fund Appropriation for the 2026-2027
fiscal year. House Bill 1022 by Joint Budget, an act for the Arkansas Development Finance Authority Appropriation for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. House Bill 1023 by Joint Budget, an act for the Department of Human Services Secretary's Office Appropriation for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, House Bill 1034 by joint budget, an act for the Office of the Treasurer of State Appropriation for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, House Bill 1035 by joint budget, an act for the
Department of Health, Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Programs Appropriation for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, House Bill 1036 by joint budget, an act for the Department of Health Appropriation for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. House Bill 1053 by joint budget, an act for the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Appropriation for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. House Bill 1064 by joint budget, an act for the Department of Finance and Administration dispersing officer appropriation
for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. House Bill 1066 by joint budget, an act for the Department of Energy and Environment, Division of Environmental Quality Appropriation for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Any senators
batch? Seeing none, senator has closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote.
Chair
Unverified
25:23
Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Kroll, Davis, Dees. Dismang, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Simon, Stone, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Any Senator wish to change
Seeing no one, please cast up the ballot by a vote of 34 yea, 0 nay. House Bills 1007, 1022, 1023, 1034, 1035, 1036, 1053, 1064, and 1066 all passed in the corresponding emergency clauses are adopted. Please return to the House. Senator Mark Johnson, you're recognized.
Thank you Madam President. Colleagues, I started to speak on the RSA bill a moment ago and I decided this would probably be better because I just want to make sure it passed first. While I disagree with Senator King on the vote on that, I think he brings in very relevant points about funding local government. I promise to be brief. I know a lot of people worry about that. I don't want to say how many years ago, but many years ago,
I was involved with Governor Frank White when we first passed the local option sales tax. This was during the inflationary environment of the Jimmy Carter years. And because of the way, as you know, how property taxes are a year or two late in collections, Serious cash flow occurred in a lot of our local governments. Governor White said, well, we'll just give everybody the option to have a local option sales tax. And it was a great thing, and I thought it was really brilliant.
Like a lot of good things, after 30, 40 years, you look back at them and say, maybe we need to reconsider how we divide that kind of money up. And I think you can see how it happens with the shortfall of funding that some local governments have. We do have a, it's created a system of haves and have-nots. I had one instance, I won't name the county and the city, but I can tell you the mayor and the county judge had talked to me and said, we need some revenue, we really are hurting.
And I said, we'll pass a local option sales tax. He said, well, we could pass a 10% tax and it wouldn't do any good because we don't have the tax base to support it. He said, our people either go to the city over here in another county to the Walmart Supercenter, or they go over the other direction to the Walmart Supercenter, and our people pay the taxes there, and those people benefit and have lots of money to get things done with and bill ball fields and all that.
I've been working for some time on an idea to fix that without hurting. I want to help the have-nots without hurting the haves, and I won't even get into the details now, But I think we have some opportunities to reform our local sales tax system that will do just that. And I pledge to work with all of you and any of you that want to visit about it between now and January, because it is a major change in how we do business in Arkansas.
But I think it's something that would allow us to help local governments and meet a need that I thought Senator King properly pointed out. I've talked to several county judges about that need, and I think it's something we need to look at, and I look forward to seeking solutions in the January session. Thank you, Madam President. Thank you, Senator. Senator Dismang,
you're recognized. I'd like to ask Lee for our
physical staff to come on to the floor for just a minute.
That's what they're saying to us, Scott. so members we just wrapped up our business on budget so first
i want to say thank you all for sticking with us, working through the appropriation process, all the way starting from pre-budget.
I think we've been very engaged, involved. We've had lots of great debate. But at the end of the day, it's this row of people that are to my right that have really made us shine through this session. What you may not understand is when you leave this chamber, they haven't left the Capitol grounds. They're still working for you. And from the really, really good ideas to the really, really bad ideas, they're doing everything they can to make your idea successful. And so I just wanted to take just a second to thank them for everything that they do. But before we do that and we kind of celebrate them, we do have a new director over there in Wendy.
And you have done an incredible job. You don't have a, you know, the red beard, and we're okay with that. But, I mean, just an incredible first year. And we are just really, really blessed to have you and your team that's been with us work through this process. So with that, let's give them a big thank you. Thank you all very much.
Unknown speaker
31:36
Thank you very much. He misses. That's a lot. I'm not really.
Speaker 105
32:06
Senators, we will now take up the business agenda, beginning with House
Concurrent Memorial Resolution 1001. House Concurrent Memorial Resolution
Chair
Unverified
32:19
1001 by Representative Steele and Senators Love,
Speaker 60
32:23
Scott, Flowers, and Murdoch, in respectful memory of Bishop Kenneth Lindell Robinson, Sr., and in recognition of his many contributions to
Speaker 92
32:33
the state of Arkansas and to his local community.
Colleagues, I ask for leave for the family of Bishop Kenneth Robinson.
Leave. Colleagues, I come before you to present House Concurrent Memorial Resolution 1001. You know, there are many elected officials that probably knew Bishop Robinson better than I did. But for the time that I knew Bishop Robinson, he was a good man.
You know, Bishop Robinson is probably one of the few people, and I will say the few people, that every time that I saw him, first of all, he had that infectious laugh. But he always had a kind word to say. He was always in a great disposition, and he was always pleasant to be around. You know, when I would see him, he would always say, hey, how you doing, Doc?
He was always looking to check on you. That's what I knew about Bishop Robinson. Now, we could say a lot of things about our clergy, but one thing I can say about Bishop Robinson, that he was always concerned, he was always pleasant, and he always had a positive word to say. You know, four years ago, Senator Chesterfield had him on the floor praying. But before he prayed, he began to sing in, oh, how he lit up this chamber.
And so with that, Governor, I would like for the secretary to read House Concur Memorial Resolution 1001 in memory of Bishop Kenneth Robinson. Whereas Bishop Kenneth
Speaker 60
34:51
Lindell Robinson Sr. passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2026, in Little Rock, Arkansas, at the age of 61. And whereas Bishop Robinson was a pastor,
singer, musician, radio personality, and businessman active in Central Arkansas throughout his life. And whereas Bishop Robinson was the son of Ulysses Robinson Jr., and Liela Robinson, and Bishop Robinson grew up in the McAlmont community of North Little Rock. Whereas Bishop Robinson's father was a pastor, radio announcer, and gospel music performer, and Bishop Robinson's parents raised him in church, which would have a large impact on the course of Bishop Robinson's life. Whereas Bishop Robinson preached his first sermon when he was
11 years old and first became a pastor at the age of 18 when he led St. Stephen's Baptist Church in Scott. And whereas in February of 2026, Bishop Robinson celebrated 50 years of ministry. Whereas Bishop Robinson was the longtime host of Power Praise Gospel on KIPR 92.3 FM, the leader of the musical group Bishop Kenneth Robinson and Chosen, and the founder and president
of Robinson Mortuary. Whereas Bishop Robinson was the visionary behind the Bishop Kenneth L. Robinson Music Convention, a board member of the Gospel Music Workshop of America and chairman of the Gospel Music Workshop of America Quartet Division. Whereas Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. said of Bishop Robinson's passing, that Bishop Robinson was a visionary pastor, adept entrepreneur, gifted musician, and one of the founding fathers of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship
International. His leadership, creativity, and unwavering faith touched countless lives and strengthened the body of Christ. Whereas Bishop Robinson is survived by his wife of 38 years, Dr. Brenda Robinson, his children, Roderick, Kimbria, and Kenneth Jr., and his grandchildren. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the 95th General Assembly of the state of Arkansas, the Senate concurring therein, that the House of Representatives,
the Senate concurring therein, remember Bishop Kenneth L. Robinson Sr., and
Speaker 92
37:19
recognize his many contributions to the state of Arkansas and his local community. Colleagues, I
would ask for a favorable vote for our House Concurrent Memorial Resolution 1001. Thank
you, Senator Love. All those in favor of House Concurrent Memorial Resolution 1001, in respectful memory of Bishop Kenneth Liddell Robinson, Sr., and in recognition of his many contributions to the state of
Arkansas and to his local community, please signify by saying
Speaker 105
37:52
aye. Aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it. Memorial Resolution is concurred in. Thank you,
colleagues. I would ask for leave for Dr. Robinson as she will address the body for just one second. Dr.
Speaker 117
38:11
Robinson, you're recognized, ma'am. Great evening. I would just like to say thank you, thank
Speaker 119
38:16
you, thank you. I had the privilege of being
his soulmate for 38 years. And as I said, Bishop was a piece of work. But all those that knew me know that I am a piece of work. But it is my understanding that when you get two pieces of work together, we came together and we made all pieces work. And I just want to say thank you, thank you, thank you. For Bishop was a man who loved God and he loved all people. Thank you.
Speaker 105
38:49
The Senate will stand in recess for a brief moment.
Unknown speaker
39:19
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Senate will come back to order. Senator Love. Would someone pop their head out and let Senator Love know that we're going to
Chair
Unverified
41:48
take up Senate Resolution 32? Senate Resolution 32 by Senator Love to recognize the Parkview Arts and Sciences Magnet High School Patriots boys basketball team as a
Speaker 63
41:57
2026 class 5a state champions Senator Love you're recognized
Colleagues, I asked for leave for
Parkview High School basketball team Yeah, I
know y'all gonna come on. Come on fellas.
here and listen to everybody else talk about their champions.
So now I get to talk about my champions. All right, you all, this is Parkview High School. And I will tell you this, when I got my chance to say these are my champions, these are my champions. My son actually attends Parkview High School as well. Now, he does not play basketball. He is not one of these guys. He actually plays the cello, all right? So he excels in orchestra.
They excel in athletics. You all, can you give a warm round
of applause to Parkview High School? Can you give a warm round of
applause? You all, I'm going to ask, I am going to ask the secretary to read out the resolution for the 2026 Class 5A state champions. Madam Governor, can
Speaker 60
43:44
Whereas the Parkview Arts and Sciences Magnet High School Patriots boys basketball team clinched the Class 5A State Basketball Championship in an overtime win against the Marion High School Patriots at Bank OZK Arena in Hot Springs, Arkansas on March 14, 2026, with a final score of 63 to 57 and whereas the Patriots made a remarkable turnaround this season surging from a team with four wins and 25 losses in 2024-25 season to a team with an impressive
28 wins and five losses and an overall conference record of 15 wins and one loss during the 25-26 season. Whereas the Patriots were led to victory by head coach Jason Harrison, a former Patriots basketball player who graduated from Parkview Magnet High School in 1998. Whereas the Patriots were also led by assistant coaches. So sorry, that skipped. Whereas outstanding duo Jacob Lanier
and Aidan Hansberry pushed the team into victory during overtime scoring, all 14 of the points for the Patriots during overtime whereas late Patriots coach Al Flanagan who passed away in December of 2025 told the team right before his death that they would win a state title to which head coach Jason Harrison after winning the state championship responded if he were here I'd be looking him dead in his eyes and say man you were right whereas head coach Jason Harrison commented
on the Patriots' victory, that the kids worked hard. They've been a lot of peaks and valleys, ups and downs, but through it all, we stayed the course, we lost some games, and we learned from them. Every loss was a lesson, and we turned it into fuel. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Senate of the 95th General Assembly of the state of Arkansas that the Senate recognize the Parkview Magnet High School Patriots boys' basketball team for their persistence, teamwork, dedication, and character, and for winning the 2026 Class 5A State Championship.
Before I close, you all, I want to say there's two things. You see what is
written across the chest of these young men, right? They're family. Number two, I actually watched this young man right here grow up, grow up into an outstanding young man. And even though he's going to Nebraska, we're going to miss him. But you know what? All these young men are outstanding. And I want to say I'm asking for a favorable vote for Senate Resolution
32 to recognize the Parkview Patriots Basketball 5A champions.
Thank you, Senator. And although this group beat my husband's alma mater, the Marion Patriots, I'm going to ask for a good vote for all those in favor of Senate Resolution 32 to recognize the Parkview Arts and Sciences Magnet High School Patriots Boys Basketball Team as the 2026 Class 5A State Champions. Please signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it.
Speaker 116
47:08
Senate Resolution 32 is adopted. Congratulations, gentlemen.
So, you guys, I'm going to ask for leave just for a second so that Coach Harrison
Speaker 135
47:31
can address us. Coach, you're recognized. First of all, thank everyone for this extreme honor and recognition. Before you see young men who just believe and try to do the right things and we're very disciplined this year. We went through a lot of things.
We had a lot of ups and downs, but like I said, every loss that we had was a lesson. And at the end of the road was the championship, and you give all the credit to these guys, and my assistant coach, Coach Lasky as well, for the work. That's the key word, the work that they put in, and they did. They got a reward. So please give them a hand as well. Thank
you. Senate will stand very brief recess to allow for a few minute or so of photographs, but then it'll be very brief, Senator.
Unknown speaker
48:21
So, thank you. Senate will be in recess. Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Senate will be called back to order. Madam Secretary, are there items at the desk?
Chair
Unverified
53:36
Yes, Madam President. Dear Madam President, this is to inform you that on April 29, 2026, I reviewed and approved the following measures from the fiscal session of the 95th General Assembly.
Speaker 60
54:13
Senate Bill 73, Act 141, Senate Bill 76, Act 142. Sincerely, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Governor. Please file it. Senator Hester, you're recognized.
Members, I move that we resolve ourselves into
a committee of the whole for the purposes of receiving nominations and electing the Senate's president pro tempore designee for the 96th General Assembly.
All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it.
and I'm Senator Hester is going to sit in the seat and as much as I hate that I will not be able to say
Speaker 28
54:52
my favorite words of any session I will
see you all tonight okay members we are now on committee of the whole The time for making nominations is now open.
Would any senator like to be
recognized to nominate a candidate for president pro tempore? Senator Blake Johnson, you are
Chair
Unverified
55:28
recognized. On behalf of the Republican caucus, I'd like to nominate Senator Brianne Davis for president pro tem
designee. We have Senator Davis nominated. Are there any other nominations? Senator Ron Caldwell, you're recognized.
Senator Ronald Caldwell
Unverified
55:52
Thank you, Mr. Pro Tem. For the record, I've given notice to people in this chamber and to the Secretary of the Senate that I will be a nominee for the Pro Tem after the General Assembly is organized for the 96th General Assembly and when the Senate is organized for the 96th Assembly that I will be a candidate for President Pro Temp. Thank you. Thank you.
Chair
Unverified
56:23
Are there any other nominations for President Pro Tempore designee? Seeing none, Senator
Blake Johnson, you're recognized. I ask that nomination cease and President Pro Tem Designee be elected by acclamation.
have one nominee. There's an objection to that being by acclamation.
So I'm going to ask that we do a vote by division of the whole, of the body. which is something different than we normally do. So it's not a vote of record, but it is a vote I will call out the one member that was nominated, and members will stand if they want to vote for that person. Does everybody understand this is not something we normally do?
Okay. So this is something we not normally do. But, okay, with that, are we, everybody good? Okay, so what I'm going to do is we have one nominee, and I'm going to say members that are in support of that nominee, Senator Breanne Davis, being elected the president pro tempore designee, stand up and be counted. So, members, we have several options, but that's, Senator Irvin, you're recognized?
Senator Missy Irvin
Unverified
58:02
I just, I have a question as to the Senate rules about the election of pro
Senator Missy Irvin
Unverified
58:25
ask. To our attorney. Parliamentarian, sure. It's my understanding that whatever vote takes place today, is it not necessarily binding for the next General Assembly that's organized?
Is that correct? Yes, ma'am. Okay, thank you. Okay, so members, the question to you all is, if you support the election of Senator Breanne Davis as the 96th General Assembly President Pro Tempore Designate, please stand and be counted.
Chair
Unverified
59:11
I have, let me see. I have 20 members standing. Thank
Speaker 162
59:29
you. So by that vote, members, let me see here.
Okay, with 20 votes in affirmation, I'd like to announce and congratulate selected Senator Breanne Davis as the
president pro tempore designee for the 96th General Assembly. Senator Davis, you are recognized for some brief comments. Thank you, Mr. President and members.
Senator Breanne Davis
Unverified
1:00:14
I just want to take a moment to say thank you. I truly appreciate your support, and especially your willingness to work together to move forward. While pro tem and pro tem designee is a title that just one senator carries at a time, it takes all 35 very independent senators to keep this chamber strong, working for all Arkansans. Our work in cooperation takes effort and trust, and today I think that is a great example of that.
I'm grateful for the collaboration and respect shown throughout this process, and I look forward to continuing this kind of work together. Thank you. Members, without objection,
I move that the body rise and report, meaning
we'll go back into session. Without objection, we're back into session.
Okay, after conferring with the House of Representatives and determining there is no further business to come before the Senate in the fiscal session of the 95th General Assembly, I move that the Senate adjourn, signee die. Subject to clearing of the desk. Hey, members, I did intend to make one announcement. Because I know we expect to be coming back into a special session early next week.
At that time, at the end of that, we will take the time to honor our staff and our outgoing members. So we didn't do that today because I
Speaker 157
1:01:57
know we expect to be coming back Monday. Okay, Senator
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
Unverified
1:02:00
Hickey, you're recognized? I'm sorry, I should have already done this, and I know this may be a little odd. If the governor does call us into a special session, as we do believe that she's going to, I want to let everybody know that whenever we come back Monday, it'll be our intent, if you all do waive the one-day provision that we have, the way that we've been doing, that we will go straight to revenue and tax to hear the tax cut bill.
But I also just want to do this so that the public will be aware that that is our intent. Thank you. Thank you.
Agenda
Call to Order
Roll Call
Prayer
Pledge of Allegiance
Announcements
Doctor of the Day
Items to be Read Across the Desk
BUSINESS AGENDA
HOUSE CONCURRENT MEMORIAL RESOLUTIONS FOR THIRD READING AND ADOPTION
HCMR1001 Steele Love IN RESPECTFUL MEMORY OF BISHOP KENNETH LYDELL ROBINSON SR. AND IN RECOGNITION OF HIS MANY CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE STATE OF ARKANSAS AND TO HIS LOCAL COMMUNITY.
RESOLUTIONS FOR THIRD READING AND ADOPTION
SR32 F. Love TO RECOGNIZE THE PARKVIEW ARTS AND SCIENCES MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL PATRIOTS BOYS' BASKETBALL TEAM AS THE 2026 CLASS 5A STATE CHAMPIONS.
Recess
Reconvene
Recess
Reconvene
Budget Bills and their Emergency Clauses to be considered which have been introduced by Joint Budget Committee
HB1007 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - DIVISION OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION - PUBLIC SCHOOL FUND APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
HB1022 AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS DEVELOPMENT FINANCE AUTHORITY APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
HB1023 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - SECRETARY'S OFFICE APPROPRIATION FOR THE 20262027 FISCAL YEAR.
HB1034 AN ACT FOR THE OFFICE OF THE TREASURER OF STATE APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
HB1035 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH - TOBACCO PREVENTION AND CESSATION PROGRAMS APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
HB1036 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
HB1053 AN ACT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT LITTLE ROCK APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
HB1064 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION - DISBURSING OFFICER APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
HB1066 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT - DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
Vote on Batch House Budget Bills introduced by Joint Budget Committee
Bureau of Legislative Research Fiscal Staff recognition
Budget Bills and their Emergency Clauses to be considered which have been introduced by Representatives
HB1100 TO AMEND THE REVENUE STABILIZATION LAW; TO CREATE FUNDS; TO MAKE TRANSFERS TO AND FROM FUNDS AND FUND ACCOUNTS; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.
Vote on HB1100
Items to be Read Across the Desk
Adjourn - Sine Die of the 95th General Assembly Fiscal Session
Call to Order - Committee of the Whole
Nominations
Vote by Division
Vote
Documents
No documents posted.
Speakers
Speaker 1
Speaker 9
Senator Jonathan Dismang Chair
Unverified
Senator Kim Hammer
Unverified
Senator Mark Johnson Chair
Unverified
Chair
Unverified
Senator Jim Dotson Chair
Unverified
Speaker 30
Speaker 33
Senator Steve Crowell Chair
Unverified
Senator Fredrick J. Love Chair
Unverified
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
Unverified
Senator Breanne Davis
Unverified
Speaker 34
Senator Matt Stone
Unverified
Speaker 60
Speaker 63
Speaker 71
Speaker 75
Senator Clint Penzo
Unverified
Senator Bryan King
Unverified
Speaker 24
Speaker 84
Speaker 105
Speaker 92
Speaker 117
Speaker 119
Speaker 127
Speaker 125
Speaker 116
Speaker 135
Speaker 3
Senator Bart Hester Chair
Unverified
Speaker 28
Senator Ronald Caldwell
Unverified
Speaker 150
Senator Missy Irvin
Unverified
Speaker 157
Speaker 162