Senate Convenes
Video
Transcript
Bills discussed (19)
| Bill | Title | Sponsor | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
|
HB1100
Act 143
· 10 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “HB1100 TO AMEND THE REVENUE STABILIZATION LAW; TO CREATE FUNDS; TO…”
|
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…”
|
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…”
|
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 … |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH - ARKANSAS TOBACCO SETTLEMENT COMMISSION APPROPRIATION FOR THE … | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB5 is now Act 65 |
|
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…”
|
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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Speaker 9
6:00
Yeah >> The 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,
Senator Kim Hammer
Unverified
6:19
I would like to ask leave for a very special lady in the room, and that would be my wife Karen, who's 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
Speaker 15
6:31
leave? Senator Mark Johnson. >> Thank you, Madam President. I'd like
to ask leave for a special group of folks from South Side High School. Former Senator Sturch is here with them, and uh there's at least one of my constituents over there, Ava Weeks. So, uh, Ava, we'll get together in a moment, but just ask Lee for these folks. Thank >> you. >> Any other requests for leave? Blake Johnson. Oh, I'm sorry,
Chair
Unverified
7:01
Senator Blake Johnson. >> Any others? >> Madam Secretary, please call the roll. >> Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Kroll, Davis, Des, Dismaying, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Peyton, Penzo, Petty,
Rice, 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, and 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 ninety-fifth General Assembly. I pray that we would all make good decisions and that everyone would be able to have a safe, safe travels home and the Senate would win the baseball game or the softball game tonight. Jesus' name, I pray. Amen. >>
Speaker 30
8:24
To the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic. one nation under God indivisible with liberty. her.
>> Thank you, Senator, for those words. Ladies and Gentlemen in the galleries, welcome to the 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 morning hour has now begun. Any announcements or introductions at this time, Senator Kroll, you
Speaker 33
9:03
are recognized. >> I wanted to take a point of personal privilege. There's a young
lady, my wife up there, um, about a couple weeks ago, she was named Woman 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 Eng Energy, they're here for their capital today. They have Members here who work in the energy industry from Intergy, Myso, and other companies in the State. Please welcome them. >> Any other introductions or announcements, Senator Hickey, you're recognized, >> right? This just got
given to me, uh, Dr. Jason Lofton. He's our doctor today
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
Unverified
10:08
with Family Medicine in De Queen, Arkansas, and the nurse is Lee Ferrazone. Is that? Did I say that correct? Close enough. My apologies. But y'all would welcome them. >> Other announcements or introductions. If not, I'm
going to take a point of personal privilege and Introduce A couple of the folks that uh Senator Mark Johnson
asked leave for in addition to former Senator Sturch bringing students from my alma mater of South Side 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 and Shell. She aspires to
be a high school English teacher. She's a junior at Washita Baptist. She was Miss Washita Baptist University and now Miss Southwest Arkansas, headed to the Miss Arkansas pageant. In June, her platform is backseat buddies. It's to help get a law passed in Arkansas for back seats to be those in back seats 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 Peyton
and since Senator Peyton's not here today, I want to make sure we introduce. James, he is 18. He is a senior at South Side Charter High School. His teacher is Senator James Sturch. 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 you here today. Senator Davis, you're
Senator Breanne Davis
Unverified
12:11
recognized. >> Thank you, Madam President. I'd, um, like to do two things. First, I'd like to recognize up in the gallery, the Arkansas Tech University Golden Suns cross country team, um, and coach Dave Wilbur's 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 Cersei later today to run in a conference, uh, track, uh,
cross country meet. So, good luck. Um, and the second thing is Senator Murdoch has a birthday today. If we could all take a
Speaker 34
13:01
moment and sing happy birthday to our favorite Senator named Murdoch. >> you. there. it >> I.
Senator Matt Stone
Unverified
13:19
Senator Stone, you're recognized. >> Members, I would like to recognize the Parker's Chapel, um, district, our, uh, State champion cheerleading team. They represent the 182A 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 in, so they reached out to me. I have them up here in the gallery. So if y'all 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
Chair
Unverified
14:12
at the desk? >> Yes, Madam President. Dear Madam President, this is to inform you that on April 23, 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 56, Act 68. Sincerely,
Sarah Huckabee Huckabee Sanders, Governor of Arkansas,
Speaker 60
14:30
Violet. Notice of the passage and return from the House of Senate Bill
Chair
Unverified
14:36
3. >> Enroll it. >> Senate Bill 4. >> Enroll it. Senate
Speaker 63
14:41
>> 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. But We're going to begin with the budget calendar. Senator Dismain,
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 gonna read those off.
If there's anything you'd like to pull out, uh, for a separate vote, let me know. Uh, we will be voting the House version of RSA just like what we passed out the other day or yesterday, uh, first. So with that, I'm gonna 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. I'd like to pull any of those out for a separate vote. All right, seeing none, then we'll bring up our, uh, House Bill 1100. >> I'll still By Representative G to amend the revenue
Chair
Unverified
16:24
stabilization law to create funds to make transfers to and from funds and fund accounts and to declare an emergency.
Speaker 71
16:32
>> Any questions or Senator dismay, you're recognized. We
Speaker 75
16:41
have to take any questions. Anyone wish to speak against or
Senator Clint Penzo
Unverified
16:49
for. Senator Penzo, you're recognized to speak >> on. Thank you, Madam President. I just wanted to make, make my position known on this. Yesterday, you know, I had some, some guests here from out of the country. I'd left the room and um. Uh, SB 35 is a companion
built 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. Um, if you're out of the room, you don't object. Everybody's voted yes unless you change your vote. Um, so when the vote was counted up, I was out of the room and, uh, just wanted everybody to know why it was a yes on SB
35, um, and while I'll be a no on HB 1100. Um, I have several positions on why I'm opposed to it, but I just wanted my constituents to know why I 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 speak against. >> Thank you, Madam President, to explain my dissension yesterday
Senator Bryan King
Unverified
18:03
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. In 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 the 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 anemics 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 have amounted to in the last five years around $450 million. Last these next 4 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 4 years to $10 million less going back to your cities and counties to work with at a time they're facing more increased costs. 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 does Pulaski County got? 56 Senators? That means 50 to $60 million 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, the closest of people, the Hammerschmidt Republicans that I was taught to take care of the local people and make sure they're taken 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 Disma you're recognized to close. Senator has closed. Madam Secretary, please call the >> roll. Boy Boyd Bryant Caldwell. Caldwell. Kroll Davis,
Chair
Unverified
21:47
Flowers. Flowers. Gilmore, Hammer, Hester
Speaker 89
22:09
Letting I didn't say one way or the other. She's
Speaker 24
22:27
an ex King was no. Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Peyton. Penzo petty rice. Scott, Simon, Stone,
Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. >> Any Senator
wished to vote who did not vote. Send her 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 32 yay, 2 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 Dismay >> House Bill 1007 by Joint Budget, an Act for the Department of Education Division of Elementary and Secondary
Chair
Unverified
23:42
Education Public School Fund appropriation for
Speaker 60
23:44
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, Secretaries'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 wish to speak against or for the batch, seeing none, Senator
has closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Seeing no objection. Madam Secretary, please roll the vote.
Chair
Unverified
25:28
>> Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark Kroll, Davis Dees Dismay Dotson, English Flippo Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King Letting Love McKee, Murdoch, Peyton, Penzo, Petty,
Rice, Scott, Simon Stone, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. >> Any Senator wish to change his or her vote.
up the ballot by a vote of 34 yay, 0 nay. House bills 1007, 1022, 1023, 1034, 1035, 1036, 1053, 1064, and 11066 all passed and the corresponding
emergency clauses are adopted. Please return to the House. Senator Mark Johnson, you're recognized. >> Thank you, Madam President. Uh, colleagues, I started to speak, uh, on the RSA
bill a moment ago, um. And I'd say 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 in 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, 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 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, 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, uh, 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 to the other
direction to the Walmart Supercenter. And our people pay the taxes there and those people benefits and have lots of money to get things done with and build ball fields and all that. I've been working for some time on an idea to fix that without hurting. I want to hurt. 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, 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 Dismay, you're recognized. >> Yeah, I'd
like to ask leave for our fiscal 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. Uh, I think we've been very engaged, involved, we've had lots of great debate, uh, but at the end of the day it's this row of people that are to my right, uh, that have really made us shine through. Session, uh, what you May not understand is, is when, when you leave this Chamber they haven't left the Capitol grounds. They're still working for you and you know, from the really, really good ideas to the really, really bad ideas, they're
doing everything they can to make your ideas successful, um, and so I just want to take just a second to thank them for everything that they do and but before we do that and before we, uh, kind of celebrate them. We do have a new director over there in Wendy, and you have done an incredible job. Uh, you don't have a, you know, the red beard, and we're, we're OK with that, uh, but I mean just an incredible first year and we are just really, really blessed to have you and your team, uh, that's been with us, uh, worked through this process.
So with that, let's give them a big thank you. Thank you all very much. >> Thanks guys. Thanks guys. Thank you. venture.
Speaker 103
31:35
>> Y'all are awesome, thank >> you very much. Thank you, thanks. You misses. That's a lot. I. Yes.
Speaker 105
32:08
>> Senators, we will now take up the business agenda beginning with House concurrent
memorial resolution. 1001 >> House concurrent Memorial Resolution 1001 by
Chair
Unverified
32:24
Representative Steele and Senators Love, Scott, Flowers, and Murdoch
Speaker 60
32:28
in respectful memory of Bishop Kenneth Lindell Robinson Senior and in recognition of his many contributions to the State of Arkansas and to his local
Speaker 92
32:38
community. >> Colleagues, I ask for leave for the family
of Bishop Kenneth Robinson. >> I >> 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, 4 years ago. Um, Senator Chesterfield had him on the floor praying, but before he prayed, he began to sing and oh how he lit up this Chamber and so with that. Governor, I would like for
the Secretary to read House Concurrent Memorial Resolution 1001. In memory of Bishop Kenneth Robinson. >> Whereas Bishop Kenneth Lindell Robinson Senior passed
Speaker 60
34:56
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 Junior and Leella Robinson, and Bishop Robinson grew up in the McAlmet 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 Saint 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 KKIPR 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 Junior 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, Doctor Brenda Robinson. His children Roderick, Kimbria, and Kenneth Junior 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 recognize his many contributions to the State of Arkansas and his local
Speaker 92
37:24
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 and
current 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 Aye. Any opposed, Ayes have it. House concurrent memorial resolution is concurred in. >> Thank you, colleagues I
Speaker 105
37:57
would I would ask, I would ask for leave for Doctor Robinson as she will address
the body for just one second. >> Doctor Robinson, you're recognized, ma'am. >> Great evening. I would just like to say thank you, thank
Speaker 117
38:18
you, thank you. I had the privilege of
Speaker 119
38:21
being his soul mate for 38 years, and as I said, Bishop was a piece of work. But all those that know 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. >> The Senate will stand in recess
The Senate will come back to order. Send her love. Would someone pop their head out and let Senator Love know that we're going to take up Senate Resolution 32. >> Senate
Chair
Unverified
41:53
Resolution 32 by Senator Love to recognize the Parkview Arts and Sciences Magnet High School Patriots boys'
basketball team as the 2026 Class 5A State champions. >> Senator
Speaker 63
42:00
Love, you're recognized >> right here. Colleagues, I asked for leave for Parkview High School basketball team. Yeah, no, y'all
gonna come on, come on, fellas, yeah, yeah, come
on, just line up all the way down. Hey Li
here, since, since, since you're my old neighbor, you stand right here.
Speaker 127
42:28
Alright, is that, is that everybody with you?
OK, alright. Now I, I've, I've sat here and listened 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. Uh, 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 the orchestra they excel in athletics. You all, can you give a warm round of applause to Parkview High School. Can you give a warm?
You are, I'm, I'm gonna ask, I am gonna ask the Secretary
to read out the resolution for the 2026 class five A State champions, madam. Governor, can you Go ahead, go ahead, Sabrina. >> Whereas the Parkview
Speaker 60
43:49
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 4 wins and 25 losses in 2024-2020205 season to a team with an impressive 28 wins and 5 losses and an overall conference record of 15 wins and 1 loss during the 25-226 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 Aiden 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 this, 2 things. You see what is written across the chest of these young men, right?
Their family. Number 2, I grew, 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 gonna miss them, but you know what, all these young men are outstanding, and I want to say I, 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. Any opposed? Ayes have it. Senate Resolution 32 is adopted. Congratulations, Gentlemen. >> I'm. So, so you guys, I'm gonna
Speaker 116
47:13
ask for leave just for a second so that Coach
Harrison can address us. They >> Coach, you're recognized. >> First of all, I thank
Speaker 135
47:34
everyone uh for this uh extreme honor and this recognition. Uh, before you see young men who just believe and uh try to do the right things and we're very disciplined this year. Uh, we went through a lot of things. We had a lot of ups and downs, but like I said, every. The loss that we had was a lesson, and at the end of the road was a championship, and you give all the credit to these guys and my assistant coach, uh, Coach Lasky as well for the work, and 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 minutes or so of photographs, but then it'll be
very brief, Senator. So, thank you.
Senate will be called back to order. Madam Secretary, are there items at the desk? >>
Chair
Unverified
53:41
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. Senate Bill 8, Act 129, Senate Bill 10, Act 130, Senate Bill 16, Act 131, Senate Bill 20, Act 132, Senate Bill 23, Act 133, Senate Bill
Speaker 60
53:58
30, Act 134, Senate Bill 36, Act
135, Senate Bill 43, Act 13. 6 Senate Bill 55 Act 137, Senate Bill 58 Act 138, Senate Bill 63 Act 139, Senate Bill 67, Act 140, 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 mov'e 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 ninety-sixth General Assembly. >> All those in favor, please signify by saying 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 my favorite words of any Session, I
>> OK, Members, we are now in Committee of the whole. Uh, 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 recognized. >> On behalf of the Republican Caucus,
Chair
Unverified
55:33
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. >> Thank you, Mr. pro Tem. For the
Senator Ronald Caldwell
Unverified
55:58
record, I've noticed, 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 ninety-sixth General Assembly and when the Senate is organized for the '96th Assembly, that I will be a candidate for President pro Tem. Thank you. >> Thank you. Are there any other nominations
Chair
Unverified
56:28
for President pro tempore designee? Seeing none, Senator Blake Johnson, you're recognized. >> Basket nomination cease and uh
President pro tem designee uh be uh
be elected by acclamation. >> OK, we have one nominee. There's an objection to that
going to ask that we do a 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 we will, uh, I will call out
the member, the one member that was nominated, and we'll, uh, Members will stand if they want to vote for that person. Does everybody understand this is not something we normally do. OK. So this is something we not normally do. But uh OK, with that, are we. Everybody good?
OK, so, 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 Brianne Davis being elected the President pro tempore designee, stand up and be counted. So Members, we have several options, but that's Senator Ervin. You're recognized. >> I just, I have a question as
Senator Missy Irvin
Unverified
58:08
to the Senate rules. About the election of pro tem race.
>> OK, well, you're welcome to ask.
Speaker 157
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>> To our attorney >> Parliamentarian, sure.
Senator Missy Irvin
Unverified
58:30
>> 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. OK, thank you. >> OK, so
Members, the, uh, the, the question to you all is, if you support the election of Senator Brianne Davis as the ninety-sixth General Assembly President pro tempore designate, please stand and be counted. I have, let me see, 12.
Chair
Unverified
59:22
I have 20 Members standing. Thank you. So by that
Speaker 162
59:34
vote, Members. Let me see here. OK, with 20
votes in affirmation, I'd like to announce and congratulate selected Senator Brianne Davis
as the President pro tempore designee for the
ninety-sixth General Assembly. Senator Davis, you are recognized for some brief comments. >> Thank you, Mr.. President and Members. I just want to take a
Senator Breanne Davis
Unverified
1:00:17
moment to say thank you. I truly appreciate your support and especially your willingness to work together to mov'e 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 and 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. >> Without objection, I mov'e that the body rise and report, meaning we'll go
back into Session. Without objection, we're back into Session. OK.
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 ninety-fifth General Assembly, I mov'e that the Senate adjourn signee die. Subject to clearing of the desk. Hey Members, I, I did intend to make one announcement, uh, 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 know we expect to be coming back Monday. OK, Senator Hickey, you're recognized. >> I'm
Speaker 157
1:02:02
sorry, I should have already done this, and I know
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
Unverified
1:02:05
this May be a little odd. If the Governor does call us into 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 uh 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. >> You Cricket. that here.
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 9
Senator Jonathan Dismang Chair
Unverified
Senator Kim Hammer
Unverified
Speaker 15
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 89
Speaker 103
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