House Convenes
Video
Transcript
Bills discussed (29)
| Bill | Title | Sponsor | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
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HR1052
· 2 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “HR1052 House Management TO RESCIND THE ACCESS TO AND USE OF THE CH…”
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TO RESCIND THE ACCESS TO AND USE OF THE CHAMBER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES … | House Management | WITHDRAWN BY AUTHOR |
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SB75
Act 144
· 2 mentions in transcript, chapter
Matched: “calendar. We're going to pass over first, Senate Bill 75. Madam Clerk, please read Senate”
|
TO AMEND THE REVENUE STABILIZATION LAW; TO CREATE FUNDS; TO MAKE TRANSFERS TO AND FROM … | J. Dismang | Notification that SB75 is now Act 144 |
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SB77
· 2 mentions in transcript, chapter
Matched: “Bill 77. Senate Bill 77. Senator Johnson, you are recognized.”
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AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION DIVISION APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 … | C. Tucker | Died on House Calendar at Sine Die adjournment. |
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HR1020
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HR1020 Womack TO HONOR FREDERICK HENRY MIDDLETON, ASSISTANT SUPERI…”
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TO HONOR FREDERICK HENRY MIDDLETON, ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF THE STREET DEPARTMENT, UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM … | Womack | READ AND ADOPTED. |
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HR1021
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HR1021 L. Johnson TO DESIGNATE MAY 2026 AS SKIN CANCER AWARENESS M…”
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TO DESIGNATE MAY 2026 AS SKIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH. | L. Johnson | READ AND ADOPTED. |
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HR1022
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HR1022 McCullough CONGRATULATING THE ROLLIN' RAZORBACKS FOR WINNIN…”
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CONGRATULATING THE ROLLIN' RAZORBACKS FOR WINNING THEIR SIXTH DIVISION II NATIONAL WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP. | McCullough | READ AND ADOPTED. |
|
HR1028
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HR1028 John Carr TO RECOGNIZE THE ROGERS HIGH SCHOOL LADY MOUNTIES…”
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TO RECOGNIZE THE ROGERS HIGH SCHOOL LADY MOUNTIES GIRLS' CROSS COUNTRY TEAM AS THE 2024 … | John Carr | READ AND ADOPTED. |
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HR1029
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HR1029 John Carr TO RECOGNIZE THE ROGERS HIGH SCHOOL MOUNTIES BASE…”
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TO RECOGNIZE THE ROGERS HIGH SCHOOL MOUNTIES BASEBALL TEAM AS THE 2025 6A BASEBALL STATE … | John Carr | READ AND ADOPTED. |
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HR1030
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HR1030 John Carr TO RECOGNIZE THE ROGERS HIGH SCHOOL MOUNTIES BOYS…”
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TO RECOGNIZE THE ROGERS HIGH SCHOOL MOUNTIES BOYS' TENNIS TEAM FOR WINNING THE 2024 CLASS … | John Carr | READ AND ADOPTED. |
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HR1031
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HR1031 John Carr TO RECOGNIZE THE ROGERS HIGH SCHOOL LADY MOUNTIES…”
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TO RECOGNIZE THE ROGERS HIGH SCHOOL LADY MOUNTIES GIRLS' WRESTLING TEAM AS THE 2026 CLASS … | John Carr | READ AND ADOPTED. |
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HR1032
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HR1032 John Carr TO RECOGNIZE THE ROGERS HIGH SCHOOL MOUNTIES BOYS…”
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TO RECOGNIZE THE ROGERS HIGH SCHOOL MOUNTIES BOYS GOLF TEAM AS THE 2025 CLASS 6A … | John Carr | READ AND ADOPTED. |
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HR1038
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HR1038 Wooldridge TO RECOGNIZE APRIL AS CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MON…”
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TO RECOGNIZE APRIL AS CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH IN ARKANSAS AND TO COMMEND THE COURT … | Wooldridge | READ AND ADOPTED. |
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HR1040
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HR1040 Painter TO RECOGNIZE THE MOUNTAIN HOME HIGH SCHOOL BOMBERS…”
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TO RECOGNIZE THE MOUNTAIN HOME HIGH SCHOOL BOMBERS AS THE 2025 CLASS 5A BOYS' CROSS … | Painter | READ AND ADOPTED. |
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HR1041
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HR1041 Painter TO RECOGNIZE THE MOUNTAIN HOME HIGH SCHOOL BOMBERS…”
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TO RECOGNIZE THE MOUNTAIN HOME HIGH SCHOOL BOMBERS AS THE 2025 CLASS 5A GIRLS' CROSS … | Painter | READ AND ADOPTED. |
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HR1042
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HR1042 Richmond TO RECOGNIZE THE MANSFIELD HIGH SCHOOL LADY TIGERS…”
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TO RECOGNIZE THE MANSFIELD HIGH SCHOOL LADY TIGERS VOLLEYBALL TEAM AS THE 2025 CLASS 3A … | Richmond | READ AND ADOPTED. |
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HR1043
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HR1043 Holladay TO RECOGNIZE THE NORTH LITTLE ROCK HIGH SCHOOL LAD…”
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TO RECOGNIZE THE NORTH LITTLE ROCK HIGH SCHOOL LADY CHARGING WILDCATS GIRLS' BASKETBALL TEAM AS … | Holladay | READ AND ADOPTED. |
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HR1044
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HR1044 McCullough TO RECOGNIZE THE MOUNT SAINT MARY ACADEMY BELLES…”
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TO RECOGNIZE THE MOUNT SAINT MARY ACADEMY BELLES GOLF TEAM AS THE 2025 CLASS 6A … | McCullough | READ AND ADOPTED. |
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HR1045
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HR1045 K. Brown TO CONGRATULATE THE CENTRAL ARKANSAS CHRISTIAN HIG…”
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TO CONGRATULATE THE CENTRAL ARKANSAS CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR FOR ITS ACHIEVEMENTS AT THE 2026 … | K. Brown | READ AND ADOPTED. |
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HR1047
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HR1047 Duffield TO RECOGNIZE THE MANY ACHIEVEMENTS OF COACH DAVE W…”
|
TO RECOGNIZE THE MANY ACHIEVEMENTS OF COACH DAVE WILBERS OF THE ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY GOLDEN … | Duffield | READ AND ADOPTED. |
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HR1048
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HR1048 Duffield TO RECOGNIZE THE ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY GOLDEN S…”
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TO RECOGNIZE THE ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY GOLDEN SUNS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM FOR WINNING THE GREAT … | Duffield | READ AND ADOPTED. |
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HR1049
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HR1049 Hall TO RECOGNIZE KOPPER KETTLE CANDIES FOR ITS ACHIEVEMENT…”
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TO RECOGNIZE KOPPER KETTLE CANDIES FOR ITS ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE ART OF CANDY MAKING. | Hall | READ AND ADOPTED. |
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HR1050
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HR1050 Brooks TO RECOGNIZE THE JOE T. ROBINSON HIGH SCHOOL SENATOR…”
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TO RECOGNIZE THE JOE T. ROBINSON HIGH SCHOOL SENATORS AS THE 2025 CLASS 5A FOOTBALL … | Brooks | READ AND ADOPTED. |
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HR1051
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HR1051 Brooks TO RECOGNIZE THE JOE T. ROBINSON HIGH SCHOOL SENATOR…”
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TO RECOGNIZE THE JOE T. ROBINSON HIGH SCHOOL SENATORS BOYS' SWIM AND DIVE TEAM AS … | Brooks | READ AND ADOPTED. |
|
SB15
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB15 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, HERITAGE, AND TOURISM -…”
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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
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB21 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - DIVISION OF A…”
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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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SB3
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB3 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF SHARED ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES…”
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AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF SHARED ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR. | Joint Budget Committee | DELIVERED TO GOVERNOR. |
|
SB31
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB31 AN ACT FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS APPROPRI…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR. | Joint Budget Committee | DELIVERED TO GOVERNOR. |
|
SB4
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB4 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH - LICENSING AND REGULAT…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH - LICENSING AND REGULATION BOARDS APPROPRIATION FOR THE … | Joint Budget Committee | DELIVERED TO GOVERNOR. |
|
SB7
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB7 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - STATE INSURANCE DEP…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - STATE INSURANCE DEPARTMENT APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 … | Joint Budget Committee | DELIVERED TO GOVERNOR. |
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Unknown speaker
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Speaker 9
10:00
I invite the members, staff, press, and guests in the galleries to stand and be led in prayer by Pastor
Chair
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Richard Hamlin, Senior Pastor of Faith Baptist Church of Cabot
and to remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance to be led by Representative Lane Jean. Let
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us pray. Heavenly Father God, we are mindful today of your word to us in the book of Hebrews where you told us to look unto Jesus, the author and the finisher of our faith. And Lord, we're so thankful that he did that because if you'd have left it up to us, we could have never done it. So we're thankful for that. But you told us to look to him as an example,
lest we be weary and faint in our minds. And I know this legislature is drawn to a close. And they perhaps feel physical weariness, but even the mental weariness that comes. And so I pray, God, that you would help them today and you'd give them clarity and thought that they'd be able to finish their course with joy.
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And I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen. Members, please
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indicate your presence by pushing your yellow present button.
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Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Everyone indicated their
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presence. Cast up the ballot. 99 members present, the chair sees a quorum.
be no request for leave. Representative Mike Holcomb moves that we dispense of the reading of the previous day's journal. No objection, so ordered. Madam
Chair
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12:38
Clerk, do we have any reports from select committees? Any reports from standing committees? Any
Speaker 9
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unfinished business? Do we have any executive communications? We have none. Members, again, it's great to see guests in our galleries. Very thankful to have them here to be a part of our proceedings today.
I'd ask you at this time if you would rise so we can recognize and honor our guests that are here. Be able to send your attention to the back of the chamber we have with us today first. Game Warden Destiny Woods from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Good to have Destiny back with us today. We also have Corporal Trey Keller from the Highway Patrol administration, thank you both for being here and what you do for our state.
Over in the back, we have our doctor of the day. We have Dr. Jason Lofton here. He is a family medicine physician from Dequeen. He is guest of Representative Deanne Vaught. Working alongside Dr. Lofton today, here with us every day during the session, we are so grateful for your service, our nurse, Ms. Leigh Fazio. Members, if you will turn
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your attention over to the East Gallery, guest here today of
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Representative Alex Holliday. We have the 6A State Basketball Champions. We have the North Little Rock High School Lady Charging Wildcats. Would you please make them welcome. Also in the East
Chair
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Gallery, guest today of Representative Fred Allen. We have representatives of the Arkansas chapter of the American Association of Blacks
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in Energy. Thank you very much for what you do
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for our state and country. We'll turn over now to the
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West Gallery. First we have here guests today of representative
Chair
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Matt Duffield. We have the, there they are. We have the Arkansas Tech University Gold and Sons cross country team. We have Mackenzie Epperson, Avery Stanley, Libby Booth, Ellie Atkins, Audrey Hill, Ainsley
Rollins. today by coach Dave Wilbers who is retiring. Congratulations Sarah on your career and retirement. Coach Gabe Sams and Athletic Director Abbey Davis. Would you please make them welcome to the house. And as you see they
have been out I guess running another race this morning so they are cross-country-ing into the West Gallery.
The team members have just arrived. Let's give them a big warm welcome. Ladies,
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thank you. There's a familiar face up in the West Gallery that many of you know, and
Chair
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many of you have seen around here for some time. Recently retired after more than 30 years as an Arkansas pharmacist, spending the last 25
in a clinical role at Washington Regional Medical Center.
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Congratulations on your retirement. Guest today of Representative David Whitaker is his wife, Dr. Lisa Whitaker. Up above
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me in the North Gallery today, a couple of faces that you should see around here
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starting in January very regularly.
We have with us representative elects Michael Mason and representative elect Talisha Doakes. We're still
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anticipating some executive communications, so I didn't want to get too far ahead of ourselves.
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We still have not received those yet. Okay. Representative Vaught moves that we
Chair
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adopt all resolutions listed on the consent calendar without objection. The resolutions are approved and adopted. Let the journal reflect that all resolutions received more than 51 votes
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and were properly approved and adopted by the body.
Chair
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Madam Clerk, please read House Resolution 1052. House Resolution 1052 by Representative Vaught to rescind the access to and use of
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the chamber of the House of Representatives by Arkansas Girls State for its annual meeting.
Representative DeAnn Vaught
Unverified
18:16
Representative Vaught, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For the last several weeks, there's been a group of us that's really been working really hard on this issue that we've been having with Girls State. I will say it's been a very difficult last couple of weeks, and especially this last week. I want to thank Representative Brooks, Representative Hawk, Representative Hudson, and Senator Davis, because they have poured many, many hours into trying to help 150 young girls
who were not allowed to register for Girls' State. Now, many of you may be wondering, why didn't these girls get to register? There's a couple of simple answers to that. One is, counselors missed the deadline, and that deadline fell on Friday during spring break. And it was earlier than normal. And two, basically just because the auxiliary said, because we said so. Now listen, I believe that we all believe in deadlines, and I believe that deadlines do matter, and they do teach responsibility.
But I also believe we should not punish students for something that was not their fault. There are 150 young ladies who deserve to go to Girls State. they met every qualification that was asked of them the only thing they didn't meet was a deadline and I think it's important to remember that deadline was missed by our counselors and at this time right now is the most is the busiest time for a counselor in our schools they're dealing with testing class
scheduling college applications scholarships and when I say scholarships Now these young ladies will not be able to put Girl State on their scholarship applications. They're also helping students through mental and behavioral challenges. So there is a lot on them. And sometimes things just get missed. I'm sure you've all missed a bill once or twice in your life. But here is what I struggle with. We live in a world where we can give extensions on taxes.
And that's all about money. But when it comes to 150 young ladies and an opportunity that can impact them for the rest of their lives, they are told no, simply because no one wants to. That just doesn't sit right with me. And I know I've spoken with several of you, and you've told me the same thing, that it just doesn't sit right with you either. yesterday the american legion auxiliary put out a statement saying that they would that there
would be reforms next year to the registration process and i have to ask if we know it needs fixing again i say if we know it needs fixing why not fix it now why not just do the right thing and let these girls in why not make why make them wait until next year for something we already know should be corrected today at the end of the day though our resolution was never about being
punitive we never wanted to take anything away from any of the young ladies who were already earned their spots there that was never the heart of the resolution our goal has always been simply to do what's right help create a pathway for a hundred and fifty young ladies to be considered not just dismissed we want everybody to be included not excluded you see serving our constituents also means looking out for
the next generation and that's what we've been doing in this building in In the very chairs that you're sitting in, we are often called to work things out. But when we do, we do it with civility, by coming to the table, having calm conversations, and working toward a solution. Sometimes it just comes down to being the bigger person, you know, being the adults in the room.
And that's what I'm asking for us to do today. When we started this, we were very clear this resolution came because the American Legion Auxiliary wouldn't pick up a phone, speak to any of us, and they wouldn't come to the table and have a discussion. On Monday, they finally made a call to Senator Davis and Senator Brooks. While we don't agree with their reasoning of just because we say so, we're going to honor our word.
But I also want to say this. These 150 young ladies deserve more than just a conversation. They deserved an opportunity. This is a one-time opportunity for these young ladies. You can only go between your junior and senior year. Since the Auxiliary has chosen not to allow them to attend, we will be hosting the 150 young ladies here for our own elite girls state this summer
and if there is any one of you who wants to help make this an incredible experience for these young ladies I would ask that you please reach out as soon as possible we'll be having a planning meeting very soon and we would love everyone's help and as I promise you and I promise you that we're going to make this as special for these girls as the girls who come from Girls State. So at this time, Mr. Speaker,
I respectfully ask to pull down House Resolution 10052 because at the end of the day, this is about all the young ladies and making sure that they all have the best experience possible. I want to thank each and every one of you who have asked questions and supported us along the way. Thank you, Mr.
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Speaker. Representative Vaught, that's a proper request for withdrawal. Madam Clerk, please show
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the resolution placed on the withdrawal calendar.
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Representative Tara Shepard, for what purpose? Point
Representative Tara Shephard
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of personal privilege. You're recognized. Colleagues, as we end the fiscal session, we all have attempted to do the best that we could, making the best decisions that we knew we could make for ourselves, our families,
in addition to the state of Arkansas. And although we may have disagreed on some things, we continue to do the work. And with that, we remain diligent and unwavering in our prayer and that God would guide us and that we will make the best possible decisions. And with that, we had someone here with us every day guiding us and helping us to make great decisions. So I would ask that you all would help me in thanking Pastor Hamlin for being here with
us every day. Pastor, if you would join me, I have something for you. We would like to present you with a citation for all that you've done and the great pride that you take in serving this General Assembly in the state of Arkansas. Thank you, Pastor.
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she asked me if I'd like to say a few words can you believe that she would ask a preacher that I had the right to remain silent unfortunately I do not have the ability I did not invent that line it's in some bad movie somewhere but I will say just briefly thank y'all this has been the
greatest honor outside of the honor that I have every day every Sunday standing before God's people proclaiming his word outside of that this has been the greatest honor I've ever had thank you thank you Mr. Speaker Members, if you
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would remain standing, because I know you're going
Chair
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27:39
Joining us in the North Gallery today, we have the honor of having two former First Ladies of the great state of Arkansas with us today. I would ask them to stand to be recognized. First, we have former First Lady, Ms. Barbara Pryor, and former First Lady, Ms. Gay White. Would you please make them welcome to the house?
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And also, while you're standing, and we're grateful to have them here today, they are guests of Representative Matthew Shepard. We have with us, ladies, if you would please stand, And we have the Parker's Chapel cheerleading 1A, 2A game day cheer state champions. Welcome. The morning hour has ended.
Chair
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Members, we'll now go to the yellow budget
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calendar. We're going to pass over first, Senate Bill 75. Madam Clerk, please read Senate
Senator Mark Johnson
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Bill 77. Senate Bill 77. Senator Johnson, you are recognized.
Representative Lee Johnson
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29:12
Members, this is the bill we discussed yesterday. There's no changes in this bill. This is the one that creates the appropriation that we discussed for matching funds for the ArcSide Educational Television Network.
I'm happy to answer any questions on this bill. Seeing none, members, your one vote is for the bill and
Chair
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29:33
the Emergence Clause. Thank you. Representative Johnson has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the
bill? Anyone like to speak for the bill? Representative Long, you're recognized to speak
against the bill. thank you mr. speaker I just want to bring up the same argument that I made
yesterday the department hasn't asked for this this funding and basically we're we're trying to force the department to take more funding which is I think not a a good thing for this body to be doing. I had a constituent reach out to me last night and ask me to reconsider my no vote from yesterday, which I thought I would look into it. So I did a little more research, and all the TV shows that she mentioned that would be missing
from Arkansas TV are available on streaming services. So it's not like people can't get these television shows anymore, but this is supposed to be an educational television network, not an entertainment one. I don't think it's something that the taxpayers should be doing, is subsidizing entertainment, especially when it's so easily available to receive it through a streaming service. So I'd
ask for y'all, again, please to vote no on this bill. Thank you.
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Representative McCullough, for what purpose? Got a question? The representative has left the well. Representative Long
Chair
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31:04
has spoke against the bill. Would anyone like to speak for the bill. Representative Daube, you are recognized to speak for the
bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, I often come down here and say I stand in a unique position
that the rest of you don't stand in. I live in Texarkana. We don't get this channel in Texarkana. We get the Louisiana PBS station. And we don't get the Arkansas PBS station. So we are blocked out of a lot of the programming that may be Arkansas specific. We get blocked out of some of the national programs that maybe Louisiana doesn't carry.
And I've heard the argument that you can watch it online, you can stream it. I have a hard time with that because I know that in my area, you can't get cable. I mean, you can't get streaming. I don't represent Doddridge, Arkansas, but if you live in Doddridge, Arkansas, you're going to have a hard time streaming this station. you live in the outskirts of Miller County you're going to have a hard time
getting this station on your computer they can get it on TV because they will have cable and they can watch it and I urge you to support this bill this bill will help bolster the programming it will help bolster the educational opportunities that this channel brings. And I think that we need to pass this bill because it gives us that opportunity to see
if the people of Arkansas are going to step up, get to the plate, and help fund these programming. And I've sat here for 10 years. I've heard the arguments for and against PBS. And I understand what they are. And I understand the idea of taxpayer money. I get it, but I think sometimes we need to transcend that to give our citizens throughout
the state, whether they live in small towns and remote areas, the opportunity to have this programming that they can readily see. And I appreciate the arguments against. I understand it. I believe in what Carlton Wing is doing to bring more Arkansas content. I would love to see it in my area. But I think that we owe this opportunity.
I think we owe this opportunity to the citizens of our state, and I urge you to support this bill. Thank you. Representative Dalby
Chair
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34:22
has spoken for the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Representative Ray, you're recognized to speak against the bill. I
Representative David Ray
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34:33
was just going to ask a question. I probably should have asked it of Representative Johnson, so maybe you could address this when you close. My understanding is that we passed the budget
for the agency yesterday. This is not the agency's budget. This is additional money. If you could just clarify that when you close, I'd appreciate it. Representative
Chair
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34:54
Ray has spoke against the bill. Would anyone
like to speak for the bill? Against the bill, Representative Johnson, you're recognized to close for the bill. Thank
Representative Lee Johnson
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35:04
you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, Representative. So this is a separate standalone bill. It's not part of their appropriation. This would be additional appropriation. Now, it is unfunded, so I want to be clear. There is no general revenue attached to this.
It's just an unfunded appropriation. If the donations were to come in, it would be up to this body and other folks to advocate for finding the funding somewhere else besides general revenue. Representative Ladyman, for what purpose? Can I ask a question?
Speaker 83
35:33
No, sir. Not in a close. Thank you, Mr. Yes,
Representative Lee Johnson
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35:38
sir. Sorry, you know I'd answer it. All right, members, your one votes for the bill in the emergency clause.
Chair
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35:45
Thank you. Representative Johnson is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of
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35:50
Senate Bill 77. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk.
Chair
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35:52
has everyone voted has everyone voted cast up the ballot by a vote of 70 yeas 23 nay and 3 present the bill has failed Madam Clerk
Speaker 11
36:19
please read Senate Bill 3 Senate Bill 3
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
36:29
Member of Senate Bill 3 is an appropriation for the Department of Shared Services this is their appropriation for the fiscal year if there's no questions on this appropriation your one vote is for the bill and the emergency clause thank you Representative
Chair
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36:50
Johnson has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? For the bill? Representative Johnson is closed for the bill. Question before the House is the passage of Senate Bill 3. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk.
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37:07
Members, your one vote is for the bill in the emergency clause.
Chair
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37:16
Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? cast up the ballot a vote of 96 yeas two nay and one present bill is passed madam clerk please read Senate bill 4 Senate bill 4 representative Johnson you're recognized to explain
Representative Lee Johnson
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37:31
the bill thank you mr. speaker this is the appropriation within the Department of Health their licensing regulation board and if there's no questions you want votes for the bill in the emergency
Chair
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37:42
clause thank you representative Johnson has explained the bill would anyone like to speak against the bill, for the bill. Representative Johnson is closed for the bill. Question before the House is the passage of Senate Bill 4. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Members, your one vote is for the bill and the emergency clause. Everyone voted? everyone voted cast up the ballot the vote of 91 yeas 5 nay and 3 present
bill in the emergency clause has passed madam clerk please read Senate bill 7 Senate bill 7 representative
Representative Lee Johnson
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38:30
Johnson you are recognized members this is the appropriation for the Department of Commerce this is their state insurance department appropriation there's no questions again you won votes for the bill in the emergency
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clause. Thank you. Representative Johnson has explained the bill. Would anyone like
Chair
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38:46
to speak against the bill? For the bill? Representative
Johnson is closed for the bill. Question before the House is the passage of Senate Bill 7. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Members, your one vote is for the bill in the emergency clause. Does every one voted cast up the ballot by vote of 96 yay one nay and two present the bill in the emergency clause has passed madam clerk please read Senate bill 15
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
39:22
Senate bill 15 Senate Johnson you are recognized members this is for the division of state parks and tourism with the parks and heritage within the parks and heritage departments is their appropriation if there's no questions then appreciate a good vote your one votes for the
Chair
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bill in the emergency Clause. Thank you. Representative Johnson has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? For the bill. Representative Johnson is closed for the bill. Question before the house is the passage of Senate Bill 15. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Members, your one vote is
for the bill and the emergency clause. Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot. By vote of 94 yay, zero nay, and two present, the bill and the emergency clause is passed. Madam Clerk, please read Senate Bill 21. Senate Bill 21. Representative Johnson, you're
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
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recognized. Explain the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is within the Department of Human Services. This is their Division of Adult, Aging, and behavioral health is their appropriation
for this coming fiscal year. And if there's no questions, your one vote will be for the bill and
Speaker 89
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the emergency clause. Thank you. Representative Johnson has explained the bill. Would
Chair
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anyone like to speak against the bill, for the bill? Representative Johnson is closed for the bill. Question before the House is the passage of Senate Bill 21. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Members, your one vote is for the bill and the emergency clause.
Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot. A vote of 97 yea, 0 nay, 2 present. The bill and the emergency clause is passed. Madam Clerk, please read Senate Bill 31. Senate Bill 31. Representative Johnson, you're recognized. Members, this is
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
41:24
the appropriation for the administrative courts. If there's no questions, this will be your one vote for the bill and the emergency clause. Thank you. Representative Johnson has explained the bill.
Chair
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41:36
Would anyone like to speak against the bill? For the bill? Representative Johnson is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of Senate Bill 31. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. members
Speaker 66
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your one vote is for the bill and the emergency clause everyone voted everyone
Chair
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42:04
voted cast up the ballot by a vote of 98 yay zero nay and one present you've passed the bill
and the emergency clause madam clerk please read Senate bill 75
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
42:21
Senate bill 75 representative Johnson, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, colleagues. I think it's only appropriate on the, for the presentation of the last bill of this fiscal session that I yield the floor to my mentor and my, the longest tenured budget chair of the, in the history of the state of
Arkansas. A man who, without whose wisdom and humility, I would not have had the opportunity to stand here this session and stumble along and learn someone who's provided me a safety net and endless time counseling his leadership i think has proven itself invaluable for the state of arkansas and certainly personally for me my good friend representing blaine gene
Speaker 9
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Members, Representative Johnson has yielded the floor. Representative Jean, that is a proper request. Representative Jean, you are recognized to
Speaker 89
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present Senate Bill 75. Well, I don't know that I really want to do it, but... Folks, this is
Representative Lane Jean
Unverified
44:11
what we voted on in the House version. This is the Senate version. I think we amply debated it when it was the amendment and also on the floor.
Speaker 104
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There's no changes. Do we have any questions? This ought
Representative Les D. Eaves
Unverified
44:34
to be good. Representative Eves, for what purpose? Question. You're recognized. Representative Gene, the other day you indicated it was your
Speaker 108
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last time in the well. I guess that was not true.
Representative Les D. Eaves
Unverified
44:43
I did not say that. Fair enough. You asked me and I said I have no
Chair
Unverified
44:48
idea. Hey, like always, way to skip around it. I appreciate it, buddy. Representative
Representative Jeff Wardlaw
Unverified
44:51
Ward-Law, for what purpose? Question. You're recognized. Can you explain to us all the intricacies of the economic development project in West Memphis?
Speaker 108
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Sit down. Anyway, your one vote is for the
Representative Lane Jean
Unverified
45:05
bill and the emergency clause. Have you
Speaker 100
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read the bill already? don't need to read the bill again appreciate a good vote
Speaker 9
45:34
representative Jean has explained the bill would anyone like speak against the bill. Before the bill, Representative Jean,
Chair
Unverified
45:42
you recognize close for the bill. Representative Jean is closed for the bill. Question before the House is the passage of Senate Bill
Speaker 18
45:48
75. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Is everyone voted?
Chair
Unverified
46:05
Is everyone voted? Cast up the ballot. By a vote of 70 yea, 27 nay, 0 present. The bill is passed. And the emergency clause. Members, the House will stand in recess for about 10 minutes. We will resume back in about 10 minutes.
Unknown speaker
46:53
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Chair
Unverified
1:01:23
House will now come to order. Representative Johnson you're recognized members we're going to bring back Senate
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
1:01:59
bill 77 one more time there were several of us including myself whose machine just didn't get voted and so we'd like to bring that back one more time for one more vote this is the vote again that we've discussed around the appropriation only for for Arkansas television network I want to remind everybody to one of the questions that that I had that I think we're I just wanted to ask was, there's some infrastructure issues with some of this around the towers. And the question was, could this money be used for infrastructure? And the answer is yes.
If the money was found, again, currently no money, just appropriation. If for some reason that money was found, it's unencumbered and could certainly be used for infrastructure.
Representative Matt Brown
Unverified
1:02:45
Representative Carolyn Brown, for what purpose? Thank you, Mr. Question. You're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Representative Johnson, correct me if I'm wrong, I've read the bill, but I'm not clear on this. It was my understanding that the money that was raised did not necessarily or was not mandated to be spent on PBS.
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
1:03:06
That's correct, and that was the point of clarification I was trying to make. If money is raised and if it were to be matched, which, again, any matching money would have to be found outside of general revenue and approved through ALC, then it could be used for anything that the commission or the chairman or whatever Carlton's title is, whatever they saw fit, including building new towers, infrastructure, it's not attached to PBS funding at all. Thank you.
Speaker 35
1:03:36
Representative Hawke, for what purpose? Question? you're recognized for a question thank
Representative RJ Hawk
Unverified
1:03:40
you for the clarification on that i know that there were some some questions one thing that got brought up and it's been because the commission uh voted once already to end the relationship with pbs if they vote in june to end that and money's been raised and it's allocated so what you're saying is that they would keep that money the the television network would keep that money and it could go for infrastructure and things like that it doesn't just have to go to pay another network or anything like that
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
1:04:08
just to make sure yes okay so again currently no funding attached just an appropriation if if it were to be
found it would have to be agreed upon through alc would have to come through some sort of letter outside of gr general revenue and yes it's completely unencumbered money could be used at the discretion of the commission for any purposes including arkansas programming right so anything okay thank
Speaker 35
1:04:29
you representative wayne long for what purpose question you're
recognized for a question if the department had felt like they needed your money for infrastructure could they not have requested that in their regular appropriation they they
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
1:04:43
could request the funding so they could certainly
request more funding if they felt like from another
mechanism but they didn't but they did not they have not we the appropriation that we've already passed for them has all the all in it that was negotiated through their department so that
Speaker 135
1:05:00
appropriation already so they got what they felt they needed Any
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
1:05:03
agency, yes, sir, any agency can come to us at any time, and through the governor's office, request more funding. Thank you.
Speaker 35
1:05:12
Representative Scott Richardson, for what purpose? Question. You're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker 139
1:05:16
I guess maybe I have a misunderstanding, and what Representative Haught's question kind of hit me, and I want to make sure I'm clear on this point. Right now, this funding can be used for anything if it's found, including reinstating the PBS contract. Yes, that would be the decision of
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
1:05:33
the commission. So the commission, though, has already stated that's not a decision or direction they intend to go. I think Mr. Wing's been very clear that his intention is to have homegrown programming at a discounted price.
I think I've heard him say that for a quarter of the cost, he can produce just as quality programming as we're seeing on PBS. So to me, that's encouraging, and to me, trying to find funding to help that process is
Speaker 139
1:06:02
important. Thank you for that. May I have a follow-up? You're recognized for a follow-up. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So we've already found the appropriation and approved that. This money is not within
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
1:06:11
the appropriation. Why? So I think, first of all, it was brought up separately by a member, right? And I think it's a way to incentivize private donations.
I think that if you're a private donor, and I don't speak for all private donors in the state of Arkansas, but I think for a private donor out there to know that the state is willing to put up a match is something that incentivizes people to be willing to donate because they know the state is willing to step up and have skin in the game as well, right? And there's nothing tying these private donations to any purpose. If there's somebody out there that wants to give a half a million dollars to Arkansas Television Network, they've got to know that if we match that, they have given the money away and we can completely use that however we want for whatever purpose is.
And so the only way that extra money would come in is if the donor is accepting and willing of the fact that this is going to be money that we could use for whatever. And so I think this is something that's hard, I think, sometimes for agencies to do, to go out and seek funding through a private sector, through official appropriations. I think it's something very appropriate for members to do, which is what I think is happening in
Representative Ryan A. Rose
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1:07:17
this case. Representative Rose, for what purpose? Question. You're recognized. Thank you, Representative Johnson, for taking all the questions. Appreciate that. And hey, to rehash something you've already touched on, in your opening on this, you referenced towers.
And I know Representative Long asked questions about infrastructure. Could you specify for me whether or not we have funded, because this has come up, I know, in years past, if when we passed their budget, whether we funded those towers that have been of concern in the past, To my knowledge, and again, and I'm already
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
1:07:47
wishing I could have yielded the floor already to my mentor, but if,
to my knowledge, we have not funded that. To my knowledge, that is still a funding need and that that is still an infrastructure issue
that we have not provided funding for to solve because I think they're, you know, I think that's one of the things they're trying to find a way to fix and they're trying to find a way to do that without putting any more pressure on general revenue. And I think Mr. Wing, again, has been pretty consistent in his messaging that he does not want to come back
Representative Ryan A. Rose
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1:08:23
to this General Assembly and ask for more general revenue. Follow-up. Recognized. Thank you. And am I understanding correctly that they have not requested this?
Speaker 15
1:08:31
I'm unaware of any specific request. Thank you, Representative John. Thank you,
Representative Brit McKenzie
Unverified
1:08:39
Mr. Speaker. Representative McKenzie, for what purpose? Parliamentary inquiry. You're recognized. Was there a motion to reconsider an appropriation that had previously failed on the floor? And if so, what is the steps in order to bring
Chair
Unverified
1:08:49
back something on the counter that's been killed? According to Rule 44, no bill can be brought back the second time on the day without a motion unless it is an appropriation bill. So it
Speaker 35
1:08:58
can be voted on two times on the same day without a motion to expunge a reconsideration.
Speaker 89
1:09:06
Senator Gonzalez, for what purpose? question you're recognized so this bill
Gordon Watkins
Unverified
1:09:10
says that that this is to be used for membership dues so how can they use this for infrastructure if it says in this appropriation that it is to be used for membership days so
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
1:09:22
you are you my understanding is the special language of change to take that particular out so I don't believe that I believe that what I'm speaking to you is accurate
Gordon Watkins
Unverified
1:09:39
I'm being told that I have to read the whole
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
1:09:42
thing, but I read, yeah. So, again, my interpretation of what I've read is that it can be used for any purpose, not specific to anything. Okay. And there was healthy
discussion about that in special language, so. All right, thank you. Seeing no more questions, members, appreciate a good vote. Thank you. Representative Johnson has
Speaker 9
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explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Mr. Lundstrom, you're recognized to speak against the bill.
Representative Robin Lundstrum
Unverified
1:10:18
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is exactly what confuses people and frustrates them about politics. This bill has been defeated twice, twice it's gone down. The budget committee did an incredible amount of work trying to trim different salaries, especially executive salaries, all the different auditor, treasurer, we've trimmed all those. This wipes that completely out. So with one hand we take and another hand we give. The agency has been given everything that they've been asked for.
They have it. This is above and beyond that. We fully funded their budget. They have not requested this. This is extra money. We do not need to spend. it needs to stop right here with that please vote no representative lundstrom has spoke against the bill would anyone like
Speaker 89
1:11:08
speak for the bill representative meeks you recognize speak for the bill thank you mr speaker got to take advantage
Representative Stephen Meeks
Unverified
1:11:26
of one last opportunity to come down here and speak to
good people right so uh like many of you i have gone back and forth on on this particular bill on this issue i've had a kind of a love-hate relationship with arkansas pbs there's a lot of good things they do that i fully support but there's also some things they do that i don't think taxpayer money should be put forward to as i've thought about this bill one of the challenges with Arkansas PBS is it's hard to get ratings. How well are these programs doing? How much support do these programs have from the people of Arkansas?
We all hear from the people who strongly support, but how much support really is there out there? And so my thought on this particular bill is simple. $500,000, not a large, super large sum of money. Put this out there, and if the people of Arkansas are going to support this, They'll make those contributions, and we will know as a General Assembly that the people of Arkansas want this. They support this going forward. So as you look at how to handle this next session, you will have information.
How well did the people of Arkansas actually support this initiative? If this initiative fails, if they don't raise the money, then you will know that this is not something that the people of Arkansas are putting a lot of support behind. and again that gives you information to know how to proceed going into the future so me personally I'm going to support this because I see this as an opportunity to see do the people of Arkansas really support Arkansas PBS if they do they step up then you will know they've got support if the people of Arkansas don't step up and support this you will likewise know and be able to then act
accordingly so I'm going to support this just as an opportunity for us to see will the people of Arkansas will step up and support it. If they do, great, we'll know how to proceed. If they don't, great, we'll know how to proceed. So with that, I'd appreciate a good vote. Representative Meeks has
Chair
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1:13:23
spoken for the bill. Would anyone like to speak
against the bill? For the bill, Representative Kavanaugh, you're recognized to speak for the bill.
Representative Frances Cavenaugh
Unverified
1:13:45
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Everyone in here knows that I'm a budget hawk. I watch the budget. I watch the money. I want to make sure that we understand what we're voting on. We are not voting on funding. We are not voting on general revenue. We're not voting on special revenue. all we're voting for is an appropriation an unfunded appropriation in case they're able
to get donations that they can use then for anything that they need to use it for
one other thing i want us to think about is they're able to bring in outside source money that's less money general funds that we have to put to arkansas public television so just remember we're not voting on money we're voting on an unfunded appropriation thank you representative ray
Speaker 121
1:14:38
for what purpose question you're recognized for a question
Representative David Ray
Unverified
1:14:42
representative cavanaugh you mentioned that this appropriation is to allow them to spend donations my understanding is that it's an
appropriation that if they get a certain amount of donations it would be matched with public funds
Speaker 163
1:14:56
It can have a match, yes. But, again,
Representative Frances Cavenaugh
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1:14:59
if they get outside money, then it can be used for anything they want. The state can match if they choose to, is my understanding. So, again, that makes less revenue that we have to put in for infrastructure or anything else if a private money is given to help do those things.
Representative David Ray
Unverified
1:15:20
Okay. And quick follow-up. You're recognized. And nothing, whether this appropriation passes or fails, nothing would preclude people from being able to make those private donations anyway, correct?
Representative Frances Cavenaugh
Unverified
1:15:30
This is just an appropriation. It allows them to have the appropriation ready in case they get those monies. That's all it does. It's unfunded. Thank you. Representative
Chair
Unverified
1:15:44
Kavanaugh has spoken for the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? For the bill. Representative Johnson.
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
1:15:53
You're recognized to close for the bill. Members, the only thing I'll say is I think the original bill said exclusively for PBS. I think it was the exclusively language that was paid out, that was taken out. Again, it is my understanding from the conversations had in special language that these funds could be used for anything, even if they were asked to be used for PBS. I think it's important that we hold them accountable for that as this goes forward. I will say that we have in this body heard bills multiple times,
multiple times on multiple days and multiple bills on the same day, and this is all within the rules of engagement to hear this bill twice. So I think from that standpoint, I don't think we're doing anything special or nefarious. There were members, myself included, who did not have an opportunity to vote on this bill, and so this is an opportunity for us to bring this back and
have another vote. and with that I'll close and say your one vote again is for the bill and the emergency clause. Thank
Speaker 9
1:16:53
you. Representative Johnson is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of Senate Bill 77. Prepare
Chair
Unverified
1:16:59
the machine, Madam Clerk. Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot. A vote of 73 yeas, 24 nay, and 0 present. The bill has failed.
Representative Stephen Meeks
Unverified
1:17:32
vote has been clinched representative meeks for what purpose motion please i hear your motion in accordance with the arkansas constitution and house rules i move that having concluded our business and upon coordination with the senate the fiscal session of the house of representatives of the 95th general assembly be concluded sine die be adjourned sine die All right, adjourned. Representative Vaught, for what purpose?
Speaker 174
1:18:16
Point to personal privilege. You are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, could you please join me?
Representative DeAnn Vaught
Unverified
1:18:57
Today is a good day because we get to pause for just a moment. You don't get to read. I'm just picking on you. And recognize someone who has carried a big responsibility for us all. Serving as Speaker of the House is no small job. It comes with long days, long nights, hard decisions, and some very, very trying situations.
I don't think people always see what happens behind the scenes. They don't always understand the weight that comes with
Unknown speaker
1:19:57
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Speaker 185
1:39:57
The House caucus is convened for the sole purpose of electing the speaker-designate for the 96th General Assembly. Please indicate your presence by pushing your yellow present button. Madam Clerk, please prepare the machine.
Speaker 186
1:40:58
Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk. There are 99
Speaker 185
1:41:11
members present. The chair sees a quorum. Members, House Rules 10A and B establish the process by which the House of Representatives elects a speaker designate for the following General Assembly. We are convened today for that purpose. It is extremely important that we have the full attention and cooperation of the House as we continue this process
in accordance with House rules. On or about February 13, 2026, House membership was notified of a meeting on March 11, 2026, where any eligible returning member could present himself or herself for nominees for speaker-designate. In addition to House staff, one member, Speaker Brian S. Evans, attended. The meeting briefly discussed the speaker-designate election process,
and since only one candidate appeared, no positions related to the order in which they would address the membership and to their position on the election ballot were drawn. To date, Speaker Brian S. Evans is the only announced candidate for speaker-designate. Representative Warren, recognized. I'd like to make a motion, please. Let's
Representative Les Warren
Unverified
1:42:35
hear your motion. Madam Chair, I move that the House of Representatives suspend the formal election processes provided for in House Rule 10A,
and that we as a body elect by voice vote the speaker designate of the 96th Arkansas General Assembly. The motion to suspend
Speaker 185
1:42:53
the formal election process in Rule House 10A is a proper motion and not debatable. All in favor of the motion to suspend the formal election process rule, say aye. Aye. All opposed, say no. The motion is adopted and the formal election process in House Rule 10A are suspended.
Representative Dwight Tosh
Unverified
1:43:19
Representative Tosh, for what purpose? Madam Chair, today I rise and I'm honored to nominate an individual whose love, stability, and compassion for this chamber is only surpassed by his love for his family and God. Today, it is my honor that I move that Speaker Brian S. Evans be elected Speaker Designate for the 96th Arkansas General Assembly.
Speaker 185
1:43:52
That's a proper motion. The question before the House is the election of Brian S. Evans as Speaker Designate for the 96th General Assembly. All in favor, say aye. Aye. All opposed, no. The ayes have it. the motion is adopted let the record reflect that the motion received unanimous votes members it is my distinct honor and privilege to announce that speaker brian s evans has been
elected speaker designate of the 96th general assembly mr speaker
Speaker 9
1:45:08
for both my family and for me to serve each of you as your speaker of the house for the 95th general assembly and whether presiding
Chair
Unverified
1:45:20
over this chamber whether it was meeting with whoever requested in that office over to my left whether it was leading and guiding our incredible staff traveling all over representing this body this has been an indescribable experience Two
Speaker 9
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years ago, I stood here and I challenged this body for us together to build, to strengthen,
Chair
Unverified
1:45:44
and to empower upon this institution. I challenged that we must build upon the foundation of generations before. I challenged that we must take that foundation and to strengthen our outcomes by an evenly paced, smooth session by allowing ourselves time to deliberate key issues facing Arkansans while being ever respectful of those by whom our decision and our work affects.
I challenged us to empower our colleagues to take bold steps and to provide opportunities for new leaders to rise. Since the end of the 95th general session, it would be impossible for me to catalog the positive feedback received all across this state as to how well the House of Representatives performed during the general session. And I believe that that is a great compliment to each and every one of you
and the work that you did and to
Speaker 9
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our staff in the work that they did. I say without hesitation, I believe that we built and we strengthened and we empowered each
Chair
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1:47:03
other for the betterment of our great state. And now as you have designated me to continue in this role for the 96th General Assembly, I immediately ask myself, what do we do next? Leadership is not a solo effort.
Leadership is a team effort, and I am only as good as the team around me. We are only as strong of a body, the House of Representatives, as the number of you that are willing to work together with me. If we have built upon the foundation, if we have strengthened our abilities, and if we have empowered one another, then we now have a greater responsibility to do even greater work.
I call that accountability. As we move into the summer months, and then we begin in the fall preparing for 2027, friends, our accountability grows. Our accountability to the 3.1 million Arkansans who are impacted by our decisions and by the actions that we take grows. We become more accountable.
I pledge to you today as your designate for the speaker of the 96th General Assembly that I will continue to work tirelessly to uphold the oath by which we take. I will support each of you, each of you, in a firm, fair, and consistent manner. And I pledge to each of you the equality of my actions and the integrity of my intent. I am humbled by your continued faith and your continued trust in me.
May God bless each of you and your families as we serve here. May God bless this
Speaker 9
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body of the elected by the people. And may God bless the great state of Arkansas.
Speaker 185
1:49:32
Thank you. There being no further business, this caucus of the Arkansas House of Representatives is adjourned.
Agenda
Call to Order
Prayer
Pledge
Roll Call
HR1052 House Management TO RESCIND THE ACCESS TO AND USE OF THE CHAMBER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES BY ARKANSAS GIRLS STATE FOR ITS ANNUAL MEETING.
Point of Personal Privilege
End of Morning Hour
HR1020 Womack TO HONOR FREDERICK HENRY MIDDLETON, ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF THE STREET DEPARTMENT, UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE CITY OF ARKADELPHIA.
HR1021 L. Johnson TO DESIGNATE MAY 2026 AS SKIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH.
HR1022 McCullough CONGRATULATING THE ROLLIN' RAZORBACKS FOR WINNING THEIR SIXTH DIVISION II NATIONAL WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.
HR1028 John Carr TO RECOGNIZE THE ROGERS HIGH SCHOOL LADY MOUNTIES GIRLS' CROSS COUNTRY TEAM AS THE 2024 6A STATE CHAMPIONS.
HR1029 John Carr TO RECOGNIZE THE ROGERS HIGH SCHOOL MOUNTIES BASEBALL TEAM AS THE 2025 6A BASEBALL STATE CHAMPIONS.
HR1030 John Carr TO RECOGNIZE THE ROGERS HIGH SCHOOL MOUNTIES BOYS' TENNIS TEAM FOR WINNING THE 2024 CLASS 6A STATE TENNIS TOURNAMENT.
HR1031 John Carr TO RECOGNIZE THE ROGERS HIGH SCHOOL LADY MOUNTIES GIRLS' WRESTLING TEAM AS THE 2026 CLASS 6A STATE CHAMPIONS.
HR1032 John Carr TO RECOGNIZE THE ROGERS HIGH SCHOOL MOUNTIES BOYS GOLF TEAM AS THE 2025 CLASS 6A STATE CHAMPIONS.
HR1038 Wooldridge TO RECOGNIZE APRIL AS CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH IN ARKANSAS AND TO COMMEND THE COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATE (CASA) PROGRAMS.
HR1040 Painter TO RECOGNIZE THE MOUNTAIN HOME HIGH SCHOOL BOMBERS AS THE 2025 CLASS 5A BOYS' CROSS COUNTRY STATE CHAMPIONS.
HR1041 Painter TO RECOGNIZE THE MOUNTAIN HOME HIGH SCHOOL BOMBERS AS THE 2025 CLASS 5A GIRLS' CROSS COUNTRY STATE CHAMPIONS.
HR1042 Richmond TO RECOGNIZE THE MANSFIELD HIGH SCHOOL LADY TIGERS VOLLEYBALL TEAM AS THE 2025 CLASS 3A STATE CHAMPIONS.
HR1044 McCullough TO RECOGNIZE THE MOUNT SAINT MARY ACADEMY BELLES GOLF TEAM AS THE 2025 CLASS 6A STATE CHAMPIONS.
HR1045 K. Brown TO CONGRATULATE THE CENTRAL ARKANSAS CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR FOR ITS ACHIEVEMENTS AT THE 2026 STATE CHORAL FESTIVAL.
HR1049 Hall TO RECOGNIZE KOPPER KETTLE CANDIES FOR ITS ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE ART OF CANDY MAKING.
HR1050 Brooks TO RECOGNIZE THE JOE T. ROBINSON HIGH SCHOOL SENATORS AS THE 2025 CLASS 5A FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONS.
HR1051 Brooks TO RECOGNIZE THE JOE T. ROBINSON HIGH SCHOOL SENATORS BOYS' SWIM AND DIVE TEAM AS THE 2026 CLASS 1A-4A STATE CHAMPIONS.
HR1047 Duffield TO RECOGNIZE THE MANY ACHIEVEMENTS OF COACH DAVE WILBERS OF THE ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY GOLDEN SUNS AND TO CONGRATULATE COACH WILBERS ON HIS RETIREMENT.
HR1048 Duffield TO RECOGNIZE THE ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY GOLDEN SUNS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM FOR WINNING THE GREAT AMERICAN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP.
HR1043 Holladay TO RECOGNIZE THE NORTH LITTLE ROCK HIGH SCHOOL LADY CHARGING WILDCATS GIRLS' BASKETBALL TEAM AS THE 2026 CLASS 6A STATE CHAMPIONS.
Bills and their Emergency Clauses to be considered which have been introduced by Senators
SB75 TO AMEND THE REVENUE STABILIZATION LAW; TO CREATE FUNDS; TO MAKE TRANSFERS TO AND FROM FUNDS AND FUND ACCOUNTS; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.
SB77 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION DIVISION APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
Bills and their Emergency Clauses to be considered which have been introduced by Joint Budget Committee
SB3 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF SHARED ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
SB4 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH - LICENSING AND REGULATION BOARDS APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
SB7 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - STATE INSURANCE DEPARTMENT APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
SB15 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, HERITAGE, AND TOURISM - STATE PARKS AND TOURISM DIVISIONS APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
SB21 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - DIVISION OF AGING, ADULT, AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
SB31 AN ACT FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
Recess
House Meeting Convenes
Motion to Adjourn
Announcements
Adjournment
House Caucus Convenes
Roll Call
Motion to Elect
Adjournment
Documents
No documents posted.
Speakers
Speaker 3
Speaker 9
Chair
Unverified
Speaker 12
Speaker 14
Speaker 18
Speaker 11
Speaker 35
Speaker 40
Representative DeAnn Vaught
Unverified
Speaker 54
Representative Tara Shephard
Unverified
Speaker 62
Senator Mark Johnson
Unverified
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
Representative Wayne Long Chair
Unverified
Representative Carol Dalby Chair
Unverified
Representative David Ray
Unverified
Speaker 83
Speaker 66
Speaker 89
Representative Lane Jean
Unverified
Speaker 104
Representative Les D. Eaves
Unverified
Speaker 108
Representative Jeff Wardlaw
Unverified
Speaker 100
Representative Matt Brown
Unverified
Representative RJ Hawk
Unverified
Speaker 135
Speaker 139
Representative Ryan A. Rose
Unverified
Speaker 15
Representative Brit McKenzie
Unverified
Gordon Watkins
Unverified
Representative Robin Lundstrum
Unverified
Representative Stephen Meeks
Unverified
Representative Frances Cavenaugh
Unverified
Speaker 121
Speaker 163
Speaker 174
Speaker 185
Speaker 186
Representative Les Warren
Unverified
Representative Dwight Tosh
Unverified
Speaker 196