House Convenes
Video
Transcript
Bills discussed (40)
| Bill | Title | Sponsor | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
|
HB1007
· 7 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “HB1007 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - DIVISION OF ELEMEN…”
|
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 … |
|
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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HB1103
· 5 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “HB1103 Schulz TO INCREASE THE HOMESTEAD PROPERTY TAX CREDIT.”
|
TO INCREASE THE HOMESTEAD PROPERTY TAX CREDIT. | Schulz | Correctly enrolled and ordered transmitted to the Governor's … |
|
SB76
Act 142
· 5 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “SB76 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION - D…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION - DISBURSING OFFICER APPROPRIATION FOR THE … | J. Dismang | Notification that SB76 is now Act 142 |
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HB1008
· 4 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “HB1008 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY - DIVISION OF EM…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY - DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT APPROPRIATION FOR … | Joint Budget Committee | Correctly enrolled and ordered transmitted to the Governor's … |
|
HB1034
· 4 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “Motion to refer HB1034 AN ACT FOR THE OFFICE OF THE TREASURER OF STATE APPROPRIATI…”
|
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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HB1036
· 4 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “HB1036 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2…”
|
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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HB1037
· 4 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “HB1037 AN ACT FOR THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTION COMMISSIONERS APPROP…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTION COMMISSIONERS APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR. | Joint Budget Committee | Correctly enrolled and ordered transmitted to the Governor's … |
|
HB1052
· 4 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “HB1052 AN ACT TO MAKE AN APPROPRIATION FOR STATE TURNBACK FOR COUN…”
|
AN ACT TO MAKE AN APPROPRIATION FOR STATE TURNBACK FOR COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES BY THE … | Joint Budget Committee | Correctly enrolled and ordered transmitted to the Governor's … |
|
HB1064
· 4 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “HB1064 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION - D…”
|
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 … |
|
HB1066
· 4 mentions in transcript, chapter
Matched: “can we withdrawhB1035 and HB1066 for separate vote”
|
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 … |
|
HB1068
· 4 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “HB1068 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION APP…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR. | Joint Budget Committee | Correctly enrolled and ordered transmitted to the Governor's … |
|
HB1023
· 3 mentions in transcript, chapter
Matched: “…You're recognized. I would like to request that HB 1051 and HB 1023 be pulled out for a separate vote.”
|
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 … |
|
HB1035
· 3 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “HB1035 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH - TOBACCO PREVENTION AN…”
|
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 … |
|
HB1051
· 3 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “HB1051 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION - REG…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION - REGULATORY DIVISION APPROPRIATION FOR THE … | Joint Budget Committee | Correctly enrolled and ordered transmitted to the Governor's … |
|
HB1053
· 3 mentions in transcript, chapter
Matched: “…ll 1035, House Bill 1037, House Bill 1051, House Bill 1052, House Bill 1053, House Bill 1066, and House Bill 1068. They are all appropr…”
|
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 … |
|
HB1005
· 2 mentions in transcript, chapter
Matched: “…for what purpose? Request. - You recognized? - Can you pull House Bill 1005”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR. | Joint Budget Committee | Correctly enrolled and ordered transmitted to the Governor's … |
|
HB1006
Act 95
· 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…measures from the Fiscal Session of 95th General Assembly. House Bill 1006, Act 95. House Bill 1013, Act 96. House Bill 1016, Act 97.…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND LICENSING - BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS APPROPRIATION FOR … | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that HB1006 is now Act 95 |
|
HB1100
Act 143
· 2 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 |
|
HB1014
Act 69
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…g measures from fiscal session of the 95th General Assembly House Bill 1014 Act 69 House Bill 1060, Act 70. House Bill 1062, Act 71. Ho…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - DIVISION OF PROVIDER SERVICES AND QUALITY … | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that HB1014 is now Act 69 |
|
HB1089
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1089 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION - D…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION - DISBURSING OFFICER SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION. | Joint Budget Committee | Correctly enrolled and ordered transmitted to the Governor's … |
|
HB1090
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1090 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT - DIVIS…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT - DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY SUPPLEMENTAL … | Joint Budget Committee | Correctly enrolled and ordered transmitted to the Governor's … |
|
HB1093
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1093 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS - DIVISION OF CORR…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS - DIVISION OF CORRECTION REAPPROPRIATION. | Joint Budget Committee | Correctly enrolled and ordered transmitted to the Governor's … |
|
HB1094
Act 114
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…se1088 Act 111 House Bill1091 Act 112 House Bill1092xct 113 house bill 1094 Act 114 household 1095 Act 115 House Bill1096 Act 116 house…”
|
AN ACT TO MAKE AN APPROPRIATION FOR STATE TURNBACK FOR COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES BY THE … | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that HB1094 is now Act 114 |
|
SB10
Act 130
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB10 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - DIVISION OF WORKFOR…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - DIVISION OF WORKFORCE SERVICES APPROPRIATION FOR THE … | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB10 is now Act 130 |
|
SB16
Act 131
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB16 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, HERITAGE, AND TOURISM -…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, HERITAGE, AND TOURISM - CAPITOL ZONING DISTRICT COMMISSION … | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB16 is now Act 131 |
|
SB20
Act 132
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB20 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - DIVISION OF M…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - DIVISION OF MEDICAL SERVICES APPROPRIATION FOR … | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB20 is now Act 132 |
|
SB23
Act 133
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB23 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - DIVISION OF Y…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - DIVISION OF YOUTH SERVICES APPROPRIATION FOR … | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB23 is now Act 133 |
|
SB24
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB24 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - DIVISION OF D…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - DIVISION OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES SERVICES APPROPRIATION … | Joint Budget Committee | DELIVERED TO GOVERNOR. |
|
SB30
Act 134
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB30 AN ACT FOR THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR APPROPRIATION FOR THE…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR. | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB30 is now Act 134 |
|
SB36
Act 135
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB36 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE APPROPRIATION FOR…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR. | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB36 is now Act 135 |
|
SB41
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB41 AN ACT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS - FAYETTEVILLE APPROP…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS - FAYETTEVILLE APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR. | Joint Budget Committee | DELIVERED TO GOVERNOR. |
|
SB43
Act 136
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB43 AN ACT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS - DIVISION OF AGRICUL…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS - DIVISION OF AGRICULTURE APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 … | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB43 is now Act 136 |
|
SB55
Act 137
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB55 AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS SUPREME COURT APPROPRIATION FOR THE…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS SUPREME COURT APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR. | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB55 is now Act 137 |
|
SB58
Act 138
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB58 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - DIVISION OF HIGHER…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - DIVISION OF HIGHER EDUCATION APPROPRIATION FOR THE … | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB58 is now Act 138 |
|
SB59
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB59 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - EDUCATIONAL TELEVI…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION DIVISION APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 … | Joint Budget Committee | DELIVERED TO GOVERNOR. |
|
SB63
Act 139
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB63 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - DIVISION OF A…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - DIVISION OF AGING, ADULT, AND BEHAVIORAL … | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB63 is now Act 139 |
|
SB67
Act 140
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB67 AN ACT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS FOR MEDICAL SCIENCES…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS FOR MEDICAL SCIENCES SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION. | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB67 is now Act 140 |
|
SB73
Act 141
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB73 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - ARKANSAS ECONOMIC D…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - ARKANSAS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION. | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB73 is now Act 141 |
|
SB8
Act 129
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB8 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE APPROPRIATION FOR THE…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR. | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB8 is now Act 129 |
Machine transcript
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- ggml-large-v3-turbo.bin
- Processing date
- October 5, 2026
I invite the members, staff, press, and guests in the galleries to stand, be led in prayer by Pastor Richard Hamlin,
Senior Pastor of Faith Baptist Church of Cabot, and to remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance to
Speaker 7
1:06
be led by Representative Lane Jean. Let us
Speaker 8
1:11
pray. Heavenly Father, by your Apostle Paul so long ago, he delivered that message to his young protege, Timothy, to tell him to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. He also told him to endure hardship like a good soldier and then to consider these things. And then he prayed. May the Lord
give thee understanding in all things. Lord, this legislative body certainly needs your grace. They need your strength, the strength that is beyond themselves. But above all, they need that understanding in all things that comes only from you. Just guide them by your spirit. We pray it in Jesus' name. Amen. through the life of the United States of America and through the republic for which it stands, one nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Members, please indicate your presence by pushing your yellow present button. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. As everyone indicated their presence, cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk.
There are 95 members present. Chair sees a quorum. Any requests for leave? Representative Jeremy Woodridge for
Representative Jeremy Wooldridge
Unverified
3:04
what purpose? Request. You're recognized. Leave for
Representative Matthew Duffield. Is leave granted for Representative Duffield? So ordered. Representative Lessees for what purpose? Leave. You're recognized. Leave for Representative Clowney.
Is leave leave granted for Representative Clowney? So ordered. Representative John Milligan for
what purpose? Leave. You're recognized. Leave for Representative Meeks. Is leave granted for
Representative Stephen Meeks? So ordered. Any other requests for leave? Seeing none. Representative Mike Holcomb moves that we dispense with the reading of the previous day's journal no objection so ordered madam clerk any reports from select committees do you have any reports from standing committees any unfinished
business do you have any executive communications please read the letter from the governor
Speaker 23
4:03
to the speaker of the house dear mr. speaker this is it to inform
Speaker 25
4:06
you that on April 23rd 2026 I reviewed and approved the following measures from fiscal session of the 95th General Assembly House Bill 1014 Act 69 House Bill 1060, Act 70. House Bill 1062, Act 71. House Bill 1073, Act 72. Sincerely, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Governor of Arkansas. To the Speaker of the House, dear Mr. Speaker, this is to inform you that on April 27, 2026, I reviewed and approved the following measures from the Fiscal Session of 95th General Assembly. House Bill 1006, Act 95. House Bill 1013, Act 96. House Bill 1016, Act 97. House Bill 1033, Act 98. House Bill 1048, Act 99. House Bill 1050, Act 100. House Bill 1054, Act 101. House Bill 1065, Act 102. House Bill 1078,
Act 103, House Bill 1081, Act 104, House Bill 1082, Act 105, House Bill 1083, Act 106, House Bill 1084, Act 107, House Bill 1085, Act 108, House Bill 1086, Act 109, House Bill 1087, Act 110, House Bill 1088, Act 111, House Bill 1091, Act 112, House Bill 1092, Act 113, House Bill 1094, Act 114, House Bill 1095, Act 115, House Bill 1096, Act 116, House Bill 1097, Act 117. Sincerely, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Governor of Arkansas. To the President.
Speaker 23
5:13
Dear Mr. Speaker, this is to inform you that April 27, 2026 -- am I supposed
Speaker 3
5:27
to read this? Okay, sorry. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Members
of this time, I would ask you to rise as we recognize folks we have here with us today. Starting in the back of the chamber, we have our Arkansas State Trooper, Corporal Trey Kelly Keller here with us today from the Highway Patrol Administration.
From the Arkansas Game & Fish, we have Corporal Landon Mills. Please make them welcome. And it's always great
to have our nurse here with us, Ms. Lee Fazio. Please give her a welcome. morning hour has ended representative
gene for what purpose i'll hear your motion mr mr speaker
we refer house bill 1034 back to committee joint budget that's proper motion
it is debatable Representative Gene, please come to Will, explain your motion. Thank you, Mr.
Speaker, colleagues. With us trying to get out of here by Wednesday, we had some
problems that we need to handle to this bill.
We're going to take it back to joint budget this afternoon at 515, And we're going to strip out the pay raises. And then we're going to, we've got $300,000 in cybersecurity and bank fees. And we'll come back at a later point in the legislative council and fund those so the office won't be hamstrung on their duties.
Any questions? That's what we're going to do. Seeing none, I'd appreciate a good vote.
Representative Gene has explained the motion. Would anyone like to speak against the motion? Anyone like to speak for the motion? Representative Jean is closed for the motion. Question before the House
Speaker 42
7:37
is a referral of House Bill 1034 back to Joint Budget Committee. All those in favor say aye.
Aye. Opposed nay. No. If the ayes have it, send the bill
back to committee. Members will now go to your red calendar. Madam Clerk, please read House Bill 1103.
Speaker 25
7:59
House Bill 1103 by Representative Schultz to increase the homestead property tax credit. Representative
Schultz, you're recognized. Explain your bill. Thank
Representative Bart Schulz
Unverified
8:15
you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, today I bring House Bill 1103. This is the bill to raise the homestead tax credit by $75. We passed the resolution associated with this two weeks ago.
I get the question why $75? As most of you know this is specifically funded from an account that is just for this purpose. The report said this is what we could safely increase it this year but what gets lost in the weeds is if we pass this this will make four years in a row that we've made an increase to this tax credit. And that cumulative number will be $300 per household and I think that's
important to most homeowners. With that I'd appreciate a good vote. Representative Schultz
Speaker 35
9:05
has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Anyone like speak
for the bill? Representative Schultz is closed for the bill. Question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1103. Prepare the machine Madam Clerk.
Speaker 42
9:31
Everyone voted? Everyone voted? Cast up the ballot. By a vote of 94 yay, zero nay, and zero present. Bill is passed. Members, we're
now going to go to your yellow budget
calendar. Representative Jean moves that we place House Bill 1007 back on second reading for the purpose of amendment.
Without objection, Madam Clerk, please read Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 1007. Amendment
Representative Jean, you're recognized to explain the amendment. Thank you Mr. Speaker. This is Amendment 2 to House Bill 1007. This is the Mountain View, Jasper, Casa Tot school districts that Timbo, Rural Special, Kingston and Umpire are now going back and getting their own.
Speaker 54
10:38
That's too loud, isn't it? Try that. Is that good enough? all right so what we're doing
is taking students away from three school districts and creating four and in this amendment it'll have establishment of millage property transfers assumption of debt all the things that you got to do to have a school district and this came from Missy Irvin's the Senator Irvin's
amendment. Any questions on it? Appreciate a good vote on the amendment. Representative Gene has explained the amendment. Would anyone like to speak against the amendment? For the amendment? Representative Gene is closed for the amendment. Question before the house is the adoption of amendment number two to House Bill 1007. All those in favor say aye. Opposed nay. The ayes have it. The amendment is adopted.
Representative Jean moves that we place House Bill 1022 back on second reading for the purpose of amendment. Without objection, Madam Clerk, please read Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 1022. Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 1022. Representative
Jean, you're recognized to explain the amendment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is Amendment
1 on House Bill 1022. Last session, I think Senator Gilmour and Representative Beatty pulled ADPA away from the Department of Commerce.
So what this does, it gives them the positions to have 17 positions and position the 55 employees as their codes for pay raises. Well, not pay raises, pay scales. That's what this amendment does. Any questions? Appreciate a good vote on the amendment. Representative Gene has explained the amendment.
Speaker 35
12:38
Would anyone like to speak against the amendment for the
amendment? Representative Gene is closed for the
amendment. Question before the house is the adoption of amendment number one to House Bill 1022. All those in favor say aye. Opposed nay. The ayes have it. the amendment is adopted Representative Jean moves that we place House Bill 1036 back on second reading for the purpose of amendment without objection Madam Clerk please read amendment number 2 to House Bill 1036 amendment number 2 to House Bill 1036 Representative Jean you're recognized thank you Mr. Speaker
this is an amendment to the Department of Health House Bill 1036 this all just cleans up language on the bill there's no fiscal impact any questions appreciate a good vote on the amendment Representative
Speaker 35
13:36
Gene has explained the amendment would anyone like to speak against the amendment
for the amendment Representative Gene is closed for the amendment question before the house is the adoption of amendment number 2 to house bill 1036
all those in favor say aye aye opposed nay the ayes have it amendment is adopted. Representative Jean moves that we place House Bill 1064 back on second reading for the purpose of amendment. Without objection, Madam Clerk, please read amendment number two, House Bill 1064. Amendment number two to
Speaker 50
14:09
House Bill 1064. Representative Jean, you're recognized. Is that
any better? Can you hear me now?
Now, I can't blow these people out. All right, can you hear me?
All right. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is Amendment 2 to House Bill 1006. It's a cleanup bill for DF&A. It
has no cost on it, just cleaning up language. Any questions? Appreciate a good vote on the amendment. Representative Collins,
Speaker 70
14:47
for what purpose? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Representative Andrew Collins
Unverified
14:55
This is the one about the general revenues being redistributed back to the agencies, right? Yeah, absolutely. Representative Gene has
explained the amendment. Would anyone like to speak against the amendment? For the amendment? Representative Gene is closed for the amendment. The question before the House is the adoption of Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 1064. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed, nay? The ayes have it. Amendment is adopted.
Madam Clerk, please send those four amendments to engrossing. Members, we're going to pass over House Bill 1100 for now. Madam Clerk, please read
Senate Bill 76. Senate Bill 76. Representative Gene, you're
recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 76 comes from Senator Dismang. The House sponsor is Representative Moore. This is for an appropriation only.
It has no funding now. We'll have to find some funding. It's for $2 million to go back to our local county extension offices for capital improvement. But at this time, there is no funding for
it. It's appropriation only. Any questions? Appreciate a good vote. Remember, your vote is for the bill of the Merchant Clause. Mr. Speaker,
have the clerk read the bill for the third time. Madam Clerk, read the bill for the third time. Senate Bill 76.
Speaker 35
16:31
Representative Jean has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the
bill, for the bill? Representative Jean is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of Senate Bill 76. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk.
Speaker 42
16:51
members your one vote is for the bill on the emergency clause everyone voted everyone voted cast out the ballot a vote of 87 yay 7 nay and 0
present the bill on the emergency clause has
passed representative jean you're recognized
thank you mr speaker colleagues i'm going to read these
bills out. We're going to start at Bill 1005, 1008, 1023, House Bill 1035, House Bill 1037, House Bill 1051, House Bill 1052, House Bill 1053, House Bill 1066, and House Bill 1068. They are all appropriations for next year. Take the time. I'm almost certain something's
to be pulled out maybe more than i
Speaker 80
17:55
thought representative cooper for what purpose request you're recognized can
Representative Cameron Cooper
Unverified
17:57
we withdraw hb 1035 and hb 1066 for separate votes 35 what was the other one in 66
Speaker 74
18:11
separate vote on each one okay gotcha representative long for
what purpose request you're recognized I'd
Representative Wayne Long
Unverified
18:19
like to request HB 1053 be pulled from the and voted
on separately. Yes, sir. Representative Duke, for what
Representative Hope Duke
Unverified
18:36
purpose? Request. You're recognized. I would like to request that HB 1051 and HB 1023 be pulled out for a separate vote.
Speaker 97
18:49
23 and 51. Yes, sir. Representative Cozart. Request.
Can I not? All right. I won't do it then. Representative Wooten,
for what purpose? Request. Recognized. I think it's just been mentioned, HB 1023. Yes, it has. Yes, it has been pulled out. I want that withheld. Called the secretary this morning. She has yet to return my call. Okay.
Representative DeAnn Vaught
Unverified
19:19
Representative Vaught, for what purpose? Request. - You recognized? - Can you pull House Bill 1005
for a separate vote? - 1005? Well, it ain't much a batch. You ready
to straw? All right, in the batch will be House Bill 1008, House Bill 1037, House Bill 1052,
House Bill 1068. Any questions on these four? Seeing none, your one vote is for the bills and the emergency clause. Mr.
Speaker, had the clerk read the bill a third time. Madam Clerk, read the bills for the third time. House Bill 1008,
Speaker 25
20:05
House Bill 1037, House Bill 1052, House Bill 1068. Bear in the machine, Madam Clerk. Members, your one
Speaker 42
20:19
vote is for the bill and the emergency clause of each bill in the batch.
As everyone voted, cast up the ballot. A vote of 94 yea, 0 nay, and 1
present. You've passed the bill and the emergency clause of each bill in the batch. Representative, Madam Clerk, please read House Bill 1005. House Bill 1005. representative gene you're
recognized thank you mr speaker this is the department of education appropriation this is the big one this is one that funds our public schools any question
seeing none your one vote is for the bill and the emergency clause mr speaker at the clerk read the bill for the third time madam clerk read
the bill for the third time hospital 1005 representative gene has explained the bill. Would anyone like to
speak against the bill? For the bill? Representative Gene is closed for the bill. Question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1005. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Members, your
Speaker 42
21:29
one vote is for the bill in the emergency clause.
Everyone voted. Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot by vote
of 89 yay, 4 nay, and 2 present. Pass the bill and the emergency clause. Madam Clerk,
please read House Bill 1023. House Bill 1023.
Representative Jean, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Baker. This is the Department of Human Services, the Secretary's Office of Appropriation. Any questions?
Seeing none, your one vote is for the bill of emergency clause. Mr. Speaker, has the clerk
read the bill for the third time? Madam Clerk, read the bill for the third time. House Bill 1023. Representative Jean has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill, for the bill? Representative Jean is closed for the bill. The question before the house is the passage of House Bill 1023. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk.
Speaker 42
22:33
Is everyone voted? Is everyone voted? Cast up the ballot. A vote of 71 yeas, 20 nays, 3 present. The bill has
failed. Madam Clerk, please read House Bill 1035. House Bill 1035.
representative jean you're recognized thank you mr. speaker colleagues house bill 1035 this is the department of health with
tobacco sensation program any questions think none your one vote is for the bill and the emergency clause mr. speaker the clerk
Speaker 40
23:21
read the bill third time madam clerk read the
Speaker 77
23:24
bill for the third time house bill 1035 representative jean has
explained the bill would anyone like to speak against the the bill? For the bill? Representative Jean is closed for the bill. Question before the
House is the passage of House Bill 1035. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Everyone
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voted? Everyone voted? Cast up the ballot. By a
vote of 64 yay, 20 nay, 10 present. The bill has failed. Madam Clerk, please read House Bill 1051.
House Bill 1051. Representative Gene, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is House Bill 1051. This is the Department of Finance Administration. This is the Regulatorial Division. - Any questions? Seeing none, your one vote is for the bill
of emergency clause. Miss Speaker, the clerk read the bill a third time. - Madam Clerk, read
the bill for the third time. - House Bill 1051. - Representative Jean has explained
the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? For the bill?
Representative Jean is closed for the bill. Question before the house is the passage of House Bill 1051. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. members
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your one vote is for the bill in the emergency clause everyone voted everyone voted cast up
the ballot by a vote of 89 yay 3 nay and 2 present bill in the emergency clause has passed
Madam Clark, please read House Bill 1053 House Bill 1053 Representative Gene,
you're recognized Thank you, Mr. Speaker Colleagues, this is House Bill 1053, which is the University of Little Rock Operation Budget. Got any questions? Seeing none, your one vote is for the bill and the emergency clause.
Mr. Speaker, the clerk, read the bill the third time. Madam Clerk, read the bill for the third time. House Bill 1053. Representative Jean has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Before the bill? Representative Jean is closed for the bill. Question before the house is the passage of House Bill 1053. Prepare
the machine, Madam Clerk. Is everyone voted, cast up the ballot by a vote of 60 yeas, 27 nays, and 6 present.
Bill has failed. Madam clerk please read House bill
1066. Bill 1066. Representative Gene, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is House Bill 1066, the last of the appropriation bills. We have supplementals and reappropriations next. This is the Department
of Environmental Quality. It is noted that a little over 1% of general
revenue rest of this is federal revenue and special revenue is in this bill any questions seeing none your one vote is for the bill in Merchant Clause miss speaker had the clerk read the bill third
time madam clerk read the bill for the third
time House Bill 1066 representative Jean has explained the bill everyone like anyone like speak against the bill for the bill Representative Jean is closed for the bill. Question before the House is the
passage of House Bill 1066. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Has
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everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot. Five votes of 66 yeas, 25 nay, and three present. The bill has failed.
Representative Gene, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, we're going
to try to do these two supplemental appropriations. This is during the ongoing year. We had a governor's letter sent to support these. The first one is House Bill 1089. It's DF&A Distributing Officer. This is a supplement to add $3.5 million to the Pregnant Crisis Centers. Also, House Bill 1090, the Department of Energy and Environment.
This is to add $2.5 million to the Waste Tires, Huge Tire Fund. And we know we've been having trouble with that. I'm going to try to batch these unless
you want to pull one of them out. Representative Collins, for what purpose? Request. Okay. Recognized. Could we please not batch them? Thank
Representative Andrew Collins
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you. How about we just take them one at a time? All right, House Bill 1089.
this is the uh three and a half million dollars for the pregnancy crisis center any questions your one vote is for the bill the mercy
clause mr speaker at the clerk read the bill third time
madam clerk read the bill for the third time house bill 1089 representative gene has explained the bill
would anyone like to speak against the bill for the bill representative gene is closed for the the bill. Question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1089. Prepare
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the machine, Madam Clerk. Members, your one vote is for the bill and the emergency clause. Everyone voted? Everyone voted? Cast up the ballot.
A vote of 81 yeas, 12 nay, and zero present. The bill on the emergency clause is passed. Madam Clerk, please read House Bill 1090. House Bill 1090.
Representative Gene, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is two and a half million dollars for waste tires, used tires. Any questions? Your one vote is
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for the bill on the emergency clause. Mr. Speaker, the clerk, read the bill third time. Madam Clerk, read the bill for the
third time. House Bill 1090. Representative Jean has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill, for the bill? Representative Jean is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1090.
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Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Members, your one vote is for the bill in the emergency clause. Has everyone voted? Cast up
the ballot. By a vote of 92 yea, 0 nay, and 2 present, the bill on the emergency clause is passed. Representative Gene, you're recognized.
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, this is the loan reappropriation bill, House Bill 1093, Department of Corrections. We still have $73 million to do something for correctional facilities, but in this bill, it is clearly stated in language that none of this money, $73 million, can be used in Franklin County. So that's what the bill states. Anyway, this is already money we appropriated.
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It just will be able to use it for the next fiscal year.
Representative Wheaton, for what purpose? Question. You're recognized. Does this mean that there will not be a prison in Franklin County, or does it mean she can come back with
another appropriation? Well, this $73 million is not going into Franklin County, and you ask this stuff way
above my pay grade. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Any other questions?
Your one vote is for the bill and mercy clause. Mr. Speaker, I declare the bill a third time. Madam Clerk, read the
bill for the third time. House Bill 1093. Representative Jean has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? For the bill? Representative Jean is closed for the bill. Question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1093. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk.
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Members your one vote is for the bill and the emergency clause. Everyone voted? Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot by
a vote of 94 yay, zero nay, and one present. The bill and the emergency clause is passed. Representative Gene
Chair
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you're recognized. Well that's my better judgment we're gonna try to batch
these but here we go. Senate Bill 8, Senate Bill 10, Senate Bill 16, Senate Bill 20, Senate
Bill 23, Senate Bill 24, Senate Bill 30, Senate Bill 36, Senate Bill 41, Senate Bill 43, Senate Bill 55, Senate Bill 58, and Senate Bill 59. Do I need to pull any Any of these out of the batch? Representative McKenzie, for what purpose? Request. You're recognized. Can we move Senate
Representative Brit McKenzie
Unverified
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Bill 41 out of the batch? 41. Yes, sir.
Representative Underwood, for what purpose? Request. You're recognized. Can we
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pull Senate Bill 8, 10, and 59 out of the batch? 8, 10, and 59? Yes,
sir. All right. Representative Duke, for what purpose? West. You're recognized. Sorry, trying to get my glasses. Could we pull
Representative Hope Duke
Unverified
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out Senate Bill 16? And I think that's the only one I have on this one. Thank you.
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Senate Bill 16. Representative Womack, for what purpose?
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Request. You're recognized. Can we pull Senate Bill 24 out for a separate
vote, please? Senate Bill 24 for a separate vote? Yes, sir. Representative Wooten, for what
purpose? Request. REQUEST. You're recognized. SENATE BILL 30. SENATE BILL 30?
Representative David Ray
Unverified
35:11
Yes. All right. REPRESENTATIVE RAY, FOR WHAT PURPOSE? REQUEST. You're recognized. Could we pull Senate Bill 24, please?
ALREADY DONE THAT. ALREADY DONE THAT. ALREADY DONE THAT. ALREADY DONE THAT. ALREADY DONE
THAT. ALREADY DONE THAT. Oh, all right. Just making sure. Any more? All right, Representative Gene, could you restate the batch, please? All right. So the batch will consist of Senate Bill 20, Senate Bill 23, Senate
Bill 43, Senate Bill 55, and Senate Bill 58. Is that what you got?
36 should be in there, Representative Gene. And Senate Bill 36. We'll go to it again. Senate Bill 20, 23, 36, 43, 55, 58. Your one vote is for the bills in the emergency clause. Mr. Speaker, the clerk, read the
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bill a third time. Madam Clerk, read the bills for the third
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time. Senate Bill 20, Senate Bill 23, Senate Bill 43, Senate Bill 55, Senate Bill 58.
You did not call Senate Bill 36. That should be in the batch. Senate Bill 36. Prepare the
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machine, Madam Clerk. Members, your one vote is for the bill and the emergency clause of each bill in the batch. Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot.
by a vote of 94 yay one nay zero present the bill in the emergency clause each bill in the batch
is passed madam clerk please read senate bill eight senate bill eight representative jean you're recognized
thank you mr speaker this is part of commerce's appropriation any
questions Seeing none, your one vote is for the bill and the
emergency clause. Mr. Speaker, the clerk, read the bill a third time.
Madam Clerk, read the bill for the third time. Senate Bill 8. Representative Jean has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against
the bill, for the bill? Representative Jean is closed for the bill. Question before the House is the passage of Senate Bill 8,
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although prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. members your one vote is for the bill in the emergency clause everyone voted everyone
voted cast up the ballot by vote of 87 yay five nay and two present
pass the bill in the emergency clause madam clerk please read senate bill 10 Senate Bill 10 Representative Gene, you're recognized Thank you Mr. Speaker, this is Senate Bill 10 is the Department of
Chair
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Commerce of the Division of Workforce Services their appropriation do we have any questions? Representative Dalby, for what
Representative Carol Dalby
Unverified
38:32
purpose? You're recognized Representative Gene, is this the bill that's going to consolidate
all the workforce services units to Little Rock and outside of our district? Give me a little bit more than that. It's my understanding that they're consolidating all the workforce services that are out in our various districts to Little Rock. Is that what this is doing? I don't think so. Any other questions?
and I'm not a hundred percent but I don't think so I'm taking I'm doing bad things I'm taking Ward Law's advice representative Dobby for what purpose I'd like to
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see if it's too late I'd like to not too late I'd like to pass over and see if
I can get an answer thank you Thank you. I appreciate that. Come back to the calendar. All right. Members will pass over Senate Bill 10. 16.
Madam Clerk, please read Senate Bill 16. Senate Bill 16. Representative Jean. This is the Parks and Tourism Capital Zoning
District. It's their appropriation. Any questions? Your one vote is for the bill of emergency clause. Mr. Speaker, let
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the clerk read the bill for the third time. Madam Clerk, read the bill for the third time. Senate Bill 16. Representative Jean has explained the bill.
Would anyone like to speak against the bill, for the bill? Representative Jean is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of Senate Bill 16. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk.
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Members, your one vote is for the bill on the emergency clause. Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot.
By a vote of 88 yay, 5 nay, 1 present, the bill on the emergency clause is passed. Madam
Clerk, please read Senate Bill 24. Senate Bill 24. Representative Jean, you're recognized to explain the bill.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is the Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities. Do you have any questions? Representative Wooten, for what purpose?
Question. You're recognized. Is it true that they haven't
had an increase in human services development in 10 years?
I'm not sure about ten, but it's been a little bit. And, you know, their testimony and committee, I think back in November at Pierre, we were questioning them about keeping the staff. The department came up and said they had adequate funding, but they just couldn't find enough employees.
That's what the department said. So they didn't ask for any additional funding. And the testimony at PEER back in November
was they had adequate funding for employees and help. What I've been told,
what I understand has happened, is the governor's office has told every agency not to ask for any more increase. Representative Ladyman, for what purpose? Question. You're recognized.
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Could we pass over this today? Yeah, we can
do that today because the Senate bill has already come out of the Senate. We can do that for you.
Thank you. All right, we'll pass. Members, we'll pass over Senate Bill 24 today. Okay. Madam Clerk, please read Senate Bill 30. Senate Bill
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30. Representative Gene, you're recognized. Senate Bill 30, this is the officer of the Office of Governor, Appropriation. Second floor.
Any questions? Your one vote is for the bill and the emergency clause. Mr. Speaker, would the clerk read the
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bill for the third time? Madam Clerk, read the bill for the third time.
Senate Bill 30. Representative Jean has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill, for the bill? Representative Jean is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of Senate Bill 30. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk.
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members your one bill is vote is for the bill and the emergency clause everyone voted everyone voted cast up the ballot a vote of 94 yeas
1 nay 0 present you have passed the bill and the emergency clause madam clerk please read Senate bill 41 Senate bill 41 representative Gene you're
recognized. Thank You Mr. Speaker. Bill 41 is the University of
Arkansas Fayetteville appropriation. Any questions? Your one vote is for the bill and the
emergency clause Mr. Speaker the clerk read the bill third time. Madam
Clerk read the bill for the third time. Senate Bill 41. Representative Gene has explained the bill would anyone like to speak against the bill? Representative
Representative Brit McKenzie
Unverified
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McKenzie, you're recognized to speak against the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In brief, I come down here today to talk about this appropriation.
I've sent everyone here notes about it. Y'all have been bothered in the hallways about this. Fundamentally, a yes vote on this appropriation today means that moving forward, we are okay as a legislative body, as a state, as parents of students, and as Arkansans, okay with the concept of students bearing the responsibility and the cost of athletics. I've taken this process as seriously as I could. I've done what they ask us to do. I've been public, I've met with stakeholders,
I've filed special language, I've had conversations, I've had phone calls late into the night. Ultimately, the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville wants to be able to reserve the right to charge kids later for the opportunity to fund athletics. I think if we get down to it's very brass tax, that's objectionable. There are other institutions in the state that charge some type of an athletic fee. They don't operate at a $200 million of revenue that the University of Arkansas Fayetteville does. So I ask you today to join me in voting against.
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Representative McKenzie has spoke against the bill. Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Anyone
would like to speak against the bill? Representative Jean, Representative Wooten, for what purpose? You recognize, speak against the
bill. I tried not to speak big against anything this time, but it didn't work out that way.
Let me tell you something. We do not need to give $5 million, $6 million, $10 million, whatever it turns out to be, to the University of Arkansas for athletics. Now, I'm a former coach, but I warned every one of you about NIL and the transfer portal and what it was going to do to college football, and it's here. And we've got a mess up there in Fayetteville, not only with the foundation, but with the athletic program itself, and particularly with football.
Now, you've got a decision to make, and I know a lot of you live up there, and the university is a big challenge for you to keep them funded. But this will be the first time that money has ever been given to the athletic program by the University of Arkansas. We don't need to start down that road. Once you start down a road, it's hard to come back up it.
And so I'm asking you today to give it consideration of holding this appropriation down. It will hurt the university students and the university itself. And next time, it won't be $5 million or $6 million. It'll be $10 million, $20 million. And we'll wind up where we're supporting the athletic program up there that makes an awful lot of money.
And that's the reason the NCAA has failed college football. we wouldn't be in this mess today if they'd done what they should have done years ago and the players won't like what I'm about to say but we do not need to be paying them we're giving them free house free board free education and a degree from the University of Arkansas which means an awful lot
and if that's not enough let them go somewhere else and play football. Thank you.
Representative Wooten has spoke against the bill. Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Against the bill? Representative Gene, you're recognized closed for the bill. Representative Gene is closed for the bill. Question before the house is the passage of Senate Bill 41. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk.
Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot. By a vote of 21 yay, 58 nay, 14 present. The bill
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has failed. Madam Clerk, please read Senate Bill 59. Senate Bill 59. Representative Gene, you're recognized. Thank you Mr.
Speaker. Senate Bill 59, Department of Education, Arkansas Television. Any questions?
Anything none, your one vote is for the bill and the merch clause. Mr. Speaker,
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does the clerk read the bill a third time? madam clerk
read the bill for the third time in about 59 representative gene has explained the bill would anyone like speak against the bill for
Speaker 3
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the bill represent gene is closed for the bill question before the house is the passage of Senate bill 59 prepare the machine madam clerk
Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot. By vote of 72 yea, 19 nay, 3 present. The bill has failed.
Representative Gene, you're recognized. Members, we're going back to Senate Bill 10. Ms. Cartwright did text
me. Had nothing to do with closing, bringing consolidating work. I thought I was right but word law had me kind of buffaloed a little bit it's
not good it's not good but anyway any other questions seeing
none your one vote is for the bill in the mercy clause Mr. Speaker the clerk read the bill third time. Madam Clerk read
the bill for the third time. Senate bill 10. Representative Jean has explained the bill would
anyone like to speak against the bill for the bill. Rep. Jean's closed for the bill. Question before the House is the passage of Senate Bill 10. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk.
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Members, your one vote is for the bill in the emergency clause. Has everyone voted? Cast up the
ballot. By vote of 92 yay, one nay, and one present. The bill in the emergency clause is passed. Representative
Gene you're recognized. Thank you Mr. Speaker we have three supplementals
on the Senate bill calendar that all came
supported by a governor's letter. Senate bill 63 which is the Department of Human services this is the two million dollars if you remember last session we did a two million dollars for our senior citizen centers from for meals for this this current year and two more million for the the year upcoming this is the second two million that goes into funding that senate bill 67 is a university of arkansas uams it's a five million dollar appropriation supported by governor's
letter for high-risk pregnancy program and strokes stroke programs any questions on that one and the last one is Senate bill 73 this is the Department of Commerce economic development this is a ten million dollar set aside for community grants that the Department of Commerce administrates and it was supported by a governor's
letter. Representative McElindon, for what purpose?
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Request. You're recognized. Could you please pull out SB 73? 73? Yes. For a separate vote? Please. All right. Thank you. Representative Duke,
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for what purpose? Request. You're recognized. Can you pull out SB 67 for a separate
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vote? There be no badge. Senate bill 63 you heard me
explain it any questions your one vote is for the
bill the mercy clause mr. speaker at the clerk read the bill third time madam
clerk read the bill for the third time Senate bill 63 representative Jean has explained the bill anyone would like speak against the bill for the bill representative Jean is closed for the bill question before the house is the passage of Senate Bill 63. Prepare the machine, Madam
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Clerk. Members, your one vote is for the bill in the emergency clause. Everyone voted?
Cast up the ballot. By vote of 92 yea, 0 nay, and 2 present, the bill in the emergency clause is passed. Madam Clerk, please read Senate Bill 67.
Senate Bill 67. Representative Jean, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is supplemental for the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences. Any question?
Seeing none, your one vote is for the bill on the emergency clause.
Ms. Speaker, if the clerk read the bill
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a third time. Madam Clerk, read the bill for the third time. Senate Bill 67. Representative Jean has explained the bill. Would
anyone like to speak against the bill, for the bill? Representative Jean is
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closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of Senate Bill 67. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Members,
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your one vote is for the bill and the emergency clause.
Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot. A vote of 93 yay, one nay, and one present. The bill on the emergency
clause is adopted. Madam Clerk, please read Senate Bill
73. Senate Bill 73. Representative Gene, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Department
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of Commerce, community grants, any questions? Representative Eves, for what purpose?
Representative Les D. Eaves
Unverified
55:41
Question. Recognized. Representative Gene, will this be your last time in the well, you think? have no idea if it is I just wanted to say thank you for your service to the state and thank you for sharing budget for all these years much appreciated thank you
Well, thank you, members. I want to say that this was not the greatest
honor in my life. I did a lot of other things that were
the honor. But it is one that I have cherished.
no but anyway we all want to see great things and good things have the state of Arkansas and even though we disagree from time to time I know everybody
in here wants that and I appreciate your friendship and your support through the years so we had voted yet have
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we matter madam clerk read the bill for the third time. Senate Bill 73. Representative
Jean has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak
against the bill? For the bill? Representative Jean is closed for the bill. Question before the House is the passage of Senate Bill 73. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Members, your
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one vote is for the bill in the emergency clause. Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot. By a
vote of 81 yea, 12 nay, 2 present.
The bill in the emergency clause is passed. Representative Gene, you're recognized. Thank
Chair
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you, Mr. Speaker. We're going back to House Bill
1100. And This is the amendment, amendment number one, and what this is
is the numbers and the guts to the RSA. I'm going
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to go kind of quickly because we're not voting on the bill.
That'll be tomorrow, but we are voting on the amendment. Amendment takes 51 votes. The bill takes 51 votes, except
tomorrow we have an emergency clause, and to invoke the emergency clause as you know that bill needs to have 67 votes tomorrow so but just for today it's just amendment only and just some highlights and when we finish here we will have
time before we go into joint budget we will have a
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meeting up on the fourth floor conference room for anybody that
wants to talk about the one-time funding or the RSA and then ask something
what time we going in session tomorrow one o'clock tomorrow morning after peer is over we have a peer meeting at 9:00 10:00 or 10:30 maybe in conference room two we'll We'll have Representative Johnson back.
We'll have another time for any member that wants to ask questions on the RSA. So that gives us ample time for anybody to get all their questions answered. So that's the plan. The main things that have highlighted, and I've highlighted some things, what we have done in this RSA and the one-time funding bill. We have a total increase of $87.7 million to the Department of Corrections.
We also have a total increase of $28.5 million to the miscellaneous agencies. Of that, $7 million is going to the Drug Task Force. $5 million is going to the Inspector General for errors in the SNAP program. We have a $6 million faith-based initiative that was supported by a letter by the governor. We also, out of that $28 million, have another $10.5 million
that we're kind of transferring
from special revenue to general revenue off of license fees and stuff like that for the
state police. Also, we have a state police total increase of about $15.9 million. Of that, $10 million goes to the pay plan, and $5 million is to support Act 988 on installation fees.
And on the learns, the freedom accounts, there's a total of $309 million. Of that, $122 million is increased from last time. So your total account for the LEARN for this year in the RSA is $309 million. Let me get to the transfer funds, then we'll take questions if anybody has any.
The four big transfer funds right
off the top were the Medicaid, to sure it up, we've added another $100 million. Also, sitting on the side for the Freedom Accounts, the LEARNs, there's another $70 million in one-time funding. Also, there's a 43.7 on the programs that we do through the year on the simple majority set-asides.
That's where the governor's got to write a letter to support whatever the project we're doing, and we have to have a 51% vote in council to support it. We're adding $43.7 million back to that. And then the other major
transfer is $5 million to purchase vehicles. That could be state police cars, something we do quite
common here. Then we add two late transfers that are coming in, and they're $300 million, $150 million apiece.
Now, I talked to Hugh McDonald early this morning, and I'm telling you the truth, and everybody in here is telling you the truth. We don't know what this project is. They are in negotiation. There is another state in the running. We're asking for $150 million on site improvement. The paper told you where it was. You're not going to get anything out of me because I believe in confidentiality.
And this, I don't know how many employees. I read the 4,000 and 2,000, but I know this. We all want, well, I shouldn't say we all, some of us won't. Majority of us want the income tax to go down the state of Arkansas. when you broaden the work base you
can get it accomplished much faster I believe this project will do that and it's doing it in a area of the state that needs it so 150 million of this is for
the site preparation and then 150 million is for road construction to get in and out of the facility and
one question i was asked earlier and it's in the bill is what if we put this three million in and the project doesn't doesn't get here it falls we lose the trigger of putting this in is we will have the money in in no account it'll still be in the reserved what will signal it to go
is when all the criteria is met, signatures from the state of Arkansas and the company that's going to do it,
then the $300 million will transfer. But until it's a done deal, the money stays in the state surplus, the current surplus that we're in. And this in no way touches any of
the $2 billion that we have in catastrophic reserve. this is talking about the current surplus that we had at the end of last fiscal year is what we'll
be using now any questions representative rose for what purpose question you're recognized thank you representative gene could you discuss what clawback measures are in place or will be in place
well i know they're the same type of callbacks that we've had with similar don't i haven't seen the particular because nobody's seen the contract nobody knows who this is but we had callback numbers with big river steel that has made money for the state of arkansas a lot of concerns was
on it years ago when nestle's came to jonesboro then they've been a success but i'm telling you with with the state of confidentiality none of us in this chamber or in the senate has seen these numbers. But I do believe in our Department of Commerce. I believe in Hugh MacDonald. But we have not
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seen that yet. But that's just a game of economic development. Follow-up? You're recognized.
Without mentioning any specifics, can you state whether there are going to be any clawback measures implemented in the $300 million? Oh, yeah. In every
one there is. Without a doubt. don't meet whatever their job how many jobs are supposed
to produce income levels all of that those fallbacks are in everyone of substantial money and this is substantial money sure yes thank you mr speaker thank you
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representative rye for what purpose question mr recognized
lane uh representative lane i know that the income tax is something
that we've put in there just a little bit. In your professional opinion on this situation sir do we have a little more room where we could actually give the
people of this state a pretty good income tax deduction on top of what we've done? Representative Rye I was when I came in
the house and the members here that was
our goal was to keep chewing away at the income tax and we've done it over the year. That's got
nothing to do with this bill, but I hear we're going to have a special session real soon, and we'll pick up that debate, but I don't
think this is the proper time to talk about it. Thank you, sir. Representative Duke, for what
Representative Hope Duke
Unverified
1:07:19
purpose? Question. You're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Representative Gene, I just have, I just need some clarity,
I think, a little bit on the amendment that we're voting on right now, today. What is the numbers in that amendment? I mean, I know we have the 300 million here but the other pieces to that amendment that has
money going out because I got I think a little bit confused when we were going through the numbers at the beginning and then when we got down to
the $300 million so can you just give us now are you talking
about the RSA or are you talking about the supplemental money which what number do you
want? The supplemental I guess. Okay alright I'll go through it again this is this is
the one-time fees right here we have Medicaid set aside 100
million we have freedom account set aside 70
million or 43.7 million is set aside for the majority vote set aside on programs we fund during the year where We have to have the governor's letter, and 51% of the council has to approve it. That number is $43.7 million. The vehicle set aside, the money we use to buy state police cars, $5 million.
And then the quick action closing money of the $300 million that I just talked about, that totals up to $518,700,000 on this bill. One-time funding. Any other questions? Representative
Wooten, for what purpose? Well, I couldn't hear
the total set-aside amount of money. Representative Wooten, for what purpose?
Question, I'm sorry. You're recognized. The total set-aside that's off RSA
is what? Outside the RSA, this is the one-time funding sheet. Okay. total set aside was 518,700,000. 518 million. Okay. What is the surplus estimated to
be? All right. The current year? Yes. Well, where this 518 is going to be found.
Well, our balance in the surplus that we're working out of is 619 million. Okay. So we'll have about $100
million left, and then we've got $300 million already this year, and our projected surplus, we'll have some more by the time June 30th. So we'll have a balance of about where we are now, beginning July 1. Okay, follow
up, if I may. You're recognized.
Straighten me out on the numbers. We've been told there were 44,000 EFA accounts. The paper stated Sunday before last, there were 52,529 students. When you add that up and multiply that out, it comes up to 379 million. When you consider the $70 million that's been set aside for EFA accounts and the $52,529 multiplies to $379 million, then we're going to use the $70 million to pay for the $52,000 students. Is that correct?
Well, I'm not sure I'm qualified to answer this, because the number
I heard, and you probably didn't get the chairman of the education committee down here to answer that, I've heard we were at 48,000 students,
and so where we are exactly, you're asking the wrong fellow. Okay, well the paper said 52,529, 48,000 more for the next year, so I don't know which number is correct.
Speaker 196
1:11:42
I don't know. Okay, thank you. Any other questions? Seeing none, we'd like a good vote on the
amendment. Representative Gene has explained the amendment. Would anyone like to speak against the amendment? Representative Ray, you're recognized to speak against the amendment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker,
Representative David Ray
Unverified
1:12:14
colleagues. There's a lot in this amendment that I'm in support of
in terms of one-time spending, but the $300 million that we have recently at the last minute been asked to set aside for this economic development project I cannot support and I typically vote against a lot of these similar types of policies but I'm not sure that I always do a very good job of explaining why so I want to try and do some of that I think that first of all while well-intentioned these sorts of policies are not the proper role of government and what I
mean by that is when taxpayers pay their taxes they expect their money to go to a limited government that funds the core functions of that government. Things like roads and bridges, education for our kids, sewer and water infrastructure, police and fire, correctional facilities to house people that need to be separated from the rest of society. I don't believe that they expect, the taxpayers, that is, for us to redistribute hundreds of millions of dollars of their tax
money to profitable companies that most likely have hundreds of millions of dollars in annual profit already, without us giving them any more. And so, not only do I not think it's the proper role of government to do this, I also think that these policies in general aren't so great. I think that the government generally makes for a lousy venture capitalist, and they're spending OPM, which Representative Lundstrom, I know that's your favorite acronym, other
people's money, and so they, when you spend other people's money, you don't accurately assess risk in the same manner as if you would your own. And I understand the arguments for this type of project, and I respect a lot of the people that make those sorts of arguments, they make arguments like, well, everyone else is offering these sorts of deals, so we have to offer them as well. They say things like, there's clawback measures in place, so there's not really any risk involved. And I understand
those arguments, but I think that there's a better way, because if this is the way that jobs are actually created, then why aren't all jobs created this way? Why don't we just have a massive fund of money that all companies apply and get a slice of anytime they agree to create x amount of jobs. I think we know the answer to why that's not the case. It's because the state and its agencies are not a substitute for the market. And I also understand that these
sorts of projects are always really popular generally, especially with elected officials, because the easiest thing to do in politics is to vote for a, quote, jobs project because you get to go to the groundbreaking and wear the hard hat and turn the dirt and take the picture and put it on social media and brag in your re-election about the jobs that you created. And you can see the result because there's a physical plant and there's workers that work there.
What you don't see, what's harder to see, are the things that don't happen. You don't see the plant that doesn't open somewhere else in the state because we sucked 300 million extra dollars out of the economy in the form of taxes than we needed to. You don't see the worker that doesn't get hired because the taxes came in 300 million higher than they needed to. You don't see the small business that didn't expand or the company that just never made the decision to relocate here.
And I think that's extrapolated out hundreds if not thousands of times in communities all across the state. And so that's the opportunity cost. You see the benefit. The benefit is concentrated and it's visible. The costs are dispersed and they're invisible because they just never materialized. We never allowed them to happen. And so that's generally why I think these sorts of policies are not always a good idea. But I also think that there's a better way.
I think the better way of pursuing job creation as a policy is to have an intense laser-like focus on making our general business climate the best in the country By aggressively lowering our income taxes, doing away with uncompetitive policies like we have on inventory tax and like we're trying to do on throwback rule and on net operating loss and reducing red tape, investing in workforce development and all those sorts of things.
And we have done, we have made significant progress in a lot of these areas, and it's showing. Our job numbers currently are better than at any time, I believe, in the history of our state. And that's why I think we actually ought to double down on the current policies that we're pursuing and not take our eye off the ball with some of these types of projects. And I ask you to look at the cost, because $300 million is a lot of money. There's a couple of ways to think about this. If you go and look at a 10-year look back of what our state corporate income tax collects, every corporation in the state that pays into corporate income tax, several years out of the last 10, those numbers after refunds have hovered at around $400 million.
So what we're saying, we're taking the better part of an entire year's worth of corporate income tax collections from every corporation in the state that pays corporate income tax, and then we're redistributing it to one company for one project. Another way to look at it is in comparison to other similar projects. You know, I don't know that we use the term anymore, but the super project term that I've heard people talk about. It was mentioned the Big River Steel Project. Well, that project was, if I'm not mistaken, was $125 million, less than half of the cost
of this project. The most recent one that I remember was the JLTV project in Camden that we ended up not winning. That was going to be $83 million, and I think that was repayable loans, if I remember correctly. So what they're asking us to do on this is twice the size of those two projects combined. Or sorry, it's more than those two projects combined, is what I was trying to say. And so what I hope we think about is that there's a tremendous opportunity cost to doing this.
You know, we're in year three of year seven on the phase-out of the throwback rule. And if my math is correct, we could simply set aside a fraction of the money that we're being asked to consider here. And we could go ahead and eliminate the throwback rule immediately and not wait four more years to become competitive by that economic measure. We could do something similar with net operating laws, which were one of the most uncompetitive in the country at 10 years on that provision.
Most states are at 20. We could do something very similar there. These are the kind of examples, hopefully will give you an idea of what I'm talking about. We don't have to pursue job creation as a policy, one project at a time. It's my opinion that we will always be a poor state if our mindset is predominantly to try and convince companies and ply them to come here one by one with taxpayer money.
I think there's a better way by focusing intently on a pro-growth business climate that benefits all businesses generally and not just the politically favored. So in other words, are we going to do the thing that benefits companies in every district in the state that's represented here in this chamber? Or are we going to do a thing that benefits just basically one area or a handful of districts? And also, in terms of who benefits, I think it's important to think about this,
that we know very little about this, but I think it's safe to say that a very significant chunk of the jobs that are going to be created are going to go to people that live in Memphis, Tennessee, and South Haven, Mississippi. The population of West Memphis is 24,500 people. The Memphis, Tennessee metro area is 1.3 million people. So really, think about where those jobs are going to go to. And then there's another 55,000 people
who live in South Haven, Mississippi. The other thing that bothers me about this are the optics of it. I fully support reforming a lot of our general welfare policies to ensure that the resources are reserved for the truly needy and not just anybody that wants a handout for the government. And so I generally support those things, like the money we're putting aside for SNAP eligibility to try and improve our error rate. If we're going to go, it just looks bad
if we're going through those programs with a fine-tooth comb to make sure that nobody who's not eligible is accidentally getting those benefits, and then we turn around, on the other hand, and dole out $300 million to a massive corporation that's already profitable, not to mention the timing. I mean, I know Representative Jean mentioned that this is sort of last minute. I mean, I read about this in the newspaper. I didn't hear about this from the agency.
They didn't, to the best of my knowledge, we've not really had much of a public opportunity to ask questions and get answers on this. If you disagree with everything I've said so far up until this point, you could at least agree that we ought to have more time to ask questions about this, to vet it and deliberate a little bit longer. So in closing, I guess I just want to say, I don't want to be misinterpreted. I hope we get this project, whatever it is. I hope they choose Arkansas, and I hope they come here and create a boatload of jobs.
But I don't want that to happen on the backs of the hardworking taxpayers of this state. I think we have to ask ourselves, who is this benefiting? Is it benefiting taxpayers generally? Is it benefiting the people that live in your district? Or is it benefiting whatever company we're talking about here? Representative
Ray has spoke against the bill. Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Representative Ladyman, you're recognized to speak for the bill.
Representative Jack Ladyman
Unverified
1:23:29
Well, I hate to come up and talk against my friend, Representative Ray, but that's a lot to unpack there, and, you know, that might be a good idea for long term, but let me just talk about a little bit of experience I've had with this sort of project, not just in Arkansas, but I will talk about the one in Arkansas. there was a plant built in Jonesboro that I helped start up and it went for about four years I think most of the money was paid back some of it was not and the clawback that's been brought up
I can tell you from experience that works these this company was absorbed by another larger company but they they helped people in a warehouse and an operating office here for up to 10 years to meet that clawback so that does work it's not perfect uh but I can't go into all the things that representative Ray talked about but you know he I believe I heard him say if it's 300 million
and then that corporation only pays $300 million back so we don't make any money and it's centered. But every dollar that that corporate pays out in the community, there's three or four other dollars. Is that right, Representative Torrance? $3, $4, something like that? So that's multiplied by four times. So back when I was a mayor and I talked to the Municipal League about cutting my taxes, One of the things they told me that I learned, the more people that pay taxes, the more you spread that out, the more it helps everybody.
So if you have 6,000 people, as an example, working at a factory, even during construction and 2,000 permanent jobs, that's going to be a lot of money paid into taxes, which will allow us to cut taxes statewide. So I guess what I'm saying is each project needs to be looked at individually and a project of this size is worth looking into and I used to help build four factories in a year
when I was with a large corporation and every time this plan worked. Now sometimes it didn't, but the clawback brought the money back. But the growth in the community, the economics and the way it helped the taxes is real. And something about the speed that Representative Ray talked about, a lot of these projects, you know, a bunch of guys in a room and they're talking about, hey, we got a billion dollars, we need to build a factory, but we got to do it like this.
And those projects happen fast and they can't get that information out. They don't want to get that information out. You know, when I was mayor, there was a rumor Walmart was coming to town. That got out, Walmart didn't come to town. So they've got a good reason for not telling people all the information up front. But generally, a project of this size goes pretty fast. So that's my only input. I think we have to really look at individual projects. This sounds like a really good project, and I believe it won't just help West Memphis.
I believe it will help the state. I appreciate
you for supporting it. Representative Ladyman has spoke for the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Anyone like to speak for the bill? Representative Rye, you're
recognized to speak for the bill. Good to be with you. There was a time, y'all, in the 60s and 70s that the eastern side of our state actually, it took care of business.
But what has happened over the past 20, 25 years, a lot of these farming jobs have just disappeared because of the size of equipment. Now, when you're talking about West Memphis, Arkansas, you're talking about a place that needs a shot in the arm. It needs a shot in the arm, which I'm from there, and I can see it all going on. And I'm sure it's going to cost us a little something to get it going, but I'll tell you what, It's going to put people in jobs, and I can tell you that's what we need in Northeast Arkansas.
Representative Rye has spoke for the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Anyone like to speak for the bill? Representative Brooks,
Representative Keith Brooks
Unverified
1:28:17
you're recognized to speak for the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just to answer the question that Representative Wooden posed, as I understood it, As much credit as Representative Eves gives me that I have an EFA chip implanted in my head with all the numbers I don't. So the best numbers we've got right now, we have, this was last year, 56,000 students applied, 46,000 were eligible, and 44,000 were funded.
That's last year. As of last week, the total number of applications for EFAs were 49,261. Representative Brooks has spoke for the
Speaker 103
1:28:48
bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Anyone would like
to speak for the bill? Representative Beatty, you're recognized. I think
Representative Howard M. Beaty, Jr.
Unverified
1:29:03
this mic is way too loud today, as well as the other mics in the chamber.
I wasn't planning on coming down today and address. First, I'll say Representative Ray and I have healthy discussions about economic development, and they're always good, productive conversations. But what I'm going to ask you to envision is envision this being your district and jobs in your local community and the opportunity to have 100 new jobs in your community. And what would that mean in your district to the people that live there that would mean to their children and folks that live out of state
that they want in that district living here? I mean, we're supposed to be about job creation and economic development. I respect what Representative Ray was saying about the handouts and things along those lines but let's think about the jobs have been created in the state in the last 10 years I mean there's some statistical numbers out there and I printed some of them out but from 2019 to 2022 there were almost 19,000 jobs created in this state 19,000 employees in Arkansans working because of tax credits and incentives that's how business
is financed most of the time except for small business and entrepreneurs that start their business and there's a lot of growth there. This is a process that during that time period probably I think over the last 10 years over 40,000 new jobs created in Arkansas. Arkansans working here paying taxes here buying homes here spending their money with those small business entrepreneurs in the state. This is how it works, and it is working for the state. The numbers, the increases
in economic development that we see in the state with folks working, the unemployment rate, the development in the state, this is why we need this bill. This is why that money's in there. There's not a lot of details on it. We don't know the company. We don't know the number of jobs. We don't even know the industry. What I want to tell you is if you You could have those 4,000 jobs, if that's the number, or even 100 jobs in your community. You decide what that price tag is for your community and employing your local people.
And I would tell you it's well worth the investment. So I'd encourage you to vote for this. This will advance the state and put people to work, and it's a good
deal. So thank you. Representative Beatty has spoke for the amendment. Would anyone
Speaker 35
1:31:31
like to speak against the amendment? Representative Rose, you're recognized to speak
against the amendment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. I appreciate the vigorous debate.
Just want to echo that I recognize many of the members who have spoken as experts in their fields and quite intelligent and experienced in economic development. laid him in, I find you as one of the smartest members in the body. We just happen to disagree on this particular issue. The thing I have the greatest heartburn over is we don't know who it is, we don't know what it is, but we got to vote for it and then we'll figure it out later.
And I appreciate the budget chair stressing that there will be clawback measures, which I think are great in projects like this, but I also have to disagree with something that was said a minute ago that I don't believe that we are in the business of creating jobs. I think that is the job of the free market, and I believe that is the job of hardworking Arkansans and innovators. Roughly half of the jobs that are in this state are generated by small businesses, and
So my support will be for those people and the hardworking Arkansans who pay these taxes that we're trying as a body to distribute to a major corporation, it sounds like, with lots of money. I'm not convinced that that's the best
way to use Arkansas taxpayer dollars, so I'll be a no vote. Thank you. Representative Rose has
spoke against the amendment. Would anyone like to speak for the amendment? Representative Carr, you recognize, speak for the amendment.
Representative John P. Carr
Unverified
1:33:26
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, hey, this is an opportunity to invest. We often talk about sometimes that we want to decrease government benefits, and I've often heard the replies, well, they should just get a job. I've been told that by a member in here. this is an opportunity to provide that job allow those people to earn a living they have those health insurance benefits the packages that go along with that it's an opportunity for us
to lower our roles on on the care and if we think about that that promotes pro-life that way we're not just pro-birth that's pro-life i've seen what these opportunities do in my district big river steel is an example new core also you don't realize the far-reaching effects they have throughout the state you don't realize
the investment that they give back into the state yes free market capitalism but you got to invest and only Arkansans, I mean if we don't think about Kenco and Toyota, we lost two big opportunities in years past and they simply went to another state. We can just stand back in the corner, somebody else is going to benefit. That's not a good steward of our people of providing those opportunities. I encourage you to vote yes. I've seen
how this operates, and even our small businesses benefit. We have a multitude of small businesses in my district that benefit from those larger ones. So I appreciate a yes
Speaker 242
1:35:18
vote. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Representative Carr has spoke for the amendment. Would anyone like to speak against the
amendment? Representative Duke, you're recognized to speak against the amendment.
Representative Hope Duke
Unverified
1:35:35
thank you Mr. Speaker I'm probably not surprising many of you that I'm gonna vote no on this because I
do do that quite a bit down here but I don't always come down here with the percentage of no votes that I make and speak against something when I first came down here one of the things that I've noticed is we do an awful lot to help our big corporations and big business and that's great I'd like to help people but the conversation most of the time is not about the small business and about the folks and one of the things that frustrates me about this
process here there's a there's some good things in this um in this amendment but it's all packaged in here together because that's how we do things down here we put it all together so that we have a hard time voting no against it so we packaged it all together we did it really really fast most people didn't know about it i had members asking me we were reaching out to each other we read it in the paper on the 300 million that's not how we should be doing things that's not how we should be treating people. That's not how we should be treating each other. And so that's one of the issues I have is process should matter to us down here. It matters to our people. They want to know
what we're doing and why we're doing it, and they want some transparency. And I understand you can't have transparency in every piece of every movement in economic development and what everyone's doing here. But when we're talking $300 million wrapped up in this amendment with a whole bunch of other things it ought to make us pause at least for a little while and get some additional answers to this question and maybe pull some of the pieces out and vote on them separately instead of rolling it up all together because you and I both know when we get to the end of session and things start
moving fast we don't always make the best decisions because sometimes we just want to go home my dad told me last week he said hope you should go down there you should just make a motion to adjourn Because at this point, y'all just all need to go home. And I laughed, and I said, well, that's more something like you would do. That's not something that I would do. And if y'all don't know my dad, you know that's true. But I'm starting to think he's probably right. We probably should have adjourned last week. Because this is when we start doing stuff like this that makes us come back and say, oh, you know what, we need to go ahead and listen to something in fiscal session,
because we made a mistake in the general session. So I'm going to vote no. I encourage you all to vote no. There's a lot of concern about this, and I can't debate all the different pieces to it, but there's enough in here to give me pause. And if your gut's telling you, I don't think so. If your people back home might be saying, what about me? What about the small business? What about the person back home would just prefer to have a little of that money back in their pocket? Because I'm pretty sure you're hearing more people say that than they're saying,
give some more breaks to the big guys. Thank you.
Representative Duke has spoke against the amendment. Would anyone like to speak for the amendment? Representative Wooten, you're recognized to speak for
the amendment. Here I am again. I want to put a human side to what's a possibility in West Memphis.
I've lived in Forest City. I've lived in DeWitt. I've seen the absolute poverty in that part of the world, in East Arkansas. Those of you who live in Northwest Arkansas are fortunate that you have Tysons, that you have Walmart, that you have J.B. Hunt, and others. But what What we're forgetting about the $300 million, and I'm all about saving money.
What we're forgetting, that's an investment that will bring billions of dollars to that part of the state, ancillary industries. Just go up the road 40 miles to Osceola and look at the Three River plant, the steel plant, steel plant, another steel plant. And look at what the investment has brought as a result of that investment from ancillary
industries into the city of Osceola, Blytheville, and
that area. It's impacted all the way over to Bono and Jonesboro. This is about the future of the people of Arkansas all over the state. If we're successful here, and we may not be, but if we're successful, it's a feather in everyone's cap. Every person, every individual in the state will benefit from it.
And I'm telling you, you haven't seen poverty until you've been in West Memphis or Helena. or Lake Village or Duramont or some other areas of the state, and I've been into every one of them. We have a responsibility to do the best we can to see that those people have an opportunity to have a job and to work, and we're giving them this opportunity.
That side over there has been there for 20 years or longer, and I've said all along, even before I came down here, that that would be the big send off for Arkansas, would be the location of a plant on that site. We came within one day of getting the Toyota plant, and it went to San Antonio.
The reason it went to San Antonio was because of the fact, not that Arkansas was not desirable, but it went to San Antonio because Texas has the biggest pickup market in the country, and Toyota wanted to be close to it. have an opportunity here for the people who we represent, who I represent, who you represent,
for it to be a beneficial effect and impact. But don't forget, the one important thing is the ancillary industries that will come into that area. And they bring jobs with them, A lot of money and a lot of income go into the average person's pocket and those who are below the poverty level over there. We need to do the best we can for them.
If they don't come, no loss. If they do come, success.
Thank you. Representative Wooten has spoke for it. Representative Richmond, for what purpose? Mr.
Speaker 265
1:42:59
Speaker, I move for immediate consideration. motion motion for immediate consideration that's a proper
Speaker 42
1:43:05
motion it's non-debatable all those in favor say aye opposed nay the ayes have
it question before the house is the adoption of amendment number one to house bill 1100 prepare the machine madam clerk
Speaker 42
1:43:19
Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot. By vote of 54 yeas, 36 nays, and 3 present. The amendment is
passed. Representative Eaton, for what purpose? thank you mr
Speaker 267
1:43:51
speaker what purpose point of personal privilege you're recognized thank you
Representative James Eaton
Unverified
1:43:54
members i want to introduce today chief justin flanagan and clan mother lacy flanagan of the chickamauga nation they're here with us from my district let's extend them a warm welcome glad to have you representative ladyman for what purpose motion hear your motion I'd like to move that we
Representative Jack Ladyman
Unverified
1:44:26
send SB 24 back to committee that's the DD bill Department of Developmental Disabilities for more discussion? SB 24. That's a proper motion. It is debatable. Representative
Bladieman, you're recognized. Come to the well and explain your motion. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well, earlier
Representative Jack Ladyman
Unverified
1:44:55
I requested that we pass over this bill, but after thinking about it, I think we need some
discussion on this there's a lot of people to have a lot of input so I would just like to send it back so that we can discuss it further appreciate a good vote represent ladyman
parliamentarian has ruled that that cannot be sent back that is a Senate bill somebody else was up Representative Milligan for what purpose I'll hear your motion sir at the
Speaker 274
1:45:32
house rule 33m I move that we adjourn till 1
Speaker 42
1:45:36
o'clock tomorrow that's a proper motion it's non-debatable all those in favor say aye opposed nay the
ayes have it have any announcements representative Gene for what purpose
you're recognized the peer the joint budget committee will meet as a whole tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. in Big Mac A, but we will be dealing only with the peer agenda
since council is not meeting in May. And also, with so little time between now and 5.15, at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning after council meets, any member that wants to come in And B, we'll go over the RSA in detail and
ask any questions at 10 o'clock. So joint budget will still
It's 515. Joint budget meets today on the re-referral of, I think, 1054. Big Mac A. Representative
Vaught, for what purpose? Management. You're recognized. House management will meet 15 minutes upon adjournment. It's
Representative DeAnn Vaught
Unverified
1:46:44
in Big Mac A. Any other committee announcements? Any other committee announcements? Seeing none,
the desk will remain open as needed for the reading of
the bills and upon completion of the items named in the adjourned resolution. House will be adjourned until 1:00 PM tomorrow.
Unknown speaker
1:47:07
Representative Hawk, for what purpose?
Agenda
Call to Order
Prayer
Pledge
Roll Call
HB1103 Schulz TO INCREASE THE HOMESTEAD PROPERTY TAX CREDIT.
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.
Motion to refer HB1034 AN ACT FOR THE OFFICE OF THE TREASURER OF STATE APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
HB1036 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 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.
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.
Bills and their Emergency Clauses to be considered which have been introduced by Senators
SB76 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION - DISBURSING OFFICER APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
Bills and their Emergency Clauses to be considered which have been introduced by Joint Budget Committee
HB1005 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
HB1008 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY - DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
HB1023 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - SECRETARY'S OFFICE 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.
HB1037 AN ACT FOR THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTION COMMISSIONERS APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
HB1051 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION - REGULATORY DIVISION APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
HB1052 AN ACT TO MAKE AN APPROPRIATION FOR STATE TURNBACK FOR COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES BY THE OFFICE OF THE TREASURER OF STATE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2027; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
HB1053 AN ACT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT LITTLE ROCK 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.
HB1068 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
HB1089 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION - DISBURSING OFFICER SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION.
HB1090 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT - DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION.
HB1093 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS - DIVISION OF CORRECTION REAPPROPRIATION.
SB8 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
SB10 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - DIVISION OF WORKFORCE SERVICES APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
SB16 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, HERITAGE, AND TOURISM - CAPITOL ZONING DISTRICT COMMISSION APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
SB20 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - DIVISION OF MEDICAL SERVICES APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
SB23 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - DIVISION OF YOUTH SERVICES APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
SB24 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - DIVISION OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES SERVICES APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
SB30 AN ACT FOR THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
SB36 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
SB41 AN ACT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS - FAYETTEVILLE APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
SB43 AN ACT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS - DIVISION OF AGRICULTURE APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
SB55 AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS SUPREME COURT APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
SB58 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - DIVISION OF HIGHER EDUCATION APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
SB59 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION DIVISION APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
SB63 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - DIVISION OF AGING, ADULT, AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION.
SB67 AN ACT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS FOR MEDICAL SCIENCES SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION.
SB73 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - ARKANSAS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION.
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Speakers
Representative Jim Wooten Chair
Unverified
Speaker 7
Speaker 8
Representative Jeremy Wooldridge
Unverified
Speaker 23
Speaker 25
Speaker 3
Representative Lane Jean Chair
Unverified
Speaker 42
Representative Bart Schulz
Unverified
Speaker 35
Speaker 50
Speaker 54
Speaker 70
Representative Andrew Collins
Unverified
Speaker 80
Representative Cameron Cooper
Unverified
Speaker 74
Representative Wayne Long
Unverified
Representative Hope Duke
Unverified
Speaker 97
Representative DeAnn Vaught
Unverified
Speaker 40
Speaker 77
Chair
Unverified
Representative Brit McKenzie
Unverified
Speaker 149
Speaker 154
Speaker 156
Representative David Ray
Unverified
Representative Carol Dalby
Unverified
Speaker 179
Speaker 186
Speaker 28
Speaker 196
Speaker 65
Speaker 200
Speaker 91
Speaker 104
Representative Les D. Eaves
Unverified
Speaker 78
Speaker 207
Representative Ryan A. Rose Chair
Unverified
Speaker 146
Speaker 218
Representative Johnny Rye Chair
Unverified
Representative Mindy McAlindon Chair
Unverified
Representative Jack Ladyman
Unverified
Representative Keith Brooks
Unverified
Speaker 103
Representative Howard M. Beaty, Jr.
Unverified
Representative John P. Carr
Unverified
Speaker 242
Speaker 265
Speaker 267
Representative James Eaton
Unverified
Speaker 274
Speaker 163