State Agencies & Govt'l Affairs- House
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Bills discussed (45)
| Bill | Title | Sponsor | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
|
HB1070
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1070 A. Davis TO CREATE THE TRANSFORMATION AND EFFICIENCIES ACT…”
|
TO CREATE THE TRANSFORMATION AND EFFICIENCIES ACT OF 2019; TO ESTABLISH CABINET-LEVEL DEPARTMENTS; TO TRANSFER … | A. Davis | Died on House Calendar at Sine Die Adjournment |
|
HB1402
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1402 Gonzales TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE DATES FOR CERTAIN…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE DATES FOR CERTAIN SPECIAL ELECTIONS; AND TO PROMOTE VOTER … | Gonzales | Died on House Calendar at Sine Die Adjournment |
|
HB1417
Act 1012
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…ND TO REQUIRE UNOPPOSED CANDIDATES TO APPEAR ON THE BALLOT. HB1417 Watson TO AMEND THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT OF 1967 TO P…”
|
TO AMEND THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT OF 1967 TO PROTECT THE IDENTITY OF CERTAIN … | Watson | Notification that HB1417 is now Act 1012 |
|
HB1460
Act 1013
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…HE CHAIR CONCUR IN SENATE AMENDMENT Number Sponsor Subtitle HB1460 Speaks TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING UNOPPOSED CANDIDATES; AN…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING UNOPPOSED CANDIDATES; AND TO REQUIRE UNOPPOSED CANDIDATES TO APPEAR ON … | Speaks | Notification that HB1460 is now Act 1013 |
|
HB1487
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1487 Blake CONCERNING THE STATE FLAG OF ARKANSAS; TO AMEND THE L…”
|
CONCERNING THE STATE FLAG OF ARKANSAS; TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE SYMBOLS WITHIN THE … | Blake | Died on House Calendar at Sine Die Adjournment |
|
HB1763
Act 910
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1763 A. Davis TO CREATE THE TRANSFORMATION AND EFFICIENCIES ACT…”
|
TO CREATE THE TRANSFORMATION AND EFFICIENCIES ACT OF 2019; TO ESTABLISH CABINET-LEVEL DEPARTMENTS; TO TRANSFER … | A. Davis | Notification that HB1763 is now Act 910 |
|
HR1078
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…ng areas as 'Members and Staff Only'. ADVISORY COMMISSION. HR1078 A. Davis CONCERNING THE STATE FLAG; AND TO RECOMMEND A CHAN…”
|
CONCERNING THE STATE FLAG; AND TO RECOMMEND A CHANGE TO THE SYMBOLIC DESIGNATION OF THE … | A. Davis | Died on House Calendar at Sine Die Adjournment |
|
SB515
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “SB515 M. Johnson TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS HERITAGE PROTECTION ACT.”
|
TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS HERITAGE PROTECTION ACT. | M. Johnson | Recommended for study in the Interim Committee on … |
|
SB574
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…OMOTE VOTER TURNOUT. REGULAR AGENDA Number Sponsor Subtitle SB574 K. Hammer TO REQUIRE A CANDIDATE FOR AN ELECTED OFFICE TO F…”
|
TO REQUIRE A CANDIDATE FOR AN ELECTED OFFICE TO FILE A SWORN STATEMENT CONCERNING THE … | K. Hammer | Sine Die adjournment |
|
SB683
Act 1091
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…ROCK, ARKANSAS; AND TO HONOR GOVERNOR WINTHROP ROCKEFELLER. SB683 Hester TO ABOLISH THE ARKANSAS BROADBAND COUNCIL, THE ARKAN…”
|
TO ABOLISH THE ARKANSAS BROADBAND COUNCIL, THE ARKANSAS YOUTH SUICIDE PREVENTION TASK FORCE, THE GRADE … | Hester | Notification that SB683 is now Act 1091 |
|
HB1004
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…HE AUTHORITY OF CERTAIN Page 3 of 4 GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES. HB1004 Blake TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS VOTER INTEGRITY AND SECURITY A…”
|
TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS VOTER INTEGRITY AND SECURITY ACT; TO REQUIRE AUTOMATIC VOTER REGISTRATION; TO … | Blake | Died on House Calendar at Sine Die Adjournment |
|
HB1071
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…S; TO TRANSFER STATE ENTITIES; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY. HB1071 A. Davis TO CREATE THE TRANSFORMATION AND EFFICIENCIES ACT…”
|
TO CREATE THE TRANSFORMATION AND EFFICIENCIES ACT OF 2019; TO ESTABLISH CABINET-LEVEL DEPARTMENTS; TO ESTABLISH … | A. Davis | Died on House Calendar at Sine Die Adjournment |
|
HB1072
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…S; TO TRANSFER STATE ENTITIES; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY. HB1072 A. Davis TO CREATE THE TRANSFORMATION AND EFFICIENCIES ACT…”
|
TO CREATE THE TRANSFORMATION AND EFFICIENCIES ACT OF 2019; TO ESTABLISH CABINET-LEVEL DEPARTMENTS; TO ESTABLISH … | A. Davis | Died on House Calendar at Sine Die Adjournment |
|
HB1115
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…ANSFER VARIOUS STATE AGENCIES; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY. HB1115 A. Davis TO CREATE THE TRANSFORMATION AND EFFICIENCIES ACT…”
|
TO CREATE THE TRANSFORMATION AND EFFICIENCIES ACT OF 2019; TO ESTABLISH THE CABINET-LEVEL DEPARTMENT OF … | A. Davis | Died on House Calendar at Sine Die Adjournment |
|
HB1116
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…S; TO TRANSFER STATE ENTITIES; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY. HB1116 A. Davis AN ACT TO CREATE THE TRANSFORMATION AND EFFICIENCI…”
|
AN ACT TO CREATE THE TRANSFORMATION AND EFFICIENCIES ACT OF 2019; TO ESTABLISH CABINET-LEVEL DEPARTMENTS; … | A. Davis | Died on House Calendar at Sine Die Adjournment |
|
HB1117
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…L; TO TRANSFER STATE ENTITIES; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY. HB1117 A. Davis TO CREATE THE TRANSFORMATION AND EFFICIENCIES ACT…”
|
TO CREATE THE TRANSFORMATION AND EFFICIENCIES ACT OF 2019; TO TRANSFER VARIOUS STATE AGENCIES AND … | A. Davis | Died on House Calendar at Sine Die Adjournment |
|
HB1118
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…EL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE; AND TO DECLARE AND EMERGENCY. HB1118 A. Davis AN ACT TO CREATE THE TRANSFORMATION AND EFFICIENCI…”
|
AN ACT TO CREATE THE TRANSFORMATION AND EFFICIENCIES ACT OF 2019; TO ESTABLISH THE CABINET-LEVEL … | A. Davis | Died on House Calendar at Sine Die Adjournment |
|
HB1165
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…O TRANSFER VARIOUS STATE AGENCIES; TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY. HB1165 A. Davis TO CREATE THE TRANSFORMATION AND EFFICIENCIES ACT…”
|
TO CREATE THE TRANSFORMATION AND EFFICIENCIES ACT OF 2019; TO ESTABLISH CABINET-LEVEL DEPARTMENTS; TO ESTABLISH … | A. Davis | Died on House Calendar at Sine Die Adjournment |
|
HB1166
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…ANSFER VARIOUS STATE AGENCIES; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY. HB1166 A. Davis TO CREATE THE TRANSFORMATION AND EFFICIENCIES ACT…”
|
TO CREATE THE TRANSFORMATION AND EFFICIENCIES ACT OF 2019; TO ESTABLISH CABINET-LEVEL DEPARTMENTS; TO ESTABLISH … | A. Davis | Died on House Calendar at Sine Die Adjournment |
|
HB1215
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…S; TO TRANSFER STATE ENTITIES; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY. HB1215 A. Davis AN ACT TO CREATE THE TRANSFORMATION AND EFFICIENCI…”
|
AN ACT TO CREATE THE TRANSFORMATION AND EFFICIENCIES ACT OF 2019; TO ESTABLISH CABINET-LEVEL DEPARTMENTS; … | A. Davis | Died on House Calendar at Sine Die Adjournment |
|
HB1216
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…T; TO TRANSFER STATE ENTITIES; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY. HB1216 A. Davis TO CREATE THE TRANSFORMATION AND EFFICIENCIES ACT…”
|
TO CREATE THE TRANSFORMATION AND EFFICIENCIES ACT OF 2019; TO ESTABLISH THE CABINET-LEVEL DEPARTMENT OF … | A. Davis | Died on House Calendar at Sine Die Adjournment |
|
HB1272
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…Y; TO TRANSFER STATE ENTITIES; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY. HB1272 A. Davis TO CREATE THE TRANSFORMATION AND EFFICIENCIES ACT…”
|
TO CREATE THE TRANSFORMATION AND EFFICIENCIES ACT OF 2019; TO ESTABLISH THE CABINET-LEVEL DEPARTMENT OF … | A. Davis | Died on House Calendar at Sine Die Adjournment |
|
HB1276
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…S; TO TRANSFER STATE ENTITIES; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY. HB1276 Rushing TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE DUTIES OF THE ARKAN…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE DUTIES OF THE ARKANSAS REAL ESTATE COMMISSION. | Rushing | Died on House Calendar at Sine Die Adjournment |
|
HB1305
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…NCERNING THE DUTIES OF THE ARKANSAS REAL ESTATE COMMISSION. HB1305 A. Davis TO CREATE THE TRANSFORMATION AND EFFICIENCIES ACT…”
|
TO CREATE THE TRANSFORMATION AND EFFICIENCIES ACT OF 2019; TO ESTABLISH CABINET-LEVEL DEPARTMENTS; TO ESTABLISH … | A. Davis | Died on House Calendar at Sine Die Adjournment |
|
HB1360
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…ANSFER VARIOUS STATE AGENCIES; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY. HB1360 A. Davis TO CREATE THE TRANSFORMATION AND EFFICIENCIES ACT…”
|
TO CREATE THE TRANSFORMATION AND EFFICIENCIES ACT OF 2019; TO ESTABLISH THE CABINET-LEVEL DEPARTMENT OF … | A. Davis | Died on House Calendar at Sine Die Adjournment |
|
HB1361
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…AND ADMINISTRATION; AND TO TRANSFER VARIOUS STATE AGENCIES. HB1361 A. Davis TO CREATE THE TRANSFORMATION AND EFFICIENCIES ACT…”
|
TO CREATE THE TRANSFORMATION AND EFFICIENCIES ACT OF 2019; TO ESTABLISH THE CABINET-LEVEL DEPARTMENTS; TO … | A. Davis | Died on House Calendar at Sine Die Adjournment |
|
HB1371
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…N; TO TRANSFER STATE ENTITIES; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY. HB1371 A. Davis TO CREATE THE TRANSFORMATION AND EFFICIENCIES ACT…”
|
TO CREATE THE TRANSFORMATION AND EFFICIENCIES ACT OF 2019; TO ESTABLISH CABINET-LEVEL DEPARTMENTS; TO ESTABLISH … | A. Davis | Died on House Calendar at Sine Die Adjournment |
|
HB1530
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…AND TO REMOVE THE EXPLANATION OF THE MEANING OF THE STARS. HB1530 Gazaway TO COLLECT DATA CONCERNING THE USE OF SOLITARY CONF…”
|
TO COLLECT DATA CONCERNING THE USE OF SOLITARY CONFINEMENT OR SEGREGATION IN THE DEPARTMENT OF … | Gazaway | Died on House Calendar at Sine Die Adjournment |
|
HB1531
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…INISTRATION TO SUPPORT THE CRIME VICTIMS REPARATIONS BOARD. HB1531 Speaks TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE NAMES PRINTED ON BAL…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE NAMES PRINTED ON BALLOTS IN JUDICIAL ELECTIONS; AND TO … | Speaks | Died on House Calendar at Sine Die Adjournment |
|
HB1616
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…T 51; AND TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING ELECTIONS AND VOTING. HB1616 Wardlaw CONCERNING THE TRANSPORTATION OF STATE INMATES. HB1…”
|
CONCERNING THE TRANSPORTATION OF STATE INMATES. | Wardlaw | Died on House Calendar at Sine Die Adjournment |
|
HB1667
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…A BILL THAT AUTHORIZES PROMULGATION OF STATE AGENCY RULES. HB1667 Brown TO REQUIRE THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO CREATE A PROGRAM…”
|
TO REQUIRE THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO CREATE A PROGRAM TO EDUCATE ADMINISTRATORS OF LONG-TERM … | Brown | Died on House Calendar at Sine Die Adjournment |
|
HB1676
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…CONFINEMENT OR SEGREGATION IN THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION. HB1676 D. Ferguson TO REQUIRE EQUAL REPRESENTATION OF WOMEN AND ME…”
|
TO REQUIRE EQUAL REPRESENTATION OF WOMEN AND MEN ON STATE BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS; AND TO … | D. Ferguson | WITHDRAWN BY AUTHOR |
|
HB1736
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…AL OPPORTUNITIES TO MEN AND WOMEN WHEN MAKING APPOINTMENTS. HB1736 Blake CONCERNING THE STATE FLAG OF ARKANSAS; TO AMEND THE L…”
|
CONCERNING THE STATE FLAG OF ARKANSAS; TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE SYMBOLS ON THE … | Blake | Died on House Calendar at Sine Die Adjournment |
|
HB1798
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…616 Wardlaw CONCERNING THE TRANSPORTATION OF STATE INMATES. HB1798 Wardlaw TO REPLACE THE ARKANSAS STATUES AT THE NATIONAL STA…”
|
TO REPLACE THE ARKANSAS STATUES AT THE NATIONAL STATUARY HALL; TO PLACE A STATUE HONORING … | Wardlaw | Died on House Calendar at Sine Die Adjournment |
|
HB1812
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…ER TO TRANSPORT AN INTOXICATED PERSON TO A SOBERING CENTER. HB1812 Vaught TO ERADICATE AND ALTER CERTAIN AGENCIES, DEPARTMENTS…”
|
TO ERADICATE AND ALTER CERTAIN AGENCIES, DEPARTMENTS, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, COMMITTEES, AND OTHER GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES; AND … | Vaught | WITHDRAWN BY AUTHOR |
|
HB1838
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…L A CONVENTION UNDER UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION, ARTICLE V. HB1838 Hollowell TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE STATE ATHLETIC COMMISSION; AND TO WAIVE … | Hollowell | Died on House Calendar at Sine Die Adjournment |
|
HB1895
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…L CARE FACILITIES ABOUT CERTAIN ABSENTEE VOTING PROCEDURES. HB1895 House TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE ARKANSAS STATE FLAG;…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE ARKANSAS STATE FLAG; AND TO REMOVE THE EXPLANATION OF … | House | Died on House Calendar at Sine Die Adjournment |
|
HB1899
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…F ARKANSAS; AND TO REDESIGNATE THE STARS ON THE STATE FLAG. HB1899 L. Johnson TO PERMIT A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER TO TRANSPORT…”
|
TO PERMIT A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER TO TRANSPORT AN INTOXICATED PERSON TO A SOBERING CENTER. | L. Johnson | Recommended for study in the Interim by Joint … |
|
HB1976
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…THE TITLE OF "JUDGE" ON THE BALLOT FOR A SUBSEQUENT OFFICE. HB1976 Gonzales TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS PROCUREMENT LAW; AND TO PROV…”
|
TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS PROCUREMENT LAW; AND TO PROVIDE CLARITY, EQUITY, AND CONSISTENCY IN THE … | Gonzales | Died on House Calendar at Sine Die Adjournment |
|
HB1977
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…NORING JOHN R. "JOHNNY" CASH IN THE NATIONAL STATUARY HALL. HB1977 Petty TO TRANSFER THE ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS OF THE CRIME…”
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TO TRANSFER THE ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS OF THE CRIME VICTIMS REPARATIONS BOARD; AND TO ALLOW THE … | Petty | Died on House Calendar at Sine Die Adjournment |
|
HB1983
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…E CLARITY, EQUITY, AND CONSISTENCY IN THE PROCUREMENT LAWS. HB1983 Warren TO MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES CONCERNING THE INTERNAL AU…”
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TO MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES CONCERNING THE INTERNAL AUDIT SECTION; AND TO CHANGE THE NAME OF … | Warren | Died on House Calendar at Sine Die Adjournment |
|
HJR1003
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…E; TO TRANSFER STATE ENTITIES; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY. HJR1003 Della Rosa RESCINDING ALL APPLICATIONS MADE BY THE GENERAL…”
|
RESCINDING ALL APPLICATIONS MADE BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO CALL … | Della Rosa | Died on House Calendar at Sine Die Adjournment |
|
SB353
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…OF THE STATE ATHLETIC COMMISSION; AND TO WAIVE EVENT FEES. SB353 K. Hammer TO REQUIRE THAT A STATEMENT OF LEGISLATIVE INTENT…”
|
TO REQUIRE THAT A STATEMENT OF LEGISLATIVE INTENT BE INCLUDED IN A BILL THAT AUTHORIZES … | K. Hammer | Sine Die adjournment |
|
SB409
Act 1075
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB409 Flippo TO ALLOW FOR THE ELECTRONIC NOTIFICATION OF AN INVIT…”
|
TO ALLOW FOR THE ELECTRONIC NOTIFICATION OF AN INVITATION FOR BIDS AND ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF … | Flippo | Notification that SB409 is now Act 1075 |
|
SB652
Act 1086
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB652 M. Johnson TO NAME THE OFFICE BUILDING LOCATED AT 501 WOODL…”
|
TO NAME THE OFFICE BUILDING LOCATED AT 501 WOODLANE, LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS; AND TO HONOR … | M. Johnson | Notification that SB652 is now Act 1086 |
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Chair sees a quorum, committee members, if you would, make your way to your seats. Anyone in the audience, excuse me, anyone in the audience that would like to speak for against any of the bills on today's agenda, there is a sign-up sheet there at the end to the table, just sign up, and I'll make sure that you're recognized when the bill
is called. First item on today's agenda will be concur and Senate amendments. We'll hear from Representative Speaks, House Bill 1460, Representative Speaks. Thank you, Mr.
Representative Nelda Speaks
Unverified
1:02
Chair. You're recognized. Okay. I do have an amendment to concur.
It is House Bill 1460, and the amendment
really never changed that much. It just made it a little bit better. And I would open up for any questions. Okay, any questions from
committee members reference the explanation of the amendment? Seeing none, Representative Speaks, are you ready to close with your amendment? I am ready
Representative Nelda Speaks
Unverified
1:34
to close, appreciate a good vote.
Okay, Representative Speaks is closed with her amendment. a motion from representative Payton to do pass as a mint to concurrence in an amendment any
discussion on the motion seeing none all in favor say aye all opposed say no congratulations represent your speech thank you thank you committee members the next item on today's agenda will be concurrence in an
amendment with House Bill 1417 by Representative Watson. Representative
Representative Danny Watson
Unverified
2:25
Watson, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chair, colleagues. House Bill 1417 amendment to concur in reference to that the Freedom of Information Task Force and the Attorney General's Office have gotten together, and they're both
wonderful with the verbiage on the Bill 1417. Any questions? Any questions from committee members? Seeing none,
Representative Watson, are you ready to close? I close. Appreciate a good vote. He's closed with his amendment. we have a
motion of do pass as concurred with Senate Amendment No. 1 by Representative Leidyman.
Any discussion on the motion? Seeing none, all in favor say aye. All opposed say no. Congratulations, Representative Watson. Your amendment is passed. Committee members, the next item on today's agenda will be another concurrent Senate amendment to be House Bill 1763 by Representative Davis.
Representative Marsh Davis
Unverified
3:43
Representative Davis, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Members, we finally got the transformation bill back from the Senate with just a few changes. Primarily, the Public Service Commission has been removed and will be set aside from transformation not included. And the language on the secretaries and their authority over employees and securities, banking, insurance, and the plant board has been more narrowly defined, in my opinion.
and practically operates the same, but it's just worded a little more narrowly. Then we added a comma and made a couple hundred technical corrections. It's two pages shorter, so we thought it was a little wordy, so we took a couple pages out. Any questions, we'd be happy
to take them. Committee members, I heard the explanation of the concurrent amendment, Senate No. 1 from Representative Davis. Any questions from committee members?
Seeing none, Representative Davis, are you ready to close? I'm closed and
Representative Marsh Davis
Unverified
4:51
I'll move to do pass on concurrence of the
amendment. Representative Davis has closed. He's made a motion to pass to concur with similar amendment. Any discussion on the motion? Seeing none, all in favor say aye. All opposed say no.
Congratulations, Representative Davis. Your amendment has been approved. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, committee.
Is anyone here to run Senate Bill 574, Representative Hammer, Senator Hammer, Representative Gray, you recognize run Senate Bill 683. Is that correct? Yes, sir. All right. Committee members, that'll
Senator Kim Hammer
Unverified
5:50
be Senate Bill 683. Thank you, Mr. Chair. So Senate Bill 683 is a boards and commissions bill that was brought to Senator Hester and myself several weeks ago, but we had to wait on this until we made sure that transformation was through the process and kind of, we just had know where we stood with transformation. So it's a cleanup bill. Let me pull it up on my tablet here real quick. So this is what Bruce Campbell has said. All these changes were approved by the
governor and the agency if applicable. These are boards that don't meet. Duties are unnecessary performed by another entity. So it's essentially a cleanup bill for boards and commissions. I can get more specific if I needed to. It deals with the Broadband Council, Arkansas Commission for the Newborn Umbilical Cord Blood Initiative, Arkansas Natural and Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee, the Arkansas Youth Suicide Prevention Task Force, Commission on Closing the
Representative Michelle Gray
Unverified
6:52
Achievement Gap in Arkansas, Grade A Milk Program Advisory
Committee, and Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park Advisory Committee. Representative Collins, you're recognized
for a question. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Representative, are
Representative Andrew Collins
Unverified
7:06
all the boards and commissions affected okay with this? Yes, to my knowledge, they are. Thank you. Any
further questions from committee members? Seeing none, no one signed
up to speak for or against the bill?
Representative Gray, are you ready to close with the bill? I'm closed for the bill. I appreciate a good vote. Thank you. Representative Gray has closed with the bill. What's the pleasure of
the committee? Representative Scott, you're recognized. Have a motion of do pass. We have a motion by Representative Scott of do pass. Any discussion on the motion? Seeing none, all in favor say aye. Aye. All opposed say no. Congratulations, Representative Gray. Bill is passed. Thank you, Chair and committee.
Committee members, the next item on today's agenda will be Senate Bill 409, Representative Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Representative Jamie Scott
Unverified
8:31
Thank you, committee. Mr. Chair, with your permission, I'd like to ask for Mark Whitmore and Lenny Richmond to join me here at the table in case there are some questions.
They're recognized. They didn't have a seat at the end of the table and just have them identify themselves for the record and who they represent mark Whitmore
Representative Jamie Scott
Unverified
8:57
Association Arkansas counties Lanny Richmond the Arkansas Municipal League recognized present the bill thank you mr. chair committee Senate bill 409 allows electronic notification for bids and submission of bids it provides cities
counties and schools an option to use one or three qualified vendors selected by the office of state procurement for electronic advertisement and bid submissions for construction projects. It's not going to cost any kind of cost associated with the public notice of these vendors. It establishes a public work committee to monitor vendor complaints and reporting, creates strong vendor penalties for noncompliance, including having common ownership or requiring payments for view. Basically, the bottom line is it gives your counties and cities another option to use
our tax dollars more effectively. This particular bill has been amended several times down on the Senate end. It has come to this committee here. It has no known opposition. And I am open for any questions. You
heard an explanation of the Senate Bill 409. Representative Payton,
Representative John Payton
Unverified
10:00
you're recognized for a question. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'd just like to know more about the committee that it's creating and who's going to staff that committee, not the members of the committee, but like what agency is going to staff that
committee? Because there's a report being mandated. Yes. On the
Speaker 33
10:20
committee, we wanted to try and get everyone who's going to be impacted by this bill involved in it, along with some others. And the members of the committee will be from the Press Association, the Arkansas Association of Counties, the Arkansas Municipal League, the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators, and someone from the State
Representative John Payton
Unverified
10:44
Procurement Office. If I could follow up. My main question is, who's going to staff the committee? Is that going to be BLR or Association of Counties, or who's going
Speaker 33
10:57
to be staffing the committee? I think at this point, we don't expect a staff as in day-to-day workers. It should be just the board being able to handle everything
Speaker 39
11:09
contemplated in the bill. Well, it requires that the committee do a report, an annual review and report.
Representative John Payton
Unverified
11:17
You think the committee members will be doing that? I've not seen many committees
believe so. Okay. Thank you. Representative Collins, you're recognized for
Representative Andrew Collins
Unverified
11:31
a question. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Just wondering if the Press Association has a
Representative Jamie Scott
Unverified
11:39
position on this bill. Initially, when this bill was worked out on the Senate end, they were not supporting it. However, through the amendments, they are now, they no longer have any opposition to this bill.
I don't know if they support the bill or not, but they
do not oppose the bill. Any further questions from committee members? Seeing no one signed up to speak for or
against the bill. Representative, are you ready to close with
Representative Marcus E. Richmond
Unverified
12:16
your bill? I am closed for the
bill and would appreciate a good vote. We have a motion from Representative Smith for do pass.
Have Representative Smith made a motion for do pass? Any discussion on the motion? Seeing none, all in favor say aye. Aye. All opposed say no. Congratulations, your bill is passed. Thank
Representative Jamie Scott
Unverified
12:41
you, Mr. Chair, and thank you committee for that motivated and enthusiastic
vote. Senator Johnson are you what about Senate bill 652 that's on our agenda yes you're
recognize to present Senate Bill 652. Thank
Senator Mark Johnson
Unverified
13:18
you, Mr. Chairman. Mark Johnson, State Senator, District 15. Senate Bill 652 is extremely simple. It simply renames the building across the street, the 501 building, to be now be named the Winthrop Rockefeller Building. Some of you may not know, but when Governor rockefeller was first sworn in the governor's mansion was in abysmal condition when he was
originally built that basically ran out of money and no one ever did anything about it and because he was wealthy to take care of it himself he just decided to do so and needed a place to live the first six months or so of his administration so he chose the penthouse of the building it was then called the national o-line insurance building across the street we now know it as the 501 building. Because he did live there for a period of time, I considered this a proper way to honor Governor Rockefeller, but in doing so, honor both him, his son, our late friend Lieutenant Governor
Winthrop Paul Rockefeller, and the entire Rockefeller family for their contributions to the state. That's all the bill does. The signs can be changed by changing the stickers on the signs out there, and that's the only change that will be made, and I'd be happy to answer your questions. Representative
Gonzalez, you're recognized for a question.
Representative Justin Gonzales
Unverified
14:45
Thank you, Mr. Chair. What's on those signs now? 501 building. Okay. Follow-up, Mr. Chair? Recognized.
Did you check with Arkansas History Commission before you recommended this change?
Senator Mark Johnson
Unverified
14:56
No, sir, but I certainly will make sure that they review this and, indeed, make sure everything I've said in this bill, uh, jives with our,
their understanding of our state's history. Any further
questions from committee members? Seeing none. Anyone like you in
the audience likes to be for or against the bill? Seeing none. Senator, are you ready to close with your bill?
I'm closed, thank you. He is closed with his bill. What's the pleasure of the committee? I have a motion from Representative Smith, do pass. Any
discussion on the motion? Seeing none, all in favor say aye. Aye. All opposed say no. No. Congratulations. Your bill is passed. The ayes have it. Thank you, committee. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Committee members, our last item on today's agenda and probably for the
session will be Senate Bill 515, Senator Johnson and Representative Lowry. I believe you have an amendment to this bill. Is that correct? Yes, sir. There is an amendment. You're recognized to present
Representative Mark Lowery
Unverified
16:19
your amendment. Members, I believe the amendment is either being passed out or is on your, uh, on your screen there. Uh, we listened to some of the, uh, um, objections that were raised the other day and made amendments, uh, specifically the references that were
made or the concerns that were made about streets. Uh, that has been, uh, streets have been, uh, pulled from the bill. Uh, you'll see page one, uh, we've substituted the following nameplate plaque historic flag display school bridge or building that so streets are removed also the issue about expedited hearings of the history commission that was something that we took serious also so we have section there grant a petition for a waiver that includes reasonable
conditions and instructions to ensure that the monument is preserved to the greatest extent possible and D promulgate rules for an expedited process to grant a petition for a waiver. We had actually considered putting specific language in there that said that the History Commission could meet by electronic means to be able to expedite, but we were told that that would possibly be in violation of FOI laws and so instead we would allow the History Commission to promulgate its own rules, and Senator, you might want to follow up on that.
Senator Mark Johnson
Unverified
17:47
If I could, Mr. Chairman, to kind of expand on Representative Lowry's comments, what we took out was the word street, preserve, or reserve, and Mr. Carter pointed out to me, I think appropriately, that preserve and reserve meant dirt, and I told him I wasn't trying to preserve dirt, and so we took those two words out, and I think they were a little vague, and this leaves it, as we mentioned, nameplate, plaque, historic flag display,
school bridge, building, and of course, the previous line was statue memorial. The important thing on this process to promulgate rules, we anticipate there will be very routine matters that relate to a historic marker. And I see a plaque over here on the wall, and of course the Secretary of State controls the Capitol, so none of this would apply to the Secretary of State or the Capitol. Different set of rules and a different commission deals with the monuments around and in the
Capitol. But let's say that in another agency there was a plaque that honored Representative Rye, and they wanted to change their building around, and they said, well, we want to move that plaque over to the opposite wall because we're going to take this wall out and expand
the building. Senator Johnson, I just want to make sure they're well inside. Are you
Senator Mark Johnson
Unverified
19:13
still presenting your amendment? Yes, we're presenting the amendment because this explains the process whereby a— As long as you're presenting your amendment, you can continue.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We anticipate that the commission could promulgate rules that would define situations, just as I outlined, and allow that waiver to be granted by the staff in what would basically become a redundant circumstance. Oh, you're just moving this? Okay, fine. The staff could issue that waiver and it would be a very expedited process. So I will work with the commission staff to come up with something that the council could approve and would take away, I hope,
many of the concerns that people have expressed about how the legislation would work. So that's the presentation of
Representative Mark Lowery
Unverified
19:58
the amendment. We'd appreciate a motion to adopt the amendment. We've heard the explanation
of the amendment. Representative Eubanks has made a motion to adopt the amendment.
Any discussion on the motion? Seeing none, all in favor say aye. All opposed say no. The amendment has been adopted.
You now present your bill. Thank you. Go ahead, Senator.
Senator Mark Johnson
Unverified
20:22
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, members of the committee. This bill, quite simply, is to preserve our heritage. That's why it's called the Heritage Protection Act. In many cases, sadly, our heritage is under attack from those who have varying political agendas. And this is not just an American problem, this is a worldwide problem. The Taliban and ISIS have been blowing up monuments in their part of the world.
The ISIS has a policy of any monument or historical reference, including the ancient statues of the Assyrians built over 4,000 years ago. Since they predated the prophet Muhammad, they believe they should be destroyed. This is sort of the same kind of thing that we're seeing around here, and it's not a lot of the publicity goes to monuments to Confederate soldiers, But in California, they've removed a statue of Christopher Columbus based on the fact that his discovery of America in 1492 led to a disastrous genocide in the Western Hemisphere.
There was a situation where a World War II soldier in, I believe it was in North Carolina, on a campus, his statue was destroyed. And they found out that he was not General Robert E. Lee. He was another general named Lee who was a general in World War II. So there's become almost a knee-jerk reaction to these things. This is primarily about preserving our historic heritage through monuments.
And we want to not only preserve them, but we want to allow in the proper circumstance for they to be modified or reserved. And that's why we picked a panel of historians, the Arkansas History Commission, to allow what I call the safety valve. If there's something that needs to be changed in any manner, then we have a panel of trusted historians who could vote on that and allow appropriate protections of monuments, but also allow common sense changes in the cases that occur.
So I'll be happy to leave it at that. I know there are a few witnesses or people here like to show up and speak on the bill. Thank
you. Thank you, Senator. Any questions from committee members? Seeing none, we do have a few people signed up to speak for and against the bill. Speaking for the bill will be Andrea Fisher, is that correct? Did I pronounce that correct, ma'am? Thank you. If you would just have a seat there, just if you would identify yourself and who you
represent and you're recognized to speak on behalf of the bill. Thank
Speaker 66
23:09
you, sir. is Andrea Fisher. I'm with Survivor Outreach Services. Good morning, everyone. As I said, I'm the Survivor Outreach Services Coordinator on Camp Robinson. I provide support to our military families of the fallen and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. But that's just a part of why I'm here and why I support this bill. My grandfather, Chief Warrant Officer Austin Knapp, fought during World War II and was captured by enemy forces. He was held as a prisoner of war for 26 months, 26 months in a confined prison where he didn't
know if he would live or die from one day to the next. My father is a Vietnam combat veteran with the U.S. Marine Corps fighting in the Battle of Khe Sanh. His friend died in his arms. When he returned home from Vietnam, he wasn't able to share with his family or friends so that they would welcome him back to his hometown. Him and his fellow Marines changed aboard their bus into civilian clothes, were dropped off at two in the morning and told to find their own way home. My uncles also all served with the Army and Marine Corps during Vietnam. My husband, who is serving his 20th year in the Arkansas Army National Guard, has deployed three times.
During his first deployment, he should have died, not once, but twice. He and his fellow soldiers had to carry out their brother in arms who had been hit by an IED and whose body was basically being held together by his uniform. These are just the tip of the iceberg of stories that the men in my family have to tell, experiences most people will never understand because they didn't put their name on that dotted line to protect and serve our country at all costs. This day and age, everyone is wanting to alter or erase history, but without our history, wouldn't be where we are today. We wouldn't be able to learn from not only our mistakes, but our greatest accomplishments. But it's more than just where we come from. It is about
the men and women we honor with the monuments. Whether you agree or not with the politics behind the battle, this is about the veterans. The veterans, the wounded warriors, the fallen heroes, those are who these monuments are about. And how is it our right to change the facts of what happened in our history? And why should we let people try to do that by altering or removing our monuments? I mentioned my husband earlier. My husband has dedicated half his life to the military and to everyone in this room, and for what? To be erased or altered so no one knows, so no one knows what each and every veteran in this room has done for us.
How do I tell my four-year-old son, whose dad has spent almost half his life away due to military commitments, whether it be trainings or deployments, that his nation is so ashamed of our military service that they want to omit or erase what our military has done for our country? How do we expect any future men and women to want to join the military and probably serve our country when their own country doesn't want to acknowledge their bravery and their courage? And what about the families left behind to live their life until their loved one returns? I couldn't imagine a bigger slap in the face. We have an opportunity to stand up and be proud of where we came from,
what our country is founded on, and where we are today. But we can't do that if we start changing, omitting, or erasing what happened 150 or even 20 years ago. We are forever in debt to the men and women who have and currently do serve, and it's our duty to protect the monuments for our military and that is what this bill is intended to do
thank you for your time thank you mr. Fisher for the comments any questions from committee members seeing none thank you signed up to speak against the bill is mr. I believe is it
Lanny, Lanny Richmond, sir, if you would just have a seat at the end of the table. Is
Speaker 70
26:30
that going to get your name correct? Well, Mr. Chairman, I'm, I'm not Lanny Richmond. I'm pinch
Jason Carter
Unverified
26:34
hitting for Lanny Richmond. I think he, he signed up before I'd walked into the room. And, uh, so I, I'm a late signer
upper. That's fine. Well, if you would then identify yourself for the record
Jason Carter
Unverified
26:46
and who you represent, uh, my name is Jason Carter and I'm with the municipal league and I don't want to continue rehash you know things that we
talked about in our last meeting there are some things I would like to touch on though and one is that I appreciate the amendment I think the amendment was an improvement over the original bill it's moving in the correct direction as to say what is a monument that should be protected and how should we protect it but I think that uncertainty remains it is not a full solution to the bill in In regards, I think Senator Johnson pointed out, you know, there's a plaque in the room that's managed by another state entity.
This bill doesn't say that. It says that if the plaque is on state property, it is managed through – it would be managed through the History Commission. It would have to have a waiver to be moved. And I think it's just that sort of confusion that says while we're moving in the right direction, you know, towards having a good construct to manage monuments in the state of Arkansas to preserve our history in a way that's respectful of all persons, that we're just not there yet. I think we're just running out of time in this legislative session.
If we had an opportunity to study this some more, I think we could come up with a good solution for the people of Arkansas. And with that, Mr. Chairman,
I will yield to questions. Thank you, Mr. Carter. Any questions from committee members? Representative Collins, you're
Representative Andrew Collins
Unverified
28:15
recognized for a question. Thank you, Mr. Chair. And just to make sure I understand Mr. Carter, do we currently
have any protections for monuments? I mean, you're saying that we would have a construct potentially if we had more time, but is there any protection now?
Speaker 70
28:29
Yes, there are criminal laws that protect monuments from being defaced, from being harmed. Uh,
Jason Carter
Unverified
28:35
I think when, uh, you know, the notion that a local governing body could choose to move a, uh, a monument or, uh, or as is described in this bill, you know, a plaque to relocate a plaque within a facility, they exercise that authority on their own discretion right now, uh, according to the will of the people who elected them.
Uh, so, uh, so it's, it's two different things. I think, if we're worried about rampant destruction of our monuments, there are criminal statutes to punish that right now. But that should be distinguished from governmental discretion that's used, you know, to maintain monuments at the local level. Representative Cozart,
you're recognized for a question.
Representative Bruce Cozart
Unverified
29:34
Thank you, Mr. Chair. So if a city council decides to, uh, they want to vote and remove a statue in the city that is historical, can they do that? Uh, I think
Speaker 70
29:46
that, uh, you know, the answer, the probably always the lawyerly answer is it depends, right? So it would depend on who owns it.
Jason Carter
Unverified
29:54
It would depend on the property restrictions that attach to that location. Uh, I can think of, uh, one location in the city of North Little Rock, uh, my hometown
where somebody put up a monument that is a bronze saluting soldier for people who drive past while they're entering Camp Robinson, and that piece of property has restrictions on it where it will be reserved. The city of North Little Rock acknowledged that, so that's a protected area. Any further questions? Representative
Godfrey, you're recognized for a question. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Carter,
Representative Megan Godfrey
Unverified
30:34
last time you were here, you mentioned some concerns about streets being included
and repairs or maintenance that cities may need to make on streets. That has been removed, but I still see that both schools and bridges remain as monuments. Do you anticipate any concerns that cities may have in repair or maintenance of those facilities?
Speaker 70
30:55
And I appreciate asking the question, and those kind of concerns do remain. I'd also just include the general
Jason Carter
Unverified
31:01
term building, because I think part of the issue is, you know, we've got some good language in the bill that says that, you know,
the owner of a monument can take action to protect the monument and maintain the monument, that those sorts of actions can be undertaken. But it doesn't talk about the place where the monument is located. It doesn't specifically speak to that. And I know there was, when we discussed that issue in the committee last time, I think the comment was made, well, yes, but, yes, but, if you're doing work on a building, if you're doing maintenance work, then shouldn't you be afforded the right to protect the monument as part of the maintenance work?
And I think that's a good reading of the statute, but that's not what the words say. That's just an interpretation that I hope would be adopted if the law were enacted. But I'd say if you put yourself in my shoes, you know, an attorney who has to advise local government and somebody says, hey, Jason, we've got this plaque hanging on the wall in here and we want to repaint the wall. Can I move it? Can I relocate a monument without a waiver from the History Commission?
I have to say no. I mean, I'm just reading the plain words that are there. So I think that we're moving in the right direction towards having a good law that balances authority and preserves history in a way that's respectful. I do think that we're moving in the right direction. I just don't think that we've gotten to the finish line yet.
Any further questions from committee members? Seeing none, thank you, Mr. Carter, for your comments. Signed up to speak for the bill is Ms. Sheila Beatty.
Ms. Beatty, are you in the room? We'll just have a seat at the end of the table, identify yourself.
Speaker 83
33:06
Did I pronounce your name correctly? Pretty close. That's okay. Thank you, gentlemen, ladies and all. I am representing the United States Daughters of 1812, which has been a lineage society in this state since 1908. In 1917, our ladies put up a beautiful monument
on these grounds by picking cotton and selling it. We were able to modify that monument just recently. And I'd like to read the statement from our state president who could not be here today. the Arkansas Society United States Daughters of 1812 yes I can't
allow that because they're not here to answer any questions from committee members so if
you would just continue to testify
Speaker 83
34:02
was there you go that monument which is probably one of the most pretty monuments out here needed to be modified. I did the research for 634 names of veterans who are buried in Arkansas who served in the War of 1812. We petitioned the Capitol Grounds Committee to modify that monument. It was an easy process and it ensured
that we did it correctly and that we did not inadvertently cause any damage to the original monument. We propose that this bill just does the same thing, just gives guidelines and procedures to ensure that our monuments, even in the best intentions, may be damaged in some way and have some oversight of that.
Our society, and I want to say one thing about who I am. I am the ex-state president. I am currently the national VAVS, if you know what that means, Veterans Affairs Voluntary Services National Representative. And one of the, besides historical preservation, one of our main objectives is support of our veterans. There are so many veterans monuments across this state, and they need to be protected.
Thank you for those comments. Any questions from committee members? Seeing none, thank you. Anyone else here to speak for or against the bill? Seeing none, Representative Lowry, Senator Johnson, are you ready to close? with your
Speaker 89
35:59
bill? Yes, yes sir. Mr. Chairman, I appreciated Mr. Carter's
Senator Mark Johnson
Unverified
36:06
comments and I think he brings up the what-if scenarios and I tried very hard to address those in this amendment and I believe I succeeded. I do not believe I could spend a year trying to envision every scenario but I believe that through the rulemaking process that we've established and the fact that rules must now be approved by the legislative council we created a mechanism where every eventuality can be addressed in an expeditious and fair manner that the proper respect to all kinds of monuments
including a small plaque could be made but that the commission could through its policies and those rules being approved by the legislative council have a expeditious mechanism where Even an email could be sent to the commission to grant a waiver for the relatively, and I think it will be redundant. I think there will be a lot of tiny ones like that, but would keep someone from throwing away something that doesn't seem to have much value to your average sheetrock hanger
but could mean a whole lot to the family of some veteran or someone else that was honored years ago. This is not to play gotcha with anybody. I think it's a solution to, a simple solution to a problem that's, if you think about it, really not that complex. But to honor the heritage of our people in the past and certainly those who put themselves in harm's way for our citizens would be
deeply appreciated. And I'll ask if Representative Lowry has any other closing comments.
Representative Mark Lowery
Unverified
37:47
No, I believe we're closed. I appreciate you, committee, meeting again to allow us
to provide further testimony and to be able to address some of the concerns that have been raised. So
thank you. Thank you. Committee, the sponsors have closed with the presentation of their bill. I have a motion from Representative Smith. Do pass as amended. Is that correct? Any discussion on the motion? Representative Payton, you're recognized to discuss
Representative John Payton
Unverified
38:15
the motion. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
and members of the committee. I want to
Speaker 39
38:20
tell you, my two grandfathers passed before I was old enough to know either one of them, but I think of these monuments as being equal to your grandfather or somebody from two generations before you, pulling you aside as a young man or woman and giving you some advice or saying, look at this. I want you to know about something and point something out to you. And to be so disrespectful that regardless of whether we agree or think that whatever
they're trying to show us is right or wrong, but to be so disrespectful to say that we want to throw away things that were set aside by our ancestors to draw our attention and to point out something to us, I think it's just very disrespectful. And we have held up road construction projects, building projects, private and public, to protect some fish or a frog. And we're worried about whether or not we might delay a project for a few days to make
sure it's done right when it involves a monument. And I believe it's little to ask that we go the extra mile to try to protect those memorials that have been set up by our ancestors because they wanted us to know and to remember something that happened. And I'd appreciate a good vote. Representative Payton
has spoken on the motion. Any further discussion on the motion? Representative Smith, you're recognized to speak on the motion.
Representative Stu Smith
Unverified
39:59
I'm supporting your bill because I think the amendments make it better. And I appreciate you going back and providing that for us. In my district, Craighead County Courthouse, we have monuments. We have paved bricks with the names of our service members. My father's brick is there. My brick is there. And it's all to serve as a reminder to future generations what cost we paid, maybe on foreign soil.
But I'm appreciative of the bill, and that's why I support it with a due pass as amended. and
I hope my colleagues will support that. Thank you. Representative
McKenzie, you're recognized. Speak on the motion. Thank you, Mr.
Representative Gayla H. McKenzie
Unverified
40:51
Chair, and thank you to the folks who came and testified today. I appreciate that, and thank you all for bringing this bill. I believe that your intent is good, and I wanted to support this,
But I'll have to tell you, after looking at it, this thing could be amended 100 times. But as long as we are putting the decision making into this body, the Arkansas History Commission, what we're doing is we're taking away our voice, our input, our authority, and we're giving it to this commission. They're not elected by the people. They don't answer to the people.
We are taking the people's power, the people's voice, and we're giving it to this commission where they will have no input, none. That's the last thing I think that we should be doing. And I also think that some of the folks here, I agree that we need to be preserving a lot of these things and having respect for our history. But I think you may find that you're
going to have a different result. You don't know who the people, these people are not elected. They're appointed and governors change, folks change. What are we going to do when we decide we've got a better way, a little way to repurpose something, a little bit more politically correct, whatever the motive. The people no longer have a say in this. It's a commission. All of us have had to make some tough votes here. We're all going to go back
and answer the people who elected us, as we should. And they can set me straight if I'm wrong as they should. But we lose all of that when we put it here, all this power and authority into this commission. We also lose the local control as well. Our school is thinking about putting up a Brandon Bullsworth plaque because we filmed that movie there. If for whatever reason in 10, 20 years we want to move it, we've got to get this commission's permission.
They didn't pay for that plaque. They didn't put their sweat and effort into that and the thawed. The local folks did. They should have that say. So even though I appreciate what you're trying to do, and I respect all the folks and their opinions, I
think this is the wrong thing for the people that we represent.
Representative Gonzalez, you're recognized. Speak on the motion. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Representative Justin Gonzales
Unverified
43:45
I, too, think it's important to protect and preserve these monuments, and I think we do a good job at the state level. We passed legislation last session to protect some of the monuments that are state-owned. I think it's an extreme overreach when we go to telling cities and counties what they can do with their monuments that are on their property that they paid for. I think if the federal government came down and told us what to do with the monuments on our state capital grounds, we wouldn't like that. We'd stand up and throw a fit about it.
And, you know, the cities are in here saying, you know, we don't want this. This isn't good for us, and it's not good for us to step over into their territory, things they own, and tell them what to do with it. Again, I think it's important to protect the monuments that we are responsible for. I think we do a good job with that, and I think we ought to leave it at that. I appreciate a no vote
on this. Representative Collins, you're recognized. Speak on the motion. Thank you, Mr. Chair. And I
Representative Andrew Collins
Unverified
44:45
just want to say again, and it's been echoed by some other people, that for all
of us who don't support this, it is in no way a reflection of our views on veterans or a lack of respect for veterans or military service members. I mean, I have the highest respect and appreciation for the service of everyone who's fought for our country in any capacity, in any war, and in times of peace. So you know, the bill to me has serious issues. Many of them have been discussed. It still leaves us needing to go to a commission if we alter a building or nameplate.
It just doesn't seem like the right way to go, but in every respect, we appreciate the service of everyone who served our country. Thank
you. else have any comments on the motion? Seeing none, committee members we have a motion before us of a do pass as amended. All in favor say aye. All opposed say no. No. The ayes have it. Congratulations your bill has passed. I see two hands for a roll call.
Madam Clerk called the
Speaker 102
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role. Representative Eubanks, Represent of Kozart, Representative Howes, Representative Dodson, Representative Miller, Representative Miller, Representative Womack, Representative. Womack, Representative Davis, Representative Payton, Representative Ladyman. Representative Smith, Representative G throw, Representative Gassaway, Representative Penzo, Representative Warren,
Representative Scott, Representative Clowney, Representative McKenzie, Representative Godfrey, Representative Collins, Representative Gonzales. Senator Johnson, Representative Lowell, your bill has failed. Thank you for your
courtesy, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. Thank you, members.
Committee members, before we adjourn, let me just say that what a great honor it's been for me to chair this committee. This will be our last committee meeting for the 92nd General Assembly, and what a great committee this has been. I can't thank you enough for the part you played and your guidance to me and helping me along the way. it's been a true joy for me to serve but there's a couple of other people that I think my vice chair too I know he's been an awesome factor up here and I
appreciate him and like I said thank each one of you but a couple other folks I think we need to take just a few minutes here and recognize other than those of you on the committee who I've already thanked so much but I think we need to thank our staff members who without them I don't know what we do but they are a couple of best staff staff staff members I know I've served on a lot of committees and they are the best of the best and so just time with our show our appreciation to Sherry and Ashley would you boys say let's give them a big round
of applause thank you Sherry and thank you Ashley and again thank you committee members. Do any committee members have anything to say before we adjourn? I know a lot of us have 10 o'clock meetings that we need to get to. Any comments?
Agenda
TO OFFER TESTIMONY ON A BILL, PLEASE SIGN IN TO BE RECOGNIZED BY THE CHAIR
CONCUR IN SENATE AMENDMENT
Number Sponsor Subtitle
HB1460 Speaks TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING UNOPPOSED CANDIDATES; AND TO REQUIRE UNOPPOSED CANDIDATES TO APPEAR ON THE BALLOT.
HB1417 Watson TO AMEND THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT OF 1967 TO PROTECT THE IDENTITY OF CERTAIN PERSONS ASSISTING IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS; AND TO CREATE AN EXEMPTION TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT OF 1967.
HB1763 A. Davis TO CREATE THE TRANSFORMATION AND EFFICIENCIES ACT OF 2019; TO ESTABLISH CABINET-LEVEL DEPARTMENTS; TO TRANSFER STATE ENTITIES; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.
RE-REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Number Sponsor Subtitle
HB1402 Gonzales TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE DATES FOR CERTAIN SPECIAL ELECTIONS; AND TO PROMOTE VOTER TURNOUT.
REGULAR AGENDA
Number Sponsor Subtitle
SB574 K. Hammer TO REQUIRE A CANDIDATE FOR AN ELECTED OFFICE TO FILE A SWORN STATEMENT CONCERNING THE CANDIDATE'S TAX PAYMENT STATUS AND CRIMINAL HISTORY; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.
SB515 M. Johnson TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS HERITAGE PROTECTION ACT.
SB409 Flippo TO ALLOW FOR THE ELECTRONIC NOTIFICATION OF AN INVITATION FOR BIDS AND ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF BIDS; AND TO CREATE THE FAIR NOTICE AND EFFICIENCY IN PUBLIC WORKS ACT.
SB652 M. Johnson TO NAME THE OFFICE BUILDING LOCATED AT 501 WOODLANE, LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS; AND TO HONOR GOVERNOR WINTHROP ROCKEFELLER.
SB683 Hester TO ABOLISH THE ARKANSAS BROADBAND COUNCIL, THE ARKANSAS YOUTH SUICIDE PREVENTION TASK FORCE, THE GRADE "A" MILK PROGRAM ADVISORY COMMITTEE, AND THE PRAIRIE GROVE BATTLEFIELD STATE PARK
HR1078 A. Davis CONCERNING THE STATE FLAG; AND TO RECOMMEND A CHANGE TO THE SYMBOLIC DESIGNATION OF THE STARS ON THE STATE FLAG.
HB1487 Blake CONCERNING THE STATE FLAG OF ARKANSAS; TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE SYMBOLS WITHIN THE STATE FLAG OF ARKANSAS; AND TO
HB1070 A. Davis TO CREATE THE TRANSFORMATION AND EFFICIENCIES ACT OF 2019; TO ESTABLISH CABINET-LEVEL DEPARTMENTS; TO TRANSFER STATE ENTITIES; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.
Documents
| Title | Type | Pages | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agenda — STATE AGENCIES & GOVT'L AFFAIRS- HOUSE, Apr 9, 2019 | Agenda | 4 | Official source ↗ |
Speakers
Representative Dwight Tosh Chair
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Representative Nelda Speaks
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Representative Danny Watson
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Representative Marsh Davis
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Senator Kim Hammer
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Representative Michelle Gray
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Representative Andrew Collins
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Representative Jamie Scott
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Representative John Payton
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Speaker 33
Speaker 39
Speaker 42
Representative Marcus E. Richmond
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Senator Mark Johnson
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Representative Justin Gonzales
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Representative Mark Lowery
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Speaker 66
Speaker 70
Jason Carter
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Representative Bruce Cozart
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Representative Megan Godfrey
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Speaker 83
Speaker 86
Speaker 89
Representative Stu Smith
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Representative Gayla H. McKenzie
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Speaker 102