Senate Convenes
Video
Transcript
Bills discussed (37)
| Bill | Title | Sponsor | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
|
SR17
· 8 mentions in transcript, chapter
Matched: “on the business agenda is Senate resolution 17 Senator Murdock. Senate”
|
TO RECOGNIZE THE BARTON HIGH SCHOOL BEARS BOYS' BASKETBALL TEAM AS THE 2026 CLASS 2A … | R. Murdock | Sine Die adjournment |
|
SR29
· 5 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “SR29 M. McKee TO CONGRATULATE ARKANSAS SCHOOL FOR MATHEMATICS, S…”
|
TO CONGRATULATE ARKANSAS SCHOOL FOR MATHEMATICS, SCIENCES, AND THE ARTS STUDENTS ON SCIENCE FAIR COMPETITION … | M. McKee | Sine Die adjournment |
|
SR30
· 2 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “SR30 Hester TO HONOR LOY BAILEY UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE ARK…”
|
TO HONOR LOY BAILEY UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. | Hester | Sine Die adjournment |
|
SR31
· 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “Calendar. Senate Resolution 31 by Senator”
|
TO RECOGNIZE COACH VAN COMPTON ON HER ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND IMPACT THROUGHOUT HER FIFTY-ONE-YEAR COACHING CAREER; … | M. Johnson | Sine Die adjournment |
|
SR32
· 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…kansas Sports Hall of Fame, Senate Resolution 31. Calendar. Senate Resolution 32 by Senator Love. To recognize the Parkview Arts and Science…”
|
TO RECOGNIZE THE PARKVIEW ARTS AND SCIENCES MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL PATRIOTS BOYS' BASKETBALL TEAM AS … | F. Love | Sine Die adjournment |
|
HB1060
Act 70
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1060 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - ARKANSAS STATE LIB…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - ARKANSAS STATE LIBRARY APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 … | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that HB1060 is now Act 70 |
|
SB1
Act 73
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB1 Senate Efficiency Hammer AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS SENATE APP…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS SENATE APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR. | Senate Efficiency | Notification that SB1 is now Act 73 |
|
SB10
Act 130
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB10 #1 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - DIVISION OF WORK…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - DIVISION OF WORKFORCE SERVICES APPROPRIATION FOR THE … | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB10 is now Act 130 |
|
SB14
Act 75
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB14 AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS STATE GAME AND FISH COMMISSION APPR…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS STATE GAME AND FISH COMMISSION APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL … | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB14 is now Act 75 |
|
SB16
Act 131
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…nt. We, your committee on joint budget to whom was referred Senate Bill 16, recommend do pass. Calendar. We, your committee on joint b…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, HERITAGE, AND TOURISM - CAPITOL ZONING DISTRICT COMMISSION … | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB16 is now Act 131 |
|
SB19
Act 76
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB19 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTOR GENERAL APPROPRIATIO…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTOR GENERAL APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR. | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB19 is now Act 76 |
|
SB2
Act 74
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB2 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION - A…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION - ASSESSMENT COORDINATION DIVISION APPROPRIATION FOR … | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB2 is now Act 74 |
|
SB22
Act 77
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB22 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - DIVISION OF C…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - DIVISION OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES … | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB22 is now Act 77 |
|
SB23
Act 133
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ar. We, your committee on joint budget to whom was referred Senate Bill 23, By joint budget, recommend do pass. Calendar. Will your co…”
|
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 transcript
Matched: “Senate Bill 24 by joint budget, recommend do pass. Calendar. Will your com…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - DIVISION OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES SERVICES APPROPRIATION … | Joint Budget Committee | DELIVERED TO GOVERNOR. |
|
SB26
Act 78
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB26 AN ACT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS APPROPRIATION…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR. | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB26 is now Act 78 |
|
SB29
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ndar. Will your committee on joint budget whom was referred Senate Bill 29 by joint budget, recommend do pass as amended number one. C…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE OFFICE OF THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR. | Joint Budget Committee | DELIVERED TO GOVERNOR. |
|
SB3
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB3 #1 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF SHARED ADMINISTRATIVE SERVI…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF SHARED ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR. | Joint Budget Committee | DELIVERED TO GOVERNOR. |
|
SB32
Act 79
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB32 AN ACT FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS - COURT…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS - COURT PERSONNEL APPROPRIATION FOR THE … | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB32 is now Act 79 |
|
SB42
Act 80
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB42 AN ACT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS FOR MEDICAL SCIENCES…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS FOR MEDICAL SCIENCES APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL … | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB42 is now Act 80 |
|
SB51
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ndar. Will your committee on joint budget whom was referred Senate Bill 51 by joint budget, recommend do pass as amended number one. C…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE AUDITOR OF STATE - OPERATIONS AND UNCLAIMED PROPERTY PROGRAM APPROPRIATION FOR … | Joint Budget Committee | DELIVERED TO GOVERNOR. |
|
SB52
Act 81
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB52 AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS PUBLIC DEFENDER COMMISSION APPROPRI…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS PUBLIC DEFENDER COMMISSION APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR. | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB52 is now Act 81 |
|
SB53
Act 82
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB53 AN ACT FOR THE AUDITOR OF STATE - DEPUTY PROSECUTING ATTORN…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE AUDITOR OF STATE - DEPUTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 … | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB53 is now Act 82 |
|
SB55
Act 137
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ndar. Will your committee on joint budget whom was referred Senate Bill 55 by joint budget, recommend do pass. Calendar. Will your”
|
AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS SUPREME COURT APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR. | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB55 is now Act 137 |
|
SB60
Act 83
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB60 AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS PUBLIC DEFENDER COMMISSION REAPPROP…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS PUBLIC DEFENDER COMMISSION REAPPROPRIATION. | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB60 is now Act 83 |
|
SB61
Act 84
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB61 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE REAPPROPRIATION.”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE REAPPROPRIATION. | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB61 is now Act 84 |
|
SB62
Act 85
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB62 AN ACT FOR THE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION REAPPROPRIA…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION REAPPROPRIATION. | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB62 is now Act 85 |
|
SB64
Act 86
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB64 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - DIVISION OF ELEMEN…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - DIVISION OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION REAPPROPRIATION. | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB64 is now Act 86 |
|
SB65
Act 87
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB65 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF SHARED ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF SHARED ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES - OFFICE OF STATE TECHNOLOGY REAPPROPRIATION. | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB65 is now Act 87 |
|
SB66
Act 88
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB66 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF SHARED ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF SHARED ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES - BUILDING AUTHORITY DIVISION REAPPROPRIATION. | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB66 is now Act 88 |
|
SB68
Act 89
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB68 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - DIVISION OF WORKFOR…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - DIVISION OF WORKFORCE SERVICES REAPPROPRIATION. | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB68 is now Act 89 |
|
SB69
Act 90
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB69 AN ACT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS - DIVISION OF AGRICUL…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS - DIVISION OF AGRICULTURE SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION. | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB69 is now Act 90 |
|
SB70
Act 91
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB70 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH REAPPROPRIATION.”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH REAPPROPRIATION. | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB70 is now Act 91 |
|
SB71
Act 92
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB71 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - STATE INSURANCE DEP…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - STATE INSURANCE DEPARTMENT REAPPROPRIATION. | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB71 is now Act 92 |
|
SB72
Act 93
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB72 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - ARKANSAS ECONOMIC D…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - ARKANSAS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REAPPROPRIATION. | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB72 is now Act 93 |
|
SB74
Act 94
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB74 AN ACT TO MAKE AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE PAYMENT OF APPROVED…”
|
AN ACT TO MAKE AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE PAYMENT OF APPROVED CLAIMS. | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB74 is now Act 94 |
|
SB76
Act 142
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “committee on joint budget who was referred Senate Bill 76 by Senator Dismayne. Recommend do pass.”
|
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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Unknown speaker
0:00
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Transcription by CastingWords
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Senate will be called to order. Any requests for leave at this time?
Speaker 8
5:19
Senator Blake Johnson, you're recognized. Any other requests for leave? Seeing no other, Madam
Speaker 10
5:24
Secretary, please call the roll. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Kroll, Davis, Dees, Dismang, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers,
Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Simon, Stone, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Thank you, Madam Secretary. If everyone in the chamber and in the galleries would please rise for a
prayer led by Senator Clark, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Clark, you're recognized. Thank you.
If you'll stand and bow your heads.
Senator Alan Clark
Unverified
6:04
Lord, we thank you for the privilege we have of living in this great country and this great state. Lord, we thank you for the privilege we have of serving you and serving this state. Lord, we thank you for those who came before us, who gave us this great freedom. Lord, we thank you for the wonderful Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. We thank you for those who fought for this freedom and those who are stationed all over the world fighting for it now. Lord, help us to make the decisions that you would have us to make. Help us to be thoughtful and prayerful in everything that we do.
Help us to follow the scriptures and the Beatitudes and how we treat each other and how we treat all of those around us. Lord, we ask all these things in your name. Amen. I
Speaker 20
6:53
United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank
you, Senator Clark, for those words. Ladies and gentlemen in the galleries, welcome to your Arkansas State Senate.
It is our expectation that each of you will exercise proper decorum and govern yourselves accordingly during today's proceedings without objection. The rules will be suspended, and the Senate will dispense with the reading
of the journal. The morning hour has now begun. Senators, the morning hour has now begun. Are there any announcements or introductions at this
time? Senator Mark Johnson, you're recognized.
Senator Mark Johnson
Unverified
7:41
Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, I just want you all to know I have not become a Tennessee or a Texas fan. The orange ribbons are indicative of the fact that this is work zone worker highway awareness week. Thank you. And I worked hard on that issue and believe in helping our young people, especially as they're getting their driver's license, learn to slow down in work zones and pay attention.
And so when you see other orange ribbons, trust me, they're not Tennessee or Texas fans. At least this week, you know, we're trying to make everyone aware of, slow down and save lives in the works. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Speaker 25
8:27
Thank you, Senator Johnson. Madam Secretary, are there items at the
Chair
Unverified
8:33
desk? Yes, Madam President. We, your committee on joint budget to whom was referred Senate Bill 16, recommend do pass. Calendar. We, your committee on joint budget to whom was referred Senate Bill 23, By joint budget, recommend do pass. Calendar. Will your committee on joint budget whom was referred
Senate Bill 24 by joint budget, recommend do pass. Calendar. Will your committee on joint budget whom was referred Senate Bill 29 by joint budget, recommend do pass as amended number one. Calendar. Will your committee on joint budget whom was referred Senate Bill 51 by joint budget, recommend do pass as amended number one. Calendar. Will your committee on joint budget whom was referred Senate Bill 55 by joint budget, recommend do pass. Calendar. Will your
Speaker 32
9:12
committee on joint budget who was referred Senate Bill 76 by Senator Dismayne. Recommend do pass.
Speaker 10
9:17
Calendar. Senate Resolution 31 by Senator
Chair
Unverified
9:22
Mark Johnson et al. to recognize Coach Van Compton on her accomplishments and impact throughout her 51-year coaching career and to congratulate her on her retirement and induction into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame, Senate Resolution 31. Calendar. Senate Resolution 32 by Senator Love. To recognize the Parkview Arts and Sciences Magnet High School Patriots
Boys Basketball Team as the 2026 Class 5A State Champions, Senate Resolution 32. Calendar. Any further business to come before
the body in the morning hour? If not, the morning hour has expired. We will now begin the business agenda. And prior
to taking up our first Senate resolution, I'd like to invite Senator Irvin up for a point of personal privilege. She's got a special guest here today, or a couple. So, Senator Irvin, you're recognized. We ask for leave for Senator Irvin's guest from Searcy County.
Senator Missy Irvin
Unverified
10:24
Yes. Thank you. If they want to come in, I'll introduce them when they come in. Thank you so much. Members, this isn't a resolution, but kind of like one. I ask leave for Victoria Ferguson-Banks and her husband and her daughters. And I appreciate that opportunity. Victoria Ferguson-Banks, if you'll come over here,
she's a member of the Searcy County Quilt Guild. Yeah, the Searcy County Quilt Guild. These women are amazingly talented. I asked her to come and share this quilt that she crafted with the Senate. I want to thank Senator Hammer and Senator Tucker, our chair and vice chair of Efficiency Committee, for giving me permission to let Ms. Ferguson Banks be here to show her quilt to you.
And I think you're going to like it. Here we go. We're ready. i think it's so cool it's amazing quilt of the depicting the state of arkansas it's got a diamond down there for murfreesboro there's all kinds of like little uh hidden gems i would say
inside this quilt these are the horse races are in there oak lawn um i think there's some cotton anyway i just wanted to share this with you guys because i thought it was so unbelievably beautiful and incredibly talented quilters that we have in the state of arkansas she has graciously agreed to let us hang this in our hallway for a time being just so that y'all can take it all in and that y'all can um enjoy it while we're still here for session so
can you bid on it i don't know you'll have to ask her you'll have to
Speaker 40
12:40
ask her if we can bid on it i don't think the rules of the senate allow for a live
Senator Missy Irvin
Unverified
12:51
that's quite a compliment so anyway members thank you so much and um just come down if you want real quick if that's okay and look at the quilt but we're gonna have it hung in the hallway is that correct senator hammer thank you so much so that we can enjoy this beautiful quilt
but great job thank you victoria ferguson banks and the searcy county quilters for all that y'all do thank you Thank you.
All right, Senate will come back to order. Our
Speaker 51
14:44
first resolution on the business agenda is Senate Resolution 17,
Chair
Unverified
14:49
Senator Murdoch. Senate Resolution 17 by Senator Murdoch to recognize the Barton High School Bears boys basketball team as the 2026 Class 2A
state champions. Senator Murdoch, you're recognized. Thank you,
Senator Reginald Murdock
Unverified
15:05
Madam. We'll ask for leave for the Barton Bears onto the floor, please. Yeah, I got some more champions coming before you. We did it again. Senate District 9 was very prosperous during the basketball season, as you can see. Yesterday, I brought you two teams.
Speaker 55
15:29
Today, I bring you another. Continue to present.
Speaker 10
15:42
I'll go ahead. Whereas the Barton High School Boys
Chair
Unverified
15:45
Basketball Team won the Class 2A State Championship held at Bank OZK Arena in Hot Springs, Arkansas on March 12, 2026. Whereas the Bears defeated the Mount Vernon Enola Warhawks by a score of 89 to 44.
Speaker 59
16:02
Whereas this was the first ever state championship
Chair
Unverified
16:06
for the Bears. And whereas the Bears finished their season with a record of 34 wins and five losses. Whereas the Bears team members are Christian Williams, Anderson Smith, Quinterion Wilson, Jordan Humphrey, Quelan Green, Kishon Ross, Dominic Hill, Quinterion Davis, Cameron Ote, Drayden Hardison, Dalen Magsby, and Ronnell Williams.
Chair
Unverified
16:37
of those. And whereas team member Christian Williams won the 2A state championship most valuable player. And whereas the Bears were supported by the efforts on and off of the court by managers Justin Ward, Loftarian Franklin, and Gilberto Zuniga, and whereas the Bears were beneficiaries of the academic leadership of Principal Megan Guthrie and Superintendent Dr. Bruce Guthrie,
and whereas head coach Chris Williams said of the victory, these guys showed that they're the best team in 2A tonight by far. I'm just super proud. I'm still really in shock. I don't think it's really hit me yet. Now therefore be it resolved by the Senate of the 95th General Assembly of the state of Arkansas that the Senate recognize the Barton High School
Speaker 10
17:26
Bears basketball team as a class 2A state champions.
Senator Reginald Murdock
Unverified
17:34
Thank you and again congratulations Coach Williams, Superintendent Guthrie and the whole community of Barton for this wonderful accomplishment and with that I ask you guys for a good vote.
Thank you Senator Murdoch. All those in favor of Senate Resolution 17 to recognize the Barton High School Bears
boys basketball team as the 2026 Class 2A state champions, please signify by saying aye. Any opposed, ayes have it. Senate Resolution 17 is adopted. Congratulations.
Speaker 8
19:47
next Senate will take up Senate resolution 29 Senator McKee Senate
Chair
Unverified
20:01
resolution 29 by Senator McKee to congratulate Arkansas School for Mathematics Sciences and the Arts students on science fair competition accomplishments and to observe Arkansas School for Mathematics Sciences in the Arts Day at the State Capitol.
Senator McKee, you're recognized. Thank
Senator Matt McKee
Unverified
20:48
you, Madam Governor. Colleagues, it's my honor and privilege to recognize some exceptional students from the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and Arts today. In February, I got to visit the students during the regional science fair and I was able to see firsthand some of their exceptional contributions from all areas of the state that they're making to our science and engineering field. The students we are
recognizing today have qualified to represent Arkansas at the International Science and Engineering Fair, ISEF, the world's largest pre-college STEM competition. This year the ISEF will be in May in Phoenix and Arkansas students will be competing against 1,600 other students from across the globe for approximately nine million dollars across 22 categories. In addition to the recognition they've received through their science fairs. Some of the students here today have also received special awards from the Stockholm Junior Water
Prize, the United States Air Force, and the United States Navy. These students have demonstrated innovation, scientific rigor, and real-world impact in the research projects that they're completing. These students are performing graduate-level studies at the high school level and have earned the recognition that we offer them today. They are the future of our state. I want give Senator Clark just a minute to talk if he's got some stuff to say.
Senator Alan Clark
Unverified
22:15
Thank you, Senator McKee. Senator McKee and Senator Sample before him have always had the honor of representing the Arkansas
Math and Science School. I can throw a rock from my district and hit it, but well, I used to could when I could throw better, but I was disappointed to hear that a lot of y'all got tied up and didn't get into the old Supreme Court to visit with them today. I will tell you, you missed quite a treat. One, to find out how dumb you are, because everything from studying using natural herbs to help prevent Alzheimer's,
to cancer, and I'm not going to try to name all the other things, and I tried to and did listen to each one, and I have a headache now, and I told them, you know, if this is the bottom of the class, I cannot imagine what the best students in the school must be like. But no, it took them a second to get that that was a joke because they're headed to the International Science Fair. But really, if you didn't get in there, you really missed something
because some incredible, incredible projects. And I'm glad I got to visit with them and glad that we get to have the beacon for school choice in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Absolutely. So as Senator
Senator Matt McKee
Unverified
23:39
Clark said, the work that they're doing really is, it will blow your mind, because I know what I had in my mind when I thought of high school science fairs and what my projects look like. And so a lot of these folks get to work with UAMS and utilize their laboratories and things like that.
One of the most impressive projects I saw, they did on their own. Okay, they did with, I mean, obviously they've got guidance and things like that, but this is above and beyond what you're even thinking in your heads right now. So we're really proud of them. And Madam Secretary, if you'd read the resolution, I would
Chair
Unverified
24:16
appreciate a good vote. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Senate of the 95th General Assembly of the state of Arkansas that the Senate recognize and celebrate Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts Day
at the state capitol on April 22nd, 2026, and congratulate and commend the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts students who will be attending the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair on May 9th through 15th,
Speaker 32
24:42
2026 at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. All those in favor
of Senate Resolution 29 to congratulate Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts students
on science fair competition accomplishments and to observe Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts today at the State Capitol. Please signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed, ayes have it. Senate Resolution 29 is adopted. Madam
Speaker 84
25:22
President, with that, I would ask for a
Speaker 86
25:26
short recess for photos. We'll be happy to have a short recess for actual intelligence versus artificial intelligence.
Speaker 47
27:56
Senate will come back to order, next we will take up Senate will come back
to order. We are now taking up Senate Resolution
30, Senators. We are now taking up Senate
Chair
Unverified
28:22
Resolution 30. Resolution 30 by Senator Hester to honor Loy Bailey upon his retirement from the Arkansas
Department of Health. Senator Hester, you're
Senator Bart Hester
Unverified
28:33
recognized. Hey members, thank you for giving us your attention. We have somebody that's really special to the state of Arkansas today. I know that many of us in this room have served the people for some time. Mr. Bailey has just retired from the health department after 48 years of service and so we're going to honor him today and uh as you know in a world where people are coming and going and they complain about maybe
pay or this issue or that issue he has been a steady force he's been the director of the health department in benton county for 36 years roughly of his but uh 48 years service for the state of Arkansas. So is it appropriate for me to read or what? Yep. All right. So this is to honor Lloyd Bailey upon his retirement from the Arkansas Department of Health. Whereas Lloyd Bailey retired as a state employee after working 48 years for the Arkansas Department of Health.
Mr. Bailey spent his entire life with the, or spent his entire career with the Arkansas Department of Health. Mr. Bailey first began his career with the Arkansas Department of Health as a sanitarian, now known as an environmental health specialist. Whereas among many roles throughout his career, Mr. Bailey served as the district manager and eventually became the Benton County local health unit administrator where he served since the early 90s. And Mr. Bailey has been an active in numerous public health associations throughout Arkansas and served as a member of
the Arkansas Public Health Association, the Arkansas Society of Professional Sanitarians, four state sanitary and association of the State Board of Health, organizations including the chair of the Benton County Community Coalition, chair of the Benton County Transitional Employment Assistance Board, chair of the Benton County Council of Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, a member of the Asylum Springs Bridges to Wellness Board of Directors, and a member of the Northwest Arkansas COVID-19 Tax Force. Mr. Bailey is currently a member of the State Board of Health and the Community Health Subcommittee of the Mercy Health Foundation
Northwest Arkansas Board of Directors, and is the coordinator for the Benton County Medical Reserve Corps. Mr. Bailey is currently a member of the Arkansas State Employees Association Board of Directors and previously served for two terms as the president of the Arkansas State Employees Association. Mr. Bailey is a lifelong resident of Arkansas who dedicated his life and career to serving the people of Arkansas, who has left a lasting impact on Arkansas and its people. Mr. Bailey retired from the Arkansas Department of Health on December 31st of 2025.
Be it resolved by the Senate of the 95th General Assembly of the state of Arkansas that the Senate commend Lloyd Bailey on his 48 years of service to the Arkansas Department of Health. Thank him for his contribution to his community and the state. Wish him all the best in retirement. Be it further resolved on this adoption, a copy be sent to Mr. Bailey and the Secretary of the Senate. thank
you senator hester all those in favor of senate resolution 30 to honor
lloy bailey upon his retirement from the
arkansas department of health please signify by saying aye any opposed eyes have it senate resolution 30 is adopted well
Senator Bart Hester
Unverified
31:53
offer him the mic for just a second but as some of you know that from time to time when we're in the legislature, people that were doing things affects them. They have input. I will tell you, for a dozen years, when we were doing
something great, Mr. Bailey has been very encouraging. When I was doing something not great, in a very lovingly nudge, every now and then. But he was always a great statesman for the state of Arkansas. And if you have a few words to
Speaker 106
32:24
say, we'd love to hear him, Thank you very much. Thank everyone very much. You know, when I first took the job with the state, it wasn't expected to be 48 years. I was expecting maybe to work a couple of years and then move on to something else.
What that was, I hadn't had a clue at that time. But when I got into the Department of Health, I saw a lot of things that were going on that were so helpful to the residents of this state. The local health departments around the state do so much, so much for the citizens. And I bought in, 100%, hook, line, and sinker.
And it's certainly been a privilege. you know, every day, whether it's good, bad, or indifferent, every month I was able to work with unbelievable, unbelievable professionals. And I rode their coattails a lot. But the people made it. The employees of the Department of Health and other departments, they work tirelessly.
Those that don't, don't stay. And I do appreciate the attention that our legislators paid recently to the pay plan that I think helped a lot to keep some of our outstanding employees in place. So again, thank you for that. And again, thank you for recognizing the privilege I had
to work for you, to work for the state, to work for our people, to enhance the public health of everyone. So thank you. Thank you.
Next, the Senate will take it. Oh, I'm sorry. Senator Tucker, you're recognized for an introduction of our doctor
of the day and our nurse of
Senator Clarke Tucker
Unverified
36:47
the day. Senator Tucker. Thank you, Madam President. With us as always is Nurse Lee Fazio. She's already offered me medical counsel today, which I greatly appreciate. And then we have Dr. Suman Inemdar, who's an internal medicine and gastroenterologist at UAMS. Thank you so much for being here. Thank
you, Senator Tucker. Next, we will take up Senate Bill 1.
Chair
Unverified
37:15
Senate Bill 1 by Senate Efficiency, an act for the Arkansas Senate Appropriation for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Senator Hammer, you're recognized.
Senator Kim Hammer
Unverified
37:26
Thank you, Madam Governor. This is a bill that came out of the Senate Efficiency with 100% support, and the staff would appreciate it very much if we would go ahead and pass this out of
Speaker 8
37:37
here. We'd be glad to answer any questions. Any questions for Senator Hammer? Seeing no questions, anyone
wish to speak against or for? Senator, you're recognized, closed. Senator has closed. Any objection
Speaker 116
37:49
to rolling the vote? Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote.
Speaker 10
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Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Kroll, Davis, Dees, Dismang, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Bryce, Scott, Simon, Stone, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Any senator wish to change his or her vote, seeing
no one, please cast up the ballot by a vote of 34 yea, zero nay.
Senate Bill 1 passes and the corresponding emergency clause is adopted. Please transmit to the House. Next, we will move to the budget calendar. Members, before we get going, just kind of want
to walk through the calendar that you have in front of you. We have two bills that we need to adopt amendments to. And then we have one House bill on the second page at the very end. We're going to take it up first. And then we'll take batch one will be the Senate bills on the first page.
Batch two will be the Senate bills on the second page. Quickly, I'll read through those first and make sure that there's not any that need to be pulled out. All right. Senate Bill 2, Department of Finance Administration, Senate Bill 14, 19, 22, 26, 32, or 42. I'll go ahead and just move to page 2. 52, 53, 60, Senate Bill 61, 62, 64, 65, 66, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, or 74.
Would anyone like to pull any of those out of the batch for separate consideration? All right, seeing none. All right, we have Amendment
Speaker 57
40:04
Senate Bill 3. Make a motion we adopt. All those in
Speaker 116
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favor of Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Ayes
have it. Amendment is adopted. please send to engrossing. Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 10. Make a motion we adopt Amendment 1 to
Senate Bill 10. All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Any
opposed? Ayes have it. Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 10 is adopted. Please send to engrossing. All
right, members, so on the second page we have House Bill 1060.
Chair
Unverified
40:46
Sorry. House Bill 1060 by joint budget, an act for the Department of Education, Arkansas State Library Appropriation for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Senator Dismang, you're recognized.
Closed. No questions. Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator has
Speaker 116
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closed. Any objection to rolling the vote?
Speaker 10
41:11
Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Kroll, Davis, Dees, Dismang, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Peyton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Simon, Stone, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace.
Any senator wish to change his or her vote? Seeing no one, please cast up the ballot by a vote of 34 yea, zero name. House Bill 1060 passes and the corresponding emergency clause is adopted. Please return to the House. Next, we
Speaker 119
41:53
will go to Batch 1, which is on the first page of the
Chair
Unverified
42:00
budget calendar. Senate Bill 2 by Joint Budget, an act for the Department of Finance and Administration Assessment Coordination Division Appropriation for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
Senate Bill 14 by Joint Budget, an act for the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission Appropriation for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Senate Bill 19 by Joint Budget, an act for the Department of Inspector General Appropriation for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Senate Bill 22 by Joint Budget, an act for the Department of Human Services Division of the Children and Family Services Appropriation for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Senate Bill 26 by joint budget, an act for the University of Central Arkansas appropriation for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
Senate Bill 32 by joint budget, an act for the administrative office of the courts, court personnel appropriation for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Senate Bill 42 by joint budget, an act for the University of Arkansas for
Speaker 60
42:59
medical sciences appropriation for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
wish to speak against or for the batch. Senator
Speaker 116
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has closed. Any objection to rolling the vote on the batch? Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please
Speaker 10
43:16
roll the vote. Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Simon, Stone, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Any senator wish to change his or
her vote?
Seeing no one, please cast up the ballot by a vote of 34 yea, 0 nay. Senate Bills 2,
Speaker 8
43:55
Senate Bill 14, Senate Bill 19, Senate Bill 22, Senate Bill 26, Senate
Bill 32, and Senate Bill 42 all passed and the corresponding emergency clauses are adopted. Please transmit those to the House. Next, we will take
Chair
Unverified
44:17
Senate Bill 52 by joint budget,
an act for the Arkansas Public Defender Commission appropriation for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, Senate Bill 53 by joint budget, an act for the Auditor State Deputy Prosecuting Attorney's Appropriation for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Senate Bill 60 by joint budget, an act for the Arkansas Public Defender Commission reappropriation. Senate Bill 61 by joint budget, an act for the Department of Agriculture reappropriation. Senate Bill 62 by joint budget, an act for the Institutions of Higher Education reappropriation.
Senate Bill 64 by Joint Budget, an act for the Department of Education, Division of Elementary and Secondary Education Reappropriation. Senate Bill 65 by Joint Budget, an act for the Department of Shared Administrative Services, Office of State Technology Reappropriation. Senate Bill 66 by Joint Budget, an act for the Department of Shared Administrative Services, Building Authority Division Reappropriation. Senate Bill 68 by Joint Budget, an act for the Department of Commerce, Division of Workforce Services Reappropriation.
Senate Bill 69 by Joint Budget, an act for the University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture Supplemental Reappropriation. Senate Bill 70 by Joint Budget, an act for the Department of Health Reappropriation. Senate Bill 71 by Joint Budget, an act for the Department of Commerce, State Insurance Department Reappropriation. Senate Bill 72 by joint budget, an act for the Department of Commerce, Arkansas Economic Development Commission reappropriation, and Senate Bill 74 by joint budget, an act to make an appropriation for the payment of approved claims.
Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator has closed.
Speaker 116
46:08
Any objection to rolling the vote? Seeing no
Speaker 10
46:14
objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Kroll, Davis, Dees, Dismang, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Peyton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Simon, Stone, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace.
Speaker 114
46:38
Any Senator wish to change his or her vote? Seeing no one, please cast
up the ballot by a vote of
Speaker 8
46:47
34 yea, 0 nay. The following Senate bills passed, Senate Bill 52, Senate Bill 53, Senate Bill 60, Senate Bill 61, Senate Bill 62, Senate Bill 64, Senate Bill 65, Senate Bill 66, Senate Bill 68, Senate Bill 69, Senate Bill 70, Senate Bill 71, Senate Bill 72, and Senate Bill 74 all passed, and the corresponding emergency
clauses are adopted. Please transmit those bills to the House. Senator Disman, you're recognized. Thank you, members. That wraps up
our budget calendar for the day, but we do have special language. It's going to meet 15 minutes upon adjournment of both chambers. If you're in special language, please stick around and go grab that meeting. I'm not sure when the house is out. We'll try to find that out. And then Senator McKee will text the members of the committee to make sure that we all know to be there. Thank you. Any other announcements? Senator Hester, you're recognized.
Senator Bart Hester
Unverified
47:51
um i i have two things i want to address i it's possible the house may maybe i don't know if they're still in session or not but it's possible they may be taking up one of our uh one of the resolutions and so if that's the case i don't want to i don't want us to adjourn for the day i want us to recess because we may need to uh file a bill and discuss it if if something happens down there i'm not saying it's going to or that i think it will i think it's just prudent for us to recess until that happens. But we're going to find out. If they're
already done and it didn't happen, we'll move on. So next week, next week, we're going to come in for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. But Monday, we will start at like 3 p.m. So you can have a normal work day at home for the most part or whatever. But we will have 3 p.m. Monday, and then we will determine at that time what time for Tuesday and Wednesday. But I don't know what time yet tomorrow because I need to find out what's happening over in the House. And so I guess if we can
Unknown speaker
49:01
just hang on for a few minutes. Yep. Senate will stand in recess. Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Senator Bart Hester
Unverified
1:00:47
the senate will now come to order members uh we are now adjourned subject to clearing of the
desk we will meet at 11 a.m tomorrow any announcements from anyone Well done.
Agenda
Call to Order
Roll Call
Prayer
Pledge of Allegiance
Announcements
Senator Missy Irvin - Introduction - Searcy County Quilters
Items to be Read Across the Desk
BUSINESS AGENDA
RESOLUTIONS FOR THIRD READING AND ADOPTION
SR17 R. Murdock TO RECOGNIZE THE BARTON HIGH SCHOOL BEARS BOYS' BASKETBALL TEAM AS THE 2026 CLASS 2A STATE CHAMPIONS.
SR29 M. McKee TO CONGRATULATE ARKANSAS SCHOOL FOR MATHEMATICS, SCIENCES, AND THE ARTS STUDENTS ON SCIENCE FAIR COMPETITION ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND TO OBSERVE ARKANSAS SCHOOL FOR MATHEMATICS, SCIENCES, AND THE ARTS DAY AT THE STATE CAPITOL.
Recess
Reconvene
SR30 Hester TO HONOR LOY BAILEY UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.
Doctor of the Day -
SENATE BILLS FOR THIRD READING AND PASSAGE
SB1 Senate Efficiency Hammer AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS SENATE APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR
Bills to be Amended and Re-referred to Joint Budget Committee
SB3 #1 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF SHARED ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
Bills to be Amended
SB10 #1 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - DIVISION OF WORKFORCE SERVICES APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
Bills and their Emergency Clauses to be considered which have been introduced by Joint Budget Committee
SB2 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION - ASSESSMENT COORDINATION DIVISION APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
SB14 AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS STATE GAME AND FISH COMMISSION APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
SB19 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTOR GENERAL APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
SB22 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - DIVISION OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
SB26 AN ACT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
SB32 AN ACT FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS - COURT PERSONNEL APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
SB42 AN ACT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS FOR MEDICAL SCIENCES APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
VOTE ON FIRST BATCH OF SENATE BUDGET BILLS
SB52 AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS PUBLIC DEFENDER COMMISSION APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
SB53 AN ACT FOR THE AUDITOR OF STATE - DEPUTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
SB60 AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS PUBLIC DEFENDER COMMISSION REAPPROPRIATION.
SB61 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE REAPPROPRIATION.
SB62 AN ACT FOR THE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION REAPPROPRIATION.
SB64 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - DIVISION OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION REAPPROPRIATION.
SB65 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF SHARED ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES - OFFICE OF STATE TECHNOLOGY REAPPROPRIATION.
SB66 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF SHARED ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES - BUILDING AUTHORITY DIVISION REAPPROPRIATION.
SB68 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - DIVISION OF WORKFORCE SERVICES REAPPROPRIATION.
SB69 AN ACT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS - DIVISION OF AGRICULTURE SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION.
SB70 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH REAPPROPRIATION.
SB71 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - STATE INSURANCE DEPARTMENT REAPPROPRIATION.
SB72 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - ARKANSAS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REAPPROPRIATION.
SB74 AN ACT TO MAKE AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE PAYMENT OF APPROVED CLAIMS.
VOTE ON SECOND BATCH OF SENATE BUDGET BILLS
HB1060 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - ARKANSAS STATE LIBRARY APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
Announcements
Recess
Reconvene
Adjourn
Documents
No documents posted.
Speakers
Senator Jonathan Dismang Chair
Unverified
Speaker 8
Speaker 10
Senator Alan Clark
Unverified
Speaker 18
Speaker 20
Senator Mark Johnson
Unverified
Speaker 25
Chair
Unverified
Speaker 32
Senator Missy Irvin
Unverified
Speaker 40
Speaker 43
Speaker 51
Senator Reginald Murdock
Unverified
Speaker 55
Speaker 59
Speaker 71
Senator Matt McKee
Unverified
Speaker 84
Speaker 86
Speaker 91
Speaker 47
Senator Bart Hester
Unverified
Speaker 101
Speaker 106
Senator Clarke Tucker
Unverified
Senator Kim Hammer
Unverified
Speaker 116
Speaker 120
Speaker 57
Speaker 119
Speaker 60
Speaker 114
Speaker 2