Extraordinary Session Day 1
Video
Transcript
Bills discussed (2)
| Bill | Title | Sponsor | Status |
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HB1001
Act 3
· 5 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “14. Committee of the Whole for consideration of House Bill 1001.”
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AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY APPROPRIATION FOR … | House Management | Notification that HB1001 is now Act 3 |
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HR1001
· 3 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “10. Speaker Shepherd presents for presentation House Resolution 1001.”
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TO PROVIDE FOR AN EXTENSION AND SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT OF THE FISCAL SESSION OF THE … | Shepherd | READ AND ADOPTED. |
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Speaker 1
0:00
come from across our state today to represent their friends and their communities we pray that you'll bless them with strength and bless their families today lord we particularly pray for those who are suffering and those who have family members who are dying we pray for those who are serving those who are on the front line that you'd bless each one whatever capacity and of course we think of those in the hospitals, the doctors, the nurses, those who attend those who are sick.
We pray, Lord, for our citizens across the state and across the nation that we might seize this opportunity to be exemplary Christians, exemplary citizens as we do our part. And as we look at what so many are doing, we recognize how insignificant our part may be. Some inconvenience, some sacrifice, but help us all to realize the small actions that we take can have a great impact upon someone
else's life and someone else's family so help us to stay the course father we commit this session to you and we ask that as we stand together and unite together and move forward together that when we come on the other side of this crisis that we would never look upon normalcy of life with any kind of complacency we would realize how we have been blessed how we are blessed and that we might use the rest of our days to be a blessing
to others as we recognize we live our lives before you and the best that we can do is exemplify your word and your life through those that we touch at home our neighbors our state our country and our neighbors around the world father thank you that your son said i will never leave you comfortless thank you that your word says that you've not given us the spirit of fear but of power and of love and a sound mind thank you for hearing our prayer oh lord
Speaker 2
2:17
In Jesus' name, amen. Amen. Welcome to the flag of the United States
Speaker 5
2:26
of America. To the republic of which it stands, one nation under God, the visible. Mr. Clerk, please
Speaker 10
2:59
call the roll. Allen, Barker, Beck, Bentley, Barry, Boyd, Bragg,
Brad, Burrow, Brown, Birch,
Speaker 11
3:21
Cap, Cavanaugh, Christensen, Cloud, Clowney, Coleman, Collins, Cooper, Cozart, Crawford, Crawford, Dalby, Andy Davis, Marsh Davis,
Deffenbaugh, De La Rosa, Dotson, Douglas, Eves, Ennett, Eubanks, Evans, Debra Ferguson, Ken Ferguson, Fielding, Charlene Fite, Lanny Fite, Flowers, Fortner, Garner,
Speaker 12
4:47
Gassaway, Glover, Godfrey, Gonzales, Gray, Gray,
Speaker 11
5:08
Hawks, Hillman, Grant Hodges, Monty Hodges, Holcomb, Hollowell, House, Gene, Jet, Johnson, Kelly, Ladyman,
Speaker 9
5:38
Love, Lowry, Lundstrom, Lynch, Maddox, Maddox, McGee, Mayberry, McCullum, McCullough, McGrew, Mackenzie, McNair, Meeks, Miller, Murdoch, Nix,
Speaker 11
6:17
Payton, Penzo, Perry, Petty, Pilkington,
Speaker 11
6:33
Rushing, Rye, Scott, Slate, Brant Smith, Stu Smith, Servillo, Deeks, Springer, Sullivan, Tosh, Vaught, Wardlaw, Warren, Watson, Whitaker, Ween,
Tomac, Wooten, Mr. Speaker.
With 89 members present, the chair sees a quorum. Are there any requests for leave? Representative Dalby, for what purpose? You're recognized. Is leave granted for Representative Charlene Fite? So noted. Representative Gray, for what purpose? You're recognized. Is leave granted for Representative Vaught? So noted.
Representative Kavanaugh, for what purpose? What's your request? Is leave granted for Representative Marsh Davis? So noted. Representative Dalby, you're recognized. You're recognized. Is leave granted for Representative Speaks? So noted. Representative Wing, for what purpose? You're recognized. Is leave granted for Representative Deffenbaugh? So noted.
Representative Bragg, for what purpose? You're recognized. Is leave granted for Representative Holcomb? So noted. Representative Dalby, for what purpose? You're recognized. Is leave granted for Representative Maddox? So noted. Representative Gray, for what purpose? You're recognized. Is leave granted for Representative Dan Douglas?
So noted. Representative Cooper, for what
purpose? You're recognized. Is leave granted for Representative Wooten? So noted. Representative Garner, for what purpose? You're recognized. Is leave granted for Representative Cindy Crawford? So noted. Representative McCollum, for what purpose? You're recognized.
Is leave granted for Representative Grant Hodges? So noted. Mr.
Representative Carol Dalby
Unverified
9:58
Clerk, please read the proclamation from
Speaker 12
10:11
the governor. To all whom these presents shall come, greetings. Whereas an extraordinary occasion has arisen, making it necessary to convene the 92nd General Assembly into extraordinary session.
and whereas an outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 COVID-19 has spread throughout the world resulting in a global pandemic and whereas on March the 11th 2020 by executive order 20-03 an emergency was declared in the state as a result of COVID-19 and that emergency is ongoing
and whereas COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the United States and Arkansas bringing great hardship to bear upon the citizens of Arkansas and whereas necessary measures taken in an attempt to limit the spread of COVID-19 have brought great hardship to bear upon commerce in the state impacting the revenue of the state of Arkansas and whereas on March 21st 2020 the United States Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue
Service announced the federal income tax filing due date is extended from April 15th 2020 to July 15th 2020 and taxpayers may also defer federal income tax payments due on April 15, 2020 to July 15, 2020, without penalties and interest regardless of the amount owed. As a result, Arkansas extended its tax deadline for individual income tax filings and payments to be consistent with this date, further impacting revenue.
And whereas there is an urgent need for the state of Arkansas to make budgetary adjustments to respond to the impact of this emergency. Now therefore, I, Asa Hutchison, Governor of the State of Arkansas, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me by Article 6, Section 19 of the Arkansas Constitution, do hereby call an extraordinary session of the General Assembly to convene in Little Rock on March 26, 2020 at 1 p.m.
And I do hereby specify that the General Assembly is convened in such session to consider and, if so advised, enact laws for the following purposes. Number one, to create the COVID-19 Rainy Day Fund, to transfer funds to the COVID-19 Rainy Day Fund, and to declare an emergency. To confirm gubernatorial appointees as required by Arkansas Code Annotated 10-2-113 and to
provide for the payment of expenses and per diem of the House of Representatives in the Senate for this extraordinary session. In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and cause the great seal of the State of Arkansas ought to be affixed this 24th day of March in the year of our Lord, 2020. Asa Hutchinson,
Governor. In accordance with the provisions of Article 6, Section 19 of the Arkansas Constitution,
no business other than that which is germane to the items in the call of the Governor will be considered until all items in the call have been disposed of. Representative Kapp,
Speaker 34
14:15
you're recognized. Mr. Speaker, I move we go into a committee of the whole to hear remarks from our Governor.
That's a proper motion. All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is passed. We are in committee of the whole. Members I'm honored to introduce to you the Honorable Asa Hutchinson, Governor of the great state of Arkansas.
Speaker 39
14:55
Thank you. And I should thank each of you for responding to the call today. Mr. Speaker, Shepard, members of the Arkansas General Assembly, a brief reflection on history. This is only the second time since the House left the old State Capitol in 1909 that the members have convened outside the Capitol. It is safe to say that this is the only time
the House has convened on a basketball court. I suspect we might have set a national record in terms of our attendance today and the circumstances of today. Thank you for having the necessary public health protocols in place. Mr. Speaker, I particularly want to applaud you for not only having a high regard for the members of the assembly in terms of their health but also setting the right example for all Arkansans. As you can see, this meets the Department
of Health guidelines and it was not easy to do and again I applaud you for having the highest consideration in that area. On March 11 of this year, only 15 days ago, I declared a public health emergency. Since then, in two weeks, the world in which we live has changed. Our COVID-19 cases have increased from zero to over 300. We have had two deaths.
School buildings are empty. Education is online. Hundreds of small businesses have been closed and over 20,000 people in Arkansas have lost their jobs. And yes, we have learned a new vocabulary that includes social distancing, a word we were not familiar with before all of this started. And while our world has changed, God is still on his throne.
And the heart and soul of Arkansas has never been stronger. We are innovative in our work, we are supportive of our neighbors, and we are determined to win over this invisible enemy. And this, again, brings us back to history. The COVID-19 pandemic echoes many things about the influenza epidemic that started 102 years ago in February of 1918.
The U.S. Public Health Service officer in Little Rock offered some advice that sounds like the advice we are dispensing today. Cover up each cough and sneeze. If you don't, you'll spread disease. 7,000 Arkansans are known to have died during that influenza epidemic of 1918, but the toll may have been much higher in our state for various reasons. Schools were closed, but today we know much more
about infectious diseases than they did then. And we have to learn from history, and that is why we're here taking action and asking Arkansans to do their part. Today, while there is uncertainty about the future, there is hope and confidence in the American spirit that has overcome challenges from the Great Depression to war and natural disasters.
Now let me assure all Arkansans that there has never been a more united response to a crisis than what we see in this room today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, committee chairs, and so many others that have come together to find the right answer to this emergency. The bill that is the subject of this special session was the result of teamwork. Teamwork between the Senate and the House.
Teamwork between the legislative and executive branches of government. And while this session may be short, the impact will be lasting. Your work will shore up our balanced budget. Your efforts the next few days will also ease the financial burden of thousands of Arkansans by postponing the payment of individual income taxes for 90 days. That would not be possible without your presence here today that shores up the budget that
gives us the flexibility to accomplish that important objective. This important relief will ease the mind and lift the pocketbooks of Arkansans who are struggling because of the current crisis. And the legislation on your desk will allow the state to move quickly to respond to hospital needs – hospitals who need more ventilators, to nurses and first responders who need more
protective masks, and to the needs of our dedicated state employees on the front line of this fight. And so on behalf of all, thank you for convening today in response to the call and your urgent work to make sure that we can endure and be prepared for the crisis ahead. Thank you for your willingness to work together, Democrats and Republicans, to meet the historic challenge that is before us.
Speaker 40
20:52
Thank you and God bless the state of Arkansas and the United States
of America. cap moves that we rise and report progress. That's a proper motion. All in
favor say aye. Any opposed? The motion passes. I'd like to begin by thanking the governor for his remarks and for him taking time out
of his very busy schedule to be with us this morning, or this afternoon rather. And I know that we very much appreciate hearing from our governor on this very important matter. I'd also like
to thank the University of Arkansas at Little Rock for their work in helping to make today's meeting possible. I'd like to thank Arkansas Public Broadcasting for likewise working to make today's event possible. And I'd like to thank everybody else that helped
to facilitate this. This all came about within the matter of about 72 hours. We had been working for several weeks on different contingencies in advance of the upcoming fiscal session, But then as things began to move rather quickly over the weekend with regard to a possible special session, I very much appreciate the House staff, the Bureau staff, and everybody else involved with helping to make this possible. I'd also like to thank Representative Wing for his hard work.
And I probably should clarify that your seating assignment is loosely related to where you sit in the House chamber. So if you're on the far ends, I just want you to know that. But likewise, I'd like to thank Representative Johnson, Representative Cloud, Representative McGee, Dr. Patterson at UAMS, Dr. Bledsoe, our State Surgeon General, and Dr. Smith at the Department of Health. We've had numerous conversations.
From the very outset, I reached out to and had staff reach out to various individuals as to what would be the proper way for us to meet and minimize the risk of the further spread of the virus with which our state, our country, and our world are confronted. And you may have read in the paper, but I asked numerous times of our public health officials, is this overkill? Is this something that we should just stay in the House chamber for?
The response was repeatedly, no, that if you can go to a larger location, a larger venue, that is what needs to occur. And I would like to also, beyond thanking those individuals, I'd like to take the time to thank our health care
workers and all those on the front lines of fighting this virus right here in our state, across our country, and around
the world. The sacrifice we make by leaving our homes to come into special session and maintaining social distancing is a far cry from the sacrifice
that those individuals make and are making on a daily basis, and I'd like for you to join me in thanking them. I'd like to thank each of you as the members of the House for taking time to be here for this special session. I appreciate your flexibility in terms of working with the logistical aspects of arriving
here early, of going through the screening process. If nothing else, the conduct of our meetings here today is a powerful message to the people of Arkansas that when the Governor and Dr. Smith and Dr. Patterson and Dr. Bledsoe talk about the importance of social distancing, that they mean it, that this is serious business and that if we as members of the House can spread out and move to another venue and maintain that social distancing, we would ask that the people of Arkansas, if at all possible, to maintain such social distancing in their interactions and that we can each do, as Dr.
Horn referenced in his prayer, we can each do our small part to hopefully bring about the
end of this virus. I'd like to speak to our fellow Arkansans who are watching on Arkansas Public Broadcasting. Our thoughts are with each of you, and our thoughts and prayers are with each of our fellow Arkansans who are affected by the current pandemic
with which we're faced. Today is an opportunity for us to come together and take an initial step on the part of the
legislature in addressing this response. I'm not going to belabor the point here this morning. I'm not going to give any extended remarks. We all know that when we meet as a House of Representatives, it's important business. I think you've all come to know that generally when we convene that I've tried to emphasize that point, that what we do is important, that no matter what the bill, no matter what the issue, it matters to somebody and it should matter to each one of us.
But even more so when we are called into special session, when the governor makes a decision that the issues that we face are such that we should be called in from the four corners of the state to address the pressing issues of the day. And all the more today, when the governor calls us into special session in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak, it just further underscores the importance of the matter at
hand. We face an unprecedented challenge as a state, as a country, as a world,
a challenge that presents itself on multiple fronts. The fabric of our lives, our faith, our community,
our country have been stretched, but fortunately that fabric still remains. And so today I ask that you join me as we take a step in addressing the COVID-19 outbreak,
in addressing the issues that we face. I ask that you join with me in these efforts to take that needed step to address the issues that are before us. I thank you all for your service. I pray that God would guide
our steps and our decisions, and may God bless the great state of Arkansas.
Representative Sarah Capp
Unverified
28:35
Representative Kapp, you're recognized. Mr. Speaker, I move we suspend for the duration of this special session, House Rule 38, P through T,
setting minimum lengths of time for circulation of fiscal impact statements related to specific types of
legislation. That's a proper motion. It's not debatable. All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? The motion passes. Representative Kapp, you're recognized.
Representative Sarah Capp
Unverified
29:27
Mr. Speaker, I move that we suspend for the duration of this special session House Rule 41 requiring bills to be on the desk for at least 24 hours before final passage and prohibiting
bills from being placed on committee agendas no sooner than the second calendar day following its filing. It's
a proper motion. It's not debatable. All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion passes. Representative Kapp you're
Representative Sarah Capp
Unverified
29:57
recognized. Mr. Speaker I move we suspend for the duration of this special session House Rule 60A setting minimum links of time for notice of committee meetings.
It's a proper motion it's not debatable all
in favor say aye. Any opposed? The motion passes. Mr. Clerk please read House
Speaker 12
30:16
resolution 1001. House resolution 1001 to provide a temporary emergency procedure of the House of Representatives of the 92nd General Assembly and to provide for voting by limited directed proxy in certain circumstances. Read the resolution a second time. House resolution 1001. Read the resolution a third time. House resolution one thousand and one.
Without objection members I'm going to present this resolution from my seat here to minimize as much as possible some of the movement around the the arena. House Resolution 1001 is a resolution. It is for an emergency, temporary emergency rule
within the House to allow for voting by directed proxy. I sent out a copy of it previously in advance, but basically because of the situation we face
with the COVID-19 virus
and the concerns we have for the health of the membership, particularly those who may be in a category of individuals who are at a higher risk for that, and also with the potential to have individuals unable to attend because of issues related to the outbreak. It seemed that it would be proper to attempt
to adopt an emergency process. This is a rule that is very similar to a rule that the Senate is taking up.
It's fairly self-explanatory. It would remain for the duration of the General Assembly, and so this would likewise apply not only in the special session but the upcoming fiscal session and potentially if there were any other special sessions that might occur in the future. Likewise, it would apply for committee meetings. As you can see by the process, it provides that members would fill out a form of proxy or send their proxy in.
It would provide for the majority and the minority leader to handle those proxies and then they would delegate those to individuals who could speak or vote on behalf of that member. It's not a proxy that gives those individuals leeway to vote any way that they please, but
actually it would direct them as to the absent members' wishes and what their desire is as to those particular pieces of legislation.
Are there any questions? Would anyone like to speak against the resolution? Would anyone like to speak for the resolution? If not, all those in favor indicate by saying aye. Any opposed? The resolution is adopted.
Mr. Clerk, please notify the Senate that the House is in session and ready for business. Mr. Clerk, please notify the Governor that the House is in session
Speaker 12
34:21
and ready for business. Read the bills, Mr. Clerk. House Bill 1001, an act to create the COVID-19 Rainy Day Fund, to transfer funds to the COVID-19
Rainy Day Fund, and to declare an emergency and for other purposes. Without objection, read the bill a second
time. House Bill 1001. Committee of the Whole. Representative Kapp, you're recognized. that's a proper motion all in favor say aye any opposed the motion passes we're in a committee of
the whole representative jean you're recognized to preside you Thank you.
speaker you're recognized to present house bill 1001
thank you mr chairman members house bill 1001 would create the covid19 rainy day fund and would transfer the surplus funds to the covid19 rainy day fund i'd like to begin by thanking the governor's office for their work on this on this bill and likewise thanking the Senate for their work. I'd also like to
thank the Representative Jean as chair of budget, Representative Eves as vice chair of budget, Representative Jett as chair of revenue and tax, Representative Wardlaw who's the chair of ALC and then our majority and minority leader for their work and input as to this bill and and as to these proceedings in general as we move towards this special session. As I mentioned in my opening remarks, we face some unprecedented challenges as a state,
and it has become necessary to address one of those challenges, which comes in the form of the loss of revenue. Earlier this week, we provided membership with several different schedules that were prepared either by DFNA or primarily by BLR, and those lay out some of the specifics with regard to the challenges that we face. But with regard to the loss of revenue, let's start there.
Unquestionably, I think we all understand that we're in the midst of trying economic times. As you all know, generally our revenue numbers, our economic data is given by looking at what has happened in the past. And so while we're in the midst of a time of economic challenge, it's also very unpredictable as to exactly what that will specifically mean for the state in terms of loss of revenue.
A number of different individuals, not just in our state, but really all across the world are looking at these issues and trying to anticipate what exactly will be the impending impact of a change in lifestyle, a change in commerce, the restriction of much of our daily lives. And so the governor's office had approached the legislature, legislative leadership, about
some of the challenges. And I would like to thank Larry Walther from DF&A and others from the governor's office from coming over today, as well as Jill from BLR, I've asked that they be here today so that we can make sure we have accurate information. Additionally, others may be arriving here in a little bit after they finish with their stop in the Senate, but the governor's office, the executive branch, approached us with some of the challenges that we're going to face as a state. One of
those is that we anticipate a loss of revenue with regard to just the effects of the virus. Individuals are not able to get out, travel, buy things, visit stores, restaurants, of course, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Furthermore, one of the things that brings us here today is the fact that, as you all know, the federal government extended the deadline for filing and paying a federal income
tax and that moved that date from April 15th back to July 15th. And I know that many of you, like myself, begin hearing from our constituents, accountants, and and others across the state asking for the state to take similar action for a number of different reasons. But unquestionably with a tax deadline that is coming up in just a few weeks, with the fact that individuals are not able to get out, with the fact that individuals are having
maybe facing particularly challenging economic times at the present moment, it seems that moving that deadline makes all the more sense. But between those two factors, the likely economic downturn that we're in the midst of right now, the fact that we have looked to move back the state individual tax filing deadline to July 15th, the best estimate that we have received is that the loss of revenue to the state is $353.1 million.
And that's the challenge that we have before us. Now as you know, and we've become very well acquainted with, at the end of each regular and fiscal session, we adopt the RSA, the Revenue Stabilization Act. And the Revenue Stabilization Act is used to apportion and distribute those funds to the various agencies, departments, and boards and commissions of the state.
The other thing that it does is it prioritizes that spending. As I believe we all know, the A category is spent first. If we have enough revenue, then we move into the B category. If we still have enough revenue, then we move into the C category. Prior to this outbreak, and they can correct me if I'm wrong, but we were on course to be able to fully fund A, fully fund B, and fund to some degree the C category.
In light of the best estimates that we've been provided, with the $353 million shortfall, going to present shortfalls, it's going to present the elimination of C, the elimination of B, and the reduction of Category A funding. What this bill does is sets up a mechanism by which we transfer our surplus revenue, which is approximately $170 million. We transfer that to a new fund, which is the COVID-19 Rainy Day Fund.
We already have an existing rainy day fund, but the thought was that instead of putting it into that existing fund, we wanted a fund that would be separate and apart and that would be very transparent as to its uses and how much money is actually in that fund. Now, one of the things that I think is important to remember, and I know there's been some discussion about the request that we receive from the governor's office if this bill is passed and then the legislative approval authority of those requests.
But I would submit to you that probably nine out of ten people when faced with this particular issue would have initially said, let's just move the money from surplus, we'll use it to backstop our revenue and we'll distribute it according to the RSA, and that would make sense. But the challenge that you have and the advantage
to this proposal is that this allows some degree of discretion to get the money where it's needed. The cuts that occur in RSA are approximately 4.18%. That's the cut to Category A. The various agencies and departments will have to look at how they, and make decisions for themselves as to how those cuts are implemented within their various departments and agencies.
There may be some that can withstand that, that can handle it within the confines of what they already have. I mean, we've seen that there, our world has been turned upside down. Agencies and departments are having to do things differently. So there could be savings that's already there that can withstand those cuts. But the advantage of this bill is that it allows some discretion where the governor can make a request for those areas where Category A funding needs to be backfilled.
But then additionally, the other thing that a request may be received for is to address the specific issues of the COVID-19 virus. And so when you look at this, I would like for you to keep that in mind. And what I mean by backfilling the shortfall, for example, the Department of Health, that's probably an entity that needs to be taken care of right now. I think we could all agree. And so this allows a process to make sure that that occurs.
But then additionally, it also allows a process by which if there are additional pressing needs that the governor can make that request it would be considered by the speaker the majority leader the minority leader and likewise by the pro tem the majority leader and the minority leader on the other end and and with the agreement of two out of three on each end then that expenditure could be made and so i think this is a preferred way to handle it because the other alternative
which i i submitted on the front end is something that probably would have been most of our initial reactions is just move the surplus over well that would that would move the surplus and the surplus is gone under the current scenario it may be that that surplus still gets expended but on the other hand if it is not if it turns out that we don't need to utilize all of that surplus as of june 30th the money goes back to the surplus and that's the end so what we're really dealing with here is
is a method of being able to help to address the needs that are existing for the balance of our fiscal year, the remaining three months. As for the next fiscal year, we'll take that up in the fiscal session, and I know the governor's office is already starting to look at what that proposed RSA may look like, but for now, we desperately need to pass this. something that is going to allow us to more to allow the governor's office along with legislative
oversight to be able to address the needs that we have and I think you've all seen that in the world that we're in right now and the needs that we have at the state level those needs are changing not day by day but hour by hour and minute by minute and so that's one of the reasons why this structure is proposed. Again, I'd like to thank the committee chairs that I mentioned early on for their work on this. It was something that that was worked between the House and the Senate and the governor's office and you know I
think that it is a good proposal. I think it makes sense. I think it allows us
an opportunity to more effectively address the challenges that we face and thank you for your time if
Speaker 61
47:38
any members have any questions you'll need to come down to one
of the mics we have any question we've got people from the governor's office over here representative laver you'll come down to one of the mics you'll be recognized when you get out of the mic
Representative Mark Lowery
Unverified
48:08
you're recognized thank you mr thank you mr chairman my understanding looking at the the filings is that there will own there's only a Senate
bill is that correct then it bill there's a house and a Senate bill
and so we're we have two identical bills that that will one is running this morning or this afternoon in the senate the house bill is what's before us today and then
we'll hopefully send each to the other end follow
Representative Mark Lowery
Unverified
48:54
up please you're recognized well i've just checked the the arc leg page and it shows that there's only one filed bill right now senate bill that has both senate and house member as members as sponsors so i just want to and get clarified whether we are going to be sending our version of the bill over to the Senate and the Senate sending a version over to us
as is normally done. That is the plan and actually last night I went to the BLR's website and printed a copy of the House bill. Now I don't know, there may be a technical issue, but as of last night it was there. It's House Bill 1001. It has approximately 40 House co-sponsors on this bill and I believe around 20 Senate co-sponsors. And
both the House bill and the Senate bill
have House and Senate co-sponsors
Representative Mark Lowery
Unverified
49:51
on them. Okay. Follow-up, one other follow-up. You're recognized. Okay. Without a copy of the bill in front of me, I may be wrong on the reference, but on page two, line two, there is a reference about transfer of funds as allowed by law. My understanding is that allowed by law could also include the statute
that was passed in the last session under transformation that allows transfers from within departments. And I just wanted to see if this transfer allowance is something that includes uh being able to transfer trust funds into the covid uh rainy day fund i just want to get clarification
to come answer that my understanding
is that that's uh kind of some boilerplate language that's utilized
uh on with when we adopt bills like this but i'll let mr anderson respond
Speaker 75
51:04
to that Mr. Anderson, you're recognized. Thank you, Kevin Anderson, Bureau of Legislative Research. What we're looking at there is the fund creation, and part of creating a fund is allowing monies to be sent to that fund, and no monies will be sent to that fund unless specifically authorized
like is done in this bill, therefore you couldn't go out and grab trust fund monies or any other monies without the general assembly authorizing that transfer and this bill authorizes the transfer of the surplus funds 173 million dollars into that fund it it's simply a mechanism to allow a fund legally to receive monies mr chair may i
Speaker 71
51:47
you're recognized for the clarification thank you when you mentioned that
Representative Mark Lowery
Unverified
51:51
you when you said that the authorization
could only be done by the general assembly is that the entire general assembly or alc or is that the six designated individuals three from the house and the three from the senate that could authorize those transfers i
Speaker 75
52:08
understand your question and uh the answer to that is the whole general assembly they have we have to draft a bill to transfer monies into that fund so the whole general assembly has to enact some type of legislation to point monies into this fund that
Speaker 71
52:25
we're creating okay so the six members that are on this that
Representative Mark Lowery
Unverified
52:31
the three that from each uh chamber that's already been designated they would just be authorizing expenditures not transfer of funds into the fund yes sir that's exactly right okay thank you thank you for the clarification thank
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Any other questions? Representative Rye, if you'll come down to the mic. Representative Rao, you're recognized.
Representative Johnny Rye
Unverified
53:16
Thank you, sir. Mr. Speaker, I have two questions for you, sir. and i spoke a little earlier in the week about the four to one matching money for our road system and also i would like to ask you a question concerning uh the fiscal session that normally was going to start a week
from monday but i just wonder if there'd been any changes there okay so uh and
kevin and jake or others can correct me if i'm wrong but as far as
any funding for the highways for department transportation this does not affect any of that and i had
asked that question of kevin earlier this week because i know that's something we we had worked on but my understanding is none of that
is affected this is only transferring those surplus funds into this newly created account and then establishing a mechanism to disperse those funds. As to your second question, at this point, we're required by law to convene on April 8th,
and that's certainly our intent. But then beyond that, as far as the exact schedule, that remains to be seen, just as we did with this. We'll look at the current conditions and look to see what makes sense in terms of being able to conduct the state's business, but also to make sure that we're conducting our business in
a way that is as safe and appropriate under the circumstances. Thank you Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Any other questions? Representative Meeks,
Representative Stephen Meeks
Unverified
54:57
you come to the mic. You're recognized sir. Thank you Mr. Chairman. A question that I had from a constituent, according to the bill, any expenditures out of this fund, there has to be a report sent to members of the General Assembly. Will their report also be made available to the public so the public can see what we're doing with this fund, and if
so, do we know where that would be posted at? That's certainly the intent, and I believe virtually everything that's provided by the administration by law to
the General Assembly is made available. I believe it would be made
available online on the BLR's website. Kevin's giving me the thumbs up, but that's the ArcLeg website and we'll make sure that that's available. One of the other things I would mention is that when the request is made by the
governor, the copy of that request is going to go to the entirety of the General Assembly. So everybody here will have that. I know that the reporting is important, that will help to let you know where things stand, but also I think it's
important and Representative Jett suggested that early on we have that distributed out to the members and so that's something else I wanted to mention. So everybody will have knowledge and that will likewise be online or we'll make sure that
it's available so that individuals can access that. I'm assuming, Kevin, give me the thumbs up on that one. All right. Thank you. Representative Wayne, you're
Chair
Unverified
56:27
recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Just
Representative Carlton Wing
Unverified
56:32
to give us an idea, I recognize that there is a lot of flexibility and fluidity
with this, but when we're looking at a potential of Category A funding cut by 4.18 percent, would the money that we are allocating, if it was all applied evenly, allow us to fully fund all of Category
A? I'll let some, I'll let Jake probably, or Mr. Bleed, or Mr. Anderson address I believe the short answer is no, but we'll let Mr. Bleed respond to that one. Mr. Bleed, you're recognized.
Speaker 94
57:10
Thank you. Jake Bleed, DFA Office of Budget. The amount that we're cutting from the Category A is $236 million. The amount that we're asking transfer for is $172 million, so it would not be there to fill every hole. you members of the committee
any more questions I don't see any hands what's the pleasure of the committee I move do pass have a motion do pass that's proper
motion. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it. House Bill 1001 is adopted.
Speaker 12
58:15
Mr. Clerk, read the committee report. Mr. Speaker, we, your committee of the whole, to whom was referred to House Bill 1001 by Speaker Shepard, beg leave to report we've had the same under consideration and herewith return the same with the recommendation that it do pass.
Respectfully submitted, Representative Lane Jean, Chair. Representative Kapp, you're
Speaker 34
59:15
recognized. Mr. Speaker, I move that we rise and report.
That's a proper motion. All in favor say aye. Any opposed? The ayes have it. Members, if you'll hold on just for a second, we will take just a short recess, stay in your seats, and then I anticipate moving to an adjourn motion, but I need to check and see what action has been taken at the Capitol.
Unknown speaker
59:58
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
The House will come back into session.
Representative Meeks, for what purpose? Let's
Representative Stephen Meeks
Unverified
1:03:34
hear your motion. Mr. Speaker, I move that after the announcements, the distribution of the calendars, and any remaining
communications, we adjourn until 3 o'clock tomorrow afternoon. That's a proper motion. Not debatable. All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? The motion carries. Members, I appreciate again your work today. I appreciate your willing to work with us on the logistics.
I think that things have worked very well. Again, thank
you to UALR, Arkansas Public Broadcasting, and all of the medical providers that were here to help facilitate this. But don't forget, just because this is, we're wrapping up, continue to maintain your social distancing and I would also ask that it's been suggested to me by our healthcare providers that those at towards the top leave first and then those that are here at the bottom if they
want to leave out the the bottom exits so let's try and file out orderly and i will see you back here tomorrow afternoon at three o'clock any questions in the meantime please feel free to contact me there's nothing further without objection we're adjourned
Agenda
2. Invocation by House Chaplain, Dr. Rex Horne, President, The Baptist Preparatory School, Little Rock, Arkansas.
3. House led in Pledge of Allegiance by Representative Lane Jean.
4. Roll Call of the House by Clerk.
5. Speaker Shepherd recognizes Roy Ragland, House Reading Clerk, to read the Governor’s Proclamation.
6. (SPEAKER SHEPHERD ANNOUNCES) In accordance with the provisions of Article VI, Section 19 of the Arkansas Constitution, no business other than that which is germane to the items in the Call of the Governor will be considered until all items in the Call have been disposed of.
7. Remarks by The Honorable Asa Hutchinson, Governor of the State of Arkansas.
8. Remarks by Speaker Shepherd.
9. Recognition of Representative Sarah Capp for motion to temporarily suspend certain House Rules.
10. Speaker Shepherd presents for presentation House Resolution 1001.
11. Speaker Shepherd directs the Clerk to notify the Senate that the House is in session and ready for business.
12. Speaker Shepherd directs the Clerk to notify Governor Hutchinson that the House is in session and ready for business.
13. Read bills that have been introduced.
14. Committee of the Whole for consideration of House Bill 1001.
15. Announcements.
16. Adjournment.
Documents
No documents posted.
Speakers
Speaker 1
Speaker 2
Speaker 5
Speaker 10
Speaker 11
Speaker 12
Speaker 9
Speaker 13
Representative Matthew J. Shepherd Chair
Unverified
Representative Carol Dalby
Unverified
Speaker 34
Speaker 39
Speaker 40
Representative Sarah Capp
Unverified
Representative Lane Jean Chair
Unverified
Speaker 61
Representative Mark Lowery
Unverified
Speaker 71
Speaker 75
Speaker 77
Representative Johnny Rye
Unverified
Representative Stephen Meeks
Unverified
Chair
Unverified
Representative Carlton Wing
Unverified
Speaker 94