Said in CommitteeBeta

Exactly as spoken.

Senate Convenes

April 21, 2026 ·1:00 PM ·Senate Chamber ·2:32:50
Video Transcript

Bills discussed (51)
Bill Title Sponsor Status
SR28 · 8 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “Motion to Read for the Third Time and to put SR28 on Today's Calendar”
 TO PROCLAIM APRIL 21, 2026, AS ARKANSAS LINEWORKER APPRECIATION DAY AT THE STATE CAPITOL AND … D. Wallace Sine Die adjournment
SR19 · 4 mentions in transcript, chapter
Matched: “…s to add Senate resolution 28 to today's calendar following senate resolution 19. all”
 TO RECOGNIZE THE EARLE HIGH SCHOOL LADY BULLDOGS GIRLS' BASKETBALL TEAM AS THE 2026 CLASS … R. Murdock Sine Die adjournment
SR18 · 3 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “SR18 R. Murdock TO RECOGNIZE THE EARLE HIGH SCHOOL BULLDOGS BOYS…”
 TO RECOGNIZE THE EARLE HIGH SCHOOL BULLDOGS BOYS' BASKETBALL TEAM AS THE 2025 AND 2026 … R. Murdock Sine Die adjournment
SR29 · 3 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…for mathematics Sci ence s and the arts day at the Capitol Senate resolution 29 calendar Senate resolution30 by Senator Hester to honorloyd…”
 TO CONGRATULATE ARKANSAS SCHOOL FOR MATHEMATICS, SCIENCES, AND THE ARTS STUDENTS ON SCIENCE FAIR COMPETITION … M. McKee Sine Die adjournment
SB75 Act 144 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…nate Bill 74, by joint budget, recommend do pass. Calendar. Senate Bill 75, by Senator Disman. To amend the revenue stabilization law,…”
 TO AMEND THE REVENUE STABILIZATION LAW; TO CREATE FUNDS; TO MAKE TRANSFERS TO AND FROM … J. Dismang Notification that SB75 is now Act 144
SB77 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…or the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Senate Bill 76. Joint Budget. Senate Bill 77 by Joint Budget. Nope, sorry. Senate Bill 77 by Senator Tuc…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION DIVISION APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 … C. Tucker Died on House Calendar at Sine Die adjournment.
HB1014 Act 69 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1014 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - DIVISION OF P…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - DIVISION OF PROVIDER SERVICES AND QUALITY … Joint Budget Committee Notification that HB1014 is now Act 69
HB1062 Act 71 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1062 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - MEDICAID TOBA…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - MEDICAID TOBACCO SETTLEMENT PROGRAM APPROPRIATION FOR … Joint Budget Committee Notification that HB1062 is now Act 71
HB1073 Act 72 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1073 AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION APPROPRIA…”
 AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR. Joint Budget Committee Notification that HB1073 is now Act 72
SB10 Act 130 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…r. Will your committee on joint budget to whom was referred Senate Bill 10 by joint budget recommend due pass as amended number 1? Cal…”
 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 transcript
Matched: “…r. Will your committee on joint budget to whom was referred Senate Bill 14 by joint budget recommend due pass? Calendar. We are commit…”
 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
SB19 Act 76 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ndar. We are committee on joint budget to whom was referred Senate Bill 19 by joint budget, recommend you pass. Calendar. We are commi…”
 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 transcript
Matched: “Will your committee on joint budget to whom was referred Senate Bill 2 by joint budget recommend due pass?”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION - ASSESSMENT COORDINATION DIVISION APPROPRIATION FOR … Joint Budget Committee Notification that SB2 is now Act 74
SB21 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB21 #1 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - DIVISION O…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - DIVISION OF AGING, ADULT, AND BEHAVIORAL … Joint Budget Committee DELIVERED TO GOVERNOR.
SB22 Act 77 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ndar. We are committee on joint budget to whom was referred Senate Bill 22 by joint budget, recommend you pass. Calendar. We are commi…”
 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 chapter
Matched: “SB23 #1 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - DIVISION O…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - DIVISION OF YOUTH SERVICES APPROPRIATION FOR … Joint Budget Committee Notification that SB23 is now Act 133
SB24 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB24 #1 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - DIVISION O…”
 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 transcript
Matched: “…ndar. We are committee on joint budget to whom was referred Senate Bill 26 by joint budget, recommend you pass. Calendar. We are commi…”
 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
SB32 Act 79 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ndar. We are committee on joint budget to whom was referred Senate Bill 32 by joint budget, recommend you pass. Calendar. We are commi…”
 AN ACT FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS - COURT PERSONNEL APPROPRIATION FOR THE … Joint Budget Committee Notification that SB32 is now Act 79
SB36 Act 135 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB36 #1 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE APPROPRIATION F…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR. Joint Budget Committee Notification that SB36 is now Act 135
SB4 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB4 #1 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH - LICENSING AND REGU…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH - LICENSING AND REGULATION BOARDS APPROPRIATION FOR THE … Joint Budget Committee DELIVERED TO GOVERNOR.
SB42 Act 80 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ndar. We are committee on joint budget to whom was referred Senate Bill 42 by joint budget, recommend you pass. Calendar. We are commi…”
 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. We are committee on joint budget to whom was referred Senate Bill 51 by joint budget. 61 by joint budget recommend you pass cale…”
 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 transcript
Matched: “We are committee on joint budget to whom was referred Senate Bill 52 by joint budget. Recommend you pass. Calendar. We are commi…”
 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 transcript
Matched: “…ndar. We are committee on joint budget to whom was referred Senate Bill 53 by joint budget. Recommend you pass. Calendar. We are commi…”
 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 chapter
Matched: “SB55 #1 AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS SUPREME COURT APPROPRIATION FOR…”
 AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS SUPREME COURT APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR. Joint Budget Committee Notification that SB55 is now Act 137
SB59 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB59 #1 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - EDUCATIONAL TEL…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION DIVISION APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 … Joint Budget Committee DELIVERED TO GOVERNOR.
SB60 Act 83 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ndar. We are committee on joint budget to whom was referred Senate Bill 60 by joint budget. Recommend you pass. Calendar. We are commi…”
 AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS PUBLIC DEFENDER COMMISSION REAPPROPRIATION. Joint Budget Committee Notification that SB60 is now Act 83
SB62 Act 85 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…alendar we your committee on joint budget whom was referred senate bill 62 by joint budget recommend you pass”
 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 transcript
Matched: “…alendar we your committee on joint budget whom was referred senate bill 64 by joint budget recommend you pass calendar we your committ…”
 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 transcript
Matched: “…alendar we your committee on joint budget whom was referred senate bill 65 by joint budget recommend you pass calendar we your committ…”
 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 transcript
Matched: “…alendar we your committee on joint budget whom was referred Senate Bill 66 by joint budget recommend you pass calendar will your commi…”
 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 transcript
Matched: “…lendar will your committee on joint budget whom was a third Senate Bill 68 by joint budget recommend you pass calendar will your commi…”
 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 transcript
Matched: “…lendar will your committee on joint budget whom was a third Senate Bill 69 by joint budget recommend you pass calendar will your”
 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 transcript
Matched: “committee on joint budget was a third Senate Bill 70 by joint budget recommend you pass calendar will your commi…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH REAPPROPRIATION. Joint Budget Committee Notification that SB70 is now Act 91
SB71 Act 92 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…lendar will your committee on joint budget whom was a third Senate Bill 71 by joint budget recommend you pass calendar will your commi…”
 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 transcript
Matched: “…ndar will your committee on joint budget, whom was referred Senate Bill 72, by joint budget, recommend do pass. Calendar. Will your Co…”
 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 transcript
Matched: “…dar. Will your Committee on Joint Budget, whom was referred Senate Bill 74, by joint budget, recommend do pass. Calendar. Senate Bill…”
 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: “…and to declare an emergency, Senate Bill 75. Joint Budget. Senate Bill 76 by Senator Dismang. An act for the Department of Finance an…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION - DISBURSING OFFICER APPROPRIATION FOR THE … J. Dismang Notification that SB76 is now Act 142
SR10 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SR10 B. King TO AUTHORIZE THE INTRODUCTION OF A NONAPPROPRIATION…”
 TO AUTHORIZE THE INTRODUCTION OF A NONAPPROPRIATION BILL TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS DATA CENTERS ACT … B. King Died in Senate at Sine Die adjournment.
SR11 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SR11 B. King TO AUTHORIZE THE INTRODUCTION OF A NONAPPROPRIATION…”
 TO AUTHORIZE THE INTRODUCTION OF A NONAPPROPRIATION BILL TO REQUIRE A DIGITAL ASSET MINING BUSINESS … B. King Died in Senate at Sine Die adjournment.
SR12 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SR12 B. King TO AUTHORIZE THE INTRODUCTION OF A NONAPPROPRIATION…”
 TO AUTHORIZE THE INTRODUCTION OF A NONAPPROPRIATION BILL TO REGULATE THE IMPACT ON WATER USAGE … B. King Died in Senate at Sine Die adjournment.
SR15 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SR15 Crowell TO AUTHORIZE THE INTRODUCTION OF A NONAPPROPRIATION…”
 TO AUTHORIZE THE INTRODUCTION OF A NONAPPROPRIATION BILL TO INCREASE THE HOMESTEAD PROPERTY TAX CREDIT. Crowell Sine Die adjournment
SR16 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SR16 B. King TO AUTHORIZE THE INTRODUCTION OF A NONAPPROPRIATION…”
 TO AUTHORIZE THE INTRODUCTION OF A NONAPPROPRIATION BILL CONCERNING THE ARKANSAS CHILDREN'S EDUCATIONAL FREEDOM ACCOUNT … B. King Died in Senate at Sine Die adjournment.
SR20 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SR20 Dees TO AUTHORIZE THE INTRODUCTION OF A NONAPPROPRIATION BI…”
 TO AUTHORIZE THE INTRODUCTION OF A NONAPPROPRIATION BILL CONCERNING THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITIES EXPANSION ACT. Dees Sine Die adjournment
SR21 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SR21 B. Johnson TO AUTHORIZE THE INTRODUCTION OF A NONAPPROPRIAT…”
 TO AUTHORIZE THE INTRODUCTION OF A NONAPPROPRIATION BILL TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS PROPERTY RIGHTS PROTECTION … B. Johnson Sine Die adjournment
SR30 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…he Arts Day at the Capitol, Senate Resolution 29. Calendar. Senate Resolution 30 by Senator Hester to honor Loy Bailey upon his retirement f…”
 TO HONOR LOY BAILEY UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. Hester Sine Die adjournment
SR6 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SR6 B. King TO AUTHORIZE THE INTRODUCTION OF A NONAPPROPRIATION…”
 TO AUTHORIZE THE INTRODUCTION OF A NONAPPROPRIATION BILL TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR COUNTIES USING … B. King Died in Senate at Sine Die adjournment.
SR7 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SR7 B. King TO AUTHORIZE THE INTRODUCTION OF A NONAPPROPRIATION…”
 TO AUTHORIZE THE INTRODUCTION OF A NONAPPROPRIATION BILL TO AMEND THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A DIGITAL … B. King Died in Senate at Sine Die adjournment.
SR8 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SR8 B. King TO AUTHORIZE THE INTRODUCTION OF A NONAPPROPRIATION…”
 TO AUTHORIZE THE INTRODUCTION OF A NONAPPROPRIATION BILL TO REQUIRE A DIGITAL ASSET MINING BUSINESS … B. King Died in Senate at Sine Die adjournment.
SR9 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SR9 B. King TO AUTHORIZE THE INTRODUCTION OF A NONAPPROPRIATION…”
 TO AUTHORIZE THE INTRODUCTION OF A NONAPPROPRIATION BILL TO PROHIBIT THE USE OF A COMPUTER … B. King Died in Senate at Sine Die adjournment.

Official video page ↗

Transcript

Transcript available SliQ live captions ✓ Whisper ✓ Download .txt
Machine transcript

May contain errors. Verify important quotations against the official video.

About transcript accuracy
Source
SliQ live captions
Model
SliQ live ASR
Processing date
October 2, 2026
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 7:21
Senate will be called to order. Are there any requests for leave at this time Senatorledding
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 5 7:34
you're recognized thank you any other request madam secretary please call
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 7:39
the roll Boyd bryantcaldwell clarkroll, Davis deeses, Diang dotdson, English flippo flowers Gilmorehammer Hester hickey Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 5 7:53
Johnson, Kingledting love Mckee Murdock, Peyton, Penzo, Petty, Rri, Scott, Simon Stoneulllivan Tucker Wallace thank you
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 8:01
madam Secretary. excuse me if everyone in the chamber and in the galleries would please rise and for the prayer which will be led by Senator Ron Caldwell that will be followed by the pledge of allegiance.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Ronald Caldwell Unverified 8:15
Senator Caldwell you're recognized thank you let's pray. Father we're just thankful we can come together today representing the people of the state of Arkansas we ask you to bless us with your grace and and your peace. watch over us, give us the wisdom and knowledge to make good decisions that would represent our people and represent you well. we ask you to be with our president in a decisions he's making trying to seek world peace. we pray all these things
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 8:46
in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. allegiance to the flag of United of America and to the
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 18 8:54
republic for which it stand on the individual with liberty
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 9:04
and justice cro thank you senator Cadwell for those uplifting 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. Are there any announcements or introductions
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 23 9:38
at this time madam Secretary, are there atoms
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 9:42
at the desk? Yes, madam president we your committee on joint budget to whom was referred Senate bill two by joint budget recommend do pass calendar we your committee on joint budgetget who was referred Senate Bill10 by joint budgetge recommend do pass as amended number one calendar we your committee on joint budgetget whom was referred Senate Bill14 by joint budgetge recommend do pass calendar we your committee on joint budgetget whom was referred Senate Bill19 by joint budgetget recommend do pass calendar we your committee on joint budgetget who was referred Senate Bill22 by joint budgetget recommend do pass calendar we your committee on joint budgetge was referred Senate Bill26 by joint budget recommend do pass alendar we your committee on joint budget to whom was referred Senate Bill32 by joint budget recommend do pass calendar we your committee on joint budget to whom was deferred Senate bill42 by joint budget recommend do pass calendar we your committee on joint budget to whom was referred Senate Bill52 by joint budget recommend do pass calendar we your committee on joint budget who was referred Senate Bill53 by joint budgetge recommend do pass calendar we are committee on joint budgetget who was referred Senate Bill60 by joint budget recommend do pass calendar we your committee on joint budgetget who was referred Senate Bill51 by joint budget61 by joint budget recommend do pass calendar we your committee on joint budgetget toome was referred Senate Bill62 by Jointudget recommend do pass calendar we your committee on joint budget who was referred Senate Bill64 by joint budget recommend do pass calendar we your committee on joint budget to whom was referred Senate Bill65 by joint budget recommend do pass calendar we your committee on joint budget who was referred Senate Bill66 by joint budget recommend newpa. calendar will your committee on joint budget to whom was referred Senate Bill68 by joint budget recommend do pass calendar we your committee on joint budgetget who was referred Senate Bill69 by joint budget recommend do pass calendar will your committee on joint budgetget who was referred Senate Bill70 by joint budget recommend do pass calendar we your committee on joint budgetget who was referred Senate Bill71 by joint budget recommend do pass calendar we your committee on joint budgetgetwo has referred Senate Bill72 by joint budget recommend do pass calendar we your committee on joint budgetget and was referred Senate Bill74 by joint budget recommend do pass. calendar Senate Bill75 by senator dismay to amend the revenue stabilization law to create funds to make transfers to and from funds and fund accounts and to declare an emergency Senate Bill75. joint budget Senate Bill76 by Senator Dismay an act for the department of finance and Administration dispersing officer appropriation for the 2026-2027 fiscal year Senate Bill76 joint budgetenate Bill77 by joint budget nope sorry Senate Bill77 by Senator Tucker, an act for the department of Education, educational television division appropriation for the 20262027 fiscal year Senate Bill77 joint budget Senate resolution 28 by Senator Wallace to proclaim April2,2026 as Arkansas lineworker appreciation day at the state capitol and to commend the men and women who serve Arkansas as utility line workers, Senate resolution 28 calendar Senate resolution 29 by Senator Mcee to congratulate Arkansas school for mathematicsciences and the arts students on science fair competition accomplishments and to observe Arkansas school for mathematics Sci ence s and the arts day at the Capitol Senate resolution 29 calendar Senate resolution30 by Senator Hester to honorloyd Bailey upon his retirement from the Arkansas Department of Health Senate resolution30 calendar thank you madam Secretary
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 13:38
any further business to come before the body in the morning hour if not the morning hour has
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 37 13:52
expired we will now start the business
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 38 13:59
agenda we will begin with Senate memorial resolution3 Senate memorial resolution3 by Senatorledding in respectful memory of Senator Uvalde Rexlindseyy and in recognition
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Greg Leding Chair Unverified 14:10
of his contributions to the state of Arkansas and his local community. Senatorledding your recognized thank you madam President. Colleagues I asked Lee from members of Senator Yovaldi Lindsey's family today second to join us on the floor
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 43 14:31
for the presentation of this resolution right on down yeah Sure wherever you like with that
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Greg Leding Chair Unverified 14:45
colleagues with us today we have Senator Lindsey's wife Jo Lindsey. his daughterRoybeth Kelly is here with us his daughter Suzette Noble, his son John Lindseay, stepdaughter Nora Hall and granddaughter Lauren Hansen. I'm glad that they can be here with us today. growing up in northwest Arkansas it was impossible not to have heard about Yovaldilindsey but I unfortunately didn't really ever get the chance to come to know him until I joined the Arkansas legislature in 2010. He quickly became a mentor and someone whose counsel I often sought I really appreciated his calm presence and I loved watching his mind at work no matter how thoroughly you think you had considered a certain subject or issue he could always show you at least one of the perspective or maybe 17 other perspectives he was just that good at his job and running for this body was never an aspiration of mine and I would have certainly left the legislature long ago had he not encouraged me to run for the senate seat and I have forgiven him for that but it has been an honor to literally hold the seat that he sat in there on the back row there next to Senator Flowers these eight years that I've had the honor
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 16:01
to serve in the Arkansas Senate. and we miss him. Madam Secretary, I would ask that the resolution be read in full. whereas former senator Uvaldi Lex Rexxlindsey of Fayetteville, Arkansas passed away on Saturday July19,2025 and whereas senator Lindsey was born on January17,1940 and Harrison, Arkansas to UvaldeRoylindsey andottis Suelindsey and whereas senator Lindsey graduated from Harrison High School in 1958 where he was student body president and voted as most likely to succeed and whereas senator Lindsey attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville where he was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity and from which he graduated with a bachelor of Science in business s s Administration and whereas following the unexpected death of his father when Senator Lindsey was only 23 years old, Senator Lindsey took over and ran his family business continental auto supply which he then successfully expanded to 18 stores across three states before selling the business to O'Reilly Automotive Incorporated in 1982 and whereas senator Lindsey served his nation in the United States Army Reserve from 19 62 until 1972. ultimately rising to the rank of first lieutenant and serving as company commander and whereasenlindsey storied history as a public servant began in 1972 when he is elected to the Harrison City Council and where Senator Lindsey would serve for a decade including three terms as budget chairman and whereas Senator Lindsey also served as budget officer for Governor Billlin and worked on the 1984 reelection campaign of United States Senator David Pryor and whereas in 1985 Senator Lindsey became executive director of the northwest Arkansas Economic Development District where he helped to secure federal grants for rural transportation, aging services and economic development and whereas Senator Lindsey played a key role in the designation of the US highway412 was a founding leader in the northwest Arkansas council where he served until retiring in 2004 and advocated for major projects to benefit the region including the northwest Arkansas National Airport, Interstate49, and the two ton regional water district and whereas in 2013 Senator Lindsey took office as senator for district our of the Senate where he served until 2019. and whereas during his time in the senate, Senator Lindsey served in a variety of leadership roles including chair of personnel subcommittee of legislative counsel chairpersonnel subcommittee of the Joint Budgetittee chair of the Arkansas Legislative task forcece on autism and chair of the legislative task force on the best practices for special education and whereas senator Lindsey was widely known and respected especially for his expertise in state budget matters and for his strong advocacy for children with autism and other disabilities and whereas senator lindsey was a dedicated member of Saint Paul's Episcopal Church infayetteville, Arkansas and served on the vestry and as a senior warden at Stt John's Episcopal Church in Harrison, Arkansas whereas Senator Lindsey is survived by his wife Jo dodsonlindsey by his childrenRoy bethlindsey Kelly Suzeettte Rlindsey Noble, Matthew Blindsey, Michael G Lindsey and John Mark Lindsey and by his stepdaughters Norra Hall andlinnda Wallace and by his 12 grandchildren and6 great grandchildren now therefore be it resolved by the senate of the ninety5th General assembly of the state of Arkansas that the Senate remember former senator Uvalde Rex Lindzay and recognize his many contributions to the state of Arkansas and to his local community.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 19:56
thank you madam Secretary. All those in favor of Senate memorial resolution3 in respectful memory of Senator Uvalde Rexili and in recognition of his contributions to the state of Arkansas and to his local community. please signify by saying aye and he opposed ayes habit Senate memorial resolution3 is adopted. would you like to say something thank you senatorledding for bringing this and at this time I would invite Mrs Lindsey if you would like to
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 57 20:33
say a few words or any other members of the family. thank you so much for this honor. Uvaldi was very, very proud to serve in this in this body and I'm really proud of all the things he was able to do during his lifetime to help northwest Arkansas and Arkansas in general and the autism and handicapped communities thank you all so much for
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Greg Leding Chair Unverified 20:57
remembering him. He was a great man thank you madam President if it's appropriate, I would request just a very brief recess just for a few photos and so members can say hello to the family absolutely Senate will stand in recess
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 34:07
Senate will come back to order this time I'm going to recognize Senator
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Dave Wallace Unverified 34:15
Wallace for a motion Madam President, I move to suspend the rules to add Senate resolution 28 to today's calendar following senate resolution 19. all
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 63 34:23
those in favor of the motion please signify by saying aye and he opposed ayes have it motion
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 34:30
carries thanks senator. Next I'd like to recognize Senator Love
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Fredrick J. Love Chair Unverified 34:38
to introduce our doctor of the day nurse good afternoon colleagues. Drctor one of our doctors of the day is Dr. Prasaderdalah. He's in psych psychiatry and LittleRock and I will let Senator Tucker take care of the rest. Senator Tucker you're recognized thank
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Clarke Tucker Chair Unverified 34:57
you madam President. with us as always we have Lee Fazio as our nurse of the day you know it's a special situation in the senate because we have former Representative Andy Davis lurking up in the gallery which lets us know something's happening our our other doctor of the day is Dr. Lory Barnes who many of you may know as a legendary orthopedic surgeon in Arkansas but his current role of course is he recently was chosen by the board of trustees to be the chancellor
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 71 35:22
of UAMS so y'all please join me in giving a hearty
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 35:36
welcome to ouruaM S chancellor. thank you chancellor for being
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 74 35:40
here as I told Andy Davis you're the doctor of the
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Mark Johnson Unverified 35:46
day every day so thank you for being here. Senator Mark Johnson just Senator Tucker's already left the well but I was going to ask you if there was something significant about bringing Dr.ella a psychiatrist as the doctor of the day who said it's identified need or was he just taking care of it I don't think he's taking me too seriously on that but I'm grateful for both of these gentlemen and for everything Dr. Barnes does for our whole state. thank you madam
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 80 36:13
you all Next we will move to senate resolution 18 Senate
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 5 36:21
resolution 18 by Senator Murdock to recognize the Earl High School bulldogs boys basketball team as the 2025 and2026lass 1a state champions oh there you go
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Reginald Murdock Unverified 36:51
but that's waiting for Senator Murdock you're recognized thank you. could we could I please have leave for the Earl boys and girls champions and the administration that's present thank you bring them on this side where they can face the the the members all the way back here yeah let's get these champions a hand as they come in thank you madam chairir. again colleagues so happy to be here today to recognize a great group of young people boys and girls champions also we have here the superintendent and the coaches for these great teams and want to make sure we recognize and raiseise your hand please coaches and superintendent so the leadership is here and we have these champions among us and this memorable memorable time when a boys and girls team win state champion that don't happen very often. Now I can go back to 1982983 and Marianna it happened. I was on that team our boys and girls won the state championship just the known fact so but this but but these but these championss at Earl they've they've done this school district have done this three times. let's get on my hand three times so that that's a credit to the community the school district the coaches, the parents the student athletes that's a credit to them and that they continue to be excellent in what they're doing so want to
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 80 39:04
commemorate them today and actually you for a good vote thank you senator. all those in favor of Senateresolution 18 to recognize the
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 39:11
Earl High School bulldogs boys basketball team as the 2025 and2026lass 1a state champions please signify by saying ay any opposed ayes
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 95 39:32
have itsenate resolution 18 is adopted. and now we
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 39:36
will take up Senate resolution 19 Senate resolution 19 by Senator Murdock to recognize the Earl High School lady bulldogs girls' basketball team as the 2026lass 1A state
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Reginald Murdock Unverified 39:48
champions. Senator Murdock you're recognized we'll do it again Actually I I did both of them at the same time because we wanted both of them to enjoy the glory together but 18 and 19 those re resolutions both do the same thing so
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 40:03
join me again with a good vote please for this resolution. Thanks Senator Murdock. all those in favor of Senateresolution 19 to recognize the Earl High School lady bulldogs girls basketball team as the 2026lass 1a state champions please signify those saying I and he opposed ayes
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Reginald Murdock Unverified 40:20
have it senten a resolution 19 is adopted. congratulations athlete you madam chair if I can have just30 seconds to take a picture
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 100 40:33
or two with them here on the floor we like havingn winners here so thank you
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 42:40
senate will come back to order we are now going to take up Senate
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 42:52
resolution 28 Senator Wallace madam Secretary, Senate resolution 28 by Senator Wallace to proclaim April2,2026 as Arkansas lineworker appreciation dayy at the state capitol and to commend the men and women who serve Arkansas as utility line workers
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Dave Wallace Unverified 43:11
en Wallace you're recognized thank you ma'amembers when we have those storms and our our lights go out this these folks are yman the men and women our neighbors and our friends they go out they go out in the rain, the cold, the sleet, the mud dealing with high tension wars and bringing power back to all of us. God bless them for what they do and with that I'm going to ask for a good vote
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 63 43:43
Thank you Senator Wallace and thank you to
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 43:46
all of our linemen who are in our galleries today. we appreciate you all very much and putting your lives on the line to keep Arkansas running and keep our families safe. all those in favor of Senate resolution 28 to proclaim April21,2026 as Arkansas lineworker appreciation dayy at the state capitol and to commend the men and women who serve Arkansas as utility lineworkers please signify by saying aye and he opposed ay's habit Senate resolution 28 is adopted. thank you senators and thank you all again for being here today at state capitol madam Secretary we are going to take up the budget calendar first senators so that way we can have the amendments and have those sent to engrossing the amendments that are adopted and we can work on those before
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 65 44:53
we get to the rest of today's business
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 44:56
calendar. Senator dismaying you're recognized thank you governor. we've got a number of items that we are bills that we just need to adopt amendments on we'll move through those and then we only have three bills at the bottom and so we'll vote those individually OK? ammendment one to Senate Bill4. right members make a
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 63 45:17
motion to adopt amendment one to Senate Bill4 all those in favor please signify by saying aye any opposed ayes have it amendment
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 45:23
one toenna Bill4 is adopted please send to engrossing
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 63 45:29
amendment one to Senate Bill21. I move adoption of ammendment1 to Senate Bill21. all those in favor policing ify be saying a any opposed ayes have
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 45:39
it amendment one to senate Bill21 is adopted.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 45:42
please send to engrossing ammendment1 to Senate Bill23 move
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 63 45:45
we adopt Amendment1 to Senate Bill23. All those in favor please signify it saying aye and
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 45:50
he opposed ayes have it amendment one to Senate Bill23 is adopted please send to engrossing ammendment one to Senate Bill24.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 45:57
I mean if we adopt ammendment1 to Senate
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 63 45:59
Bill24. all those in favor please signify by saying aye any opposed ayes have it amendment
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 46:05
one to Senate Bill24 is adopted please send to engrossing Amendment one to Senate Bill36.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 46:10
move we adopt amendment 1 is Senate Bill36.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 63 46:13
All those in favor please signify by saying aye any opposed ayes have it
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 46:18
amendment one to Senate Bill36 is adopted please send to engrossing Amendment1 to Senate Bill55, a move we adopt ammendment1
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 46:24
to Senate Bill55. All those in favor please
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 63 46:30
signify by saying aye and he opposed ayes have it amendment one
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 46:34
to Senate Bill55 is adopted please send to
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 46:37
engrossing Amendment1 to Senate Bill59. if we adopt
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 63 46:41
ammendment1 to Senate Bill59. all those in
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 126 46:44
favor please signify by saying aye any opposed ayes have it amendment one to Senate Bill59 is adopted
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 46:53
please send to engrossing House Bill1014 by joint budget an act for the Department of Human Services division of provider services and quality
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 47:02
assurance appropriation for the 2026-2027 fiscal year senator dismaying you're recognized to take any questions any questions for Senator Dima? anyone wish to
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 5 47:19
speak against or for Senator has closed any objection to rolling the boat? seeing no objection madam Secretary, please roll
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 47:25
the vote. Boyd Bryant Caldwell lark, Krowll, Davis deeses Diang dotson English Flippo flowersgilmorehammer Hester hickey Hill, Irvinblake Johnson, Mark Johnson, Kingledting love ee Murdockhayton, Penzo Petty, Rri, Scott Simon Stoneulllivan
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 5 47:41
Tucker Wallace any senator wish to change his or her
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 47:47
vote seeing no one please cast up the ballot by a vote of34 yea zero nay, House Bill1014 passes and they correspond in emergency closets adopted please return to the house Next we'll take up
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 48:04
House Bill1062, House Bill1062 by joint budget an act for the Department of Human
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 38 48:10
Services medicaid tobacco settlementgrame appropriation for the 20262027 fiscal
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 48:17
year Senator Diang happy to take any questions no questions. Any anyone wish to speak against or for senator has closed any objection to rolling the vote, saying no objection madam
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 5 48:29
Secretary, please roll the boat. Boyd Bryantcaldwellclark,
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 48:35
Kroll, Davis deeses desang dotson English flippo flowers, gilmorehammer, Hester hickey Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, Kingledting love Mckee Murdock Peyton Penzo Petty rice, Scott Simon Stoneulllivan Tucker Wallace
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 5 48:50
any senator wish to change his
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 48:54
or her vote seeing no one, please cast up the ballot by vote of34 yay zero nay house bill 1062 passes and the corresponding emergency clause is adopted. please return
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 49:13
to the house House Bill1073 House Bill1073 by joint budget an act for the Arkansas Public Service Commission appropriation
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 49:19
for the 20262027 fiscal year Senator Dimaying you recognized have to take any questions any questions seeing no questions anyone wish to speak against or for senator has closed any objection to rolling the vote seeing no
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 5 49:38
objection madam Secretary, please roll the vote Boyd Bryantcaldwell clark, Kroll, Davis deeses
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 49:46
dismaying dotson English flippo flowersgilmore hammer hester hickey hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, Kingledting loveve Mckee Murdock,
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 5 49:56
Peyton, Penzo Petty, Rri, Scott, Simon Stoneulllivan Tucker Wallace any senator wish
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 50:03
to change his or her vote seeing no one please cast up the ballot by a vote of34 yea zero nay House Bill1073 passes and the corresponding emergency clause is adopted that includes the
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 37 50:26
budget calendar we will now return to the business agenda beginning with
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 50:33
Senate resolution6. and reminder that all of these resolutions will require 24
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 50:39
votes Senate resolution6 by Senator King to authorize the introduction of a nonappropriation bill to provide additional funding for counties using certain state tax revenues and to create the equal distribution county turnback fund. Senator King
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 50:59
you're recognized thank you madam Chair. So these resolutions failed in House rules as we know House rules is a let's just say a very funny business committee a lot of times so basically if these pass it's still got one more day in the house so basically members this resolution this nonbudget resolution is a budget bill it basically sets a policy on budget. if you look at our RSa amounts and you look at the dollar bill graphs that you see here when I first came in turn back was about5% of the budget now it's fluctuated some during the years but it's5% I always felt like was a pretty good return as far as percentage back to city and local government of locally generated tax dollars that come to LittleRock and then redistribute it back so basically what this would do is this would give $2 million to every county. It would take the 1st 150 million of sales tax that came in and it would go into a fund and once that fund hit 150 million then every county would get $2 million. let me tell you why that's important and the policy in a lot of our distribution needs to change because our founding fathers set up a great system in our government where urban areas didn't rule overrule areas if you looked at the states we have two senators puts us on equal footing with every state out there Arkansas has two senators we're on the same footing as New York or California or Texas can you imagine if our system and the distribution of everything that we did in this country was just based on population alone. senator Tucker back there has been you know mentored by Senator Pryor we would not have no Senator Pryor if we didn't have United States Senate system we'd have no US Senator John Bozman and our system and our country would be dramatically different and devastated if we didn't. Arkansas and Kansas would probably be run over but it sets up an equal distribution that every county in the state will get $2 million probably by September if you look at what has happened in the budget part and it's one of the frustrations I see of revenue stabilization that it is voted on and rubber stamped a lot if you looked at a percentage of the last three years it was3.33.4 and3.4. Well a percent and a half doesn't seem like much but when you look on a $6 billion budget that's a lot of money if you look at5% compared to4% and what's in this proposed budget on a6.7 billion dollars budget that's67 million dollars that's almost $1 million that could go less out there that he's being distributed if we were more on5% turnback instead of these anemic amounts that keep getting approved and these are locally generated tax dollars that come to LittleRock and returned so our state budget is like a balloon if you look at education those percentages have changed when I came in medicaid was I think 24% of the budget got up to32% of the budget you know I keep talking about the crime problem since Republicans came into office if revenue stabilization, if corrections had been 8 instead of 8% then 10% of the budget corrections and public safety would have received $1.4 billion since 2012. that's how much a small percentage makes out there and where it goes I think that when we're doing this you look at the total amount in the next four years if this percentage gets approved there will be over350 million dollars less returned out to local governments to operate. Local governments are struggling it doesn't matter. Look in pulaski County you have a debate I don't know who's right but you look at the debate in it there's a cash flow problem if you look in a lot of these counties out here today they're having cash flow problems and it's fixing to get worse. we've had five years of COVID expense costs road graders cost $100,000 more than they did pre-COviD. you look at a rural county that has to buy three of them that's300,000 dollars less out there that they are going to be for essential services now 90% of this money could be used for critical infrastructure roads, water sewer police jail you look at even jail expansions we're having jail expansions fail and fail out there. One county for example is going to build a 150 bed jail for $16 million by the time they get it paid off with interest it's gonna cost32 million. with $2 million to these rural counties they could bank that money back and pay for a jail expansion without raising taxes. and we could give flexibility back to these counties and local government. This is nothing more than a Jeffersonian madison principle about allowing local governments and local people to decide more of their money than a central body down here that only meets every year the impact that has happened and devastated has dug a hole in our local cities and counties as far as operating several of these places are losing personnel they're having to make cutbacks and switch road departments to make payroll work this is not going to get better it's going to get worse if you look at our economy now today in the rural counties it the number one economy in Arkansas's agriculture. let me just tell you in my almost60 years it's the worst I've ever seen it and not getting any better you look at tourism for example our#2 economy, it is dangerously it is mostly in the rural areas that is the economic engine of tourism is in the rural areas our rivers and streams outdoor recreation those are in rural areas. what do they need roads to make it work? So90% could be critical infrastructure needs 10% of it could be more for community servicesive the flexibility back home for senior centers real fire departments paid fire departments police this could actually allow counties to do planning with $2 million every year like in Senator Wallace's district or my district you give them $2 million every year that they can do planning with right off the top Guess what they can do some real planning with this. One time money helps a little bit but it's only temporary Like I said the cost of everything has went up it's not going down and it's starting to devastate local people. There seems to be an absence out there what's going on with the regular people out there struggling and what it seems to happen at the capitol and what everybody thinks the economy's doing we need to get an infrastructure bill in a county turnback percentage that's gonna be every year to every county All allow them to do future planning. this is just a resolution to introduce this bill and have a debate but if you look at these percentages and what has been devastated350 million dollars less going out there for local governments to be able to operate it's hurting and we've got to correct that if you dig a hole in something you got to find a way out of it and you got to have a sustained plan and this will get back a lot of these rural counties, these county judges tell me this is a game changer for them you look at the rural water systems that you were sitting there and do a band-aid sometimes on grants and stuff if these counties had been having this they wouldn't be in a lot of those situations so with that if you look at something else, I want to tell you something we're talking about Joe Porfiri. if you look at what happened in the wellpath contract and it got derailed by the time it got done it cost taxpayers to do the same contract350 million dollars You look at the big money special interests like Deloitte that is winning the day down here since 2016 in the next contract Turgo will get700 million dollars. folks that's a billion dollars out there we need to get back to Reagan who said the best government's the government closest to the people start letting them manage it and get the money back where they can solve their local problems and take care of things and do future planning especially with the ditch that he had been thrown into but not returning back the money as I feel like it should have and with that I'd take any questions questions for Senator King.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator John Payton Unverified 59:43
Senatoreyton you're recognized for a question thank you madam President. Senator King, do you believe that theorn court and the county judge could maybe find more efficiencies as they seek to spend this money and stretch make it stretch
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 59:53
further. I mean you could see some counties that will but if you look at how much money's been wasted here I mean look at the return on investment that these this one graph shows you look at the amount of money that's being wasted down here Absolutely I think it could be better spent back there in the counties and people have more collective ways of changing government and their influence in their tax dollars at monthly meeting at a quorum court than they do every year cycle down here. I tend to agree thank you Senator
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 68 1:00:25
Tucker, you're recognized thank you madam President. I'm
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Clarke Tucker Chair Unverified 1:00:31
sorry if you said this senator and I missed it, but where's this money coming from? Is
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 1:00:35
it new money or what's funding what would fund this the sales tax collected would go in the fund and then once that fund from local that sales tax that sent down here it would go into a fund and then once it hits 1502 million would
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Clarke Tucker Chair Unverified 1:00:46
be distributed to every county but the sales tax revenue is currently spent it goes either into general revenue or some of it goes to the Arkansas Department of Transportation. The Gr would still get their money after that $150 million has
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 1:00:56
been the sales tax would go into this fund out of general revenue and then once it hit 150 million it'd be back distributed so basically if you want to know the problem that was brought up in rules that's a fair question is as I always say when you expand part of the balloon down here you're going to contract somewhere else when we expanded Medicaid I'm not getting into that debate it impacted all other budgets when you expand it learns and you do new spending guess what it's going to make other areas contract. Senator Hester in in budget the other day was complaining about his local college getting money back and not getting the money back. well if you look at higher ed when I first came in was getting 16% of the budget it's 12% now 1cent of that is and I'm not debating this I'm just giving you the facts of everything when the percentages change it's over $250 million less is going to higher ed I think rather than spend the 150 million down here we need to get it back to our local citizens to take care of things like either a senior center and get back flexibility you know get back they have the fires that pop up if we're down here as a central body deciding everything that's not the right way to do it that is more socialist than it is democracy Reagan certainly didn't preach that get the money back to the local people they need it. we are going to see county governments continue to struggle. you look at agriculture I'm in the poultry business around here it's tough it will allow industry to do roads, water sewer improved life back home for our industry and be more flexible than being a central body down here turning everything over to the governor to be able to decide it it will be a game changer for our rural areas. every county judge in that I've talked to says this will be a game changer for them now the questions anyone wish to speak against or for senator you're free to close I'm closed you know our founding fathers set up a great system in our country that allowed us to be on an equal footing with populated areas and this as you look at pulaski County may be having cash flow problems. These counties and local governments are going to be epidemic of cash flow problems without the economy turning around and going gangbusters if we don't do something to at least present a path to them to be able to be able to flexibility to take care of the issues and do things out there to improve Arkansas. This will improve every county in Arkansas. This will greatly improve our agriculture industry which is our number one industry. It will greatly improve our tourism industry in Newton County for example, what you got to have to get back to the hiking trails roads do you think they're state roads they're not you look at the floating kayaking everything you do back there. guessess what they're not state roads they're county roads this will allow them to get money back and be able to take care of our citizens and allow them to be able to solve our problems and I appreciate a good vote senator has closed any objection to rolling the vote Objection noted madam
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 170 1:04:19
Secretary, please call the rolloyd bryant bryantcaldwell Clark
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 132 1:04:27
roll roll Davis Davis dees this man dismay
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 173 1:04:39
dotson dotson English flippo flowers Gilmore hammer hammer hester hickey hill hill irvin irvin b la ke Johnson blake Johnson, Mark Johnson Keenled him love Mckee Murdock Murdockeyton penzo petty rice Scott im mon s one ul ll iv an ul ll iv van tucker
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 1:05:43
Tucker Wallace any senator who did not vote who wishes to vote senatorarell yes Sen English yes Senator Tucker no any other senator please check the board seeing no other police cast up the ballot by a vote of 18 yeay10 nay six not voting Senate resolution6
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 80 1:06:19
fails. we will now take up Senate resolution7. think
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 1:06:24
about it chair this is basically if you remember the six bills from non-budget resolutionsenator
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 1:06:30
King just a moment I'm sorry the secretary's going to read it Senateresolution7 by Senator King to authorize the introduction of a nonappropriation bill to amend the requirements for a digital asset mining business and to amend the authority of a local
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 1:06:45
government with respect to a digital asset mining business. Senator King you're recognized thank you madam President. This is basically follows the six resolutions that passed out of this body two years ago as we know the 2023 crypto data center bill that got passed there was a lot of things happen with that that we just were not told and didn't know you know I can tell you right now there was a crypto mine put in tried to put into Harrison and it was going to use a tremendous amount of water and I'll probably talk more on this bill where I'll talk less on the rest of them and basically this repeals it back to local control. this crypto mind data center we need to get it back where local communities be able to decide what they want instead of tying their hands every time in the bills that passed two years ago didn't do anything. They only were a lawyer's dream as I said you can sit here and look we're still in federal court on it. Every local community that turned down the crypto mines before this law bad law took place guessess what none of them got sued in court. every one of them ties up everything in court and you're in court with a half billion dollar company we need to get it back to where local people will be able to decide how they want to live and what they want to do we do not need to be tying their hands that's what a socialist government does if you want to look at for example the crypto mind in Harrison was all Chinese influenced you could sit there and look look at the Harrison Daily Times.thing was about Chinese influence on it. Senator Cawell and I got a hit with all kinds of line postcards that we weren't tough on China. reality is we're not being tough on Chinese crypto mines. Do you know who he is that is better Joe Bideden Joe Bideden at least if you look at it shut down a Chinese crypto mine out near an air forcece base Senator Hill tried to do something similar to that why is Joe Bideden tough on Chinese crypto mines. I can't figure it out how this governor and a bunch of people are real tough on the Chinese growing soybeans but when it comes to crypto mines they look the other way Nothing about that is even close to adding up. If you look at the data center debate we're driving a lead for a lot of data centers but guess what they use a lot of water. I'm in the poultry industry in East Texas right now you talk to some of the poultry industry people the data centers came in now they're using up tons of water. Guess what it's hurting the poultry industry in beaverlake up there we're all getting our water in northwest Arkansas out of beaverlake. the crypto mine in Harrison was going to use a tremendous amount of water, enough power for 8000 homes employed two or three people we just need to get back and let local people be able to decide like I said when it comes to this Chinese influence what is going on that we allow Chinese crypto mines to operate in here and all we did was passed was drafted by the crypto industry what'd it do? look at it you're back in federal court again. Do you think local communities have the money to fight something in local court they don't they can't beat the bank on these big companies this just allows flexibility and allows local control back which I thought was a Republican principle that was taught by my grandfather which seems to be absent down here there is big huge money behind these things and there's a lot of things that don't add up and when it doesn't add up there's something going on every time with that I'd take any questions any questions for Senator King, Senator Mark Johnson you're recognized
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Mark Johnson Unverified 1:10:34
for a question thank you madam President. Senator King I'm not sure I was for or against your last resolution. I voted against it because I just didn't think it's something we could tackle in this venue in this fiscal session this one's a little different I I'm with you on we got I feel like we got fooled once and I thought maybe we partially fixed it but the resolution doesn't describe some of the requirements you're going to place on these these crypto miners which I support but before I vote on whether to proceed and perhaps tie us into something that maybe we need to take up in a in a regular session. could you give me a very short description of the additional level of restrictions
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 193 1:11:21
that we would be putting on these guys because I definitely want to you know reign
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 1:11:26
them in but I don't know what's possible. Well first on your first comment about about whether it actually is was a budget bill that we needed to do for cities and counties and actually allow them long term planning if we do something this budget session it's just for one year Senator Johnson. these counties and cities have been so devastated and less of turnback dollars as I said that if you dig a hole for them we've got to get away a ladder to get out so that's that right now on this this is about a direction to repeal the bill. You were right we were fooled the first time you were fooled the second time to cryptory wrote the in but we're back in in court again. Every community that rejected the crypto mines before that terrible law that we got misled on passed00 are in court you know let your people decide we get we got in on the wind turbines and it's different up in my area than it is other states let's let local control let's follow that
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Mark Johnson Unverified 1:12:24
but but specifically what changes in the bill that you have to accompany this resolution. I just want a
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 1:12:30
bit more detail it's about direction not details in these resolutions and it's about the direction you get local control change ordinance where allow a city and county to be able to do what they were able to do before this terrible law misleading law got passed that's the direction I'm going is allow them whether it's Wooster up there, dewit down there that we're in federal court over now and we repealed that terrible law we wouldn't be in federal court right now you set up more regulations you're just allowing lawyers and big law firms and let me tell you something these crypto data centers they're hiring the top lawyers it's not a street corner law you're doing50 dollars divorces either this just allows loca the direction is allow local communities to do ordinances to be able to make the decisions for themselves before this terrible law got impact got passed thank you for taking my question
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 129 1:13:19
sir any other questions for Senator King? seeing no other questions, does anyone wish to speak against
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 1:13:27
or for send her you're recognized to close Yeah, I'm closed and I'll be brief on the rest of the other ones because I can see with the room with the pa people's left where this is going so I'll be brief and describing on the on the rest of them and and won't be as long on the rest of them thank you senator for that. any objection to rolling the boat seeing no objection, madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd bryant
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 176 1:13:59
cal d we ll clark K Pro, Davis deeses Dismain dotson English flippo flowers Gilmore hammer hester hickey Ki Irvin blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, Keen, ledding loveve Mcee Murdock e y ton
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 173 1:14:32
penzo, Petty rice Scott Simon, Stone ul ll
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 1:14:42
iv an Tucker, Wallace any senator wish to change his or her vote. I'm going to begin on this side Senator Mcee no Mckee senator Bryant no Senator Krowell present Senator Gilmore no. Senator Davis no Senator Petty no Senator Murdock not voting anyone else on this side Senator Blake Johnson I'm sorry Senator Johnson no. Senatorhammer present anyone else on this side this side Senator hickey
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 20 1:15:31
no Senator Disma not voting. Senator Hester, no. Senator Irvin present or not voting. Senator Stone no. Senator Penzo present
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 1:15:46
Senator Simon present Senatorli present senator dees yes any
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 20 1:15:52
other senators please check the board Senator Davis not voting.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 1:16:09
any other senators please check the board seeing no other please cast up the ballot by a vote of 17 yeaeye nay,4 not voting,5 present, Senate resolution7 fails Next we will take
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 1:16:29
up Senate resolution 8. Senate resolution 8 by Senator King to authorize the introduction of a non-appropriation bill to require a digital asset mining business to pay a fee for extraordinary electrical energy usage and to implement oversight procedures
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 1:16:45
Senator King you're recognized this is probably going to be about the same as the other 1 may be so I'm going to be very brief we have to pay fees to be able to for an industry to take responsibility that agriculture industry farmers we pay fees for a farm plan that's just basically follows that so appreciate a
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 129 1:17:06
good vote any questions for Senator King?
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 1:17:12
Senator hickey you're recognized what did you say about you said it's going to the fee's going to follow that directly or what's the
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 1:17:20
fee going to be is it a percentage or how are we how are we doing that yeah so we're in a nutrient surplus area so we pay a fee and then we have a farm plan so it would be like a license fee you pay a license fee for gaming fish to be able to fund them to regulate them you know this is just fees can be over regulated and overdone and they can also be responsibility to an industry and with the amount of power and water that's being used there has to be something because if we don't force them to pay for it it's other taxpayers are gonna have to pay more out of their pockets to to regulate it. so is it a set fee or is it based on a percentage of the usage its percentage it's just basically a directionsenator hickey to have a discussion at this point in time I don't know what the end will be but it's just the directions to discuss them taking responsibility to have to pay to regulate them rather than everybody else come up and they get a free ride
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Clarke Tucker Chair Unverified 1:18:17
other questions Senator Tucker you're recognized thank you madam President. I'm just looking at the fees in here and I'm for people paying their their way you know but I'm just curious how they were calculated you know how the numbers were put together in terms of how many megawatts they produce and what the
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 1:18:34
fee for that is and that sort of thing yeah I mean if you look at some of these data centers are 100 megawatts I don't know what the LittleRock one is. I mean I know it's tremendous down here if you look at some of the crypto mines they were having a lot of megawatts it's just throwing out a starting point on discussion I'm not saying it's an ending point but at some point in time you've got to throw something out as I say these are about a direction not details yet
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Dan Sullivan Unverified 1:19:05
Senator Sullivan you're recognized for a question Thank you. so you say you had to have
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 1:19:09
a starting point so this doesn't show a starting point. it just says you want to start a discussion but there's no starting point for what that discussion is. why wouldn't you wait and run legislation that has specifics in it instead of asking us to vote on something we have no idea what the starting point is. Well, I think if you look at a lot of these data centers we don't know what they're used until they already pop up and I mean there's just a lot we don't know and I'm sure this is going to follow the other bills but I'm just saying we've got to have a discussion starting point. I mean obviously if it's is exorbitant amount well then we'd debate that if it's a minimum amount or any amount but there has to be a starting point in having a discussion about how much we don't know these data centers some of them are using unbelievable amounts and some of them on the crypto mines are not using as much. The one in Harrison was gonna use enough power to power 8000 homes yet only create two jobs so why do we need this to have to start the discussion Well I mean
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Dan Sullivan Unverified 1:20:07
you have to have a starting point to try to say why can't you just bring it up in a committee and start that starting point had those discussions in committee Well, I
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 1:20:19
think if you talk about like what is the amount? I mean I think you need to hear from the industry. I think you also need to there's a lot of things we don't know it's like I'll give you the perfect example of how bad we were misled. Energy in the Harrison debate came up and said we have plenty of capacity and we're not going to raise people rates on crypto mines. Guess what they raise rates I mean they sit there and promise all this stuff and yet what gets delivered is is not what gets promised I mean the energy sit there and said in testimony we've got planners here a couple years ago we're we're not gonna we got plenty of capacity. Whatd they do they came back this last session said we don't have enough capacity we've got to raise rates and we got to make people pay more for new generation wo years in023 and24 they weren't saying that so how do you believe any industry when they can't be straight with you I just didn't want to hogie myself into something before you even get started in it and have a narrow scope is just allow it to start because like I said energy already said we're not going to raise these are not going to cause rates to be raised. They also said we had plenty of capacity set that down here in testimony that ever happen Any other questions for senator King? so you know the questions anyone wish to speak against or for Senator, you're recognized clothes. I'm close. we'll just get to the vote. Senator has closed madam Secretary, please call the roll.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 132 1:21:58
Boyd bryantcaldwell Clark, Kroll Davis Davis dees dismy dismay dotson dotson English
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 173 1:22:10
flippo flowers Gilmore hammer hammer hesterickcky hickey hill Irvin
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 176 1:22:31
ir r vi n b la ke Johnson
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 224 1:22:41
Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson Keen Keenled him love love
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 177 1:22:50
Mcee Mcee Murdock Murdock e y ton penzo penzo
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 173 1:23:03
petty rice Scott Simon Stoneulllivan Tucker Tucker Wallace wallace any
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 1:23:18
senator who did not vote or who wishes to change his or her vote beginning on this side Senator Hammer no. any other senator please check the board seeing no other senator please cast up the ballot by a vote of 11 yaay,12 nay 11 not voting Senateresolution 8 fails. Next we will take up Senate resolution 9. thank you madam President Senator King, I'm going to ask the
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 1:23:52
secret to read the resolution real quick. thank you. Senateresolution 9 by Senator King to authorize the introduction of a nonappropriation bill to prohibit the use of a computer manufactured by a covered
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 1:24:05
foreign entity in digital asset mining and prohibit the use of certain software and digital asset mining. Senator King, you're recognized. Think about a president basically in the 2023 bill that was buried in that and understand that day was an eight hourur day it was amended out of committee suspended rules no one knew they exempted theirself from the uniform Money Services Act as a transmitter basicallyically they basically exempted theirself from falling the same rules as a money order so if you look at cryptocurrency what we know now is the cryptocurrency is used in every type of criminal activity literally out thereugs sex trafficking everything extortion, blackmail. I talked to a justice department person and once it gets into the money it goes to location it's automatically transported out of the country. there is no way local law enforcement has the resources to trek a lot of this blackmail if you looked at blackmail the situation here a while back guess what they wanted it in crypto. this just exposes and makes everything go to the money servicevices Act we don't know what these entities are doing there is a lot of off exchange crypto going on with a lot of drugs illegal activity they're not transporting cash anymore it's one law enforcement told me and this makes them just follow for them to exempt their selff in the uniformmonervices Act as a transmitter as some of the experts I've talked to said they just don't want you to know and follow where they're going. that right there is dangerous and known with all the drug trafficking that's going on.thing is being paid in crypto what we're seeing in the stock market is not what's going on in illegal activity world out there and what they're transporting and how they're paying for everything this just exposed it makes them follow the same thing as a money order the idea that they've exempted themselves should be dangerous alone with all the illegal activity going on out there with crypto
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 1:26:12
Sender hickey that we've got the numbers don't know if you're thinking 9 or 10 or if it's or if we've reversed
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 1:26:20
it somehow but the uniform sorry yeah ok well I won't have to talk on the next bill. So basically I'm sorry I must have got my things mixed up on a I got it over here. OK so no ok 9 basically if you look at what is going on I mean we're banning Chinese from owning farmland and growing soybeans all these crypto machines 9 the biggest percent of them is made by Bitmane, a company out of China, even a New York Times article had something about these computers were run at a back door issue that they're reporting back to China. if we really want to be tough on China, why are we not addressing all these computerspresentedRay two years ago sit there on the house floor and said something not correct he said a lot of these cryptocomputers that run 24/7 and use this were made in Malaysia and different companies. well thoseitma owns those companies I don't understand how we're sitting here and not taking on the China influence with crypto mines and computers running and all of a sudden one tackle soybeans and I'll be able to talk about the next bill and just not say much about it so but thanks for
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 234 1:27:32
clarifying thaten hickey any questions for Senator King
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 1:27:35
on Senate resolution 9. seeing no questions anyone wish to speak against or for Senator, you're recognized to close. It's just time for the vote senator has closed madam secretary please call
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 170 1:27:52
the roll Boyd Boyd bryant bryantcaldwell Clark clark Krowll Davis
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 132 1:28:07
Davis deeses dees dess man diss man dotson
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 173 1:28:19
dotson English English flippo flippo flowers gilmore g il mo re hammer hammer hester hester hickey hill hill irvin b
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 176 1:28:41
la ke Johnson la ke Johnson Mark Johnson Markjoson Keenled him love love Mckee Mckee Murdock
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 177 1:29:00
murdock e y ton penzo etty rice rice Scott im mon
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 129 1:29:21
Stone ul ll iv an Tucker tucker Wallace any senator wish to vote who did not vote
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 1:29:37
or wish to change your vote. I'll begin on this side Senator Bryant no Senator deeses no. Any other sender
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 20 1:29:45
on this side Sen Blake Johnson, yes. Senator Mark Johnson, yes Senator Hill, yes Senator Rri, yes Senator Flippo yes Senator Hester no. any other senator wish to
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 1:30:02
vote or change your vote, please check the board seeing no other please
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 80 1:30:09
cast up the ballot by a vote of fi5 yaay,8 nay 11 not votingsenate resolution 9 fails. Senate resolution 10. madam Secretary
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 1:30:25
Senate resolution 10 by Senator King to authorize the introduction of a nonappropriation bill to amend the Arkansas Data Centers Act of 2023 and to amend the
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 1:30:33
uniform Money Services Act. Senator King, you're recognized. Well thank you Senator hickey for pointing that out and basically I explained the uniform Money Services Act there's no need to explain anymore. I'll take questions and we can move on to a vote Any questions for Senator King? Senator hickey
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 1:30:52
you're recognized for a question. you remember why why that was exempted or what the argument was in the whenever we did that you'll have to ask the crypto people but the experts national security experts I were told that said they want to hide and not cover up where they're going well that wouldn't have been our reason down here so I guess you don't know so that's fine. I just I just wondered if there was any reasonable explanation that was presented in committee cause I just don't remember that.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 1:31:18
Well I mean they need to follow the money order. I mean that's why money orders had
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 1:31:21
the uniformed Services Act was to transport don't don't disagree that's why I was wondering if there was some reasonable explanation whenever this was
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 1:31:28
done well they don't talk to me so I mean I'm not going to let them get away with it but you know the experts I talked to the security experts said that with all the criminal activity going on with cryp to and extortion blackmail everything it's just to cover their tracks and there's a difference between honest people using crypto and obviously the criminal element that's why we had the uniform Money Services Act to try and track down and keep catch the criminal element of it but appreciate a good vote any other questions seeing none senator have you closed? I'm closed just get to the vote thank you senator madam Secretary, please call roll. I would ask the senators to please speak up and clearly
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 170 1:32:14
so that way we can record votes properly. thank you loyd bryant cal d we ll
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 172 1:32:24
cal d we ll Clark clark roll Davis
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 132 1:32:29
Davis dees dees dess man diss man dotson dotson English
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 173 1:32:42
flippo flippo flowers gilmore g il mo re hammer hammer hester hester
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 176 1:33:00
hickey hill Irvin blake Johnson la ke Johnson Mark Johnson Mark Johnson Keenleding
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 177 1:33:20
love love Mckee Mckee Murdock Murdock e y ton Penzo
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 173 1:33:31
penzo petty rice Scott Simon Simon Stone one ul ll iv van Tucker
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 129 1:33:53
Wallace any senator wish to change his or her vote
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 1:33:58
or vote who did not vote
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 20 1:34:01
previously. Senator dees yes Senator Mark Johnson, yes Senatorcaldwell yes senator penzo yes Senator Simon, yes senator flippo yes senator Stone, no. any other
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 1:34:24
senator, Senator Hester no. any other senator please check the board
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 80 1:34:35
seeing no other please cast up the ballot by a vote of 21 yea four nay 9 not voting Senate resolution 10 fails we will now take
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 1:34:48
up Senate resolution 11. madam Secretary. resolution 11 by Senator King to authorize the introduction of a nonappropriation bill to require a digital asset mining business to provide notification before purchasing or leasing land or a building or a beginning construction
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 1:35:06
Senator King you're recognized some members I've already touched on this before but just briefly we know these data centers and these crypto mines use a tremendous amount of power and water and you can see in other parts of the country whenever they come in and they're taking up water and they're raising rates and we don't have availability because an environmental problems these things are not like an auto plant they're not like a poultry plant they're not like anything in the normal things that we think of this just says that for future planning because the impact you see I mentioned East Texas and what's going on our number one industry is agriculture. what happens if these came in come in and they litter northeast Arkansas or the delta area and suck all the water out of the aquifer while rice farmers have to compete with that we need to know ahead of time and even for citizens you look at the beaver wet lake lake situation all the growth in northwest Arkansas water we just need to know what is coming with these things and have a heads up where we have an informed decision on any questions for Senator King on Senate resolution 11. seeing no questions anyone wish to speak against or for Senator you are recognized to close appreciate a good vote senator has closed madam secretary please call the
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 170 1:36:32
roll boyd bryant cal d we ll clark Krowll
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 132 1:36:41
roll Davis Davis dees dees dess man diss man dotson
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 173 1:36:55
dotson English flippo flippo flowers flowers Gilmore g il mo re hammer hester
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 176 1:37:13
hickey hill Irvin blake Johnson, Blake
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 177 1:37:28
Johnson Mark Johnsoningledting love love Mcee Mcee Murdock Murdockeyton payton penzo
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 132 1:37:44
petty rice rice Scott Simon Stoneulllivan tucker Wallace
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 1:37:57
any senator wish to vote who did not vote or change his or her vote. Senator flowers yes any other senator Please check the board seeing no other please cast up the ballot by a vote of 12 yaay9 nay,13 not voting, Senate resolution 11 fails Senate resolution 12. emb ers won't go into a lot sorry I'm just ready to get this over with I guess so it's ok senator it's all right well we know the votes
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 1:38:39
so we're just go but anyway go Senateresolution 12 by Senator King to authorize the introduction of a nonappropriation bill to regulate the impact on water usage and the electrical grid by blockchain networks and digital
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 1:38:56
asset mining Senator King you're recognized I talked about the poultry industry, how it's impacting our other industries the data centers and the obscene amount of electricity they're using and water it just means that we need to find out some way about looking at these things that's ultimately as we've seen around the country when these things pop up how they are impacting everything else any questions for senator King? Anyone wish to speak against or for Senator you are free to close can basically tell by these crypto data centers where we got to work on for the next session and it gives a good test that can say so we'll see how the boat goes. Senator has closed
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 170 1:39:48
madam Secretary, please call the roll Boyd bryantcaldwell Clark Clark
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 132 1:39:56
could you repeat Senator clark roll Davis Davis dees
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 173 1:40:14
deeses diss man dissmain dotson dotson English flippo flippo flowers Gilmore g il mo re hammer hester hester hickey hickey hill irvin Irvinblake
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 176 1:40:38
Johnson Mark Johnson Keen Hiled him love love Mcee mckee Murdock
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 177 1:41:01
Murdock e y ton e y ton penzo penzo petty rice Scott Simon im mon s
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 1:41:24
one ul ll iv an Ttucker Wallace any senator wish to vote who did not vote or wish to change your vote Senator Hester, no. any other senator, Senator Penzo no. any other senator please check the board seeing no other please cast up the ballot by a vote of 16 yay7 nay,11 not voting, Senate resolution 12
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 35 1:41:51
fails we will now take up senate resolution 16. madam
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 1:41:56
Secretary. Senate resolution 16 by Senator King to authorize the introduction of a nonappropriation bill concerning the Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account programme. Senator King, you're recognized. think
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 1:42:09
about a president does this one deals a little different on education as you know the learns bill that was passed in 2023. some of us ask about the financial cash flow of this thing and we were told then we didn't know how we were going to pay for it in year3. right now as a longtime Republican when you don't know how to pay for a program you shouldn't implement it doesn't matter if it's the ryan King program we were told that we didn't know what the costs were going to be now we're finding out. Last year $120 million was taken out of a one time account to keep this program cash flowing you look at the next budget they're estimating70 million more if you've got a program in the red it doesn't matter what program it is and it's underwater it's not going to get any better in a perfect world I would love to say every education voucher out there should be paid no matter what income or anything but our budget doesn't allow it and I was talked about with cities and counties basically instead of rob Peter to save Paul we're robbing the amount of money that turns back to cities and counties to pay for loans this has to be overhauled overhauled it is not cash flowing it is in the red and it's underwater and anytime in business if you keep going in that regard you cannot you have to cut losses and you have to make it financially responsible and cash flow that is the number one goal of this I actually a lot of public school people like me now when they 20 years ago they didn't care for me and it's only because I actually believe in school choice but you can't have choice without responsibility. you can't have freedom without responsibility so if you look at just simply trying to rollback and the costs because we were told most of these students that signed up on it are in the private schools if you look at this map 17 counties are receiving $100 million there's only47 schools receiving $100 million OK? Most of them are the elite private schools now as I said before I would love to be able to give them their education dollars to spend like that but our budget doesn't allow it if you look at the percentage of education budget just went up like I said we're just squeezing other parts of the budget governor Mike beebe when I came down here and I would say was the most physically responsible governor I have seen. I'll give him credit for that would always ask down here what can you pay for? Lawrence basically was like selling somebody a seven year all or seven day all inclusive vacation but you only get a one way ticket and now in3 and4 you've got to come up with the money and now we're using one time money to cash flow this that's just not responsibility, not budget responsibility. So number one as far as the direction of it is that if you were in a private school before say LittleRockrtian or shallowrtian and you went to learns you would now be eliminated at least the starting point in it if you look at these schools and we $100 million and let me just tell you what $100 million to do you want to talk a better use of $100 million when we don't have the money $100 million would hire400 dollars to600 new police officers out there now you can sit there and say I want these people to have money we decide three things who gives who gets and who profits when you start talking about the profit part of this there are some people actually making out with this learns as we see with a lot of other programs that shouldn't be if you want to look at what we can pay for I would rather use $100 million even though I'd like to do this to hire400 to600 more police officers and actually lower crime out there actually do what's effective out there in lower crime would be actually more budget friendly in the long run A give $100 million back to the counties that have now been shorted in the last three years as I said with a turnback to over350 million dollars has been shorted of people's tax dollars being used you can't expand one part of the balloon without contracting somewhere else so if you look at it if you're in a private school you then went to learns you would now just for budget reasons only to make it more constrained to try and cash flow it you would be eliminated. That's at least the direction right now the second part if you're if you were homeschooled for example we see the homeschool numbers starting to explode. I actually think homeschool is one of the noblest calls and one of the best cost effective ways if you look at homeschool they're educating their kids and not providing a building or bussing or everything like that but we have to have performance standards wy years ago when I was talked about this there was a move around the country in far as Republican circles that I was a part of that talked about performance school school choice it would work like this it's pretty simple just like your ACT you don't get the money on the front end you walk in and get a 25 on your ACT you get this scholarship. you make a 28 you get this scholarship. you make a30 you get this scholarship. Han performance-based school choice would separate out those in homeschool that are doing it correctly that we need to find and are actually beneficial to our state from the ones that's not when you have homeschool that is basically legalized dropout and they're taking the money and then they're putting the system back we've got to separate the wheat from the chaff in the homeschool area and a lot of this learns money for budget reasons only and go to performance space. A lot of Republicans you want work for welfare work for medicaid requirements then why not work for education dollars. make them perform and test if they test 87%cent right to write the check for them you start giving it on the front end then you have a lot of room for race to fraud and abuse out there and that is what's happening. If you looked at our GIF funds that we used to have that a lot of us used correctly and then we sent money so several of them sent money to the second could see a college up there unaccountable money. look what happened to that you start having unaccountable tran nontransparent money out there with any tax dollar you're going to have waste fraud and abuse it's not going to be turning outright so it would go to performance base basically like I said instead of getting the money on the front end guess what you'd have to produce to be able to get the check. The third part that I think is a fair criticism learns is to have one standardized test on Lawrence you have several tests and in schools public schools have to have the atlas test we need one standardized test now you can debate whether we need a standardized test or work or not but we just need one standard if you're getting learns money you ought to be fair and make the public them go by the same ones public schools do you know different in basketball and football the private schools have whatever rules they want to if their touchdowns count 8 points and public schools only count6. what's the fairness in that? So that's actually a fair point if you look at the numbers out of the thousands of students on the learns only like 8 or 900 went from adNF school to learns that's it so in at least in my direction if you're in adNF school you get a voucher for one year and then you go to performance test the other part is about sexual assault and reporting. We have mandatory reporting in our public schools you have mandatory reporting in the private schools that needs to be extended to the homeschool if you look at the situation up there with IBLP and some of these organizations you know what they don't need to be trusted with public tax dollars and not have mandatory reporting on them like public schools if you want to protect kids that same standard needs to be applied to all of them it's just wrong to make public schools private schools even in this have mandatory reporters and homeschools in those situations not most of homeschool situations are great situations but not all of them are so it would actually like I said make the same rules apply across the board. You cannot in Milton Friedman's world you cannot have true competition if you do not have fairness at the starting line this program is not cash flowing and it is already impacting all of state government and all the business. look at the turnback percentage that's a glaring example that you're turning la less out of your cities and counties to work with to pay for loans if you can't be financially responsible it's not financially responsible now what do you think it's going to be a year or two from now it's going to be worse and sometimes you got to make the tough decision and back out of me and my brother at different times we've lost money on different things you know what the best decision we made even though it was a hard decision to reverse it and get back to financial responsibility any government program under Republicans should be financially responsible and financially cash flowing to begin with and when it's not you need to take corrective action Questions for Senator King. Senator Sullivan, you're recognized for a question when I listened to your presentation you said we were funding private schools. I thought the
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Dan Sullivan Unverified 1:51:40
actual track of the money was to the student and then to the school. Am I wrong? Well it ultimately it's wrong I mean look at the private schools you're winding up with I mean ultimately it's in the private school about the legal transfer of the money we're giving students the money
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 1:51:55
who give it to the school that's right but ultimately it's grinding up in the private schools did you look at this right here? did that's where $100 million is winding up in only 17 counties. Yeah I understand that you just said that we're funding schools and that's not quite accurate you've been pushing hard for accuracy so the other question would be it sounds to me what I took from your comments that we ought to be merit funding public schools that we should be merit funding large money we are constitutionally mandated to fund public schools and if public schools are failing academically or financially the state can take those over. so there's a different lane for them it's like a public highway versus a private drive. I mean in in my perfect world you know we have to apply by lakeview if any of us may be send flowers rememberslakeview but every law that we had to pass after when I first came in had to comply with lakeview and we go through this long process of whether it complies with lakeview or not. I just tried to ask a simple question you advocating for merit pay for public schools based on success you have merit pay out there for some teachers but yet we are caught we can't because we're constitu we have to follow the constitution Senatorulllivan in the public sewer understand that I'm just I'm hearing you what you say about local control and rewarding merit so are you advocating that that schools be tested and they be compensated based on their test scores. yes yes if you receive learns money which is outside of our constitutionally mandated duty to fund public schools this is an extra program on the side much like a private road and I'm just saying on that it needs to be for the most part needs to be merit-based I mean are you for work for welfare work requirements for medicaid before you get a
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Dan Sullivan Unverified 1:53:53
Medicaid check you have to prove you're working I didn't know that from the they could ask questions of me I choose umm that's
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 1:53:59
not on the topic it's not before the the body and he's asking a question that has no basis for what we're talking about thank you and I agree senator and you're not required to respond in any form any other questions for Senator King? Senator King you're recognized clothes. I basically presented this bill and apologize I'm sorry anyone wish to speak against or for Senator clark you're recognized to speak well Senator Mark Johnson was in lineenator lark and so
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Alan Clark Unverified 1:54:37
all right well senator clark you're recognized to speak against I appreciateenator King's concern about the budget. I sincerely do and I apologize that I have not prepared ahead of time I have believed on school choice one of the reasons I have told people I support school choice. The main reason I support school choice is I very much believe in the selfishness of parents Parents will make the best decision on education for their kids and about everything for their kids better than the government and public school is government. I say that as someone who attended and graduated from a public school as did my wife my dad taught at a public school. my mother-in-law taught at a public school. all of our parents and grandparents went to public schools my kids went to public schools except for two years for one of my kids and I believe the money ought to follow the kid. We ought to do the same thing for everybody that's what adequacy is that's what the court said is doesn't matter what your tax base is and locally you got to do the same thing for every kid everywhere. and as one of the few people in this building that understands adequacy. we look at the total cost for principals and nurses and everything and we come up and we say this is how much perki we're going to give each school and then we can't tell them how to spend it they can put turf on the field they can do all kinds of things when we think they ought to be doing something else but as I look here at page two line 20 an amount allocated under subdivision 1a of this section is partic is a participating student who is a homeschool student shall not exceed5,000 dollars during a school year. My first problem with this is it's not it has it is not indexed to inflation when the amount that we're given a public school per student is 15,000 it'll still be5,000. can't go with that and let me say to homeschoolers I let me back up. The conversation that I had with the administration three years ago was different from ensure King's. When I said I see budget problems ahead they set their prediction was not because they said we didn't know. I didn't hear anything like that that they didn't know their projections for three years out. I thought were low I said I think there's going to be more people participating than what y'all project are going to be participating. Turns out I was correct I would have liked to have seen it rolled out a little slower. Now saying that I'm not sure I'm right I appreciate the boldness of the governor as somebody who really likes school choice, I don't know if we'd have rolled it out slower if we'd ever got there and I appreciate that this governor and this legislature got us there in a bold way the I would put more guard rails to homeschoolers who may like what I'm saying I would put more guard rails and are already there and just cause the money's there doesn't mean that you have to spend it doesn't mean that you ought to spend it it ought to be we ought to have pretty strict rules for what education is and how it's defined but we shouldn't say that you're gonna get this much less because you chose this type of education over this other type of education page 2 line33 a disbursement to a participating student's account under subdivision B1a of this section shall be made only after the participating student achieves at least the minimum score established by the division under subdivision B2AI we'll know but you know it could have been a yes the first time that family council and Jerry Cox and I got crossways was when I was the only Republican senator on theducation committee that voted against stopping testing for homeschoolers I believe in accountability for everybody and I said homeschoolers ought to want to be tested to show how well they're doing and I also told Jerry you're dealing with the best homeschoolers superintendents and sheriffs know about some others that aren't doing so well. So I get that argument but I haven't seen a bill like this ever and I would have cheeredens King or anyone else you know we had a littlettleRock school a few years ago that 85% of 11th graders public school 85% of 11th graders were not reading at grade level. Now if we want accountability I want accountability but I'm not going to start now that we're where we are not going to start there let's let's come back and do it for everybody. I tried to have accountability and became famous worldwide because the press instead of reporting what I really tried to do is to spend the money on reading, p spend the money on actual education and they said I tried this top school lunches the press wasn't even for accountability for public schools but on for accountability for homeschoolsenator King as long as we have the same accountability for public schools I think we should have been slower and rolling it out those who were already in public schools now in fairness we should roll it out to everybody because all these cause the dirty secret was all these kids that were homeschooling and all these kids that were private school we weren't paying a dime for their education and now we are and that's what the complaint is is now we're going to have to pay for their education just like we were paying for public school kids' education I can't make an argument for why we should pay for one kid's education and shouldn't pay for the others but let me tell you about private school because I said we all my kids went to public school. my wife and I went to public school. her parents went to public school I sent my son to private school for two years we sit with my son and we cried and he cried didn't want to go to private school. He didn't want to be pulled out of the public school but after three years of not being able to change anything in a school that my wife and I both graduated from we had to do something for our and I'm glad we did we're not poor we may be poorer than a lot of people in this room but we're not poor and we didn't send our kids to an expensive private school a lot of people think that that I won't name some of the names but a lot of people think those are the only private schools there are. I want to tell you there's some private schools in Arkansas that are fairly inexpensive comparatively speaking. they were still expensive. it was still expensive for us. and four and five years later we were still paying back the loans for those two years so no I can't even back that because I believe in the selfishness of parents Now did I see a budget problem coming I wass I necessarily right about doing it slower, not necessarily because again I think sometimes pulling the band-aid off and getting it done is the only way in politics to get it done, especially when you have the resistance to school choice that we have and let me say also the reporting thing you know I'm the DCFs guy I will as long as I'm here and after I'm here we'll do what you do I do not want to make homeschool or private school public school. Testing equal yeah I'd love to have one test and the kids take nothing but one test and everybody takes the same test. I would love that but I do not want homeschoolers and private schools subject to every rule that public schools are because we do that we have then defeated the purpose of starting private schools and pulling kids out to homeschool them to begin with because I don't agree with some of the things that were done before we had to make laws that said that girls shouldn't have to compete with boys that they shouldn't be in the same bathrooms and I could go on and on and on I don't think they should be all go by the same rules I want private schools to be different I want homeschool to be different so what I don't doubt your heart and anyone else that disagrees with me I don't doubt your heart I've been committed to this way before I was ever a state senator and I am glad to see us so far along this pathway and we've got to stay on this pathway not that there was any danger that we wouldn't be but somebody has to keep saying
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 2:05:50
it. thank y'all. anyone wish to speak for if not Senator Johnson, Mark Johnson you're recognized to speak against thank
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Mark Johnson Unverified 2:06:03
you madam President. you know you always learn lessons when you serve in the Senate. I just learned one. I want yield to Senator Clark again who wants to follow that but he did save y'all some time because of hearing what he had to say I can just say ditto for a lot of things he said and let it go. I want to point out a couple of things important and I also want to thank Senator King for all the resolutions he brought us today some I voted for some I didn't I think they're good issues that when we have the time and a regular session can flesh out and consider these tough choices. I just don't think we could do it in this constraints of a fiscal session but I thank you for stepping forward and doing that senator. when it comes to this one though it it brings back so many things in my life that I thought of. first thing it brings back is people saying well that's public money. it shouldn't go to private schools or anything else When I was in grade school I don't know what grade but it was a6th grade or or younger I was in at Ellen Smith Elementary School in Conway and our school bus that took me home in the evening would pick us up at my grade school and it would drive a couple of blocks over and pick up two girls at St. Joseph's Catholic Elementary School Conway and then we would go to the high school junior higher and pick up those kids and then it would take us all home out in the country. I complained to my mother oncece I said well debbie and Sandy we go by and pick them up and they're not even in our school who I've had some tongue lashes from my mother in my life but that one was one of the most memorable ones and she laid into me about how their parents were paying taxes just like my mom and dad were the vast majority of which as y'all all know, goes to the schools and then they were in turn turning around and still paying so their daughters had a Catholic education which they didn't complain it was just their right and I but it made me open my eyes to the fact that you know every one of those parents of for the lastlord knows how many years we've been paying both the private school tuition and they didn't get a tax credit for having taken care of their own children's education costs. They didn't get any tax break for that. They just paid for everybody else's and and that that was a system we had and that's fine. So when I started getting involved in things related to school choice. one of the first issues I got involved with is something that most people call the Tim Tebow law and I I worked with someone mentioned Jerry Cox. I've worked with Jerry. I just had a strong feeling about you know if somebody were an athlete but their parent wanted them to be homeschooled you know for personal reasons religions that are religious reasons or whatever. I thought well why would they be denied like my friends that rode the school bus why should they be denied an opportunity there and of course everyone points to Tim Tebow and certainly that's a great example of how that could work out. didn't seem to destroy everything in schools in Florida but in that experience I met a young man from Monticello. He was up here with his family to try to lobby to get the Tim Tebow bill passed in Arkansas and I thinkerry had the votes. I could name the person that flipped on them. There was a member of the house committee that had told him they'd vote for it and he took a walk. if he'd stayed there they'd have got the bill out of committee and I think it would have passed of course eventually that happened but uherry said well we're going to go to lunch at remember we went to we went to whole hog down in Riverdale. and this young man from Monticello I think he was in the 8th or 9th grade maybe going into the t0th he ended up sitting by me and I so well I'm sorry
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 283 2:10:39
things didn't work out the way it did for
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Mark Johnson Unverified 2:10:41
you. said I'm sorry he says well he goes I don't get it. he goes all I wanted to do was play football with my friends that I play baseball with in the summer and I'm thinking how the mouth of babes he just he summed it up he wanted not an accommodation he wanted to be treated as an individual that wanted in this case to play football now a few years later, several years later, I'm elected to the senate. I come in here. I'm sitting right over here and we get a summons from the floor to come down to the governor's office and talk about school choice and I was very excited about this was governor Hutchinson and we got in there and he had this great idea for a500 student test program in pulaski County test program and I thought that's that's hardly what I call a bold move toward parental choice and school choice and edgy with the kids it didn't get to first base. I don't necessarily think he wanted it to get to first base. He was probably checking a box with someone that was a supporter of his I could hazard a guess but I won't and and I appreciate you know that was at least some kind of project. Governor Sanders comes in with probably the boldest move of addressing a problem and an issue that I've ever seen and y'all know I've been an observer state of Arkansas politically for a long long time even if you disagree with her on the Learns Act it was bold and a lot of work into it went into it. Senator Davis thank you for the work you did on it andpresentative Keith Brooks on the other end of the Capitol but a lot of people worked on it but we got to treat kids as individuals we have to respect their parents and their rights and we started doing that and if we set education is the most important thing that we find in this general assembly then everything else is secondary. I mean that's why education appropriations only need a simple majority I guess just about everything else only needs only has to have75%. I'm looking at Philip I think that's correct there may be a couple of others I missed in there but but that's a policy thing in our constitution. We fund education We don't educate entities. we educate people when they're young hopefully some of us takes a little while later in life to get it appreciate that Senator Clark covered so many of the things I was going to say but but let me wrap up and gratitude for him I'll wrap up by saying we need to in this session send a resounding no to those that would have us go back to all the things that we've done wrong in the past of treating children as commodities as headcounts for a school district or a superintendent we need to treat them as individuals. Most of the families young people in this state go to public schools. some of its geography that we can't do a whole lot about but we can allow within that limited geography some choice that lets those parents and those students have an option when maybe the status quo wasn't quite working for. So I ask you all to please vote down this resolution let's redouble our efforts to extend choices to all our families and young people in Arkansas and continue the education freedom accounts because that's
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 2:14:55
what they're about freedom. thank you madamri. thank you Senator Mark Johnson any other senator wish to speak on against or for seeing no other Senator King you're recognized clothes thank you senator Johnson. thank you Senator clark that's what the debate's all about but this is really not in this drive and I can see the absence in the room today about where this is going but this is really about financial responsibility. there is a difference as you my dad and my grandparents taught me between making payments and what you can pay for. this whole thing is really not about school choice as much as it is being able to pay for it. I talked about governor Mike beebe who came down here and said what can you pay for and that was the starting point of what you did and I will tell you right now I have to give him credit he is the most financially responsible governor I have served with or been down here by far. and I gonna tell you you look at other states when you let the genie out of the bottle as they say look at Arizona you look at these impacts that's happening in our cities and counties and everywhere we're getting squeezed. Like I said do you want to spend $100 million for these schools in 17 counties or would you rather hire400 to600 more police officers and lower crime here in the state that's what we're getting into this days of COVId funny money and all this flooded money has inflated where we've got bailouts and it is not taught budgeting down here and this thing of continued this is not as much about school choice or the freedom I do think if you're taking the money you ought to have accountability and transparency with taxpayer dollars so I can see where this is going with those fewer people who in there but I feel like right now you're gonna sit here a year from now and you look at these other states when you get the budget trouble guess what then you're going to be in a bigger mess if you're underwater right now in a program, guess what you better turn around and go back because it's not gonna get any better senator has closed madam secretary please call the roll
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 170 2:17:20
oyd bryant oyd bryantcaldwell cal d we
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 172 2:17:27
ll clark roll roll Davis deeses Dismay
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 132 2:17:35
dotson dotson English flippo flowers
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 173 2:17:44
gilmore g il mo re hammer hester hester hickey hill hill
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 176 2:17:59
irvin irvin Blake Johnson Mark Johnson Keenled him love Mckee Murdock e y ton
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 132 2:18:21
Penzo petty rice rice Scott Simon
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 173 2:18:31
Stoneulllivan tucker Wallace any senator wish
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 2:18:38
to vote who did not vote or change your vote, Senator Gilmore No any other center on this side, center on this side, sender rowll, no. Hester, no. any other sender wish to vote or change your vote Please check the board seeing no other please cast up the ballot by a vote of eight yaya 22 nay for not voting, Ssenate resolution 16 fails
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 2:19:23
Senate resolution 15. Senate resolution 15 by Senator Krowll to authorize the introduction of a non-appropriation bill to increase the homestead property tax
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Steve Crowell Unverified 2:19:40
credit Senator Krowell you're recognized thank you ma'am. This Senate resolution 15 is about the homestead tax credit. it is to raise it from600 to675 a couple years ago we put a report together that comes out every January that tells us what we can and cannot do and it gave plenty of room for this so I'd
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 2:20:02
ask it for a good vote any questions? Any anyone wish to speak against or for senator has closed any objection to rolling the vote seeing no objection
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 35 2:20:11
madam Secretary roll the boat. lo y d bryant cal d we ll clark roll
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 132 2:20:27
Davis dees diss man
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 173 2:20:33
dotson English flippo flowers gilmore hammer
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 176 2:20:42
hester hickey hill Irvin blake Johnson, Mark Johnson Keeledin love Mcee Murdock
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 177 2:20:59
e y ton penzo etty rice Scott im mon s one
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 2:21:20
ul ll iv an tucker Wallace any senator wish to change his or her vote See no one please cast up the ballot by a vote of34 yaay zero
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 80 2:21:30
naysenate resolution 15 passes Senate resolution senate resolution 15 is adopted. We'll now take up Senate resolution
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 2:21:44
twenty0. Senate resolution 20 by Senator deeses to authorize the introduction of a non-appropriation bill concerning the industrialvelopment authorities' expansion Act end er de
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Tyler Dees Unverified 2:21:56
you're recognized thank you madam Chair.embers we passed Act576 about a year ago almost to the or getting close to the to the day we passed it30 to 0 in this chamber it's related to industrial development authorities. what we found out this was a tool for opportunities for at the local level for counties and cities to look at to bring opportunities and jobs creations and recruiting in their hometowns and their community and as cities started to look at this here recently especially in my district my area there were some concerns raised by citizens and so we we wanted to make sure we took that up. I think that's the most important thing of why now why we why are we looking at this now in fiscal and it's I do think it passes the threshold of concern that we need to look at this now because communities are trying to look at that tool at local level to create these these authorities and so what this resolution this bill would do would would eliminate the biggest concern which is imminent domain powers we we took the same language that was out there for regional port authorities. We copied it down for industrial development authorities and while eminent domain powers rarely if ever used for port authorities. it had citizens concerned about what we're doing in our local level so we listened we adapted and we are bringing this today to address those concerns to eliminate imminent domain powers for IDAs. It also put a few other things in there where if you're a part of the board you have to live in the city or county that you're you're working on which so some things that just makes sense we've listened and reacted to to the feedback from from
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 129 2:23:38
constituents so have you take any questions on
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 2:23:42
that any questions for Senator deeseses seeing no questions, anyone wish to speak against or forend
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Tyler Dees Unverified 2:23:48
her your recognized clothes that comm members whether you're for or against IDAs in your district or in the state. I believe this resolution is healthy for us to take up because it does it does listen to the people that have showed concerns it takes away those the risk of imminent domain powers from from this board
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 20 2:24:09
and so I would appreciate a good vote on that thank you senator has
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 182 2:24:14
closed any objection to rolling the boat? seeing no
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 172 2:24:20
objection madam Secretary, please roll the boat. Boyd bryantcaldwell lark roll
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 176 2:24:29
Davis deeses Dism dotson English flippo flowers Gilmore hammer hester hickey hill irrvin, blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, Keane, ledding loveve
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 177 2:24:48
Mckee, Murdock e y ton Penzo
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 173 2:24:55
petty rice Scott, immon, Stoneulllivan, Tucker, Wallace any senator
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 2:25:06
wish to change his or her vote. Senator Clark not voting. any other senator, Senator King no. Senator Petty not voting any other senator please check
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 80 2:25:23
the board seeing no other, please cast up the ballot by a vote of31 yeay one nay two not voting Senate resolution 20 is adopted. we will now take up Senate resolution 21.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 2:25:42
Senate resolution 21 by Senatorenator Johnson and Senator dotson to authorize the introduction of a nonappropriation bill to create the Arkansas property Rightstection from Sharia Law Act and to regulate certain residential property interests controlled by certain entities. Blalake Johnson you're recognized thank you madam President.embers, I appreciate your indulgence this late hour. so the resolution is imperfect. I'll begin with that The bill whenever whenever we're introduced will be amended immediately but I want you to look at at some portions of this on page two lines 22 and23 and those residential agreements and that exclusive possession in that that's not under what everybody considers most of these things on the house end that was talked about is exclusive possession is not a party where in these in these agreements it is also lands3 through34 those disputes have to be handled without any other tribunal other than courts established under Arkansas law or or the United States that's that's different than what's happening in situations is the is this immediate or is this pressing I stage two cancer immediate or pressing
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 306 2:27:41
would you want to handled earlier
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 2:27:46
than stage four this is pressing and imminent this enemy that that this is trying to address since the foundation of this nation we have fought and is advancing and it's advancing greater than the the foundations of what our
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 2:28:32
country was built on appreciate a good vote anyone wish to speak against or for senator has closed any objection to rolling the boat? objection noted. Madam
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 132 2:28:48
Secretary, please call the roll. Boyd bryant bryantcaldwell cal d
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 173 2:29:10
we ll clark Clark Krowll roll Davis Davis dees diss man dotson dotson English English flippo
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 176 2:29:22
flowersgilmore hammer hester hickey hickey hill Irvin Irvin b la ke Johnson la ke
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 177 2:29:45
Johnson Mark Johnson Keanledting love love Mcee Murdock Murdock e y ton penzo penzo petty rice
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 173 2:30:08
ricescu Simon Stoneulllivan Tucker Wallace any
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 2:30:15
senator wish to vote who did not vote or change your vote Senator Davis yes. Senator Love no. Senator Murdock no. any other senators on this side senators on this side, Senator Cadwell yes any other senators? Penzo yes any other senators please check the board seeing no other please cast up the ballot by a vote of 25 yaay six nay three not voting Senate
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 22 2:30:55
resolution 21 is adopted. that concludes the business
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 2:31:05
agenda, any any announcements Senator Crowelle you're recognized for an announcement.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Steve Crowell Unverified 2:31:12
Everybody whoever does not, whoever does not want to be a cosponsor on the homestead bill that we're drafting tonight. please come see me whoever does not want to be a cosponsor.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Clarke Tucker Chair Unverified 2:31:34
Senator Tucker you're recognized thank you madam President. Members hunger caucus is meeting in309 as soon as we adjourned the Arkansas Hunger Relief alliance is there to visit with us about how we can lower hunger as a as a need in Arkansas so please join us
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Matt McKee Unverified 2:31:53
in309. Senator Mcee thank you madam President. members you'll have received an email from me the Arkansas school for math and Science will be here tomorrow for some recognition for some incredible research and things that they're doing they will be in the old Supreme Court between 10 and 1. this school is composed of students from all over the state so make sure and go down and see some of the things they've been doing
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified 2:32:20
and find out if you've got some kids there from your district. thank you any other announcements if not
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 126 2:32:25
the senate will stand in adjournment subject to the clearing of the desk until 1 pm. April2,2026.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error

Agenda

Call to Order

7:17
▶ Play chapter

Roll Call

7:32
▶ Play chapter

Prayer

8:12
▶ Play chapter

Pledge of Allegiance

8:45
▶ Play chapter

Doctor of the Day

34:52
▶ Play chapter

Items to be Read Across the Desk

9:41
▶ Play chapter

BUSINESS AGENDA

13:45
▶ Play chapter

SENATE MEMORIAL RESOLUTIONS FOR THIRD READING AND ADOPTION

13:51
▶ Play chapter

SMR3 G. Leding IN RESPECTFUL MEMORY OF SENATOR UVALDE REX LINDSEY AND IN RECOGNITION OF HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE STATE OF ARKANSAS AND TO HIS LOCAL COMMUNITY.

13:54
▶ Play chapter

Recess

21:25
▶ Play chapter

Reconvene

34:03
▶ Play chapter

RESOLUTIONS FOR THIRD READING AND ADOPTION

36:20
▶ Play chapter

SR18 R. Murdock TO RECOGNIZE THE EARLE HIGH SCHOOL BULLDOGS BOYS' BASKETBALL TEAM AS THE 2025 AND 2026 CLASS 1A STATE CHAMPIONS.

36:21
▶ Play chapter

SR19 R. Murdock TO RECOGNIZE THE EARLE HIGH SCHOOL LADY BULLDOGS GIRLS' BASKETBALL TEAM AS THE 2026 CLASS 1A STATE CHAMPIONS.

39:35
▶ Play chapter

Motion to Read for the Third Time and to put SR28 on Today's Calendar

34:23
▶ Play chapter

SR28 - TO PROCLAIM APRIL 21, 2026, AS ARKANSAS LINEWORKER APPRECIATION DAY AT THE STATE CAPITOL AND TO COMMEND THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO SERVE ARKANSAS AS UTILITY LINEWORKERS.

42:47
▶ Play chapter

RESOLUTIONS FOR THIRD READING AND ADOPTION

50:33
▶ Play chapter

SR6 B. King TO AUTHORIZE THE INTRODUCTION OF A NONAPPROPRIATION BILL TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR COUNTIES USING CERTAIN STATE TAX REVENUES; AND TO CREATE THE EQUAL DISTRIBUTION COUNTY TURNBACK FUND.

50:40
▶ Play chapter

SR7 B. King TO AUTHORIZE THE INTRODUCTION OF A NONAPPROPRIATION BILL TO AMEND THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A DIGITAL ASSET MINING BUSINESS AND AMEND THE AUTHORITY OF A LOCAL GOVERNMENT WITH RESPECT TO A DIGITAL ASSET MINING BUSINESS.

1:06:23
▶ Play chapter

SR8 B. King TO AUTHORIZE THE INTRODUCTION OF A NONAPPROPRIATION BILL TO REQUIRE A DIGITAL ASSET MINING BUSINESS TO PAY A FEE FOR EXTRAORDINARY ELECTRICAL ENERGY USAGE AND TO IMPLEMENT OVERSIGHT PROCEDURES.

1:16:28
▶ Play chapter

SR9 B. King TO AUTHORIZE THE INTRODUCTION OF A NONAPPROPRIATION BILL TO PROHIBIT THE USE OF A COMPUTER MANUFACTURED BY A COVERED FOREIGN ENTITY IN DIGITAL ASSET MINING AND PROHIBIT THE USE OF CERTAIN SOFTWARE IN DIGITAL ASSET MINING.

1:23:45
▶ Play chapter

SR10 B. King TO AUTHORIZE THE INTRODUCTION OF A NONAPPROPRIATION BILL TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS DATA CENTERS ACT OF 2023 AND TO AMEND THE UNIFORM MONEY SERVICES ACT.

1:30:25
▶ Play chapter

SR11 B. King TO AUTHORIZE THE INTRODUCTION OF A NONAPPROPRIATION BILL TO REQUIRE A DIGITAL ASSET MINING BUSINESS TO PROVIDE NOTIFICATION BEFORE PURCHASING OR LEASING LAND OR A BUILDING OR BEGINNING CONSTRUCTION.

1:34:43
▶ Play chapter

SR12 B. King TO AUTHORIZE THE INTRODUCTION OF A NONAPPROPRIATION BILL TO REGULATE THE IMPACT ON WATER USAGE AND THE ELECTRICAL GRID BY BLOCKCHAIN NETWORKS AND DIGITAL ASSET MINING.

1:38:22
▶ Play chapter

SR16 B. King TO AUTHORIZE THE INTRODUCTION OF A NONAPPROPRIATION BILL CONCERNING THE ARKANSAS CHILDREN'S EDUCATIONAL FREEDOM ACCOUNT PROGRAM.

1:41:54
▶ Play chapter

SR15 Crowell TO AUTHORIZE THE INTRODUCTION OF A NONAPPROPRIATION BILL TO INCREASE THE HOMESTEAD PROPERTY TAX CREDIT.

2:19:25
▶ Play chapter

SR20 Dees TO AUTHORIZE THE INTRODUCTION OF A NONAPPROPRIATION BILL CONCERNING THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITIES EXPANSION ACT.

2:21:42
▶ Play chapter

SR21 B. Johnson TO AUTHORIZE THE INTRODUCTION OF A NONAPPROPRIATION BILL TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS PROPERTY RIGHTS PROTECTION FROM SHARIA LAW ACT AND TO REGULATE CERTAIN RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY INTERESTS CONTROLLED BY CERTAIN ENTITIES.

2:25:32
▶ Play chapter

Bills to be Amended and Re-referred to Joint Budget Committee

44:53
▶ Play chapter

SB4 #1 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH - LICENSING AND REGULATION BOARDS APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.

45:16
▶ Play chapter

SB21 #1 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - DIVISION OF AGING, ADULT, AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.

45:25
▶ Play chapter

SB23 #1 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - DIVISION OF YOUTH SERVICES APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.

45:39
▶ Play chapter

SB24 #1 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - DIVISION OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES SERVICES APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.

45:54
▶ Play chapter

SB36 #1 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.

46:07
▶ Play chapter

SB55 #1 AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS SUPREME COURT APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.

46:21
▶ Play chapter

SB59 #1 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION DIVISION APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.

46:37
▶ Play chapter

Bills and their Emergency Clauses to be considered which have been introduced by Joint Budget Committee

HB1014 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - DIVISION OF PROVIDER SERVICES AND QUALITY ASSURANCE APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.

46:58
▶ Play chapter

HB1062 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - MEDICAID TOBACCO SETTLEMENT PROGRAM APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.

48:01
▶ Play chapter

HB1073 AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.

49:09
▶ Play chapter

Announcements

2:31:25
▶ Play chapter

Adjourn

2:32:28
▶ Play chapter

Documents

No documents posted.

Speakers

Senator Bryan King Chair Unverified
217 segments
Speaker 5
9 segments
Chair Unverified
47 segments
Senator Ronald Caldwell Unverified
2 segments
Speaker 18
1 segment
Speaker 23
1 segment
Speaker 37
2 segments
Speaker 38
2 segments
Senator Greg Leding Chair Unverified
5 segments
Speaker 43
1 segment
Speaker 57
1 segment
Senator Dave Wallace Unverified
2 segments
Speaker 63
9 segments
Senator Fredrick J. Love Chair Unverified
1 segment
Senator Clarke Tucker Chair Unverified
9 segments
Speaker 71
1 segment
Speaker 74
1 segment
Senator Mark Johnson Unverified
23 segments
Speaker 80
7 segments
Senator Reginald Murdock Unverified
9 segments
Speaker 95
1 segment
Speaker 100
1 segment
Speaker 65
1 segment
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified
7 segments
Speaker 126
2 segments
Senator John Payton Unverified
1 segment
Speaker 68
1 segment
Speaker 170
6 segments
Speaker 132
11 segments
Speaker 173
18 segments
Speaker 193
1 segment
Speaker 129
5 segments
Speaker 176
12 segments
Speaker 20
7 segments
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified
8 segments
Senator Dan Sullivan Unverified
4 segments
Speaker 224
1 segment
Speaker 177
9 segments
Speaker 234
1 segment
Speaker 172
3 segments
Speaker 35
2 segments
Senator Alan Clark Unverified
27 segments
Speaker 283
1 segment
Senator Steve Crowell Unverified
3 segments
Senator Tyler Dees Unverified
7 segments
Speaker 182
1 segment
Speaker 306
1 segment
Speaker 22
1 segment
Senator Matt McKee Unverified
2 segments