March 6, 2013
Video
Transcript
Bills discussed (39)
| Bill | Title | Sponsor | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
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SB134
· 6 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “SB134”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HR1016
· 4 mentions in transcript, chapter
Matched: “Mr. Clerk Reed, House Resolution 1016”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
|
HB1384
· 3 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “HB1384”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB1486
· 3 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “HB1486”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB1485
· 2 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “HB1485”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB1518
· 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…on agriculture, to whom was referred to House Bill 1413 and House Bill 1518, begged lead report. We had the same under consideration, h…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB1021
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ures from the regular session of the 89th General Assembly. House Bill 1021 is Act 287. House Bill 1183 is Act 288. House Bill 1138 is…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB1029
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…Committee on Age and Children and Youth, whom was referred House Bill 1029, House Bill 1518, House Bill 1565, House Bill 1575, House B…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB1124
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1124”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
|
HB1128
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1128”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB1216
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1216”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB1239
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1239”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB1329
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…, your Committee on State Agencies, to whom was referred to House Bill 1329, House Bill 1463, and Senate Bill 420, begged lead report w…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
|
HB1357
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…, your committee on state agencies, to whom was referred to House Bill 1357 and Senate Bill No. 2, begged lead report. We had the same…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB1406
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ommittee on city, county, and local. To whom is referred to House Bill 1406 and House Bill 1668. Beg to lead the report. We've had the…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
|
HB1413
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…we, your committee on agriculture, to whom was referred to House Bill 1413 and House Bill 1518, begged lead report. We had the same un…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB1431
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…House Bill 1362 is Act 298, House Bill 1389 is Act 299, and House Bill 1431 is Act 300. Sincerely, Governor Mike Beebe.”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB1446
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…Committee on Aging Children and Youth, whom is referred to House Bill 1446, beg to lead to report. We had the same under consideration…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB1458
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1458”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB1463
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…on State Agencies, to whom was referred to House Bill 1329, House Bill 1463, and Senate Bill 420, begged lead report we had the same un…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
|
HB1513
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…we, your committee on joint budget, to whom was referred to House Bill 1513 and House Bill 1544, beg to lead to report. We've had the s…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB1517
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1517”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB1544
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…n joint budget, to whom was referred to House Bill 1513 and House Bill 1544, beg to lead to report. We've had the same under considerat…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
|
HB1565
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…Youth, whom was referred House Bill 1029, House Bill 1518, House Bill 1565, House Bill 1575, House Bill 1620,”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB1575
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…referred House Bill 1029, House Bill 1518, House Bill 1565, House Bill 1575, House Bill 1620,”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB1620
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ll 1029, House Bill 1518, House Bill 1565, House Bill 1575, House Bill 1620,”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB1668
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…unty, and local. To whom is referred to House Bill 1406 and House Bill 1668. Beg to lead the report. We've had the same under considera…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB1672
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ommittee on Insurance and Commerce, to whom was referred to House Bill 1672, Senate Bill 218, Senate Bill 271, Senate Bill 339, Senate…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB111
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB111”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB130
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…hines. The question before the House is the override of the Senate Bill 130,”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB218
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ance and Commerce, to whom was referred to House Bill 1672, Senate Bill 218, Senate Bill 271, Senate Bill 339, Senate Bill 462, Begley…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB227
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB227”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB271
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…, to whom was referred to House Bill 1672, Senate Bill 218, Senate Bill 271, Senate Bill 339, Senate Bill 462, Begley Report, we had th…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB276
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB276”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB339
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…erred to House Bill 1672, Senate Bill 218, Senate Bill 271, Senate Bill 339, Senate Bill 462, Begley Report, we had the same under cons…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB420
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…whom was referred to House Bill 1329, House Bill 1463, and Senate Bill 420, begged lead report we had the same under consideration her…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB440
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB440”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB462
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ll 1672, Senate Bill 218, Senate Bill 271, Senate Bill 339, Senate Bill 462, Begley Report, we had the same under consideration here wi…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
|
SB6
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB6”
|
Pre-2017 bill |
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Speaker 1
0:00
instrumental in helping Arkansas gain statehood in 1836. For 80 years, the House of... May we bow our heads. Eternal God, our
Speaker 3
0:11
Father, it is again that you have allowed us as individuals to assemble here in this House of Representatives. We ask God for your directions, we ask for your guidance, and above all, we ask for your understandings. We thank you for allowing us to assemble here, knowing that we're not what we ought to be,
but we thank you that we're not what we used to be. We thank you for your goodness, your grace, and your mercies. We ask you to look over each and every representative that's in this house. We pray that you touch their hearts. We pray that you would bind us together so close one cannot fall for the other. We know that we're living in a tedious time, troublesome world, and if ever was a time that we need you, Master, we surely do need you right now we ask for directions we ask that it not be our
way but it be your way and we know that your way is right we ask you now God that you would forgive us of all of our sins and all of our transgressions that we will be able to lay aside every weight or sin that so easily that will beset us give us an understanding give us a direction help us to lead and to direct to go with the path that is pleasing in your sight that when this battle is over when the day has come to the end of all of our journeys that we'd be able to look back over well-spent life and hear a welcoming
voice from you saying unto us servants well done these and all other blessings you have done now come high and I'll make you rule over many this
Speaker 4
1:54
we ask in the name of Jesus your servant's prayer Amen. Amen. Members, please indicate
your presence by pushing your yellow present button.
Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. Cast up the ballots. There are 98 members present. The chair sees a quorum.
Chair
Unverified
2:41
Are there any requests for leave? Representative Saban, you're recognized. I request leave for Representative Bain. Leave granted for Representative Bain. Leave is granted. Representative Hodges, you're recognized. Leave granted for Representative Smith. Leave is granted. Any other requests for
Speaker 15
3:05
leave? For what purpose, Representative McLean? Leave. Representative Altus.
Representative James L. Ward moves me to spend for the reading of the previous day's journal. No objection, so order. The reports from select committees. Read the
Chair
Unverified
3:36
reports, Mr. Clerk. Mr. Speaker, we, your committee on joint budget, to whom was referred to House Bill 1513 and House Bill 1544, beg to lead to report. We've had the same under consideration. Herewith return the same recommendation that they do pass.
Respectfully submitted, Representative Duncan Baird, Chair. Are
the reports of standing committees? Read the reports,
Mr. Clerk. Mr. Speaker, we, your Committee on State Agencies, to whom was referred to House Bill 1329, House Bill 1463, and Senate Bill 420, begged lead report we had the same under consideration herewith, returned the same with the recommendation that they do pass, respectfully submitted, Representative Butch Wilkins, Vice Chair.
Mr. Speaker, we, your committee on state agencies, to whom was referred to House Bill 1357 and Senate Bill No. 2, begged lead report. We had the same under consideration. Here we have to return the same with the recommendation that they do pass as amended. Mr. Speaker, we, your committee on agriculture, to whom was referred to House Bill 1413 and House Bill 1518, begged lead report. We had the same under consideration, herewith return the same recommendation that they do pass, respectfully submitted.
Representative Matthew Shepard, Chair. Mr. Speaker, we, your Committee on Aging Children and Youth, whom is referred to House Bill 1446, beg to lead to report. We had the same under consideration, herewith return the same recommendation that do pass as amended, respectfully submitted. Representative David Meeks, Chair. Mr. Speaker, we, your Committee on Age and Children and Youth, whom was referred House Bill 1029, House Bill 1518, House Bill 1565, House Bill 1575, House Bill 1620,
H.R. 1025, and H.R. 1026, begged lead report, had the same under consideration herewith, returned the same with the recommendation that they do pass. Respectfully submitted, Representative David Meeks, Chair. Mr. Speaker, we, your Committee on Insurance and Commerce, to whom was referred to House Bill 1672, Senate Bill 218, Senate Bill 271, Senate Bill 339, Senate Bill 462, Begley Report, we had the same under consideration here with return the same, with the recommendation that they do pass, respectfully submitted Representative Tommy Wren, Chair.
Mr. Speaker, we're your committee on city, county, and local. To whom is referred to House Bill 1406 and House Bill 1668. Beg to lead the report. We've had the same under consideration here with return, the same with recommendation that they do pass. Respectfully submitted, Representative David Fielding, Chair. Is
there any unfinished business? Are there any executive communications? Read the letter from the Governor, Mr. Clerk.
Speaker 23
6:30
March 6, 2013, to the Speaker of the House. Dear Mr. Speaker, this is to inform you
Chair
Unverified
6:39
that on March 6, 2013, I approve the following measures from the regular session of the 89th General Assembly. House Bill 1021 is Act 287. House Bill 1183 is Act 288. House Bill 1138 is Act 289. House Bill 1192 is Act 290. House Bill 1193 is Act 291. House Bill 1275 is Act 292. House Bill 1307 is Act 293, House Bill 1308 is Act 294, House Bill 1309 is Act 295, House Bill 1358 is Act 296, House Bill 1359 is Act 297, House Bill 1362 is Act 298, House Bill 1389 is Act 299, and House Bill 1431 is Act 300. Sincerely, Governor Mike Beebe.
Members, at this time I'd like to welcome our doctor of the day, Dr. Sal Hashmi of Maumelle. Doctor, welcome.
And our nurse of the day, Ms.
Chair
Unverified
7:49
Geraldine Rambeau. members also on the floor with us today is former state representative sody arnold who served in
this body from 1977 to 1994 part of clark and nevada county welcome mr arnold
Chair
Unverified
8:17
House Resolution 1016 Representatives David Meeks Representatives House McGee and Representatives Stephen Meeks Congratulating the University of Central Arkansas
Sugar Bears volleyball team for an outstanding 2012 season Representative Meeks you recognize to explain the
Representative Stephen Meeks
Unverified
8:35
resolution. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to ask the Conway representatives, Representative
Speaker 27
8:39
McGee House and Stephen Meeks to come down and join me at the well. Members, y'all already know about what a wonderful college that UCA is, so I'm not going to go over those points again, but I wanted to recognize the volleyball team today because even though volleyball doesn't necessarily have the popularity that football or basketball does and may not even
make the front page of this of the sports section to me it's just as an important of a sport and what these ladies have done has uh was a great achievement just wanted to highlight just a couple of the things that they did they won 30 games this season only one of seven division one colleges and there's something like 300 and something only one of seven colleges to actually win 30 games this year. They also, for the first time, actually went to what they call
the volleyball tournament, but it's akin to what we consider the March Madness. First time in UCA's volleyball history that they've done that. And what's more remarkable is that UCA has only been at a Division I level for three years. So these ladies have done a tremendous this job. Again, a lot of them had individual recognition. The coach has done a great job at putting together a team, putting them together as a team, focusing as a team, and we see the achievements that they have actually done. At this time, Mr. Speaker, I would ask that
Chair
Unverified
10:08
the clerk read the resolution. Mr. Clerk, read the resolution. Whereas the University of Central Arkansas Sugar Bears volleyball team won the 2012 Southland Conference tournament after four straight regular season titles, and whereas the 2012 University of Central Arkansas Sugar Bears volleyball team advanced to the National Collegiate Athletic Association National Tournament for the first time in school history, and whereas the University of Central Arkansas Sugar Bears volleyball team won 30 games during the 2012 season, one of only 12 schools in the nation to do so, and whereas senior outside hitter Jessica
Hayes was named the Southland Conference Volleyball Student Athlete of the Year and the Southland Conference Tournament Most Valuable Player. And whereas Junior Setter Marissa Collins was named the Southland Conference's Setter of the Year for the second time and the fourth time in five years that the award has gone to a Sugar Bear. And whereas Marissa Collins, Jessica Hayes, and sophomore middle blocker Alicia Dietrich earned first-team All-Southland Conference Honors. And Whereas senior Taylor Hammonds earned all Southland Conference honorable mention honors for the second time after ranking second in the conference with a .383 hitting percentage and leading the Sugar Bears with 71 blocks.
And whereas David McFetrick, the coach of the University of Central Arkansas Sugar Bears volleyball team, inspires his athletes to excellence by encouraging their focus on team, each other, and hard work. Whereas sports and athletics are challenging and stimulating and the continued success of the University of Central Arkansas Sugar Bears volleyball team is a tribute to their talent, hard work, leadership, and with the support of their families, friends, and the community. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the 89th General Assembly
of the State of Arkansas that the House of Representatives congratulates the University of Central Arkansas Sugar Bears volleyball team for an excellent 2012 season. be it further resolved that upon the adoption, a copy of this resolution shall be presented to the University of Central Arkansas Sugar Bears Volleyball Team and sent to the President and Athletic Director of the University of Central Arkansas. And today the
Speaker 27
12:19
volleyball team is with us. They're in the VIP section there.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Representative Meeks has explained the resolution. Does anyone wish to speak against the resolution? For the resolution. If not, the question before the House. There's a passage
Speaker 25
12:44
of House Resolution 1016. All in favor say aye. Aye. Any
Chair
Unverified
12:49
opposed? The ayes have it. Let the record reflect that the resolution was passed with a unanimous vote. Members, in the North Gallery today, we have Colonel Retired Mike Ross, former 39th Infantry Brigade Commander, and his granddaughter Katie Fox, as guest to Representative John Edwards.
Also in the North Gallery, we have Corporal Aaron Mankin of the U.S. Marine Corps, retired from Rogers, guest of Representative Sue Scott.
Speaker 25
13:36
The morning hour has ended. Representative Clemmer, for what purpose? Mr. Speaker,
Representative Ann V. Clemmer
Unverified
13:45
a privileged matter. What's your privileged matter, Representative Clemmer? The House, on reconsideration, agree to pass Senate Bill 134, the objections of the governor to the
contrary, notwithstanding. This is a privileged matter. Representative Clemmer, you recognize, speak for the override. This is Senate Bill 134.
Representative Ann V. Clemmer
Unverified
14:06
You know, members, I told the voters a long time ago when I first ran that I was pro-life, and yet I had not been in a position to cast a pro-life vote. Previous pro-life bills failed in committee. This year, the good Senator Rayford proposed SB 134, and he asked me if I would carry it for him.
If I say that I'm pro-life, at some point I have to do something about what I say that I believe. And so I am here today to ask for you to respectfully, carefully consider voting to override the governor's veto on SB 134. Just a couple of quick reminders. Arkansas law declares a 12-week-old baby, in utero, a person. And this bill only restricts abortions, elective abortions, after the 12th week.
That puts, then, this child that we say is a child, 12 weeks in utero, on the same standard. I mean, that life is to be protected not only by a third party, but from the mother herself. Babies have a very high tendency to be born healthy. 99.5% are born healthy after the 12th week. So we are taking a very grave action when we take the life of an unborn baby.
And I would submit to you that the fundamental human right, we talk a lot about human rights, but the fundamental human right, the basis necessary for every other right is first the right to life, the right to be born. Let's give that to babies in Arkansas, and I ask you for a good vote. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Representative Clemmer has spoken in favor
of override. Does anyone wish to speak against override?
Chair
Unverified
16:22
For override, Representative Westerman, you recognize. Thank you, Mr.
Speaker. Members, I'm here today because this is the second time we're taking up this consideration of overriding a veto, and both times we've been told that the reason is because the bill is unconstitutional. And I just want to talk to you a little bit and visit with you about the issue of legislating, educating, and executing the law.
You know, the Affordable Care Act was a law that a lot of us didn't really care for. And a lot of people said it's unconstitutional. But nobody today can say it's unconstitutional accurately because the Supreme Court of the United States said it's constitutional. I know as a freshman legislator, I had a bill with Representative King, now Senator Brian King, to fix a situation in my school district. We filed the bill and were invited to the governor's office to talk about the bill.
and the governor told me that I took an oath to protect or to uphold the Constitution of the state of Arkansas. He told me my bill was unconstitutional and I shouldn't run that bill. We ran the bill and it was defeated, but the school district filed a lawsuit and in November the Supreme Court of the state of Arkansas said the issue that we were considering was indeed constitutional. So as we consider this today, I ask you to think about your job as a legislator.
It's to pass law. The governor, nor anyone else other than the courts, can determine if something's constitutional or unconstitutional. I encourage you to stick to your vote
if you voted for life before and stand again today for life. Thank you. Representative Westerman
Chair
Unverified
18:22
has spoken in favor of override. Does anyone wish to speak against override, for override?
Representative Clemmer, do you want to close?
She's closed. Members, we have a pair on the desk. Representative Denny Altus votes yes. Representative James Ratliff votes no. Witnessed by Representative John Catlett. Representative Ratliff is the present member. or are there any procedural objections to this pair? Please do not vote either of these two
voting machines. The question before the House is the override of the Senate Bill 130,
the override of the Governor's veto to Senate Bill 134. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballots with 55 yeas, 32 nays, 56 yeas, and 33 nays, and one present.
Speaker 34
19:38
The override is passed. Mr. Clerk, read House
Chair
Unverified
19:52
Bill 1384. House Bill 1384 by Representative Miller to require that caregivers for the Medicaid Independent Choices Program be tested for illegal drug use and undergo criminal background checks. Representative
Miller, you're recognized to explain the bill.
Speaker 51
20:18
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Y'all will allow me a
Representative Josh Miller
Unverified
20:25
moment to make sure I am right in the middle, not to one side or the other. Come on. I figure we can get that. I did not anticipate my first time addressing this body to be after a governor's override, so y'all bear with me. This bill, 1384, deals with drug testing for employees that are hired to be caregivers in someone's home through any Medicaid waiver program.
There are a lot of institutions, private caregiving groups that already require drug tests. They would not be required to do anything different. There are a few examples of alternative care through the Independent Choices Program and Elder Choices where individuals are able to hire a family member or a neighbor or whatever to be their caregiver.
We are simply stating in this bill that they, too, must pass the drug test and be subject to a criminal background check. And with that being said, I would appreciate a good vote. Representative Miller has explained the bill.
Does anyone wish to speak against the bill, for the bill? If not, the question before the House has passed it. Representative Wilkins, I apologize. You recognize I speak for the bill.
You know, members, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, I've had a great deal of
experience in caregiving. with caregivers. There is no logical reason to oppose this bill. I think he's doing a very good thing. We should expect those who care for our elderly people or sick people or injured people to rise to a certain standard. I think we always should do that. And I'd appreciate a good vote on this. Thank you. Representative Wilkins has spoken in favor
Chair
Unverified
22:38
of the bill. Does anyone wish to speak against the bill,
for the bill? President Miller, are you closed for the bill? The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1384. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. Has everyone voted? Has
Speaker 25
23:07
everyone voted? Cast with the ballots to 91 yeas, 1 nay, and 0 present.
You have passed the bill. Read House Bill
Chair
Unverified
23:18
1486. House Bill 1486 by Representative Miller et al. to provide incentives for working persons with disabilities to remain in the workforce and remove the earned income limit on Medicaid eligibility for working persons with disabilities.
Representative Miller, you're recognized to explain the bill. Thank you again, Mr. Speaker.
Representative Josh Miller
Unverified
23:41
Thank you all. Well, this bill is one that I find that's very important to me and several other folks. In today's society, sadly, disability is looked at by some folks as an early retirement. However, there are others who are on disability that wish to be off disability.
that are blessed with opportunities to work and earn a living and don't wish to receive disability. In the state of Arkansas, we have a program that's called the Tickets to Work program, and it allows for folks to work and make more money than what Social Security disability will allow you to make. You will lose your Social Security disability, but it allows you to stay on our Medicaid health care programs.
Part of what this bill addresses is there is an income cap within the Tickets to Work program that starts capping an individual's income at $25,000, and then the final cap is at $29,000 and something dollars per year. This does not provide a lot of incentive for folks to come off a disability and rejoin the workforce a lot of times they would be
giving up a disability check and going to work full-time only to benefit themselves two to four thousand dollars a year currently in the state there are a hundred the last check I had there are a hundred and twelve people on the tickets to work program I think that's extremely sad when you compare that with the number of people that are on disability in this state. Arkansas has a chance to be an example to the rest of the country. We can step up right here and start saving Social Security a little bit of money, if
nothing else. And so with that being said, I would appreciate a good vote. Representative Miller has
explained the bill. Does anyone want to speak against the bill, for the bill? If not,
Speaker 25
26:01
the question before the House is passage of House Bill 1486. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. Has
everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast the ballots for 95 yeas, 0 nays, and 0 present.
Speaker 25
26:19
You have passed the bill. Members in the North Gallery today, we have Ms. Becky
Alden, the Pike County Assessor in the North Gallery, a guest of Representative Nate Steele. We also have the Arkansas Tech University Leadership Group, guest of
Chair
Unverified
26:52
Representative Andrea Lee. we also have the arkansas youth engagement specialist team selected foster youth who
are learning about state government and their leader janna perry holloway guest representative Charlotte Fite.
Chair
Unverified
27:17
Read House Bill 1485. House Bill 1485 will represent his boss, Ratliff and Wren, concerning the construction of barracks at the community
college, at a community college or technical college. Representative Bult, you're recognized to explain the bill.
Speaker 67
27:29
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. fellow representatives uh house
Representative Scott Baltz
Unverified
27:34
bill 1485 is a fairness bill there are two institutions in little rock i mean in the state of arkansas that provide law enforcement and fire training one of those can have a barracks to house their student and the other one cannot this simply allows them the opportunity at some point in time to build a barracks at their institution It will be there's no fiscal impact. They will use what monies they have to build this barracks.
So, you know, I appreciate a good vote. Thank you. Representative Alexander, for
what purpose? You're recognized for a question. Thank
Representative Randy Alexander
Unverified
28:17
you, Mr. Speaker. My experience is in four-year universities, universities and residence halls dormitories are what's called an auxiliary enterprise state funds are not used to pay for those you sell bonds and you operate it like a business you pay it back
from the money you take in i'm not familiar with how at a community college or technical school how this would be paid for if if the institution decides to take this step
Representative Scott Baltz
Unverified
28:50
where would the funds come from thank you representative Alexander currently the college the community college is paying eighty thousand dollars a year for motel rooms there was bedbugs found in the motel room where these students are staying they had to evacuate them spray the
buildings and come back they're just simply asking for the ability to be able to use those funds to build the barracks. And this only affects a two-year institution that has law enforcement and fire signs. Representative McLean, for what purpose? Question. You recognize.
Now, this is a part of their training.
Representative James McLean
Unverified
29:30
They need to be at the school as a part of their regimen, as a part of the training,
and that's something that you've been missing for several
Representative Scott Baltz
Unverified
29:41
years. Is that correct? Yes, that is correct, Representative McLean. They would like the opportunity to have this on campus because if they go now and rouse those students out at 2 and 3 o'clock in the morning for a drill, they're
Representative James McLean
Unverified
29:54
going to wake up everybody in the motel. So being on campus, being on site is a vital part and component of
Speaker 49
30:02
the training. It certainly is, yes, sir. Thank you. For
Representative Jim Nickels
Unverified
30:08
some nickels, for what purpose? A question. You recognize. Yes. Now, will this barracks be used for students and other programs at that community college?
Representative Scott Baltz
Unverified
30:16
No, it will not. They are first responders. It will only be those students enrolled
Representative Jim Nickels
Unverified
30:23
in the fire science and LIDA program. Don't we have a state law
Representative Scott Baltz
Unverified
30:29
that prohibits two-year schools from building dormitories? There are
some. SAU Tech can build a dormitory. They are exempt from it. ASUBB just built dormitories. because they are under a four-year institution, the governing body of a four-year institution. So 1992, there was an act that allowed them to be grandfathered in.
Black River Technical College did not fall in under that grandfather. So they are just simply asking if they can build a barracks at some
Speaker 67
30:59
point in time. Okay, so this is just for those that are there for training,
Representative Walls McCrary
Unverified
31:05
not necessarily a college degree. That's correct. Thank you. I appreciate a good
Representative Bob Ballinger
Unverified
31:12
vote. Reps and Ballinger for a purpose. Question. You reckon I ask for a question? According to this bill, and you correct me if I'm wrong, does this give the authority now to tax and allow these institutions to build, it does say barracks, but also says dormitories.
And according to this, I mean, before it wouldn't allow you to levy a tax. Now it says you can't levy a tax unless it falls under these circumstances. they do
Representative Scott Baltz
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31:34
not want to levy a tax for this. They have the monies there now that they are paying for the motel. That's what they would like to utilize. And I understand
Representative Bob Ballinger
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31:43
that in a specific situation, but I think the bill allows for them to levy a tax. Maybe not them, but other institutions who are utilizing this bill would be able to do that.
so. Thank you. Thank you. Appreciate a good vote. Rep. Zimbalt has explained the bill. Does any wish to speak against the bill,
for the bill? If not, the question before the House is passage of House Bill 1485. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. Has
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everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the balance to 69 yeas, 13 nays, and 2 present. You have passed the bill.
read house bill representative wren moves for the clincher all in favor say
aye any opposed nay eyes have it clincher is adopted read
Chair
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32:44
house bill 1517 house bill 1517 by representative hammer to extend veterans preference in hiring to school districts and clarify the veterans preference law representative hammer you're recognized to explain the
Representative Kim Hammer
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32:56
bill Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and gentlemen of the House, I'd like to introduce Bill 1517 to you. Simply stated, currently the Veterans Preference Act is applied to state agencies and also institutions of higher learning.
I'm just asking that we expand that and that it be extended also to school districts as defined in the code and that we give consideration to veterans and the hiring practices of our school districts. And I'll
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be glad to take any questions. Representative Dale,
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for what purpose? Question. You recognize. Representative Hammer, It's my understanding that school district
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employees are not state employees.
Now, are we making a law here that applies to employees that are not state employees, that they're employees of the school district only? I guess that would be, I
Representative Kim Hammer
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34:04
don't know whether or not that that would apply in this situation, but I will say this in response to your question, whether they are or not I think is perhaps a separate issue.
The fact that the federal law implies or states that veterans' preference is to be extended If we're going to have the standard in the other two areas, I would expect that it would also be applied in this area, because it does not create the unfair advantage for the veteran. It only states that it should apply the federal veteran's preference law in
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the hiring process. process. Well, that helped some, but we did quite a study during this past year on whether
school employees were state employees, and I think we were in the education committee. And I think we pretty well decided that they were not state employees. But thank you
Representative Kim Hammer
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very much. Well, and I will respond to that at the risk of asking and having to answer another question. I'm setting forth the standard and the fact that there is an example out there already with regards to how it's applied in these two state agencies. I'm not debating whether the school employees are state employees or not.
I'm just simply stating that this policy is already in place as far as what we expect of institutions of higher learning as well as the other area that I mentioned. I'd be glad to answer any more questions. With that, I'll ask for a favorable
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vote, and I'll be closed for the bill. Representative Hammer has explained the bill. Does anyone wish to speak against the bill for the bill? If not, the question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1517.
Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast the ballots to 72 yeas, 8 nays, and 0 present. You'll pass the bill. So, members in the gallery today, we have the Arkansas Energy 2013 group with us today. Welcome.
Chair
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36:34
Also, we have the leadership, Franklin County, guest of Representative Bill Gossage and John Eubanks. Mr. Clerk,
Chair
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36:51
1458 by Representative Neal to permit electronic proof of concealed handgun licensure. Representative Neal, you're recognized to explain your bill. Thank you, Mr.
Representative Micah S. Neal
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37:02
Speaker. One of the requirements when you're a concealed carry permit holder is when you're pulled over, you're to provide your license, but you're also to provide your concealed carry card.
What 1458 will permit you to do is show your concealed carry permit on an electronic device. And when I visited with Lieutenant Gentry of the State Police, their only request was that it be up to scale on any electronic device. And so we accommodated them in the bill, and it's taken care of. So I'd appreciate a good vote. Representative Neal has explained the bill.
Does anyone wish to speak against the bill, for the bill?
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If not, the question before the House is passage of House Bill 1458. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast the ballots for the 89 yeas, 0 nays, and 0 present. You have passed
Chair
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38:12
the bill. Read House Bill 1216. House Bill 1216, Representative Link, an act to amend Arkansas law concerning the distribution of state agency publications.
Representative Link, you're recognized to explain your bill.
Representative Kelley Linck
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38:25
So back in, I think it was 97 or 99, I'm not really sure
when, the law took place and started in 99 that says that the state agencies should not send out those very colorful and pretty annual reports that we all get unless they get a request for it. And then, of course, we're all pretty well still receiving all these wonderful, colorful annual reports. So the last session we passed a law that said all annual reports of all agencies shall be placed online,
and we referred to the Department of Information Services, DIS, and got their assistance to place all annual reports online. What we're now saying is to quit printing them. We don't really need those things anymore today. However, if someone does request, we don't want to sold back information from anybody in the public that wants an annual report from an agency. If someone requests one, the agency is to run a copy off of the website, just print it like you and I would off of our computer, and mail it to that person that requests information.
So by no means are we withholding information from the public. We're just telling people to quit spending as much money printing these colorful reports that we don't need in today's time. Representative Hammer, for what purpose? Question, please. You recognize? Representative
Representative Kim Hammer
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39:43
Link, would you mind educating me on the state agency publications, for example, what kind of sensitive information might be involved in that that the public would need to have access
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to, please? As soon as I make this text large enough, I can explain.
Is there a certain part of the bill you're referring to? I'm sorry, Representative Hammer. No, I'm just
Representative Kim Hammer
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40:05
reading off the title on the red sheet, and it talks about distribution of state agency publications. So I was just wondering if you could give me a specific example.
Representative Kelley Linck
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40:14
Are we talking about financial data? No, actually,
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if you go through the exclusions, we take out most all of that information. What we're really talking about is
Representative Kim Hammer
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40:23
those annual reports. Okay, so am I fair to understand that part of this is a cost savings measure in order to be able to make information accessible to more people at less expense to the government?
Representative Kelley Linck
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40:35
Is that part of what your intent is? The intent is less expense, yes, sir. We don't want to withhold any information, but, I mean, I don't know that it would be any more accessible. It's just not going to be any less accessible. We're just trying to cut that expense, particularly those nice four-color annual reports that we're
Representative Kim Hammer
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40:54
getting. And where's the host site? Who's going to be able to, or where do you go to get that information from each individual
Representative Kelley Linck
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41:02
state agency? Most state agencies have their own website, and now actually they all do. They're all placing their information on websites due to our law that we passed two years ago through Department of Information Services.
So if they do not have their own websites, DIS makes one for them and makes it accessible to the public.
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Very good. Thank you for that information. Thank you, Mr. Representative
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Mayberry, for what purpose? Question. You recognize. Yes, sir. I very much agree with you on the bulk of these annual reports that
Representative Andy Mayberry
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41:33
we print. I do have a question regarding – I know that, for instance, at the Economic Development Commission, they produce an annual report that they also use as a marketing tool to be able to send to CEO-level decision-makers and such as that.
Would this preclude them from being able to produce a similar type of publication for use in marketing the state of Arkansas? And that's
Representative Kelley Linck
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41:54
a good question. Let me go back, and then I'll come narrow in on your answer. We first threw our net too wide. And the analogy I use is we caught too many dolphins. We went fishing. We got too many fish. We didn't want in the net. So we narrowed that net down to where we're. So all publications that have to do with promotion is exempt.
Chair
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42:17
I appreciate your vote. Representative Link has. Representative Harris for what purpose?
Representative Link has left the well. Representative Link has explained the bill. Does anyone wish to speak against the bill? For the bill, if not, the
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question before the House is passage of House Bill 1216. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. Has everyone voted?
Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballots
with 81 yeas, 7 nays, and 0 present. You have passed the bill. Members, we have with us today the policy class from the School of
Speaker 7
43:01
Agriculture, at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, guests of Representative Sheila Lampkin, Mark McElroy, and
Chair
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43:14
Jeff Wardlaw. Read House Bill 1124.
House Bill 1124 by Representative Kerr to amend the eligibility requirements
for benefits relating to the health care offset for members of the Arkansas State Highway
Employees Retirement System and to declare an emergency. Representative
Curry, you're recognized to explain the bill. Thank you,
Mr. Speaker. Members, this is the last of the legislative package put forth by the Highway Department's retirement fund. 1124 is a bill that makes some technical corrections in their code.
So this particular benefit was originally set up to offset the cost of health care on original. An original bill
was enacted in 1991 to provide an add-on to their annuity of approximately $125 per retiree. Throughout the years, the original act has been
changed several times in an attempt to provide the benefit in a more reasonable way. Currently, the benefit is prorated with the teacher's retirement system, who offers a similar benefit.
This bill changes the definition of prorate to include a ratio with all reciprocal systems. In other words, they'll all mesh with the other systems instead of just systems that offer similar health care offset benefits. The bill changes the
prorating of the benefit from being permissive to requiring a benefit to be prorated. In other words, if you are in two retirement systems throughout your career, say you were in teacher's retirement and then went to work for the highway department,
their benefit would be prorated with theirs so that it would mesh together when you retired. With that, I'll take questions. Representative Nichols,
for what purpose? A question. You're right,
Representative Jim Nickels
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45:15
can I ask? I would have been disappointed, Mr. Nichols. Thank you, Representative Kerr. And I understand that as the co-chair of the retirement committee, you present a lot of bills to us that come through our committee. But I recall, was it last week we passed out a retirement bill that took about $300,000 out of the annuities of the retirees?
You recall that one, not allowing them
to use their lump sum payments for their figuring their annuity. Okay. And now we're back again going to be taken from the supplemental type of payment they received to go
toward health insurance. And I believe in committee, that was, what, $307,000? It's
an advantage to the retirement system of $287,000 was the fiscal impact on it.
Representative Jim Nickels
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46:13
$287,000, but in reality, that comes out of the retiree's retirement payment, correct? Yes, sir, that's
correct. However, it was never meant to be a full benefit for someone who didn't serve full-time in that
Representative Jim Nickels
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46:30
system. I know, but if they have retired from that system, though, and they took that job and said that we'll pay, what, $125 or whatever it is towards your health insurance when you do retire,
Representative Kelley Linck
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46:45
and now we're saying we're not going to do that anymore if you work for another retirement agency,
correct, or covered by another retirement program? Not necessarily. All
it's really doing is meaning that you don't get that benefit from both systems. It's prorated in one and prorated in another. They still get the $125, but one system's not responsible for 100% of it as much as the
Representative Jim Nickels
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47:09
other system is. Does APERS pay? I think you talked about it was just between the highway department and teachers,
but does APERS have a supplemental payment? I don't
have any information on APERS. I can get that for you.
Representative Jim Nickels
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47:27
But my recollection was it was just limited between those two particular agencies, and I can understand proration in that regard. But if it also is APERS
and there's no supplemental payment over there for health insurance, your retirees from the highway
department are going to be coming up with a difference of that $287,000.
Would you agree? Not exactly. Keep in mind, APERS, and as I recall, APERS does not participate in this benefit. This is
not a benefit that APERS pays. That's what I'm getting at. Okay, yes. I'm sorry. APERS does not pay this benefit. But if they wanted that extra $75 prorate or whatever it was at the end of their retirement, probably best not to go to work for APERS and go to work
Representative Jim Nickels
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48:15
for somebody in the highway department. Or leave APERS covered to go to work for the highway department with the thought that,
hey, I will get this supplement for my insurance. Now you're saying even though you took this job 10 years ago, we're reneging on that promise, and you're going to have to come up with a difference. But
would you agree that it's kind of unfair if you worked for APERS for 15 years and then transferred to the highway department for five years that you get the
full benefit offered by the highway department when you didn't serve that full-time in the highway department
and get, you know, the full force of a 20-year benefit from
Representative Jim Nickels
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them. But the supplement was not put in based upon full retirement benefits. It was based upon retiring
from the highway department. Correct. Correct? Yeah. Thank you, Chairman
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Kirk. I appreciate it, sir. Representative Hutchinson, for what purpose? Question. You recognize for
Representative John K. Hutchison
Unverified
49:18
a question. Would there be any difference between these two in relation to teacher health and retirement?
Is there any comparison here? Not necessarily. This was simply an add-on benefit to an annuity that they started in the 90s to help offset cost of health insurance, and it just kind of continued on. the highway department failed to put into their code
when they set it up this mechanism of a prorate instead of a full payment out for people who didn't serve full time in the highway department
thank you you're welcome I appreciate a good vote Representative Kerr has explained the bill does anyone wish to speak against the bill for the bill Representative Callie, you're reckoning to
Representative John Catlett
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speak against the bill Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, what we're going to do here is we're going to
cut a benefit that's been worked for by a state employee. Now, you cut grass on the side of the highway for 30 years, and you drive a bus for the first five.
You're going to retire from the highway department, but guess what? They're going to reduce your pension because of this. I please ask you to vote no on this bill. Thank you. Representative Callett has
spoken against the bill. Does anyone wish to speak for the bill, against the bill?
Representative Kerr, do you want to close for your bill? You're recognized to close
for the bill. Keep in mind, members, this is simply meshing with the other systems
so that they have the opportunity to get their full benefit if they serve in both systems that have this benefit. I appreciate
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a good vote. The question before the House is passage of House Bill 1124. Prepare the machine, Mr.
Clerk. Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast the ballots for 57 yeas, 19 nays, and 3 present.
you have passed the bill. Prepare the machine. We're voting on the emergency clause. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. Representative Kerr moves the clincher. All in favor say aye. Any opposed? Nay. Ayes have it. The clincher is adopted. We're voting on the emergency clause. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. has everyone voted has everyone voted cast the ballots
for 55 yeas 56 yeas 17 yeas and 0 present you have failed to pass the emergency clause
members my trusty parliamentarian has spotted former Representative Boyd Hickenbotham in the East Gallery up there. So welcome, Mr. Hickenbotham. Read House
Chair
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52:41
Bill 1128. House Bill 1128 by Representative Kazay to amend the law regarding health insurance eligibility for certain retirees.
Representative Kazay, you're recognized to explain the bill. Friends, I'm here to ask you to do right by folks who have done
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right by us. What we have here is the opportunity to create a gap in coverage for retired teachers. And how this gap occurs is very simple. Imagine, if you will, that you have a teacher who's worked and been eligible for retirement health insurance through the employee benefits division, but has a spouse who has been in some sort of group coverage
and it made more financial sense for the teacher to go with the spouse. Well, under the present law, there's a mechanism by which anybody who's been enrolled in bona fide comprehensive coverage in a group plan would have a one-time opportunity to opt back in to the insurance offered by the Employee Benefits Division. If we change our facts just one little bit and have retired teachers say, may be married to each other, who upon retirement opted into a METAPAC plan, as they are individually
covered, they would not be eligible to make the one-time election to opt back into the Employee Benefits Division coverage. This is a good bill. It's supported by ARDA. It is supported by, it came out of committee with a unanimous due pass, and you'll notice it's been amended twice. Each of these amendments were done in cooperation with the board of the Employee Benefits Division so as to benefit both retirees and the system. Now, I know that you all have read the bill, so I don't want to belabor it too much, but I'm going to give you four reasons why this is a great idea.
One, it requires that teachers would have been eligible for this benefit at the time of their retirements. There would be no break in service. Secondly, it requires anyone opting back into the Employee Benefits Division coverage to have had comprehensive health insurance for the entire time that they've been retired. So a cancer policy or some mini-medical will not do it. Third, it is a one-time election back in. These retirees will not be able to price shop.
They will not be able to jump back and forth between the plan. They come in and they stay in. And lastly, you'll notice the last two lines in the bill, it gives the board control. The board is able to, these retirees are subsidized, but the board has the control with the last two lines of this bill to take the people who are opting back in and give them, actually they're not going to offer them the subsidy. They're going to see what the response is, and if there are funds left and it's prudent and good for the plan, then the board can offer a subsidy if they want.
But what this legislation does is leaves that to the people who are charged with taking care of the plan and taking care of our retirees. I'd appreciate a
good vote. Representative Kazay has explained the bill. Does anyone wish to speak against the bill, for the bill? Representative Kerr, you're recognized to
speak for the bill. Members, Representative Kazay has done a good job on this
bill. Basically, a little bit add to it, it creates an appeals process for some of those members who may have been given bad advice
or gotten bad information or simply didn't understand that information the first time it was given to them. And this gives them kind of a one-time, as he said, a one-time second chance. Also kind of heads off any potential lawsuits we might have along those lines. Appreciate it, Goodby.
Representative Kerr has spoken for the bill. Does anyone wish
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to speak against the bill, for the bill? If not, the question before the House is passage of House Bill 1128. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk.
Voted. Has everyone voted? Cast the ballots to 90 yeas, 0 nays,
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and 1 present. You have passed the bill. Read House Bill
Chair
Unverified
56:58
1239. House Bill 1239 to representatives Gossage, Eubanks, Miller, and Payton to create a new benefit program under the Arkansas Local Police and Fire Retirement System. Representative Gossage, you're recognized to explain the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Representative Bill Gossage
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57:13
This is a new benefit program for volunteers under LOPFI. First of all, what it doesn't do, it does not change the current program that the volunteer, police, and firemen are under, nor does it affect it in any way. It is strictly a voluntary program. No municipality or county or any other entity will be required to do this. It's just another opportunity for volunteer firemen and policemen.
There's no cost to the system because this is based on actuarial cost, but what it does do, it is an enhanced benefit program to the current program. The current program started out at $5 per year of service upon retirement. It's been in effect for about 10 years. That $5 per year benefit has grown to $6.17 per year. This new enhanced benefit program will take that to $10 per year of service.
Now, there is no premium tax allocation that will go to this enhanced benefit. that, again, it will not affect the current program in any way. I was approached right after election by some local volunteer firemen who asked me to do this. All of you that live in these communities know what the issues are. It is very difficult today to keep volunteers and keep them in the program. They'll work for a few years.
They get tired of all the things that go on in these fire departments. It's just a lot of work, not any benefits to it, and they'll wash out, and it's got to go back and recruit some new members. The entire purpose of this is to keep folks in the program because at the end of the day, they're going to have a decent little pension after 28 years, and I would appreciate a good vote on this, and I'll take any questions. Representative Lee, for what purpose do you recognize?
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Representative Gossage, is there any definition, I didn't see it in your bill, is there any definition elsewhere in the code that describes exactly what a volunteer police department is, how many hours of training they have to have, or any description whatsoever? It's my understanding there is
Representative Bill Gossage
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59:37
current law, which is, and that's a good point that you've brought up, One of the issues that these volunteers talked to me about was the hours that they're now currently required to attend and get training.
As a matter of fact, they're having to take off from work, miss work, to meet the demands of meeting the requirements of volunteer firemen. So again, the aweness continues to grow on these folks who are donating their time. And yet, there's really, other than just being good folks and trying to make sure that everybody's homes are safe and that fires are put out, there's really not much else for them. But to answer your question, yes, there are requirements that they have to meet.
I would really appreciate a good vote. Representative Gossage has explained the bill. Does anyone wish to speak against the bill, for the bill? If not, the question
Speaker 25
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before the House is passage of House Bill 1239. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. Has everyone voted? Voting on the
bill and the emergency clause. Has everyone voted? Cast with the ballots for 92 yeas, 0 nays, and 0 present.
You have passed the bill and the emergency clause. Read Senate Bill 227.
Chair
Unverified
1:01:04
Senate Bill 227 by Senator Files to permit a wholesaler of alcohol to store alcohol in a dry territory. Representative Malone, you're recognized to explain the bill.
Representative Stephanie Malone
Unverified
1:01:14
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, this is a very simple bill. It allows a licensed wholesaler to store alcohol within a dry county, but only if the wholesaler has a licensed distributorship within that dry county.
It really only affects one place, and that's in Fort Smith, and I will take any questions. None. Thank you.
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1:01:33
Oh, Representative Hammer. Representative Hammer, for what purpose? Question.
Representative Kim Hammer
Unverified
1:01:39
You really can ask for a question. Are we opening up Pandora's box for those of us that are in dry counties?
Representative Stephanie Malone
Unverified
1:01:45
No, absolutely not. They have to be a licensed wholesaler already, and that license has to be within that county. So, no, it,
Representative Kim Hammer
Unverified
1:01:53
no. So it just basically opens up the ability for them to be able to store within their county?
Representative Stephanie Malone
Unverified
1:01:58
It has to be within where they have the, if they're a dry county, they wouldn't have a distributorship anyways within that county because they're a dry county. All right. Thank you. Thank
Speaker 89
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you. I'd appreciate a good vote. Representative Malone, has explained the bill. Does anyone wish to speak against the bill for the bill? If not, the question before the House is passage of Senate Bill 227. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted?
cast with the ballots for 74 yeas, 5 nays, and 2 present. You have
Chair
Unverified
1:02:39
passed the bill. Mr. Clerk, read Senate Bill No. 6. The Senate Bill No. 6 of Senator Chesterfield to allow applicants for nursing home licensure to determine eligibility to sit for a licensing examination before entering a nursing program. Representative Wilkins, you're
recognized to explain the bill thank you mr speaker good members of the chamber this is simply a notification
statute basically what it does is direct the state police
in doing their criminal background check to also do a federal bureau of investigation check and to make sure that the nursing board It notifies in writing those who are applying to take the test. That's all it does. Simple, easy bill.
And, Mr. Speaker, I'll answer any questions if there are any. Thank you, members. Representative Wilkins has explained
the bill. Does anyone wish to speak against the bill, for the bill? Now I have a question before the House. It's passage of Senate Bill 6. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. Has everyone voted? Has everyone
voted? Cast the ballots for 90 yeas, 0 nays, and 0 present. You have passed the bill.
Chair
Unverified
1:04:08
Read Senate Bill 111. Senate Bill 111 by Senator Thompson to ensure that the state retirement systems comply with the prudent investor rule in the renewal and review process for the investment and management of assets of this system and
to declare an emergency. Representative Curry, recognized to explain
the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, this one is another one of the teaching retirement package
bills for this session. The best way I can describe this is many of you have home mortgages and interest rates on those home mortgages. Many of you have refinanced, I'm sure, to get the lower interest rate. Not yet. The
way this is set up, this is kind of like having a balloon note
on that mortgage to where you suddenly end up at your seven-year balloon note. You have to go and renegotiate your interest.
By that point in time, the interest rate may not be what you want when you could have locked it in for that 30-year period. The teacher retirement system is set up right now to where they are required to take new RFPs on their investments every seven years. And if they're getting a good fee
structure, if they're getting a great return, we'd really hate to give that up, especially on a system that has got several years' worth of unfunded liabilities.
So what this does, this allows them, if they're keeping a good
rate, or getting a good rate, allows them to keep that fund manager and to keep those investments in place. With that, I'd like to take any questions. Seeing none, I appreciate a good vote. Representative Kerr has explained
the bill. Does anyone wish to speak against
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the bill or for the bill? If not, the question before the House is passage of Senate Bill 111. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. You're voting
on the bill and the emergency clause.
Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast the ballots for 93 yeas, 0 nays, and 0 present. You pass the
Chair
Unverified
1:06:29
bill and the emergency clause. Reach Senate Bill 440. Senate Bill 440 by Senator Hendren to amend the procurement requirements for non-visual access technology and to
declare an emergency. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, this bill cleans up some language in a law that was passed in 2011 regarding procurement for blind and visually impaired.
The law that we passed has a 100 percent requirement that all software is accessible for the blind and visually impaired. The problem that's arisen from that is software vendors cannot meet that requirement. The language in the bill aligns it with federal law, and the bill will still read to the extent provided in the subchapter individuals who are blind or visually impaired
shall be provided access to the advanced technology that is provided to other employees If technology that allows access for individuals who are blind or visually impaired is not reasonably available, individuals who are blind or visually impaired shall be provided a reasonable accommodation. So this bill will actually help those who are blind or visually impaired because we'll be able to have a wider range of software available to purchase, and we can actually buy software that can meet the standards that we have in our procurement laws right now,
Now, both DFA and the Department of Information Systems support this bill. I would appreciate a good vote. Representative Westerman has explained the
bill. Does anyone wish to speak against the bill for the bill? If not, the question before the House is a passage of Senate Bill 440. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. Voting on the bill and the emergency clause. Has everyone voted? As everyone voted, cast the ballots to 93 yeas, 0 nays, and 0 present.
You have passed the bill and the emergency
clause. Move to the yellow budget calendar. Representative Baird,
you recognize. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, we only have one bill on the yellow calendar today. This is a supplemental appropriation for the current fiscal year. When the highway amendment passed in 2012, there was transfer language in there. It takes one cent off of the existing fuel tax and transfers that over into the state aid street fund.
That transfer started immediately. The funds are accumulating in that fund. And so what this amendment does is it appropriates $15 million to allow us to start processing that money and sending that money out to the city. So the money is accumulating. We just want to give them the authority to do that. I appreciate a good vote.
Chair
Unverified
1:09:30
Mr. Clerk, read Senate Bill 276. Senate Bill 276, Senator Irwin, an act for the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department,
State Aid Street System Supplement Appropriation. Representative Baird has explained the bill. Does anyone wish to speak
against the bill? For the bill. If not, the question before the House has passed the Senate Bill 276. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. Voting on the bill and the emergency clause. Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast the ballots for 90 yeas, 0 nays, and 0 present. You passed the bill and the emergency clause. Representative Baird, if you would please come to the well and you'd be recognized for any announcement.
Chair
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1:10:14
While you're on your way, Mr. Clerk, read the committee reports. Mr. Speaker, we, your Committee on Rules, to whom was referred House Bill 1531, House Bill 1554, Senate Bill 329, Senate Bill 330, Senate Bill 331, and Senate Bill 426, big lead report we had the same under consideration here with, return the same for recommendation that they do pass, respectfully submitted, Representative Stephanie Malone, Chair.
Representative Baird, you're recognized for an announcement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, I have filed 21 general improvement appropriations. They are House Bill 1591 through House Bill 1611. We're planning on adding everyone as a co-sponsor on these bills unless you do not want to be a co-sponsor. So I would just ask that by 5 o'clock today, if you could just let me know if you do not want to be a co-sponsor on one of these bills. And I'd be happy to take your name off. Send me an email or I'll be in the chamber, and I'd be happy to answer any questions.
Thank you. Representative Baird, you're recognized. After the announcements, reading of the bills, placing the calendars on the desk, commending members on bills with their own amendments, members withdrawing their own bills, finalizing resolutions, reading communications, and any remaining committee reports. I move we adjourn until 1.30 tomorrow. Proper
motion, not debatable. All in favor say aye.
Any opposed, nay, ayes, have it. Motion carries. Any announcements? Representative Gilliam, be recognized for an
announcement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, as we're gearing up for the basketball game versus the Senate, which will be two weeks from last night, I still have a few details we have to iron out as far as who's going to be on the team. So if you are wanting to be on the team, please see me or the chief of staff to make sure that we get you on the roster. Also, one final detail that has come up, we are going to have T-shirts for every member of the house.
You do not have to play, but we are going to get you a T-shirt. So please contact me with your T-shirt size and your seniority number. by the end of
the day tomorrow. Thank you. Mr. Gillum, make sure the doctor of the day is at
the basketball game. Representative Wilkins, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Announcement, please. State agencies will meet 10 minutes
Chair
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1:12:52
after adjournment. Representative Collins, you're recognized.
Representative Charlie Collins
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1:12:54
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Tax committee, we have a dinner tonight.
There will be no tax committee meeting tomorrow. The tax committee will meet again
Chair
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1:13:04
on Tuesday. Representative Baird, you're recognized. Public Health in the morning at 10 a.m. Representative Baird,
you're recognized. Joint Budget tomorrow, 8 a.m., Big Mac A. Representative McCreary, you're recognized.
Representative Walls McCrary
Unverified
1:13:17
Colleagues, the weather's pretty. Country caucus is on. Come to Beavis Farm, have a burger, and Ms. Perry's pie. We'll see you there tonight.
Thank you. Representative McLean, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Education will meet tomorrow at 10, room 138.
Representative Jean, you're recognized. Joint budget personnel after adjournment today in Big Mac B. Are there
any other announcements? Representative Westerman, you're
recognized. Republican caucus meeting, 430 at RPA. Are there any other
Chair
Unverified
1:13:51
announcements? Read the bills, Mr. Clerk. House Bill 1695. Section, read the bill again. House Bill 1695. Local.
City, county, and local. House Bill 1696. Without objection, read it again. House Bill 1696. Revenue and tax. House Bill 1697. Without objection, read it again. House Bill 1697. Revenue and tax. House Bill 1698. Without objection, read it again. House Bill 1698. Education. House Bill 1699. Without objection, read it again. House Bill 1699. Transportation. House Bill 1700. Without objection, read it again.
House Bill 1700, Judiciary, House Bill 1701, without objection, read the bill again, House Bill 1701, Transportation, House Bill 1702, without objection, read the bill again, House Bill 1702, Transportation, House Bill 1703, without objection, read the bill again, House Bill 1703, Agri,
House Bill 1704 Without objection, read the bill again House Bill 1704 Agri House Bill 1705 Without objection, read the bill again House Bill 1705 Agri House Bill 1706 Without objection, read the bill again House Bill 1706 Aging children and youth House Bill 1707 Without objection, read the bill again House Bill 1707 Transportation H.R. 1027
Speaker 22
1:15:35
H.R. 1027 Aging children and youth H.R. 1028 H.R. 1028 H.R. 1029 H.R. 1029 H.R. 1029 H.R. 1029 H.R. 1029 H.R. 1029 H.R. 1029 H.R. 1029 H.R. 1029 H.R. 1029 H.R. 1029 H.R. 1029 The desk will remain
open for reading of the bills until 4 p.m. today. upon completion of
Speaker 25
1:15:56
the items and the adjourn resolution. The House will be adjourned until 1.30 p.m. tomorrow.
Agenda
Call To Order
Prayer & Pledge
Committee Reports
HR1016
SB134
HB1384
HB1486
HB1485
HB1517
HB1458
HB1216
HB1124
HB1128
HB1239
SB227
SB6
SB111
SB440
SB276
Announcements
Reading of the Bills
Documents
No documents posted.
Speakers
Speaker 1
Speaker 3
Speaker 4
Representative Davy Carter Chair
Unverified
Chair
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Speaker 15
Speaker 23
Speaker 25
Representative Stephen Meeks
Unverified
Speaker 27
Representative Ann V. Clemmer
Unverified
Representative Bruce Westerman Chair
Unverified
Speaker 34
Speaker 51
Representative Josh Miller
Unverified
Representative Butch Wilkins Chair
Unverified
Speaker 67
Representative Scott Baltz
Unverified
Representative Randy Alexander
Unverified
Representative James McLean
Unverified
Speaker 49
Representative Jim Nickels
Unverified
Representative Walls McCrary
Unverified
Representative Bob Ballinger
Unverified
Speaker 86
Speaker 89
Representative Kim Hammer
Unverified
Speaker 88
Speaker 94
Speaker 95
Representative Micah S. Neal
Unverified
Representative Kelley Linck
Unverified
Speaker 97
Speaker 106
Representative Andy Mayberry
Unverified
Speaker 7
Representative Allen Kerr Chair
Unverified
Speaker 28
Representative John K. Hutchison
Unverified
Representative John Catlett
Unverified
Speaker 131
Representative Bill Gossage
Unverified
Speaker 134
Representative Stephanie Malone
Unverified
Speaker 137
Representative Duncan Baird Chair
Unverified
Representative Jeremy Gillam Chair
Unverified
Representative Charlie Collins
Unverified
Speaker 22