February 15, 2013
Video
Transcript
Bills discussed (21)
| Bill | Title | Sponsor | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
|
HB1252
· 4 mentions in transcript, chapter
Matched: “Representative Edwards, move as we place House Bill 1252 back on second reading for the purpose of amendment. Proper…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
|
HB1243
· 3 mentions in transcript, chapter
Matched: “Clerk, read House Bill 1243. House Bill 1243, by Representative Collins and all, to all…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
|
HR1005
· 3 mentions in transcript, chapter
Matched: “House Resolution 1005 to designate the month of March as Multiple System Atrophy…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
|
SB57
· 3 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…o engrossing, Mr. Clerk. Representative Neal moves we place Senate Bill 57 back”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
|
HB1127
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1127”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
|
HB1187
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…e, your Committee on State Agencies, to whom is referred to House Bill 1187. House Bill 1311, House Bill 1313, and Senate Bill 215, beg…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
|
HB1210
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1210”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
|
HB1245
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1245”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
|
HB1280
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1280”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
|
HB1300
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…mmittee on city, county, and local. to whom was referred to House Bill 1300, House Bill 1314, and House Bill 1315. Beg to leave the rep…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
|
HB1311
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…on State Agencies, to whom is referred to House Bill 1187. House Bill 1311, House Bill 1313, and Senate Bill 215, beg to lead to repor…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
|
HB1313
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…s, to whom is referred to House Bill 1187. House Bill 1311, House Bill 1313, and Senate Bill 215, beg to lead to report. We've had the…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
|
HB1314
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…county, and local. to whom was referred to House Bill 1300, House Bill 1314, and House Bill 1315. Beg to leave the report. We had the s…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
|
HB1315
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…whom was referred to House Bill 1300, House Bill 1314, and House Bill 1315. Beg to leave the report. We had the same under considerati…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
|
HR10
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…es. Send the bill to engrossing, Mr. Clerk. Mr. Clerk, read House Resolution 10-0-5.”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
|
HR1011
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ommittee on aging children and youth to whom is referred to House Resolution 1011, House Resolution 1013, and Senate Bill No. 42, beg”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
|
HR1013
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ren and youth to whom is referred to House Resolution 1011, House Resolution 1013, and Senate Bill No. 42, beg”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
|
SB112
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB112”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
|
SB208
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB208”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
|
SB215
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…d to House Bill 1187. House Bill 1311, House Bill 1313, and Senate Bill 215, beg to lead to report. We've had the same under considerat…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
|
SB217
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ommittee on city, county, and local to whom was referred to Senate Bill 217.”
|
Pre-2017 bill |
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Chair
Unverified
0:00
Just to be led by Representative Debbie Hobbs. All
Speaker 2
0:03
right, let's go to the Lord in prayer. Father, we want to thank you for this day, Lord. And I want to thank you, Lord, for the privilege to stand here in our state capital and to pray for our state representatives and the session that's here today. And, Lord, I just want to say that I love you. And, Father, we want to praise you, Father, for who you are. And, Lord, we want to thank you, Lord, that we live in such a wonderful nation as the United States of America.
And we thank you, Father, for those that you've chosen and that you've set up to be our legislators, to guide our country, to guide our state. And today, Father, we pray for our state representatives. Lord, we pray that you give them wisdom. We pray you give them knowledge. We pray you give them understanding. And, Father, I pray that, Lord, that you would just guide every thought that they have today. I pray that you would guide every decision that needs to be made. And, Father, we thank you, Lord, for what we've heard that's come out of the session this year.
We thank you, Lord God, for the law on the abortion. What a tremendous victory, Lord God, that our state has had in that, and the tremendous victory with the gun laws and then other laws that's been made. Lord, we thank you and we praise you that, Lord God, you've guided our state to make these good decisions. And I pray, Lord God, you continue to guide those here today in making these good decisions. I pray you could help them to make decisions, Lord, that would bring protection for our families, for our children, for our schools.
And, Lord, I pray that, Lord, that you would help them to make good decisions that would protect not just us physically, but, Lord, that would protect us spiritually, Lord God, to continue to let us have the freedoms that we have to preach the Word of God, to live the Christian life, Lord God, to worship You without fear and without worrying about government intervention. And Father, I pray that You bless them and help them to make good decisions that will protect us morally, Father. And Lord God, I pray that, Lord God,
that Your glory would be upon the House of Representatives today and that, Lord God, the fear of God would be here. And Lord, that You would make the Arkansas a lighthouse to the rest of our nation that, Lord God, the other states would look to us even Washington, D.C. would look to Arkansas and know that there's a living God here that, Lord God, it's worthwhile making decisions according to the Word of God and, Lord God, You would use this state, Lord God to bring a nationwide revival into our land
that, Lord God, we might be one nation under You once again and, Father, I do pray that You forgive us of our sins and our trespasses that we've committed against You. And I pray You'll be gracious to us today. And Lord, we give You all the honor, all the glory, all the praise. In Jesus' name, amen.
Speaker 6
3:03
Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God,
Chair
Unverified
3:11
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Members, indicate
Speaker 6
3:24
your presence by pushing your yellow present button. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. yellow
Chair
Unverified
3:43
yellow res a button Cast the balance, Mr. Clerk. There are 93 members present. The chair sees a quorum. Are there any requests for
Speaker 13
4:04
leave? Representative Wardlaw, you're recognized. Leave. Representative Nichols, please.
Chair
Unverified
4:08
Leave granted for Representative Nichols. Leave granted. Representative Jean, you're recognized. Leave Representative Hickerson.
Leave Granted for Representative Hickerson. Leave Granted for Representative Steele. Leave Representative Wright. Leave Granted
Speaker 15
4:20
for Representative Wright. Granted for Representative Hutchinson. Leave Representative Ferguson. Leave Granted for Representative Hutchinson. Leave Granted
Chair
Unverified
4:29
for Representative Love. You recognize. Leave...
Speaker 16
4:32
Leave Representative Word. Leave Granted for Representative
Chair
Unverified
4:37
Word. Leave Granted. granted. Any other requests for leave? Representative Love. Leave for Representative Walker. Leave
granted for Representative Walker. Leave. Leave granted. Representative
James, the old word moves to be dispensed with the reading of the previous day's journal. No objections, so order.
Speaker 19
4:58
Are there reports from select committees? Are there reports
Chair
Unverified
5:03
from standing committees? Read the reports, Mr. Clerk. Mr. Speaker, we are your committee on aging children and youth to whom is referred to House Resolution 1011, House Resolution 1013, and Senate Bill No. 42, beg
to leave the report. We've had the same under consideration herewith, return the same with the recommendation that they do pass, respectively submitted, David Meeks, Chair. Mr. Speaker, we, your Committee on State Agencies, to whom is referred to House Bill 1187. House Bill 1311, House Bill 1313, and Senate Bill 215, beg to lead to report. We've had the same under consideration.
Herewith return the same with the recommendation that they do pass, respectfully submitted, and re-lead chair. Mr. Speaker, we are your committee on city, county, and local. to whom was referred to House Bill 1300, House Bill 1314, and House Bill 1315. Beg to leave the report. We had the same under consideration here. We have returned the same with the recommendation that they do pass. Respectfully submitted, David Fielding, Chair. Mr. Speaker, we are a committee on city, county, and local to whom was referred to Senate Bill 217.
Beg to leave the report. We've had the same under consideration here. We have to return the same with the recommendation that it do pass as amended. Respectfully submitted, David Fielding,
Speaker 15
6:36
Chair. Is there any unfinished business? Are there any executive communications?
Chair
Unverified
6:41
Representative Edwards, move as we place House Bill 1252 back on second reading for the purpose of amendment. Proper motion. All in favor, say aye.
Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries. Read the amendment, Mr. Clerk. Amendment number one to House Bill 1252. Representative Edwards, you're recognized to explain the amendment. This is
Representative John Charles Edwards
Unverified
7:05
an amendment I worked with Representative Viviano on to include the Freedom of Information Act on his legislation. I appreciate a good vote. Representative Edwards has explained
Chair
Unverified
7:16
the amendment. Does anyone wish to speak against the amendment? For the amendment, Representative Edwards, closed for the amendment.
The question before the House is the passage of Amendment 1, House Bill 1252. All in favor, say aye. Any opposed?
Motion carries. Senate Bill to engrossing, Mr. Clerk. Representative Neal moves we place Senate Bill 57 back
on second reading for the purpose of amendment. All in favor, say aye. Any opposed? Motion carries. Representative, Mr. Clerk, read Amendment 1.
Amendment number one to Senate Bill 57.
Representative Neal, you're recognized to explain the
Representative Micah S. Neal
Unverified
8:12
amendment. This is just some cleanup, but thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is just some cleanup language for ACIC and just some ands and does and stuff. So, thank you.
Chair
Unverified
8:25
Representative Neal has explained the amendment. Does anyone wish to speak against the amendment? For the amendment? Not the question before the House. It's passage of Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 57. All in favor say
aye. Any opposed? Motion carries. Send the bill to engrossing, Mr. Clerk. Mr. Clerk, read House Resolution 10-0-5.
House Resolution 1005 to designate the month of March as Multiple System Atrophy Awareness Month to increase public awareness of this progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects the autonomic functions of the body. Representative Steele, you're recognized to explain the resolution. Thank
you, Mr. Speaker. Dear members, today I
Representative Nate Steel
Unverified
9:13
think is one of these days where we can, one of the most rewarding things we do in this job.
I think we have a chance to do something to really benefit the citizens of Arkansas, and I want to ask
for your support of this resolution. This
resolution came to me from a constituent of mine named Glenda Jenkins, whose husband suffers from multiple system atrophy, a rare disease, rarely known about disease. Most people aren't aware that this disease even exists until they have a loved one or friend diagnosed. She described what he's been going through with this diagnosis and described some other friends of hers that she knows has been diagnosed with this
and asked if there was anything we could do about it. I know a resolution to declare March, the Awareness Month for this disease, is only a small step in the right direction, but we're hoping that after this declaration and after we can raise some awareness, we might be able to get more resources down the line to help prevent this disease, to help study treatment for this disease, and help make sure that programs like Medicare cover this disease, which they currently do not. I want to thank Representative Meeks and his committee for giving us a very good hearing.
They asked some excellent questions. Since I filed this legislation, this resolution, I've become aware of many more people that I didn't know were diagnosed with this disease. After coming to the committee, I think Representative Ferguson pointed out a local judge here in Little Rock that many of you have known and a former constituent of mine from back in Howard County, Judge Melinda Gilbert, who passed away from this disease. Since that time, I was contacted by someone in our IT department over at the Bureau of Legislative Research
named Matthew Johnson, whose mother suffers from this disease. So it may be that it's not as rare as we would hope, but just awareness is more rare than we would like. So that's what we're trying to do today. And, Mr. Speaker, I want to thank you for this hearing today. I want to ask that we all recognize my guest here today, Ms. Glenda Jenkins and her family, her daughters, Becky and Stacey, her son, son-in-law, Brian, her grandchildren, Colton and Emily,
her sister-in-law, Susan, and a friend of hers named Jamie Young, whose mother is also suffering this disease here in the East Gallery. If we could give them a warm welcome, please. And at this time, Mr. Speaker, I would ask that the clerk read the resolution
Chair
Unverified
11:55
in full. Read the resolution, Mr. Clerk. Whereas multiple-system atrophy is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects many of the autonomic body systems,
such as loss of balance and coordination, feigning and dizziness due to severely low blood pressure, bladder and bowel issues, speech and swallowing difficulties, sleep disturbances, breathing problems, rigidity and tremors similar to Parkinson's disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and whereas multiple system atrophy generally affects middle-aged men and women and advances rapidly with the progressive loss of motor skills and eventually confinement to bed and death, and whereas people rarely live 15 years with multiple system atrophy,
and whereas there is no remission from multiple system atrophy and currently no cure, whereas the current lack of awareness of multiple system atrophy leads to misdiagnosis and mistreatment, as well as misdirected research funding that could be better applied to find a cure for multiple system atrophy. 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 designates the month of March as Multiple System Atrophy Awareness Month
to increase public awareness of this progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects the autonomic functions of the body. Representative Steele
has explained the resolution does anyone wish to speak against the resolution for the resolution not the question before the House the passage of House Resolution 1005 all
in favor say aye any opposed motion carries let the record show the resolution passed unanimously applause
applause applause applause Members, at this time, I would like to welcome our doctor of the day, Dr. G. Edward Bryant, Jr. of
West Memphis. Welcome, doctor. Morning hour has ended.
Representative Mark D. McElroy
Unverified
14:04
What purpose, Mr. McElroy? Privilege, please. I'm a freshman. Personal privilege, please.
Chair
Unverified
14:13
Can you step up here for a minute, Representative McRuie?
Thank you. Representative McElroy, you're recognized for a point of personal privilege. You're recognized at the well. Thank
Representative Mark D. McElroy
Unverified
14:55
you, Mr. Speaker, and I appreciate that. I know you're going out on a limb for me. And I looked at you in the eye. And you know, I was raised up, I'm going to tell you something, I was raised up real poor. Not poor, poor. I got a 12th grade education. I'm going on. I'm not running for speaker because I can't even hardly talk.
And I'm not running for Republican Party. I'm not running for independent party. I like my man John back there is what I like. But I'm coming here today. I gave you all my word. And the preacher, he prayed the best prayer when he said, you know, we pray today that they'll come together and set an example. And I'm not running for governor either. If the governor gets on me, I'm dead.
But I want to tell you something. This is an awkward time for us. You know, this is the first time in 138
years that our Republican friends have taken over. And I salute you. You're deserving of time. And I want to salute my green friend, even though he's out. and I really want to support my I see you sweating there working with me you think I'm going to cut the governor's throat
because we've got the best governor that any state has ever had and we've got the best speaker of the house the world has ever seen Representative McRoy I appreciate it if you just work with me
Chair
Unverified
16:33
trust me five seconds more please Representative Wren Point
Representative Mark D. McElroy
Unverified
16:37
of order Please, please Immediate Can we pray? Representative McElroy, we've been called to point of order All I'm saying is let's vote for the 30,000 people
And I know every one of you, every one of you are good people Every one of you are good people And I'm going to ask a special, special thing To trust us that the governor has a staff and all
Chair
Unverified
17:04
the people Could you come up with me, please? Representative McRoy, I'm going to ask you
Representative Davy Carter
Unverified
17:09
to just have a point of order. Representative Westerman, we'll pass over 1041. Mr.
Chair
Unverified
17:29
Clerk, read House Bill 1243. House Bill 1243, by Representative Collins and all, to allow trained and licensed staff and faculty to carry a concealed handgun on a university college or community college campus under certain circumstances.
Representative Charlie Collins
Unverified
17:41
The President of the College, you're recognized to explain the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members. One of the things I try and do whenever I introduce a bill is address something concrete in terms of an opportunity or a problem. And the reason I'm introducing House Bill 1243 is because we've got a serious problem in America. On our college campuses, about every two months, we have somewhere in the country a shooting incident.
And our loved ones are the ones that are suffering. So one of the things I think we can do to protect our loved ones is to move forward with this bill. When I first introduced it in 2011, I walked through a series of the recent shooting incidents at that time, which included the 2007 incident at Blacksburg, Virginia, where dozens of people were killed. Since 2010, we've had 31 incidents, resulting in 58 people being killed and 37 being wounded.
Some of those are May 10, 2011, San Jose State University, three dead. April 7, 2012, Oikos University, seven dead, three wounded. And just last month, January 15, 2013, Hazard Community and Technical College, three dead. So what can we do about it? I believe that if we allow concealed carry holders to be able to carry at work,
that we can have a significant deterrent effect for some of these crazies and killers that are putting our loved ones at risk. Now, one of the things that my old boss taught me was people are always concerned that the cure may be worse than the disease. So, when I listened to a lot of the feedback that I heard when I introduced this several years ago, the number one concern people brought to me was that somehow students, irresponsible students perhaps,
maybe even that proverbial 18-year-old drunk boy running through a dorm room, may get a hold of a weapon and create more danger than we're actually solving. So one of the things I did when I drafted this legislation is specifically prohibit students, even if they were military veterans and 21 or 25 years old or anything along those lines, so that we could do everything possible to eliminate the potential for the weapons to get in the wrong person's hands.
There's also a specific prohibition against storing weapons in a dorm room. so even if you are a professor or a staff member and for some reason you're staying in a dorm room, you would not be allowed to store your weapon there. We've done everything we can to ensure that we've got as safe a program as possible. And the reason that can work is because it's some deterrent that's necessary. It's the fact that somebody may be armed that can be the deterrent for those folks that may do our loved ones harm.
The other thing that we did when we amended the bill earlier this week was to allow public colleges an opt-out so that they can choose not to allow concealed carry on their campuses. This change got the public two-year and four-year colleges across the state of Arkansas to agree not to oppose the bill.
So we've worked hard to make sure that we can make a step forward in terms of protecting the lives of our loved ones in Arkansas, but at the same time not create new dangers and ensure that we've got some alignment with those folks that matter a lot to us in terms of the public colleges. I would also say that the state police are neutral on this bill, And so with that, Mr. Speaker, I'm happy to take any questions.
Chair
Unverified
22:16
Representative Whitaker, you're recognized for a question.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Collins, I just
Representative David Whitaker
Unverified
22:21
have a couple of questions that arise from the recent amendments to your bill. For my benefit and those other members who are not in Education Committee the day you introduced them, I was hoping you could answer a couple of questions that will help us understand what these amendments did. My understanding, just for point of clarification, I believe you just said that one of the amendments allows an opt-out. So my question is, does that mean if this bill passes, the default setting would be the allowing of concealed carries on columns and campuses?
Yes. And they would have to affirmatively vote to ban those? They would have to affirmatively vote annually to opt-out, correct. and to the point on the annual vote. We were wondering if, and some of the folks back home in Fayetteville were wondering if you could expound on your rationale for requiring this vote to be held continually
Representative Charlie Collins
Unverified
23:21
until kingdom come. Sure, I'm happy to expound on it. If you look at the way that our concealed carry laws are designed,
And a private person or anyone that owns a private area is always allowed to put up signs to say no handguns allowed. Since the public buildings, I believe we, frankly, represent the owners of those buildings, meaning our constituents. Frankly, I think we ought to be in a position to make this decision. However, since so many folks believe that the public universities and colleges should be the decision makers, I'm willing to cede what I believe is our authority to them.
So the law will be similar to the way the concealed carry law is everywhere, but these boards of trustees will have the option not to follow the law. So for them to do that, they simply have to opt out. As you and I both know, boards of trustees change over time, circumstances change over time, So by having an annual vote, like they do so many other things, whether it's budgets, policies, emergency preparedness plans, or other common business, for me this could fit neatly into an annual meeting or a quarterly meeting.
Representative David Whitaker
Unverified
24:34
Okay, and just one or two
more. Is this annual vote required to be on a date certain each year? No. And is it no more than once a year or at least once
Representative Charlie Collins
Unverified
24:53
a year? If you opt out, your opt-out will expire one year from that time. If a board of trustees wanted to do something in between there, the law wouldn't
Representative David Whitaker
Unverified
25:04
speak to that. And how would you address the concern that with this annual revote at any date that the various boards choose with no predictability,
How would you answer the criticism that the permit holder would be at sea trying to figure out what the policy was at any
given time on any given campus? I don't think there's any difficulty for the concealed carry
Representative Charlie Collins
Unverified
25:27
holder. If you look at the way the law works, whether it's on a street, in a mall, in a restaurant, in a bank, or anywhere else, it's always the responsibility of the concealed carry holder to know where he or she is allowed to carry and where he or she is not. And if the concealed carry holder violates that, there are stiff penalties for the concealed carry holder.
Representative David Whitaker
Unverified
25:47
But you do see where confusion could arise with this happening at various dates, unknown to the
Representative Charlie Collins
Unverified
25:54
carrier. Well, the law only allows a carrier to carry at work, so it's not like a professor at University of Arkansas Fayetteville would need to worry about UCA because he or she would not be allowed to carry there regardless. Does the bill
Representative David Whitaker
Unverified
26:08
clearly state that? Yes. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Chair
Unverified
26:18
Representative Collins has explained the bill. If you don't wish to speak against the bill, Representative Whitaker, you recognize, too. Come to well and speak against the bill.
Speaker 61
26:35
I'll be brief. I was this close to being
Representative David Whitaker
Unverified
26:40
able to find this bill acceptable, and give Charlie a yes vote. I had asked him if he could remove the annual requirement for the vote.
I think it makes it a bad and weak law. I'm going to have to vote no. And while I would encourage all of you to join me in voting no, I know for a lot of reasons that many of you cannot or do not feel comfortable with a no vote on any sort of gun legislation. So what I will ask you to do on this bad little law is take a walk on this one. Get a cup of coffee. Start your weekend early. Leave the university and college communities of this state alone
to make these decisions for themselves. Thank you. Representative Whitaker has
Chair
Unverified
27:27
spoken against the bill. Do you want to wish to speak for the bill? Against the bill?
Representative Letting, you recognize to speak against the bill? Thank you, Mr.
Representative Greg Leding
Unverified
27:45
Speaker. Colleagues, the district that I'm fortunate to serve includes nearly the entirety of the University of Arkansas campus, and in the weeks that we've been discussing this measure,
the faculty, staff, students, and parents of these students have spoken loudly, clearly, and with one voice in opposition to this bill. And we have concerns for their safety, but I think their own concerns for their own safety are no less valid than theirs. I understand that this is optional and they would have the opportunity to opt out, but I, we all, were elected to represent these students and parents and faculty and staff members. And while I would love for all of the students on campus to be registered to vote for me, they do come from all across the state, so they are your constituents too, and they oppose this measure.
At the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce Legislative Forum last Friday, we had more than 150 people show up to express clear opposition to this measure. There was not one person in the audience who spoke in favor of it. So today, as the elected representative of the University of Arkansas campus, I will be voting no. Thank you. Representative Mayberry had a question.
Chair
Unverified
28:53
Representative Letting has spoken against the bill. So when we speak for the bill, Representative Burris, you recognize to speak for the bill.
Representative John Burris
Unverified
29:01
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Even though I appreciate some of the comments that have been made, I would simply maybe encourage you to do the exact opposite thing in every way. I would encourage you to support the bill, and I would encourage you to vote, because as Representative Letting pointed out, we are elected to come here, and that means we're elected to come here and make decisions.
We're elected to vote, so vote. This bill gives college campuses the ability to decide for themselves how they best want to protect themselves. It is very simple and reasonable legislation that I think makes college campuses safer. So please vote for the bill. Thank you. Representative Burris has spoken in favor of
Chair
Unverified
29:53
the bill. Does anyone wish to speak against the bill? For the bill, Representative Alexander is recognized to speak for the bill.
Representative Randy Alexander
Unverified
30:01
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also want to encourage you to vote for
the bill. I live in Springdale. I work at the University of Arkansas. I can tell you that there are people there that are faculty, staff, and students who would support this bill. Well, I understand the concern that, you know, a gun brought to campus by someone legally could fall into the wrong hands.
We all know that that can happen with any legislation we pass. There can be unintended consequences. And we can wonder about that. One thing we do not have to wonder about is what happens currently when a person goes onto a college campus with an intent to use a gun against students, faculty, and staff. We don't have to wonder about that. We know what happens. People die. In some cases, quite a number of people die.
If I had been at Virginia Tech the day that incident happened, I would have welcomed any faculty member who had a concealed carry. Could he have stopped it completely, he or she? Maybe not. But probably if someone had been on the scene, they could have mitigated the loss of life and the injury that occurred on that day. I would also just like to point out that that's not the only reason to support this bill. I feel like the bill, frankly, doesn't go far enough.
I would not give universities the option because we had this thing called the Second Amendment. It's enshrined in our Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, and it states that the right of citizens to keep and bear arms will not be infringed. I support this bill because I think it's a step in the right direction, which is a direction that supports the Constitution of the United States. I trust citizens who can legally carry to exercise that responsibility in an appropriate way.
And a long history of concealed carry in this campus verifies that that trust is not misplaced. So I urge you to vote for this bill. Representative Alexander
Chair
Unverified
32:26
has spoken in favor of the bill. Does anyone wish to speak against the bill, for the bill?
Representative Hawthorne already recognized to speak for the bill.
Representative Fonda Hawthorne
Unverified
32:46
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would encourage you all to vote for this bill. I have one community college, but they have three branches in my district. Two of the branches are located out of the outskirts of town, which for the incident occurred. the police, it would take them a little bit more time to get there. My chancellor, I discussed this with him, he polled his staff and his teachers 75% approve of this bill.
So I ask you to vote
Chair
Unverified
33:23
for it. Thank you. Representative Hawthorne has spoken for the bill. Does anyone wish to speak against the bill for the bill?
Representative Charlie Collins
Unverified
33:36
Representative Collins, you recognize the close for your bill. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And I live in Fayetteville with representatives Letting and Whitaker, so I understand the sincerity and the passion and the weight of this decision on lots of folks,
and I appreciate their passion. The thing that I just want to make sure everybody realizes is before I filed this bill, I gave a draft copy to the University of Arkansas system lawyer, Melissa Russ. They then had, at one of their off-site meetings, kind of a complete discussion of the bill and had a chance to get back with me before I filed it. When I amended the bill, I talked to President Don Bobbitt of the UA system, and then he talked with the attorney, Melissa Rust.
They again went to the colleges, and after that amendment was through, that's when the public colleges of Arkansas, two-year and four-year, agreed not to oppose the bill. So I'm sensitive to the concerns. I feel like I've worked them as well as they can be worked, and I sure would appreciate a good vote. Thank you. Representative
Chair
Unverified
34:41
Collins has closed for his bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1243. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk.
Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast the ballots, Mr. Clerk. With 70 yays, 11 nays, and 1 present, you have passed the bill. Read House Bill 1013. Representative Collins moves for the clincher. All in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Clencher is
adopted. Mr. Clerk, read House Bill 1013. House Bill 1013, by Representatives Edwards and all, to change the location, use, and capacity of the Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Home.
Representative Davy Carter
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35:38
Where is he? I'm going to pass over House Bill 1013. Read House Bill
Chair
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36:02
1210. Mr. Clerk. House Bill 1210 for Representatives McGill and all concerned the filing period for city offices in a city administrative form of government.
Representative McGill, you're recognized to explain
Representative George B. McGill
Unverified
36:18
your bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. this this particular bill pertains to cities that have city administrative forms of government currently in the state of arkansas there's three remaining that's fort smith siloam springs and the city of barley currently when people file for city director or mayor there they have 70 days before the election to file their statements and petitions.
At the same time, the city clerk has that same amount of time. So quite often, someone will file at the very last minute, which creates a hardship for our city clerk in that sometimes she may have only two to three hours to complete her certifications of those documents. What we're asking is to extend the filing period for those candidates, which will give our city clerk a window of about five days to do her certification work
Chair
Unverified
37:18
representative mcgill has explained this bill does anyone wish to speak against the bill for
the bill represent mcgill you close for your bill question from the house the passage of house bill 1210 prepare the machine mr clerk has everyone voted has everyone voted cast the ballots Mr. Clerk with 80 yays 81 nays 81 yays, 0 nays and 0 present you have passed the bill
thank you Mr. Speaker and body Mr. Clerk read House
Bill 1127 House Bill 1127 by Representative Hillman to amend the Local Government Joint Investment Trust
Act. Representative Hillman, you're recognized to
Representative David Hillman
Unverified
38:12
explain your bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. What this bill does, it allows the City Investment Committee to make deposits directly into a cash management fund.
Currently, it takes a vote of the City Council, And these funds are usually placed in these cash management accounts for a very short period of time, like overnight or over a weekend or maybe a week or so. And what this does, it allows this committee to make these deposits rather than action of the city council. President Hillman has explained
Chair
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38:50
this bill. Does Hillman wish to speak against the bill?
For the bill? President Hillman, close for your bill. Question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1127. Prepare the
machine, Mr. Clerk. Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast the ballots, Mr. Clerk,
with 82 yeas, 0 nays, and 0 present. You have passed the bill. Read House Bill 1245.
House Bill 1245 by Representative Hammer to amend the law concerning regional solid waste management districts. Representative
Hammer, you're recognized to explain your
Representative Kim Hammer
Unverified
39:44
bill. Mr. Speaker, what this bill does is basically allows that if there is a waste management district in your area and it has a board and one of those board members should happen to fulfill their term, but yet they can still provide valuable service to that waste management district, it allows the current board the opportunity to allow them to serve an additional year.
Currently, these boards serve two terms, four years each, and this does come before you because of a situation that happened in our county where our waste management system was in the middle of making a huge decision and progressing, and there was a board member that had a lot of expertise on there, and as a result of him having fulfilled his term out, he was not able to fulfill or be able to continue to serve to the board's needs. And so this comes as a result of my Solid Waste Management District, also my Saline County judge that passed out of the committee without opposition.
And also ADEQ is accepting of this bill because two things it does is allow for additional leadership to stay on in a short-term basis and also brings continuity to a situation for a wastewater board. I'll be glad to answer any questions. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Appreciate a good
Chair
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41:06
vote. Representative Hammer has explained the bill. Does anyone wish to speak against the bill? For
Speaker 63
41:12
the bill, not the question before the House. The passage of House Bill 1245. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk.
Chair
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41:22
Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast the balance with Mr. Clerk with 84 yeas, 0 nays, 0 present. You have passed
the bill. Read House Bill 1280. House Bill 1280, by Representative Kizia, concerning the prohibition against certain novelty lighters.
Representative Kizia, you're recognized to explain your bill.
Representative David Kizzia
Unverified
41:58
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, friends. I'd like to speak to you for just a few minutes on the reasons that you should be voting for House Bill 1280 today. And I'm going to give you three of them. First, back in 2009, this body passed into law the substance of this bill. So largely what we're doing today is a cleanup. However, there's a part of this that should be of some concern to this body.
because when this bill was initially enacted into law, it was a ban on novelty lighters, and the wording of the statute was such that cigarettes, cigar, and pipe lighters were to be banned, as they have no useful purpose and were often shaped as toys, things that would appeal to small children. What we have done is we have expanded that meaning to cover barbecue grill lighters. Now, part of what that does, and this is part that maybe should make you mad, is that the folks who manufacture these sorts of devices which have no useful purpose
and which apply and appeal to small children, they relabeled them, sized them up a little bit, and called them grill lighters. They're dangerous. They're a nuisance item. They appeal to kids. So for the first reason, I'd like for you to vote in favor of this bill is because they're not safe. Secondly, I'd like for you to vote for it because it's cleanup. We've already gone here. We've already set precedent. We've already established law in this state designed to do away with these things.
And lastly, I'd like you to vote for it because it's bad for business. After I filed this bill, I was contacted by the U.S. Lighter Association, the folks that represent Zippo and BIC and all the other U.S.-made lighters. And they love this bill. They think they're a horrible thing. They think they're a nuisance. They think they're dangerous. They think that they are targeted towards children. And as you all may remember, I believe it was in 2007, a couple of small children in Russellville burned to death after playing with one of these things.
That's not the reputation they want their industry to have. You're on the right side of things with this bill. I'd
Chair
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44:14
appreciate a good vote. Representative Alexander for a purpose Question? Recognize
Representative Randy Alexander
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44:19
for a question I've seen some of these but I'm wondering specifically could you give an example of some that you believe are dangerous and could you also clarify do you mean dangerous in terms of subject to malfunctioning or what do you mean by that?
Representative David Kizzia
Unverified
44:36
Well I was strongly exhorted not to bring exhibits to the well with me today, but at my table I've got an example of one shaped like a rifle, one that's shaped like a duck. Most grill lighters also have a safety latch that you depress at the same time that you use the ignition switch. These do not. They are a simple on-off sort of switch. That's what we're trying to do with that, Representative. Thank you for your question.
Speaker 63
45:07
Representative Payton, for what purpose? Question. You're recognized for a question. Sir,
Speaker 81
45:11
I have one that looks like a fishing pole that I light my grill with. Would that be banned, even if it has the safety switch we're talking about? Yes, sir. Okay,
Chair
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45:19
thank you. Representative Cazayas explained the bill. Does anyone wish to speak against the bill? Before the bill? If not,
the question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1280. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk.
Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast the balance, Mr. Clerk, with 57 yeas, 16 nays, and 0 present, you have passed the bill. Representative today moves the clincher. All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Clinchers adopted. Mr. Clerk, read Senate Bill
208. Senate Bill 208 to clarify the authority of the Arkansas Real Estate Commission
and to provide alternative disciplinary procedures for a real
estate licensee. Representative Viviano, you're recognized to
Representative Mark Biviano
Unverified
46:22
explain the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, this simply allows the Real Estate Commission to issue a citation as opposed to a formal hearing for any minor violation of an agent who's late in taking their CE class on a yearly basis.
This will streamline the process, be more efficient and less costly. And so with
Chair
Unverified
46:45
that, I appreciate a good vote. Thank you. Representative Bibiano has explained the bill. Does anyone wish to speak against
the bill, for the bill? Not the question for the House. Passage of Senate Bill 208. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. Has
Speaker 46
47:04
everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast the
Chair
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47:09
ballots with 82 yeas, 0 nays, and 0 present.
You have passed the bill. Read Senate
Bill 112. Senate Bill 112 to allow the Board of Trustees of the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System to issue rules necessary to align with the rules of the Internal Revenue Service and to
declare an emergency. Representative Kerr, you're recognized to explain the
Representative Allen Kerr
Unverified
47:38
bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, this is another cleanup bill that was on the Teacher Retirement's agenda.
It came through the committee with a 100% vote. What this does, this allows the teacher retirement system to adjust their rules in accordance with the IRS rules. IRS rules change from time to time here a little bit recently, a little more often, and this allows them to adjust that. Not only to strengthen the rules, but to also relax them when the IRS relaxes rules in a certain category. the teacher of retirement can also relax their rules as well.
Chair
Unverified
48:19
I'd appreciate a good vote. Representative Kerr has explained the bill. Does anyone wish to speak against the bill, for the bill? Not the question before the House. Pass it to Senate Bill 112. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. Has everyone voted? Cast the ballots. Voting on the bill and the emergency clause There are 85 yays, 0 nays and 0 present You have passed the bill and the emergency clause
Remember we're going to pass over the yellow budget calendar today Representative Baird, you're recognized
After the announcements, reading of the bills, placing the calendars on the desks Amending 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 on Monday. Proper motion, non-debatable.
Chair
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49:16
All in favor say aye. Any opposed? Motion carries.
I'd like to get everybody's attention and recognize Representative Gillum for an
Representative Jeremy Gillam
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49:26
announcement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, I want to point out something to you that has come to our attention. Make sure everybody is fully aware of the process. But it is extremely important if you are going to be the presenter of a Senate bill, you need to get with the clerks here on the floor, make sure they are aware of the fact that you are going to present that bill. You have to get that on the calendar.
It will not automatically occur. And this is especially important if there are no House co-sponsors on the bill. It will not automatically go on the calendar without your involvement. So please help us with that to make sure there are no delays and hiccups in this process. Thank you. Representative Westerman, you're recognized for
an announcement. There will be a Republican caucus meeting at the Association of Counties at 11 a.m. Representative
Representative Warwick Sabin
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50:19
Saban, you're recognized for an announcement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The freshman caucus will meet Monday afternoon, 15 minutes after adjournment in room 171.
Our speakers will be Tom Kimbrell, the Commissioner of the Department of Ed, and Shane Broadway, Director of the Department of Higher Education. Thank you. Representative Slinker, do you recognize
for an announcement? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Technology Committee will meet at 10 a.m. Monday in room 151. Encourage all members and alternates to attend for a picture. Thank you. Are there any other announcements? The desk will remain
Chair
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50:54
open for the reading of the bills until 2 p.m. today.
And upon completion of the items and adjourned resolution, the House will be adjourned until 1.30 p.m. Monday.
Agenda
Prayer & Pledge
Committee Reports
HB1252
HR1005
HB1243
HB1210
HB1127
HB1245
HB1280
SB208
SB112
Announcements
Documents
No documents posted.
Speakers
Chair
Unverified
Speaker 2
Speaker 6
Speaker 13
Speaker 15
Speaker 16
Speaker 19
Representative John Charles Edwards
Unverified
Representative Micah S. Neal
Unverified
Representative Nate Steel
Unverified
Representative Mark D. McElroy
Unverified
Representative Davy Carter
Unverified
Representative Charlie Collins
Unverified
Representative David Whitaker
Unverified
Speaker 61
Representative Greg Leding
Unverified
Representative John Burris
Unverified
Representative Randy Alexander
Unverified
Representative Fonda Hawthorne
Unverified
Representative George B. McGill
Unverified
Representative David Hillman
Unverified
Representative Kim Hammer
Unverified
Speaker 63
Representative David Kizzia
Unverified
Speaker 81
Representative Mark Biviano
Unverified
Speaker 46
Representative Allen Kerr
Unverified
Representative Duncan Baird Chair
Unverified
Representative Jeremy Gillam
Unverified
Representative Bruce Westerman Chair
Unverified
Representative Warwick Sabin
Unverified
Representative Mary L. Slinkard Chair
Unverified