February 13, 2013
Video
Transcript
Bills discussed (21)
| Bill | Title | Sponsor | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
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HB1209
· 4 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “HB1209”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB1043
· 3 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “HB1043”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB1217
· 3 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “HB1217”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB1237
· 3 mentions in transcript, chapter
Matched: “Read House Bill 1237. House Bill 1237, Representative of Ward Law and All, conce…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB1013
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “House Bill 1013 and House Resolution 1005. Begley report we have the same u…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB1109
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ttee on House rules to whom is referred to House Bill 1295, House Bill 1109, and House Bill 1275. Vaguely report”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB1127
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…we are committee on city, county, local to whom is referred House Bill 1127 House Bill 1245 Senate Bill 154 Begley report we've had the…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB1188
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1188”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB1210
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ker, we are Committee on State Agencies to whom is referred House Bill 1210, Senate Bill 133 and Senate Bill 200 Begley report we've ha…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
|
HB1245
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…on city, county, local to whom is referred House Bill 1127 House Bill 1245 Senate Bill 154 Begley report we've had the same under cons…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB1251
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…we are committee on city, county, local to whom is referred House Bill 1251”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB1275
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…o whom is referred to House Bill 1295, House Bill 1109, and House Bill 1275. Vaguely report”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
|
HB1295
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ker, we are committee on House rules to whom is referred to House Bill 1295, House Bill 1109, and House Bill 1275. Vaguely report”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HR1005
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “House Bill 1013 and House Resolution 1005. Begley report we have the same under consideration here wi…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB112
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…are a committee on public retirement to whom is referred to Senate Bill 112. Begley report we for the same under consideration. Herewit…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB133
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ttee on State Agencies to whom is referred House Bill 1210, Senate Bill 133 and Senate Bill 200 Begley report we've had the same under…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB154
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…, local to whom is referred House Bill 1127 House Bill 1245 Senate Bill 154 Begley report we've had the same under consideration Herewi…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB168
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…insurance and commerce to whom has referred Senate Bill 53, Senate Bill 168, and Senate Bill 208. Big blue port with the same. Under co…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB200
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…es to whom is referred House Bill 1210, Senate Bill 133 and Senate Bill 200 Begley report we've had the same under consideration Herewi…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB208
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…e to whom has referred Senate Bill 53, Senate Bill 168, and Senate Bill 208. Big blue port with the same. Under consideration herewith…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB53
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…a committee on insurance and commerce to whom has referred Senate Bill 53, Senate Bill 168, and Senate Bill 208. Big blue port with t…”
|
Pre-2017 bill |
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Chair
Unverified
0:00
Cast with the balance, Mr. Clark, there are 99 members present, the chair sees a quorum. Are there any requests for leave? Representative James L. Ward,
moves we dispense with the reading of the previous day's journal.
No objection, so order. Are there reports from select committees? Yes. Read the reports, Mr. Clerk.
Mr. Speaker, we are a committee on public retirement to whom is referred to Senate Bill 112. Begley report we for the same under consideration. Herewith return the same with recommendation that do pass. respectfully submitted. Alan Kerr, co-chair. Mr. Speaker, we are committee on House rules to whom is referred to House Bill 12AD. Vaguely report we've had the same under consideration. Here with return the same with the recommendation that do pass. Mr. Speaker, we are committee on House rules to whom is referred to House Bill 1295, House Bill 1109, and House Bill 1275. Vaguely report
we've had the same under consideration. Here with return the same with the recommendation that they do pass as amended. Respectfully
submitted. Stephen Malone, chair. Are there reports from standing committees? Read
Representative Duncan Baird
Unverified
1:20
the reports, Mr. Clerk. Mr. Speaker, we are Committee on Aging to whom is referred
Chair
Unverified
1:25
House Bill 1013 and House Resolution 1005. Begley report we have the same under consideration here with return the same with a recommendation that they do pass. Respectfully submitted, David Meeks, Chair.
Mr. Speaker, we are Committee on State Agencies to whom is referred House Bill 1210, Senate Bill 133 and Senate Bill 200 Begley report we've had the same under consideration Herewith return the same with the recommendation that they do pass Respectfully submitted, Andrea Lee, Chair Mr. Speaker, we are committee on city, county, local to whom is referred House Bill 1127 House Bill 1245 Senate Bill 154 Begley report we've had the same under consideration Herewith return the same with the recommendation that they do pass Mr. Speaker, we are committee on city, county, local to whom is referred House Bill 1251
Begley report we've had the same under consideration Herewith return the same with the recommendation that it do pass as amended. Respectfully submitted. David Fielding, Chair. Mr. Speaker, we are a committee on insurance and commerce to whom has referred Senate Bill 53, Senate Bill 168, and Senate Bill 208. Big blue port with the same. Under consideration herewith return the same with the recommendation that it do pass. Respectfully
Representative Duncan Baird
Unverified
2:24
submitted. Tommy Wren, Chair. Is there any unfinished business? Are there any executive communications?
Speaker 11
2:38
Members, I'd like to welcome the fifth-grade class from County Line Elementary that's here in the gallery today, the guest of Representative
Chair
Unverified
2:59
Bill Gossage. And Ms. Teresa Carter, the Calhoun County Assessor, and the guest of Representative Jeff Wardlaw.
Speaker 11
3:08
And finally, the student ambassadors from the American Cancer Society. Welcome. The morning
Chair
Unverified
3:21
hour has ended. Mr. Clerk, read House Bill 1217. House Bill
Representative Duncan Baird
Unverified
3:26
1217, Representative Link and all to establish the Arkansas Paddle Sport Activities Act. Representative
Chair
Unverified
3:33
Link, you are recognized to explain the bill.
Representative Kelley Linck
Unverified
3:38
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This bill is called the Paddlesport Activities Bill. Sounds exciting, doesn't it? What it is doesn't take any liability away from any paddlesport outfitters. It should not be taken away. A couple years ago, the Buffalo River National Park Service added to the liability requirements of those people that were outfitting canoes on the river that they also cover their customers if, say, they're walking on a gravel bar, if they're camping and had an accident, maybe fell in a fire or something.
That goes way beyond what an outfitter should, in my opinion, and hopefully your opinion, should be held liable for. so this takes it back to what does it make an outfitter a canoe outfitter liable for the equipment and at least some reasonable safe assumption as to the water levels and whether the river might be dangerous or not dangerous when they're put in wrote the bill gave it to the trial lawyers they came back with one one little change we put that in there presented bill to aging children and youth we got an addition from Arkansas Game and Fish who we made a little addition in there to
make sure we kept the life jacket law, and then also from the committee itself, we added one little part in there, and I think it's been well vetted, and I'm proud to have any questions from the floor. I'd appreciate a good vote. Representative
Chair
Unverified
5:03
Link has explained the bill. Does anyone wish to speak against the bill, for the bill? Not
Speaker 18
5:10
the question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1217. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk.
Chair
Unverified
5:18
Is everyone voting? Is everyone voting? Cast at the ballot, Mr. Clerk with 95 yeas, 0 nays, and 0 present, you have passed the bill. Read House Bill 1209. House Bill
1209 by Representative Hutchinson and All to support the fine arts by authorizing the governor to designate an artist laureate.
Representative Hutchinson, you're recognized to explain the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker and fellow statesmen. So
Representative John K. Hutchison
Unverified
6:07
this is what it feels like to stand up here, huh? Y'all going to get me in trouble? Okay.
Today, I'm coming to you. It's a privilege to present House Bill 1209. This bill, when
Speaker 24
6:26
enacted, will allow the governor to confer honorary title of Artist Laureate of the State of Arkansas in recognition of outstanding efforts in art, who is a resident of Arkansas. The person designated as artist laureate shall be a person selected from a list of recommendations submitted to the governor by a committee consisting of head of fine arts departments from the state-supported university and colleges.
When I got asked to present this bill, I got to tell
Representative John K. Hutchison
Unverified
7:04
the truth. I wasn't sure what it was. And so I had to think about it, you know. Well, when I got explained what it was,
I can't even draw a stick, man, okay? But, so I had to sleep on it. To get up here and talk, I have to believe in what I'm talking about, you know.
So I went to sleep that night, and I woke up, and I said, hey, I'm qualified for this. When I was in 10th grade, my mom, she got me hooked on these, what do you call them? I looked at Westerman, and he smiled at me. I had a brainwaps there. But these are
Speaker 24
7:58
life's instructional little calendars, okay? And I've lived my life since then.
Every day, you know, I'd go and I'd, during the year, there's some goodness, you know, there's some
Speaker 28
8:13
goodness. And he's telling me to shut up already here, but I'm
Representative John K. Hutchison
Unverified
8:20
talking. This is my time. Yeah, yeah, yeah. So, you know, I had to, this is a more important bill than me say. And so the good
Speaker 24
8:35
Lord, he blessed us with each and every one of us with a talent, different kind of talent.
And if you're lucky enough in life to figure out what that talent is, you're a lucky person. Okay? So believe it or not, I figured out what mine was. And that is, when y'all talk to me or explain something to me, I see it in picture, motion picture. That's how I see it when you're talking to me. And that's cool.
I mean, that's pretty cool. So in other words, that told me that, you know, I ran my election by one of the quotes 18 years ago that I put on a wall. And for 18 years, I'd sit back and I'd look up there and I'd say, what in the world did I do that for? Put that up there. And it is. It says a politician runs for the next election. A statesman runs for the next generation.
So I challenge each and one of y'all to be, let's be that
Chair
Unverified
9:47
generation of a statesman. Because I'm telling you, 18 years of looking at that, this
Speaker 24
9:55
boy here, this boy here can do it. Okay? And so, with that being
Representative John K. Hutchison
Unverified
10:02
said, I'd like to say just a little bit more of how important this
is. Because I qualify, I promise you I do. don't know representative collins okay and and thanks
Speaker 24
10:16
to everyone hey you know as simple as this
sounds i present this in committee and i'm talking about two quick amendments real quick you know and i i didn't know what to say you know but thanks to my colleagues we got it straight and uh for those of y'all that tell the truth and admits you don't know what this is here's what here's what a an artist laureate does. Art tells the story of all people and all cultures. In prehistoric times, drawings on rock walls recorded the existence of early humans. Egyptians, Greeks,
and Romans informed our human heritage through their art. Artists inspired by biblical times recorded Christian ideals. In Arkansas, we live in a state rich in natural beauty. And in Arkansas, it's surrounded by a variety of art, whether or not we know it. And now I know what it is. Promise. The honorary title of Artist Laureate of the State of Arkansas would recognize outstanding accomplishments and contribution in art by an Arkansan.
An artist laureate of the state of Arkansas would help Arkansans recognize the importance of art as well as it can enrich our lives. Approval of a bill toward an artist laureate of the state of Arkansas would help underscore the importance of art to all people, not just the lucky ones like the judge. An artist laureate of the state of Arkansas can help demonstrate that art is a universal language. reaching out across borders and connecting the world.
An artist laureate of the state of Arkansas can show how art in its many forms stirs the imagination, enhancing creativity for the development of our state. An artist laureate of the state of Arkansas can bring the informed appreciation of art to underserved populations, especially those who struggle to succeed in our schools. An artist laureate of the state of Arkansas is an investment in our state that will pay
dividends for generations to come. And
Representative John K. Hutchison
Unverified
12:36
today I can testify to y'all that I please ask you to pass this bill, please. Thank you.
Speaker 28
12:43
Is there any questions? Is there any questions? Representative
Speaker 11
12:54
Hutchinson has explained the bill as anyone wishes to speak against the bill. Representative Hutchins has left the well. May we speak against the bill, for
Chair
Unverified
13:12
the bill. Representative McElroy, be recognized to speak for the bill. This is a great bill. John's a great friend. I'd appreciate a good vote. Does anyone wish to speak against the
bill, for the bill? To speak for the bill?
Speaker 39
13:37
For what purpose? Speak for the bill and ask a clarifying question.
Recognize and come to the well. Speak for
Representative Randy Alexander
Unverified
13:57
the bill. Thank you. Thank you. This bill was presented to our committee and I completely support it. I have one question. I believe when John read it, he said state-supported institutions would be asked to nominate people. I think in our committee that was amended to include any Arkansas institution, public or private.
I was just curious about that. Thank you. Representative Alexander
Speaker 11
14:21
has spoken for the bill. the bill. Does anyone wish to speak against the bill? For the bill. Representative Hutchinson, would you
Speaker 18
14:27
like to close for your bill? Representative Hutchinson is closed for the bill. The question before the House is passage of House Bill 1209. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. Has everyone voted?
Chair
Unverified
14:48
Has everyone voted? Cast the balance, Mr. Clerk, for 95 yeas,
Zero nays and zero present. You have passed the bill.
Read House Bill 1237. House Bill 1237, Representative of Ward Law and All, concerning training requirements for canine law enforcement units. Representative
of Ward Law, you're recognized to explain the bill. Thank
Representative Jeff Wardlaw
Unverified
15:17
you, Mr. Speaker. I promise I won't stay here that long. This is a good bill. We amended this bill in committee to make the one party that had concerns about it happy,
Chair
Unverified
15:27
and we sure appreciate a good vote. Representative Wardlaw has explained the bill. Does anyone wish to speak against the
bill? For the bill. The question before the House is passage of House Bill 1237. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast at the ballot, Mr. Clerk, with 94 yeas, zero nays, and zero present, you have passed the bill.
Members, I'd like to introduce and welcome our doctors of the day today. First, we have Dr. Don Howard of Hot Springs and Dr. Chad Rogers of Little Rock. Mr. Clerk, read House
Speaker 44
16:16
Bill 1043 House Bill 1043 by Representative Bell
Chair
Unverified
16:23
and all to amend Arkansas law to permit a reward to a state employee when a communication under the Arkansas Whistleblower Act
results in savings of state funds Representative Bell,
Representative Nate Bell
Unverified
16:41
you're recognized to explain the bill Thank you, Mr. Speaker and
colleagues. Well, today I'll be somewhere between the length of time that Representative Hutchinson used and Representative Wardlaw, so I guess today I'm a moderate. The bill that I'll be presenting to you today, I've asked to be placed on your desk a copy of the Arkansas Whistleblower Act,
so everyone should have a copy of the act that this bill actually alters. And I want to draw your attention to that because it's important as you look at this bill that you understand it in that context. As I've vetted this bill with a lot of folks who express concerns, literally every concern that I've had expressed to me about the bill is addressed when you consider that it's secondary to the Arkansas Whistleblower Act. So I want to kind of address some of those concerns specifically today.
The bill amends 21, or everything in the bill is secondary to 21-1603. And I just want to read quickly 21-1603 to you so that we kind of all understand what page we're working on. Good faith communication, public employer conduct prohibited. A public employer shall not take adverse action against a public employee because a public employee or person authorized to act on behalf of the public employee communicates in good faith to an appropriate authority the existence of waste of public funds, property, or manpower, including federal funds, property, or manpower, administered or controlled by a public employer, or a violation or suspected violation of a law, rule, or regulation adopted under the law of this state or a political subdivision of this state.
The communication shall be made at a time and in a manner which gives a public employer a reasonable notice of need to correct the waste or violation. For purposes of subsection A of this section, a public employee communicates in good faith if there is a reasonable basis in fact for the communication of the existence of waste or of a violation. Good faith is lacking when the public employee does not have personal knowledge of a factual basis for the communication or when the public employee knew or reasonably should have known that the communication of the waste
or of the violation was malicious, false, or frivolous. A public employer shall not take an adverse action against a public employee because the employee participates or gives information in an investigation, hearing, court proceeding, legislative, or other inquiry, or in any form of administrative review. A public employer shall not take an adverse action against a public employee because an employee has objected to or refused to carry out a directive that the employee reasonably believes violates the law or rule or regulation under the authority of the laws of the state or political subdivision.
That's important because I've heard a lot of folks say, well, we're going to have a lot of frivolous complaints, et cetera, comes the result of this legislation. I want to draw your attention back to 21.1.602, subsection 7, because it's important when we look at the definitions of what is a violation, Or what is waste? Waste means an employer, public employer's conduct or omissions which result in substantial abuse, misuse, destruction or loss of public funds, property or manpower belonging to or derived from a state or local political subdivision's resources.
what's a violation a violation is an infraction or breach which is not merely of a technical or minimal nature of a state statute or regulation of a political subdivision ordinance or regulation or of a code of conduct or code of ethics designed to protect the interest of the public or public employer now who's a whistleblower for purposes of what we're dealing with today a whistleblower means a person who witnesses or has evidence of a waste or violation while employed with a public
employer and who communicates in good faith or testifies to the waste or violation verbally or in writing to one of the employee's superiors, to an agent of the public employer, or to an appropriate authority provided that the communication is made prior to any adverse action by the employer. If you're curious as to who an appropriate authority is, I'm not going to take the time to read it, but I'll direct your attention to the front page of Subchapter 6, and that is defined in a very detailed manner there. It's most anybody that's in a supervisory capability
above that person, in addition to a list of public officials. House Bill 1043 makes one important change to Subchapter 6. It provides that an employee who makes a good-faith report of a violation or waste is eligible to receive a reward of 10% of the one-year savings to taxpayers and establishes a process for verifying eligibility for and for payment of that reward. After an employee who's made that report under 21.1603 that we've just read, this bill requires
that the appropriate authority who received the report then follow up, provide the employee and the state employer with a written report of the content of it and the resolution. As a follow-up to that, the state employer is then required to report if there were any savings resulting from the action, and if so, what the amount of the savings were. This bill would then provide that the whistleblower would be eligible to receive a reward of 10% of that amount.
The bill also sets up an appeals process if the employee disputes the amount of the award or whether there were savings, and that goes through the Claims Commission process that's been long in action here. I've also built language into this bill that provides legislative committees are notified along with the process and have
Speaker 58
22:29
opportunity to review actions taken. One
Representative Nate Bell
Unverified
22:33
final thing with regard to that, I'll draw your attention in the bill to near the end because a few folks have expressed concerns about people being compensated for what's
in the normal course of their duties. have directly addressed that in this bill. The bill says, a reward under this section shall not be payable for a communication made by a state employee in the normal course of a state employee's job duties. If a communication in the normal course of a state employee's job duties detailing waste or a violation is not acted upon by the state employer within 90 days, the state employee may make a communication under 211603 to the appropriate authority and be eligible for a reward under this section.
I've worked closely with DF&A to amend some technical concerns that they had in this bill. I appreciate their help with it. I believe we made the bill better in the process. The State Employees Association has backed this bill, and the Arkansas trial lawyers have backed this bill. I'll take your questions if anybody has any questions. Representative Hammer, for
Representative Kim Hammer
Unverified
23:35
a purpose. Question, please. You're recognized. Representative Bell, I may have missed it, but do you know how many whistleblower acts have been filed, say, in the last year in the state? I may have missed that.
Speaker 61
23:46
I've had a tough time being able to actually ascertain that. It doesn't appear to be very
Representative Kim Hammer
Unverified
23:52
many, if any. So as far as the overall impact to the state in a negative way, although it's going to be a positive thing if somebody blows the whistle and it proves to be true, it would be a positive for the state. we're talking about a minimal impact as far as creating a bunch of people that may go out and decide to exercise the Whistleblower Act under this. Is that a fair statement? It is, and
Speaker 63
24:13
one of the things that I'd also draw your attention to when you go back to the Whistleblower Act,
Representative Nate Bell
Unverified
24:18
there's actually a provision in the Whistleblower Act that says that if someone files something that's frivolous or otherwise obviously malicious, et cetera, that the state employer has the right to recover legal damages against that person. So that's one of the reasons that we actually put this in the action, subsequent to the Whistleblower Act, is it serves to vet a lot of that sort of thing. And frankly, it's my belief and hope that we don't have this sort of thing happening in Arkansas state government and that this bill never gets utilized.
but that we have the chilling effect of making certain that if someone's considering doing something like that, that they know that somebody's looking over their shoulder and has the opportunity to profit by exposing it. Thank you. Professor
Speaker 11
25:05
McElroy, for what purpose? You recognize for a question.
Representative Mark D. McElroy
Unverified
25:13
Are we not afraid that we're going to put a bounty on our state employees? You know, we've got great people working for our state, and we've got audits every day.
We have auditors come. I've been in public service, and I think they do an outstanding job. And I'm afraid we're going to open it up to a lot of lawsuits. You think that, you know, a disgruntled employee, and then we'll wind up in court all the time. Representative McElroy, I'll just have to defer to the state
Representative Nate Bell
Unverified
25:38
employees themselves, and they have supported me in this legislation from the beginning. Anyone else? If not, I'd appreciate a good vote. Representative Bell has explained the bill. Does anyone wish to speak against the bill?
Chair
Unverified
25:58
Representative Callett, are you recognized to speak against the
Representative John Catlett
Unverified
26:09
bill? Colleagues, I think the intent here is to save money for the state of Arkansas and to identify problems that may occur in the future. But I want to tell you, after being a 30-year state employee, there's a process. And I would think that any state employee that doesn't see abuse is negligent.
And we have meritorious service recognition, and we have performance evaluations, merit pay. We compensate our state employees for doing a good job. I speak against this bill because I think it will add a burden to the state. Thank you. Representative Catlin has spoken against the bill.
Chair
Unverified
26:56
Does anyone want to speak for the bill? Representative Nichols, you're recognized to speak for the bill.
Representative Jim Nickels
Unverified
27:02
Since Representative Bell identified himself as a moderate, I thought I would come down and speak for his bill. And my reasoning is that in the environment of term limits, by the time we learn what's going on here, there's not a whole lot of time to do anything about things that we see.
And I think that what this bill does, it empowers state employees, because I think most of us would recognize that sometimes the administrators of these state agencies tell us not necessarily what we want to hear, but what they want to tell us, and we don't get a big picture. And I think this bill goes in the right direction in empowering the employees, and it puts a little bit more balance in the entire system.
I know there are issues with whistleblowers laws, and it could, you know, I'll admit it could cost the state a little bit of money. But then again, it will put accountability in state government. And so for that reason, I support this legislation. Thank you. Representative Nichols has spoken in favor of the bill. Does
Chair
Unverified
28:31
anyone wish to speak against the bill, for the bill?
Representative Edwards, you're recognized to speak for
Representative John Charles Edwards
Unverified
28:44
the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I joined today with my moderate friend, Representative Bell. Well, whistleblowing is hard. And to me, this bill represents more than just what is on the paper. It represents a larger theme that we need to support people who come forward.
We need to realize that fraud and waste and abuse, it doesn't solve every problem eliminating those things. It doesn't solve every problem in government. But it does, supporting something like this, in my mind, does do a great deal to help the public realize that we want to
do something about eliminating these things. And I compliment you, sir, on this legislation. representative edwards
Chair
Unverified
29:38
has spoken for the bill does anyone wish to speak against the bill
for the bill representative bell are you closed for your bill the question before
the house is the passage of house bill 1043 prepare the machine
mr clerk has everyone voted has everyone voted cast with the balance Mr. Clerk with 65 yeas, 21 nays and 1 present, you have passed the bill Representative Bell moves for the clincher
all in favor say aye any opposed, the ayes have it, clincher is adopted and read House Bill 1188, Mr. Clerk. House Bill
1188 by Representative Linderman to make technical corrections to the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System Act. Representative
Linderman, you're recognized to explain the bill. Thank
Representative Homer Lenderman
Unverified
30:41
you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 1188 was brought to me by the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System,
And it is a technical correction bill. It does not have any adverse effect on any member of the teacher retirement system. It makes the system actually come in compliance with federal laws and regulations that have been changed. And it will provide, hopefully, some savings to the system, but those savings are very minimal. I would appreciate a good vote. Thank you. Representative Linderman has explained the bill
Chair
Unverified
31:18
Does anyone wish to speak against the bill For the bill
Representative Linderman is closed for the bill And the question for the passage of House Bill 1188 Prepare the machine, Mr.
Clerk Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast the balance, Mr. Clerk For the 87 yays, zero nays, and zero present, you have passed the bill.
Move to the yellow budget calendar. Representative Baird, you're recognized.
Representative Duncan Baird
Unverified
31:59
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, we've got 16 bills on the budget calendar today, and these are
a mix of general revenue, federal revenue, special revenues, and cash funds. So there's some appropriations that have no general revenue. It's just kind of all mixed in there. If you have any questions about any of the bills, I'd be happy to answer those at the time.
We're going to batch these like we've done the last couple of weeks. And as I read down the list, you can also pull a bill out if you want to vote on one separately. Mr. Speaker, this time I'd move that we go ahead and pass over HB 1065 and HB
1211 and leave those on the calendar. Without objection, we
Chair
Unverified
32:43
will pass over to 65 and 12-11, so ordered. And if there's no questions
Representative Duncan Baird
Unverified
32:50
at this time, I'm going to go ahead and get started on the batching process.
At any point, if you want to pull one of these out of the batch, just stand up and let us know. So, members, the issue is the passage of the appropriation bills and emergency clauses on the list before you. I'm going to read down the list of bills one by one by bill number. If there is one objection to the consideration of a bill, it will be removed from the list and placed on the regular joint budget calendar for later consideration. HB 1051, HB 1052, HB 1054, HB 1055, HB 1059, HB 1080, HB 1083, HB 1089, HB 1090,
HB 1091, HB 1105, HB 1107, HB 1113, and HB 1161. Your one vote will be recorded on each bill and each emergency
clause after they have been read for the third time. So, Mr. Speaker, I invite you to direct the
Chair
Unverified
34:09
for the third time. Mr. Clerk, read the bills for the third time. House Bill 1051, House Bill 1052, House Bill 1054, House Bill 1055, House Bill 1059, House Bill 1080, House Bill 1083, House Bill 1089, House Bill 1090, House Bill 1091,
House Bill 1105 House Bill 1107 House Bill 1113 and House Bill 1161 Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. Has everyone voted? You're voting on the
Speaker 19
34:56
bill and the emergency clauses. Has everyone voted? I
Chair
Unverified
35:00
cast with the ballots, Mr. Clerk, with 87 yeas, 0 nays, and 0 present, you have passed the bills and the emergency clauses.
Members, I believe we also have the circuit clerks from all of our respective counties in the
Speaker 11
35:26
chamber today, so we'd like to welcome all of you here to the House chamber.
Speaker 39
35:41
Representative Baird, you're recognized. After the announcements,
Representative Duncan Baird
Unverified
35:45
reading of the bills, placing the calendars on the desks, amending members' own 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. That's a proper
Chair
Unverified
36:02
motion, not debatable. All in favor, say aye. All opposed, say nay. All eyes have it. Motion carries. Any announcements? Representative Scott, you're
Representative Sue Scott
Unverified
36:16
recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like for everyone to recognize Charlotte Douglas for a birthday today.
Chair
Unverified
36:28
Representative McLean, you're recognized for an
Representative James McLean
Unverified
36:31
announcement. Education will meet tomorrow, 10 a.m., room 138. Representative Collins, you're recognized for an announcement.
Chair
Unverified
36:38
Tax and revenue will meet tomorrow at 10 a.m. in room 151. Representative Hutchinson, you're recognized for
an announcement. I'd like to say that
Representative John K. Hutchison
Unverified
36:49
Representative Charlotte Douglas's aunt is the poet laureate. The poet laureate. I think that's pretty cool.
Chair
Unverified
37:00
Representative Wright, you're recognized for an announcement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just want to remind everybody tonight about the Judiciary Dinner, 630. Representative McCrary, you're recognized for
Representative Walls McCrary
Unverified
37:12
an announcement. Representative McCrary. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The country caucus tonight at Bill Beavis' farm has been canceled due to
Chair
Unverified
37:20
too much mud and water. Thank you. Representative Barnett, you're recognized for an announcement. House Transportation, tomorrow
Representative Jonathan Barnett
Unverified
37:25
morning, 10 o'clock, Big Mac. Thank you.
Chair
Unverified
37:29
Representative Lee, you're recognized for an announcement.
Speaker 90
37:32
I'd like to remind members today is the last day to file a constitutional amendment. Your time is short. Get it in today.
Chair
Unverified
37:39
Thank you. Representative Burris, you're recognized for an
Representative John Burris
Unverified
37:43
announcement. Public health members, two announcements that you need to hear. One is there's an informal meeting today at 5 o'clock. It's in room 171. It's a Senate public health meeting, but we're welcome to attend is to discuss some loose items around medicaid i believe but you're invited to attend this five o'clock today at 171 also tomorrow uh regular time
regular place there's two special orders of business any other announcements Thank you.
Speaker 95
39:39
Read the bills, Mr. Clerk. House Bill 1315. Without objection,
Representative Duncan Baird
Unverified
39:57
read the bill a second time. House Bill 1315. City, county, local. House Bill 1316. Without objection, read the bill a second time. House Bill 1316.
Join budget House Bill 13-17 Without objection, read the bill a second time House Bill 13-17 Join budget House Bill 13-18 Without objection, read the bill a second time House Bill 13-18 Join budget House Bill 13-19 Without objection, read the bill a second time House Bill 13-19 Join budget House Bill 13-20 Without objection read the bill a second time. House Bill 1320. Joint budget. House Bill 1321. Without objection,
read the bill a second time. House Bill 1321. Joint budget. House Bill 1322. Without objection, read the bill a second time. House Bill 1322. Joint budget. House Bill 1323. Without objection, read the bill the second time house bill 1323 joint budget house bill 1324 without objection read the bill the second time house bill 1324 judiciary house bill 1325 without objection read
the bill the second time house bill 1325 judiciary house bill 1326 without objection read the bill the second time house bill 1326 judiciary house bill 1327 without objection read the bill the second time house bill 1327 education house bill 1328 without objection read the bill the second time house bill 1328 state agencies house joint resolution 1007 without objection read the bill
House Joint Resolution 10-0-7 State Agencies House Joint Resolution 10-0-8 Without objection, read the Resolution 10-0-9 State Agencies House Joint Resolution 10-10 Without objection, read the resolution the second time. House joint resolution 1010. State agencies. House joint
resolution 1011. Without objection, read the resolution the second time. House joint resolution 1011. State agencies. House joint resolution 1012. Without objection, read the resolution the second time. House joint resolution 1012. State agencies. House joint resolution 1013. Without objection, read the resolution second time house joint resolution 1013 state agencies house joint resolution 1014 without objection read the resolution second time house joint resolution
1014 state agencies the desk will
Representative Micah S. Neal
Unverified
43:19
remain open for reading of the bills until 4 pm Upon completion of the items named and in the adjourned resolution, the House will be adjourned until 1.30 p.m. tomorrow.
Agenda
Committee Reports
HB1217
HB1209
HB1237
HB1043
HB1188
Budget Package
Announcements
Reading of the Bills
Documents
No documents posted.
Speakers
Chair
Unverified
Representative Duncan Baird
Unverified
Speaker 11
Representative Kelley Linck
Unverified
Speaker 18
Representative John K. Hutchison
Unverified
Speaker 24
Speaker 28
Speaker 39
Representative Randy Alexander
Unverified
Representative Jeff Wardlaw
Unverified
Speaker 44
Representative Nate Bell
Unverified
Speaker 58
Representative Kim Hammer
Unverified
Speaker 61
Speaker 63
Representative Mark D. McElroy
Unverified
Representative John Catlett
Unverified
Representative Jim Nickels
Unverified
Representative John Charles Edwards
Unverified
Representative Homer Lenderman
Unverified
Speaker 7
Speaker 19
Representative Sue Scott
Unverified
Representative James McLean
Unverified
Representative Walls McCrary
Unverified
Representative Jonathan Barnett
Unverified
Speaker 90
Representative John Burris
Unverified
Speaker 95
Representative Micah S. Neal
Unverified