March 28, 2011
Video
Transcript
Bills discussed (68)
| Bill | Title | Sponsor | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
|
HB2103
· 5 mentions in transcript, chapter
Matched: “…Opposed, no. Ayes have it. Clincher adopted. Mr. Clerk read House Bill 2103. House Bill 2103, Berkson of King and”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB2122
· 5 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “HB2122”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB2173
· 5 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “HB2173”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB2135
· 3 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “HB2135”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB1841
· 2 mentions in chapter
Matched: “HB1841”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HCR1008
· 2 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “HCR1008”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB1250
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “to whom was referred House Bill 1250. Beg leave the report if we have the same under considerati…”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB1901
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1901”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB1928
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1928”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB2096
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB2096”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB2138
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…Speaker we are committee on insurance to whom was referred House Bill 2138 and Senate Bill 305 beg we to report we have the same under…”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB2154
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB2154”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB1000
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB1000”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB1004
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB1004”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB208
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB208”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB214
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB214”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB242
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB242”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB245
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB245”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB251
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…re committee on insurance and commerce to whom was referred Senate Bill 251 and Senate Bill 313”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB253
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB253”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB254
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB254”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB255
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB255”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB265
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB265”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB268
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB268”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB294
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB294”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB305
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ittee on insurance to whom was referred House Bill 2138 and Senate Bill 305 beg we to report we have the same under consideration and h…”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB313
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…rance and commerce to whom was referred Senate Bill 251 and Senate Bill 313”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB319
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB319”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB326
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB326”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB351
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB351”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB355
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB355”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB364
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB364”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB377
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB377”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB41
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB41”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB428
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB428”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB459
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB459”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB517
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB517”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB544
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB544”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB569
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB569”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB594
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB594”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB595
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB595”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB596
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB596”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB597
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB597”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB626
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB626”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB628
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB628”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB65
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB65”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB703
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB703”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB706
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB706”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB707
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB707”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB708
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB708”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB728
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB728”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB739
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB739”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB768
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB768”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB770
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB770”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB772
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB772”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB784
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB784”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB815
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB815”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB816
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB816”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB823
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB823”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB848
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB848”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB858
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB858”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB887
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB887”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB890
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB890”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB892
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB892”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB899
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB899”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB92
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB92”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB946
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB946”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB955
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB955”
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Pre-2017 bill |
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Of all the members in the chamber, you would join me in standing while we're led in prayer today by Rev. John A. Fleming, First United Methodist Church in Sheridan. Remain standing to be led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Representative Billy Gaskell. Rev. Fleming.
Chair
Unverified
0:26
God, we know that the Apostle Paul compared the life of following you as a journey, sometimes a race.
He talked about running with perseverance, a race that is set before us. Lord, as our work continues this week and nears its end in this session, we pray, Lord, that we would be focused on the good of our state, the good of those that we represent, and to do your will in this life. We pray, Lord, now that you would also bind us together and let us remember those who are serving our country. Give their families your peace. We pray all this in your strong name, and we ask for your wisdom.
Speaker 8
1:05
Amen. Amen. Members, please indicate your presence by pressing the yellow
Chair
Unverified
1:23
present button. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clark.
Everyone voted. Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot. The Chair recognizes 99 members present today. Representative Eddie Cheatham moves that we dispense with the
reading of the previous day's journal.
Chair
Unverified
2:01
No objections so ordered. Are there reports from select committees? Read the reports, Mr. Clark. Mr. Speaker, we are the Committee on Public Retirement
to whom was referred House Bill 1250. Beg leave the report if we have the same under consideration.
Speaker 19
2:15
Herewith return the same with the recommendation that it do pass. Respectfully submitted. Les Carnine,
Chair
Unverified
2:22
Chair. of course from standing committees ready to report Mr. Clark
Representative Bobby J. Pierce
Unverified
2:26
Mr. Speaker we are committee on insurance and commerce to whom was referred Senate Bill 251 and Senate Bill 313
Representative Duncan Baird
Unverified
2:31
beg we to report we have the same under consideration and herewith return the same with the recommendation that they do pass Mr. Speaker we are committee on insurance to whom was referred House Bill 2138 and Senate Bill 305 beg we to report we have the same under consideration and herewith return the same with the recommendation that they do pass as amended respectfully submitted Fred Allen
Chair
Unverified
2:48
Chair. Any executive communication? Okay. Mr. Clark Reed, House Concurrent Resolution 1008. House Concurrent Resolution 1008 by Representative Jean in recognition
Speaker 19
3:04
of the Arkansas Military Veterans Hall of Fame. Representative Jean, you are recognized to
Chair
Unverified
3:11
explain the resolution. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Representative Lane Jean
Unverified
3:18
Members of this body, it's a distinct honor of me today to bring this House Current Resolution 1008, the Arkansas Military Hall of Fame. The objective of the Arkansas Military Hall of Fame is a nonprofit that has incorporated the state of Arkansas, is to publicly emphasize and honor brought before our state and the nation the sacrifice of Arkansas veterans and their military service. Primary Purposes Corporation has been organized, and exclusively for charitable and educational purposes.
They'll have a banquet in November of this year to induct the first class of the Arkansas Hall of Fame. It'll be of veterans that have served this country and this state. Today, if you'll recognize them in the VIP balcony over here, if you all raise your hand, we have Colonel Bill Russell. Also, Lieutenant Colonel Dennis White And Master Sergeant Paul Foster
They are part of the Hall of Fame Will you stand and give them a recognition for their service to this country? Mr. Speaker, I ask that the resolution be read,
Chair
Unverified
4:40
please Mr. Clark, read the resolution in its entirety.
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the 88th General Assembly of the State of Arkansas, the Senate concurring therein, whereas
Representative Duncan Baird
Unverified
4:50
according to the latest statistics available from the Arkansas Veterans Commission,
there are 257,625 living veterans in the State of Arkansas, and whereas according to the information from the Arkansas Veterans Commission, there are thousands of deceased veterans buried in military cemeteries in the State of Arkansas, And, whereas, many Arkansan veterans living and dead have performed innumerable deeds of service to the citizens of this nation and this state. And, whereas, the purpose of the Arkansas Military Veterans Hall of Fame, a non-profit organization organized under the laws of the state of Arkansas, is to highlight and emphasize the honor brought to our state and nation by the sacrifices of our veterans and their families.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the 88th General Assembly of the state of Arkansas, the Senate concurring therein, that the House of Representatives recognizes the Arkansas Military Veterans Hall of Fame for its commitment to bringing attention to the hard work, dedication, and service of veterans to the state of Arkansas. Be it further resolved that after adoption of this resolution, an appropriate copy shall be forwarded to the Arkansas Military Veterans Hall of Fame by the Chief
Representative Lane Jean
Unverified
5:49
Clerk of the House of Representatives. Members, I want to thank Representative Stewart and also Representative Edwards on the help of putting this resolution together.
And if you have any questions, I'll answer them. If not, I would
Chair
Unverified
6:02
appreciate a good vote. Thank you. Members, you've heard an explanation of the resolution.
All in favor of passing the resolution, say aye. Aye. Opposed, no. Ayes have it. Mr. Clerk, let the record reflect
the resolution was passed unanimously. Morning
Representative Robert S. Moore, Jr.
Unverified
6:23
hour has ended. Members, before we proceed on our calendar, I have some special visitors today here as a guest of Representative Wren.
Please welcome in the West Gallery Terry and Susan Smith, Connie and Joan Johnson, and Diane Zook, who is the wife of Randy Zook, who is the president of the State Chamber of Commerce, who happens to be my lifelong friend from McGee. So please welcome all of them with us. Members, as we begin our business here on what is going to be our last week,
in order for us to expedite and finish our business, it's going to be necessary for us to have some special committee meetings that will be held at the call of the chairperson. Agendas for those special meetings will accordingly be established by the chairperson. And so this will allow us to take care of business as we're winding up our agendas. And without any objection, it's so ordered, and that's the way we'll proceed into our last
week, which is consistent with the way that these wonderful events usually wind down.
Okay. Mr. Clerk, read House Bill 2173. House Bill
Speaker 19
7:53
2173, Representative Altus, to amend the laws concerning the sale of alcoholic beverages and to amend a portion of Arkansas law resulting from initiated Act
Chair
Unverified
8:02
1 of 1942. Representative Altus, you are recognized
Representative Denny Altes
Unverified
8:06
to explain the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is
a short, sweet bill. On the effects of a wet-dry election or a local option election,
Right now, it can be recalled or another election can be called every four years. My bill would change that to eight years. Michael Langley, the director of ABC, spoke for the bill. The problem is several counties recently have elected to go wet, and there are people that want to go into the restaurant business or open a store, and the banks will not allow them to finance these operations because of the four-year limit.
And so this would allow the banks that I've had several emails from banks and from people wanting to open stores and restaurants, and this would allow them to finance these operations for eight years and so they could take care of it. If you're against a wet situation, this is good, because rather than the thing coming up every four years, the election would come up every eight years. So you don't have to fight it every four years.
You have to fight it every eight years, whatever. Michael Langley, ABC, says it's a good thing and a good bill, and I appreciate
Chair
Unverified
9:34
a good vote. Members, I heard an explanation of the bill. Anyone wishing to speak against the bill or the bill? If not, question
for the House, passage of House Bill 2173. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk.
Speaker 48
9:54
Everyone voted? Everyone voted? Has everyone
Chair
Unverified
10:08
voted? Cast up the ballot by a vote of 62, yea, 22, nay, 0,
Representative Robert S. Moore, Jr.
Unverified
10:16
present. You have failed the bill. This was a Manning Initiate Act, which required a two-thirds majority.
Representative Denny Altes
Unverified
10:25
Representative Altus, what purpose? Mr. Speaker, I'd request an expungement of the vote. As
Chair
Unverified
10:35
proper motion, it is debatable. Expunge. You're recognized to come and explain your
Speaker 51
10:49
motion. You're recognized to explain your motion.
Representative Denny Altes
Unverified
10:58
This is changing and initiated the act of 1942, and it takes 67 votes. Michael Langley, the director of ABC, says that this is a good thing and we need to do this. I'd really appreciate a good vote.
Chair
Unverified
11:13
Our members have heard an explanation of the motion. Anyone wishing to speak against the motion, for the motion? If not, the
question for the House is expungement of the vote on House Bill 2173. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk.
Chair
Unverified
11:33
Everyone voted, everyone voted, cast up the ballot by a vote of 70A, 18A, and 0 present. The vote is expunged on House Bill 2173.
Speaker 48
12:01
Representative Alvis, what purpose? I'd
Speaker 61
12:03
like to move immediate reconsideration.
Representative Alvis, in consultation with the parliamentarian, I am advised
Chair
Unverified
12:23
that that's not a proper motion for today. We'll be back on the calendar tomorrow. Mr. Clark, read House Bill 2122.
Representative Bobby J. Pierce
Unverified
12:38
House Bill 2122, by Representative Post, to create the Arkansas Wine Trail. Representative Post, you
Chair
Unverified
12:50
are recognized to come and explain the bill.
Representative Leslee Milam Post
Unverified
12:57
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 2122 will assist in bringing economic development to the tourism industry in the state of Arkansas by clearly marking with a trail of signs throughout the state where travelers and tourists may find vineyards and wineries. It is similar to the Rock and Roll Highway project legislated last session. The Arkansas Wine Council, Parks and Tourism Department, and the Arkansas Highway Department have been working on this project for several years. The Arkansas Wine Council already has $50,000 to put towards the project.
No funds are requested for the project. Signs will be coordinated by all of these identities. Statistics for the Arkansas Parks and Tourism Department show that supporting this agri-tourism effort indicate that we should be potentially assisting a major increase in tourism and a boost in our economy. When people stop to visit local wineries and vineyards, they not only make purchases at these places, but they also make purchases at other local shops, eat at restaurants, and stay in hotels.
I'll be happy to answer a couple of questions. Anyone? Yes, Representative. Excuse me. Mr. Speaker? I'm sorry.
Chair
Unverified
14:18
Okay. Representative Hickerson, what purpose? Question. You're recognized. Thank
Representative Mary P. "Prissy" Hickerson
Unverified
14:23
you, Mr. Speaker. Representative Post, I remember about five or six years ago, the Parks and Tourism Department was working with the Highway Department on a major initiative for a wine trail.
Is this the same project? Yes, Representative Hickerson, it is.
Speaker 72
14:40
Thank you. Representative Benedict, what purpose? Question. Do
Chair
Unverified
14:43
you recognize? Representative Post, I just wondered if you could
Speaker 74
14:47
tell me how many vineyards and wineries there are in the state and get an idea of how many
Representative Leslee Milam Post
Unverified
14:54
this takes in? I wish that I could tell you that, but I do know
that there are five in the, let's see, there are four in the Altus area, one in the Logan County area, one or two in Hot Springs,
and there are fortunately others popping up all over the state. Thank you. You're welcome. Okay, I appreciate a good vote. Members heard
Chair
Unverified
15:23
an explanation of the bill. Anyone wishing to speak against the bill, for the bill, not the question for the House, pass it to the House Bill 2122. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. everyone voted
everyone voted cast up the ballot by a vote of 78 yea, 2 nay,
Representative Robert S. Moore, Jr.
Unverified
15:49
1 present you have passed the bill Mr. Clerk, read House Bill 2135 House
Speaker 19
15:56
Bill 2135 our representative Pierce to amend the laws regarding private club permits and to allow temporary authorization for designated entertainment districts by local
Chair
Unverified
16:05
ordinance. Representative Pierce, you are recognized to explain the bill. Thank you,
Representative Bobby J. Pierce
Unverified
16:09
Mr. Speaker. This bill creates a new private club permit for motels with at least 80 rooms,
and it has a large facility to serve food and have an ability to seat at least 500 people, so remember those two numbers, 500 people and 80. Number two, it established one single permit fee rather than requiring a private club permit, and numerous satellite fees for the sites within the motel or large events facilities. It also allows members and guests and members to move freely throughout the motel and large event facility in order for the members to enjoy a display of art, historical artifacts, music, or arts. It is designed to promote tourism and economic development in the state.
When I was asked to carry this bill, I asked for some safety points. I said the last one, time a bill like this got ran, it got killed because it didn't have any safety points. This one's got three. I asked for three, and they gave me three. One of them was 80-room motel. If you're going to build an 80-room motel in a place, you're going to at least spend some money there to get it. You're not going to be a fly-by-night, juke joint, or whatever. You're going to be there for a while. The other one, it says seat at least 500 people. You're not going to do that.
But the number two thing it had was that the city council has the right to refuse this. It's not going to be ran from Little Rock. It's going to be your city council. And the other one I asked for was number three, was a one-year on your fee, on your license. It's not going to be forever for the ABC to take care of it. It's going to be for the city council to give you a permit for one year.
If you have trouble during that one year, the city council can go back and take that away from you. This bill was okay by the ABC, but I still said it needed to be where the community had the right to say. This is a bill where there's a big – it's already being built up in northwest Arkansas, a big art gallery. that people from all over the world are going to be coming in to look at.
This is not going to let anybody grab a quart of beer and walk down the streets. It's going to be defined by the city council where you can and where you cannot go. It's not going to be a juke joint out in the middle of nowhere because you're not going to have 80 rooms, you're not going to have a place for 500 people to sit. But the three safeguards are the 80 room, the 500, your city council gets the say on it, and it also one-year permit you go back every year that's the thing they didn't want to put but we put the one-year permit in it that's the safeguard that every city has got and if you're
not a wet county you don't have to worry about it but that's that's what we've got and that's what i'm asking for and i'd appreciate
Chair
Unverified
19:12
a good vote on it all right members have heard an explanation the bill. Anyone wishing to speak against the bill? For the
bill? Not the question for the House. Pass it to House Bill 2135. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk.
Chair
Unverified
19:35
Has everyone voted? Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot by a vote of 55 yea, 27 may,
one present. You have passed the bill. Representative Pierce moves the clincher. All in favor say aye. Opposed, no. Ayes have it. Clincher adopted. Mr. Clerk read House Bill 2103. House Bill 2103, Berkson of King and
Representative Duncan Baird
Unverified
19:56
All, to create an unemployment insurance tax credit for businesses that create a job and hire a person receiving unemployment benefits to fill a job and declare an emergency.
Representative Pierce, you are recognized. Come and explain the
Representative Justin T. Harris
Unverified
20:13
bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 2103 is an act to create an unemployment insurance tax credit to do two businesses that create a job. First, I want to note that this bill will have no effect on general revenue. We are presenting this bill on behalf of the 3,600 members of the NFIB in Arkansas. the AFL-CIO has seen the bill and they support the concept.
At this moment, there are 60,000 Arkansans who receive unemployment benefits. Many of the beneficiaries have been unemployed for longer than a year, and studies show that the longer a person is out of work, the harder it is for them to get a job. These are hard-working Arkansans who just want a chance to go back to work. House Bill 2103 would establish a $1,000 unemployment insurance tax credit for any employer who creates a new job and fills it with an individual who has been receiving unemployment benefits for at least eight weeks.
Chair
Unverified
21:15
Members, heard an explanation of the
bill. Anyone wishing to speak against the bill? For the bill? Representative Nichols, you are recognized to come and speak for the bill. Thank
Representative Jim Nickels
Unverified
21:37
you, Mr. Speaker. I also agree with the concept of this bill that it will target
those who are growing unemployment benefits and hopefully it will lead to employment for those folks and it gives an incentive to the businesses to actually hire those who are for growing unemployment benefits. So I join my Republican colleague, Mr. Harris, in support of this bill, and appreciate a good vote. Representative Nichols has spoken for
Chair
Unverified
22:04
the bill. Anyone wish to speak against the bill? For the bill? If not, the question for the House is passage of House Bill 2103.
Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. You're voting on the bill and the emergency clause. Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted?
Representative Robert S. Moore, Jr.
Unverified
22:27
Cast up the ballot by a vote of 92 yeas, 0 nays, 0 present. You have passed the bill and the emergency clause. Mr. Clark, read
Speaker 27
22:37
House Bill 2096. House Bill 2096 by Representative
Speaker 19
22:41
Williams regarding the salaries of personnel and other requirements of various district courts.
Chair
Unverified
22:47
Representative Williams, you are recognized to come and explain the bill. Thank you,
Representative Darrin Williams
Unverified
22:55
Mr. Speaker. Members, this is the district court salary bill, the district court judges and staff salary bill. This is the bill that each one of you all looked at your district court judges salary and staff salary and decided if their ranges were appropriate. If they were not appropriate, you adjusted them. This is not state money. It's paid for by cities and counties. We just provide for the maximum and minimum ranges, and I appreciate a good vote.
Chair
Unverified
23:20
Thank you very much. Members, heard the explanation of the bill. Anyone wishing to speak against the bill, for the bill, if not, the question for the House, pass it with House Bill 2096. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clark. Everyone voted. Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot by a vote of 91, yea, 0, nay, 0, present. You have passed the bill. Mr. Clark, read
Speaker 19
23:49
House Bill 2154. House Bill 2154, Representative Johnston, to revise Arkansas law concerning members of the County Board of Election Commissioners.
Chair
Unverified
23:56
Representative Johnston, you are recognized to explain the bill.
Speaker 98
24:00
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is a bipartisan bill that simply clears up confusion and puts the terms of election commissioners back like they were to two years. Appreciate a good vote.
Chair
Unverified
24:13
Representative Johnston, explain the bill. Anyone wish to speak against the bill, for the bill, not the question for the House. Passes of House Bill 2154. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk.
Everyone voted? Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot by a vote of 89 yea,
Representative Robert S. Moore, Jr.
Unverified
24:36
4 nay, 0 present. You have passed the bill. Mr. Clerk, read House Bill 1928. House
Representative Duncan Baird
Unverified
24:43
Bill 1928 by Representative Baker, considering the receipt of absentee ballots by designated bearers. Representative
Chair
Unverified
24:49
Baker, you are recognized to explain the
Representative Tommy Lee Baker
Unverified
24:55
bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, this is a bill to help to clarify who should clear up
some of the confusion when it comes to absentee ballot,
When there's irregularities going on, in this case, the county clerk, that county clerk knows or reasonably suspect that there's some irregularities going on, that person is to notify the prosecuting attorney who should identify the situation as soon as possible and provide some guidance. Right now, there's nobody that's in control of this until after an election has happened
and then many of the irregularities surface, and it becomes quite an ordeal to get it corrected. Appreciate a good vote. Members, heard an explanation of
Chair
Unverified
25:56
the bill. Anyone wishing to speak against the bill or the bill? If I have a question for the House, pass your House Bill 1928. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk.
Everyone voted. Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot. Bow voted 92, yea, 0, nay, 0. Present. You have passed the bill. Mr. Clerk, read House Bill 1841.
Speaker 103
26:27
House Bill 1841, by Representative Vines,
Speaker 19
26:29
to amend the law concerning pawnbrokers, precious metal dealer licensing, and the purchase of gold,
Chair
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26:35
silver, and other precious metals. Representative Vines is not in the chamber. Anyone designated to carry that bill?
If not, without objection, I will pass over the bill and leave it on the calendar, Mr. Clark. Mr. Clark, read House
Representative Bobby J. Pierce
Unverified
26:54
Bill 1901. House Bill 1901 by Representative Ingram to amend public school funding amounts and provide resources for educational adequacy. Representative Roebuck,
leave on the calendar. Without objection, Representative Ingram, what purpose? Objection.
You object to taking this out of proper order. Representative Roebuck, I believe this
will require a motion for you to take this out of the proper order and have it passed over on the calendar. So moved. Okay, that is a non-debatable motion, two-thirds of the quorum. So the question before the House is on a motion to
Representative Robert S. Moore, Jr.
Unverified
27:42
take House Bill 1901 out of proper order and have it passed over.
So if that's what you want to do, you vote in the affirmative. If you don't, vote in the negative. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. We don't have it. Everyone voted?
Everyone voted. Cast out the ballot by a vote of 31, yea, 50, nay, to the president. You have failed the motion.
Let's see. Okay. Representative Roebuck, you are recognized to explain your motion that you don't want to explain, but you're
Representative Robert S. Moore, Jr.
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28:33
on here to explain it now. Your motion to reconsider, House Bill 1901, and I would remind you that you are explaining your motion to reconsider in the affirmative. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies
Speaker 74
28:47
and gentlemen of the House, I reluctantly bring you this bill for reconsideration.
Members have heard an explanation of the motion. Anyone wishing to speak
Chair
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28:58
against the motion? For the motion, Representative Ingram, you are recognized to come and speak
Representative Keith M. Ingram
Unverified
29:04
on the motion. I'd appreciate a good vote for
Representative Robert S. Moore, Jr.
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29:09
this reconsideration. Representative Ingram has spoken for the motion. Anyone wishing to speak against the motion? For the motion. If not, the question for the House is a motion to reconsider House Bill 1901. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk.
Chair
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29:26
Everyone voted, everyone voted, cast up the ballot by a vote of 68 yea, 23 nay, 0 present. You have passed the motion Mr. Clerk, read the caption of the bill. Bill
Representative Duncan Baird
Unverified
29:53
1901, Barrett Smith-Ingram, to amend public school funding amounts
and provide resources for educational adequacy and declare
Chair
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30:01
an emergency. Members, question for the House. Passive House Bill 1901, prepare the
machine, Mr. Clerk. Everyone voted. Everyone voted. Cast up a
ballot by a vote of 66, yea, 21, nay, one present. You have passed the
Speaker 25
30:25
bill. Representative Ingram moves the clincher.
I'm sorry about that. It
Representative Robert S. Moore, Jr.
Unverified
30:33
is clinched. Okay, Mr. Clark-Reed, Senate Bill 554. uh...
okay our members we had uh... uh... we had emergency calls on house bill nineteen no one uh... representative Ingram moves that we expunge the vote by which the emergency clause failed. All in favor say aye. Aye. Pose no. Ayes have it. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk, for the emergency clause on House Bill 1901.
Chair
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31:49
Everyone voted? Everyone voted. Cast up the
ballot by a vote of 70, yay, 20, nay, and one present. You have passed the
Representative Robert S. Moore, Jr.
Unverified
32:06
emergency clause. Representative Webb moves we pass over Senate Bill 554 and leave it on.
there's a web has changed her manner your you want you want to go forward with
Representative Robert S. Moore, Jr.
Unverified
32:27
it okay okay I'm representative where moves that we expunge a boat which Senate bill 544 past Representative Webb, Representative Webb, okay,
Representative Webb moves that we pass over Senate Bill 544
Representative Robert S. Moore, Jr.
Unverified
33:06
without objection, so ordered to take it off the calendar, Mr. Clerk. All right,
Speaker 123
33:25
Representative Webb also moves that we remove Senate Bill,
Representative Robert S. Moore, Jr.
Unverified
33:29
or take Senate Bill 544 off the calendar for the purpose of the motion to re-refer back to joint budget without objection, so ordered.
Okay, Mr. Clark, read. Representative Bynes is back in the chamber. Are you ready? Okay, Representative Bynes has passed over and moved
Representative Robert S. Moore, Jr.
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34:06
to the bottom of our House Bill calendar. Mr. Clark, read House Bill 1841.
Speaker 19
34:14
House Bill 1841 by Representative Vines to amend the law concerning pawnbrokers, precious metal dealer licensing, and the purchase of
Chair
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34:24
gold, silver, and other precious metals. Representative
Vines, you are recognized to explain the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 1841 is a bill to amend the law concerning pawnbrokers, precious metal dealer licensing, and the purchase of gold, silver, and other precious metals. This bill came about, as many of us have seen through the years,
rash of burglaries and robberies in our neighborhoods where precious metals, jewelry, coins of that nature is taken and immediately purchased, transferred, whatever mechanism possible to some of the, for lack of a better term, brokers in those fields. This is a bill that worked on with the pond industry and also the state police to regulate the folks that have just the precious metal purchasing that we've seen on TV
and in the papers, the ones that show up and buy these coins just on the spur of the moment. This bill will require all entities that buy those precious metals to record and document their transactions, retain the records, and ultimately retain possession for up to 15 days. And what this hopefully will prevent is someone robs your house this afternoon. Well, I hope nobody's house gets robbed this afternoon, but in the event it does.
It'll prevent them from immediately taking, selling those things, them being melted down and or transferred out of the state without any sort of action taken. So all we're asking with this bill is to bring those rebel gold dealers that we see and hear about under the same restrictions, not restrictions, but procedures that palm brokers are currently held to in those standards. So I'd be happy to take any questions. If not...
Chair
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36:29
Representative Lee, what purpose? Question. Recognized. So this only affects the purchasers,
Speaker 131
36:33
not the sellers? Yes, it affects the purchasers of those raw materials.
Palm brokers are already covered by this. We're just trying to bring everybody under the same umbrella. Got it. So those of us that might have something
Speaker 131
36:44
to sell, it doesn't affect them. Thank you. Thank you. Appreciate a favorable vote. Members,
Chair
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36:55
heard of the explanation of the bill. Anyone who wants to speak against the bill, for the bill?
Not the question for the House. Passage of House Bill 1841. Prepare the
Chair
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37:14
machine, Mr. Clerk. Everyone voted? Everyone voted? Cast up the ballot by a vote of 91, yea, 0, nay, 0, present. You have passed the
bill. So, members, we're going to skip over to our yellow budget
Representative Robert S. Moore, Jr.
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37:29
calendar, and then we'll come back to the red calendar and work through the Senate bills.
Representative Webb, you are recognized to come and explain how you want to batch the items on the yellow budget calendar. and I want to speak on behalf of Representative Webb's benefit. The confusion a while ago about what she was going to do was up here, not with her. So any implication that she
didn't know what she was doing was wrong is up here at the big chair. So we will confess error.
Representative Webb, you're recognized to explain how you want to proceed
Representative Kathy Webb
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38:13
here. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And on the bills to be amended, we would like to batch House Bill 1267
and House Bill 1310, and we would like to send House Bill 1401 back
to Budget Committee. Okay, we'll proceed on the two batch bills, and then we'll consider
Chair
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38:35
a motion to re-refer. So, any questions about those bills?
If not, Mr. Clerk, read the two House bills in the back. Amendment number
Representative Duncan Baird
Unverified
38:48
one to House Bill 1267, and amendment number four to House Bill 1310. Okay. Representative Webb, do you want
Chair
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39:00
any further explanation on the amendments? Appreciate a good vote. Okay. Anyone heard an
explanation on amendments? Anyone wishing to speak
for or against the bills and the amendments in the batch bills?
If not, the question for the House is the
Representative Robert S. Moore, Jr.
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39:20
passage of the amendments on the House bills enumerated in the batch. Prepare the machine, Mr.
Chair
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39:34
Clerk. Everyone voted. Everyone voted, cast up a ballot by a vote of 93 yeas, 0 nays,
0 present. You have passed the amendments.
Send the bills to engrossing, Mr. Clerk. Representative Webb moves that House Bill 1401 be re-referred to joint budget. Proper motion is debatable. Representative Webb, do you want to explain your
Representative Kathy Webb
Unverified
40:05
have this back in joint budget to study this bill heard an
Chair
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40:10
explanation of the motion anyone wishing to speak against the motion for the motion not the
question for the house is the motion to re-refer house bill 1401 to joint budget
all in favor say aye opposed no ayes have it send the bill back to joint budget mr clerk Representative Webb, do you are recognized to explain the next batch of bills? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Representative Kathy Webb
Unverified
40:36
We would like to batch the remaining bills on the yellow calendar with the exception of the last bill, Senate Bill 903. Members, any
Chair
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40:45
question on any of those bills to be included in the batch? If not, Mr. Clerk, read the bills.
Representative Bobby J. Pierce
Unverified
40:55
House Bill 1506, Senate Bill 10, Senate Bill 37 Senate Bill 60 Senate Bill 227 House Bill 1630 Senate Bill 455 and
Representative Duncan Baird
Unverified
41:07
Senate Bill 574 Representative Webb, further explanation on the bills? Appreciate a good vote. Further
Chair
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41:15
explanation on the bills and the ballots. Anyone wishing to speak against
the bills for the bills?
not to question for the House passage of the bills enumerated by the clerk in the back of the machine. Mr.
Clerk, you're voting on the bills and the emergency clause. Has everyone
voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot by a vote of 82, yay, 10, nay, to present. You have passed the bills and the emergency clause. Mr. Clark, read Senate Bill 903.
Representative Duncan Baird
Unverified
42:16
Senate Bill 903 by Senator Malone, an act to increase the stipend for members of the Arkansas State Board
Chair
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42:23
of Pharmacy. Representative Webber, you are recognized to
Representative Kathy Webb
Unverified
42:26
explain the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We voted on this separately because it is not an appropriation bill. It is just an act that will allow them to increase the stipend to bring it
Chair
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42:38
in line with other boards. Members, heard an explanation of
the bill. Anyone wishing to speak against the bill, for the bill? If not, the question before the House, passage of Senate Bill 903.
Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. has everyone voted has everyone voted cast up the ballot by a vote of 86 yea 3 nay 4 present you
Representative Robert S. Moore, Jr.
Unverified
43:12
have passed the bill okay members we go back to the red calendar and we'll start with With
Chair
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43:19
the consideration of the regular Senate bills, Mr. Clerk, read Senate Bill 268.
Speaker 19
43:27
Senate Bill 268 by Senator Johnson to allow parents of multiple birth siblings to make decisions regarding public school classroom assignments for
Chair
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43:37
the siblings. Representative Sanders, you are recognized to explain the bill.
Representative David J. Sanders
Unverified
43:40
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm writing this bill today for my friend Senator David Johnson. This bill ensures that parents of twins have the opportunity to have their elementary-aged children to attend
school in the same class. In the past, sort of the primary belief was that it was harmful to twins to be in the
same class, but research has been borne out study after study that it is in fact beneficial. And some Arkansas schools are already sort of ahead of the curve in encouraging twins to be in the same classes. This bill simply gives the parent the choice in Arkansas Public Schools to have their children together. We certainly appreciate the House Education Committee for referring this bill out onto the floor. And there are several members who have twins, and they would certainly appreciate a good vote on this bill. Thank you.
Chair
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44:29
Members, Representative Hamer, I'm sorry, I did see Representative Hamer for you either. Representative Hamer, for what purpose? Question, please. You
Representative Kim Hammer
Unverified
44:36
recognize? I just want to make sure I understood something you said. Is this going to mandate that if they are twins, that they have to be in the class together? Or is this going to give the parents the option that if they don't want their twins together, they can have flexibility? Yeah, that's a good
Representative David J. Sanders
Unverified
44:54
question. It simply gives them the option because in some cases, for whatever reason, it may not be best to have those twins together.
I've seen a couple of rambunctious twins in my day around schools. May
Representative Kim Hammer
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45:06
I ask a follow-up question? You may. Is this going to begin to set a precedence that, say, a parent, maybe it's twins this time, but maybe they just want to make sure that brother and sister that are a year apart, is this going to set a precedence to where it begins a follow-up beyond this? I can't answer that question. I can only speak
Representative David J. Sanders
Unverified
45:28
to the bill and what the bill does, and it simply allows parents to have that choice.
Chair
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45:33
All right. Thank you. Thank you. Representative, members of our next nation of the bill, anyone
wishing to speak against the bill, Representative Carnine, you are recognized to come to the well and speak against the bill. You're
Representative Les "Skip" Carnine
Unverified
46:00
recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. What I'd like to bring to your attention today is that I'm not speaking against the
fact that twins could be in the classroom together.
In fact, quite the opposite. I'm suggesting to you that what it does create, though, is a real nightmare for not only school districts and school boards and school administrators and teachers. he creates a situation that, if you'll follow my thought process, really is against the equal protection because I have a child. I have actually two children that went to school, and guess what? We obviously looked at the classroom they were going into and so forth
and didn't, in fact, think too much about it. But now we're creating a situation, a special category, twins. And in reality, if the parent, now this parent, no one else, says, I want my two children there, which I don't necessarily agree with, that's such a special category, which means that they receive preference to enter that classroom, where in reality we may, in fact, disqualify another child. Small school districts could really have and create a problem as you think about it
because, okay, you have two children. They're twins. You come in about three weeks from the start of school. All the classes are set. Mother says, oh, by the way, my two children are to be sure they're in Classroom A. Okay, that's fine. Now you say, which of you parents would like to move your child out of Classroom A because we have to give preference to the twins because they are to remain together?
Again, I don't question the aspect of having twins together. The vast majority of school districts, school administrators, school teachers would not quibble about the issue of placing twins together. However, creating a legal preference for twins is creating really, you're not really treating everybody the same. So under that, I'm asking you to vote no. This creates a nightmare both administratively and legally for parents.
It doesn't really correct the problem. And again, the vast majority of schools would be very happy to place those kids there if, in fact, that was an issue. It's not. The real issue is creating a preference for parents who happen to have twins. Thank you very much. I appreciate a
good no vote. Representative Carr and I have spoken
Chair
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48:45
against the bill. Anyone wishing to speak for the bill? Representative Harris, you are recognized to come and speak for the bill.
Representative Justin T. Harris
Unverified
49:03
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I said I wouldn't come to the well unless it pertains to me, and the obesity bill hasn't come across our desk yet on Insurance Commons. Okay, that's my one joke for the day. But I am an identical twin, and I had class with my twin brother. We had an area that had two different, we actually had five different classrooms. We did just fine, and I'd like to say this is really up to the parent.
I don't think we give preferential treatment, at least in our school, that this classroom, what I just heard from Representative Carnine is saying this classroom is going to be more special than the next classroom if we boot someone out. I thought we were under the understanding that we separated all the kids equally and not one class was smarter than the other. I may have misunderstood that, but that was my question. I think this is a good bill. It gives local control, and it has the parents to actually have a voice in their education.
Chair
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50:05
Isn't that amazing? Thank you. Representative Perry has spoken for the bill. Anyone wish to speak against the bill, for the
Speaker 73
50:16
bill, against the bill? Representative Hutchinson, you are recognized to come and speak
Representative Donna Hutchinson
Unverified
50:39
against the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I had sons that were twins, and they spent most of their time in the same classroom, and I think they've turned out semi-normal. I have no objection to the basic idea and concept. I think it's a good concept. should have the right to decide where their children go if there are multiple births. But I also am the mother of a single child. I'm also a teacher and I have requested that this bill be sent back and that the notification be at the
end of the previous school year. That should give the school time to rearrange classes and have everything worked out. If you just appear with twins or triplets, you're going to have to ask someone to move at the last late date. And I have no problem with the idea. I just think the parents should be required to request it at the end of the previous school year. Thank you. Representative Hutchinson has
Chair
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51:40
spoken against the bill. Anyone who wishes to speak for the bill?
Representative Collins, you are recognized to come and speak
for the bill. you're recognized ladies and gentlemen we're not creating a special category called twins
Chair
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52:06
God did thank you representative Collins has spoken for the bill anyone wish to speak
against the bill for the bill representative right you're recognized come and speak for the
Representative Marshall Wright
Unverified
52:20
Bill. Recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. May 4, 2005, I got the greatest gift that God could ever give me. It's two beautiful, healthy children. All this bill does is allow for the input of the parents. There are plenty of safeguards that the school can ultimately decide where those children are placed. The bill clearly says that, for instance, if somebody moves from out of the district, if it disrupts the
classroom, the school can place the children where they deem
appropriate. I appreciate a good vote. Representative
Chair
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52:57
Wright has spoken for the bill. Anyone wish to speak against the bill? For the bill, Representative Sanders, you are recognized to come and close for your bill. Thank
Representative David J. Sanders
Unverified
53:09
you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, members. I appreciate the good debate. And here's the thing. Many places in the state of
Arkansas and many schools are doing a fine job in dealing with twins. I would point out that Representative Carnine's area of the state does a fantastic job. Representative Carter's area of Cabot has done an excellent
job. But the truth is some school districts still operate under the old assertion that it's harmful to twins to have them together. This bill is the ultimate local control bill. It puts the decision in the hands of the parents. They are free to choose. So I would ask that You would vote for choice and for parents today and for twins.
Chair
Unverified
53:48
Thank you. Members, I've heard an explanation of the bill. The question for the House is passage of Senate Bill 268. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clark.
Everyone voted? Is everyone voted? Cast up the ballot by a vote of 54 yay, 26 nay,
Chair
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54:18
one present. You have passed the bill. Representative Sanders moves to the clincher. All in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed, no. Aye. Ayes have it. The clincher adopted. Members, I want
to take just a moment to welcome special guests up in the West Gallery.
I have my son, Rob, and my beautiful granddaughter, Sylvie, up there
Chair
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54:42
at Viston with us today. So if y'all could wave at Sylvie up there and let her know she's recognized. Thank you.
Mr. Clark, read Senate Bill 92. Senate
Speaker 19
55:05
Bill 92 by Senator Baletso to allow the multi-year registration of personal use motor vehicles.
Chair
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55:11
Representative Baird, you're recognized by the bill. Thank
Representative Duncan Baird
Unverified
55:13
you, Mr. Speaker. Members, Senate Bill 92 will create a pilot program that would allow citizens, if they choose, to register their vehicle for two or three years at a time. In order to register for multiple years, a person would have to have a history of properly assessing their property, paying their property tax and having insurance on their vehicle under this bill the multi-year registration will be paid in advance and the person will receive a decal for one year each year after that dfna will check to make sure
that a person has paid their property tax that their vehicle is insured and then they will send the person a decal for the next year dfa dfna can run these checks electronically and they're already doing this now if a person in one of the in the second or third year if a person hasn't paid their taxes or their vehicle isn't insured then they will not receive a decal in the mail they'll receive a renewal notice instead the bill received unanimous support in the senate we work with the association of counties on this and they are in support of the bills and with that i'd be happy to answer any
Chair
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56:18
questions i'd appreciate a good vote members heard an explanation of the bill anyone wishes to speak
against the bill, floor of the bill, not the question for the House, passes the Senate Bill 92, prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. Everyone voted? Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot by a vote of 91, yea,
3, nay, and 1 present. You have passed the bill. Mr. Clerk, read Senate Bill 955.
Speaker 19
56:51
Senate Bill 955 by Senator Key to clarify certain provisions of the Petroleum Storage
Chair
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57:00
Tank Trust Fund Act. Representative Tyler, you
Representative Linda S. Tyler
Unverified
57:06
are recognized to come and explain the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, this bill, Senator Key's bill, clarifies provisions of the Petroleum Storage Tank Trust Fund Act. It does three things. It allows for the transfer of eligibility for that act to subsequent owners or operators
of the storage tank. It also clarifies, though, that the potential liability of the owner or operator is not affected by that. And thirdly, it outlines the opportunity for Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission to provide rules and regulations for the procedure for the transferability of ownership. I would appreciate a good vote, and I'd take any questions. Members heard an explanation of the bill. Anyone wishing to speak against the bill?
Chair
Unverified
57:58
For the bill? Not the question for the House.
Passage of Senate Bill 955, pair of the machine.
Chair
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58:11
Mr. Clerk? Everyone voted. Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot by a vote of 91 yeas, 0 nay, 0 present. You have passed the bill. Mr. Clerk, read House Bill 889. Senate Bill 889
Speaker 185
58:28
by Senator Johnson to permit housing authorities to register fictitious names.
Chair
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58:34
Representative Dimes, you are recognized to come and
explain the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 889 comes from the Senate in conjunction with Senator David Johnson. It would permit housing authorities to register and operate under fictitious names, a fictitious name, excuse me, as
long as it received approval from its governing body and also filed the appropriate forms of the Secretary of State's office.
It's basically a bill that would help with their image and allow them to compete more competitively in the housing market. I'll be
Chair
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59:18
glad to take any questions. Representative Hutchinson, what purpose? Question? Recognize. I guess
Representative Donna Hutchinson
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59:25
we who aren't in the housing market, why would you want to have a
fictitious name? That's a good question. And the reasons would be it allows them better control of their image, allows them to compete better,
and hopefully attract greater federal funding.
So it's more cosmetic than anything. It doesn't involve any taxes or money, so it's just more of a good government bill. Do you have a second question? Do
Speaker 81
59:59
you have another question? Okay, go ahead. So if a business is having PR
Representative Donna Hutchinson
Unverified
1:00:05
problems, they just change their name? No, no, no, no. This has to do
with housing authorities, not any business, just housing authorities. There are about 100 of them in the state of Arkansas.
Representative Donna Hutchinson
Unverified
1:00:18
Would this allow, open the door for other businesses? It
wouldn't allow them to change their name. It would allow them to operate under a fictitious name like many businesses do when you have one corporate
Chair
Unverified
1:00:31
entity and you may operate under a series of
Representative Allen Kerr
Unverified
1:00:38
different names. All right, thank you. Representative Kerr, what purpose? You're recognized. Representative Vines, I'm struggling to try to understand what you're trying to get done with this. Can you give me an example of a housing authority? Give me an example of what they would use a fictitious name for.
I believe it's more for image purposes
than anything. Sometime when they become involved in transactions, the housing authority image is a little bit not as favorable as it would be if they used doing business as... Okay, are we talking
Representative Allen Kerr
Unverified
1:01:13
they're wanting to change their name from Jacksonville Housing Authority or Little Rock
Housing Authority to... XYZ, whatever it may be.
To the Shangri-La Housing Authority. Not necessarily Housing Authority, but maybe Shangri-La. Thank you, Mr.
Chair
Unverified
1:01:34
Speaker. Members, heard an explanation of the bill. Anyone wish to speak against the bill, for the bill?
Not the question for the House, passage of Senate Bill 889. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk.
Chair
Unverified
1:01:54
Everyone voted? So everyone voted. Cast up the ballot by a vote of 53, 54, yea, 33, nay, and one present. You have passed the bill. Representative Vine moves to clincher. All in favor say aye. Aye. Oppose, no. No. Ayes have it. Clincher adopted. Mr. Clerk
reads Senate Bill 65. Senate Bill 65 by Senator Jeffress,
an act to improve enrollment of Arkansas children in our kids' first A and B medical assistance programs.
Chair
Unverified
1:02:36
Representative Lindsay, you're recognized. Explain the bill. Thank
Representative Uvalde Lindsey
Unverified
1:02:42
you, Mr. Speaker. In Arkansas today, we've got 65,000 uninsured kids, And about two-thirds of those kids are eligible for medical assistance under Arkansas Kids First, Medicaid A or D. But about 20,000 of those kids are falling through the cracks, basically, I think, because of unnecessary red tape.
SB 65 is designed to help cut that red tape and help our Kids First programs. There are two things in the bill that the bill does. First, it improves the re-enrollment process. Right now, people get re-enrolled, and they have to do that every year, and they have to do that on a paper form. People move, and mail gets lost, whatever. This requires DHS to use existing databases like the existing school lunch program,
Are Arkansas better choices, better any of the things that are part of Arkansas's database system so that eligibility can be quickly and efficiently identified and you can enroll and re-enroll to receive coverage. You get away from paper forms. You quit duplicating efforts between two types of registration that are almost identical. Bottom line, the state government seems to become more efficient, and we might save a little bit of money in the process.
DHS has agreed to all pieces of this administrative action, and they will implement this plan immediately on passage of SB 65 with full implementation by December 31st of this year. The second part of SB 65 is a little more difficult. We wanted to try to make sure that all kids on Our Kids First had consistent coverage for 12 months. Under the B section of Medicaid, 12 months is assured.
But if income suddenly spikes, for instance, a family, one working this month, two working next month, if there's a spike in that income, they could be dropped from the A row. That's not fair. That's our lowest income families in this great state. We'd like to ensure that those kids are covered consistently for 12 months. It'll cost them money, $1.6 million. Originally projected to be four, and we've got it down to one-sixth by using administrative cost savings out of DHS by using the database, the first part of the act.
But we've conditioned the implementation of this part, this consistent coverage, on CMS approval. In other words, we've got to get Medicaid and Medicare to approve it. And subject to the availability of funds. Once again, DHS has assigned a high order of priority for this. Basically, it improves our access for all of our kids in this state to access our kids first if they qualify. It's a government efficiency bill.
I'd appreciate a good vote. Questions, Mr. Speaker? Thank you. Members, you've heard the explanation of
the bill. Is there anyone that would like to speak against the bill? for the bill. If not, the matter before us is the passage of SB 65. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk.
Everyone voted? Everyone voted? Cast up the ballot, Mr. Clerk. My vote of 67 yeas, 19 nays, and four present, you have passed the bill. Mr. Hall moves clincher. All those in favor, the ayes have it.
Representative Duncan Baird
Unverified
1:06:55
Mr. Clerk, read SB 253. Senate Bill 253 by Senator Madison to make various
corrections to Title 14 of the Arkansas Code of 1987 concerning local government. Representative Williams, you're recognized. Explain the
Representative Darrin Williams
Unverified
1:07:11
bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, this
is one of several code revision bills that I'll be running today. This bill amends Title 14, which is a local government section of the bill. I want to thank Representative Gillum for handling this in committee for me.
this bill makes clarifications and stylistic changes to the code and
again it's a code revision bill no substantive changes and I'd appreciate a good vote thank you members
you've heard an explanation of the bill anyone want to speak against the bill for the bill the matter before the house is the passage of SB 253 prepare the machine mr. clerk
Everyone voted? Cast up the ballot, Mr. Clerk. By a vote of 85 yeas, 3 nays, and 0 present, you have passed the bill, Ms. Williams. Mr. Clerk, read SB 858. SB
Representative Duncan Baird
Unverified
1:08:18
858 by Senator Madison to ensure the constitutionality of notice and to require that putative fathers be provided notice before an adoption
Speaker 27
1:08:24
in certain circumstances and to amend provisions of adoption code.
Representative Williams, you're recognized to explain
Representative Darrin Williams
Unverified
1:08:33
the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, this is not a code revision bill. This bill provides that notice of an adoption must be provided to the alleged father if the father has acknowledged paternity or has signed up on the state's Pugitive Father Registry. That's the first thing it does. The second thing this bill says is that if an employer provides maternity and paternity leave after the birth of a child, then that employer would also be required to provide
maternity and paternity leave after the adoption of a child. It does not mandate that an employer or an employee, I'm sorry, that an employer provide maternity and paternity leave, but if they do provide it for after the birth of a child, it would also be provided after the adoption of the child. Now, there are certain circumstances where adoption doesn't apply. It doesn't apply if the child being adopted is being adopted by the spouse of a custodial parent. It doesn't apply if the child being adopted is over 18 years of age, and it doesn't apply if the child has been living in a foster parent's home and being
adopted by that foster parent. A simple bill, it makes
public policy supporting adoption in the state, and I'd appreciate a good vote. Thank you. Members,
you've heard an explanation of the bill. Anyone speak against the bill, the bill? The matter before the House?
Ms. Benedict, you're recognized to speak against the bill.
Representative Lori Benedict
Unverified
1:10:08
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm speaking against this bill because what it does is it imposes mandates on employers who are already willing of their own accord to give leave to parents who are well new parents having new children new babies born and they give them leave of their own accord now we're going to mandate that if they're good enough to do that that they have to also give leave to someone who
is adopting a child what it means is we are regulating and mandating private business policy and we have no
Chair
Unverified
1:10:48
business regulating business policy this is not a law this is business policy thank you members anyone speak for the
bill against the bill matter before the house is you want to
close for that bill Representative Williams, you're recognized.
Representative Darrin Williams
Unverified
1:11:13
I just want to clarify. There's nothing in this bill that requires the employer to give leave. If the employer on its own volition chooses to give leave to a parent who has a child by natural birth, then a child like me who was adopted would also get the chance, that parent would have a chance to have maternity leave. It doesn't require a private employer to do it if they do it for a child that's born biologically. It would also be done for a child that was adopted. That's all it does. It does not require that an employer do it. It does not require that it's paid leave either. It's unpaid leave.
Thank you. I'd appreciate a good vote. Members, you heard the explanation of the bill. The matter before the House, the passage of SB 858. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. Everyone
voted. Cast up the ballot, Mr. Clerk. By a vote of 69, yay, 21, nay, and zero present, you have passed the bill, Representative Williams.
Mr. Clerk, read SB 728. Senate Bill 728 by Senator Burnett to clarify the scope of the real
property transfer tax. Representative Lovell,
Representative Buddy Lovell
Unverified
1:12:33
you're recognized to explain the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is a pretty simple bill. Well, it pulls out the personal property, separates the personal property from the real property for the purpose of attaching revenue stamps to it.
In other words, if you buy a piece of property and it has personal property in it, then that personal property will be identified and taken out at the purchase price so that you put the revenue stamps on only for the real property. questions appreciate a good vote members you've heard
an explanation of the bill anyone want to speak against the bill for the bill
matter before the house is the passage of SB 728 prepare the machine mr. clerk
Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot, Mr.
Clerk. By vote of 93 yea, 0 nay, and 0 present, you pass the bill. Mr. Clerk, read SB 768. Senate Bill 768 by Senator
Representative Duncan Baird
Unverified
1:13:45
Hutchinson to regulate insurance consultant fees. mr curry recognized to explain the bill thank you
mr speaker uh members this bill is uh
Representative Allen Kerr
Unverified
1:14:02
pretty much what it says insurance agents sometimes have more than one license and more than
one function they will do insurance consulting and charge a fee for that in other words they give advice they don't sell a product but sometimes they sell the products as well the problem is the insurance department doesn't really like you to do to charge for both functions so if you do the consulting and you charge the fee and then after you put that plan together they turn around
and buy the products from you then you need to refund that consulting fee problem is currently if an insurance agent refunds a fee or a commission, it's called rebating. All this really does is allows that agent to refund that consulting fee without it being called a rebate. Any questions? Members, you've heard an explanation of the
bill. Anyone want to speak against the bill, for the bill? Are you closed, Mr.
Kerr? I'm closed. I appreciate a good vote.
The matter before the house is the passage of SB 768, prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. Everyone
voted. Cast up the ballot, Mr. Clerk. By a vote of 92
yea, 0 nay, and 0 present, you have passed the bill. Mr. Clerk, read SB 428. Senate Bill
Speaker 19
1:15:39
428 by Senator Williams, an act to allow the Department of Finance and Administration
to offset any tax refund due for any tax collected by the Department against a debt
for any tax administered by the Department.
Representative Keith M. Ingram
Unverified
1:15:53
Representative Ingram, you recognize to explain the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, Senate Bill 428, currently state law, DF&A, can only offset an income tax refund against an income tax debt. Because of the age of computerization, we now have the ability to offset a refund for any tax against any debt that DFA collects.
I'd appreciate a good vote. Members, you've heard an explanation of the bill. Anyone want to speak against the
bill, for the bill? Members, the question before the House is the passage of SB 428. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. everyone voted cast up the ballot mr. clerk by a vote of ninety two yay zero nay and zero present you
Representative Duncan Baird
Unverified
1:16:48
pass the bill mr. clerk read fb 815 senate bill 815 by senator chesterfield concerning
volunteers and municipality with the city manager form
of government you recognize explain the bill Representative Allen.
Representative Fred Allen
Unverified
1:17:00
Thank you Mr. Speaker and members. This bill applies to city management form of government only
and basically what this bill says that if you are a volunteer that serves on a board or commission you can do business with the state. I mean you can do business with that municipality. Appreciate a good vote. Members you've heard an explanation of the bill.
Does anyone want to speak against the bill, for the bill? The
matter before the House is the passage of SB 815. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. Members, you're voting on the bill
and the emergency clause. Everyone voted. cast up the ballot Mr. Clerk
by a vote of 75 yay 17 nay and 0 present you have passed the
bill and the emergency clause Mr. Clerk read SB 265
Senate Bill 265 by Senator Salmon to clarify the time of expiration of oil and gas leases and the severance of
sections or units in which production has not been obtained during the primary term
Speaker 217
1:18:21
of the leases Representative Shepard you're recognized to explain the bill thank you mr speaker members Senate bill 265 is a bill by Senator Salmon that concerns initially
it minimized the ability of an oil and gas lease to be held by production there were some concerns from industry and last week it was amended to something that that I believe is palatable to involved and I would appreciate a good vote members you've heard an explanation
of the bill anyone want to speak against the bill for the bill the matter before the
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1:19:00
house is the passage of SB 265 prepare the machine mr. clerk
Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot, Mr. Clerk. By a vote of 89, yay, 0, nay, and 0, present, you've passed the bill. Mr. Clerk,
read SB 946. Senate Bill 946 by Senator Harrelson to allow local county governments to negotiate with commercial interests seeking mass copying of public records.
Speaker 98
1:19:35
Representative Thompson, you're recognized to explain the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Members, I bring this to you on behalf of Senator Harrelson. The bill seeks to provide county government the ability to negotiate with commercial interest for book processing of county records. It's agreed upon legislation. It's been signed off by the title industry. And it gives county officials tools that they need to assure taxpayers is that the field is open, the records are there, and it will make it a lot easier for them to do business, and I would appreciate a good vote.
Representatives, you've heard an explanation of the vote, of the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill, for the bill? The matter before the House is the passage of SB 946, prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk.
Everyone voted? Cast up the ballot, Mr. Clerk. By a vote
of 90 yea, 0 nay and 0 present, you've passed the bill.
Mr. Clerk, read SB 892. Senate Bill 892
by Senator Johnson to clarify Arkansas's anti-bullying policies and protect student dignity.
Representative Powers, you're recognized to explain the
Representative David "Bubba" Powers
Unverified
1:21:12
bill and fix your tie. Don't like my tie today, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 892 by Senator Johnson, which passed the Senate by a vote of 34 to nothing, is legislation designed to clarify and make uniform an anti-bullying policy for our schools.
There is current law that deals with bullying, and this bill simply strengthens and guides our school districts in what has unfortunately become a terrible problem in our state, if not our country. It requires that a credible report or complaint is promptly investigated by the school and a record is made of that investigation, that every school board adopt a policy to prevent bullying. Each school district shall provide training on compliance with the anti-bullying policy
to all district employees that are responsible for reporting or investigating the acts of bullying. And as I said, this is simply an attempt to curb an insidious problem That, unfortunately, too often results in the loss of dignity, well-being, feelings of well-being to our children, and I think this is something that we need to adopt for
our young people. Mr. Speaker, I'd be happy to answer questions.
Representative Mayberry Purpose. Question. You're recognized for the question. Representative
Representative Andy Mayberry
Unverified
1:22:39
Powers, first of all, I'd like to thank you for bringing this issue forward because as you and I have had some discussion with others, including Senator Johnson, I'm in agreement with you that the bullying issue in our schools is one that needs to be addressed and we need to take stronger action toward. My first question, Representative Powers, though, is in reading your bill with regards to the attributes,
would you agree that if a child, for instance, moved here from another region of the country and perhaps spoke with an accent or a dialect unlike our own, unlike our own and that particular child became the target of some violence or some bullying activities would that be one of the attributes that is that
Representative David "Bubba" Powers
Unverified
1:23:33
is covered in this first of all thank you for thanking me i i would say that there are probably many attributes
that may not can be covered by every thought that we have representative mayberry the What you describe, yes, it certainly could be. I know that we talked
Representative Andy Mayberry
Unverified
1:23:55
for quite some time about some different ideas and some thoughts, and I had proposed a couple of suggestions of some things that could be included in this bill. One of those would be some sort of notification to a parent if her child or his or her child were being bullied.
Is that included in here, Representative Powers? First of all,
Representative David "Bubba" Powers
Unverified
1:24:19
I don't recall exactly what you recommended that day, but if the school district chose to notify that parent, I don't think that's unreasonable. I think the school district, probably the training and the standards that we're going to set down, if that's reasonable, I'm certainly willing to let the school district do that.
Thank you, Representative Powers. Representative Bell, Purpose?
Representative Nate Bell
Unverified
1:24:45
You're recognized for the question. Representative Powers, as I understand it, you have language in
the bill that specifically would prohibit language which alarmed or harassed. Prohibit? Yes,
Representative Nate Bell
Unverified
1:25:04
there's a good chance that that language could be unconstitutional because it would limit people's free speech rights. There is some language which doesn't, is not criminal under current statute that could be considered harassing or alarming.
Many things cause alarm that aren't necessarily bullying. Are you at all concerned that some of this language might be an infringement on free speech rights? Well, first of all, let me say I appreciate
Representative David "Bubba" Powers
Unverified
1:25:36
your legal opinion, but a very good attorney on the Senate end, Representative Johnson, wrote the bill. So I'll defer to his status in the legal community on that. Follow-up. You're recognized for the follow-up. I just visited
Representative Nate Bell
Unverified
1:25:53
with some of the BLR attorneys this morning,
and I'd be glad to refer to them individually, but they specifically stated that they felt like there were serious constitutional concerns with that language. Well, I can tell you that,
Representative David "Bubba" Powers
Unverified
1:26:08
obviously, the Bureau wrote this bill, too, with Senator Johnson's input, and apparently they didn't have those problems at the time the bill was written, Representative
Bell. Thank you very much. Thank you. Representative Hammer, Purpose. You're
Speaker 267
1:26:22
recognized for the question, Representative Hammer.
Representative Kim Hammer
Unverified
1:26:27
Thank you. Representative Powers, do school boards currently have the power to enact policies to deal with bullying that falls under this category as far as the Facebook and those kind of things? That is
Representative David "Bubba" Powers
Unverified
1:26:43
correct, Representative Hammer, and that's one of the reasons that we're bringing the bill. It strictly hasn't worked. We are strengthening this legislation. We're giving guidance to our school districts, and we want to make sure that they understand,
everyone understands each school district, the problem that's going on with our children. Follow-up
Speaker 273
1:27:04
question, if I may? Go ahead. Thank you. So if we enact this law, the school boards that
Representative Kim Hammer
Unverified
1:27:12
already have a policy in place now, this would give them something to fall back on as further strength to enforce it and to turn it over to, say, school law enforcement officers that are on campus to follow up and choose to prosecute if they so want to?
Representative David "Bubba" Powers
Unverified
1:27:28
I think that's correct, and that's a fair assessment.
And I think the biggest problem that we're having is there are schools that don't have any policy in place whatsoever. What this does, it takes the current law, and it does require some certain actions by the school board. So if they have a bullying policy in place and they want to make it stronger, that's certainly a possibility, too, than what's here in
this legislation. Thank you, sir. Representative Rogers? Question. You
Representative Tiffany Rogers
Unverified
1:28:00
recognize? Representative Powers, I applaud your efforts in this respect
and trust your judgment in doing so as well. My question is, is it appropriate or proper for BLR to make any type
Speaker 277
1:28:14
of assessment or judgment concerning another member's
bill? Well, I would certainly agree with that. Thank you. Representative Garner, for that purpose. Question.
Representative Ed Garner
Unverified
1:28:26
You recognize? Representative Powers, you're saying that this language strengthens the bullying bill, and it seemed that the original language took
in any action that would cause the environment of physical harm, substantial interference, et cetera, and then there is defined in the new language attribute, and these actions address an attribute of another student. Does that restrict it then? And that bullying has to fall into one of these defined attributes rather than just create this bad environment
for the physical harm, substantial interference. I'm really, how does that make it stronger by restricting that definition to those things that fall under the heading of attributes? Well, first of all, I don't think
Representative David "Bubba" Powers
Unverified
1:29:27
it restricts it. But second of all, I think we will all admit we've all seen the viral video of the heavyset young man that took action on his own. The 6'3", 205-pound quarterback who runs a 4'6", 40 doesn't get bullied, Mr. Garner.
And I think it's vital for our school boards to know. I think it's vital for our students to know. some of those attributes that lead to this
Representative Ed Garner
Unverified
1:29:56
insidious behavior. I agree. I just wondered if it left out the case
where people just ganged up on someone because they didn't like them and it didn't really fall into an attribute. But I know that that behavior occurs, too, and I wondered if this language basically left that out now. As far
Representative David "Bubba" Powers
Unverified
1:30:15
as protecting students, and I guess you're talking about some students ganged up on another student, is that right?
Representative Ed Garner
Unverified
1:30:22
Right, for whatever reason, social cliques or whatever. Well, and I think
Representative David "Bubba" Powers
Unverified
1:30:27
if they were to gang up on another student, then we start getting into the realm of criminal activity, and then I would deal with
Representative Ed Garner
Unverified
1:30:36
it at that point. I just meant as far as bullying goes, that it can
Representative David "Bubba" Powers
Unverified
1:30:41
just be as simple as cliques. What I would encourage not to do is to chase ghosts on this. These are children we are trying to protect, and we have enumerated some of the areas and some of the signs that lead to bullying.
As I mentioned, that quarterback doesn't get bullied. These enumerations are some. It's not a comprehensive list. I do not believe in any way that it weakens our current bill. I think it strengthens it dramatically. Okay, I just thought it
Representative Ed Garner
Unverified
1:31:09
was making more restrictive that it had to fit these certain attributes when really the environment of bullying was what the previous bill addressed. So I was curious how that made it. I think there's
Representative David "Bubba" Powers
Unverified
1:31:20
still language in the bill, Mr. Garner, to address all of your concerns.
Speaker 268
1:31:26
Thank you. Representative Wardlaw, for what
purpose? Motion. I can't take a motion. Mr. Powers has the floor. Thank
Representative David "Bubba" Powers
Unverified
1:31:40
you. Well, Mr. Speaker, I would like to, well, you may want to take questions, but I would like to make one final comment about this. This, as I mentioned, this is a horrendous problem.
I truly believe. I deal with it on a day-to-day basis. You know, I could tell you about the overweight little girl with the hideous birthmark on her face when they came into my office a couple of years ago. They didn't know their school, didn't have any policies. Their school, for lack of whatever, didn't take care of it. You know, and someone told her about me, and they came to me just as an authority figure, hoping I could do something about it. Well, number one, we did something about it. But number two, if we'd sat there and seen
how beaten down that child was, her mother, then if they come to the authorities that lead our communities and ask for help, that's exactly why I'm standing here before you today. We're the leaders, and
we need the help. Thank you. Ms. Wardlaw, you're recognized for your motion.
Immediate consideration, please. Proper motion not debatable. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Those opposed? No. The ayes have it. The question
before the House is the passage of SB 892. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. Everyone voted? Cancel up the ballot, Mr. Clerk.
By a vote of 69, yea, 18, nay, and 0,
present, you pass the bill. Mr. Clerk, read SB
Representative Duncan Baird
Unverified
1:33:40
626. Senate Bill 626 by Senator Madison, concerning provisions related to the Juvenile Code. Representative Powers,
you're right to explain the bill. Thank
Representative David "Bubba" Powers
Unverified
1:33:53
you, Mr. Speaker. Here, Senate Bill 626 is by Senator Madison, and it amends the juvenile code. Let me just run down some of the highlights of the bill.
It clarifies when a person is allowed to use restraint such that it doesn't constitute child abuse. In compliance with new federal law, it adds that reasonable efforts are not required to reunite a child with a parent if the parent is required to register with the sex offender registry. It amends the definition of sexual abuse to mirror the changes in Child Maltreatment Act. It defines temporary and permanent custody. It clarifies that juvenile court has jurisdiction to hear cases when permanent order of custody is disrupted. It clarifies when the juvenile court has jurisdiction when child maltreatment is involved and a person files a pleading in another court.
It expands the authority of the juvenile judge to enter emergency orders to protect the health and physical well-being of a juvenile from immediate danger. It allows the adjudication hearing to be continued for an additional 30 days, if necessary and relevant. Evidence can't be obtained in a timely manner. And it clarifies service of process on parents on the petition to terminate parental rights. That is the bill and the adjustments. I'd appreciate a good bill. Members, you've heard an explanation of the bill.
Anyone want to speak against the bill, for the bill? The question before the
House is the passage of SB 626. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot, Mr. Clerk. By a vote of 87, yea, 0, nay, and 0, present, you pass the bill. Mr. Clerk, read SB 41. Senate
Bill 41 by Senator Key to extend the termination period required for retirement
for individuals who receive at least two-for-one service credit and to declare an emergency.
You're recognized to explain the bill, Representative
Representative Les "Skip" Carnine
Unverified
1:35:57
Carnine. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is a clean-up bill from the Retirement Committee. It just brings the county officials on two-to-one, consistent with extending it to a year period in terms of when they need to be terminated. Thank you. Appreciate a good vote. It saves money also. Members, you've heard
an explanation of the bill. Anyone want to speak against the bill, for the bill?
The matter before the House is the passage of SB 41. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. Members, you're voting on the bill and
the emergency clause. Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot, Mr.
Clerk. My vote of 90 yea, 0 nay, and 0 present, you pass the bill and the emergency clause. Mr. Clerk, read SB
Speaker 19
1:36:49
706. Senate Bill 706 by Senator Pritchard concerning the posting of warning signs relating to drinking alcoholic beverages during pregnancy.
Representative Allen, you're recognized to explain
Representative Fred Allen
Unverified
1:36:59
the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members. This is Senator Pritchard's bill. It came out of the Prevention Task Force, and it simply states that anyone that receives an alcohol permit should post a sign that says that alcohol can be dangerous or detrimental to someone that's pregnant. One of the things that we, that I went to see Senator Pritchett a few minutes ago, and we were concerned about whether signs are posted in the restaurant,
and he said that they could even post the signs in the restroom and he said that it was an agreement between Senator Pritchard and some of the people that had some concerns about this bill and I appreciate a good vote. I'd be
Speaker 299
1:37:44
happy to take any questions. Representative Ingram,
members you've heard an explanation of the vote. Anyone speak against the bill? Representative Ingram, you're recognized to speak against the bill.
Representative Keith M. Ingram
Unverified
1:38:01
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I hate to come down here and speak against this bill. As he said, Senator Pritchard handled this. After it came out of committee, there were some questions that were raised about it, and I talked to Senator Pritchard and asked him if he would let us re-refer this to committee so that we could work out some of these questions. and he did not want to do that, and he asked Representative Allen to go ahead and run the bill as it is. I am not aware.
There were some questions, the Arkansas Hospitality Association, about sign placement. I spoke with them right before I came in here. I'm not aware of any agreement to that effect. Also, if you'll look in the bill, it requires that the Arkansas Beverage Control Board shall produce the signs, and there was some talk about maybe some private funding, but in this they are mandating that ABC have to make these signs. And for those reasons, since I did go to Senator Pritchard and ask him to re-refer it,
I would ask you to vote against this bill today.
Thank you. Members, anyone want to speak for the
bill, against the bill? Representative Allen, would you like to
Representative Fred Allen
Unverified
1:39:28
close for your bill? You're recognized. Thank you. In visiting with Senator Pritchard, I
was informed that no one spoke against the bill in committee.
Nor has anyone contacted Senator Pritchard to object to the bill. And Senator Pritchard just got off the phone a few minutes ago with the director of, Director Langley with ABC, and he's neutral on
the bill. And this bill came out of the task force, and I appreciate a
Representative Robert S. Moore, Jr.
Unverified
1:40:00
good vote. Members, Representative Allen is closed with the bill. Question for the House, passage of Senate Bill 706, prepare the machine.
Mr. Clerk. Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot by a vote of 43 yea,
Representative Robert S. Moore, Jr.
Unverified
1:40:40
27 yea, nay, 2 present. You have failed the bill. Representative Ingram moves the clincher on Senate Bill 706, President Sheen.
Chair
Unverified
1:40:46
Mr. Clerk. everyone voted everyone voted cast up the ballot
vote of 19 yea 55 nay and 1 present the clincher motion has failed Ms. Clerk, read Senate Bill 890.
Senate Bill 890 by Senator Johnson to amend Arkansas law concerning the purchase of work
Chair
Unverified
1:41:27
center products by state agencies. Representative Penartz, you
are recognized to explain the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 890 is a
bill to help the blind people. It adds, changes the work center definition to, by adding the term, a work center for the blind.
And that means a facility that's certified by the Division of State Services for the Blind and within the Department of Human Services that has provision of services, handiwork, and is carried on to provide evaluation and training and gainful employment to individuals with disabilities. This also updates the archaic use of the term disabled persons to indicate individuals with disabilities.
And I might add that before a work center for the blind can be designated as a work center, they have to make application and be certified. The members heard
Chair
Unverified
1:42:38
an explanation of the bill. Anyone wishing to speak against the bill, for the bill?
Not the question for the House. Passage Senate Bill 890. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk.
Chair
Unverified
1:42:56
Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot by a vote of 84, yea, 0, nay, 1, present. You have passed the bill. Mr. Clerk, read Senate Bill 708. Senate
Bill 708 by Senator Salmon to amend the definition of exempt commodities and services under the Arkansas Procurement Law.
Chair
Unverified
1:43:19
Representative Rogers, you are recognized to explain
Representative Tiffany Rogers
Unverified
1:43:22
the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker,
and thank you, members of the House. Members, Senate Bill 708 is an act that would amend the definition of exempt commodities and services under the current Arkansas Procurement Law.
What it would do, the Arkansas Procurement Law is amended to add an additional subdivision to read as follows. The following commodities and services relating to proprietary software after the initial procurement. Technical support, renewals of contracts, licensing additional copies, and then the licensing upgrades. Because the existing proprietary software is already in place on most of our college campuses, this bill would allow those college campuses to buy additional copies, upgrade the software, renew licenses,
and technically support the software without having to either bid or justify the purchase as a sole source after the initial purchase. The initial purchase would be a bidding process, and I've stated this in terms of higher ed or college campuses, but this applies to all state agencies. But what it would allow for is that perhaps if you purchase a computing system, some type of system, $10 million system, but this would allow you to stay with that same corporation
to purchase the upgrades to the software, the licensing contracts, and in essence it It would actually be cheaper on the state to be able to do that as opposed to having to bid it out. I would try to take any questions, but I appreciate a good vote. Thank you.
Chair
Unverified
1:45:05
Members, heard an explanation of the bill. Anyone wishing to speak against the bill, for the
bill, not the question for the House passage of Senate Bill 708. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk.
Everyone voted? Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot by a vote of 88 yea, 0
Representative Robert S. Moore, Jr.
Unverified
1:45:30
nay, 0 present. You have passed the bill. Mr. Clerk reads Senate Bill 848. Senate Bill
Speaker 19
1:45:37
848 by Senator Teague to authorize the issuance, renewal and replacement of special license plates for conservation districts
to have the fundraising proceeds directed to the Arkansas Association of Conservation Districts. Representative Steele, you are
Chair
Unverified
1:45:49
recognized to explain the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Representative Tracy Steele
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1:45:55
Members, this is a bill from my constituent Senator Teague, and yes, Representative Link, it is a license plate bill. This bill just allows for special license plates that will be designed by our Soil and Water Conservation Districts, it would cost $35, $10 of that fee would go to the F&A for handling. The other $25 would go to the Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Just gives those people out there that want to show support for their local conservation district, they can by procuring one of these license plates. I'll be happy to take any questions.
Representative Kelley Linck
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1:46:29
Representative Blank, what purpose? Question, please. You recognize? And Representative Steele, are you aware that my father-in-law is a chairman of one of these conservation districts? I was not aware of that. Does this bill mandate the design of any particular – does it mandate so that we can have continuity in the design of our license
Representative Tracy Steele
Unverified
1:46:48
plates? It will leave the design of the plate up to the conservation district. But I would assume there would be no less continuity than what
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we have with our state representative license plates. Thank you.
Chair
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1:46:59
Thank you. Appreciate it. Members, sir, an
explanation of the bill. Anyone wish to speak against the bill? For the bill? Not the question for the House. Pass it to Senate Bill 848. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. Everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot by a vote of 88, yea, 2, nay, 0, present. You have passed the bill. Mr. Clerk, read Senate Bill 355.
Speaker 19
1:47:30
Senate Bill 355 by Senator Laverty to provide that members of the Arkansas Board of Podiatric Medicine may receive a stipend
Chair
Unverified
1:47:40
not to exceed $110. Senator Lovell,
you're recognized to explain the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Representative Buddy Lovell
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1:47:48
This bill by Senator Laverty simply puts the podiatry board on the list of other boards of healing arts and allows them to draw the same stipend as those other boards.
It increases their stipend from $65 up to $110 max, and it's no general revenue. It's all fees that they raise, and I appreciate a good vote. Members, heard an explanation of the
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1:48:16
bill. Anyone wishing to speak against the bill, for the bill, not a
Chair
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1:48:21
question for the House, passing Senate Bill 355, prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk.
Everyone voted. Everyone voted. We'd cast up the ballot by a vote of 75 yea, 3 nay, and 4 present. You have passed the bill. Mr. Clerk, read Senate Bill 816. Senate
Bill 816 by Senator Jeffress to amend
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1:48:49
the Arkansas Energy Reorganization and Policy Act as it pertains to the promulgation of rules by the Arkansas
Energy Office. Representative Rogers, you're recognized to explain
Representative Tiffany Rogers
Unverified
1:48:58
the bill. Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you, members of the House,
once again. Senate Bill 816 is an act that would amend the Arkansas energy reorganization and policy
as it pertains to the promulgation
of rules by the Arkansas Energy Office, which is a division of the Arkansas Department of Economic Development. Senate Bill 816, first of all, our Arkansas Energy Code was first adopted in 1979. It was first updated in 1992
and was subsequently updated again in 2004. In the enabling legislation for the Arkansas Energy Office, the powers and duties section that stated it is the responsibility of the Arkansas Energy Office to promulgate reasonable rules and regulations for the purpose of implementing and prescribing enforcement for thermal and lighting efficiency standards for new building constructions in the state.
What this bill actually does is that it would do one thing. It would remove the code in the reference year for the code. It would remove in code the reference year for the code. The 2004 code will remain the energy code until it is updated using the procedures prescribed by the Administrative Procedures Act. This bill was vetted in the Joint Energy Committee, and it is in relationship to Governor Beebe's goals pertaining to energy efficiency and our energy office.
I would ask for a good
Chair
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1:50:34
vote. Thank you. Members, sir, no explanation of the bill. Anyone wish to speak against the bill, for the bill, not to question for the House passage of Senate Bill 816, prepare the machine. Mr. Clerk. everyone voted everyone voted cast up the ballot by a vote of 84 yay zero nays zero present you
have passed the bill mr clark
reads senate bill 823 senate bill 823
by senator jeffress to promote the conservation of energy and natural resources and buildings owned by public
Chair
Unverified
1:51:16
agencies and Institutions of Higher Education. Representative Rogers, you
Representative Tiffany Rogers
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1:51:19
are recognized to explain the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last but not least, Senate Bill 823 is an act to promote the conservation of energy and natural resources in buildings owned by public agencies and institutions of higher education.
This bill, this act was put into place in 2000, or Act 1494 was put into place in 2009, I think by our own representative Kathy Webb. It prescribes actions that must be taken by state agencies to address the use of energy in the state-owned buildings. It also established energy standards to be met in the construction of new state-owned buildings. What this bill would do is to remove the inappropriate requirement that the Arkansas Energy Office provide an
an operation and maintenance program for energy efficiency in state buildings. This function is more appropriately carried out by the resident state agency. There are conditions that apply for the availability of funding, and it also establishes a time frame for the completion of an energy audit by each state agency. I would answer any questions, if possible, but would certainly appreciate a good vote. Thank you.
Chair
Unverified
1:52:37
Members, heard an explanation of the bill. Anyone wishing to speak against the bill, for the bill, if not the question for the House, pass it to Senate Bill 823, prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. Everyone voted. Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot by a vote of 81 yea, 1 nay, 1 present. You have passed the bill. Mr. Clark, read Senate Bill 1004. Senate
Speaker 19
1:53:07
Bill 1004 by Senator Malone, an act to raise the age of children for whom smoking is prohibited in motor vehicle.
Representative Webb, you are recognized to explain
Representative Kathy Webb
Unverified
1:53:18
the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And this is a bill from Senator Malone. What it does, it raises the age in which smoking is prohibited in a car with a child from 6 to 14 years of age. Bills like this around the country have been passed, and they have also been deemed to withstand any constitutional issues. It will cover about 500,000 more Arkansas kids, and studies and statistics show the harm of secondhand smoke,
and cars, even with windows rolled down, have dangerously high levels. So it's a good public health, public policy bill. Thank you. Members, heard
Chair
Unverified
1:53:58
an explanation of the bill. Anyone wish to speak against the bill? For the bill? Not the question for the House. Passage of Senate Bill 1004. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk.
Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot by a vote of 55, yay, 28, nay, 0, President. You have passed the bill. Representative Webb moves to the clincher. All in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed, no. Ayes have it. Clincher adopted. Mr. Clerk reads Senate Bill
784. Senate Bill 784 by Senator Key to allow a
Speaker 19
1:54:44
certificate of title to be issued for a motor vehicle that was manufactured in this state by a small-volume manufacturer.
Chair
Unverified
1:54:52
Representative Sanders, you are recognized to explain
Representative David J. Sanders
Unverified
1:54:55
the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This may be the most consequential piece of legislation we vote on today. This bill allows certain specialty vehicle manufacturers to manufacture a small volume of vehicles to be titled currently in the law and it makes perfect sense. It makes perfect sense. We have a prohibition for manufacturers to sell automobiles because we want to protect our dealers. This deals specifically with the little car. They're called T-buckets. They're little kit cars.
There are a couple of manufacturers in the state that actually manufacture kits. But what they've asked to do is to be able to put together a minimum of 10 assembled T-buckets a year that they will be able to sell. the Motor Vehicle Commission and the Department of Finance Administration signed off on this bill and actually DSNA added language dealing with custom motorcycles so we certainly would appreciate a good vote on this members heard no
Chair
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1:55:50
explanation of the bill anyone wishing to speak against the bill
for the bill not the question for the house
passage Senate Bill 784 prepare the machine Mr. Clark everyone
voted everyone voted cast up the ballot by a vote of 87 yeas, 0 nays, 0 present you have passed the bill Mr. Clark reads Senate Bill 377 Senate Bill 377
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1:56:24
by Senator Files to amend motor fuel distillate special fuel and to liquefy and liquefy gas special fuel provisions and to provide an exception to allow disclosure of motor fuel tax information to bonding companies. Representative
Cowling, you're recognized to explain the bill. Thank
Representative Larry Cowling
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1:56:40
you, Mr. Speaker. These next three bills are three bills that DF&A and all their cleanup bills with some language in this one here. This bill repeals obsolete provision of the state motor fuel tax law and makes the provision of the motor fuel law and the specified motor fuel law consistent with each other.
This bill also sets out requirements for DF&A to notify a bond company when making a claim against a bond when the motor fuel wholesaler to whom
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1:57:07
the bond was issued fails to remit the motor fuel tax. I appreciate a good vote. Members,
Chair
Unverified
1:57:14
I heard an explanation of the bill. Anyone wishing to speak against the bill, for the bill, not to question for the House, passes Senate Bill 377, pair of the machine, Mr. Clerk. Everyone voted.
Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot. By vote 87, yea, 0, nay, 0, present, you have passed the bill. Mr. Clark, read Senate Bill 351. Senate Bill
Speaker 19
1:57:45
351 by Senator Files to allow delinquent taxes, penalty, and interest owed to the Department of Finance and Administration to be paid from the proceeds of
Chair
Unverified
1:57:55
tax delinquent land sales. President Cowling, you're
Representative Larry Cowling
Unverified
1:57:58
recognized to explain the bill. Thank you again, Mr. Speaker. This bill provides that when the land commissioner sells real estate for which the property taxes are delinquent and there are excess proceeds after the property taxes are paid, the excess proceeds will be applied to a satisfied delinquent state tax debt owed to DF&A.
This bill will eliminate the deed for a separate legal action where they don't have to go back and refile again. I'd appreciate a good vote on that. Member
Chair
Unverified
1:58:29
just heard an explanation of the bill. Anyone wishing to speak against the bill, for
the bill, not the question for the House, passage of Senate Bill 351, prepare the machine, Mr. Clark. Everyone voted?
Chair
Unverified
1:58:48
Everyone voted? Cast up the ballot by a vote of 83, yea, 0, nay, 0, present. You have passed the bill. Mr. Clark, read the Senate Bill 569. Senate Bill
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1:59:00
569 by Senator Sample, an act to amend the Arkansas Code to clarify the provisions concerning the saltwater disposal system tax credit. Representative Cowan, you're recognized. Thank
Representative Larry Cowling
Unverified
1:59:11
you, and I'll finish up my good deeds for the day. This bill changes the way that the saltwater disposal credit is credited back to producers of oil and natural gas.
It says when the exceed credits are claimed by producers, the state must bill the oil and gas producers. And the way they explain this in committee and all is lots of them, they pay quarterly. They want to pay it yearly because when they pay quarterly, the first thing they do is they want a rebate. And then at the end of the year, they owe money. So what they want to do is hold it all to the end of the year
Representative David J. Sanders
Unverified
1:59:44
and then apply the rebate to this. So basically and all, it's just a money-saving deal for the state.
Chair
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1:59:52
I'd appreciate a good vote. Members, heard an explanation of the bill.
Anyone wishing to speak against the bill, for the bill, if not a question for
the House, passage of Senate Bill 569. Prepare the machine. Mr. Clerk.
Chair
Unverified
2:00:03
everyone voted everyone voted cast up the ballot by a vote of 85 yeas, 0 nays, 0 present you have passed the bill Mr. Clark reads Senate Bill
Speaker 19
2:00:24
594 Senate Bill 594 by Senator Dismang to clarify the grounds and procedures for setting aside a sale
Chair
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2:00:33
of tax delinquent lands uh representative carter is anyone here present the bill on behalf of representative carter
uh representative williams what purpose uh could
Representative Darrin Williams
Unverified
2:00:44
we uh pass over that bill and leave
it on the calendar for tomorrow without objection i will pass over senate bill 594 with that I'll move Senate Bill 594 to the bottom of the list. Is that motion going to be for Senate Bill 595, 6, and 7?
Representative Darrin Williams
Unverified
2:01:09
95 and 96, that will be the same motion.
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2:01:12
I have a different motion for 597. All right. We'll, without objection, we'll pass over 595 and
Chair
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2:01:21
leave it on the calendar for tomorrow. Without objection, we'll pass over 596, Senate Bill 596, and leave on the calendar tomorrow. Senate Bill 597, Representative Williams, what purpose? Representative Carter would like to re-refer
Representative Darrin Williams
Unverified
2:01:35
that bill to committee. That's a proper motion.
Chair
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2:01:43
It is available. If you come down and explain the motion. You're recognized to
Representative Darrin Williams
Unverified
2:01:58
explain the motion. Members, Representative Carter has a little more work to do with this bill to make it a better bill. Senator Dinsmang, he agrees with him and they want to refer this back to the committee to make a
Chair
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2:02:09
few changes. Members, heard an explanation of the motion. Anyone who wishes to speak against the motion, for the motion, if not, if not the question
for the House is to re-refer Senate Bill 597 back to committee. All in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed, no. Aye's have it. Mr. Clerk, send
the bill back to committee. Mr. Clerk, read Senate Bill 364. Senate Bill 364 by Senator Keegh to
make technical corrections to Arkansas income tax laws and to declare an emergency. Representative Stewart.
Representative Randy Stewart
Unverified
2:02:51
explain the bill. Thank you, Mr. Chair. This is a simple bill. As you can tell who the sponsor is, Senator Teague. That's a joke. This bill reenacts various provisions of the IRS Code. Arkansas Constitution does not allow us to adopt provisions of the IRS that will be automatically incorporated into law, so we have to go in there every two to four years and make corrections.
One of the corrections this time has changed the date, 2007 to 2011. We did that 44 times in the bill. This bill has been approved by all CPAs, public accountants. It's a DF&A bill. Without this bill, Arkansas taxpayers will be required to keep separate records for state and federal tax purposes and treat tax issues differently for state and federal taxes. This bill ensures consistent treatment between state and federal law for our tax matters. I appreciate a good vote.
Chair
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2:03:46
Member, it's heard an explanation of the bill. Anyone wish to speak against the bill, for the bill, not
the question for the House, passage of Senate Bill 364, pair of the machine,
Mr. Clerk. Members voting on the bill and the emergency clause, has everyone voted? As everyone voted, cast up the ballot by a vote of 88 yea, 0 nay, 0 present. You pass the bill in the Emergency Clause. Mr. Clerk reads Senate Bill 1000.
Speaker 19
2:04:17
Senate Bill 1000 by Senator Key to amend the laws regarding the violation of
Chair
Unverified
2:04:23
orders of protection. Representative Hopper, you're recognized to come and
Representative Karen S. Hopper
Unverified
2:04:31
explain the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker and colleagues. This bill is brought to you today at
the request of the Mountain Home Fraternal Order of Police, but it is not a situation unique to Mountain Home. Senate Bill 1000 provides an affirmative defense for a violation of an order of protection.
If the petitioner, that's the person that asks for the order, invites the defendant to the petitioner's home or place of employment listed in that order, and the petitioner knew that the defendant's presence at those locations would be a violation of that order. Law enforcement across the state frequently has to deal with situations where individuals, such as estranged girlfriends, boyfriends, wives, husbands, who have requested
and received an order of protection against a person, sometime later invites that estranged companion to their residence or workplace with the intent of reconciliation. Then, if something goes awry with that reconciliation, the police receive a call for a violation of the order of protection. So what Senate Bill 1000 does is give the person who, in good faith, accepted an invitation
with no intention of violating the order. It gives them a legitimate legal defense. I should tell you that the Domestic Violence Coalition does not oppose this bill. It passed unanimously in the Senate, and it passed unanimously out of the House Judiciary Committee, and I'd appreciate a good vote. Members, heard
Chair
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2:06:11
an explanation of the bill. Anyone wish to speak against the bill? Representative Post, you are recognized to come and speak against the bill.
Representative Leslee Milam Post
Unverified
2:06:21
You're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I apologize, Representative Hopper, that I didn't get to speak to you about this before. I'm not sure if you spoke with the Domestic Violence Coalition, the Arkansas Domestic Violence Coalition.
I wish I could have asked you that question, and maybe you can answer that in your closing. But I can't imagine that they would be comfortable with this. To me, this takes two steps back in the domestic violence field. A lot of times, law enforcement get frustrated. That's normal in the domestic violence field. but to me this is just a bad bill to take away the privilege of a woman not being able
to have that right of being able to always be able to have this as her defense to take part of her defense away from her it's too hard to get this law into place and to be able to change it is just absolutely terrible and I ask you to vote against this. It's not a good bill. Representative
Chair
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2:07:48
Post, spoken against the bill. Anyone want to speak for the bill?
Against the bill? Representative Tyler, you're recognized to come and speak against the bill. You're recognized. Thank you,
Representative Linda S. Tyler
Unverified
2:08:08
Mr. Speaker and Representative Hopper. I respect the things that you bring to our body here when I
think about the process of order of protection that order of protection is ordered by a judge
so the judge says to that person you are not to violate this order under any circumstances which includes he or she inviting you over to the house I think the judge knows best in these situations,
and we ought to leave it in the hands of the judge. Representative Tyler has
Chair
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2:08:46
spoken against the bill. Anyone wish to speak for the bill? Representative Steele, you're recognized to come and speak for the bill.
Representative Tracy Steele
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2:08:58
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I appreciate the comments from Ms. Tyler and Ms. Post. With experience in this field, I really do think this is a good bill, and this does not take away the validity or the strength of an order of protection. It would simply give a defendant an affirmative defense. They would still have the burden of proving that defense. They would still have the burden of proving to a court that they had actually been enticed into coming over to that place. I guess they could do that probably through text messages or some other communication, but they would have to provide some kind of proof that they had been invited to that residence. And if
that's the case, this simply provides that if they are to meet that burden, a judge could find that they did not actually violate that order of protection. I think this would help tremendously in the he said, she said fight that usually goes on in circuit courts for order of protection and violations of order of protection. I appreciate a
Chair
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2:09:53
yes vote. Rep. Steele, spoken for the bill. Anyone wishing to speak against the bill, Representative Collin Smith, you're recognized to come and speak against the bill.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. More along the line of Representative Tyler, I have to say that for me, when I read an order of protection and it says stay away from the home, stay away from the family, stay away from the children, it means what it says by a judge. If you disobey that order and you walk in that home for whatever reason necessary and you are not supposed to be there, then you can go see the judge and he can take care of that. We should not try to be the ones that decide whether the order is broken, not broken,
whether they're enticed, not enticed. It needs to go before the judge.
Chair
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2:10:45
Thank you. Representative Colin Smith has spoken against the bill. Anyone wish to speak for the bill, against the bill?
Representative Hopper, I'm sorry. You're recognized coming close for your bill. Thank you, Mr.
Representative Karen S. Hopper
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2:11:03
Speaker. Representative Steele, I appreciate your comments because those were some good points that I did not bring out.
And yes, indeed, the proof has to be there. Let me repeat that the Domestic Violence Coalition does not oppose this bill. It is indeed a good bill brought by law enforcement or at the request of law enforcement. It passed unanimously in the Senate. It passed unanimously out of House Judiciary. And again, I would appreciate a good vote. Representative Hopper
Chair
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2:11:31
is closed for a bill. Question for the House is passage of Senate Bill 1,000. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk.
Everyone voted? Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot by a vote of 67, yea, 12, nay, 0, present. You have passed the bill. Representative Hopper moves Clencher. All in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed, no. Ayes have it. Clencher adopted. Mr. Clark reads Senate Bill 772. Senate Bill 772 by
Speaker 19
2:12:09
Senator Files to include other media and shield provisions regarding disclosure of sources. Representative Sanders,
Chair
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2:12:16
you're recognized to explain the bill.
Representative David J. Sanders
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2:12:19
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and this is my last trip to the well today. I bring this bill to
you on behalf of Senator Files, and what it does, it brings our media shield laws into the 21st century. Currently, the law that is on the books has not been updated since the 1940s, and obviously, if you look back over the past seven years, obviously there have been major changes in media. But what it does is it includes television stations and Internet news sources in the shield law. Certainly would appreciate a good vote, and I know some of them up there, maybe even Roby Brock would really appreciate a good vote on this.
Chair
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2:12:50
Members, heard an explanation of the bill. Representative Mayberry, what purpose? Do you recognize?
Thank you, sir. And I apologize for not having asked you
Representative Andy Mayberry
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2:13:00
this sooner, but in looking at this in terms of Internet news source, how do we identify what an Internet news source is? That was
Representative David J. Sanders
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2:13:09
a good question. It was brought up in committee. I think there's one thing that the reason we did this, we put the descriptive term news source in there. So there has to be a news source, someone who collects and gathers news.
the best thing to point out is that would be decided in a court of law. I know it can be a little dicey, you know, what clearly defines a news source or someone just out there putting things up on Facebook. But that would be, again, it
would be for a judge to decide. Appreciate
Chair
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2:13:41
a good vote. Members, heard an explanation of the bill. Anyone wishing to speak against
the bill? For the bill? Not the question for the House, passing Senate Bill 772. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk.
Everyone voted. Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot by a vote of 84, yay, zero, nays, zero, present. You pass the bill. Mr. Clerk reads
Senate Bill 245. Senate Bill
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2:14:12
245 by Senator Madison to make various corrections to Title 10 of the Arkansas Code of 1987 concerning the Arkansas State
Chair
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2:14:22
Claims Commission. Representative Williams, you are recognized to come and explain the bill.
Representative Darrin Williams
Unverified
2:14:32
Members, this is another code revision bill. It's Title X, did on the Claims Commission. This bill simply makes stylistic changes. It corrects the name of the Arkansas State Claims Commission as well as in search name of one of the subcommittees of the Litigation Reports Oversight Committee of the Legislative Council.
That's all it does. Simple clarifications. Appreciate a good vote. Members, you heard an explanation of
Chair
Unverified
2:14:58
the bill. Anyone wish to speak against the bill or the bill? If I have a question for the House, pass it to Senate Bill 245.
Pair of the machine, Mr. Clerk. everyone voted everyone voted cast up the ballot by a vote of 90 a 0 nays 0 present you have passed the bill mr clerk reads senate bill 254 senate bill 254 by senator madison
Speaker 19
2:15:24
to make various corrections to title 12 of the arkansas code of 1987 considering law enforcement and emergency management Representative Williams, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Representative Darrin Williams
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2:15:37
Members, another code revision bill mends Title 12, which deals with law enforcement, emergency management, and military affairs. There are various grammatical mistakes in this code section that are being corrected, makes clarifications and corrections there, removes obsolete languages, and makes various stylistic
changes. No substantive changes at all. We'd appreciate a good vote. Members, heard an explanation of
Chair
Unverified
2:15:57
the bill. We can speak against the bill for the bill. If not, the question for the House passes Senate Bill 254. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk.
Everyone voted. Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot by a vote of 86, yay, 1, nay, 0, present. You pass the bill. Mr. Clerk, read Senate Bill 628. Senate Bill 628 by Senator
Speaker 19
2:16:25
Madison to make various corrections to Title IX of Arkansas Code concerning family law. Senator Williams, you're
Chair
Unverified
2:16:32
recognized to explain the bill. Thank you, Mr.
Representative Darrin Williams
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2:16:36
Speaker. Members, yet another code revision bill amidst Title IX, the family law section of the code. There's repetitive language in this bill that's being removed, reorganizing some of the sections,
repealing obsolete language, and making stylistic changes. Again, no substantive changes. I'd appreciate a good vote. I heard an explanation
Chair
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2:16:57
of the bill. Anyone who wants to speak against the bill, for the bill, not the question for the House, passing the Senate Bill 628, pair of the machine, Mr. Clerk. Everyone voted. Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot by a vote of 86, yay, 2, nays, 0, present.
You have passed the bill. Mr. Clerk reads Senate
Representative Duncan Baird
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2:17:22
Bill 459. Senate Bill 459 by Senator Crumley, an act to define Arkansas red counties and
Chair
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2:17:29
establish a reporting system. Representative Allen, you are recognized
Representative Fred Allen
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2:17:36
to come and explain the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members. This is a data collection bill. One of the things that Senator Crumley came up with, there's various counties in the state
of arkansas where people can live six times longer ten times longer than other people living in that county so this is just a means to collect data to find out why this is true uh appreciate a good vote on it it was
Chair
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2:18:02
heard an explanation of the bill and when
we speak against the bill for the bill not the question for the house passes senate bill 459 tear of the machine, Mr. Clerk.
Everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot by a vote of 74, yea, 4, nay, 1, present. You have passed the bill. Mr. Clerk, read Senate Bill 770.
Senate Bill 770 by Senator Crumley, an act to define red counties to request collaborative initiatives and to report on collaborative initiatives established. Representative
Chair
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2:18:45
Allen, you're recognized to explain the bill.
Representative Fred Allen
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2:18:49
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members. This is a companion bill to the last bill. It requires state agencies to collaborate with and collect the data and share it. There's no cost involved in it, and I appreciate a good vote. Heard an
Chair
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2:19:04
explanation of the bill. Anyone wish to speak against the bill, for the bill, not the question for the House, passage
of Senate Bill 770, prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk.
Everyone voted. Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot by a vote of 80, yea, 0, nay, 1,
present year. Pass the bill. Mr. Clerk, read Senate
Bill 294. Senate Bill 294 by Senator Malone to limit the use of motorcycle headlamp modulation
systems to daytime use only. Representative Catlett, you're
Representative John Catlett
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2:19:43
recognized to explain the bill. Thank you, Mr.
Speaker. Members, this is the last motorcycle bill, I promise. What this bill will do will prohibit you using an aftermarket modulation system on your motorcycle after dark.
Now, what that is, I'm sure you've seen them, motorcycles running down the highways, blinking their headlamp, high-intensity to low-intensity. It's a great visual tool during the daytime, but it's very frustrating at night, and all this does is prohibits the use after dark. Appreciate a good vote. Members, you heard an
explanation of the bill. Anyone wish to speak against the bill or the bill? Not the question for the House. Passage of Senate Bill 294.
Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. Has everyone voted? Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot by a
vote of 81 yea, 4 nay, 2 present. You have passed the bill. Mr. Clerk reads Senate
Speaker 19
2:20:48
Bill 255. Senate Bill 255 by Senator Madison, an act to make various corrections to Title 27 of Arkansas Code of 1987 concerning transportation. Representative
Chair
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2:20:56
Edwards, you are recognized to explain the bill.
Representative John Charles Edwards
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2:20:59
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The only reason I'm carrying this bill is because I'm the only lawyer on transportation. It's another code revision bill, and it just replaces some definitions. It takes some definitions out that don't exist anymore and other stylistic changes, and I'd I appreciate a good vote. Heard an explanation
Chair
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2:21:16
of the bill. Is anyone wishing to speak against the bill, for the bill?
Not the question for the House. Pass it to Senate Bill 255. Press machine, Mr. Clerk.
Everyone voted? Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot by a vote of 82 yea, 1 nay,
Chair
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2:21:39
0 present. You have passed the bill. Mr. Clerk reads Senate Bill
Speaker 19
2:21:44
707. Senate Bill 707 by Senator Pritchard to amend Arkansas law concerning involuntary commitments of persons addicted
Chair
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2:21:51
to alcohol and drugs. Representative Summers, you're
Representative Tim Summers
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2:21:54
recognized to explain the bill. Thank you, Ms. Speaker and distinguished colleagues. The law currently allows a judge to, under what's called Act 10, to commit someone to drug and alcohol treatment.
This bill simply allows for a screening and assessment within 24 hours before they go before the judge. It's for the providers, and I'd appreciate a good vote. Thank you. Pardon the explanation of the
Chair
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2:22:21
bill. Anyone who wants to speak against the bill, for the bill, not the question for the House, passes Senate Bill 707. Prepare the machine,
Mr. Clerk. Everyone voted. Everyone voted.
Cast up the ballot by a vote of 92 yeas, 0 nays, 0 present. You have passed the bill. Mr. Clerk, read Senate Bill 517. Senate
Bill 517 by Senator Madison to make various corrections to Title 16 of the Arkansas Code of 1987 concerning the courts. Representative Williams,
you are recognized to come and explain the bill. Members, I believe this is the
Representative Darrin Williams
Unverified
2:23:07
last code revision bill of the day.
This is Title 16, dealing with the practice procedure in the courts. It removes obsolete language, removes references to repeal sections, and makes technical corrections to the code. I'd appreciate a good vote. Thank you. Per an explanation of the
Chair
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2:23:25
bill, anyone who wish to speak against the bill, for the bill, not the question for the House, passes Senate Bill 517, pair of the machine, Mr. Clerk. Everyone voted?
Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot by a vote of 88, yea, 2, nays, 0, present. You have passed the bill. Mr. Clerk, register Senate Bill
Representative Duncan Baird
Unverified
2:23:53
214. Senate Bill 214 by Senator Chesterfield to establish the crime of cyberbullying. Representative Williams,
Chair
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2:24:00
you are recognized to come and explain the bill. Thank you,
Representative Darrin Williams
Unverified
2:24:08
members. I'm carrying this bill for my senator and my good friend, Representative Hank Wilkins.
This act establishes the crime of cyberbullying, which has become commonplace today, unfortunately. While we have laws dealing with harassment and bullying, cyberbullying has become such a serious problem that we believe it must be addressed specifically in our statute. When someone commits a crime, or will be the crime of cyberbullying, the information can Information can be transmitted broadly, instantaneously, and it's often difficult to eliminate.
The bully can operate anonymously, and he can, he or she can change their accounts quite often and hide from being caught often. Those who are being bullied, they can change their phone number, they can change their email account, they can discontinue using MySpace and other forms of media, but the information is still available. Some 50% of teenagers report being bullied via the Internet. a 20% report that has occurred repeatedly. Unfortunately, we all know stories around
the country and even some here in Arkansas where some kids have attempted to commit suicide. Some of them have even been successful in committing suicide once they have been bullied over the Internet. Fifteen states are currently addressing this issue or have addressed this issue including Florida, Texas, Missouri and several others. Now this act would make the crime of cyberbullying a Class B misdemeanor. This bill enjoys the support of our Attorney General and parents across the state, and we'd appreciate a good vote. Thank you. Members,
Chair
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2:25:46
heard an explanation of the bill. Anyone wishing to speak against the bill,
before the bill? Representative Meeks, you're recognized to come and speak against the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, there's
Representative Stephen Meeks
Unverified
2:26:09
no doubt about it that bullying is a bad thing, but I don't believe that this bill is the way to go about it. I think that if you look at the definitions within the bill,
I think it opens up too much. I think most of you all got an article on your desk, and I would actually ask you to refer to that and read it. It contains a lot of good information. But when you talk about intimidating, threaten, abuse, harass, I mean, if somebody posts something on Facebook about you saying, well, we're going to kick you out next year, could you then say, well, this person was cyberbullying me and take them to court?
Or how about if you had somebody maybe on the flip side wanting to run against you next time around and you say, well, I'm better funded, I have more support, could that also be used against you as well? there's a lot of questions about the fact that it may be. And so I'm asking you to give serious consideration in helping to come out in support of the First Amendment
and voting against this bill. Thank
Chair
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2:27:29
you. Representative Meeks has spoken against the bill. Anyone wish to speak for the bill? Representative Steele, you're recognized. I'm going
Representative Tracy Steele
Unverified
2:27:43
to speak for the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, oftentimes when we
Speaker 357
2:27:48
hear or read about these awful crimes, oftentimes with young people and their headlines for two or three days on CNN and the other national news network,
But once the research is done and the investigation is done, oftentimes we find out that it started online. And that's what this bill is all about. Let's not wait until here in Arkansas these type of crimes continue to occur, and then we look back and wish we had done something about it. Appreciate a good vote on this
Chair
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2:28:22
bill. Representative Steele has spoken for the bill. Representative Hammer, you're recognized to come and speak against the bill.
Representative Kim Hammer
Unverified
2:28:29
You're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am not in any means, shape, or form supporting cyberbullying. In fact, I'm opposed to it all the way. My problem with this bill is, first of all, it does not distinguish, unless I'm misinterpreting or have missed it, it does not distinguish between teenage or adult. and everything that I've seen mentioned on the news or mentioned in anything that we've done before
has to deal with teenagers in school and cyberbullying that they are experiencing, of which I'm all for holding penalties against them, but there is no age category affiliated with this. Also, does this also include things such as blogging? And I personally, and I'm sure many of you, have been the recipient of some very mean and nasty things that have been said on the blogging and other means, and maybe we just protected that under Senate Bill 772. I'm not sure. I should ask the question about that. But I think that there is some vagueness that is represented in this bill
that while I support the idea, I believe that there are too many things opened up and perhaps we could go back and readdress it. So I'd appreciate you voting this bill
Chair
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2:29:48
down, please. Thank you. Representative Hammer has spoken against the bill. Anyone who wants to speak for the bill?
Against the bill. Representative Williams, you're recognized, to come and close
Representative Darrin Williams
Unverified
2:30:00
for Bill. Members, let me try to address my good friend, Representative Hammer. You all may remember just a
few months ago, a young lady in Missouri killed herself
after the mother of one of her classmates bullied her online. So the reason why it doesn't have any relationship age is because this was a grown adult bullying a teenager and drove this teenager to commit suicide. So you're right. It does not have age restrictions, and that's intentional. This is a serious problem, and this addresses the problem. The Attorney General has blessed this bill. Our own lawyers have blessed this bill, the definitions in this bill.
This is a good bill, and we need to do the right thing in the state of Arkansas by passing this
Chair
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2:30:50
act, and I'd appreciate a good vote. Representative Williams, close for the bill. Question for the House. Passes Senate Bill 214. Prepare the machine. Mr. Clerk. Everyone voted. Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot by a vote of 68, yay, 19, nay, one present.
You have passed the bill. Representative Wren moves to clincher. All in favor of the adoption of the clincher say aye. Aye. Opposed, no. Aye. Say that clincher adopted. Let's see.
Mr. Clark reads Senate Bill 739. Senate Bill 739 by Senator Hutchinson declaring
Speaker 19
2:31:35
an emergency to conform certain state banking laws to federal banking law to regulate the establishment of branch facilities within the state
Representative Duncan Baird
Unverified
2:31:43
of Arkansas and the United States.
Chair
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2:31:46
Representative Kerr, you're recognized to explain the
Representative Allen Kerr
Unverified
2:31:51
bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, I'm here to run this bill for my good friend, Senator Hutchinson, who also happens to be my neighbor, who leaves about three houses over from me. This bill is in reaction to recent federal legislation allowing state charter banks to branch into states other than their home state. Section 614 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act amended federal
law to allow for free interstate branching by state charter banks. The bill simply addresses the ability and requirements for Arkansas state charter banks to branch into other states and for out-of-state banks to branch into the state of Arkansas. This is a good business bill.
It's supported by the Bankers Association, had no adverse comments or opposition in committees on either end. I appreciate a
Chair
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2:32:45
good vote. Representative Kerr has explained the bill. Anyone wishing
to speak against the bill? Or the bill? Not the question for the
House. Passes Senate Bill 739. Turn the machine. Mr. Clerk. Voting on the bill.
Chair
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2:33:03
Any emergency clause? Everyone voted? Everyone voted? Cast up
the ballot by a vote of 90-yay, 0-nay, 0-present. You passed the bill and
the emergency clause. Mr. Clerk, read Senate Bill 326. Senate Bill 326 by Sarah Malone
Speaker 19
2:33:18
and all an act required the child abuse hotline to accept reports of injury to a child's intellectual, emotional, or psychological development from a guidance counselor licensed as a teacher.
Chair
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2:33:30
Representative Powers, you're recognized to explain the bill.
Representative David "Bubba" Powers
Unverified
2:33:32
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senator Malone sent to Senate Bill 326. It simply expands the people or the persons who can report mental injury to the child abuse hotline. Currently, a medical or mental health professional, teacher, or daycare center employees are the only ones. This simply expands it to a school counselor. That's the bill, and I would appreciate a good vote. heard an explanation of
Chair
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2:33:56
the bill anyone wish to speak against the bill for the bill
not the question for the house
passage senate bill 326 spare the machine Mr. Clark everyone
Chair
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2:34:11
voted everyone voted cast up the ballot by a vote of 85 yea, 0
nay, 1 present you have passed the bill Mr. Clark reads senate bill 319 Senate
Speaker 19
2:34:27
Bill 319 by Sarah Malone, an act to limit forensic examinations of allegedly abused children to child safety centers.
Chair
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2:34:35
Representative Powers, you are recognized to explain
Representative David "Bubba" Powers
Unverified
2:34:38
the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 319 amends the Arkansas Child Safety Center Act, and it amends the section concerning the memorandum of understanding between the Child Safety Center and community stakeholders by requiring that when the center is available, when it's appropriate, investigators with DHS and the Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children Division will interview the child at a child safety center when the allegation is sexual abuse or severe physical abuse.
The bill also requires that the Memorandum of Understanding requires that all persons conducting forensic interviews must be adequately trained and be prepared to testify in a hearing if needed. I
would appreciate a good vote. Members, heard an explanation of the
bill. Anyone who wish to speak against the bill, for the bill? If not, question for the House. Passage of Senate Bill 319. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk.
Chair
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2:35:37
Everyone voted. As everyone voted, cast up the ballot by a vote of 86 yays, 0 nays, 0 present. You have
Representative Robert S. Moore, Jr.
Unverified
2:35:45
passed the bill. Mr. Clerk reads Senate
Speaker 19
2:35:49
Bill 887. Senate Bill 887 by Senator Johnson, to create the Uniform Power of Attorney Act.
Chair
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2:35:56
Representative Williams, you are recognized to come and explain the
Representative Darrin Williams
Unverified
2:36:04
bill. Members, I promise you this is
my last time. This is for my good friend Senator Johnson, as well as the folks from AARP, the Bankers Association, and the Arkansas Bar.
This is the Uniform Power of Attorney Act. act. This act simply modernizes our current uniform power of attorney statutes. About ten states have already passed this uniform law, with an additional four states currently considering it. As I mentioned, AARP, the Bar Association, Banking Association, and many others support this bill. Let me apologize. The bill is about 60 pages long, but the last 20 pages is just repealing the old uniform statute. The major provision of this bill really allows for powers of attorney to be durable.
Most folks think that a power of attorney will survive their incapacity, but the default position in Arkansas is that it does not survive, so this bill is changing the law to address what most people think it does, that a power of attorney will survive if you're incapacitated. This bill also imposes fiduciary standards or duties upon the agent who's acting on behalf of the principal, and it also makes it much more difficult for the agent to drain the bank account, for example, of the principal. It provides for various remedies if a principal,
sorry, if an agent does so. It also recognizes the portability of powers of attorneys, and it recognizes military powers of attorneys, which has also become a problem. The bill includes an updated user-friendly form. The current statute has a form. This form has been updated. And if you use this form, the banks will take this power of attorney. And there are certain situations where this doesn't apply. For example, it doesn't apply for power of attorney for health care proxies or for corporate proxies. It's a good bill, modernizes
our statutes, and again, AARP, the bankers, and the Bar Association supports this, and I appreciate a good vote. Thank you. Members, regarding explanation
Chair
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2:38:00
of the bill. Anyone wish to speak against the bill? For the bill, not the question for the House, passes Senate Bill 887, pair of the machine, Mr. Clerk. Everyone voted? Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot by a vote of 90, yay, 1, nay, 0, present, you have passed the bill.
Mr. Clerk reads Senate Bill 208. Senate Bill 208 by Senator Fletcher to amend Arkansas
Chair
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2:38:35
law concerning the state crime laboratory. I'm representing
Representative Butch Wilkins
Unverified
2:38:38
Wilkins, you're recognized to explain the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, this is the bill by Senator Fletcher. It's a very good bill. It does a little cleanup on the crime lab, allows the executive director to hire and fire the metal examiner with approval of the board, and it also raises fees for testimony,
for autopsies, for that type of stuff when they're used in civil trials. because you place the part of the sheriff's office no call for him a dime more it's a good vote appreciate a good
Chair
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2:39:12
vote on members of the next nation bill anyone wishing to speak against the
bill for the bill not the question for the house passage senate bill two-oh-eight prepare the machine was scored
If everyone voted, cast up the ballot by a vote of 84 yea, 2 nay, 0 present, you have passed the bill. Members, if I
have your attention here in just a minute, as we get to the end of our calendar, I would like for all of the B Committee Chair to meet with Mr. Stovall back in the quiet room to have it behind the speaker's podium here be committee chairpersons if you could meet
back there for just a few minutes please if the vice if the chair is not here if the vice chair uh look around if you don't see the chair here if the vice chair would go back there for
a real real quick, important meeting. I
Speaker 27
2:40:25
need five of you back there. Mr. Clerk, read Senate Bill 242. Senate Bill 242 by Senator Madison,
Speaker 19
2:40:31
an act to make various corrections to Title II of Arkansas Code of 1987 concerning agriculture. Representative Edwards,
Chair
Unverified
2:40:37
you are recognized to explain the bill. Thank you,
Representative John Charles Edwards
Unverified
2:40:41
Mr. Speaker. As the Parliamentarian of the House knows, milk bills are very near and dear to me since my maternal grandparents were dairy farmers. This is another one of those bills I got because I'm a lawyer who has the only parents that were dairy farmers on the Ag Committee, and it makes stylistic changes. I appreciate a good vote. members heard an explanation of the bill
Chair
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2:41:05
anyone wish to speak against the bill or
the bill not the question for the house passage of senate bill 242 pair of the machine Mr. Clerk
everyone voted everyone voted cast up the ballot by a vote of 89
90 a 0 nays 0 present You have passed the bill. Mr. Clark reads Senate Bill 703.
Speaker 19
2:41:35
Senate Bill 703 by Senator Thompson to add an additional district court judge to
Craighead County. Representative Wilkins, you are recognized to explain
Representative Butch Wilkins
Unverified
2:41:46
the bill. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Senate Bill 703 is a bill to allow Craighead County to hire another district judge. the the judge there if you describe his day he's handled 70,000 cases a year now he is a you could describe his day with a old Tammy Wynette song I think every day once a day all day long
because that's why he holds court from morning from morning to night a quorum court judge they're the ones that pay for it they're on board with it and appreciate a good vote
Chair
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2:42:24
on it Members, Representative Lee, what purpose? Question. Recognized. Aren't district
Speaker 131
2:42:30
judges currently paid, 50% is paid by the state and 50% is paid by the local entity? I don't know
Representative Butch Wilkins
Unverified
2:42:38
that. I know the quorum court and the judge told me they're on board with it,
but it's actually when you pass this bill above it, this is a backup bill to
Chair
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2:42:53
that. Okay, thank you. members you heard heard an explanation of the bill anyone wishing to speak against the bill for the bill not the question
for the house passage senate bill 703 prepare the machine Mr. Clerk everyone voted
Chair
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2:43:17
everyone voted Cast up the ballot by a vote of 77, yea, 4, nay, 1, President. You have passed the bill. Members, before we have the adjournment resolution, I'd like to give your attention to the parliamentarian for an announcement, please. Thank you, Mr.
Speaker 366
2:43:38
Speaker. Ladies and gentlemen of the House, I'm holding up the General Assembly brochure. It has just arrived, and we're ready to make distribution of these brochures to your members.
Each member will be eligible for a box of 300 booklets. If you exhaust your initial supply of 300, we invite you then to contact the Speaker's office, and we'll try to provide you with some additional copies. So I'm inviting you now to please check with Kay or Kyla. You can give them your car keys and your parking place number, and Lynn will deliver a box of 300 of these to your vehicle. The staff is going to be distributing one of these booklets now so that you can look them over.
If you have any questions, well, please let us know. It's a very nice brochure made where you can sign it on the back, distribute it to schools and civic clubs and whatever. So thank you, Mr. Speaker. If there are any
Speaker 55
2:44:36
questions, I'd be happy to try to answer them. Thank you,
Chair
Unverified
2:44:41
Mr. Speaker. Okay, members. We got a pretty good dose today of what our, just a little, a small dose of what the
work week's going to be like, but we're on course for Friday.
You will have on your desk this afternoon, Representative Webb. on your desk this
Chair
Unverified
2:45:01
afternoon will be your RSA schedule and the GIF schedule. That's required for us
to be on course to get out of here on Friday. So look at that information. Do you know what time roughly that may be expected?
Chair
Unverified
2:45:25
Okay. We'll be on your desk before 6 o'clock. Okay, Representative Allen, you're recognized for a motion. After the
Representative Fred Allen
Unverified
2:45:34
announcements, reading of the bill, transferring bills, placing the calendars on the desk, amending members to own bills with their own amendments, members withdrawing their own bills, finalizing resolutions, reading communication, the remaining committee reports are moved that we
adjourn until 1 p.m. tomorrow. Proper motion,
Chair
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2:45:53
not debatable. All in favor say aye.
Opposing no, I just have it. Motion adopted. Representative Patterson, what purpose?
Speaker 367
2:46:03
She recognized. Communication technology will meet in room 151, 15 minutes after
Speaker 25
2:46:09
adjournment. Thank you. Okay, that's 15 minutes after adjournment. Folks, Representative Lovell, what purpose? Announcement. Recognized. Claims
Representative Buddy Lovell
Unverified
2:46:16
review at 7.30 in the morning, Big Mac B. Thank you. Representative Woods, what
Chair
Unverified
2:46:22
purpose? Announcement. Recognized. Public health will
Speaker 100
2:46:26
meet tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. room 130. Thank you.
Representative John Catlett
Unverified
2:46:30
Thank you. Representative Carnine, what purpose? Announcement.
Speaker 100
2:46:34
Recognized. Retirement and Social Security, 7.30 a.m. Thank you very
Chair
Unverified
2:46:40
much. Representative Cowling, purpose? Two announcements, Mr. Speaker.
Representative Larry Cowling
Unverified
2:46:43
Yes, sir. First of all, tax revenue will meet in the morning
at 10 o'clock and 151, and tax revenue also has a supper tonight at the Little Rock Club at 6 o'clock. Tax and revenue only, though. Thank
Chair
Unverified
2:46:58
you very much. Representative Wagner, what purpose?
Speaker 372
2:47:02
Announcement. You're recognized. City, county, and local affairs will meet this afternoon, 15 minutes after adjournment. What room is that?
Chair
Unverified
2:47:17
Committee room B, Big Mac building. Okay. 15 minutes upon
adjournment, city, county, local. Representative Barnett, what purpose? Announcement. Recognized. Tomorrow morning, transportation, 10 o'clock, Big Mac, room B.
Thank you, Representative Webb. What purpose? You're recognized.
Representative Kathy Webb
Unverified
2:47:37
Joint budget will meet tomorrow morning in Big Mac at 8 o'clock. We normally meet at 9, so 8 o'clock, joint budget. Members
Speaker 41
2:47:45
of the joint budget, very important, 8 o'clock in the morning.
Speaker 89
2:47:52
Representative Rogers, what purpose? Announcement. You're recognized. Joint
Representative Tiffany Rogers
Unverified
2:47:56
energy will meet at 8 a.m. in room 149, and we do have several bills to get out. Thank you.
Chair
Unverified
2:48:04
Thank you. Representative Slinker, what purpose?
Representative Mary L. Slinkard
Unverified
2:48:09
Announcement. Recognized. State agencies will meet tomorrow after adjournment. Room to be announced
Chair
Unverified
2:48:15
later. Thank you. Representative Cheatham, what purpose? Announcement. You're recognized. Education
Representative Eddie L. Cheatham
Unverified
2:48:21
will meet tomorrow first at 10 o'clock, room 138. We'll probably meet twice more before the
Chair
Unverified
2:48:29
day is over with. Very good. Representative Stewart, what purpose? Announcement. Recognized.
Representative Randy Stewart
Unverified
2:48:34
The House Education Caucus will not meet in the morning. House Education will not
Chair
Unverified
2:48:40
meet. Thank you, Representative Perry. What purpose? Announcement. Recognized. Attention, golfers. As we
Representative Mark Perry
Unverified
2:48:45
prepare to adjourn, leave this Friday, if there's golfers that would like to be involved in some events please send me an email with golf in the subject line i'll make sure you're on the list thank you thank you
Chair
Unverified
2:49:07
mr clark read the letter from the governor please to
Representative Duncan Baird
Unverified
2:49:15
the speaker of the house dear mr speaker this is to inform you that on march 28th, 2011, I approve the following measure from the regular session of the 88th General Assembly. House Bill 1774 is
Act 752. Sincerely, Mike Beebe. Ms. Clark,
Chair
Unverified
2:49:30
ready to committee reports. Mr. Speaker, we
Representative Duncan Baird
Unverified
2:49:34
are a committee on joint budget to whom is referred House Bill 1064,
Speaker 19
2:49:39
House Bill 1076, House Bill 1079, House Bill 1094, House Bill 1106, House Bill 1122, House Bill 1123, House Bill 1125, House Bill 1128, House Bill 1138, House Bill 1188, House Bill 1225, House Bill 1226, House Bill 1265, House Bill 1289, House Bill 1290, House Bill 1309,
Representative Duncan Baird
Unverified
2:50:13
and House Bill 1612. I believe we report we've had the same under consideration and here to return the same with the recommendation that they do pass. Mr.
Speaker, we are a committee on joint budget to whom we've referred to House Bill 1126. I believe we report we've had the same under consideration and here to return the same with the recommendation that it do pass as amended. Respectfully submitted, Kathy Webb, Chair.
Unknown speaker
2:50:43
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Representative Bobby J. Pierce
Unverified
2:54:13
Read the bill, Mr. Clark. Senate Bill 390. Without objection, read the bill a second time. Senate Bill 390. Judiciary. Senate Bill 677. Without objection, read the bill a second time. Senate Bill 677. Senate Bill 685
Senate Bill 685 Judiciary Senate Bill 779 Unit slightly Senate Bill 789 Senate Bill 789 Public Health Senate Bill 836. Without objection, read the bill the second time. Senate Bill 836. City, county, and local. Senate Bill 909. Without objection,
Speaker 103
2:55:13
read the bill the second time.
Senate Bill 909. Rules. The desk will
Speaker 314
2:55:42
remain open for reading of the bills until 5 o'clock, and upon completion of the item is named in the adjourned resolution.
The house will be adjourned until 1 o'clock.
Agenda
Call to Order
Invocation
Roll Call
HCR1008
HB2173
HB2122
HB2135
HB2103
HB2096
HB2154
HB1928
HB1841
HB1901
SB544
HB1841
Budget Calendar
SB268
SB92
SB955
SB899
SB65
SB253
SB858
SB728
SB768
SB428
SB815
SB265
SB946
SB892
SB626
SB41
SB706
SB890
SB708
SB848
SB355
SB816
SB823
SB1004
SB784
SB377
SB351
SB569
SB594
SB595
SB596
SB597
SB364
SB1000
SB772
SB245
SB254
SB628
SB459
SB770
SB294
SB255
SB707
SB517
SB214
SB739
SB326
SB319
SB887
SB208
SB242
SB703
Announcements
Reading of Bills
Adjournment
Documents
No documents posted.
Speakers
Representative Tommy Thompson Chair
Unverified
Speaker 3
Chair
Unverified
Speaker 8
Representative Matthew Shepherd Chair
Unverified
Speaker 19
Representative Bobby J. Pierce
Unverified
Representative Duncan Baird
Unverified
Representative Lane Jean
Unverified
Representative Robert S. Moore, Jr.
Unverified
Representative Denny Altes
Unverified
Speaker 48
Speaker 51
Speaker 61
Representative Leslee Milam Post
Unverified
Representative Mary P. "Prissy" Hickerson
Unverified
Speaker 72
Speaker 74
Representative Justin T. Harris
Unverified
Speaker 87
Representative Jim Nickels
Unverified
Speaker 27
Representative Darrin Williams
Unverified
Speaker 98
Representative Tommy Lee Baker
Unverified
Speaker 103
Speaker 107
Representative Keith M. Ingram
Unverified
Speaker 25
Speaker 119
Speaker 123
Representative John T. Vines Chair
Unverified
Speaker 131
Representative Kathy Webb
Unverified
Representative David J. Sanders
Unverified
Representative Kim Hammer
Unverified
Representative Les "Skip" Carnine
Unverified
Speaker 73
Representative Donna Hutchinson
Unverified
Representative Charlie Collins Chair
Unverified
Representative Marshall Wright
Unverified
Representative Linda S. Tyler
Unverified
Speaker 185
Speaker 81
Representative Allen Kerr
Unverified
Speaker 195
Representative Uvalde Lindsey
Unverified
Representative Barry Hyde Chair
Unverified
Representative Lori Benedict
Unverified
Representative Buddy Lovell
Unverified
Representative Fred Allen
Unverified
Speaker 217
Representative David "Bubba" Powers
Unverified
Representative Andy Mayberry
Unverified
Representative Nate Bell
Unverified
Speaker 259
Speaker 267
Speaker 273
Representative Tiffany Rogers
Unverified
Speaker 277
Representative Ed Garner
Unverified
Speaker 268
Speaker 299
Representative Tracy Pennartz Chair
Unverified
Representative Tracy Steele
Unverified
Representative Kelley Linck
Unverified
Speaker 314
Speaker 89
Representative Larry Cowling
Unverified
Speaker 320
Representative Randy Stewart
Unverified
Representative Karen S. Hopper
Unverified
Representative John Catlett
Unverified
Representative John Charles Edwards
Unverified
Representative Tim Summers
Unverified
Representative Stephen Meeks
Unverified
Speaker 357
Representative Butch Wilkins
Unverified
Speaker 366
Speaker 55
Speaker 367
Speaker 100
Speaker 372
Speaker 41
Representative Mary L. Slinkard
Unverified
Representative Eddie L. Cheatham
Unverified
Representative Mark Perry
Unverified