House Convenes

I'm by the member staff press and guests in the galleries to stand to be led in prayer by Reverend Carl Richey. I guess today represented Furman and remain standing for the pledge of allegiance be led by represent Lane Jean. Let us pray. Almighty god in heaven. We thank you for the gift of life. And the pursuit of happiness in the pursuit of all things that we are able to do. The fact is based upon the grace of god and the goodness of god and the kindness. We thank you for this Easter season thank you for the hope we have in Christ I pray that you would be with this assembly give them wisdom given direction give them guidance. We thank you for their service. Leding got us throughout our lives it was to be willing to be led by your spirit. Forgive us for where centers forgive us because we fail. Our faith and hope and trust in you and we ask these things in Christ. Members please indicate your presence by pushing yellow present button prepared machine madam Clerk. As everyone. Cast about madam Clerk. With ninety eight million members members present the chair since a quorum or there any request for leave represent Ken Ferguson for purpose and leave you're recognized leave a representative Fred Allen leave grant representative Alan. So noted. Representative Jeffrey Wardlaw Mr dispenser during the previous day's Journal without objections so ordered are the Reports from select committees read the reports madam Clark this is merely a Committee on Advanced Communications information technology to whom was referred house bill seventeen ninety nine big league before we have the same consideration here but sometimes I make a nation that a do pass to concurrency in Amendment number one respectfully submitted Stephen Meeks chair. Are there any reports from standing committees read the reports from the committee's ma'am Clark Mr Speaker your committee on public health welfare and labor to whom was referred Senate bill five oh eight delivered what we have in the same consideration here to serve the same recommendation that a do pass as a Speaker your committee on public health welfare and labor to whom was referred house bill fifty forty four big league report that we have in the same consideration here same same recommendation that a do pass the parents in Amendment number one especially submitted Lee Johnson chair person speaking with your committee on public transportation to whom was referred Senate bill five a four beg leave what we have in the same situation here to serve the same recognition they do pass quickly submitted Mike Holcomb chair Mister Speaker your committee on state agencies and governmental affairs and was referred house bill sixteen forty to beg leave before we have the same consideration here president same recognized that a do pass a concurrent in Amendment number one respectfully submitted Dwight Tosh chair. Is there any and finish business are there any second communications. Adam Clark please read House resolution ten eighty eight. House resolution ten eighty eight by representative McGrew to congratulate the state of Israel on the occasion of the seventy fifth anniversary and this is actually an exam this wishes to the state of Israel and the Israeli people for a peaceful and prosperous future. Represent McGrew you're recognized to explain the bill. Thank you Mr Speaker colleagues to come you this morning with a resolution congratulating the state of Israel on the occasion of its seventy fifth anniversary one extend our best wishes to the state of Israel on to the Israeli people for peaceful and prosperous future. Speaker you have Clerk read have lonely madam Clark please read the resolution title only graduate the state of Israel on the occasion of the seventy fifth anniversary of its establishment is extended wishes to the state of Israel and the Israeli people for peaceful and prosperous future. Representative groups explain the resolution would anyone like to speak against the resolution. Would anyone like to speak for the resolution. Represent groups close for the resolution the question before the House is the adoption of house resolution ten eighty eight all in favor say aye. Any opposed resolution is adopted. Representive eleven for what purpose. Your Speaker point of personal privilege you're recognized thank you. Thank you Mr Speaker members if you are active duty military military reserves or a veteran of military service I would ask you to please rise at this time. Active duty military military reserves or a veteran of military service would you please rise. Colleagues these members here in this chamber our fellow members had given sacrifices service to each of us and our country. However I believe that they would agree that they did not do that alone. Nationwide April is recognized as the month of the military child in may is recognized as military spouses month. Members to you that have been still wear the uniform protecting our country we thank you and each member of your family. Who is to be honored nationwide in our state and in this chamber during the month of April in may for their dedication to the service of our freedom in this country the democracy to which we all are privileged to be a part of would you please give them a round of applause. Thank you. Represent Richmond for what purpose. For personal privilege you're recognized. Thank you Mr Speaker I was looking for Renee hi Parilli you heard I was going to do this may be left up the stairs or you're pretty happy that when I headed for the door going outside yourself I understand that it makes me happy as well. There is. Glad to see the reason why I come down here is Rene Consadole. Has done a wonderful job raising a son in making a great pair at patriot he's a I am forced veteran. He's graduating from law school and he's been accepted in the marine corps Jack program the judge advocate Jack program so I would appreciate the foster this. Yes he's going to be a lawyer. But he's going to be a marine lawyer. representative very for what purpose question you're recognized for native did not have any openings in the Air Force. No. Which brings me to another point now. I must concede. Because you realize that during this whole session the General merry. I find airforce veteran I appreciate what he's done for our state as well. I have to concede a point because the whole time he's been talking about how the Air Force they are the thinkers. They are the big thanks. And I have to concede a point because of proof now. If you recall during the balloon wars. That we recently had. That the airforce. Houston to five hundred thousand dollars sidewinder missiles. The shoot down a twelve dollar balloon. That would have never occurred to a marine. All right thank you would have been limited to using a twenty seven cents five point five six NATO round. And we would only use one because we don't miss thank. Morning hour descended representative Cavenaugh recommend that we can current Senate amendment number one to House Bill fourteen forty six madam Clark please read Senate Amendment number one Senate Amendment number one to House Bill fourteen forty six percent Cavenaugh you're recognized to explain the amendment. Thank you Mr Speaker this amendment just clarifies that we will be able to accept children that are placed in Arkansas by the F. B. I. their victims of human trafficking and I would appreciate a good vote thank you. Represent Kavanagh's explain the amendment would anyone like to speak against the amendment. Would anyone like to speak for the amendment representative Cavenaugh is closed for the amendment. President Cavenaugh oppose the amendment the question before the House is the adoption of Senate Amendment number one to House Bill fourteen forty six prepared machine ma'am Clerk. Has everyone voted. As everyone voted. Cast up the ballot madam Clerk. By a vote of ninety four U. eight zero nine zero present the amendment is adopted or concurred in. Represent Berks what purpose motion what's your motion Mister Speaker I move we expunge the vote by which house bill seventeen thirty eight passed that's proper motion it is debatable. The Berkshire recognized explain the most. Thank you Mr Speaker colleagues this motion is simply to add cleanup language to match the Department of Education language so that seventeen thirty eight is consistent with the rest of the law. Represent Berks explain The motion has any what do you make like to speak against the motion would anyone like to speak for the motion. President barks is close for the motion the question before the House. Is the expungement. Funds for the vote by which house bill seventeen thirty eight pass all in favor say say aye. Any opposed motion passes. Madam Clark please read Senate bill five oh two. The representative Gazaway to require house addition distributors of controlled substance to educate communicate and provide due process for licensed professionals before limiting or terminating sales of controlled substances and to clear any merchants a gas where you're recognized. When passed over Senate bill five a two. Man Clark please read senate bill four seventy. Senate bill four seventy eight to provide additional by representative Eads to provide additional funding for the Arkansas Court in our model and waterway development grant program fund and to create one with investment income tax credit. Representatives recognized explained the Bill. Thank you Mr Speaker colleagues says Senate bill four seven it does two things it combines two existing programs for public ports allows them to be used on any navigable water way in the creates a new credit program for parity purposes for private ports. In the three million dollar cap per project per entity and they can take this ten percent of the tax credits per year for nine years it will limit us to two and a half million dollars for all applicants on a first come first serve basis so that's the total cost is not in commander general revenue because ADC has to prove and that cost benefit to the state before allowing the tax credits to be taken that is a good vote. President believes is explain the bill would anyone like to speak against the bill. Would anyone like to speak for the bill represent eves is closed for the bill the question before the House is passive house bill or Senate bill four seventy eight per machine madam Clark. Has everyone voted. Is everyone voted. Cast about madam Clerk by a vote of ninety two yeas zero nay and to present the bill is passed mental Clark please read Senate bill five twenty three twenty three by representative constant in the law concerning alcoholic beverages and to amend the law concerning the expansion of outdoor dining at restaurants to include bars represent Collins recognized explain the bill. Thank you Mr Speaker so last session we did a bill that just changed the process whereby restaurants could expand their outdoor seating make a little bit easier for them reduce administrative delays what we did with restaurants was for a restaurant that had outdoor seating want to expand it and had an ABC permit instead of having to acquire in the front in and wait for that approval thank you just provide notice to ABC is still have to get approval from their local county or city still had to comply with all ABC rules we're just expanding with this bill we just expand that to Mars the other on premises permitee from ABC just allow them to have the same benefits the same reduction of red tape and the ways that the restaurants have how to take any questions. President Wardlaw for purpose. C. nine I appreciate a good vote. Collins is explain the building would like to speak against the bill we would like to speak for the bill represent Wardlaw you're recognized speak for the bill. Thank you speak I just think you're by snow this I learned something yesterday and rules on this bill great bill by the way I wouldn't talk to ABC after we passed this bill out and I asked him why we required them to go look at these permittee's before they would let him expand outdoor because obviously they've been abiding by the rules and they've been serving alcohol in liquor inside. He said you'd be surprised how many people have violations at that point. Well that occurred to me that why are we not popping into these places on a regular basis with our enforcement. So I informed him that we would be requested them to come to council in the next few months for report but that is crazy to me that the only time we were popping in is when these folks were expanding to an outdoor down so I just thought the membership should should know that but I thought is a great bill and I appreciate represent Collins and singer Tucker bring forth so president of the reserve Wardlaw spoken before the bill would anyone like to speak against the bill. Anyone like to speak for the bill. President Collins close for the bill the question before the House is the passage of Senate bill five twenty three prepared machine man Clerk. Everyone voted. Is everyone voted. Cast about medical work by a vote of sixty three a sixteen nays and nine present the bill is passed. Madam Clark please read Senate bill five forty seven in a five forty seven by representative reticent to permit a property on it issues a municipal development regulations for certain property that is locked located within more than one minute the balloting purpose of Richardson recognized explain the bill. Thank you Mr Speaker colleagues of ring Senate bill five forty seven address a a challenge that we have in Northwest Arkansas but also other parts of the state where a property owner decides to develop these property that they own but they get it resides in multiple jurisdictions associated with planning we have multiple minutes palette is that but up to each other and now this property stretches and all of that so the problem exists we need a solution this bill comes up with a solution by which it provides the property owner the ability to go to whichever planning department planning municipality that they want to go to and then they can get use those rules to establish the plans and develop the property so it's a good property owner bill and I would be happy to answer any questions. Represent under for purpose question you're recognized looks like a great bill and how is it currently resolved under the conditions you mention so currently it's my understand it's resolved by having to go through three different. Different areas three different this palette three planning processes and try to resolve it or two were however many five however many that municipalities that you have which is not a good plan especially with. The challenge. Yeah president rob what purpose representative region recognized can I ask you this are Disneyland that's annexing and have to be. Had. The land that's existing in that town already that's good question thank you for that so no no we're not annexing any property right that the property that exist in each municipality continues to exist in those municipalities the only thing that we're doing with this is allowing the landowner we have substantial land in multiple different areas to be able to go to one area do the planning of by by the rules that are in that area and then be able to get there the development of. Representative Michael or for what purpose. If this property has multiple jurisdictions as you say there's probably if it's part of a municipality probably has a water assignment service and sewer some so. Where does that come into play. Well you'd have to get your water permit your sewer permits all of your permits from the municipality that you're working with to do your planning as far as how they would attacher where they would attach and how they would empty into that will depend on the plans themselves okay follow up so if I have a piece of property that is of retail establishments shipment of some sort that is providing sales tax the same with the building is one part parking lots and other does this change any the de annexation annexation. Good question no it's it's not changing anything any of that associated with where the property actually resides is still gonna reside in this analogy that its existing and this was this was agreed upon language and agreed upon of bill by by municipalities they actually prefer to do that then what we offered was let's annex and go one direction just be under that they felt better and more comfortable with leaving it the way it is not doing any annexation and just building out under one plan thanks yes. semigroup what purpose question you're recognized I would just wonder and we will talk about municipalities remain to talk about towns and cities and I didn't realize or boundaries over locked where one city or two cities have the same boundaries that happen a lot in Arkansas. I'm so I'm I'm maybe I don't understand your question cities but up to each other but the piece property might extend in multiple municipalities represent back for what purpose. Question you're recognized so you have a piece of property let's say it's in a county in this couple cities Sabat and then I agree it's going to operate under the county. The what would happen if I sold part of that property the part that property that's in one of those cities would just revert back to city control at that point. This is just for planning purposes it's not addressing the long term changes to that municipality no changes in ownership in a manner that all we're doing is saying for planning of development of the property when you're going to develop a piece of property that extends into all those different jurisdictions you as a property owner should have the right to pick which Planning Commission that you can go by then you use that for planning development all the other taxation and all the other receipts everything else associated with any of those minutes ballots still to curse associated with that thank you yes Sir. No more questions I would appreciate a good vote president Richardson has explained the bill would anyone like to speak against the bill. Would anyone like to speak for the bill. Represent represent close for the bill the question before the House is the passage of Senate bill five forty seven. Has everyone voted. As everyone voted. Cast about madam Clerk by a vote of eighty four U. A. six nays and five present the bill is passed madam Clark please read Senate bill five oh nine five one am by representative for need to amend the law concerning statements from members of the board of corrections and send in the law concerning five is for members of the state board president Fortner you're recognized to explain the bill. Thank you Mr chairman members this bill is from the board of corrections they are simply asking to raise the stipend for their volunteer board it's very closely related it would be like our per diem they want to raise it from eighty five to one ten a day If we raised it. It would not amount to even five thousand dollars a year increase and I appreciate a good vote I'll answer questions if you have any. Thank you for supporters explain the bill would anyone like to speak against the bill would anyone like to speak for the bill. Represent Fortner is close for the bill the question before the House is the passage of Senate bill five oh nine machine ma'am Clerk. Everyone voted. As everyone voted. Cast about madam Clark by a vote of ninety one U. A. zero nine zero present the bill is passed madam Clark please read Senate bill five fifty nine five fifty nine by represented eighty seven in the definition of design professional contract in relation to the procurement a professional and consulting services contract representatives you're recognized to explain the bill thank you Mr Speaker members currently departments required to use project specific design professionals reach capital improvement project over a million dollars this bill just increased that to projects over ten million dollars to two million dollars excuse me the problem is when projects have a design where the initial estimate is below one million and is an on call type project designed during the bid process the project costs exceed one million dollars in that case the department must abandon the existing design and write off the cost incurred to produce it and initiate the project in phases and abandon this that was time frame for put forth a supplemental RFQ this bill just reduced inefficient spending on design efforts at this time so with that I appreciate a good vote. Representatives's explain the building would like to speak against the bill would anyone like to speak for the bill. Representatives is closed for the bill the question before the House is the passage of Senate bill five fifty nine. Everyone voted. As everyone voted cast about madam Clark by a vote of ninety four Yeas zero nine zero president bill is passed. Madam Clark please read Senate bill five fifty nine. Up. Please read senate bill four fifty five Senate bill four fifty five a representative all the time in the membership of the Arkansas State Council for the Interstate Commission for adult offender supervision Dalby you're recognized explain the bill. Members all this bill does is to add of the prosecuting a prosecuting attorney appointed by the governor in a county sheriff's pointed by the governor to this committed to this council all it does I'd appreciate a good vote. Dalby is explained the bill would anyone like to speak against the bill. Would anyone like to speak for the bill. President Dalby is closed for the bill the question before the House is passive Senate bill four fifty five per machine ma'am Clerk. As everyone voted. As everyone voted. Cast about mine Clerk by a vote of ninety five Yeas zero nine zero president. Bills past. Members are Dr today's doctor jim English of Little Rock against representive acre intern nurses nurses of the day or Sherri Bernard and bring to Hewitt. Please read Senate bill two thirty seven to thirty seven by representative shows concerning vehicles boats are farming equipment with the removed damaged manipulated or defaced serial number or vehicle identification number. In short you're recognized to explain the bill. Thank you Mr Speaker good morning colleagues. This bill. Concerns vin numbers on vehicles boats farming equipment it passed over overwhelmingly to the Senate has no known opposition basically what it does anybody intentionally tampering with the vin number. It's going to move that penalty from a Class a misdemeanor to a Class D. felony. Appreciate a good vote. Represent shields explained the bill would anyone like to speak against the bill would anyone like to speak for the bill. President Schulz is close for the bill the question before the House is the passage of Senate bill two thirty seven per machine madam Clerk. Everyone voted. Is everyone voted. Cast about man Clark by a vote of seventy seven yeas or nays and for presents the bill has. Past madam Clark please read Senate bill five twenty four five twenty four by representative here to clarify nine criminal background check request submitted to the division of Arkansas State Police centers recognized to explain the bill thank you Mr Speaker. Calling city what this bill does it just bears clarifies the non criminal background check request submitted by the Division of the Arkansas state police all it is is a wording change last wearing changed the wording change from and like electronic means to live stands on fingerprinting. So many so many people are Senate in in the email versus live stand email is not detailed enough for them to get what they need for these grants farm and with that I'll take any questions. Thank you no questions I appreciate a good vote thank you represent peer says explain the bill would anyone like to speak against the bill would anyone like to speak for the bill represent Pierce's close for the bill the question before the House is the passage of Senate bill five twenty four prepared machine. Everyone voted. As everyone voted. Asked about madam Clark by a vote of ninety four Yeas zero nine zero president bill is passed madam Clark please read Senate bill five twenty six. The six by representative peers concerning the taking of a DNA sample for a person arrested for felony and to clarify the retention of a DNA sample for a person arrested for felony. You're recognized explain the bill thank you Mr Speaker this is another bill that's it from the Arkansas state police concerning the taking of the in a samples or a person arrested for a felony. And to clarify the retention of the DNA sample of a person arrested for that felony all this does it takes all the DNA when I get in the in a on a family admitted to one place and moved it to the crime lab so all that evidence is held in one place and not scattered all over the state in individual Evidence in in in evidence run this and I'll cross that bridge in one place where it's needed and with that I'll take any questions so this does. Thing no questions I appreciate a good vote thank you represent Pierce's explain the bill would anyone like to speak against the bill. Would anyone like to speak for the bill. President Pierce is closed for the bill the question before the House is the passage of Senate bill five twenty six prepared machine man Clerk. As everyone voted. As everyone voted. Cast about madam Clark by a vote of ninety one U. eight zero nine zero present the bill is passed Manafort please read Senate bill five nineteen Senate bill five nineteen by representative council to create the wonderful person protection act and to expand protection of certain types of on a bill runnable persons in the state I sentencing additional criminal penalties percent Clowney recognized to explain the bill thank you Mr Speaker calling this bill comes from the attorney general's office of Medicaid fraud and it basically what it does is we have existing code that protects people that lived in long term care facilities from abuse neglect or exploitation at this bill just defines vulnerable vulnerable person to include anybody sixty nine or older or anybody in the in patient treatment twenty four hours so does the happy to answer any questions. The representative group for what purpose question you're recognized and I maybe because I'm reading it pants but online and it says the use of medication. Is there more to that that I'm not reading I'm sorry represent agree I don't have the bill in front of me can you give me a little context everyone is saying that you know it can become a felony. It As used in this subchapter views means any act or omission that colleges like they used to call the following to be a bundle person and it will come says the use of physical restraint chemicals thank medication rationalization or punish. In conflict with a physician's order treatment so I didn't read that part of the education thank you. President rifle what purpose question recognized thank you Mr Speaker miss Clowney with this figure out the situation of kids looking after say aye eighty year old person in mystery known at home. thank you for the question presented right I have not actually this is senator Elliots bill and I'm not everybody's understand this only applies to within healthcare facilities or these are healthcare providers this is abuse from a healthcare provider yes ma'am it sure happens thank you thank you. I appreciate a good vote thank you. President Clowney has explained the bill would anyone like to speak against the bill. We would like to speak for the bill president Clowney is closed for the bill the question before the House is the passage of Senate bill five nineteen per machine medical or. Is everyone voted. Has everyone voted. Cast about madam Clark by a vote of ninety one yeah zero nine one present the bill is passed Manafort please read Senate bill five sixty two ACT by representative Gazaway to amend the law concerning conservation of a parent who is ordered to pay child support represent Gazaway you're recognized explain the bill thank you Mr Speaker this bill simply adds the word will full to the statute which would codify the existing standard that has to be used to improve in before you can put a person in jail for not paying their child support other words it can't be because they're disabled incapacitated some reason like that they don't have any control over it just says that their actions have to be willful which is the existing standards all the bill does have to take any questions. Seeing none appreciate a good vote ninety percent Gazaway has explained the bill would anyone like to speak against the bill would anyone like to speak for the bill president Gazaway is closed for the bill the question before the House is the passage of Senate bill five sixty two the machine madam Clerk. Is everyone voted. Is everyone voted. Cast about madam Clark by a vote of ninety one yeah zero nine zero present the bill is passed man Clark please read Senate bill five fifty six fifty six by representative vote to create a religious viewpoint anti discrimination act. President Vaught you're recognized explained the. Thank you Mr Speaker This bill does exactly what it says it creates a religious viewpoint anti discrimination act it's as if they shall treat a public school students voluntary expression if any of a religious viewpoint on an otherwise permissible subject in the voluntary. In the same manner sorry that the public school district's treat a public school students voluntary expression of a secular or other view points on an otherwise permissible subject so all it's doing is saying that you can't discriminate against somebody because they have religious viewpoints. With that I would appreciate it if the Garner you're recognized. For what best I can what purpose question you're recognized and I'm sorry that you weren't even if neither one of us were in there when Senator got prizes but I do have some questions just real concerns one of the things is that the bill allows the AG to ask the first liberty institute to defend this statute. Who are they and why would we not let the Attorney General make his own decision and are to choose the choose the group that he thinks is best or. Has this firm ever done anything with. The state and do we even know. Whether they're good or not. I wish I could answer that for you I'm not really sure I've heard of that group before I don't have Mary Bentley back there in her chair so I'm not quite sure if they defended other things in our state or not. I wish I could answer it better I'm sorry man thank you I just know that we were not in yes ma'am a lot of a sworn in seats we have prevented yes ma'am ninety yes they have those answers answers yes ma'am I understand. Prism color for purpose you're recognized thank you Mr Speaker so it looks like this bill could possibly make new systems for setting up speakers assigning them to events monitoring their speech at to comply with the limit limitations that are imposed in this bill representative body think that this with more responsibilities on teachers administrators that this may open up schools to costly litigation I don't believe so I think that students are already able to To express their viewpoints already if the child wants to carry a Bible at school I think they can already do that if they want to pray over their lunch I think they can already do that I think it's just saying that they shall not treat them say that they can't do those things so. President Dalby for purpose question you're recognized representative Vaught has there been any request as to how much this first liberty institute is going to charge to represent the state I think they do it for free of charge but I'm not one hundred percent sure about it so we follow up so we really don't know what the cost is to hire a third party to represent the state when we have lots of lawyers in the attorney general's office yes ma'am thank you. Appreciate a good vote the. The vote is explained ability would like to speak against the bill. Represent under you're recognized speak against the bill. I'm sorry I didn't see this coming. I am an evangelical Christian and I am not a Democrat what I also am is retired navy chaplain who spent years of his life deployed to the Middle East other places we are a nation of immigrants. And we this part of the oath of the constitution we took is to respect other people's religious point of view and I'm going to vote present on this this. This just has a lot of. Unintended consequences that we haven't had a chance to study. And I just want to explain my vote is this please please let's be cautious I think this opens the door from the things that may not be good thank you thank you Mr president under spoken against the bill would anyone like to speak for the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill represent law. Close for the bill the question before the House is the passage of Senate bill five fifty six per machine now or. Has everyone voted. As everyone voted. Cast about madam Clerk. Five thirty nine Yates twenty two days and twenty six present the bill is fail madam Clark please read Senate bill five fifty one. Number five fifty one by representative bricks to amend the Arkansas code as it pertains to references to the Director of the Division of higher education is a clear margins the person Brooks wrecked recognized to explain the bill thank you Mr Speaker colleagues single five fifty one is just a technical correction it is changing in code where that refers to the Director of the Division of higher education is changing that to the Commissioner of the Division higher education to be in line with other executive may mean formats within our of our education you have to answer any questions. Represent what what purpose. Question. Recognized what. Reserve roastery you have any knowledge as to why this is not a sex. I do not have a knowledge lies not a secretary at the position I don't know that it has been recently this is again this is just in line with the naming of the other portions of the department thank you thank you Mr I appreciate a good vote president Brooks is explain the bill would anyone like to speak against the bill. Would anyone like to speak for the bill represent Brooks is closed for the bill the question before the House is the passage of Senate bill five fifty one per machine man Clerk. Voting on the bill emergency clause as everyone voted. As everyone voted. Cast about madam Clark by a vote of ninety four yeah zero nine zero present the bill emergency clause of our past madam Clark please read Senate bill five forty three five twenty three by representative because I sent an Arkansas law concerning school district board of directors and amending a portion of our resulting from initiator Act one of nineteen ninety. President Cozart. You're recognized to explain the bill. Senate Brooks you're recognized when the bill. Thank you Mr Speaker I appreciate your represent Cozart this bill single five forty three comes to us from our friends of the Arkansas school board associations agreed upon language it's just establishes a code of ethics for school board members in the state of Arkansas and with that I'd appreciate a good vote. President Brooks explained building would like to speak against the bill would anyone like to speak for the bill president Brooks is closed for the bill the question before the House the passage of Senate bill five forty three per machine man Clark. Has everyone voted. Casts up the ballot madam Clerk. With the vote of ninety four yeah zero nine one present the bill has passed madam Clark please read Senate bill five four three. Adam Clark please read Senate bill five ten Senate bill five ten by representative has a similar cross you considered in a school district's reduction enforce policy. Representative Hodges you're recognized to present the bill. Thank you madam Speaker. Collins the next three Bills I'm running for US senators Irvin an English the first one is S. B. five ten for whatever it's worth all three of these passed out unanimously out of the Senate current law requires all school districts to have a reduction in force policies this bill requires using multiple factors in making those determinations including but not limited to merit ability attendance performance and effectiveness and so I can't solely be based on seniority of the seniority can still be part of the calculation. Agentes Inslee in the Senate Stephen Delaney who is the president of the Pulaski County special school district board I spoke in favor of the bill and we do not have any opposition committee happy to. First representative Hodges representative per year for what purpose question you're recognized they don't they don't have a certain way they're doing it. Get clarity across the state were on the same board that right yes thank you thank you. President of a. Representative Hodges has explained the bill does anyone wish to speak against the bill. For the down. Representative Hodges are you close for your bill he is closed for the bill the question before the House is the passage of Senate bill five ten madam Clark please prepared machine. Has everyone voted. With ninety three a one day and zero present the bill has passed. We have some guest with us today in the west gallery we have Jason Bollinger the chair the Faulkner County GOP. Is the guest of representatives Meeks brown ray Cooper and Bentley. We're we're moving now to the second supplemental calendar. I was just passed out to you. We're taking up Senate bill five oh eight. It has been amended and we need to get that back to the Senate so they can concur in the amendment. Madam Clark please read Senate bill five oh eight double five away by representative guns Alice amend the used tire recycling and accountability act to amend the used tire programs and to declare emergency. Representatives Gonzales you're recognized to present the bill. Thank you madam Speaker. Because I didn't really want to be down here doing this if any want to take this over and fixes projects you're welcome to get with me I'll tell you who to talk to and they are more than welcome to the taking over in the process of doing this I think I've managed to make the governor mad county judges mad tired districts mad Center Payton pretty angry and disappointed myself. With the started out having some The increases in it we took all the stuff out we're back down to to the standard rim removal fee and this The current process tire. Recycle program that we have there's about four million dollars give or take that was uncollected we're given DFA authority to go after that moneys about half of those businesses of the money are already out of business so there's there's about two point three million dollars left out there that's the that there they should be able to collect at least some portion of it so that will help funding this going forward if they can go out there and collect that we're giving them business closure authority that they didn't have before So that's where some of the money is going to come from folks this is not a fix of the to the tire program everybody that's been involved in this recognizes this does not fix the problem we have with tire recycling this is a patchwork to get us through till we can come up with a solution everybody has agreed to come to the table and work on a solution going forward the governor even said she's going to call a special session if we come to an agreement on on this and can can get get the program fixes of this keep keep that in mind this is just a patchwork to to get us through to we find of a true solution If the tire districts have a business plan the results in the end in a rate increase that is now going to be subject to review from from of Legislative Council we had had that authority before so any rate increases what will come through Legislative Council it takes eleven tire districts that we currently have consolidates was down before tire districts they should help with some administrative costs and it also gives. Of legislative audit's power audit the star districts every every other. I think that's about it this even though you know everybody. What happened with this throughout the whole process and they're still not happy with it it is an agreed upon bill and I hope that there's no opposition we can move for. Representive right John out I really want take questions but I'll I will for you. Representative rye for what purpose I have a question you're recognized this bill. representative got Gonzalez I've talked to a bunch of county judges and boy they're very blunt is process what are they with us on this one yeah they're with us on this. Representative Gonzalez is explained the bill does anyone wish to speak against the bill. For the bill. Representative Gonzales is closed for the bill the question before the House is the passage of Senate bill five oh eight madam Clark please repair the machine. As everyone voted. You're voting on the bill and to the emergency clause. Has everyone voted. With the vote of ninety four yeah zero Nays and one present the bill has passed we're moving back now to the regular calendar madam Clark please read Senate bill five twelve five so by represented by just concerning school district personnel policies and concerning a school district committee on personnel policy. Representative Hodges you're recognized to present the bill. Thank you madam Speaker all right back to Senate bill five twelve current law requires all school districts to have personnel policy committees this bill requires these committees to have bylaws rules and procedures and make sure that the elections are publicized and transparent and the meetings have to be recorded in a publicly available which they are already subject to for you again pass Sam's and the Senate and we didn't have any opposition committee Mr Delaney from the classic county special school district also is there to speak in favor as well. Representative car for what purpose chin you're recognized thank you madam chair grant could you kindly explain what is this change and what's already currently operating in operation. Sir current law already requires these personal policy committees this is all permissive of advantages that has the transparency and accountability components so they have to Publicize when's the election announcements results have to be placed on the school's website for example I says that these PPC's have to have rules bylaws and procedures. And the I. the meetings have to be recorded out of the the board would still have oversight over the PPC's to be able to set the policies over exactly how those meetings working which parts are you know consider the meeting under the recording piece but that's really the only requirement in the bill. Follow up. You're recognized thank you madam Speaker so so rules rex policy agendas and meeting minutes are to be publicized that's all this bill does correct all right thank you thank you. Appreciative of. Representative Hodges has explained the bill does anyone wish to speak against the bill. For the bill. Representative Hodges is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of house bill five twelve ninety Clark please prepare the machine. Seventy one voted. With the vote of eighty eight J. zero nine eight and six present the bill has passed members were now moving to the yellow budget calendar representative gene you're recognized to present the the Bill. Thank you madam Speaker. we've already discussed this but you have any other questions on Senate bill. Five sixty nine is the revenue stabilization act. Your one vote for the bill and the merger calls for Speaker the corporate bill third time. Madam Clark please read the bill for the third time in about five sixty nine. Representative gene has explained the bill does anyone wish to speak against the bill. For the bill representative gene is closed for the bill the question before the House is the passage of Senate bill five sixty nine that in Clark please prepare the machine. You're voting on the bill and the emergency clause. Has everyone voted. Representative of the case By a vote of ninety two yes zero Nays and three present the bill has passed and the emergency clause we have that more guests today with us in the west gallery we have my current and as director of Arkansas association of education administrators and his daughters so selfie and only the M. they are guests of representatives Warren and Cozart. Madam Clark please read Senate bill five one four. Senate bill five fourteen by representative had to seminaries provisions of the law that related topics covered by the composition of in meeting requirements for school district committee on personnel policies for classified employees. Representative Hodges you're recognized to present the bill. Thank you madam Speaker get my exercising today this is my last one Senate bill five fourteen at relates to again these personal policy committees it retains it allows them to retain the current employee classifications but it gives the options of adding others to the IPC's this bill included and amendments that was adopted that as was suggested by Senator Chesterfield to give the committees the option of outsourcing some of these positions if they need to so if it's Education telecentre tested Chesterfield I can both get behind you know it's got to be a good bill so essentially what it does is ask more transparency and accountability to these PPC's same thing unanimous the Senate's Mr Delaney spoke in favor and I wouldn't have any opposition committee. There should be a vote. Representative Hodges has explained the bill does anyone wish to speak against the bill. For the bill representative Hodges is closed for the bill the question before the House is the passage of Senate bill five fourteen madam Clark please prepare the machine. As everyone voted. Cast up the ballot madam Clerk. With the eighty five Yeas four Nays and eight present the bill has passed madam Clark please re Senate bill five seventy five seventy by representative because I to amend provisions of the Arkansas code concerning the Arkansas opportunity public school choice act in the public school choice active twenty fifteen. Representative Cozart you're recognized to present the bill. Thank you madam Speaker colleagues. This is a a bill that Concerns the opportunity public school choice act. And what this does it further finds that a student is not compelled against the wishes of his parent or guardian guardian if he is eighteen years of age or older to remain in a public school district are classified by the state board as an education of the school. Intensive support. are the school that is rated as a GT about sorry to you will look like a G. in my glasses it's an F. in the state board rules that thank you got down to G. should have Wickes that the student may transfer if he's in a school or fees out of is basically out of a the home or eighteen years older he can transfer to a school that is not an F. rating which we have that now but this just was really working on the older kids that are eighteen and older that they can automatically do this without the parents permission permission so that's kinda what this bill does. President of the. Representative Cozart has explained the bill does anyone wish to speak against the bill. For the bill. Representative Cozart are you closed for the bill. Representative Cozart is closed for the bill the question before the House is the passage of Senate bill five seventy madam Clark please prepare the machine. As everyone voted. Passed up the ballot madam Clerk. With the vote of ninety three yeah zero nay and to present the bill has passed madam Clark please read Senate bill five seventy one five seventy one by representative Cozart to amend the Arkansas code to clarify which individuals are required to demonstrate the physician fee in knowledge and practices of scientific reading instruction representative Cozart you're recognized to present the bill. Thank you madam Speaker. This is a to amend the Arkansas code clarify which individual required to demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge of practice of scientific reading instructions what this does all teachers employed in a classroom teaching position that requires a license to teach elementary students in grades kindergarten through six or licensed teacher special education course directly relates to literacy for students in grades kindergarten through twelve shall demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge the practice of scientific reading instruction disability Senator Clark ran a few years ago it just change those words and at first line conducts that directly relates of course that written directly relates to literacy on the second page it marked it as a requirement of the bottom the requirement under this subdivision shall not apply to a teacher who has already demonstrated proficiency to approve prescribed pathway and is in addition endorsed to his or her teaching license that's what this changes appreciate a good vote. Representive Cozart has explained the bill does anyone wish to speak against the bill. For the bill. Representative Cozart is closed for the bill the question before the House is the passage of Senate bill five seventy one madam Clark please prepare the machine. As everyone voted. Cast up the ballot madam Clerk. With that if ninety five Yeas zero Nays and zero present the bill has passed madam Clark please read Senate bill five seventy two five seventy two by representative because our time in provisions of the Arkansas code concerning school employee misconduct in background checks registered volunteers. Senate Cozart you're recognized to present the bill thank you madam Speaker. Hello this is a bill that. We'll. Require background checks for basically a lot of people but in in the works with schools and kids if they don't or do the supercenter finds that a basis for allegations of criminal misconduct misconduct he or she may not required to place any documents related to such allocations in a subsequent investigation police personal polisario whatever if superintendent finds probable cause that employee has engaged in a sexual misconduct with a minor in the superintendent or his or her designees shall provide a favorable recommendation of employment on the part of the employee that's normal or not normal that's a new language so they can make a recommendation because of what they just the. Except under this subdivision of section so and so the rest of the registered volunteers as defined in this process of attaining coaching certificate I will be working with students in athletic coaching capacity over the border or then the board of directors education entity which individuals applied to be registered volunteers shall receive as a condition for the rest for volunteer unsupervised contractors under contact with the student that is a wrister volunteer may have to apply we'll have to we'll client for an identification. Bureau to the identified and identification bureau of the division of Arkansas state police for state wide and national criminal record checks a national criminal record check conducted no this requirement in subdivision of this individual also be conducted by the F. B. so those are the new qualifications what have you to volunteer with any any children in high school K. through twelve you will have to have those criminal checks that's basically what this bill does we should get. Representative Cozart has explained the bill does anyone wish to speak against the bill. For the bell. Representative Cozart is closed for the bill the question before the House is the passage of Senate bill five seventy two madam Clark please prepare the machine. As everyone voted. Messed up the ballot madam Clerk. With that if ninety six J. zero Nays and zero present the bill has passed madam Clark please read Senate bill five seventy three I have a five seventy three by representative because our time in various provisions of the Arkansas code concerning public education. Representative Cozart you're recognized to present the bill. Thank you madam Speaker one more and I'm done of this mineral means very. Portions of the code and what a racially does this is a bill that would change the language in the codes for this from English language proficiency it takes out language and makes of in which learners and that's pretty well all the bill does all the way to the code it takes out that and does one other thing an application for employment for a school bus driver shall submit an application to the school district in which he or she seeks employment before they had to go to the Division of Public School so those are the things mostly English learner now as to the English language learner I appreciate a good. Representative Cozart has explained the bill does anyone wish to speak against the bill. For the bill. Representive Cozart is closed for the bill the question before the House is the passage of Senate bill five seventy three madam Clark please prepare the machine. As everyone voted. Cast up the ballot madam Clerk. With the vote of ninety six Yeas zero Nays and zero present the bill has passed representative do you for what purpose A motion. I let's hear your motion madam Speaker having voted on the prevailing side in consideration of house of Senate bill five fifty six I am moved for reconsideration how did you vote on the prevailing side you're recognized thank you. Did you vote yea or nay nay. You're recognized. Thank you madam Speaker colleagues I think representive Vaught has got some answers your question as far as first liberty liberty on that bill and I think we should give her the opportunity to explain this to us so we have a bit more clarity on that thank you. Representative do you cast spoken for the motion does anyone wish to speak against the motion. For the motion. Representative ray you're recognized to speak for the motion. Thank you madam chair colleagues I was also couldn't recall the script from memory when the bill is being presented so I too was confused I just did a a cursory search of imminent refresh my memory first liberty institute is a public interest law firm that defends religious liberty in a public interest fashion across the country if you'll recall this the U. S. Supreme Court case last year with coach Kennedy the the coach that was fired for praying on the football field that was a six three decision that prevailed at the in in favor of coach Kennedy of the Supreme Court this group defended him in front of the Supreme Court they one of their lead litigators is Paul Clement former US Solicitor General and if you read the bill it gives the Attorney General the discretion to defend this low were it to be challenged or to allow that group to prepare a defense of the law so I've I've found that explanation to be helpful. Representative ray has spoken for the motion does anyone wish to speak against the motion representative Dalby you're recognized to speak against the motion. I speak against the motion because I believe the vote we took awhile ago was correct it is absolutely improper to put a specific group or organization in statute that means it's there for ever in all ways we don't do that we shouldn't do that I urge a no vote on this motion. Representation Dalby has spoken against the motion does anyone wish to speak for the motion representative brown you're recognized to speak for the motion. Thank you madam Speaker I want to point out. The we have had this language in other bills specifically the ten commandments bill and The. Students work it says specifically here. students homework classwork artwork or other written or oral assignment shall be graded and judged by ordinary academic standards of substance and relevance against other conventional pedagogical topix as identified by the public school district a public school student shall not be penalized or rewarded based on the religious content if any of his or her homework classwork artwork or other written or oral assignments this bill simply says you're going to treat a student who has a religious viewpoint equally with any other student who prepares our homework. And with that I'd ask for a good vote. This is representative Scott for what purpose question you're recognized. Representative rate and that this group representative coach Kennedy I believe in the case my question is if something came up can the attorney general's office or this group defend whom ever without being put into statute. Well if we pass this it will be in statute but it also the Attorney General is the first of the first go to on defending any state institution so it would be at his discretion if you wanted to bring first liberty into the Process. Thank you representative brown has spoken for the motion does anyone wish to speak against the motion. For the most. Representative Cooper for what purpose. Yes representative Cooper couldn't see over there represented Cooper you're recognized to speak for the motion. Colleagues this same bill passed this chamber two years ago with seventy five votes and it included first liberty institute at that time it was just filed late in the session there was a time to get it to the Senate two years ago so that's why I didn't make it through. Representative licensure. Thank you flowers for what purpose question you're recognized I think Representative Scott was trying to ask this question and I'm I really think we need to get the hard at the heart of this. Could. Couldn the AG's office already do this without putting this organization into statute. I'm sure they could and and they they probably would do that it just gives the option for first liberty to do that that that the AG's office could determine if they wanted to pass that responsibility on to them follow up you're recognized but it wouldn't not no longer being option and be a requirement. And as a requirement then what about if if we are required to utilize them. Then what about the cost doesn't that put the state in a position where the costs could be something that we can't even anticipate and we have to use them versus another organization or another attorney the way I read the bill it's optional the AG's office does not have to a sign that on to them from what I understand it they they provide legal defense at no cost that's what I understand thank you thank you. Represent Cooper's spoken in favor of the motion we would like to speak against the motion. We would like to speak for the motion represent McCollum you're recognized speak for the most. Thank you thank you Mr Speaker thank you colleagues I was just going to attempt to point out something the language of the and it does say that it is permissible I believe that the AG's office is pointed out that they have. So just permissible language. President McCollum has spoken for the motion when you would like to speak against the motion. Would anyone like to speak for the motion. President Duke is close for the motion the question before the House is the reconsideration is a motion to reconsider Senate bill five five six all in favor say aye. Any oppose. Noes have it. Per machine man Clark. Voting on the motion to reconsider Senate bill five fifty six. Is everyone voted. Is everyone voted. Cast up the ballot madam Clerk. By a vote of forty ninety eight thirty four Nays and one president. The motion passes. Question before the House. Is the passage of Senate bill five fifty six. Per machine madam Clark. Everyone voted. Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot madam Clerk. By a vote of fifty three days twenty eight days and five present the bill has passed. I don't Clark please read senate bill four hundred. Senate bill four hundred by representative when Tim in the public school choice active twenty fifteen and so many Arkansas opportunity public school choice at. Represent when you're recognized to explain the bill. Thank you colleagues senate bill four hundred just merely clarifies the rules for transferring a contains fully agreed upon language from the triple a from the ADA they spoke in favor of the bill in committee yesterday and. all agreed upon happy to answer any questions. Represent what what purpose question you're recognized we don't have any choice but to vote yes on this because of the voucher who's going to is that right. This has nothing to do with the learns Act of what it does is it not because you hate limit who could transfer. You can't. All this does is it clarifies the existing rules for being able to transfer public the public. What is this a it says that you were allowed to transfer three percent. This has nothing to do with the three percent rule. Just clarifies this is clarifies existing policy triple a full support. Even. Create a good vote. Resembling is explained the bill would anyone like to speak against the bill. Would anyone like to speak for the bill. Represent wing is closed for the bill the question before the House is the passage of Senate bill four hundred prepared machine madam Clark. As everyone voted. As everyone voted cast about madam Clark by a vote of ninety two yeas to nays and zero present the bill is passed madam Clark please read Senate bill five fifty four five fifty four to amend the fire prevention act into amend the law relating to fire drills and exterior doors and educational institutions. Represent Vaught you're recognized to explain the bill. Thank you Mr Speaker this puts into statute what is hopefully already being done in many of our schools which is keeping the exterior doors closed and locked except during a transition period of obviously this is common sense measure for for school safety and now there was a question about that ACT doors you know because they do a lot of shop work and they're going to address that in the rulemaking. And with that I would appreciate a good vote. President Vaught is explain the bill would anyone like to speak against the bill. Would anyone like to speak for the bill. Represent Vaught has closed for the bill the question before the House is the passage of Senate bill five fifty four prepared machine man Clerk. As everyone voted. Has everyone voted. Cast about madam Clark by a vote of ninety four Yeas zero nine zero present the bill is passed Malaparte please read Senate bill five fifty eight I have a five fifty a representative eighties amend the law concerning public works projects by the Department of Parks heritage and tourism in baby you're recognized to explain the bill. Thank you Mr Speaker colleagues very present Senate bill five fifty eight to mend the law concerning public work projects by the Department of Parks heritage and tourism this bill is part of the department parks heritage and tourism legislative package supported by our governor it's been approved by the Division of building authority currently the law requires formal bidding and and design for fifty thousand dollar projects this bill would really preset amount two hundred fifty thousand dollars it is only for repair operation or maintenance projects this legislation will reduce red tape required to make facility improvements while maintaining competitive bidding hiring a contractor some cop subcontractors and fulfilling the divisions maintenance project needs with that I'd appreciate a good vote. President babies explain the bill would anyone like to speak against the bill would anyone like to speak for the bill. President baby's clothes for the bill the question before the House is the passage of Senate bill five fifty eight per machine madam Clerk. Everyone voted. Has everyone voted cast about madam Clerk by the ninety three a one name one president bill is passed madam Clark. Please read senate bill four ninety seven when I send my representative medicine in the Arkansas procurement law and to. Exempt certain commodities and certain services under the Arkansas procurement law represent Maddox recognized explain the bill. Thank you Mr Speaker colleagues so yesterday you won't believe this but I misspoke I said that this was the last of the governor's outdoor recreation initiative package I this one more bill this is the last one so I promise you that so this is a really good bill what this will do is to give our state parks in lodges the ability to purchase some local products to really showcase the area where the lodge is located an example that was given to me and talk to the governor's office about that is is simply the place is really good like coffee roasters right near in the area where the state park is that like the bill to purchase that coffee showcase the area and religious promote the the whole area and also have a good quality like coffee there's also I don't really know this there's some places and make from local soaps I would really where of that but they want to promote that showcase the area and we have a really good quality product and and give them the ability to compete with other hotels frankly so to get economic development bill it is the last of this package I appreciate a good vote percent Maddox is explain the bill would anyone like to speak against the bill would anyone like to speak for the bill. Represent Maddox is closed for the bill the question before the House is the passage of Senate bill four ninety seven per machine madam Clark. Is everyone voted. Everyone voted cast about man Clark. By a vote of ninety seventy eight zero nine zero present the bill is passed madam Clark please read Senate bill five fifty seven Senate bill five fifty seven by representative will change to amend the Arkansas environmental quality act of nineteen seventy three and to amend the members of the Arkansas natural heritage commission reserve ordered you're recognized to explain the bill. Thank you Mr Speaker colleagues five fifty seven is another bill that deals with the Supreme Court ruling that appointment to commissions by non governmental bodies is unconstitutional as this bill just clean that up what's the point with the governor's office all of those farm bureau ag council wildlife federation support changes with that I'd appreciate a good vote. Thank you. President will does is explain the building would like to speak against the bill. We would like to speak for the bill represent Waldron's is closed for the bill the question before the House is the passage of Senate bill five fifty seven per machine madam Clerk. As everyone voted. As everyone voted. The cast about madam Clerk. By a vote of ninety five Yeas one nine zero present the bill is passed. Madam Clark please read Senate bill five sixty five sixty by representative Parkinson in elements of fine arts and grants program represent Vaught you're recognized to explain the bill. Thank you Mr Speaker the purpose of fun park grants is to provide basic outdoor recreational facilities to small Arkansas communities these include baseball softball fields basketball courts picnic tables and pavilions and playground equipment a month many things. Fun part grants or administrator by the office of outdoor recreation within the Arkansas department of parks heritage and tourism grant decisions are made by the Arkansas outdoor recreation grant advisory committee right now current law only allows for communities of twenty five hundred or less to participate based on the nineteen ninety census this bill would change that to seventy five hundred or less based on the twenty twenty two senses and then it's deleting some expired language and with that I would appreciate a good vote first of all does explain the bill would anyone like to speak against the bill. Would anyone like to speak for the bill represent Vaught is close for the bill the question before the House is the passage of Senate bill five sixty prepared machine madam Clark. Has everyone voted. Has everyone voted. Cast a ballot madam Clark by a vote of ninety three eights one day and to present the bill is passed Maddox Clark please read Senate bill five seventy six table five thirty six by representative Beatty to amend the law concerning the authority of the Arkansas Public Service Commission over interstate rates charges classifications and other actions and to increase the amount recoverable from an infected utility. Represent baby you're recognized to explain the bill. Thank you Mr Speaker college this Senate bills simply raises the maximum amount that can be directly recovered from an effective utility from three million dollars to five million dollars of the public service commission can spend for defense some spark cases this is changed in an abundance of caution in case if the need arises between sessions the president cap of three million was set back in two thousand seven there is no opposition to this bill and it the fact that this is enter your support of this bill no money will be spent on less A. L. C. approves a contract and at this time there are no plans to submit a contract with that I appreciate a good vote. President Beatty has explained the bill would anyone like to speak against the bill. Twenty one like to speak for the bill represent baby is closed for the bill the question before the House is the passage of Senate bill five seventy six per machine madam Clerk. As everyone voted. As everyone voted. Cast a ballot madam Clerk by a vote of ninety three yeas one nine zero present the bill is passed madam Clark please read Senate bill five seventy five. Sentifi representative race amend the law concerning records to be posted on a website by the parole board to permit the use of a mobile application for posting information concerning parole and to create the same Arkansas at present rate you're recognized to explain the bill. Thank you Mr Speaker colleagues the end is in sight and I think when people when we in the session and people write the story of the ninety fourth they will write about that the improvements that we made education and they will write about the improvements that we made to public safety this is a public safety bill that would create the safe Arkansas at it's the last piece of the attorney general's public safety package and it would task the parole board to partner with department of information systems to create a mobile app on your phone select the highway department has with the idrive Arkansas out the people can download now and avail themselves of the apt with post a basic set of information about a parolees on parole or or an inmate who is being considered for parole all of the information posted on the app would be information that is already publicly accessible so as not posting any information that's not already publicly publicly accessible the problem is while this information is publicly accessible is not easily discoverable your average person your average citizen doesn't know how to navigate court connector vine or any of the systems to find out information and so we're doing this to increase transparency for the public to especially for victims of crime victims and the families of crime victims and that's what the bill does. President flowers for what purpose question you're recognized. I'm represent rate aren't. Crime victims already notified in the cases of parole and this information already accessible. The information is already accessible it's not easily discoverable so what this is doing is is taking information that is publicly available if people know exactly where to go and how to find it and how to search for it and basically democratise that information making available for people it's not just the victims of crime that would that would have an interest in knowing the sorts of things you'd want to know for example if your neighbors somebody whose role for armed robbery or something like that and so there's many reasons that people may want to know. Why this is follow up. I was just pointing out that crime victims are are already specifically notified yes and. I guess my concern. Is that if we are trying to reach also rehabilitate people and give them an opportunity to get a job get housing live a life where they can actually be successful on parole and re entering society could this not be used from a vigilante kind of perspective to keep people from actually re entering successfully well like you I also care about rehabilitating people re entering them in society that's why I'm very supportive of representative Lundstrum the bill to create a hiring tax credit for employers that want to hire convicted felons and so forth And I would point out that yesterday one of the one of the things that was included in the criminal justice of the parole reform overhaul that didn't get brought up I wish it had does it I think it's very important is a task force that will be solely dedicated to finding solutions for the recidivism problem and so we can do both it's not an either or it's both and we can make information available to people that will help keep them in their family safer but also work on providing the solutions employers that care about someone status as a convict can already ask about that in job interviews this doesn't change that so. Hope that answers your question. Represent Richardson for purpose. You're recognized thank you Mr Speaker of representative rate do you think based on what you just said that your support of of representative luncheons bill with the tax credit do you think that this could open up an area that businesses could be negatively impacted for instance if I'm a business and I want to support people back into the system I may not want to publicize that for everybody to know could be a negative impact I appreciate the concern I don't think it's warranted in the case of this bill because this bill does not list any information about a person's address it does not list any information about a person's employer and I would say that generally I'm unless you are a public employee or unless you're a high level employee within an organization at the leadership level or executive level it's generally not known what the average person's private employment is is not generally something that you can go in search certainly not gonna be anything that's included in this app. Follows if you're recognized I may have misunderstood so it's not gonna be like that you and I just looked at where you got a photo and information it would it would contain a photo the the information is listed here in the bill as to what it would contain it would include the name of the and for for for someone being considered for parole it would include the name of the inmate there DO see number the current photograph the date and time of their eligibility for parole the sentence that there are the offense and the sense that they're in there for the date of the sentencing and that sort of info which is all publicly available. Representative Perry for what purpose question you're recognized thank you Mr Speaker represent brands looking at how much will it cost to develop the mobile app so the cost will be somewhere between nothing and negligible so I'll be happy to yield yes I'll be happy to I'll be happy to explain that the reason the cost would be managed minimal or negligible is because all of the information including the app is already publicly available and department of information systems already has the ability to do this so they're they're not they're not it's not causing a new expense for them they already have the ability to do this and I've spoken with the attorney general's office and they have said that in the event there are any unforeseen costs associated with this that they are committed to providing those funds out of seven dollars all of. Then why is it not already have a. It's not already available because no one has no one is done at the the purpose of the legislation is to require them to do it thank you to speak. President Collins for what purpose question you're recognized thank you Mr Speaker representative right this is here that the information required to be posted on the mobile app may be removed when parole has been completed why does that not say shall be removed it seems to me like this opens up the opportunity for information to be capped on the mobile apps even after the term of parole which would make it harder for even people following parole to re enter and participate in society yeah thank you for pointing that out we discussed this at length in committee the bill states that once someone has finish their parole that they may be removed from the app I don't have any reason to believe that people would not be it does continue to provide for the board have discretion in the event there some underlying circumstances would warrant that rather that someone status as a sex offender there's an outstanding warrant or something of that nature and so you know I don't anticipate any problems with that. I appreciate the questions I think that this is been a very good session for public safety and I think this is the capstone on that I appreciate a good vote. Represent. Ray has explained the bill would anyone like to speak against the bill. Would anyone like to speak for the bill. President rate. After the flowers are recognized to speak against the bill. Thank. There have been many instances where I have been asked why do I come up here. Or come down here to the well when I know what the vote is going to be. I don't know what the vote is going to be. And I have seen many instances where we have taken a few instances where we have taken thoughtful votes. Based upon the implications of a bill. You just her representative ray say that this has been a good session for public safety. We just passed a bill yesterday. That will ensure that people stay in prison for much longer than they stay right now without very little of those dollars spent. On re entry rehabilitation and prevention. I don't know how. We can focus dollars. And policy on that. And not at all be concerned about the implications. Of people re entering society for whatever they've done. Many people have called me and texted me saying that you know some of the stuff you guys are passing out of so many. This isn't even about being mean or nice. We already notify victims. Specifically and we should. We already have this information available and we should. But this doubles down and creates an environment. For people to use this information for fodder. To hold people's pass against them and prevent them from ever being able to have a normal life and move past the mistakes that they have made. This isn't about just poor people but it certainly impacts poor people greater. This isn't just about people of color but it certainly impacts people of color greater. At the end of the day. This impacts our Kansans. Yeah all. I understand the political environment. That were in. I understand that we want to keep people safe. This does not keep people safe this invites vigilante ism it invites people not to be given a second chance. Please vote no on this bill. Richmond flowers to spoken against the bill would anyone like to speak for the bill. The recognized speak for the bill. Thank you Mr Speaker I thought that PS the bill is the last time I'd be in the will I just want to make one point out I respect and respect your concerns but but let's be real all this information is already out there so multiple sites accessible to the public this is simply going to consolidate that information put it in one location let the state being in charge of that that mobile lap and I think this will be a good bill I ask you to support the bill thank you person flowers represent base left well. President Beatty is spoken in favor the bill would anyone like to speak against the bill. Would anyone like to speak for the bill represent rate. You're recognized close for the bill. Thank you Mr Speaker colleagues I appreciate the questions that's why I was happy to stand here and take them because I think this is a good bill that is defensible that will benefit public safety in the state I want to stress again all of this information is already publicly available but it is not easily discoverable your average citizen does not know how to use court can act or go online to obtain it and there are many instances where they would benefit from the knowledge of knowing. All of this information. I've spent the better part of the last two years helping our Attorney General compile a database of parolees and when major crimes are found in our news when a when a headline pops up on K. A. R. K. A. or in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette in the hot springs Sentinel record we go I have gone and research the background on these folks and you would be shocked you'd be absolutely shocked at the percentage of major crimes in the state that are committed by people out on parole this is information that people deserve to be able to access without having to jump through unnecessary hoops and barriers and without a close for the bill we appreciate a good vote purpose of ray is closed for the bill. Question before the House is the passage of Senate bill five seventy five per machine madam Clerk. Is everyone voted. Has everyone voted. Cast about madam Clark by a vote of seventy five Yeas nine days and six present the bill is passed man park please read Senate bill five fifty five fifty five by representative breaks authorized the issuance and renewal of a special license plate to promote and support the Arkansas dyslexia support Arkansas dyslexia support group and to reveal the hospice and palliative care special license plate represent Brooks you're recognized to explain the bill. Thank you Mr Speaker colleagues as you know one five our Kansans struggles with this like to you've heard me talk about that a lot today we are voting on issue a new specialty license plate to support dyslexia awareness to issue a new license plate we do have to repeal a license plate so that would be the hospice and palliative care license plate which in about eight years of issuance it's only had a hundred twelve folks who have taken advantage of that as far as the cost goes the requirement is twenty thousand dollars which is already been raised and allocated to develop this license plate you also have to have five hundred signatures which are already available as well this received a unanimous vote in transportation and I appreciate a good vote. President Brooks is explain the bill would anyone like to speak against the bill would anyone like to speak for the bill. M. Brooks is closed for the bill the question before the House. Is the passage of Senate bill five fifty five per machine man Clerk. Everyone voted. Is everyone voted. Cast up the ballot madam Clark by a vote of ninety two yeah zero nine zero president. The bill is passed. Members without objection removed the second supplemental calendar. Represent Berks for what purpose motion let's hear your motion move to amend house bill seventeen thirty eight the purpose of this is to make sure that the language is consistent with the Department of at language so that when it goes interim study will all be looking at the right language that's a proper motion is debatable represent Berks when you're recognized to explain The motion. Okay I just explained the motion please vote for president Burks's explain The motion when he would like to speak against the motion would anyone like to speak for the motion representative Berks is close for the motion the question before the House. The adoption of amendment three to house bill seventeen thirty eight all in favor say aye. Any opposed the motion passes. Represent McClure recommends we can current Senate amendment number one to House Bill seventeen ninety nine madam Clark please read Senate Amendment number one Senate committee number one to House Bill seventeen ninety nine percent Clery recognized to explain the amendment. This is part of our data center bills we sent down there this one has to do with the digital asset bill that we sent the municipal power association has some suggestions to make and so we made several changes on page three was clarifications and added some wording to make sure that our municipal power suppliers were included in on page four we had a little bit more for their and after the amendment the Senate approved thirty three two zero and I appreciate a good vote on this of the building thank you for some course explain the amendment would anyone like to speak against the amendment would anyone like to speak for them and some of his close for the amendment. Question before the House is concurrence and Senate Amendment number one to House Bill seventeen ninety nine. Has everyone voted. As everyone voted. Cast about madam Clark by a vote of ninety three yeas one nine zero present we've heard in Senate Amendment over one house bill seventeen ninety nine. President Johnson recommends we can current Senate amendment number one to House Bill fifteen forty four. I'm Clark please read Senate Amendment number one number one to House Bill fifteen forty four percent Maddox recognized to explain The Amendment. Thank you Mr Speaker colleagues all this does is clarify that the governor makes the appointment to this board that's all that ma'am it does present a good vote person Maddox is explain the amendment would anyone like to speak against the amendment. Would anyone like to speak for the amendment president Maddox is closed for the amendment the question before the House the concurrence and Senate member number one to House Bill fifteen forty four per machine mental Clark. As everyone voted. As everyone voted. Cast about madam Clark. By a vote of ninety forty eight zero nine zero president you've Kirton said amendment number one to House Bill fifteen forty four represent Matix recommends we concurrence in Amendment number one to House Bill sixteen forty two. Madam Clark please read Senate member number one Senate Amendment number one to House Bill sixteen forty two percent Maddox recognized to explain the amendment. Thank you Mr Speaker colleagues this is the bill we did they granted some additional vehicles for UAMS which Senate down there the Senate thought I was a little too broad so they remove the word education from it just to clarify that it can only be for medical treatment and screening like that mammogram traveling bands that are really good service so they just want to tighten our language up a little bit that's all the moment as. Represent Maddox explained the amendment would anyone like to speak against the amendment would anyone like to speak for the amendment per se Maddox is close for the amendment the question before the House. Is the concurrence and Senate Amendment number one to House Bill sixteen forty two prepared machine madam Clark. As everyone voted. As everyone voted cast about madam Clark babble ninety three A. zero nine zero present your card and Senate Amendment number one to House Bill sixteen forty to represent Wardlaw recommends of we concurrence in Amendment number one to House Bill seventeen eighty three man Clark please read sentiment number one Senate member number one house bill seventeen eighty three Wardlaw you're recognized to explain the amendment thank you Mr Speaker. We are amended the beer folks out of the house in when we were working on this bill last week when I told you guys we or our earlier this week it feels like last week I mean we've been here almost three weeks this week and not. They decided when I got down the Senate and they wanted back in this great bill saw this puts them back in thank you. Purpose of Wardlaw is explain the amendment would you would like to speak against the amendment would anyone like to speak for the amendment represent Wardlaw is closed for the amendment the question before the House is to concurrence and Senate Amendment number one to House Bill seventeen eighty three. per machine madam Clerk. Has everyone voted has everyone voted cast a ballot madam Clark by a vote of eighty nine yeas to nays and three present you concurred in sentiment one to House Bill seventeen eighty three all right members. It appears to me we have to bills left on the supplemental which would be Senate bill three fifty five Senate bill five oh four and then we have one bill left from the regular calendar Senate bill five sixty seven and then we have the supplemental calendar with three resolutions we're gonna take a recess a brief recess we'll come back and call the chair hope will just be momentarily I am so that I can reach out to the Senate see what's going on down there make sure we're all lined up to come to wrap this thing up. All right. House stand recess upon the call the chair. House will come to order. Adam Clark please read Senate bill three fifty five. Three fifty five a representative Holcomb to provide for certain requirements related to storm shelters for educational facilities under the Arkansas fire prevention code is declared emergency. Represent more you're recognized present the bill. Thank you Mr Speaker colleagues this bill has been through this chamber before and the Senate as well it passed both chambers unanimously without a single no vote when it got to the governor's desk she has some issues with some of the language in the bill so what we did is we brought it back we amended it and we had a meeting this bill deals with storm shelters and public schools and a couple sponsors got together met with the governor staff and the state fire marshal with the state police and we all agreed upon this language. Will affect two schools particularly. Objects of already began and already started one is an Mountainburg. Representative per year would appreciate your vote the other isn't stuck guard to myself I would appreciate your vote and with that. President Moore's explain the bill would anyone like to speak against the bill. Would anyone like to speak for the bill represent more is closed for the bill the question before the House is the passage of Senate bill three fifty five prepared machine madam Clerk. As everyone voted. As everyone voted. Cast about madam Clark five eighty eight yeas to nays and for president the bill is passed madam Clark please read Senate bill five oh four. Five oh four by representative Pearson prohibit pedestrians on a controlled access highway. Represent peers you're recognized when the bill. Thank you Mr Speaker calling this is another bill not only for law enforcement but for the general public and what it does this change clarifies clearly gives law enforcement officers a lawful reason to make contact with pedestrians on the interstates and that in I'm a dentist by them this is for the safety of the pedestrians and law enforcement as you know are not has signs says no pedestrians okay. Law enforcement has no statue to take an even and force that this will also help in and. In my understanding if if a young child runs away. And with the tracking the trafficking the way that it is the young girl runs away from home the law enforcement officer if you get caught on interstate or whoever it may be they will have the opportunity to stop and check to see their well being and see what they were doing that represent Collins for what purpose action you're recognized thank you I I just want to understand what a controlled access highway is is this only the federal interstate system or is this state highways to no it is the Interstate from my my understanding it's just hi interstates in on bridges that's going to be probably the second questions I clarified that bridges typically have walkways on the side as long as they stay in the on the sides it will if they're walking on interstate in canton this. We say this this is not affect if you break down on the interstate trying to get from point a to point B. to get help and that's all this does. In saying no more questions I appreciate a good vote for the citizens and our law enforcement thank you president Pierce's explain the bill would anyone like to speak against the bill. Would anyone like to speak for the bill president of Pierce is close for the bill the question before the House is the passage of Senate bill five oh four prepared machine that part. Everyone voted as everyone voted. Cast about madam Clerk by a vote of eighty four yeas five nays and three present the bill is passed you go back to the regular calendar Manafort please read Senate bill five sixty seven. Senate bill five sixty seven by representative Richmond to amend the law concerning civil liability for damage caused by motor vehicles operate on certain public region president Richmond you're recognized to explain the bill. Thank you Mr Speaker colleagues I do believe this is the bill we've all been waiting for. It's probably the first time I've ever said that and more likely to be the last time I said it because I think this is last legislative bill that we're going to run. What this bill does and it's a good bill is that when a public bridge or part of a public bridges destroyed or damaged to the extent that the bridge cannot be used safely. Then the person who is convicted of a violation shall be civilly liable to the proper County or road improvement district for the following recoverable damages including without limitation the cost of replacement of the post bridge or part of the public bridge without factoring in depreciation of the destroyed public bridge. Bridges the cost of replacing a public bridge does not appreciate yet that was attacked that was tried to be that they tried to use earlier the cost of removal of the damaged structures also part of it there is there was an amendment that is been engrossed and it helped out our timber industry folks in that this section does not apply to a wooden bridge that is less than twenty feet in length now why did we come up with this particular legislation over into the two thousand nineteen January a tractor trailer based out of Bakersfield California came to Danville Arkansas at the buffalo chickens. Frozen chickens when leaving Daniel the driver took a wrong turn. And came to a historic bridge. As it's actually a bridges on the national historic registry been as a hundred years old the bridge was clearly marked with the three four and six ton load limit. The truck weighed forty tons. And the truck proceeded to cross that bridge. And course the bridge collapsed destroying the bridge. Now the good folks of Bakersfield California basically just tried to ignore this. Damn hole or the or the county health council pursued it trying to get a settlement out of them in the first offer was sixty one thousand dollars. From them the next offer was a hundred twenty three thousand dollars and they went in and they they continued trying to scuttle this but. There was no solution to it so finally the prosecuting attorney of obtainable got involved in this and and they got nervous at that point a falling off a million dollars. Because the replacement bridge we're talking about just replacing historic bridge with just a regular concrete bridge was almost a hundred thousand dollars so by the time all legal fees and everything else come out on this the county ended up about a hundred fifty thousand dollars in the red even with that million dollar settlement. That was ridiculous I mean that they even told the county judge or he should be reasonable. Need to be reasonable here it is and twenty twenty three. And they're just now working trying to get this bridge replaced get the contracts and all the other stuff that is necessary to replace that bridge four years later. That area has been unacceptable on accessible unless you take and go several months and I mean several miles around to find alternative ability to get into this area also includes a wildlife management area in the game and fish and even difficult. Trying to get into the air as well. This addresses that problem we're the good boys that happen to be out in California can't just simply say no we're not going to worry about you country folk there in Arkansas. This helps deal with that problem and that's why I would ask you for a good vote is to make sure our county judges. From now on will have the tools necessary to prevent this kind of the lay so that the people in our county can have bridges restore winner when they are. Damaged by someone who does who knows better cross is one of those bridges. And is responsible for and is convicted for for damaging that bridge. It's a good bill appreciate a good vote. President Richmond is explain the bill would anyone like to speak against the bill would anyone like to speak for the bill represent Richmond is closed for the bill the question before the House is the passage of Senate bill five sixty seven per machine madam Clerk. Is everyone voted. As everyone voted cast about madam Clerk of a ninety one yeas to nays and zero present the bill is passed to remove to the supplemental calendar before we get started on it Not sure how long this will take but without objection I would like for the house to for not done recess at eleven fifty the governor is leading a moment of silence for the victims of the tornado I believe it noon on the steps of the capitol and so I want to get that out there in I head of time before we get into these three resolutions. Adam Clark please read House resolution ten eighty nine. House resolution ten eighty nine represented by this time in the rules of the house of representatives of the ninety first General Assembly. Representative Hodges you're recognized explained resolution. Thank you Mr Speaker. Collins I am grateful for the opportunity today to bring these proposed rules amendments to you first I just wanna take a quick second to recognize the Well the my life my wife Meredith and my two sons are up in the gallery. Hi baby. Do any of this without them. My son a Calvin have their the older one as a his third birthday is in about a week and he told me to tell you all that all he wants for his birthday is for the house rules to the for his Daddy. So. He didn't actually say that but. So just to start off a little bit I wanna give you a little bit of background on this so I filed these two amendments that I proposing today on the third day of sessions so January eleventh our third day down here I filed its resolution that I'm proposing to you today. The reason I did that was before we adopted the current rules of the ninety first General Assembly if I had. Run these amendments then as amendments on the house floor they would need fifty one votes and so that's why I decided filed on Thursday knowing that was the Berrier to them you know getting into this general assembly's rules and so that was that was my fault and then Speaker shepherd and I met that day and had a discussion and and after meeting with him I agree that I would pull them down not run them at that time knowing that at some point later in session this is we adopt a current general assembly's rules that barrier goes up to sixty seven votes to amend the rule so I did that knowingly made that decision and so I spent over the last three months working on these amendments I've met with body at least half a dozen times I would say just making sure that these were drafted in a way that fit in with the the rest of the rules and and make sure that I got them as as good as I can get them so I want to thank buddy for his help and guidance on this I also asked body to give me some of our old rule books and he gave me a stack of them I think the oldest one he gave me was from the nineteen sixties and so I was able to those rule books and just get a sense for how did the rules committee used to look out of the chamber used to look in I will go and a lot of details but my main takeaway was is that the house rules have changed over time that's clear if you go back and look to these rules I think we all get here as as freshman members are kind of take them for for granted that that's just how the place works but the rules are sacrosanct they have changed this is a little bit of example of the rules committee used to have seventeen members now has fifteen if you look back some of the older older rules books these other non rules issues were not in the rules committee and I'll go into more detail on that but you know before we don't have term limits members were here for a long time so it was very seniority based and once we got term limits a lot of the rules change to reflect that new system so Reviewing those old books but he gave me to my main takeaway was the rules do change we can make changes and that's what I'm proposing to do here today. I do wanna take a second just to say that. These rules members are proposing are in no way personal this is not a criticism of the Speaker Shepherd in any way I think sometimes it can maybe be seen that way but this is not a criticism of him or any of his leadership and anyway he inherited the rules that we have now and I do want to compliment him because I know since he's been Speaker he has made changes a lot of them that I agree with I know that when he became Speaker if he was given a rules that says you got to a point every member of every committee and he made that change like you committee when he ran for Speaker that he would change that to the system we have now on and I appreciate that I know he's he's made other steps to return power back to us the members yes I I fully recognize and appreciate that. What I would say is we we shouldn't make policy in here based on personality not Shepherd will not be Speaker forever and so regardless of who is the Speaker in the future yeah I think we need to look at the rules and what what works best for the chamber not just for one person you may think speakers represent a great job I won't disagree with you but again he won't be Speaker forever and we should make policy based on what's good policy and not just based on one personality for me I simply believe there are improvements we can make in the way that we do business that would make the body more inclusive we are one hundred equal members each of us were elected to the same position by the same number of people. Is in the House rules are rules some I only ask for you today is that you vote based on what you feel and powers you as an individual member of this house. Is ultimately that makes you a stronger voice for your district. So with that I will go into H. R. kan eighty nine this is my first proposal what this does is essentially removes all of the non rules issues or almost all of the non rules issues out of the rules committee and reassign them to a and B. committees. If you look in the rules currently the rules committee specifically assigned alcohol any issues that deal with alcohol tobacco cigarettes marijuana lottery racing race tracks pari mutuel betting movies **** vending machines. If you add all those up we're talking about billions of dollars of Arkansas's economy. Under the control of one committee appointed by one person. I don't know how to put any more simply than that that's why I am proposing this change. Billions of dollars of Arkansas's economy. In one committee appointed by one person under the current house. Before session started I reached out to the Senate and asked how they handle these sort of I'm just phenomena referred to these is kind of the sand issues I know we typically kind of refer to them that way. They do not assigned there Senate issues today rules committee they got a and B. committees that's all I am proposing here today a very similar system. So in the Senate. Marijuana goes to Senate agriculture for example alcohol and tobacco are covered by Senate city county local. I have a few examples of bills that have been run the session. For example SP sixty six that was a bill that dealt with **** in the sentiment Insurance and Commerce. In the House it went to rules. House bill fifty ninety two telemovies. the and the Senate I want to revenue tax in the House came to rules. S. the three fifty eight dealt a bill. In the Senate that would agriculture and the House came to rules. So if you look at the resolution what I'm proposing is we would move the issues of alcohol tobacco tobacco products cigarettes and marijuana would be assigned to the agriculture committee. Bingo lotteries Raffles racing race tracks pari mutuel betting would go to city county local. Movies **** coin operated amusement devices vending machines would go to insurance and commerce. And lobbying would go to state agencies. Again like most things we do down here we try to kind of match issues that go in Senate committee with the house committee I know that's not always the case but I try to take away the Senate does this in your that as best I could in the House. I also try to keep in mind that we already know some we have an unusual workload are committees of example public health we on those pretty overloaded so I tried also keep in mind not assigning things to committees are already overworked. so that was kind of breakdown of how I divide them up. The only thing that would be left in the rules committee would be the rules. And the code of ethics which is currently assigned to rules and I felt was appropriate to stand rules there was another N. B. committee I thought what would be a good fit so if we adopted this the only thing in the house rules committee would be the rules. And the code of ethics. So some members have asked why would we still need the rules committee. Well again the Senate does not assign all these issues to their rules committee but. We still have the house rules. Over one hundred page document that governs everything we do in this body from how we elect the Speaker that what committees we have what issues are a sign of those committees the entire process of what we do down here as determined by the rules so we still need a rules committee to deal with the rules. And I'm not going to this a little bit in my my next amendment as well but The rules committee also is responsible for hearing certain appeals in some cases so if the Speaker makes a decision or in some cases if if a committee chair makes a decision some of those decisions can be appealed and they can go to the rules committee so I I believe we still you know the rules committee with some very important but to me it would only be doing the work that a rules committee should be doing which is the rules. So that's what I'm proposing again I think. Putting these issues into our a and B. committees like with everything else Thanks a more transparent. I don't think I propose anything revolutionary given that the senators already do this I want to mention that I've heard really only to two reasons I've asked body you know what's the history on this can you explain why these issues are assigned to rules. I want to miss characterized I think you said he he didn't really know this is kinda how it's been for awhile I've heard two things one this protects the members from voting on some of these issues that some members may feel uncomfortable voting on. And I would say well I I understand where you're coming from on that I think we all probably have issues that come to the floor that we may not want to vote on not just these issues that we call somebody sent issues. And I would say aye aye I would kind of presents being told that the senators around here have the intestinal fortitude to vote on some of these things but House members don't I think we can handle it. I've also heard that these items that are in rules are heavily regulated. And that's what I need to be in rules committee. I would say that I wish we didn't regulate things much we did around here but we regulate plenty of things and for those of you on public health you know our health industry health care industry is very regulated but we don't like that behind you know locked away in the rules committee that goes to public health I've been on the insurance card commerce committee for four terms the insurance industry looks plenty regulated to me that's not locked away and rules that goes to insurance and commerce yes these industries regulated but we have plenty of regulate industries that already go to other anti committees. Again. The primary reason I proposing this is if you add up alcohol tobacco cigarettes marijuana lottery racing race tracks pari mutuel betting movies **** vending machines. We're talking about billions of dollars of our state's economy and economic interests that currently is assigned to one committee appointed by one per. So I am proposing. We just remove those out of the rules committee and assigned to a B. committees like would you ever. I'm happy to take any questions. Representative and for what purpose got a question you're recognized for a question would you would you share with me. What the agriculture committee has to do with alcohol racing I understand racing because it's a. Thank about the animals what did you choose to both of them are all alcohol it just. Department. Our representative would and so. In the Senate those issues alcohol and tobacco go to city county local. If I'm remembering right marijuana goes to ag. In the House proposal I have alcohol tobacco tobacco products cigarettes marijuana and marijuana products going to agriculture committee you know it as far as I can I try to mirror to some degree with the Senate did it may not be at the exact you know exactly how the Senate does it but for those issues you know I think given that tobacco products are. Derive marijuana products are derived from and those products I'm talking about alcohol wine why. Move alcohol. Culture how did you make the decision and what. What is your first point so like I said tobacco tobacco products cigarettes and marijuana products to me I'm like are you marijuana on talking about alcohol. The same explanation would apply you may not agree with my explanation but again that there is an agriculture derivative there barley wheat whatever you want to say that make to alcohol products if you. Thank you to go to another committee I'm I'm happy to text ideas or suggestions and again we. These are the House rules so you can offer a rules and any time you like representative already had a follow up at week no Sir we've already heard your follow up we're gonna give somebody else a. Opportunity to ask questions you can get back in the queue. Represent Mayberry for what purpose a question you're recognized for a question I'm just trying to address a little bit because when I every time an alcohol bill is brought up usually there's reference to this is for economic development of this council or this city or this area or whatever and that committee has economic development would you agree I think that's an excellent point representative Mayberry yes thank you. Representative gave for what purpose question you're recognized for a question so. You mentioned how the Senate do you have any examples where perhaps Senate bills that passed or whatever committee in the Senate the. Bill came to rules and that was not appropriately adjudicated. No I mean I don't have an example like that I could point to and again I my issue isn't that rules has dealt with any individual bills incorrectly in my estimation anyone else's regardless of the committee's actions on any bill I still take issue with the fact that the committee is appointed by one person. Thank you Mr. In Bangor for permission question you're recognized for a question a representative Hodges from looking in the rule books from other areas could you give me an idea of when the San issues all gotten nested in rules. Sure represent under so. Buddy I don't know if you Field thank you my time in or not but I know but he gave me and I rules documents from You know range from the nineteen sixties to presence and I I if I remember correctly I want to say it was in the nineteen eighties and nineteen nineties the Senate issues in the older books that I looked at did not explicitly assigned to a Committee said for all I know they did go to rules but it wasn't written into house rules that they did go to the rules committee. Represent rank for what purpose question you're recognized for a question and this might be for you representative Hodges or perhaps a parliamentary inquiry so as we're discussing the overall format change but there might be some little changes perhaps like what representative Mayberry brought up that could be if we were to pass this today that could be amended at the beginning of a session next time or later down the road I'm just one or no how we procedurally decide to vote on this if no answer yeah I serve my name we vote on this today and remove all these non rules issues out of rules in the sign and a B. committees I work with whatever member wants to talk to me about reassigning into whichever envy committee want I think that's a fairly easy change the hard changes getting them out of rules to begin with thank you. I waited three months to run that saw take any questions you have. Appreciate a good vote thank you bye really again I do appreciate this is in the House rules I want these to be our rules appreciate a good vote and look forward to the discussion. President Hodges has presented his resolution would anyone like to speak against the resolution. Representatives you're recognized to speak. Against the resolution. Because I just wanted to. Give a little bit more perspective on this the first question. That I wanna answer I guess or talk about is how many times a week said in here that you know where the House we're not the Senate will have to do what they do so why would we change our rules just to match what the Senate does I think the rules the way they are have worked pretty well I understand some of the issues that representative Hodges have to that But I do want to take issue with the thought that this is some secret back door meeting that goes on and no one is available to to to see what we do and for clarification do I was a past House chaired. House rules chair. So just like every other committee meeting it's live streamed it's all on video it's in an open committee room you can sit and watch everything we do just like any other committee. I'll I'll get to second hope It it it's it's I've never I've been on rules three times once as a freshman once later and then once as the chair and I think there's a general idea that this is completely controlled by the Speaker I have served under two different speakers and I had never been told how to vote on a bill I think maybe it could have been that way years ago maybe I don't know that's what I hear. But the idea that this is the speakers committee and he controlled everything that goes on in there it's just not true so I want to put that out there and he is right these are some sensitive issues that if these issues go to other committees you are going to be roll call on **** or alcohol or marijuana so would you give that some thought it does whether you like it or not it does offer some protections I'm happy to answer any questions represent gene for what purpose question you're recognized for a question. Thank you Mr Speaker of. Representatives you've been is chair of there and I think I've. my recollection is I get get older I get I get lost in time I think five terms. I have been a rule five terms of and all my time there I have consistently voted against every alcohol bill. Do you know any alcohol bill is got defeated coming out rules that's got what that has been defeated coming out of rules do I know of any alcohol bill that's been defeated yes. Well I. I don't there there have been there I don't I figure all the time this is the way it is General Assembly we've ever had so I mean there there's not all others some things that get defeated yeah but I mean I I don't think it's restricted. I don't think so debating the ideas are going out so it it's been a pretty open of committee would you agree I absolutely agree and it's been a very diverse group of of members on that committee yeah I agree represent McKenzie for what purpose. You're recognized for a question thank you in the three terms of use out on rules has there ever been a recorded vote or a request for a roll call vote no follow up. Nice to that end wouldn't you agree that the information that a rules committee helps protect members. Would fall short when there is no recorded vote on Sen issues in the committee the only recorded vote for Sinn issues is on the floor for members. I I think that. Typically that committee doesn't roll call at least on the years that I've served on that committee and I think that does offer some insulation to those votes that are extremely sensitive. Representive Underwood for what purpose question you're recognized for a question it's kind of the same line you may have kind of address that that that was my question said there's some protections from roll call's option to get some clarity on what what is the protection protection from transparency to our to our constituents are not open that's it at all I think that everything that we do in that committees on video it's on audio and again those are some extremely sensitive situations that you're dealing with. There are times in here just a representative said that they're a tough vote you have to make that committee typically doesn't roll call so to me that offers members a little bit of insulation from taking those ideas to other committees which could get roll call put you in an uncomfortable situation in your district. Okay thank you. Sorry. Representative visas left the well. Sentries had spoke. Against the resolution would anyone like to speak for the resolution represent Ladyman you're recognized before the resolution. Thank you Mr Speaker I'm really not speak for against the resolution but I want to address something like what representative will be brought up about the alcohol going to that committee AS one letter by know that I have a bill an interim study to look at those kind of things if things are going to the wrong committee and realigning the committee with the executive branch so the things that you talked about if they're in the wrong one that could be addressed in that bill and I have an interim study. Representative Ladyman this bloke on the resolution. Would anyone like to speak against the resolution. Members were were pushed in the. The time frame here we're going to have to take a recess in order to allow members to go out on the steps to the capitol to join the governor for a moment of silence so. We stand in recess. Members were gonna recess until after the moment of silence this concluded and then we'll come back in. House come to order. Members we left off represent Ladyman spoke in favor of the resolution would anyone like to speak against the resolution. Speaker Shepherd you're recognized to speak against the resolution. Thank you Mr Speaker. Members I come to speak against the resolution let me just say while you know I appreciate the fact that there are differences of opinion and any number of different ideas as to various rule changes that can be made I'm opposed to all three of the resolutions and let me just say at the outset that as far as we speak against it it's not so much for me personally I mean I'm put in a position here where of course it can be portrayed as if I'm trying to preserve the power of. Speakership whatever perceived power there is. but quite honestly. You know. As an attorney I just the you just tell me what the rules are and I'll deal with it and I'll go out and be a try to be as effective as possible no matter what those rules are but honestly I'm here to speak against it. Really out of what I feel is my duty to the institution. I've been Speaker of the house. For a little over four and a half years. It's been the greatest honor for me professionally. I've come to love what the House represents. And thankfully with the cooperation of each of you we've demonstrated once again that in an era of hyper partisanship we can come together from all corners of the state from all backgrounds with various ideological disagreements and that we can come together we can do the business of the people of Arkansas and efficient manner and that we can wrap up on time and go back home to our various district. But it's out of that obligation and that duty to the institution. That I take very seriously. During my time as Speaker. I've had the unfortunate. Position of having to leave the expulsion of a member. I've. In a position to lead this body for a global pandemic. Through challenging economic times. And so anything about this institution as most people that know me. No that everything about how we do things I tried to to take seriously. And it's because of that sense of duty that I take these matters seriously. But with regard to these rule changes and in particular that the two with regard to the rules committee. I'm not sure why the rules committee was set up the way it once. As I understand it it's been that way for generations. And you hear these things about the rules committee this the rules committee that I mean quite honestly I think the. Mystique of the rules committee has probably been greatly overstated. When I believe when I arrived here the Committee met up stairs in a room that was barely big enough for anybody else to enter the room it was just a few years ago it was not live streamed. I don't know that there's any vote that I've ever had to go to a member of the rules committee and say this is this is I I you have to do this that's not the way I operate. But also out of my duty to the institution and quite honestly to the members who have served on the rules committee. And we've had Democrats we've had Republicans we've even had three freshmen this time. I think that what separates the rules committee and what is it happens there. Okay there's no roll call. But that's that's the members of the committee that's a tradition of the House the cooperation the House closely there been bills in the rules committee that quite honestly I was in favor of. They didn't come out of the rules committee. I think that. The duty of the institution the practice of the institution the rules the institution or things that while they're not sacrosanct they can be changed the fact of the matter is these have developed over time over generation. And during that time I've been in the minority I've been a defeated candidate for the speakership. And now I've been the Speaker I've never been a member of the rules committee but the fact of the matter is no matter if I was in the minority no matter if I was the defeated candidate for Speaker or whether I was Speaker. I feel very comfortable with where the rules are today because they've developed over time they're not sacrosanct. But there are things that I think we should take very seriously about changing and one of the reasons that this is important to me and one of the reasons that I feel like. Me personally there are things that I would love to change and there maybe be things about these proposals that I in fact light. But the challenge that I have is that you know as I meet with members ahead of a session I take notes on those meetings. That's just this session. I take notes on those meetings. And one of the things that's talked about during those meetings are ideas for rules changes suggestions for improvement and while members there have been members that brought of different acts aspects of the rules committee this particular proposal was not something that was brought up during those discussions in fact the two proposals on the rules committee I became aware of the day that the rules are supposed to run in the House Committee and yes I ask for a person of high just pulling down because point one honestly I didn't want to have a fight over the rules to at the outset of the session I was hopeful that we can get into a session to be productive and thankfully we have. But the fact of the matter is while the rules are not sacrosanct they've developed over time I believe they served us well and that speaking as someone who's been both the minority and the majority. We. You know the statement keeps being made. About one per one person appointing by one person. I mean. That you if the membership recall when I became Speaker I allowed the vote on changing the rules back about how committees were selected I appointed every position my first term. But I listen to the will of the House. And quite honestly on these proposals I don't believe there's sufficient support for them. They could be taken up at any point I've been saying from day one we have two years before session begins again there's ample opportunity to take them up but I wanted to put on the calendar before the end of session because I didn't want by to say that the Speaker awarded this that effort and quite honestly as most of you know the. Really they should have been assigned to the rules committee which of course if they had not come out of the rules committee everybody would have said the rules committee was stacked against them so you know what I said let's bring to the floor. The other point is on these appeals that have taken place I don't believe there is an appeal this session last session I by passed the rules committee and brought him to the floor anyway. But on this proposal in particular the first proposal about the subject matter representative Ladyman has thoughts on what the subject matter varies Committee said he's mentioned that publicly there other members that have suggestions on changing subject matter of the committee I mean that that's the challenge of being speakers that I hear from a hundred members I hear all these different ideas when there are things that I didn't seem to be coalescing around eight eight. Particular point such as the change so we got away from the COVID rule about how the chair set the agenda we made the proposal to change that to go back to the way had been and so. It's it's not that I oppose these just for the sake of opposing them I believe for the sake of the institution. That they should be defeated. That's not to say that they're not good ideas that's not to say that it maybe things could be improved there is no perfect system. But my focus is you know what makes us effective as a legislature. What's going to do work in the best interest of our cancer. I believe the rules committee has done its work very fairly I'm not aware of any particular bill that just didn't make it out this time that was so problematic. Thank the rules committee is probably has probably worked with members to resolve issues if there have been issue. I get requests all the time to send bills to the rules committee but from the Senate and for folks down here send the bill to rules and I rarely rarely do unless it's narrowly within that subject matter. And I know that that's been said what's not about the current Speaker. But what I would say that is that. The rule as it existed day the fact that the select committees are appointed the fact that the chairs are appointed the fact that other positions are appointed that's just something to take keep in mind as you. Use a Speaker. That's part of the process. Hopefully the body will elect individuals that will handle that role. In the proper manner. And if not then I would expect that there would be fair push back to that and there would be greater consensus to move this forward. But given the fact that I don't believe there's the support for this but we'll find out today. Because I want to vote will vote. But I want you to understand its from the position of trying to. President the institution of hopefully. Continuing the good work the institution has done of trying to I don't my personal preference is not to have the House devolve into constant rules amendments every session the Senate does that but there's only thirty five when there's a hundred members. As we all know the rules really matter. And that consistency I believe that consistency over time is served as well it provides predictability the members know what to expect they know what they're getting into they know how the system operates they know where the subjects are going to go they know where how things are going to be handled. And I believe that predictability. That institutional consistency in the absence. Of overwhelming and strong support for a change is something that we should preserve in us I would appreciate a no vote thank you. Speaker Shepherd spoke against the resolution would anyone like to speak for the resolution. Represent McCollum you're recognized speak for. Represent under where you're recognized me for the resolution. Are to be so long to get in here to have assets if I was going to just kind one topic Pilkington represent in kind of a hard time all time alcohol issues because I personally really struggle on alcohol Bills because I don't drink alcohol never have I personally don't like it but I do think in most issues it's give my districts when it comes academic issues and so each one of those I have to take what I perceive as a difficult vote on those but I evaluate each one and make a decision so I just think that I disagree with the idea that we have to protect ourselves from hard votes I think every day on a lot of issues we make decisions on hard votes that's the job that's the job we ask for and I'm just I'm not interested in insulating myself from votes from the people who sent me here to do this job so I think these resolutions empowers me as a member and powers my constituents who sent me here and for that reason I'm gonna be for this resolution and the recommendation for all three of them thank you. Represent under would just vote for the resolution would anyone like to speak against the resolution representative Wooten you're recognized speak against the resolution. I just want to clarify a couple of members indicate to me that are you in favor of this I'm not and I'm certainly not supporting the alcohol a lot of the zero still to lowest vote over time as against alcohol but let me let me let me let me make this statement to you. Change is good. But to drive into a truce saying of change for the sake of change is not good. And that's what this is all about. This is all about simply try. My question was simply how did you arrive at the decision to move alcohol from the rules committee. The agriculture department. The mansion. That means I don't know why they want to do the. And the third thing is I'm a member of insurance and commerce and I can tell you I don't want to log of free and my committee in these to stay where it is so they will have more control it's not the back to the normal vote against it goes out your vote against let me share with you we don't need to make these changes this body I'm an array the oldest member in the house I've been around this legislative body for almost sixty years and the rules are in place today we're in place forty five fifty years ago they're tried and true they're here they're good they're generational is built on the foundation like our country. And we need to leave like they are thank you very much. President Virginis spoke against the resolution would anyone like to speak for the resolution. Representive road you're recognized before the resolution. Thank you Mr chair. Afternoon colleagues once again respectfully representative would and I may slightly disagree I appreciate is perspectives I think we agree on the issues you referenced maybe just the methodology of going through those I just want to share a just a brief freshman perspective on this I do not regard myself to be the the the sharpest member of the freshman classes committee that I look up to for their wisdom in their intelligence thought about naming a few but instead of this reference all of you have been grateful to to work with this freshman class and very impressive group of individuals as is the rest of this house I have heard a couple different times in a couple different ways with regards to freshman that inexperience OR. A lack of institutional knowledge may play a role in why the rules may be a certain way that they are or why certain things may run through the rules committee or why maybe we shouldn't vote on something at a certain point in the session. I just want to reference a few bills that I was a part of this session SPDR ninety three change the law that prohibited a dental school couldn't open in the state now it could. H. B. sixteen forty seven created new laws to press protect children from sexual assault. couple other Senate bills that I was co sponsor on changed laws that allowed people on their death beds to qualify or apply for medical benefits will be visited by their ministers Other laws that changed higher education jobs medical training life death child safety sex assault and more. many freshmen in this class ran very significant bills several more than I did and so the notion that freshman should not or cannot make decisions on some of these issues that are. More special interest focus these areas like tobacco marijuana alcohol etcetera. to me I feel that. That it's been said that the role committees hold hold these issues to protect the members or to insulate the members and personally I didn't run to be protected I don't I don't feel then the necessity to be protected I don't think that's our job to be protected as I said many other competent freshman ran several bills of a serious nature bills that were supported by senators by the executive branch by constituents if these people acted as to these offices. And we run these bills and they have the confidence in us to run these again dealing with life death religion taxes education jobs protecting children from sexual assault I believe they also can trust us with the special interests issues being assigned to our a and R. B. committees the last issue that I wanted to to reference with regards to being protected. We have some really challenging just this week some really challenging conversations SP seventy one having to do with affirmative action to me that may have been the most serious and sincere conversation if if you were in this house you felt the heaviness of that conversation into that debate. And if there was an issue to protect members from I would have expected it to be something along those lines but the rules. In the rules committee don't ask for issues like that to be in there so I would say if we can debate we can vote on very significant very controversial very difficult issues such as affirmative action such as abortion such as puberty blockers in children such as life and death taxes the medical industry that we can also have the conversation on these issues in our a and B. committees the issues that are in the special interest groups thank you not appreciate a good vote. Represent Rosa spoke in favor of the resolution would anyone like to speak against the resolution. For the resolution. Represent Hodges you're recognized to close for the resolution. Thank you colleagues. I know we're taking a lot of time on this in our last day were already to go but I believe this conversations worth having so I hope we can stick around and have this discussion AS one hundred vehicle members of this body. I took some notes on everyone that came up here and. Stock against I would like to take a little time and address those that came before you closing your vote. First of all of it comment was asked you know why am I trying to just do things I could do in the Senate. I don't think I ever said that's why I'm doing this explain why I'm doing it and frankly that the fall back on what we don't need to do same things the way the Senate does is just to me kind of just a lazy cop out. Senate does some things better than we do and we do some things better than the Senate does. I believe these changes make us a better house make all of us more empowered members I do believe that most senators on the other side is building or more in power to do things then we are in this body. As far as the claim or spa or suggestion that the rules committee is is meeting in the back rooms are meeting in secret I never said that from this well. I haven't made that argument. They do me they now meet in public. It is an end but I've been to some of those meetings I skipped lunch to go to some rules meetings. I never made that suggestion. As far as just because the committee is appointed fully appointed by the Speaker doesn't mean that you know the committees controlled by the Speaker. Well if it is not really controlled by the Speaker and I would guess I would just ask the question then what's the harm in changing it because I would say there's obviously a perception that it is controlled by the Speaker. So I say let's change it because if if there's a perception but the reality is is not controlled by the Speaker then let's have wrist reality match perception. I will say when represent sorry Speaker Shepherd came in and spoke against my. Amendment. Yeah he did talk about the rules process other changes that been brought to him and including this one in. It does seem to me there was a lot of I did this I did that I buy I buy passed the rules committee I made these changes in the past. Even said I'll let you vote on this amendment today. That's what Vice. And what I'm suggesting here is that these are the House rules not the speakers rules. As far as protecting the institution of the house I love the House to I love it so much I left and came back. I don't take these changes lightly either that's why I've been willing to work with Speaker work with buddy. For almost three months on these amendments it's not something I take lightly I was going to do the work. I've been to a lot of meetings I've had a lot of a lot of conversations about these rules. I don't think any changes lately either. I would say kind of wrap up take it from somebody who was here in west and have this two years two and a half years off to kind of reflect on my time in the House. Yeah I was able to look back and ask myself what would I have done differently if I if I had a chance. And there are some things that I feel like I want to get done that I couldn't because the way the house works. Well I'm proud of a lot of what I did my first three terms I could look back and say I could have done more. But the way this House operates I feel. Does limit us in what we can do. That's why proposing these changes. I said this last week on a representative because ours bill when I came to the floor and talked about his Education overhaul I said. If I'm going to oppose the changes suggesting that I have to defend the status quo and I can't defend the status quo so I guess that's what I would ask all of you today if you're going to oppose this change at least defend the status quo. I don't think you can be defended again to have billions of dollars of the state's economy controlled by one committee appointed by one person. I'll just in a quote from George Bernard Shaw. Some men and allowed women see things as they are and say why I dream things that never were and say why not. We should be good vote. Hodges is close for the resolution to question before the House is the passage of house resolution ten eighty nine prepare the machine madam Clerk. Has everyone voted. Casts up the ballot madam Clerk. Thirty one Yeas sixty two nays and to present the resolution has failed. Madam Clerk read House resolution ten ninety. House resolution ten ninety by representative had to send in the rules of the house of representatives of the ninety first General Assembly. Representative projects you're recognized president resolution. Thank you Mr Speaker. All right members so the second resolution I'm offering deals with the make up of the rules committee itself. I to realize that there's some overlap between the first one in this one I would argue that now that we have the first vote and at least for the time being. We have a lot of non rules issues remaining in the rules committee it is Very important that we now also talk about how the the membership is made up on the rules committee because all those issues are remaining inside the committee but what I'm offering here. Is to change the rules committee from being fully appointed by Speaker. In changing the makeup of the committee where we have some more input from the rest of the body. So what I'm suggesting is. The Speaker would so have five appointments The rules committee. At least one of those appointments would have to be a freshman member of the house of representatives. Three members of the rules committee would be appointed by the Majority Leader One member would be appointed by the minority leader. And then each of our four congressional districts would elect a member to the rules committee. In the most senior member of the majority party would get seats and the most senior member of the minority party would get a seat. So in this case I believe that's represented Meeks and Republican side representative McGee on on the minority side. Would up would get seats so I try to do there was the Speaker of the house we would still have fifteen members on the rules committee. The Speaker of the house we get five of those appointments. But one of them must be a freshman. And then the rest of the the committee would be appointed somebody meant three by the Majority Leader one minority leader the four caucuses with each elect one and the most senior member of each party would get to see so I try to accomplish there was the Speaker still gets to a point one third of the committee so he or she would still have a lot of influence over the rules committee. And then I try to incorporate some diversity on the committee from within the body. We would have some partisan. Diversity thereby guaranteeing the majority party appointments and the minority party appointments. You have some geographic diversity because each congressional district in the state would have a member on the committee. You have at least one freshman member of the of the body on the committee and you have our most to senior members on the committee so as the diversity there in terms of areas of the state party. As well as seniority. That's what I'm proposing to do on the rules committee I think if we're going to continue to have the rules committee the way it is we should at least incorporate more members of the body into the Committee so that there is just more by an input from the body as a whole. I will point out to you for the rules committee one of the key differences to me is when it when we choose a and B. committees. You have the ability as a member to make that decision to choose which committee want to serve on so for me I've been on the same to committees all for all four of my terms down here I care a lot about the education committee so I have chosen all for my terms to get a C. on the committee where we all know a committee that's where a lot of the action is on legislation we deal with. So you if you have an issue you care about your district cares about running constituents cares about you can make a decision as a member of this body. To go to that committee or you can have more say more influence over that issue. We're dealing with the rules committee particularly now that all of these other issues are still in rules. If you care about alcohol tobacco cigarettes marijuana lottery racing race tracks pari mutuel betting movies **** vending machines or even just the rules themselves you as a member you have absolutely no say in that. Unless the Speaker decides to appoint you there. That to me is a pretty key difference. That's why I believe in giving our members. More of an opportunity to get on the rules committee is important and I would say the fact that each of our congressional districts would be electing the member. If you decide you want to pursue a seat on the rules committee you at least have the opportunity to run and try to be elected there in addition to talking to either your majority or minority party leader to get an appointment there. That's what this amendment would offer open up the rules committee let more members be involved. And be a part of the process. I have to take any questions. Represent park for what purpose question you're recognized for a question he said the majority party to minority party would have them seniormost person be on the Committee correct. Yes okay what if that senior most person like what representative Lane Jean said earlier didn't want to be on there what it just go to the next senior most personally what could they decline it that's the most person that want to be on there could they declined to the next person. Under the rules I proposing now probably not but if you're interested in making that amendment at some point be happy to consider that. As of now they would automatically get a spot on the committee. No other questions thank you all. Representative Hodges has presented the resolution would anyone like to speak against the resolution. Richmond you're recognized to speak against the resolution. Thank you Mr Speaker I'm not actually down or speak yes resolution I do want to clarify a point that was made. During the closing remarks. On the earlier resolution that was incorrect in my opinion. As far as the Speaker doing I decided this I decided that. Represent Grant Hodges you you spoke to me about and said these will never get out of the house rules. Not told you I would speak to the Speaker about the president McCollum for what purpose point of order you're recognized I ask that the individual speaking at the well speak to the bill not the prior bill or anything anyone said in the prior presentation. Representative Richmond please keep your comments to this resolution okay. Represent grant if he's going to apply the same thing he's wrong. I spoke to the Speaker about allowing these bills. The come to the floor. But to be voted on otherwise he would be accused. Of not allowing and killing it. And therefore. He listened to that advice. And decided to let the bills come to the floor so we as a body could make this decision. The problem is this. Some people are unhappy with how things come out and how things have. And because of that. They decided to make some changes in wanted to make some changes that's fine there's a lot in this that I support. There's some things is certainly need to be considered. But I don't support the idea. Of giving people responsibility without authority. Try that with the articles of confederation our founding fathers. No matter what with the body this big you're going to have to have some kind of hierarchy. And we're all equals. But the equality requires a hierarchy. And if if you continue down this road one of these days we're going to have a Speaker. Who we must like what happens down the Senate in very very difficult for that pro tem to do much of anything to keep that thirty five a group of people moving in one direction. And that will be multiplied by about three times here with us. And so that's the issue. I would want to come down and say anything about the bill but I certainly will now. This bad bill is bad resolution this is a dumb idea. And I appreciate a no vote because we don't need stupidity doing a rules. Representative Richmond spoke against the resolution would someone like to speak for the resolution represent Pilkington you're recognized to speak for the resolution. Thank you Mr Speaker I had a lobbyist early in the session time he loves watching me tilts against windmills and for those who don't know that reference it's means that you're willing to go against things you might know you're gonna lose. The reality is is. I think this is a good compromise bill I think we still get power to the Speaker to appoint five members I think we allow other people to come in and to also be a part of the rules I think we letter congressional districts be able to be represented and the thing is is and what I appreciate when representative acts are Speaker shepherded and representative Hodges it is we waited till the end of session to do this we pass is not like something's gonna change tomorrow that we're gonna go and everything's gonna be different we have the interim we can work this out we call committees of the whole to work I need small details a one. I think it's great that we're actually looking at these things and saying that the failed status quo which icon singer governor say is no longer acceptable. I think this is a good compromise I like the fact the Speaker so it's five appointment I like the fact the minority leader gets appointment I like those things because I think that protects the minority party I think it also allows the Speaker to and to Put control over this committee I think it's a good bill I know we're getting a little emotional right now and I I don't see I think it's been a very collegiate. Session so far and I think that's because we've had people like represent Hodges and Speaker Shepherd I have tried to work through this process and so I I want to commend them both but I do think this is a good way to move for that we feel like there's more representation on this committee and that we dissolve with the perception which is an issue we have right now there's a perception about how rules works let's get rid of the perception let's pass this everything so then in the rules committee because we lost the other resolution so let's just do that so we can get rid the perception and move forward and maybe when I had to deal with these issues every two years so I would just would ask you to take that into consideration and and there's one more thing on say the. I know there lobbyist texting members right now to be no on this resolution. These are our rules they're not the lobbyist rules there are rules and I would you think that's something who are they more interested in protecting their clients are making sure that you represent your constituents thank you. President Bill Clinton has spoken for the resolution would anyone like to speak against the resolution. Represent very recognized to speak against the resolution. Thank you Mr Speaker. Colleagues. It's not very often that I say something like this but. I agree with everything that marine said. Barry has spoke against the resolution would anyone like to speak for the resolution. Against the resolution representative Wardlaw you're recognized to speak against the resolution. Well I was doing my best not to come down here we've got an offer the faxes resolution. This resolution to the sponsors on request was about making sure that certain people representative on rules. Well I want to give you a little insight about my Speaker and what he did when he appointed this rules committee not only is a lady the chair but there's four ways three ways on this committee. There's three Democrats on this committee and there were three freshmen on this committee and one of those freshman wasn't vice chair. So let's stay on the fax there is a very diverse committee put fourth year and it was a good committee that I think done a good job and yes I sat on it so I am a little biased. But we need to look at the facts and quit talking about a motion and quit getting into the weeds on this the facts are the speakers in the past I've done a very good job of making sure that everybody was represented on the committees that they selected thank you and I appreciate a no vote. Wardlaw spoke against resolution would anyone like to speak for the resolution. Against the resolution. Representative Hodges. You're recognized to close for the resolution. Thank you members. I keep this pretty short first of all I I think to address representive were lost points I don't think I ever said that the current committee is not diverse. I do agree with all the points you made there yeah there is some diversity there and I'm glad that my one of my best friends down here represented Vaught is the chair of the committee and I've try to keep in touch with her and updated throughout this whole session on these rules changes that I've been working on I'm I'm. I can't point to anything on the court current rules committee that I would criticize other than the fact that. I think there's one thing might resolution has the the current committee doesn't which is Congressional district representation I don't think there's a bit of a clear geographic diversity among the current rules committee members that are on the committee. But again regardless we think about how the current committee is appointed reading about how speakers past have appointed this committee at the end of the day it's a committee appointed by one person under our current rules and that's all I'm suggesting changing here. I go back to my. What those mentioned earlier because I was brought up and I wanna make this clear. When I mention represent Shepherd bringing Saying aye ratings the floor I don't I'm not saying that your right uh majority Richmond we did have that conversation and I'm I'm grateful that these amendments on the floor this we can have a hearing and I'm grateful to Speaker separate that he worked with me on making this happen but my only point in pointing that out was. Under our current rules the Speaker of the house has enormous control over these house rules. If you don't believe me file a rules and that. I think you'll find out pretty quickly that the under the current rules the Speaker has a lot of influence because if you follow rules amendment. It would then go to the rules committee that's completely appointed by the Speaker. Before can come to the body unless and I didn't even know this until we got to the end of session that we could bypass the rules committee that was news to me. But. Under the current rules. The Speaker appoints every member of the rules committee and in my opinion that gives him or her defacto control over the house rules again I believe you should be all of our rules not to. Thank you all again per share the time created vote. Representative Hodges is close for the resolution the question before the House is the passage of house resolution ten ninety prepare the machine madam Clerk. As everyone voted. Cast a ballot madam Clerk. Thirty one J. sixty five nation one present the resolution is failed madam Clerk read House resolution ten ninety one House resolution ten ninety one by representative Lundstrum to amend the rules of the house of representatives of the ninety first General Assembly. Represent Lundstrum you're recognized explained resolution. Thank you colleagues I make this short. the reason I brought this now is also I am working with speakers Shepherd the ask a suit to bring these towards the end I think that was a very wise move but also because I've been a supporter Speaker Shepherd and as we are moving forward will be electing a new Speaker and they'll have big shoes to fill and I think it's very important when we vote we vote from the floor and have complete transparency that's not to interfere with any caucuses so Democrats will have their own private caucus and how they want to have their rules and Republicans will have their own this will be a vote from the floor the parliamentarian will come to the well and they will ask. Representative whomever who will you vote for and I will say captain hooker Tinker Bell or whoever we are the the candidate is. And that will be how we vote from the the floor it'll be a very transparent I think transparency breeds credibility and accountability and is the currency of leadership we make difficult votes every day this should be the least difficult vote we will ever make because when you vote for a great person and you feel confident that vote we should be proud of the person that we vote for with that. Represent Lundstrum has presented a resolution would anyone like to speak against the resolution. Representative Cavenaugh you're recognized to speak against the resolution. Thank you Mr Speaker I'm coming down here not really to speak against the resolution I just want to bring out some things that we just all need to think about in I've spoken to Representative Lundstrum about on when we make this vote just realize that when you start to make this a public vote and summer for summer against be honest with you I don't care which way you felt. But for me I wanna make sure you understand some things once it becomes a public vote it's no longer you voting you were going to the N. B. lobbied by a lot of special interest groups that want to see you vote a certain way yeah you're not a for somebody because I feel that that person will be able to better represent their special interest groups so I want to make sure we understand that I mean for those are supportive of it I know people on both sides of it and that's why I said I'm not really speak for against it I just want to bring out some facts that have been discussed and I don't want to gloss over those it will bring a different atmosphere to the vote of the Speaker it will have more people involved in the vote of the Speaker than just us you will get ahead of a lot for special interest and just realize that and just accept that fact if we choose to do that that's something that will deal with and with that. Represent Pilkington for what purpose question you're recognized for a question representative Cavenaugh are you aware of any lobbying that goes on currently during the Speaker elections. Well I'll be honest with the I have not been lobbied by any by about a Speaker election I can honestly say that so I've never been lobbied by somebody asking me unless there are House member. Follows you're recognized are you where other members in this chamber being lobbied I have not no one is told me they've been lobbied by special. There you go. There but so you will be more problems and with that I just want Johnson about that thank you. Representative Cavenaugh spoke on the resolution would anyone like to speak for the resolution. Representative gene you're recognized pay for the resolution. Thank you Mr Speaker. Calling. I have been for a public vote for the Speaker. Cents mass six six terms ago my second term. I have friends in the Texas legislature blues in legislature those are all public vote. But they're not public votes till the day that you come in an organized so anybody's going to lobby after that they don't know how you can vote for that the other reason I'm for this is because we have pushed back attempts in our caucus to have a little election of a Speaker on a caucus vote I think that is wrong the Speaker of the house is the Speaker of one hundred members ninety nine mortgage but himself I believe that everybody Republican and Democrat should have a vote for the Speaker. And I appreciate I appreciate the opportunity because I've since Jeremy Gillam was Speaker. Five terms ago I've tried to get this on the House rules package it never could get it on there. But I didn't throw a fit. So I'm I'm glad today that the speakers allowed us and these memberships and these are these off of these resolution that allowed us to have a public vote and I can live with the Department live with. The other way for for the longest but I think a good government. Is when you identify every vote you can. And every vote we have. Is on the board. Every vote we do in a committee is live stream. I don't believe the Speaker of the house going forward and and we're gonna have a new Speaker. And they'll be multiple candidates and I don't know who all running into walls not I'm not I'm announcing that today. But I think if we will good government. There's nothing wrong. With the Speaker being a public vote. It stops we live in deland and shady deals in my opinion my opinion. And also what it stops is I've seen many a Speaker and a committee of one that's got defeated. They thought they had ten or fifteen more votes in the head and it stops all a lot of us members not me out you know where I stand on when I get on something but tell on both sides the yeah vote for you yeah I'm hoping you it stops all that it's it's a good government bill I didn't support the other two because in fact there were good government this is a good bill about resolution and I appreciate a good vote. Represent Janice spoke for the resolution would anyone like to speak against the resolution represent Gazaway you're recognized to speak against the resolution. Thank you Mr Speaker colleagues. This to me out of the three. Is probably the most concerning of the rule changes that we consider. The other two I thought that there were Some fair arguments made for why we may want to consider. Doing things differently but this one in particular. If you make that smote for Speaker a public vote. You talk about the opportunity for retaliation. The opportunity for intimidation. And I've heard the point made what we make public votes around here all the time. Well that's true on policy matters but the voter Speaker is not a policy vote The vote for Speaker is a personal vote it's about a person. And you talk about hard feelings. When that person who sits in that speaker's chair knows that you voted against on. And thought that they should be sitting there and somebody else should you talk about hard feelings you think that well maybe we all all of the all should be able to rise above that. Well I live in the real world. And people don't always rise about that. And it's the same reason we come down here and we apologize to members for speaking against their bill and no one likes to speak against a member's bill and some people hardly ever do it well this isn't just speak against someone's bill this is telling someone I don't think you should be in that chair. And I think that that you know this this body. It's like a family. And this is like. Put your finger in the eye of a family member. And then trying to come back and he'll that after the fact those things can take a long time to heal. And there's a reason why this has been a private boat for a long time it's like if you were gonna let the pastor at your church. One time that's done by private boat because you don't want to hurt somebody members that congregations. Dealings. Because you love them you love them all and you don't want any of them to know. That you didn't think they were the may be the best person to lead the congregation. This is very concerning thing there's a reason why we do it by a private vote it's not because a shady deals it's not because any of that nonsense I've heard other people say that well they do it in Washington DC this way or they do it in other states this way well the last place I want to be like as Washington DC if you want to go to that broken system. Have at it but I don't. And I'm glad we don't do it that way around here I'll be voting against this and I would encourage you to vote against it as well thank you president Gazaway has spoke against the resolution would anyone like to speak for the resolution representative McKenzie recognized to speak for the resolution. Colleagues I was gonna Boyd coming down here I know we're all tax I have four kids I want to get back into right now I have experience working either delivered bodies I have experience working in Washington DC and I respect representative Gazaway I really do but the trope that this is DC style politics run amok falls on its face. As representative gene just said this is what they do in Austin this is what they do in baton Rouge I don't hear anyone come of this well complain about baton Rouge style politics or Honolulu style politics this is a deliberate of body the purpose of a deliberate of body is have the recourse an opportunity to have your voice be heard I think a recorded vote is not only right it is appropriate for this body I encourage good vote. President McKenzie spoke for the resolution would anyone like to speak against the resolution for the resolution represent Crawford you're recognized speak for the resolution. Thank you Mr Speaker hello friends. What a blast. Well. The thing to remember. Is it living things grow and growing things change. And if they don't change they get staffing that. And that's what the discussion has been here today And we chose to leave it stacked. So let's look at this. I was asked this year. Before the Speaker election took place after we voted down Transparency. With just voted that. Don't let anybody know who you're voting for then someone came to my chair and they said Cindy who you gonna vote for people are scared to ask you I'm not scared to ask you and I said we just voted that damn. Are you coming to me and asking. So it's being done anyway. People are lobbying or whatever you want to say quipping I guess is the right term quipping us to see who are voting for before the vote ever takes place so what's the difference. Let's just put it out there. Let's do something different. And about being retaliated against you will be I have been I've been pushed aside. That's all right I really don't care you really don't wanna know what I think about that up but it happens anyway. Whether the vote is up or whether it's damn you make a statement where you're going to stay and not everybody's going to like it. I would ask forget thank you. Represent property spoke for the resolution would anyone like to speak against the resolution. For the resolution represented Duke you're recognized speak for the resolution. Thank you I'm a very where they planned to come down here but I get compel sometimes there was something that represent Gazaway said that I feel like I can speak to it in a kind of a unique way because I don't know other members may be in the situation but I know a little bit about vote against family I did it once this week it's not easy those you although no my siblings that no my father you know that that's happened more than once by many hundreds and Hutchinson's on on on this floor and on the one down on the other side we voted against each other the vote against each other's bills it's not it's not easy I'm not gonna say this I struggled I struggled this week with the bill a lot of y'all didn't know what but it. I want to tell you something does it mean sometimes things are hard yeah it is hard does it mean sometimes is Michael conversations yep. There are. But if you're worth your salt. You get through it and so we all saw maybe didn't pay attention. But this week I went upstairs and talk to somebody who knew. Likely from the way things are going to committees where I was going to land on bills. And I got a hug. And just a little bit ago I texted about when my daughter's wedding let's. Yes if you really are family you can disagree. On significant issues. Bill one comfortable. And then you go on because it's grown ups do that's what adults do that's why I think people of character do and that's what family does I voted against some of his friends this week. It's part of it and if we come down here we do have the ability to do it and if you're gonna retaliate against me okay so be it I'm a big girl I can handle it I give you more credit than that but that's your problem that is your problem if you do that and again some you may be made what I'm talking about maybe the experience to to but I have lived it I've watched my family live that and I've watched to survive it to it's okay thank you. Represent the vote for the resolution would anyone like to speak against the resolution. Represent back you're recognized to speak against the resolution. Collins I don't know whether to speak for against resolution here but but that thought occurred to me everyone of us transform lection. And and we spent a lot of time getting election tech ready bills here so that people's balls are are are kept secret everything here we are saying. Here's an election we're electing a person we're not passing the bill we're lacking a person and we're saying that we should put all of our votes out there for but for the public to see I just think you ought to consider that because it's not. The comparison is that this is a a bill are or whatever's there's no comparison this is a person and and. The R. voting for people here so I just think we should consider the. Robyn Beck has spoke against the resolution would anyone like to speak for the resolution against the resolution represent macrory recognized to speak against the resolution. You know we all. Have tough calls here and I've had voting is my seatmate bill a couple times I love it I love it I do. It's hard this is a personal issue here and I see a lot of members and jump up and grab when you get your vote you go out and get that patchy see who voted against the bill. I don't ever do that I don't wanna know because it'll hurt my feelings. And I'm you know. When we do this you gonna hurt whoever runs feeling not just the the Speaker which other friends and lost. And the. We need to be family we have a right here we're all getting tired and we're all you say you want to get personal you do. Because you heard folks feeling. I love everyone et al Masri not only Ravelo she's I don't know who voted yes me you ever wonder why they got a. A current voting booth. No you don't hit your brother allowing a note for you see. McElroy spoke against the resolution would anyone like to speak for the resolution against the resolution. Represent Lundstrum you're recognized to oppose the resolution. Thank you. We talk about the private but it's never really private it all gets out anyway that's not the issue the issue is about transparency we make difficult votes every day we disagree with each other every day when the difficult votes happens in committee you have to look in that microphone you have to look at your fellow committee members have voted against you and say thank you for your time and you have to take that wisdom and you have to say okay I have to go back and think about that bill and reconsider that's okay. That's part of the private process we make this difficult votes every day but transparency is what we can come down here for we are a hundred members that are selecting our leader. We should put our vote on the board and trust that we have chosen someone that isn't going to retaliate that isn't going to take it out on the next person it's not going to be private anyway I think this would stop a lot of nonsense behind the scenes I think it's important transparency brings credibility accountability and is the true currency of leadership with that I would appreciate a good vote. Represent Lundstrum is closed for the bill the question before the House is the passage of house resolution ten ninety one where the machine madam Clerk. As everyone voted. That's the ballot madam Clerk thirty eight fifty six nays and to present the resolution is failed. Hang on members are not through yet. Members have got a few more items of housekeeping. I would want to call attention to. I have Sydney mackenzie and Barnes and when McKenzie the wife and children of representative Brett McKenzie. In the west counted. Members before I before I recognize represent wing for some closing remarks Want to take this opportunity to thank all of our house staff who have gone above and beyond as they always do over the course of the last three months early mornings late nights and I want to ask hopefully they're all in here or were on their way but I want to to just thank them for all their work. They put up with a lot and they do. I want to call special attention the fact that Bobby Morgan this is I believe her last day she's been here for awhile and so we want to recognize her. Members like I can't say enough about the work that the House staff does and and by extension the bureau I know there a lot of people that at the other end of the capital and across the street the bureau drafting bills I know of That we they have a very demanding jobs with a hundred thirty five members trying to get bills drafted and get to fiscal impacts everything else done and so by extension want to thank the bureau Marty Garrity and her staff for all the work that they've done and so again join me in thanking thanking our house staff the bureau for all their work in another successful session. And I'd like to thank a buddy no we recognized him the other day I guess boring a special session in the near future this would be his last time here by my side I want to thank him for all of his work his counsel his guidance you know I said the other day only city didn't know one time but now it's too. That's okay he figured out very quickly it within a matter of a few seconds but want to thank him for his work and also. Amber pool is going to be leaving the house and I want to thank her for her service she still be here for a few more weeks but while I know that this may be the last time some of you will be around here in the next few weeks I wanted to mention that even though she did not want me to but I think we all know that she's done a great job in helping to have a successful session and take care of the needs of the membership thank you. All right represent wing you're recognized. Thank you Mr Speaker and the House Management Committee we have a very unique view of this chamber we are a committee of seven who serves all one hundred of you and I appreciate the Speaker allowing us allowing me to be able to give these closing comments at the beginning of the session we spoke of the need to let statesmanship be the order of the day at the capitol that we might be a process and being able to bring our communities together I believe we did that and I believe that we will continue to do that it's a wonderful feeling for everyone in this chamber to know that they can travel all over the state of Arkansas knowing that we are never far away from one of our ninety nine friends. This session is over congratulations and for our freshman especially congratulations to you six months ago you are awaiting the results of your election to see how it would go and now you have experienced a session that began with the slow trot and it ended with a mad dash to the finish. Congratulations for that for the veterans in this group you know what you are in for and yet you still came back you have only yourself to blame. A few days ago I was walking in the chamber and I bumped into my high school drama teacher who is a staff for over in the Senate and I was reminded of one of the first thing she taught me as a sophomore in my very first ever playing she said. Never break character no matter what is going on never break character. And I thought about how that applies here because we are on stage here and this session can break our character if we let it. Few people outside this chamber will ever be able to experience the pace and the pressure of a legislative sessions certainly not the last two weeks of a session but today we have reached that end of a session so here's my message for you today now is the time to put the stress and the strain of the session aside give yourself some grace for any mistakes that you made and please do the same for your colleagues. I would like to thank representative Matt brown FOR this bingo card that we had yesterday. What. And my only regret regret was that one of the squares that I really wanted to put a check by was Johnny rising again maybe we'll get that. Oh is that a call. It get that later. It's Easter weekend. A season of hope celebrating the life of our savior and the glorious words he is risen. We try in perfectly to follow his perfect example but we try anyway and we keep trying we finished this season with a flurry just a few days ago I think we went through about a hundred and thirty five bills on Wednesday that is an incredible pace throughout the session I'm sure everyone at some point wish they could take a vote back we're maybe a word back some of us may feel angst about our votes war angst about the votes that some of you cast. But this weekend is the time for us to put it all away and look forward with hope this practice of self government can be bumpy but it is necessary and it has been since seventeen seventy six and it's still here because of people like you. I respect everyone of you for stepping up to take the lead above us all the words in god we trust and we strive to do our part to trust in his goodness as we continue this journey of building our communities and building our state I am honored to serve with each of you I am honored to be able to call everyone of you friend thank you for your work on behalf of we the people the session is over. I'm going fishing. Very very quickly I forgot one other person represent ones from your you're recognized to for a brief comment I'm. Just appointed personal presence privilege Sir. We got some good news from the Senate. After many years of trying we now have the lottery scholarship that will be on the ballot to include vo tech which means the Republicans Democrats. Special thanks to the. State agencies committee members and representative Tosh representative Evans and Senator English there was a lot of work that went into this and I want to thank everyone of all y'all that budget for this thank you so much for. Represent Meeks for what purpose. Mark the moment we've all been waiting for colleagues it's been an honor have a blessed. Easter weekend and now by the authority of house concurrent resolution one thousand seven I move the House standard journey until it is reconvene for certain purposes or until the regular session of the ninety fourth General Assembly is adjourned sine die. That's a proper motion it's not debatable all in favor say aye. Any opposed. The motion passes.