State Agencies & Govt'l Affairs- House

And if you today if you're here and you're wishing to speak for against the bill we please sign up on the outside. chairman arches had to run a bill so you're stuck with me today lucky for you I'm a bit I've got a lot better disposition share. So at this time uh. We have Senate bill two fifty five re referred to committee. We have representative when. We'll be presenting for a representative hot. And the. We have Senator McKee he is with the representative hawk of the committee right now all right the representative when he recognized to present your amendment all right thank you Mr chair thank you committee this amendment just it's a it's a very brief but basically what it does is it takes a rare but possible loophole out of the bill that you passed out of committee last week with a discover that as it went to the floor and so we decided to pull it back and tighten it up a little bit. The Amendment are there any questions from committee. Representative. No no question. What's what's the which of the committee. Motion to approve the amendment as amended. All in favor say aye. All opposed say no. Congratulations you passion Amendment now you can put up present your bill all right. As amended bill as amended it is the same bill that was passed now with that amendment so with that I'd appreciate a good vote are there any questions from the committee on the bill. See no question any testimony anyone to speak for against the bill. If not for us four have a motion. Yeah. Are you closing I'm close I appreciate a good vote thank you we have a motion. For from representative. Wardlaw however forget forgot your name and to hear. All in favor say aye. All opposed. Congratulations you're patched your bill thank you Mr chair thank you Committee. All right next on our agenda is HB fourteen fifty seven. The firm. And we understand you have amendment to bill. You're recognized to present your amendment. Thank you Mr chair we've got a hand out could we wait just a minute let the handout Sir you distributed. All right representative Furman you're recognized to present your amendment thank you Mr chair Committee This amendment does two things it replaces the ward workers and with watchers in three different places and that addresses a concern of the the chairman that had an issue with the level that the penalty level between election workers and poll watchers so now if anybody violates anybody's rights everybody gets a Class C. misdemeanor so it's fair. That's the amendment. Committee on the amendment. I have a motion to adopt. From representing makes all in favor say aye. All opposed. Congratulations you pass your amendment now you may proceed with your bill. What representative wing this bill also is the same as last week with the man we just adopted so I appreciate a good vote. I was distracted by the member one in my ear I understand would you repeat that please. Yes this bill does the same it's the same bill that we heard last week just with the amendment that we just heard. Having thank you Mr chair I'm sorry didn't grab you before him did you get an answer to the question that we talked about yesterday just are there the sheriff's at every polling place the poll site yeah I believe there are thank you. Thank. Any other questions from the committee. If not we have some people signed up to speak and Therefore the bill. Did anyone hear speak for against the bill for. In. Yes. Mr Doug Curtis would you. Here to speak for the bill I understand or. We take take place in this table. Identify yourself for the record please. Thank you Mr chairman I'm done cars slammed county Clerk thank you Sir you may call when you testimony this is one of these bills right here that the clerks association supports yes during the last election which problem was some poll watchers Derek we're not trying correctly which we value our poll watchers that can help us a lot during the election if they see something that's not being done right they can let us know about it but Very in favor of this bill right here you can take any questions if you have any. Any questions. Who trains and is currently responsible for hiring your poll watchers there is no one's visually for training on poll watchers five is basically they fill out a form right the county clerk's office and we have to sign a form. Okay so you you alternately responsible for training those people making sure that they are. Well during the election time chartered train someone whenever they come in you don't know what polling site they're going to be at they're gonna be representing industry or put it on the the state board. Promulgate all the rules and procedures for okay thank you. Are there any other questions from committee. If not you can step down thanks to. Is anyone here to speak against the bill. Anyone to speak for the bill. I think we have Clint Lancaster. Signed up to speak for the bill. Clan are you he's not here all right. Are you ready to close for your bill represented Fuhrman I'm close I would appreciate a good vote. What will of committee. I have a motion do pass as amended by representative makes all in favor say aye. All opposed. Congratulations you passed your bill thank you Mr thank you Committee. You have another bill yes Sir without objection or that would be all okay with the committee to let it run its second bill. All right. In. President will. Would thank you for allowing me to do this right after the last one. So Senate bill two ninety three is I don't have an from the sun came over the title exactly but what it does is it allows for the correction of ballot titles if there's an error or omission in either candidate's name or a ballot measure rather than having to file an affidavit to go through this like the process the ballot can be corrected on the spot thank you from the candidate's name is Jack and it showed up as Jake for eggs or vice versa for example not that whatever happened Arkansas we can fix it quickly. And so the county actually had an issue with this on issue to the the title you know that imprint on the ballot in on Friday night I was contacted. By an attorney that wanted me to sign for an affidavit to start this process regular notary on Saturday and do this like the process to get it fixed so this would just remind the process and make it easier to you know have accurate ballot titles and candidates names on the ballot. Are there any questions from the committee. Anyone signed up in the audience to speak for or against the bill. I am not represent from an are you close for your bill I am and I appreciate a good vote was will of committee. I have a motion to pass from representative Crawford. All in favor say aye. Say no. Congradulations representative from any pastor bill thank you. Back in. Sure thank you for filling in for me well as another committee. Preciado said next on today's agenda is Senate bill two fifty eight I believe we have an amendment on the bill. Representative Burch. You're recognized to just state your name you're recognized to present the amendment thank you Mr chairman The Amendment to two fifty eight you should have that coming around right now I want to thank representative Wardlaw for encouraging me to make this bill better the Amendment to finds what a drop boxes and then we also clarified the issue of where to turn in these absentee ballots they can be delivered by mail of course and then hand delivered inside the physical office of the county Clerk under the requirements of the current law. Questions from committee members. Representative makes. I have a motion to I have a question representative that you're recognized for a question thank you Mr chair just to be clear so this does not address the situation that I was talking about in Washington County where the Clerk stood outside so that people could drive through and drop off their ballots in the box that she was holding is that correct it does address that that's why we went ahead and introduced the clarification about you can deliver by mail or hand deliver inside the physical office of the county Clerk right but I'm reading that inside the physical office language and I'm talking about in a drive through an outside of the clerks outside of the courthouse which is what we had Washington County where she was holding the box with that count is inside the physical office of the county Clerk so my understanding that what happened was a drive through and twenty twenty due to the closure of the building and and so we want the individual to go inside the office to hand deliver the ballots not not on the outside of a building at follow up recognized so that's a no that would not have that would have been illegal if this went a lot that that's correct you would have to go inside the building he. It further questions from committee members. No one signed up to speak for against the amendment representative makes as a motion to do pass any discussion on the motion. Saying none all in favor of adopting the amendment say aye All opposed say no. Does any of it representative Barker amendment has passed now are you ready to present it yes Senate bill two fifty eight is amended yes Sir you're recognized thank you this is the. The bill that we discussed last week prohibiting the use of drop boxes and now with the amendment asking that they be handle over inside the office or mail without I'm happy to answer any other questions. Any questions from committee members. Say none no one signed up to speak for against the bill. Representative Berg you're recognized to close with your bill I'm class thank you. Representative Burch is close with the bill. But. I have a motion of do pass as amended any discussion on the motion saying none all in favor say aye. All opposed say no the bill has passed as amended congratulations thank you Sir. Next on today's agenda the Senate bill. Two fifty four. His response and run through okay. Representative shows you're recognized to President Senate bill two fifty four just state your name to the Committee thank you Mr chairman colleagues partials representative district twenty eight. This is an election integrity bill it seeks to eliminate write in candidates in elections currently write in candidates are only allowed in specific statewide elections this bill aligns with our presidential and municipal elections which already don't allow it reduces ballot confusion unintended consequences it will align us with for the state is already done this we need to know that potential write in candidates still have a method for obtaining ballot access by signature collection. Of the current law. A lot of people don't understand this I don't think I didn't of. Only a person or name who is filed as a write in candidate will be counted if written in by a voter all other names written and will not be counted so that's why it's kind of a trap for the voters anyway with that I would answer any questions. Questions from committee members. Say none. No one is signed up. To speak for against the bill representative showed you're recognized close with your bill I'll close for the bill not appreciate a good vote represent Schoch is close with the bill what's pleasure of the Committee represents Richmond I have a motion of do pass any discussion on the motion. Hey none all in favor say aye. All opposed say no does have a congratulations representative to show if your bill is passed thank you Sir. Committee members I received notifications on the next two bills house bill fifteen twelve and house bill fifteen thirteen from the sponsor not gonna be of your run those bills today. So that moves us to House Bill. Fifteen twenty four. Representative berry. You're a. Thank you Mr chairman thank you colleagues and one interview so. My name is Chris bell and the administrator of real estate services for the Division of building forty and I'm representative mark Perry from District twenty six and this is the bill just a technical clean up bill for the an agency bill for the Building Authority and I'm a let my guest explain the Bill take any questions. Thank you ACT FOR forty of twenty twenty one Amended the rules for the Division of building authority to increase the dollar threshold that requires state agencies to advertise and bid a capital improvement projects. but it did not make a change that required in a separate part of the law for them to advertise in that window so. Even though they don't have to go through the bid process for that dollar threshold they are still required by the law to advertise. And this bill changes that. We'd be happy to take any questions. Any questions from committee members. J. none. No one signed up to speak for against the bill. Representative very recognized close we bill thank you Mr chairman I'm close and I make a motion for do pass representative areas close made a motion of do pass any discussion on the motion. Shane none all in favor say aye. All opposed say no does having graduation your bill is passed thank you Mr chairman thank you colleagues. Committee members sponsors here on the previous two bills I said we were passing over there is an amendment. Hold on. Okay first up is house bill fifteen twelve I believe representative wing is going to run these bills. Is that correct. Yes Sir Mr okay and there is not an amendment on this bill is on the next the correct okay correct you're recognized run a House bill fifteen twelve was to join me up here on okay. All right yes I with your permission Mister chair I'd like to bring up a guest. Page identifies up to the committee. Thank you Mr chairman the insults State Board of Election Commission director okay thank you representative when you're recognized president Bill thank you Mr chair thank you committee what the fifteen twelve is doing is helping make some of our ballots consistent for everyone this brings the law in line with the status quo this is something that are courts of asked for to help bring some simplicity specifically with regards to are you a copy of a votes and if there's anything that I've left all five of got some apt company here to help fill in any gaps. The representative clan you're recognized for a question thank you Mr chair representative when can you just explain sorry I'm just trying to figure out what you mean by breaking the law in line with the status quo. Thank you so two things one because of the language that stricken about the thirty day application it creates a by five two standards of two deadlines the first deadline is for people who buy more than thirty days for overseas civilians this conversation is only about overseas civilians not military and not domestic voters if they apply more than thirty days they get ten days after the election in order for the ballot to come back if it's postmarked prior to the date of the election if they but because of that language and will it affect the the law operates a safe you plow less than thirty days you have to have your ballot back by close of polling election day I don't think that is serving insufficient purpose for the complexity it creates and I think it is not uniformly applied and so what we would do is just say one deadline for all oversee civilians ten days after the postmark permit still applies the other piece of it is the dating requirement military voters don't have a dating requirement but oversee civilians due under the statute that's one thing we noticed after we had part such with the last session we had to create a uniform understatement for all counties to use the state board but we only have one voter statement for all voters which is has a benefit of simplicity but there's no date on it so right now that will dating requirement is it being enforced we want to bring along the line with practice but if the bill the legislature says no then we're gonna started forcing the dating requirements thank you. If any further questions from. Committee members. The nun. No one signed up to speak for against bill representative when you're recognized close with your bill I'll close for the bill I appreciate a good vote representative showing is close with the bailiffs pleasure of the Committee. I have a motion representative makes motion to do pass in the discussion on the motion. Say none all in favor say aye. All opposed say no does that make regulation bills but. Representative Wayne you're now recognized but we have an amendment on the next bill house bill fifteen thirteen at amendment is being passed out by staff at this time give me just a minute to look at the member. Okay. This thirty. January. Represent you when you're recognized present your amendment thank you Mr chair basically what we're doing here with this members were fixing one date to make a little bit more realistic with what we're asking to do here and then we're also shifting the responsibility of the reporting from the attorney general's office to the state board of election commissioners office and that's mutually agreed upon language between those two agencies. Any questions from committee members on the amendment. Saying no no one signed up to speak for against amendment representative when you're recognized close with your amendment I'll close for the moment I appreciate a good vote what's pleasure of the Committee. I have a motion of do pass on the amendment any discussion. Say none all in favor say aye All opposed say no. Emmett has passed now representative when you're recognized to present house bill fifteen thirteen is amended thank you Mr chair thank you Committee what we're doing here is creating an office of election integrity within the attorney general's office and I should state at the beginning that the attorney general's office and the state board of election commissioners are in full approval of what we're doing here all they have all been consulted about what we're trying to do so will create an office of election integrity within the attorney general's office will also have the state board of election commissioners gathering data including the data from the hotline that is manned by the attorney general's office and then that data and information can be presented to the legislature should there be any issues with regards to election integrity to it regular intervals so that we can be monitoring what is taking place and then through J. P. R. we can identify any areas that need to be corrected. Any questions from committee members represented plan you're recognized for a question thank you Mr chair representative when what kind of information will be reported to the legislature anything that that is deemed to be of concern that comes up in these reports so when they when when we've got issues and during the normal audits if they find something that's incorrect or something that needs to be addressed and I let the Mr Scholl to your. Add anything to that. Thank you the committee first follow this others not agency bills is representing said we've been consulted and are in agreement with it the the in my understanding of the bill is that it would be just the information that is subject to either the SPC complaint process of the hotline or or any other relevant information that we become aware of follow up. You're recognized the names of people who had complaints you know I mean it's we just a pull out your bill just a few minutes ago right now it's my understanding that pretty much anybody can have a complaint filed against them does that mean that these people's information would be then searchable as part of public record and then also perhaps reported to acted on by the state legislature. It so the way the the as far as the complaint process that currently exists while that data is not published currently it is publicly available once either the the matter is resolved or hearing is set a contested hearing by the respondent so and of course is for the benefit of the responded to have the all the information available so that you're correct it would be reporting information although it would be reporting it after the conclusion has been reached of the process. McCollum assertive you're recognized thank you. So. This is like a big expansion of government this is what we're creating a new unit within the attorney general's office what are we looking at in terms of what this will cost just in terms of money for the state of Arkansas this will have no additional cost at all this is within the existing infrastructure of the ark of the attorney general's office already. Follow up you're recognized but it's new staff rate these are all new employees were just renaming their positions no new staff just additional responsibilities to existing staff okay thank. Any further questions from committee members. Say none we have one person signed up to speak against the bill and representative shall we just make room for Mister ready showers. Shall you would Sir just have stayed there to the table to identify yourself to the committee in you're recognized to speak against the bill. Thank you Mr members of the committee my name's Brady shires I'm speaking on behalf of the Arkansas public policy panel on the citizens first Congress. During this current legislative session we've seen dozens and dozens of bills aimed at strengthening our election integrity election fraud in its very nature undermines the core of our democracy is a dangerous thing I'm not going to disagree with you on that. But so too does hyper polarization partisanship judges and prosecuting attorneys are nonpartisan elected officials sorry judges and prosecuting attorneys are non partisan elected positions and because partisan affiliation should not factor and how the laws applied. H. B. fifteen thirteen six remove that independence that so healthy to out so important to a healthy democracy. The purpose of H. B. fifteen thirteen Mister election tech re integrity unit within the AG's office it stated purpose is to quote eight the secretary of state and the state board of election commissioners and the completion of duties to investigate election crimes. I believe that this underlying assumption is that the state board is unable to carry out there to do some investigating election law violations that the only recourse is given the age of the authority to assist them this must mean that the state board so inundated with complaints that they're unable to manage their caseload I highly doubt that this is the case if it was in the state board would be the ones up here asking for more resources and staff instead it seems like the all parties involved want to check with the state board's power and authority. On Monday morning I submitted a freedom of information act request to the state board to find out exactly how many complaints of election law violations they receives twenty eighteen I believe this is important this information is important and that this committee should have this information before voting on this bill. If the state board is truly understaffed these records reflect how long it takes for Clint for complaints to be received and investigated how many complaints warrant investigation unfortunately I have not received the requested documents at the state house until the end of day tomorrow to provide them to me. Should these records show that the state board doesn't fact need assistance with their investigation I believe that H. P. fifteen thirteen is the wrong way to do it this unit under the AG's office will be to consist of an unknown number of staff we heard representive wing indicate that there won't be any new costs incurred at their current staff so that kind of I'll just ignore that but for For the sake but I believe that again if the state board really needed the assistance having those resources allocated to the State Board she a better use of taxpayer money and be more efficient from everything I've heard the state board as a faint at a fantastic job in their multiple duties complaints received and responded to in a timely manner and independent manner if counties have problems conducting their elections they respond immediately to ensure confidence wrist is restored in our democratic process the wonderful thing about the state board that operates outside pull politics and political interests commissioners are appointed equally by both political parties heads of the legislature and the governor is commissioners to their jobs independent of political concerns using their expertise to determine if the election violations have occurred by placing this power under the Attorney General who is an elected partisan official you're politicizing something that shouldn't be politicized hyper polarization is a problem in Arkansas and I fear this will only make things worse at trust or democratic process democratic process will be further routed I urge you to vote no one H. B. fifteen thirteen thank you. Any questions from committee members. Say no measure shall thank you for your testimony. No one else is signed up to speak for against the bill representative wing. But when you're recognized you're ready to closing your bill yes Sir I am thank you very much and thank you for your testimony I would add that this does not in any way remove the district attorneys and the judges from the process what this does is it shine some light to be able to help the district attorneys and the judges in this process as provides oversight. from for the state which has the ultimate authority over these elections and also it gives our attorney general's office some additional information this is agreed upon legislation between agreed upon language between the attorney general's office and the state board of election commissioners who are hopeful that this bill can pass to help them carry out their duties without I'm close for the bill and I appreciate a good vote representative doing is close with the bill I have a motion Committee representative Bentley has made a motion do pass as amended. What. Okay got a motion represent you Bentley is do pass as amended any discussion on the motion. Say none all in favor say aye. All opposed say no graduate graduation bill has passed as amended thank you representative going thank you Committee. Next on today's agenda Senate bill three oh seven is anyone is responsive representative Bentley so. Bentley you're recognized just stage name and you're recognized president Senate bill three zero seven state representative Mary Bentley I'm I'm honored here today to bring up very important bill Senate bill three oh seven to allow us on the State grounds here to put a monument to the over two hundred thousand infants that were killed during the fifty years that roe versus Wade was an act in the in the in the United States as we know in Arkansas we have protected life before our state was even enacted people of Arkansas protected life and made sure that life is protected we have never in the state supported or or voted for abortion in fact we have voted for just the opposite even under a constitutional amendment for constituents that support life support life in the womb all the way through death so this is really senate bill which will allow citizens in the state to donate money for a monument so that we never forget the lives that were lost during those fifty years were the Supreme Court law only enforce roe versus Wade has later overturned it so simply of a minute. For you today a bill to allow citizens of the State to original image honor those lives that were lost during those fifty years and with that I'll take any questions from committee. Any questions from committee members. Seeing none no one signed up to speak for against the bill representative mental you're recognized to close we bill I thank you colleagues member this bill up a member this committee thank you an honor to be here with all of you a happy to be here today without I make a motion to pass I have a motion to represent the representative Bentley do pass any discussion on the motion. Say none all in favor say aye aye All opposed say no. Does have it graduation your bill is passed. Thank you chairman. Thanks on today's agenda committee members is house bill fifteen thirty seven representative Collins. Representative colleges have state table written by your zip Committee and you're recognized to present your bill. Thank you Mr. so this bill is online voter registration if it looks familiar it is almost identical to what representative Ford brought last session a bill that got ninety five votes including I believe the votes of everyone say representive car who was here last session so I'm but I do want to present the bill for the benefit of people on the Committee course and and people who are new and I also have just mentioned the small ways in which is changed so the bill would allow the eligible voters to register by submitting a secure online form on a system administered by the Secretary of State rather than having to use paper form that is currently required doing this online is more convenient more accurate at least as secure as paper improved access to voting for eligible voters which I believe is everyone's goal and removes a roadblock to voting for people with disabilities as I mentioned to the house passed this bill by representative for it now Senator board that contain the exact language allowing online voter registration last session his bill also contained a section dealing with the voter roll security but that was already split Avenue into a separate bill that has moved through this committee in the house that was representing the clippers bill so some of those things the that were in that bill before now already on their way out so we don't want to duplicate that so we just took that part out I will say that one of the things that was in representative boards bill that was a little bit controversial when I got to the Senate was dealing with something similar to Eric but that is now out of this bill so there's no anything having to do with Eric which is that shared voter system that has been a little bit controversial in recent weeks especially so that's out of this. forty two states already have online voter registration as well as the district of Columbia and Guam it is definitely something that we can do we can do securely we can do with the trail having been blazed some of the benefits are obvious others less so obviously convenience is it is a key part of this if you've ever had an eighteen year old and trying to tell them how to register to vote and you tell them that they have to find a printer and a stand in an envelope and send that in they will look at you very strangely and I think that's true for people who are not eighteen who recently moved to the state because you know we do so much online now there are things that we do online that are very high level security things that some of the biggest transactions you know most important things that we do in this country and world online we can certainly do this online as well. the other thing is that for some people you know the inconvenience of having to do that paper form can be the difference between them registering and not registered to vote I think that everyone on this committee would probably say they want as many eligible voters voting aye want to and we just have a roadblock here that we can remove by making the process easier. I I did mention earlier but I want to just drill on it a little bit there's no group who would benefit more from something like this and people with disabilities sometimes for them that the burdens of the paper form or insurmountable and sometimes they can do it on paper but still find it more difficult and why would we want additional burdens to be placed on people because of a disability when there's really no benefit to paper only I wanted of course talk about security because I think security should be paramount in our elections and this bill maximises security while reducing the opportunity for accuracy so the online registration will require an electronic signature and in order for the application to be processed that electronic signature will be required to be matched with an existing signature on file with the F. and nine so most typically that prior sitting sure would be something that was recorded when you got your driver's license so that match has to happen and if you haven't done business with the if made before if you don't have a driver's license or a state ID card that that allows you to you know have identification without driving there's no price ensure they can be matched you can't register online under this bill you have to use paper the system will return a response saying you can't do it the bill would also require the secretary of state to verify addresses which is new it's new in law not in law now would be an additional security feature so again I believe this is really a more secure way to have people register. The other thing that's important related to security is that this bill will make registrations more accurate incomplete because you'll have to fill out every field in order to complete the online application with the paper copy there's the issue of sloppy handwriting leaving fields blank and then it comes to the Clerk with an accurate or complete information same with motor voter which you guys may remember or know about that's a federal program where you registered the DMV oftentimes that DMV employee may not transmit all the information to the Clerk accurately or completely so with the online registration those problems are levy added you've got fewer people using paper forms and motor voter and I think the overall quality of registration applications would be increased. As I mentioned this is well established it's been around in forty two states since about two thousand two was when this was first rolled out I think there's no doubt the technologies they're reliable vendors are out there ready to go this would be paid for by federal grants available under hava which is the help America vote act and so I believe this would not count any state costs of the secretary of state spoke last time this bill was presented about how they would be able to put this into place again this was the bill we got ninety five votes last session although I'm happy to discuss it I knew this time and answer any questions you have. Representative to make sure recognized for a question. Thank you think representative for bringing the bill I think this is a good idea for our state the the the only concern which I don't think it is a concern. What is the voter ID aspect of you dress the aspect of it but as I understand you register to vote online the first time you come to actually cast a vote that's when you would provide your proof of ID to show that you are who you really claim to be is that correct you have to bring your ID a voter ID is still intact the all of the identification requirements of the same as they are for the paper form so there's a few different ways you can do that you can include your ID or you can include the last four of your social and your driver's license number which then has to be matched so if they don't match that that is not good enough but all those things are are the same as they are for the paper application thank you Sir thank you. Representative Gonzalez you're recognized for a question. Thank Mr if if these people Or to burn to get out and and actually go register to vote and they don't know how to use paper or student committees favor how are they actually going to vote. I understand I mean I I. It's easy to say that this is not a huge burden to have to do things on paper I think the flip side is it is there's really no reason to have it be an additional burden in my opinion I mean why not have the online option if we can do the online option it's more convenient for people even if it's a fairly low bar and I agree with you there are people who are not that motivated to register don't really understand the importance of an eighteen year olds you know so I can see a situation where it would be just that slight burden that would you know the answer medical for some people. But I understand or Sam the question. Represent the mental you're recognized for a question. Thank you chairman Represent because we have an idea how much is going to cost is that this platform at this because nothing these are federal grants that are available under the help America vote act so this should all be done at no cost. that costumes are in the state house so there is text of my tax dollars will be spent on this the that has no money correct with that our money being sent to them ultimately anything would cost money and that ultimately comes from taxpayers okay follow the follow up thank you recognized so right now I constituents can go when they get their driver's license and easily register to vote right there at the DMV correct yes that well they can register to vote I'm not sure how easy it is or how reliable it is but they can do that I'm I'm just matter personal. Witnesses my children it took about two minutes when they got their driver's license again registered to vote when they were renewing their driver's license so I just think they have that easy opportunity when they go to register to vote thank you for answering questions appreciated Sir and if I could just answer that. That would remain an option so that's the motor voter option that is a federally required thing and that would what would process what we have heard what representative board spoke about of the secretary of state's office and we spoke about last time this is that motor voter is susceptible to a lot of air so you've got a DMV employee taking information from someone who's registering or trying to register at the DMV a lot going on that you know that's another human error source and like its way to the Clerk and then they the Clerk has to fix the problems that's manpower for the Clerk so that would still exist as an option but I think this is a much better option for people that would result in fewer errors. Representative Crawford you're recognized for a question thank you Mr chair. Representative Collins I actually was a sponsor of the bill last session. And I was very slow to sponsor because it was brought to us by a young woman in high school for whatever's comparable to the women for eagle scouts I'm not sure what that's called. And she want to do it for her sister who had moved to college and it was hard for her. So I understood that but in the process I was continually concerned about fraud because it is electronic. And the only reason I came around and voted for it when representative Boyd ran that is because it became a tool to clean out voter. voter rolls that's how it ended up it did not pass in the Senate. And so after I voted for that my constituents really chewed on me. And they ask how I could vote for something that would create even more fraud in our elections system so I'm asking you hal how is this. Going to protect the integrity of elections thank you for the question and you know I do think that there's a perception I I would say it's not accurate but I understand where it comes from that this would somehow allow more fraud first of all this is well established this is been done in other states forty two states including many of our neighboring states and other southern states and states that care deeply about their election integrity as we do it's been done just fine there have been no reports of any fraud as a result of this that I'm aware of certainly not on any kind of a mass scale there's any one off thing that's possible but it's possible with anything and so you know you've got a paper form that susceptible to a different kind of lapse in security this is you could have something hacked it's possible you could have paper stone at that comes with anything you do I mean there's always the possibility I can't discount that no matter what happens you your best efforts being made you can't close every loophole but by and large this is going to be a more secure system it won't let you go through the process unless you filled out the form accurately if you don't have if you don't have the information it requests it will say you can't do this if you don't have a signature on file from a driver's license or an ID card previously it won't let you go forward it will say you have to register on paper and the other thing that makes this more secure is the address verification that would be new address verification is not something that's being done now that would be done with this so I really do believe this is going to be a more secure way to the facts as an option follow up follow up place you're recognized that do you have any idea how it's being audited have you seen other states and how they audit the information that comes in and how they stay on top of that I don't really have information about auditing but I. I will say that that that this bill puts the security measures on the secretary of state that they have to put out security measures to make sure this is being done securely it's in the statue that has to be known securely. One more follow up they recognized is the secretary of state on board with this I believe they're neutral on this okay thank you is anyone here from a secretary state can you. That a possible answer yes you you have a question yes Is anyone here factors state. I you have stayed in the table dented by yourself who you represent and then represent you property would ask your question. Josh bridges selection systems analyst for the Secretary of State. You're recognized thank you Mister chair Mister bridges where is the secretary of state on this and do you if you're on board do you have things in place to protect the election integrity of this voter registration our office is officially neutral on this bill are current voter registration vendor does have an online voter registration solution that could potentially satisfy the requirements laid out in this legislation I personally have not seen that that products but we are making our vendor aware of this this legislation in case this does pass. The problem. Yes thank you recognized so talk to me about the vendor how does this work you say it's already happening in Arkansas I probably need to clarify that a little bit of on the voter registration is not happening in Arkansas we have a vendor that houses are voter registration database for all seventy five counties that is what is is currently being used as far as capturing registered voter information that is being used I think it was implemented in two thousand and five so this is the the system that we have used in the county courts are familiar with. Okay so you believe the second one a yes man I'm thirty so you believe the Secretary of State is ready to engage in online voter registration. We would visit with our vendor and ensure that we can roll out a product if this legislation passes okay I have more but I'll stop thank you Dave while of. Secretary any other questions for the secretary of state whether to okay years okay just keep you safe there represents Wardlaw you're recognized for a question. Thank you Mr. I want to start with the question of did you meet with the county clerk's on this bill and discuss it with them. no Sir. We're not when I read the bill. You alluded earlier that funding would come from federal grants but I don't see anything in the bill it said they can't move forward I can't do anything unless those grants are obtained so I think Mister chair I think I would request a physical impact at this point. On the bill and I I'd request a bill to move forward until that's established and give out to the committee. At eight so that would be a motion at the time proper time okay. I will go ahead at this point in here the rest the testimony and then we'll take up that motion should. Okay. Representive cloudy recognized for a question thank you Mr chair of any your time I think you said two thousand five you've been using this vendor who keeps electronic records about voter data have there been any security issues with that with those electronic records in the last eighteen years. Not that I've ever been aware of no ma'am. Representative Gonzalez you're recognized for a question. Thank Mr of this act has the start date of January first twenty twenty four is that enough time to implement. These changes if this bill does pass. We will have this implemented by whatever effective that the legislature deems as necessary. So let me ask you a different way is it how how long would it take you if if this if this past with emergency clause today how long would it take you to to employment we would need time to implement this but I don't have an estimate as to how long as mentioned before I have not seen that online rations solution yet and there's contractual things that need to happen as well so I don't really have a good estimate on the. I will say representative Gonzales that. The following January was the the date and representative boards bill when he worked closely with secretary said so that was previous aspect brought into this one. I'm not sure if that's changed for some reason it would take more time and the reason that it would be yeah I don't know I was just wondered if you know how long it would take to implement if that's even possible thank you so that when there's contracts will have to be procured and sometimes those things take a while the. DO honest enough us long enough or not thank you. Say no other questions from committee members. we have representative Scott you have a question you're recognized thank you Mr chair I know you said forty two states have passed this bill so far what neighboring states have already passed this legislation so I have the areas that I don't have that was in front of me sir mean it's all but eight ACT. Motions from committee members. Jean we've got one person signed up to speak for the bill. Mr Christian Adcock. Sir if you would just have safety of the table and identify yourself to the committee and who you represent and you're recognized speak for the bill hi I'm Christian I'm **** with disability rights Arkansas and I'm here to speak for this bill because disability rights Arkansas is in favor of any legislation that is going to make voting more accessible for people with disabilities. An important thing to remember about this bill is that it's not just college kids and it's not just people that are scared to do anything that's not online it's not people that don't understand how people works it's individuals with disabilities as people who are blind or have low vision it's people with physical disabilities who may have trouble navigating and completing forms and these are the people that this bill would help. there's a whole host of third party accessibility software like speech to text programs screenreader screen magnification that make it much easier for folks with disabilities to complete forms that are on the computer. Online registration forms would also remove the need for any extra travel they would remove the minimal admittedly expensive postage and other things like that that can be barriers for people with disabilities As a whole this bill benefits not only people with disabilities but the state entirely there was mention of the cost in other states where this has been implemented where they didn't receive those federal grants due to the reduction in the expense of processing registrations and most of the states were able to recoup the money fairly briefly fairly quickly there's also there were some questions about implementation and how quickly I can be done because this is been done over the last. Since two thousand two I totally lost the ability to do math there for a second but since two thousand two this is been implemented forty two states this isn't new technology there are companies who have these products ready to go and. It does not take that much time to implement them and they can be brought in online registration is mentioned to be more accurate because all fields need to be completed there's a reduction in hand written applications and it reduces the need for transcription by election staff thereby also reducing the workload for election staff states that have moved online registration have also seen a boost and voter registration and voter turnout which in the State of Arkansas where we were last for turn out in the last election in the country. That does nothing but help us and people with disabilities generally turn out among them is lower than that of the general population. the important thing to remember is that people with disabilities come from all over the state every member of this committee has a person with a disability in their district urban or rural Republican or Democrat black or white disability cuts across every level of society. These individuals are seniors they're veterans their parents and they deserve the right to have the same voice in their community as everyone else and I'd be happy to take any questions. Any questions from committee members. Say no Mr got thank you for your time here for the committee appreciate your testimony. No one else is signed up to speak for against the bill. Representative. Wardlaw. I make a motion to table this bill. Wardlaw has made a motion to table the bill that is non debatable. What is your other committee all in favor of table in the bill say aye All opposed say no. Does have it represents your bill will be tabled. next on today's agenda is Senate bill two seventy three. And I believe representing the Clinton is here to present that bill for senator Patty. Representative if you would just state your name to the committee and you're recognized to present the bill. Thank you chairman thank you Committee to their bring you Senate bill two seven three it's a great bill regarding the location of run off elections on in their polling sites during those awful actions this bill allows for runoff elections to have meaningful polling sites that will be located in areas that are geographically located within the right of area and it is a common sense bill that allows for the most voters to have access to the run off ballot during a run off election. I'll take any questions if you have them. Any questions from committee member representative council recognized for a question thank you Mr chair representative Michael and then just it this is because I'm just not understanding I just read it also can you explain to me I guess my concern is. This is not going to limit the number of votes centers is that correct it does not include a sickly just says that if you have a run off election you need to have a polling site in that precinct if possible if not you need to have you need just trying to establish one if you don't have one already and if that's not possible to at least have it in the county seat so it just allows for the ability to put those in places where they make sense thank you. Other questions from committee members. J. none no one signed up to speak for against the bill representative you be ready to close for your bill yes Sir I'm cause harm my bill and I ask for a good vote representative the close of the bill what's the pleasure of the Committee representative Bentley have motion of do pass any discussion on the motion. Say none all in favor say aye. All opposed say no regulation your bill is passed thank you chairman thank you Committee. Thanks to Senate bill two sixty seven is the sponsor of that bill in the run. Okay we'll move on and got to push contacted by the the sponsor of Senate bill two ninety two we'll pass over that bill today. Senate bill two ninety three. We'll be passing over Senate bill two ninety three also Senate bill three three five Senate bill three thirty five Badran remembered representative bear. Seven. That may. Thank you Mr chairman college representative mark berry District twenty six thank you didn't bring the bill up here with me but this bill essentially I tell you what it means is all the monuments that we have on the capitol grounds they require periodic upkeep of for example the monument directly behind the Capitol the gold star monument Scott some brics center need replacing and so forth and there's no means to replace that using state appropriate appropriated funds at this point so what this bill does is it changes the the law to allow the state to appropriate money and use appropriated funds as well as donations contributions a foundation money to maintain and upkeep of monuments on the capitol grounds so a lot of times what happens is foundations they create these monuments and and put on the on the property becomes the secretary of state's property and so to speak with senator Bryant instead of just addressing the issue with one monument we want to dress all the monuments on the capitol property be able to appropriate money to the state so they can maintain and upkeep all the monuments on the capitol property and with that be happy to take any questions. Any questions from committee members. Say none the one signed up to speak for against bill representative I will represent to you fifteen you're recognized how much money we talking about a hundred fifty thousand. Of state funds yes how much private money we talk about it's just whatever they collected all go into to be able to be used to accept the monuments well my I have a little problem with this because. Some people may not want to. But keep some monuments and I think I think we're getting into a dangerous slope when we start button. Of state money to maintain these when private money has put a man here to begin with and I would just I would like to continue to see that private funds take care these because. I'm afraid we're going to get into a. position that might come back to the homeless. Well it this point there is no money being appropriated is just given the Avenue to take all the money and put it into a pot and be able to use those and and the and the question came up when it came went to the Senate and Senator Bryant addressed the question of this some monuments such as the Little Rock Nine making sure that you know the Little Rock Nine got taking care of just like the ten commandments monuments and that did all in in there be up to the capitol monument commission and how they choose to repair those market so they have private foundation funding then they can use that money to repair hi my name is that may be in dispute well and and I appreciate what trying to do but I I just have a problem with with state dollars going to maintain these when private money would put a man private money should keep these any of these monuments matter what they are should keep them up thank you but in and I appreciate that concern here's here's the challenge and so we'll take the Little Rock Nine minor it let's just say that it was private funds that it but the the that built that monument it's uptown Dacian or it could be the gold star monument behind the capital if that foundation that was primarily in marine corps league in different organizations like that if they dissolve and there's no money then you're gonna end up having monuments that deteriorate on the the Capitol grounds that are end up being an eyesore. It further questions from committee members. No one signed up to speak for against the bill representative very recognized close close my building and the make a motion to pass I have a motion of do pass any discussion on the motion. Saying none all in favor say aye. All opposed say no. Knows that the bill is fail thank. Committee correction the sponsor of Senate bill two sixty seven is in a Roman will present that bill just time. The sponsor would you like to pay your bill. If you're recognized yourself for the record you may present your bill thank you thank you Mr chair the representative lied Tosh and I apologize I am familiar with this bill and you know now throughout the state of Arkansas we've got the it's about he's been under the department of corrections it's our jail inspectors with others about five of them they can't recover certain regions this is just a transferred that's been agreed upon between the department of public safety and the department of corrections to move them out from under the department of corrections under the US department of public safety and the reason for that is because the jet to be what you're inspecting is our county jails are run by law enforcement officers or only stands to reason that that should be under public safety and not to department of correction and everybody's in agreement with this transfer of those inspectors to work under the public safety. And with that I'd take any questions. Are there any questions from the committee members. I see no no one signed up to speak for against the bill. Mister chair are you closing your bill yes I'm close and I make a motion to do pass. What's will of committee all in favor say aye. All opposed say no. Congratulations chair your your bill. And you value sponsor. The Committee echo lost place I think Senate bill three thirty five is that sponsor and Roseanne. Three forty. I wish that you you three thirty five. No. Okay we do we do we do Senate bill two ninety three. Three forty three okay well the last one here Committee Fala does for that Senate bill three forty three that's sponsoring the room represent Womack okay. Thank you Mr chairman committee this is a very simple bill it's simply repeals the law concerning a written report on cost savings by cabinet level departments relating to the transformation the Bills original sponsor senator Hammer. Is one that originated this others no known opposition representative Beck was the house sponsor and he's actually on this committee but he's an ag run another bill he's in favor of it to that's really all I've got I appreciate a good vote. Representative makes question have a question you're recognized all puts on hot seat just because I can okay so that was there cost savings and you know how much I thank you the very first report reflected one point six million I don't remember the number on the next year's report but it was significantly less and it's predicted to be significantly less moving forward every times because there's you know it's are already in place and compared to right right so the so there were cost savings that's the key point miniscule but they did exist all right there you. It further questions from committee members. Say none no one signed up to speak for against the bill represent four back you're recognized close we build thank you Mr I'm close and I would like to make a motion that we do pass motion to proceed discussion on the motion saying none all in favor say aye All opposed say no regulations the bill is passed thank you committee thank you committee members Senate special order for Monday the fifteen minutes upon adjournment to hear Senate bill two fifty it's on the it's on the third of we will be moving that from the fired today back to the agenda and Monday afternoon fifteen minutes upon adjournment will have a special order meeting here in this room for Senate bill two fifty so that any further questions this meeting is adjourned.