Judiciary Committee- House

Ugh tell you we're going to add to bills today if we have time they'll be house bill fourteen ninety three and house bill fourteen ninety four so if we have time we're going to add those two at the end of our agenda. And I want to go ahead make an announcmenet for everybody and I make another announcmenet at the end but for people who are in here. Come next Tuesday it's going to be special ordered day and I want you to be prepared that we will have to special orders next Tuesday one's going to be Senate bill one ninety nine and Senate bill eighty one. Now. That means we don't get through in the morning we will recess and come back after session but we've got to get those two bills out of our way because our agenda is starting to get a little full and we need to get those out of the way. All right with that. We're going to skip house bill twelve ninety six right now we're gonna skip house bill fourteen twenty six we're gonna skip house bill fourteen fifty five until those folks can get in the room so. Let's move to. What was could move to Senate bill two eleven members if you pull up Senate bill two eleven. And we have something to pass out to you. So Senate bill two eleven. Represent hawk was passed out in you may begin by stating your name and you start with your presentation I think everybody's had an opportunity to have this in front of them so you're recognized good morning madam chair and committee and representive RJ hawk District eighty one today I bring you Senate bill two eleven this is to amend the law concerning carrying a concealed handgun on the property of the Arkansas department of transportation right now according to the statute to a few years ago when the enhanced Kerry was enacted into the State state agencies were included that you could take that enhance carrying going to many different state agencies those that were not at that were prohibited war a police station sheriff's office the division of Arkansas state police are not detention facilities courthouses court rooms schools colleges community colleges in any place where carrying a firearm is prohibited by federal law what this bill is going to do is it's just going to allow for employees or members of the community to walk into the are not building if they have the enhanced Kerrey to be able to walk in and have that weapon on them now this does not include the transportation of the highway patrol because that is much like the state police that would that would not that would be prohibited as well but this is just going into the administrative building at are not to be able to to carry with the enhanced permit is not just a concealed carry a you have to have the enhanced permit to do so with that I'll take any questions. Members are there any questions. Represent claiming you're recognized for a question things I'm sure represented hot had is are not feel about that are not support this I brought this bill Toomey are a lot of employees asked to have this done because they travel the state it's not so much inside the building but you've got employees that are there working on sides of the road you know it's a safety thing for them they just feel more comfortable with this thank you. Members any other questions. I'm sorry represent Scott you're recognized for a question thank you madam chairman so for clarity you're saying that an employee can just carry their concealed weapon to work in the building if they work for are not every day as long as they've got the enhanced carry so with the concealed carry laws you've got the concealed carry that you can get but if you want to carry into a state agency by statue right now you have to get the enhanced Kerry which is additional training and things of that nature under the law currently as it stands represent Scott you're recognized for a follow up. I guess I don't understand the purpose of this bill I'm not against guns but I didn't grow up around guns and as an employee I don't feel like anyone should have to work in an environment where people are allowed to carry guns every day at work the the laws already in place on I mean we there are other agencies within the state DHS or whatever that that they're allowed to carry as long as it's concealed with the enhanced care this is just all this bill is doing is adding R. dot to the list of state agencies they were excluded when this bill for some reason that I had that is beyond me R. naught doesn't understand why they were excluded so all we're doing with this bill is adding are not to to the current law. Richey Richmond you're recognized for a question. Thank you madam chair you said that are not supports this bill one percent follow up you're recognized the state police also carry guns in the workplace yes Sir thank you. Members any other representative Crawford you're recognized for a question thank you madam chair a representative Haak I know when we heard this last session it wasn't as much wanting to. Airy into the building as it was to even leave your firearm in your vehicle. So that they can have it when the way they can protect ourselves on the side of the road so I really think carrying into a building. Is not the biggest point here one of which you agree with that one hundred percent to be able to but my husband carries continually. And he leaves it in the car in places where it's not allowed so that's what we're working for is that correct one hundred percent there's a lot of our dot workers that they know they do stuff on the sides of the road and and but there in in our diet vehicles they want to keep it on them just for a safety issue this would just allow for the policy for our died as a state agency to allow their employees to to have their concealed carry with the enhanced Kerrey on them okay thank you thank you madam chair members any other questions represent college recognized for a question. Thank you madam chair just two points I want to clarify what I think representative Richmond asked about state police on this talking point sheet it says that a location where these firearms are prohibited on a division of Arkansas state police so hoping you could clarify that and secondly you're talking about the side of the road but the only thing that's changed is a building of our about will grounds adjacent to a building of of art items so I don't think this has to do with the side of the road unless I'm missing something well I mean here's the thing for the rotate your first or your question I think what representative Richmond was talking about was officers and and people that work for state police say they carry weapons detectives carry weapons they they work inside the building on the second point members of our dot they come and go from the building they they work on the sides of the roads they work on our on ramps off ramps whatever and bridges and so rather than them having to take it off put it in the glove box to whatever they just won't be able to carry this with them they don't want to worry about it and keep it on inside the building when they go to their offices things of that nature so it's a two part thing whether they're on the side of the road for safety issue whether inside the the offices we're just allowing them to keep their weapon on them at all times follow up hang on just one second represent because we have director Laurie tutor here in the room with that be helpful well I got my clarification okay then you're recognized for a follow up but I just want to be extra clear from what you're saying that this does not impact what they can do on the side of the road this is just about the buildings and grounds next to the building of one percent okay thank you. Right members any other questions. Seeing no further questions we have no one who signed up to speak for against the bill representive hockey recognized close for your bill members I just that have you ask that you look at this and remember that this is not just a concealed carry bill it also has to have the enhanced with that this is for the safety of employees and this is also employees have asked for this they want to be treated like other state agencies and so with that I ask for a good vote. Members represent hawkers because we spoke with the clothes for his bill what are the wishes of the. The motion to pass we have a motion to do pass on the table the discussion the motion. All in favor of the motion please say aye. All opposed say no. The ayes have it congratulations you have passed your bill thank you Committee. Senate bill there you are you're right you're recognized goes into the table and present your bill members if you'll move to. House Bill fourteen twenty six. House Bill fourteen twenty six represent the feel you'll be recognized and we have Mr bomb there at the end of the table with the both of you wrecked recognized yourselves for the record please identify yourself thank you thank you madam chair Matt Duffield District fifty three representative Russellville. I've been farm staff attorney administrative office the court. The field you're recognized thank you madam chair. Members this bill is an amendment and it's an amendment For the Arkansas law concerning fees for issuing summons or subpoenas and so how this came about this is a clean up bill. That was brought to us by some district judges in state. And it's important to know one thing about this amendment is the fee does not change it will remain the same at two dollars and fifty cents so we're not working in any monetary change with this amendment at all and what this amendment would do it for you it prohibits the collection of the fee for issuing or selling summons in small claims court. And so that's the that's the amendment to the bill no more no more no less that's what it is and this gentleman here can answer any technical questions that any of you may have. Members are there any questions. Seeing the questions we have no one who's signed up to speak for against the bill you're recognized representative to close for your bill. Thank you madam chair committee thank you so much for your time today about to make a motion to pass members we have a motion to do pass on the table is three discussion the motion saying no discussion all in favor please say aye. Any opposed say no by separate congratulations you've passed your bill thank you. Members we're going to see representative Graham which has come into the room let's go ahead and take those bills that I noticed earlier I didn't get them sent out we're still waiting for representative Gazaway to come representive Gramlich if you'll come members let's turn to House Bill fourteen ninety three House Bill fourteen ninety three. Thank you madam chair and if you don't mind I'd like to invite one of my county clerks speak on the sure. It It who you asking to come up Margaret. I you get to the other table fuel densify yourself if you're with for the record Margaret Carter Faulkner County Clerk thank you representative Graham what you're recognized to present house bill fourteen ninety three so fourteen ninety three before we start I know it looks like a fee increase but it is not so it says you see two dollars chicken and five dollars is replaced in two thousand three I believe the fee was increased to five dollars and a different statute and it was never fixed in the statute. Jennifer comments you'd like to make. And now that covers it it's just confusing for the cars at two different statutes to refer to. Represent college you're recognized for a question. can you tell me where the other statute is and why we're keeping this language at all what we just have it in one place before making this change anyway. so the other statute is referenced it twenty one dash six dash fourteen a a for why we keep it I'm I'm not sure I'll be honest with you Municipal League probably this bill as a cleanup bill and county clerks this is one thing to support along with the following bill we'll talk then talk about that moment. why to keep it I don't have an answer for that. That that this morning I'm I'm sorry we didn't get your last name appear darker could you spell that please D. A. R. T. E. R. okay Mr could you maybe explain the question that represent Collins this is regarding a deposit of will that is kept with the county Clerk you can do a wheel and and then we hope that will so it reference though the deposit of the will and one and then the other statute I believe just references a whole list of charges that the county Clerk in charge. Members any other questions represent which when you're recognized for a question thank you madam chair R. this changes being made for consistency I take it. Yes Sir. So we're changing language raised five dollars when we just change the other bill to bring it back down to two dollars you know I had a I had a a question from a number of another member about the same same issue that wasn't the purpose of my bill the this the purpose is just to clarify language from the two thousand three statute. That's good thank you any other questions. See no further questions we have no one who is signed up to speak for against the bill by president Graham what you're recognized to close for your bill I'm closed. Members represent Gramlich is because first build represented more as a motion to do pass members we have a motion to do pass on the floor is there any discussion on the motion all in favor of the motion please say aye any opposed say no ayes have it congratulations you've passed your bill thank you general thank you committee next members let's move to fourteen ninety six House Bill fourteen ninety six represent ninety four I'm sorry fourteen ninety four represent Gramlich you're recognized to present fourteen ninety thank you and I miss miss started back to the table to speak. Just for clarity sake but I know it sounds redundant but if you'll for the record please both state your name stairs is that cannot. Mark the calendar but I can't Clerk all right you're recognized fourteen ninety four is another bill that county clerk's of asked to ask ask for essentially it when you go to again when I raised any fees are not changing any fees essentially when you go to your county Clerk to get a marriage license you'll walk up and be like Hey why is it this price and to show an individual they have to go through a variety of different statutes to show this is what this part this part this part this part with this bill will do is allow county Clerk when someone comes up and asks Hey what is it cost X. amount of dollars they can start to show them the statute and where references the other parts of any like that. Now that pretty much covers is makes it more clear for the county Clerk is again. Members are there any questions. Seeing the questions we have no one who signed up to speak for against the bill. You're recognized close for your bill I'm close manager members represent Graham which is close for his bill or the wishes of the committee I have a motion to do pass any discussion on the motion all in favor of the motion please say aye opposed say no the ayes have it congratulations you've passed your bill the Committee thank manager. Right members were waiting on representative Gazaway so with that let's go to House Bill fourteen seventy two House Bill fourteen seventy two and I will S. my vice chair to please take the chair. Soon they'll be take a seat in the table you and your good list and if you will to densify yourself for the record and your yes. Certain members I'm Carol Dalby state representative district one hundred and beside me I have joy judge Troy Braswell. Members fourteen seventy two is a bill that's been brought to us by of the juvenile judges and state of Arkansas and if you look over on that page to the bill line four and five what this is doing is simply saying that those juveniles who have been That their records can be sealed after ten years it doesn't have to be that they've been tried as an adult because what is happening your adults who are being tried can get their records sealed but you're juveniles can't get their records sealed and courses is certainly always up to the judge to do that the only time they can't get him sealed within that ten year time as if it's a felony involving violence as defined in if you're curious as to what those felony start would be murder first or second degree kidnapping aggravated robbery terroristic acts rape sexual assault aggravated residential burglary and add to salt against a law enforcement official so this bill is really giving it. Juveniles who may be. Committed to something less than that an opportunity to get their record sealed moved on with their life so with that be happy to answer any questions judge bass will certainly be able to answer anything he is a juvenile judge in our state. This committee have any questions. Of nobody signed up to speak for against the bill. Yes we have the motion do pass I'm good I don't even have to close I appreciate that. The any further questions. Okay. I am because I am close for my bill okay thank you all those in favor say aye. Opposed. Motion carried you have passed your bill thank you thank you Committee. Mr goes well you're you. Prepared to run your bill. Thank you at fourteen fifty five. I believe so it can I get a copy of those bills that we have on here. There we go thank you. President guess what do you want to start with house bill twelve ninety six we can start at the top. Madam chair is I haven't seen I haven't seen this earlier this morning. I haven't seen him okay let's then let's move down. We can get a hold of Mr Miller over here we're will calling and asking to come over so we can take those up. I believe you're running Senate bill two O. four are you not. At least it has your name as the House sponsor. That's correct and I've been in communication with Folks about that bill this morning and my understanding was that they were going to be here and I don't foresee anyone here but I'm happy to happy to give a shot. What members let's take about a. Five minute recess let's let's take a recess till ten thirty we can get Mr Miller over here from the alarm when take up those technical corrections let's let's take a just a small break till ten thirty. Members are still waiting for Mr Miller to get over. Mr Miller there you are and we're waiting for a representative Gazaway to come back into the room and there you are. Well I saw my members all wondering the halls I feel like I've got to assure you all back in like hurting enhance So I know I saw some members I don't know where they went but they took off they said they're coming back but I still seek one we're going to get ready to go back on to the record. So. Yes do share is now back in session members before we recognize representative Gazaway Mr Miller from the bill are we do have I have a special group here with me today that just got in from Texarkana this is a a group of seventh graders and eighth graders from St James St school in Texarkana you'll be seeing them around we're very proud of this group they often go on into our public schools and end up the valedictorians and salutatorian is within the four five districts within Texarkana Arkansas and Texarkana Texas so we're glad to have them they just come into the meeting very quickly and A. O. C.'s getting ready taken over the Supreme Court so if you see them throughout the day please give them a warm Arkansas welcome and if you would let's give them a nice round of applause. Thank you Mister Rogers for bringing your group and Mr Solomon's out in the hallway waiting for you take you to the Supreme Court thank you for being here. I represent Gazaway you're recognized to present your bill and this will be members House Bill. Twelve ninety six of members who feel trying to house bill twelve ninety six. So madam chair on house bill twelve ninety six of course that was filed as a shell bill to allow the bureau time to make all of the necessary changes throughout the code which apparently seem to be quite numerous Mr Miller's here I don't believe that that amendment is ready but I'll let him what what inform the committee where we are in the process. I know that Matthew Miller with your legislative research again not here to testify for against the bills but we are staff for the commission of the bureau so I'm here to provide feedback on that we're still working on that draft and we're very close to having the amendment completed and I'll be communicating with represent Gazaway when that's ready to go we've been in the process of talking with affected agencies and places like that to make sure that everyone's happy with the replacement terminology and that we have an accidentally broken anything in the process of fixing things so with that explanation we'll pass over that bill will move then to House Bill fourteen fifty five represent guess what you're recognized thank you manager House Bill fourteen fifty five is another technical corrections bill to title seventeen which concerns of professions occupations and businesses specifically what you'll see in this bill in section one we replace the term supervise supervised instructor with the terms sponsor educator. and then it adds the term training to better conform to code style and keep consistency throughout the code section two three four. We'll see some stricken language there removes definitions there now and necessary as a result of standard codification practice throughout the chapter the full name is used. when necessary for ease of reading and understanding so you had. words like department and board and we spell those out more specifically so once again it's more. Specific as to what board and as to what department is referring sections five and six conforms language that was. inadvertently missed in the enactments of the acts of twenty nineteen it removes regulations throughout Arkansas Code into correct and also correct miss changes in references to the department of labor licensing. required under acts of twenty nineteen number nine ten section seven moves a qualification within the definition of a term to more accurately describe the defined term. And. You see. That's it. That's what the bill does happy to answer any questions members are there any questions. Seeing the questions we have no one signed up to speak for against the bill you're recognized to close for your bill thank you manager I'm close for the bill would make a motion to pass members represent gas was close was bill there is a motion to do pass on the floor any discussion of the motion all in favor please say aye. In a post saying the guys have it congratulations you have passed your bill thank you Mr Miller for rushing over here we appreciate it. Are you ready to move to Senate bill so I I'm not not exactly manager but do have an explanation Senate bill two O. four I spoke with the Senate sponsor and my understanding is I think there's going to be an amendment with regard to subsection be based on some concerns raised by representative Collins and that's not prepared today so unfortunately I'm not in a position to run the bill is fine. Members we have thank you Mr does represent Gazaway thank you manager thank you Committee. Members we have a couple of other groups that are with us this morning one is the student government association from university of Arkansas hope Texarkana and they're right back here on the right if you all kind of waiting for glad to have you here to watch is today. And we also have of the international leadership group from as your visual. And I would attempt to announce to names but I'm afraid this south Arkansas girl you wouldn't they wouldn't understand who they are and I don't understand their names but we're more than glad to have them in our capital today to view some of. It's going on so if you have an opportunity to shake hands with them give them a good Arkansas welcome me with that thank you for coming. Members I had thought this might take a little longer than we had today but that's okay we have got a number of things. That we need to take care of on Thursday so let me give you the bills for Thursday will house. House Bill fourteen sixty seven. House Bill fourteen ninety six House Bill fourteen seventy three. Senate bill two seventy one I repeat those wartime fourteen sixty seven fourteen ninety six fourteen seventy three and two seventy one and then if Senate bill two O. four gets amended will run that on Thursday I had previously announced before we got on the record I believe that next Tuesday which is the seventh it's hard to imagine here we are in March we have to special orders it will be Senate bill one ninety nine and Senate bill eighty one be prepared that we may end up recessing and coming back after session on Tuesday but we need to go ahead and get those bills taken care of so we can start and I know that represent Gazaway will be having just a little bill or two that he's going to drop that will take some time and so we need to get those ready let me also make an announcmenet to y'all because we have a good number of maybe new members. Start getting your bill is ready and filed before spring break. Because we will get back to happen here and we need to get those and I think that takes care of my. Announcements watch your text messages what your emails there's going to be some things coming out you'll be hearing a representative berry may be doing you offer something so I'll watch those with that seeing no further business house judiciary is adjourned.