House Convenes

I am by the member staff press and guests in the galleries to stand to be led in prayer by the house chaplain Dr Jonathan Kelly senior pastor first Baptist church elder radio. But a spring. Almighty god an everlasting father. We are grateful for a new day a new day in Arkansas has the sun shines over us in the delta. In clouds form in the Ozarks. In the waters of lake Ouachita rest across the sure. Our gratitude gross because each of these is a sign of your goodness to us. We are grateful for each of the citizens who call this state home. They are great people. Each one created in your image. So we pray for these are Kansans at this hour. We pray especially for those are at their wits end our teachers are police officers and single moms. I pray then for the men and women in this room but they would be granted the wisdom to craft and pass meaningful legislation. The benefit those we value the most our educators to shape the next generation our police officers. Who walk our streets and the most vulnerable those like are single mothers who are raising children trying to provide a home. And give food and support. To their children. On this day let your presence be an encouragement to each of these. But each our cans and know that there's a god who loves them. Thank god we are grateful for one more chance to serve. Jesus you tell us that we should love our neighbor. So that each day in this room be an act of loving our neighbor. Let this room. This chamber be a constant reminder of the responsibility you have entrusted to these men and women. I make each preceding that follows please you. In your name king Jesus we. Members please indicate your presence by pushing your yellow present button repair the machine Mr Clerk. Cast up the ballot Adam Clark. With ninety nine members present. The chair sees a quorum. Members we will say the pledge at the joint session this morning. I appreciate your vigilance to make sure I'm on the same schedule as all. Representative Jeffrey Wardlaw moved that we dispense with the reading of the previous day's Journal without objections so ordered. Are the reports and select committees of their Reports from standing committees are there is there any unfinished business are there any executive communications. Madam Clerk please read house concurrent resolution one thousand four. House concurrent resolution one thousand four. Providing that the house of representatives and the Senate of the ninety first General Assembly may recess on Thursday Thursday January twelfth twenty twenty three and we commit on Tuesday January seventeenth twenty twenty three. Represent wing you're recognized explained resolution. Thank you Mr Speaker colleagues this will be the easiest bill that you'll vote on all session long all this does is gives us permission to be able to take four days off including the Martin Luther king holiday and then also off on Friday I appreciate a good vote. President wing has explained the resolution when he would like to speak against the resolution. Would anyone like to speak for the resolution. Represent wing is close for the resolution the question before the House is the adoption of house concurrent resolution one thousand four all in favor say aye. Many opposed the resolution is adopted. The House will stand in recess until ten thirty AM. Testing one two three. That's what. As authorized by house concurrent resolution one thousand three the joint session of the Arkansas house and Senate is convened. Madam secretary you're recognized for the roll call of the Senate. VOL eight. Right. Caldwell Chesterfield Clark. For all. Davis these dismaying Dotson English Flippo. Flowers is on leave Gilmore hammer. Hester. Hickey Hill Irvin. Blake Johnson Mark Johnson King. Leding. Love McKee Murdock. Payton Penzo. Adding. Rice stem Stubblefield. Sullivan. Tucker Wallace. Members of the House please indicate your presence by pressing your yellow present button prepared machine madam Clerk. Passed up the ballot. With ninety nine members present The chair sees a court. I'm vital members gas staff press and visitors on the chamber floor in the galleries System to stand as you're able to be led in prayer by Dr Jonathan Kelly senior pastor first Baptist church elder radio. And would you please remain standing as you're able for the presentation of the colors by the Joint governors color guard team and for the pledge of allegiance led by representative Lane Jean. Let us pray. Almighty god ever lasting father or creator of heaven and. This through my stand with these men and women and we first are grateful. To call the United States of America home we are grateful to call the land the state of Arkansas are home. Shares our country in our state. Because of our experience here of freedom and opportunity. Justice and liberty. When we confess that those are not ideals crafted by men but they are ideals you instilled into every human heart. And we say thank you that we get to experience them. When we fall short of those ideals guide chase in our souls. Grow our hearts that we would more it live up. And as the members of the House and Senate stand in one room. We can fast that the power or authority that we exercise. Has been entrusted to these men and women by you and you alone. And we confess that yours is a power that uplifts the week. Hold accountable the wicked that yours is a power that heals and unites and strengthens up lifts and protects. So I pray that the men and women in this chamber which faithfully exercise the power you have entrusted to them. Reminder these in this room of the great task that lies before them. Strength in them for the sake of the good and the growth of this great state of Arkansas. We pray this in Christ's name. All. All. There are. You may be seated. We are pleased to have with us today a number of dignitaries including. The Chief Justice the Arkansas Supreme Court Chief Justice John Dan Kemp. And the associate justices of the Supreme Court justice where justice Hudson justice would and justice Womack. We also have with this United States senator John Bozeman. In the United States senator Tom cotton. We're pleased to have governor Sanders family with this. Including former governor Mike Huckabee and Mrs Janet Huckabee. Police have governor Hutchinson and business Susan Hutchinson. And. Former United States senator former governor and a former member of this house senator David Pryor and his wife Barbara. And as always we welcome. Our Arkansas state senators. At this time I recognized House parliamentarian finest Buddy Johnson to announce the results of the General Election vote for the United States Senate United States Congress and proposed constitution. Thank you Mr Speaker. United States Congress district number one congressman Rick Crawford one hundred fifty three thousand seven hundred seventy four votes represented Monte Hodges. Fifty four thousand five hundred ninety eight votes. United States Congress district to congressman French Hill Republican one hundred forty seven thousand nine hundred seventy five votes Contessa Hathaway Democrat eighty six thousand eight hundred eighty seven votes. Michael white libertarian eleven thousand five hundred eighty four votes. United States Congress district number three congressman Steve Womack Republican one hundred forty two thousand four hundred one votes Lahren Malott Hayes Democrat seven to seventy three thousand five hundred forty one votes. Michael J. Caladrius libertarians seven thousand six hundred forty six votes. United States Congress district number four US representative Bruce Westerman Republican one hundred fifty three thousand eight hundred fifty votes John what Democrat fifty six thousand seven hundred forty five votes. Re Max well libertarians six thousand one hundred one votes. United States Senate. Senator John Bozeman Republicans five hundred ninety two thousand four hundred thirty seven votes. Natalie James Democrat two hundred eighty thousand one hundred eighty seven votes Kenneth Kate's twenty eight thousand six hundred eighty two votes. Issue number one a constitutional amendment to allow the General Assembly to can't convene the extraordinary session upon the issuance of a joint return proclamation of the Speaker of the house of representatives and the president pro tem of the Senate or upon the submission of a written proclamation containing the signatures of at least two thirds of the members of the house of representatives at least two thirds of the members of the Senate to the Speaker of the house of representatives and the president pro tem of the Senate requesting that the General Assembly convened an extraordinary session four three hundred thirty five thousand five hundred sixty nine votes against five hundred twenty two thousand six hundred ninety three votes. Issue number to a constitutional amendment to reform certain measures presented to voters to be known as the constitutional amendment and ballot initiative reform amendment four three hundred fifty three thousand eight hundred fifteen votes against five hundred eleven thousand five hundred eighty votes. Issue number three a constitutional amendment to create Arkansas religious freedom amendments four four hundred thirty three thousand four hundred seventy five votes against four hundred forty thousand six hundred eighty seven votes. Issue number for an amendment to authorize position personal use and consumption of cannabis by adults to authorize the cultivation and sale of cannabis by license commercial facilities and to provide for the regulation of those facilities four three hundred ninety two thousand nine hundred forty votes against five hundred five thousand one hundred thirty votes Mister Speaker. I now recognize the House parliamentarian finance Buddy Johnson for the declaration of the results of the General Election vote for the Arkansas state constitutional officers. Thank you Mr Speaker. For the office of lieutenant governor Attorney General Leslie Rutledge Republican five hundred seventy seven thousand three hundred sixteen votes. Kelly Ross kraut Democrat two hundred eighty eight thousand six hundred thirty one votes Frank Gilbert libertarian thirty three thousand one hundred sixty three votes. I Leslie Rutledge do solemnly swear do solemnly swear. The United States that I will support the constitution of the United States and the constitution of. Sharks and duties and I will. At the office of the lieutenant governor for the state of Arkansas. On which I'm about to enter. So help me god. For the office of secretary of state secretary of state John Thurston Republicans six hundred thousand one hundred ninety four votes Annabeth Gorman Democrat two hundred ninety four thousand nine hundred seventy votes. For the office of state treasurer and state representative mark Lowery Republican five hundred ninety two thousand six hundred thirty four votes Pam Whitaker Democrat three hundred one thousand six hundred votes. I Mark Lowery do solemnly swear to help to solve these. For the office of auditor of state treasurer state Dennis Milligan Republican five hundred ninety five thousand one hundred sixty me one hundred sixty six votes Domon Arnold Johnson Democrat two hundred fifty eight thousand one hundred fifty four votes Simeon snowed over tarian thirty seven thousand eight hundred twenty five votes. Well the Office of Attorney General lieutenant governor Tim Griffin Republican six hundred five thousand seven hundred eighty five votes Jesse Gibson Democrat two hundred ninety thousand one hundred eighty three votes. For the office of the commissioner of state lands Tommy land commissioner of state lands Republican six hundred eleven thousand seven hundred twenty three votes Darlene Goldie gains Democrat two hundred seventy seven thousand seven hundred fifty votes. Hi Tommy land do solemnly swear is almost. United States and. So help me god. I hereby appoint the following named House Committee to notify governor elect Sarah Huckabee Sanders that the joint session is ready to receive her and escort escort the governor elect the speaker's rostrum. Chairperson represent Marcus Richmond representative Stephen Meeks representative Charlene Fite representative Vivian flowers representative Fran Cavenaugh representative John Maddox representative Sonya Eubanks Barker representative Danny Watson representative Jay Richardson representative Tippi McCullough representative Tony Furman representative Kendra Moore and representative Stetson Payne. what purpose Mr sergeant at arms the governor of the great state of Arkansas the honorable senator Huckabee Sanders admit governor elect Sanders Mr sergeant at arms. I recognize the House parliamentarian finance Buddy Johnson for the declaration of the results of the General Election vote for the office of governor. The office of governor. Sarah Huckabee Sanders Republican five hundred seventy one thousand one hundred five votes Chris Jones Democrat three hundred nineteen thousand two hundred forty two votes Ricky Dale Harrington junior libertarian sixteen thousand six hundred ninety votes. You may be seated. Is Serra how can. Do solemnly swear that I was. That I will support the constitution. And I will faithfully discharge. State of Arkansas the Office of. Upon which I'm about to enter. Sir. Ladies and gentlemen it is my distinct honor to present to you for the first time the honorable Sarah Huckabee Sanders governor of the great state of Arkansas. While. Speaker Shepherd. President Hester. Members of the Supreme Court distinguished members of the General Assembly and my fellow Arkansans. It is an absolute honor to stand before you as the forty seventh governor and the first woman governor of the great state of Arkansas. I was thirteen years old when I attended my first joint address back in nineteen ninety six. Some of you may actually recall it was a pretty chaotic today. After getting lost in the surging crown of the whole I actually missed part of my dad's first big speech in this very chamber. Today I made sure to get here bright and early and much to the surprise of pretty much anyone who knows me I'm actually on time. I'm grateful to be joined by my family. My wonderful husband. Ryan are three kids scarlet hot in George and members of our extended family thank you all for being here. We're also honored to be joined by former governor Aissa Hutchinson and the First Lady Susan Hutchinson thank you so much for your service to our state in the example that you have led with over the last eight years I hope I can meet the bar that you have set. I also want to recognize former senator and governor David Pryor and his wife Barbara who said an incredible example of service and love for our state I know how much you loved Arkansas and what a great job you did as parents because I have the opportunity as the Attorney General of girls state to spend an entire day with your son where he treated me better than anybody should have and I'm very grateful for your leadership and your service thank you for being here. As we gather in the storied chambers. At the dawn of a new day. A turning point in the history of Arkansas will usher in a new era of good jobs great schools safer streets and stronger families. The people of Arkansas in their vast wisdom have entrusted a new generation to lead. This is our moment. This is our opportunity and you and I are the leaders who are people have chosen to get the job done. Our reasons for such high confidence and boundless optimism are committee. History teaches us that to every generation. Comes not only great challenges but great opportunities and often in quick succession. After the upheaval of World War two there were decades of unparalleled economic growth and after the turmoil of Vietnam stagflation and the gas lines of the nineteen seventies there was peace and prosperity of the Reagan era. After the financial crisis of two thousand and eight in years of lingering stagnation there was an un precedent in economic boom. Like the rest of our country Arkansas has weathered its fair share of storms. A worldwide pandemic. Shuttered schools crippling inflation and rising crime. But here in Arkansas that long night of hardship and heartache is breaking into a brighter tomorrow. If we seize this moment together if we act on the principles that each of us hold dear we can make Arkansas stronger than it ever has been before. I couldn't ask for better partners in this endeavor. President Hester Speaker Shepherd your partnership is the reason that I know we will deliver for the people of Arkansas. I want this legislature to know that as governor I will always have an open door and an open mind and like most of you. Take note I didn't say most I don't care about getting the credit I only care about getting results. So this session. Let us think bigger. Let us think boulder and do better than we ever have before. With. Be careful in my last job they never clap for me at the podium so when it starts now I'm gonna give you a minute. With the Family budget still battered by inflation let's deliver another historic tax cut and give the people of Arkansas the pay raise that they deserve. Let's not surrender the competition for jobs to other states let's cut taxes and bring jobs right here to Arkansas. Let's also cut wasteful spending so we can continue to phase out the state income tax altogether. The challenges that we face an education did not appear yesterday. And they certainly will not be solved tomorrow but we will get started fixing it today. I ask you to send me legislation that expands pre K.. Improves literacy and give students real world skills they need to succeed in the workplace. Parents cannot be an afterthought in Education. Parents are the foundation of a child success so let's give parents a greater role in education in. Including the right to choose the school that's best for their child what. When we give parents a choice. We give children a chance. In these endeavors I will be guided by clear principles principles that I know each of you share. Among these principles is the belief that the first responsibility of government. Is to secure the lives the liberty and property of its citizens. Any government. That tolerates rampant crime. Has failed in its most important duty. As of today Arkansas will tolerate crime no longer together we will build the prison space we need to keep our citizens safe and we will put more of our courageous cops on the street we will shut down the crime wave that has plagued our cities. And let me be clear. We will teach our children. That the badge is a symbol of justice. The police are a force for good and our officers are heroes who are worthy of our highest respect. There is so much more we can achieve as partners working together. If you send me legislation legislation promoting adoption or improving foster care I will sign it. And if you send me a bill defending the right to free speech or the right to keep and bear arms I will sign it. And if you send me a bill that rewards are teachers with higher pay I will sign it. But make no mistake. If you send me legislation that grows our government at the expense of freedom I will veto it without hesitation or remorse. As a mom of three kids I have no problem saying no. Today let us reaffirm our commitment to a timeless American idea that government exists not to rule the people. But to serve the people. The special interest. Will speak loudly. But it is the voice of the people that we must hear and follow. They are the men and women who till the soil drive the long hauls and run the restaurants. The people who work hard give back to their communities and help their neighbors in times of need. The people who teach their children to love god and to be proud of their country. They take responsibility for their actions. And they deserve a government that does the same. A government that does a few things and does them exceptionally well that is the government that they voted for and that is what we will deliver. Today. Let us each pledge. That we will not rest until we have a government. That is good and decent and hardworking as the people of Arkansas. I ask you to stand with me as we work for the state. We love. And for the people that we serve. Thank you so much for the honor of being your governor god bless you and god bless the great state of Arkansas thank you so much. The House will reconvene in five minutes. And the Senate will reconvene in ten minutes the joint session stands adjourned. The House will come to order the house is now reconvene. Represent makes for what purpose motion place. But to your motion after the announcmenet for any of the bills transferring the bill's place of the counters on the desk members amending their own bills with their own amendments members withdrawing their own bills finalize resolution three communications and any remaining committee reports I move that we adjourn until one thirty tomorrow afternoon that's a proper motion is not debatable all in favor say aye. Any opposed. The motion passes are there any announcements. Represent wing for what purpose let's hear your announcmenet the House Management Committee will meet upon adjournment today in room one thirty eight downstairs all members of the House Management one thirty eight represent Fortner for what purpose. You're recognized for announcements at will meet at ten o'clock for organizational meeting in room one thirty eight tomorrow. Represent Lanny Fite for purpose announcmenet you're recognized city county local will meet at ten AM tomorrow imac B. organizational meeting represent Barker for what purpose you're recognized aging children youth will meet at ten AM in the morning in room one thirty. President flowers for purpose. Thank you Mr Speaker at the Arkansas and in the absence of our chairman the Arkansas legislative black caucus will hold a luncheon tomorrow afternoon eleven thirty eight am to one PM at the Arkansas pharmacists association thank you representive Dalby for what purpose announcmenet you're recognized Thursday morning ten AM house judiciary will meet in room one forty nine that'll be Thursday represent Tosh what purpose you're recognized state agencies will meet at ten AM in the morning board organizational meeting and also we have four five bills we need to hear ten AM in the morning room one fifty one percent off for what purpose announcmenet you're recognized House rules will meet tomorrow tomorrow at noon big mac may represent Maddox what purpose announcmenet you're recognized insurance and commerce committee tomorrow morning at ten AM in room one forty nine for an organizational meeting any other announcements. If not the desk will remain open as needed for the reading of the bills and upon completion The Addams named in the joint resolution house to be adjourned until one thirty PM tomorrow.