JBC-Special Language

And I'm gonna start with some just some announcements I know that a representative Cavenaugh is gonna chair today but while she's on her way I'm just gonna start with some announcements. There are a few items on the agenda The warning that we will need to take up during this meeting this requires a suspension of the rules so only that motion and a second to take care of those when we get to those issues. Just a reminder some items on today's agenda like the governor's letters have sections that include appropriations personnel on special language the subcommittee will only discuss the special language personnel subcommittee is meeting tomorrow morning at 7:30 AM and mac B. and we'll discuss the personnel sections and the appropriations will be taken up in joint budget 3 there will be at least 1 more meeting special language this week so if you have language you like to present a subcommittee. Please get the staff as soon as possible today so it can be referred here things are moving quickly so please keep an eye on the web meeting dates times agendas and documents will be posted here it is likely we expect to have special language tomorrow immediately following session just like we did today so that is the current plan again things are subject to change but I suspect anything passed over today or referred tomorrow morning out of joint budget will be heard after session tomorrow give me one moment with my coach. Okay members due to the length of the calendar today we're only gonna recognize members of the committee for any purpose if you've got something a question you'd ask find a member have them ask questions of because if you're a non member you have a chance tomorrow on joint budget or on the floor to to voice your concerns. Your concerns or support of of any bills and members I will also say for brevity we hope to we have to do a lot of voice votes today there's a lot of members in here that are not on special language please be courteous of that don't make things awkward if you're not on the committee don't vote if you're on the committee please do vote all right I will hand it off to represent Cavenaugh. Thank you Senator Hester for taken. For maybe a light Paula jazz I see a quorum and so we're going to go ahead and start with the agenda we're going to take up C. one. No did you have anything that. Good afternoon members thank you madam chair first item on the agenda is HB 1018 this is an amendment governor's letter 7 it's on page 1 all of the packet is labeled items C. so we're just gonna go through all of the pages by number this is for department of an energy and environment division of environmental quality this is an amendment by representative Wardlaw I'm going to give a brief summation of the governor's letter currently there's a 5000000 federal appropriation for alternative fuels vehicle charging and infrastructure it's a program that they have the governor's letter changes the name of the program and then H. we changes a source of funds to be used in the program on page 3 you'll see the actual amendment for special language you'll see that the program name is changed and the language requires the party any expenditure funds for the program expenditure has to be approved by legislative counsel or for a legislative session the Joint Budget Committee. Representa Wardlaw do you want to present your amendment which will. Division Bayern mental control. Yes. You're recognized representative Wardlaw. Thank you madam chair. So th what this amendment does if you guys remember to questions and we had the other day and budget about where these charging stations would be located this member just says they have to come to council before they can expending those funds so that we're aware so we can stand accountable to our constituents on where these charging stations aren't there's the Jackley located throughout the state so that every public member has access to those charges station manager I'd be happy to take any questions. Thank you represent Wardlaw the by have any questions. Representa Payton you're recognized for a question. Thank you madam chair so my question is did we do this recently with compressed natural gas and do we have any that are outcome as to whether that. Had any return on investment because the way I remember we had grants to build natural compressed natural gas stations and a lot of money went out and everywhere I drive it it does look like anybody's using those stations at all so that's one of the questions I would have. Represent Payton I'm gonna let represent Wardlaw answer the question since it is amended. Thank you madam chair so basically what this does state to help you understand it it in this argument here is not whether we do charging station or not this is the day to dictate that we get to see how they spend the money I think that arguments to be had on the bill itself but not this amendment. This amendment set up just like the A. R. P. funds similar to the way we had cares Act put money where it has to come to council first because we're we're thanking us upwards about $700000000 that can be brought through this so we want to make sure that we have opposed control from the legislature to make sure that spot that money is spent correctly. Thank you and and so when you say we talked about the legislature so we'll go beyond the executive committee of LC here yes good order of peer actually as well as the project that I think that's a good idea and definitely be interested in who if the government's gonna be involved in this type of business is going to set the prices for what it costs to charge a vehicle and things like that so yeah I'm glad to hear with it we have oversight thank you madam chair. You can see and no other questions. I will take a motion I have a motion. On second all in favor say aye. Okay The Amendment has passed let's move on to S. B. 67 item number 2. Members this is on page 7. In your packet this is governor's letter 10. This is for the department of commerce you'll see various items added in this amendment and this letter but what we're going to look at is on page 8 and page 9. Currently there is a section of special language regarding county fairgrounds in the department's budget. This program has been moved to the department of agriculture it's been transferred so this governor's letter would like to remove the appropriation and the special language for county fair grants you'll see on page 8 the prior page that there was $100000 procreation FOR will services for the county fair improvement grants. If we moved you Page 10 you'll see there's also another special language section that's going to be amended this deals with foreign office operations currently the language does not have stipulations in that regarding the use of the operations of these offices the language it's being added specifies conditions under which these 4 offices can operate. Thank you is there anyone from the department of commerce that would like to present some information on this. If you don't mind please come down introduce yourself for the record and you're recognized. Yeah. Thank you madam chair Mike Preston secretary of commerce. Jim Dotson chief of staff department commerce thank you are recognized. Thank you madam chair I think the this the languages transferring on the to the active part in the probably not whatever wants to hear about probably about the offices so what this language does it specification from the governor about what our offices activities they can support so we heard the dialogue last year and this is in response to that response to ongoing current situations around the world that are foreign offices are to provide export assistance to Arkansas based businesses to assist in the reshoring of jobs in manufacturing business operations overseas and encourage direct investment in Arkansas for companies that are not state owned or state controlled that's what the language does so it really just specifies inputs and stirring strengthens the language around our foreign offices as it was concerned about that in previous legislative sessions we want to make sure that was addressed. Thank you. Secretary. Do I have any questions on this amendment. Representation you're recognized for a question thank you madam chair so. So currently. The the languages has blocked the ability to have offices in certain foreign countries is that true. That's what we're on here. On the wrong page. We're on item number to represent thank you okay well I was trying to listen to what he was saying and I must have missed something this is about how you can spend the money on maintaining offices in foreign countries is that correct yes 8 it's 8 clarifies what the board offices can focus on. Making sure it's focused on export assistance bringing reshoring jobs in manufacturing to the U. S. and may not 8. Assist with any of the state owned or controlled companies okay so does not restrict or change the landscape on where we maintain offices correct nothing on the whereabouts okay thank you thank you managers of funds. Any other questions. C. 9 what is the will of committee to have a motion motion the past I have a second second all in favor say aye. All posts a night. Graduations amendments passed we're going to pass over item number 3 so let's move on to item number 4 H. B. 1055. Page 18 in your packets members. I'm sorry Page 24. That's H. P. 10000000005 page Arkansas tech university that's fine sorry. This is an amendment. Representive cloud and Senator Davis yes yes they're both present this amendment and special language that amends the Arkansas code to change the residency qualifications and eligibility of those who serve on the board of trustees for Arkansas tech university and it makes language effective upon passage of. Thank you. Represent Hammer you have a question. 61 okay you gonna present representive cloud are not present go ahead presenter member place thank you madam chair thank you Committee this is simply to correct some outdated language the second agricultural mechanical districts actually no longer exist so this will allow a broader pool of persons to be appointed by the governor for the board of trustees for Arkansas tech university currently there's only 30 counties that can be done and will expand that to the 75 counties misled taking questions thank you to have any questions committee members. Sam Nunn thank you for your presentation do I have a motion motion do pass the second. All in favor say aye opposed nay congratulations your amendment has passed. Members we're gonna pass over number 5 HB 1079 we're going to go to SP 63 which is going to be in your package number page number 33. Thank you madam chair this is for department of education. There's 2 parts this amendment we're just going to deal with the special language but it relates to an appropriation that has a $3000000 increase this is for. Increased appropriation for the succeed scholarship program it requires the department and to expand it annually for eligible students statewide. Thank you representive right you're recognized presenter amendment. Thank you madam chair I think a registered to a description of the amendment I'll just say very briefly there's 3 primary reasons for the it for the amendment to add $3000000 for the program the first being that that flat funding means fewer scholarships because the scholarship amounts are for the programmer based on the foundation funding so if the succeed scholarship funding remains flat but foundation funding for education goes up then that means there's fewer scholarships that can be awarded with the same amount of funds the second reason is that was 1.$2000000 in one time funding taxed from the from the previous year that's going to be expiring and so there's approximately 179 families that are going to experience a tremendous disruption if that funding is not maintained and so a portion of that would be to address that issue of the third is that there's affected Lee waiting list for the program we know that the current levels of funding don't meet the demand that currently exists and so when the application process is turned on its immediately filled in and a 30 to 45 minute time span so this would be to provide for the demand that we know already exists but those families are currently waiting to receive the scholarships and be happy to take any questions thank you represent have presented amendment I see any questions. C. 9 do I have a motion. Motion the past I have a second second all in favor say aye. Jose 90. I think the ayes have it. So with that you're amendment has been passed. And then let's move on to item number 7 which is S. S. B. 54 and page 38 in your package. Members this is amended to department of Human Services division of medical services budget this is special language that's going to be added to their operating bill regarding medical services community and employment supports and the Medicaid waiver this is an amendment by representative Ladyman. Representive Ladyman are you here to present. You click a button. Your representative Ladyman. Thank you madam chair. Well the amendment has been explained there but I just want to give some detail. The special language the purpose of it is to fund the clearing of the list of 3000 people who are on Medicaid waiver waiting list many of these people have been on the waiting list for 11 years. I'd like to to think representative Josh Miller and representative Julie Mayberry they've worked on this for many years as I have to get this done it's very important I believe that we look at these folks and evaluate them to see what services they need if they need any and we have the funding to be able to provide those services 11 years a long time to wait if you need those services also one thank governor Hutchinson staff and Secretary Gillespie who worked on. How to implement this. So with that I'd be happy to take any questions. I see no questions do I have a motion. Motion to pass a second. Second all in favor say aye I. He opposed. The eyes have it congratulations amendment has passed. With that let's move on to item number 7 which is going sorry item number 8 which is going to be H. B. 1034 and is page 41 in your package. Thank you madam chair this is for the department of corrections division of correction appropriation this is a special language that's being added regarding the audit of firearms and ammunition and this is an amendment by representative rye. Thank you represent a wry can hit your button so you can present your own amendment. You are approved presenter amendment okay thank you very much ma'am ma'am of what this basically is is we have heard that you know we've had problems through the years with guns and ammo in our prison systems and this right here is actually going to calls an audit every 3 months which would be from all the facilities and they would forward that to secretary Sullivan but we would have something in black and white all hail how this is gonna be performed so at this point right now we don't have anything. Okay thank you rector Wardlaw do you have a question. You are approved for your question I think my questions for sponsor madam chair. Is that. My question is is I was in audit committee on that Friday and I was on the impression that the department had responded and accounted for that ammunition so I'm lost and why we want to re audit this process it's already been audited. And I was wondering if representive have had some inside or knew that they did not it's something they should have or. What what's the reasoning Mister Wardlaw they are actually from what I'm hearing they are doing at a certain audit right now especially since this happened this past year when we ran here on that but we do not have anything in black and white from us this right here would create something where we would know exactly where I'm going to send them all or at within our prisons. Thank you manager you're welcome representative Tosh you're recognized for a question. Thank you madam chair represent the route as one make sure I understand you said that there be an audit every 3 months are you talking about the department of correction with only all to firearms and ammunition are you talking about a complete audit of their entire inventory of everything in the position of apartment correction note he ought to go thank you senator a representative Tosh is just up the ammo and the. And and the guns okay yes. Representative Wardlaw you're recognized for a question thank you ma'am chair of my questions again for the sponsor in consultation with my generals here military does this on an annual basis not on a court or not on a 3 month basis would you be amenable to an annual basis and then come back special language with the annual. Yes Sir I would representative Wardlaw and that would at least get us going in the right direction thank you. Okay representative of our Speaker Shepherd you're recognized for a question. Madam chair adjusted question for the chair but I believe we can do a verbal amendment since we're just we're just changing the timing if that's appropriate and perhaps either represent raw represent Wardlaw be willing to make that amendment so we can go ahead and and vote this hopefully because. Represent one law you're recognized make amendment I make the minute to annual basis instead of 3 months thank you there has been amendment. I have a motion motion motion second all in favor say aye. Opposed nay okay the amendment has been adopted so now the passage is going to be of the amended as adopted as amended moto what we're gonna be voting on is the new amended version of representive rise Amendment most proper to. You're recognized for motion motion to pass the special language as amended. I got a second second all in favor say aye. Opposed all right congratulations amendment has passed thank you members and we're going to be moving down to number 9 which is SP 64 and it's page 44 in your package. Thank you madam chair this is for the Department of Education Division of elementary and secondary Education Public School Fund this is the language that's being added to require the department of education to review and approve the proposed curriculum for the Arkansas governor's school prior to the beginning of the program each year and then to maintain oversight of the program this is a representative Dotson Amendment thank you representative Dotson you're recognized presenter amendment. Thank you madam chair it was explained pretty well the one thing the the Department I originally when I was talking to them about this I put in there the secretary of education and they asked to make the Department Arkansas department of education review and approve the curriculum and maintain oversight of the implementation and for consistency and accuracy and so just so there's no question on who has the authority over the governor school that's what this amendments for more happy to try to answer any questions. See no questions from the members I'll take a motion to pass motion second all in favor say aye aye opposed 90. Congratulations amendment has passed a member's we're gonna move down the item number 10 S. B. 58 is gonna be Pitsch 47 in your package. Thank you madam chair this is again for the department of education but this is for the Division of higher education. This amendment does as special language but it also has a new $2000000 appropriation for the governor's higher education transition scholarship program is being added to the bill so the special language is adding language is going to be over that appropriation and this is an amendment by representative 11 thank you representive 11 you're recognized to present your amendment thank you madam chair thank you staff for the prescription of this members one thing that she felt that was not mentioned this act this is an unfunded appropriation there's currently no revenue in place for this is strictly just a vehicle that we're putting in place in case the revenue becomes available and also the purpose of the special language is to establish guidelines to the Department of higher ed on how they would administrate those funds in the event that the funding become available shaped good vote. Then I see no questions I have a motion. I'm second all in favor say aye. 90 okay congratulations The Amendment has passed we're going to move down to H. B. 1070 it's going to be 52 in your package. Thank you madam chairman this is the addition to the department of finance and administration disbursing officer appropriation bill. This amends a special language within the administration of justice fund allocation section of the bill and amendment by representative Jean and Senator Hickey. Senator Hickey are you going to be presenting. Representative genes not back yet. Yes yes I can you're recognized to present it thank you madam chair members what this does is if what we know we have a bunch of items that come out of the A. O. J. fund within the A. O. J. fund the of. Court reporters in the trial court administrator assistance. There are also included within that fund however they don't come out as a percentage they come out as a set amount so what we're doing is we're just going to do a transfer of that money every year which is a little over 6000000 for the court reporters it's 8.3000000 for the trial court administrators we're going to transfer that we're going to have this is where it's going to be coming what were any increases in their salary within come out of state Central Services. The next amendment this going to be on the list we've actually done some additional top language that will require them to bring some things before us that they normally wouldn't do so you'll be seeing that in a moment. Thank you senator Hickey I see no questions of take a motion to pass. Motion second all in favor say aye. Posay night congratulations amendment has passed members we're going to move down to number 11 Sturch yes number 12 which is going to be S. B. 23 and it's number 56 in your package. Thank you madam chair as Senator Hickey indicated this is of amendment 2 administrations Office of the Courts this is for the court personnel so there are changes that will be taking place within their operating bill and this is amended by Senator Hickey and representative Jean. Senator Hickey you're recognized yes members if you look on page 2 about halfway down this is where the meat of this amendment is going to be at what we've done is a lot of times whenever you hear that there's just an appropriation you say well that's just the appropriation will have to provide the funding later whenever you hear that something comes out of state central services that can can be of immediate so what we've done is we've taken this and. And we're going to require that although that that's going to come out of state central services that for the legislature to have the proper oversight such as it would do personnel that there will be certain things that are we'll have to be brought before us and as you can see there you can read a list of those that are right up above section 9. So again this is a basically just to help the legislature to provide a little bit more oversight. Thank you Senator Hickey represented. Okay. Seeing no questions motion do pass on second all in favor say aye. 90 against all right it is passed let's move down to SB 67 item number 13 and there is a hand out on this one. Thank you madam chair as a chair indicated this is for department of commerce there is a handout that is coming around that the sponsor would like in place of what is in your packets I believe this is going to be presented by Senator Hester this is for department of commerce and it deals with their foreign office operations special language. President of Hester you're recognized thank you member Senator Ballenger was held up out of state family member that's ill he's to simply not able to here today so we discussed this we're gonna pass over number 14 which is the next one for the day but it's on my present SB 67 but it's just I think it's what we've all had plenty of discussion about other parts department of the commerce is a present a governor's letter to start this meeting that that address some of this concern but but the reality is every reason that you would have for not passing this amendment I would argue is the reason to pass the amendment the concern is will China may not be friendly with us if we don't pass this well I would I would argue that that is that is influence on us as a legislature in us as as as a people group a child is not our friend they are not friendly people I shouldn't say China will say the Communist Party of China right and it's not if they're going to do something atrocious it's when we all know what we've we've known that about Russia we've heard we've heard that going on for years so what China is not a friend of ours they are not an ally of ours they will not be a friend of ours in the future and any reason you would have to vote against this I would argue is a reason to pass it. Thank you Senator Hester do I have any questions. Seeing none. Senator Hickey you're recognized. From what little bit a little bit more time since this body just passed out governor's letter 10. I want to make 100 percent sure that we don't have conflicting language within those that's we need to just take a little more time with us okay. Senator Hickey I I'll take that and since I know that we can have a special language tomorrow maybe Senator Ballenger B. here that time as well pass over till tomorrow thank you Sir we'll thank you will put this back on and we'll discuss it at the next 1 let's move over ways as is been prior said we are passing over number 14 SB 67 let's move on to item 15 which is H. B. 1070 it's page 70 in your packet. Thank you madam chairman this is amendment to the apartment of finance administration disbursing officer appropriation bill this is our operating bill there's going to be so special language added that deals with the appropriation you see before you for 5.$8000000 for senior citizen relief grants and this is an amendment by Senator Ballenger. Don't know Senator Hester is. Yeah okay we'll pass over this one till tomorrow to Senator Ballinger can be here. That we're going to move one to S. B. 64 which is going to be on page 75 in your package. Thank you madam chairman this is amended to department Education Division of elementary and secondary Education Public School Fund this is this section a special language that amends the code to update the fiscal year in language concerning the first day of the school year for elementary and secondary schools and this is a member of our representative Wardlaw. Wardlaw you're recognized for centrum. Thank you madam chair was brought to my attention at the beginning of the fiscal session that semester test we're going to be given after the school Christmas holiday break. Now let's think through that really hard how many these kids even are straight A. kids are going to remember everything they learned after they took a 2.5 week break think of the unintended consequence of the bill a look back at the code to see if this was a proper way to delay this and it is there's been court law that has been set in statute or court laws not state statute but been sitting presidents that says that we can a man start dates of legislation and special language so therefore I want to delay the start date for one school year to give us more time to work with our school districts and to give them time to figure out how to better fit semester test into the same semester in which that test is for so with that miss madam chair I'd be happy to take any questions. Represent Payton you're recognized for a question thank you madam chair and I guess I just like to understand some of these logistics a little better I don't know whether we're doing this to prevent confusion or doing this is going to create confusion so could I ask a. Secretary key to to come give us the logistics on implementing this or not implementing it sure is. Secretary Qian room. If you can come down and introduce yourself for the record. Madam chair have a question for you please yes can I have a moment to close at the end please yes thank you. Jon Kate apartment education you're recognized okay thank you. A written Wardlaw did approach us a couple weeks ago about this we got language from bill are to help provide them some feedback on how this would work and we and we did so the net effect of this in addition to delaying the start date for this legislation by year you know one the number of districts have already adopted calendars for this year US according to the law that you all passed so there could be some confusion and districts may want to come back and change it based on if you'll passes or not. The the other thing though that I think is. Something just to observe and again the department does not have a position on this but for the 2223 school year and effect any time after July 1 schools could could start. So they could adopt calendars at that start you know all over the board they could be messy and that's that's simply the reality of of the implementation factor on this but I'm happy to take any of the questions of tone I have represented Payton you're recognized you have a question to ask. Well I think you answered my question it is doable it's doable yes okay thank you thank you manager your. Senator English you're recognized for a question thank you madam chairman I guess I'm confused so what is it about the testing right now I I think my in my district school started August 13 that means this means that they are the law the new law with past means that they can't start in that they have to wait until the end of August so how does that throw off the the testing is that will have so many so many days between stars call and the testing or what well it's semester testing his. It's governed by each district as far as whether they administered semester test me there's no state requirement for for that so that this done at the local level of the scheduling is also done at the local level for the rest of the calendar so the the law now says the second 2 Mondays before Labor Day would be the the initial start date and when you look at other scheduling decisions that districts may make they like to finish the semester before the the Christmas break. Some I mean there there's there's a lot of flexibility within the first semester you know how many days are often thanksgiving how many other days say they take for in service or parent teacher conference so really it's hard for us to say clearly that that you know from a state perspective that there's a problem with that because so much of it is driven by a local decision making so school could a school district could decide that they're going to have their semester tests in. November. And and that's going to be okay. Well it's it's more of a factor of of when they in their semester when they schedule I mean semester tests could be done any at any point but obviously they want to try to do that is close to the end of the semester as they can because of the material they're trying to cover also know that if it is not unheard of that districts have administered a semester tests after they come back coming got all my staff members to bend high school principals and and different folks that said that that has happened in the past so really it's it's all about the local timing of of when they schedule of these things. Okay thank you. I see no other questions representatives of representative Payton you're recognized for a question thank you madam chair can you address. I don't know that Arkansas has any schools trying to this but I've heard about some schools trying to go to 4 day weeks the House this effect. The an effort to go to a 4 day week or are not affected 40 week is allowed under a different section of the code and so it's not affected by this at all so so going to a 4 day week doesn't change their semester test at the end well it could but again that's that those are things that have to be lined up with other local scheduling on that's not something driven at the state level thank you. Represent Wardlaw you're recognized close for your amendment so out of full disclosure my mother is a is a school administrator and that's where this came to my attention from. But that the big deal your is I I was in very much consolation with doctor and as as well over to the ministry Association. And those guys I've gotten emails from all over the state from superintendents and teachers thanking me for the bringing up of this amendment this amendment brings it back to being good for kids and teachers this amendment allows local control for those schools to set their scars start date when they can fill out a calendar that hits their semesters by the semester this members not to help us but tell the association is to help our kids and our teachers with that Mister madam chair I make a motion to pass and appreciate a good vote I have a motion to pass second all in favor say aye. Opposed. Congratulations your amendment has passed with that members were going to move on to S. B. 64 which is going to be on page 78 of your package. Thank you madam chair this is another amendment to Department of Education Division of elementary and secondary Education Public School Fund in amends the language concerning the disbursement of enhance student achievement funding in states that any school district that's entitled to the funding shall not receive less than they did in fiscal year 2022 this is an amendment by Senator Irvin can represent of clothes are. Sturch Irvine you're recognized presenter amendment thank you madam chair members of the committee what you have before you is an amendment just to keep emplaced the current level of funding under the ESA funding the reason being is because of the interruption of this program in the waivers that were granted under the federal government the data is not correct and so we need to stabilize the funding source for many many schools because of its nothing that they did it was just because of the waivers that were enacted during the COVID pandemic from the federal government and this keeps that funding study there's no increase the the department of education has this money so be happy to answer any other additional questions. Seeing no questions do I have a motion. I see a motion to I have a second all in favor say aye. Opposed. The amendment is passed thank you madam chair thank you members of the committee with that we're going to pass over item number 18 we're going to go down the item number 19 which is HB 1070 it's Pitsch 87 in your package. Thank you madam chair this is an amendment to department of finance ministration disbursing officer appropriation this is our operations bill as you can see an amendment there are 2 new appropriation sections being added for the infrastructure investment and jobs act of 20211 410000000 and the other for 50 550000000 your special language being added that governs the transfer procedures for these appropriations and this is an amendment by representative Wardlaw and Senator Hickey. Senator Hickey you're recognized presenter amendment. Okay yes this is this between. By separate represented Wardlaw what this is members if you all remember correctly we've had this will be our third party money that's come from the from the feds the first part was the cares funding the second part was the rescue funds which we call our pro and these are going to be the infrastructure funds whenever we had set up to keep whenever the carriers funding was set up there were not the committee legislative oversights within the statute so whenever the arpa funds came what we did is we set that up so that you know as this money was it would have to come through peer and then have to come through a LC for the approval plans would have to be submitted to add things to that nature everyone seems like they've been great with the way that our procedures have been with arca funds these infrastructure funds which I refer to as affluence. These are funds they're going to be a separate part of money so what we're gonna do is we're going to have that same structure in place the only thing really that's going to be different is within the other within the other language we had we had the possibility could exist that we could pay off are a any of our some of our bonded indebtedness that would not be an option through this so we did remove that one small piece of that so that all the temp to answer any questions. I see no questions. I have a motion to pass second all in favor say aye All opposed nay nay congradulations the Amendment has passed with that we're going to move down to S. B. 102 which is going to be on page 94 and there will be a hand out for this 1 also. Members this is a Senate bill by Senator Hickey. As an appropriation for the department of finance ministration disbursing officer. For pregnancy resource center grants 3 year of $0 appropriation added. To your departments bill and some special language that deals with some funding transfers. Senator Hickey is here to present the bill and their as the chair indicated there is an amendment to some language that's on page 95 lines 17 and 18. Senator Hickey recognized president. Do I need to present the The Amendment today first is that the way I need to do that and we vote on it and approve it how does that process work we need to suspend the rules first so we need a motion to suspend the rules I make a motion all in favor say aye. Okay the motion is passed now you can present okay members what the amendment that you got today is is a I had there was some talk that there could possibly be in some type of deal that went on on this $0 which there was not but I had some members that they'd ask me if I would because the bill that I'm fixing to give you it has a grant has a grant process set up through the FNA what this says is that if you all pass this next this bill that we're going to have. That any grant funds that come from the FNA there will not be a third party intermediary it'll go straight to the pregnancy resource centers so that there won't be a middle man or anything like that that number was the intent or whatever but as it was pointed out to me it's best to make that clear. Thank you. Senator English you're recognized for a question. So I just need to ask a question about this. I don't have a problem with that except I'm wondering does this actually may meet the fiscal session. Parameters because we're starting a new program here is that something that we have to do during the legislative a legislative session or can we do that during fiscal session. From from my standpoint yes it will made it because it does tie back to an appropriation bill with the funds with funds that are taxed. Thank you. Senator Hester you're recognized for a question yes Senator Hickey some questions I've got from different pregnancy resource centers are what are the strings that are attached and and because we're just now seeing some of this can you but I understand monies come from the government but also most of these if not all of these are going to be faith based organizations that are not interested in the strings attached type grant can you describe any strings that are going to be attached on this I understand we're dealing government either has to be something but can you just that's that's going to be part of the bill do you all want me to go ahead and explain the bill before we pass the amendment that attached to it. I walked away to my question I'm I'm good either way I'm I'm good with okay okay and then I'll answer that question Senate representative Payton recognized for a question thank you and I think my question is specifically toward the amendment because if we're saying that the funds are going to go direct from the affidavit to the pregnancy resource centers have we defined the pregnancy resource centers is there a list yes Sir that's going to be in the bill okay there's not gonna be a live specifically because my understanding that we couldn't do that but again I'll get and all that just just a moment it's sort is defined in the bill yes Sir thank you. Senator Rapert you're recognized for a question. Thank you I just moved option the amendment so we can hear the bill. Proper motion all in favor say aye. Follows the bill has been adopted thank you members amendment has been adopted thank you okay now present the bill as as we just said what what this is is there there is a request being made that $1000000 will come out of rainy day funds not surpluses will be current money that is sitting in rainy day funds and the way it would be structured is we're gonna talk we're going to ask the affinity to be the mediator for a lack of a better word for this program so what what what we would do is we would set them up so we would have a grant program for these pregnancy resource centers and we try to come up with the name of those and we come up with pregnancy resource centers pregnancy crisis centers what those organizations and we're represented Payton the it starts own. Is pressed arts on page 2 this is defined with that but what they have to be in existence as of January 1 of 2022. So how do you have an a will be authorized or they will be tasked to set up a grant program this and then they'll have to promulgate rules and those rules of course will have to come through the legislature according to you know the statute guidelines are in place so. That's about the extent of it I mean of course whenever they set up these guidelines and that was the reason that I did the amendment somebody wanted to make 100 percent sure that the funds would not go to a dark third party that that the rules would be structured again which have to be approved by us but they wanted to make sure in statute that those funds would to would go straight from the FNA to the centers. Representative love you're recognized for a question thank you madam chair as a I'm on skin in the bill. I'm still trying to find the definition of a pregnancy resource center so let me just ask you directly is planned parenthood pregnancy resource center. Not that I know of. Okay thank you. I see no other questions do I have a motion to. A committee to pass as amended. Sep first and second all in favor say aye opposed say nay congratulations your member has passed that's gonna move us down to item number 21. Which is S. B. 103 it's going to be page 58 I mean 98 and it also is going to have a hand out for you. Members this is a bill to department of finance and administration disbursing officer this is for marking Forsman stipend grants proximally $100000000 procreation is being added to the bill is one that is well as additional language governing those grants this is a bill by Senator Hickey and representive Shepherd. Senator Hickey if you just want to introduce yourself and you'll be recognized. And Speaker Shepherd also. Jimmy Hickey. You're recognized to present the amendment. Okay members I want to try to go through this. We forgot to suspend the rules so we need to suspend the rules because we do have an amendment need to present the amendment first motion all in favor say aye aye if you can present your amendment first okay members what it is we put a place holder in on the original Amendment it just had $100000000 what we're gonna do is we're gonna back that down to $50000000 the actual cost of the thing is estimated and I do have to say estimated is right for is right at 40.5000000. The reason that we're going to put the the 50000000 we're all set that up in a different account under what's called the miscellaneous aid agency funds we're gonna put the 50000000 there because the way we structured this which I'll get into detail in the second is that uh officers over as of record as of July one can receive it and then officers that coming in by January 31 of the next year could also be eligible if they do it so there's going to be a little bit of an unknown there is going to be a little bit of an unknown on how much the cost will be in no way shape profession do we expected to be to the 50000000 and the way we have this structured is it has to be for that specific use. If it's not used for that then what it'll do is it'll automatically roll back to our general general revenue Reserve allotment phone which takes an act of the legislature to get out. And there's no checked into it too there's no it's not going to be any loss of interest or anything like that by having it under the miscellaneous agency funds as a as opposed to that other that other account. Do I have a motion members for adoption of the amendment motion second all in favor say aye. You can continue presenting the bill okay I present this of members well this is the law enforcement. In time staff and bill which we've all been sick of discussing over the few weeks. These that serve the salary stabbings with this within this bill are authorized to be paid out our state troopers are deputy county sheriff's our city and municipal police officers and parole and probation officers it's been a very tedious and challenging bill because anyone who provide security and safety to the Arkansas state agency is beyond worthy. However from a fiscal policy aspect properties in limits had to be established and set out in writing. We've tried to be very thorough thorough with very many details the apt the macro aspects of the bill. They are as follows. The staff will only be paid to certified full term the officer must remain in law enforcement within the state for a minimum of 180 days after receiving it. A limited exception has been made in regards to the to the hundred and 80 days if an officer is scheduled and approved to retire to one of our applicable retirement system's. And those and those plans. Disbursements of this will be made to the to the employing entity there written requesting certification is also required the staff is will be paid out as follows 5000 for $5000 for city and in this business property. 5000 for parole and probation officers in 2000 for state troopers this reduction to 2000 was derived by factoring in the increase in salaries of the troopers which is also being requested during this fiscal session. In addition to the above amounts a disbursement will be made to the requesting entity to cover the matching share of the employer's social security and Medicare taxes again This Is employer shares. Employer share of that don't call me but I think that 7.625 percent extra that that will have for that. The money needed to fund this project as I said earlier they'll come from surplus funds at the end of this fiscal year the cost is expected to be 40.5000000. Again although I said that's been estimated we're going to place 50000000 like I said into an account do you solely for the purpose for this purpose of the staff and. All that will also have to be paid out in FY 23. The remaining funds will be transferred back to the general revenue a lot more reserve fund at the end of the fiscal year. I'll try to answer any questions members do we have any questions. Who are very upset and seat number 20 you're recognized for a question representative right you're recognized yes thank you Mr chairman of Senator Hickey the folks that are working here at the capitol will they receive the 5000 also served no Sir they will not. Thanks. Seeing no other questions. Motion are you closed motion. Bowsher motion the past second all in favor say aye. Posay night congratulations amendments passed. With that members were going to move the item number 22 which is H. B. 10:26 AM page 111 in your package. Thank you madam chairman this is an appropriation for the department of public safety's operating bill. There is an increase appropriation proximity some 44000000 this table from Arkansas state police fund. And the amendment and special language it's a lease language in code that concerns the salary ministration grid for the Arkansas state police. It adds language. For a new starting salary grid. And then include stipulations for the great this is an amendment. By Senator Dismang and representative Jean. Senator Dismang if you'll. You're recognized to present your member. No thank you notes presented is she Combat line there the parameters 20 percent no more than 20 percent of you know for any affected or impacted employee and also this we understand this is all subject to review by ailes here's ABC Evers here after taking questions. I see no questions have a motion. Motion to pass on second all in favor say aye 98 the bill has passed. Thank you members that's everything on the counter today just want to make sure that we understand that tomorrow we will have to meet and we'll meet again at the adjournment of both chambers. And release these bills S. B. 102 S. B. 10310 to 103 H. B. 1018 H. B. 67 H. B. 1055 SB 63 SP 54 H. B. 1034 SP 64 SP 58 H. B. 1078 S. the 23 and H. B. 1026 we are adjourned.