House Convenes

I'm by the member staff press and guests in the galleries to stand to be led in prayer by representative Monte Hodges and remain standing for the pledge of allegiance to be led by representative Lane Jean. Let's break. First of all god we want to start off with an attitude of gratitude and tell you thank you. Thank you for new mercies that I knew every morning. We thank you lord for the privilege to serve your people all people. They were created in your likeness the your image. We trusting you with all our heart. We don't lean into our own understanding in all ways we will acknowledge we pray for guidance with them as we take care of the people business. That all the we do bring you glory and bring you on or if in Jesus name the Christ we pray amen. Members please indicate your presence by pushing your yellow present button prepared machine Mr Clerk. Cast about Mr Clark. With ninety seven members present the chair sees a quorum there any request for leave represent Brooks for what purpose leave directly represented Perry its lead grant represent Perry. So noted represent Gazaway for purpose leave you're recognized leave a representative Mayberry is leave grant represent Mayberry. So noted represent Payton for purpose leave for accented Miller is leave grant represent Miller. So noted. Represent Fredrick Love moves we dispense the reading of the previous day's Journal without objection so ordered are the Reports from select committees are there Reports from standing committees are there is there any unfinished business are there any executive communications. Members one thing I I failed to mention earlier this week our Arkansas state troopers that are providing security for us today our corporal Richey Whitley and corporal tray Keller. Without objection represent speaks moved house bill nineteen eighty to be placed on second reading for the purpose of amendment read Amendment number one Mr Clark. I'm never one to House Bill nineteen eighty two. Represent speech you're recognized explain the amendment. Thank you Mr Speaker. We took away just a little of Pulaski County and what but Lincoln County into the first district. Greenwood school district back into Sebastian County and after doing this it brought all for the districts within less than point oh five in their present population thank you. Represent speaks is explain the amendment. Would anyone like to speak against the amendment. Representative Scott you're recognized to speak against the amendment. Colleagues today I'm asking that we look beyond intent. That we look at the impact of what we do here the impact is not unclear it is not unknown we know what these maps do we know what the breakdowns are I'm asking you all to not ignore something you know to be so wrong. This map cuts in distorts Pulaski into three congressional districts. Well maybe not the intent it is the impact that it dilutes black votes in the south south east northeast parts of the county sending some to the first in the fourth the Supreme Court has repeatedly found that racial packing and cracking is unconstitutional. When they made this decision they didn't look at it they look solely at the impact and that's what I'm asking you to do today communities in Pulaski County are going to be in a tough position of having to talk to three different congresspersons for any major project needs or natural disaster this is not good for economic development it is not good for representation I want my colleagues and I'm asking you those who support this map who have you spoken to in these communities. Have you spoken to people in rose city in Riceville. This legislator sometimes have a history of ignoring people in communities like bees now we are about to make a major decision impacting those who represent them. I hope you're listening to me your colleague your friend your supporter. We are not without the good options yes we speak of this option as is the only one that we have. We speak as if the amendments have speak something but they haven't we have a choice in this body. We will see the racial impact for what it is or we will ignore it because it's very convenient for us to do so. Well. That's a choice for each to you but I urge you to reconsider and do the right thing and I just want to say that I've spent years down here building relationships with each of you have gone out of my way I'm a black woman in this body I represent these communities. You can ignore my color you see my heart because you've got to know me but I represent these communities and I don't have a voice and I'm your I'm their voice here this is gonna really impact the people that I serve every day and I'm asking you to reconsider. President Scott spoke against the amendment we would like to speak for the amendment. Would anyone like to speak against the amendment president and that you're recognized speak against the amendment. Good morning colleagues Mister Speaker. I spoke with the sponsor about this about her previous bill of the previous version of this bill that would have split Pulaski County into two congressional districts and I spoke to her yesterday about this version of the bill I explained to her that this bill was split up a majority black districts into three congressional districts it was split up black precincts and will split my legislative district into three congressional districts this is not fair is very blading to the people that I serve in district thirty six. I ask all my colleagues here to vote against House Bill. Nineteen eighty two thank you. Represented in it has spoken against the amendment when you would like to speak for the amendment. Would anyone like to speak against the amendment. Percent love you're recognized speak against the amendment. Good morning colleagues actually it wasn't even my intent to come up and speak against this amendment because I usually don't speak against amendments. But I have noticed that. This does. Split the county that three different congressional districts in. You know some people might say Hey that means more representation. But when you disenfranchise and the community that's not more representation. I want us just to take a step back because whenever you talk about race. It really it really just goes to the core people because first of all nobody wants to be intentionally. accused of actually disenfranchise and or doing anything for race. But. Ant's representative Scott said is represented in it said you cannot ignore what's going on here. And so if we would just take a step back. And look in the communities that this map is impacting you would see the disparate impact. And you would know that race cannot be ignored when we look at this so what I'm asking you is to consider voting down this amendment because we can do better. And just take into account. That race can be taken into account we don't have to look at it as a negative thing. But actually looking at it from a human standpoint looking at the communities and how they'll be disturbing impact and so I ask you just take a step back. Look at this map truly understand that this is impacting real communities the real African American communities let's go back to the drawing board and do better thank you purpose of love is spoken against the amendment would anyone like to speak for the amendment. Would anyone like to speak represent ray recognized speak for the amendment. Colleagues look I know several the may have problems with the bill and to oppose the bill but I don't think there's any problem with letting representative speaks amend her own bill so that we can move on to debate on to the bill in terms of splitting Pulaski County I know there's the there's several other bill some some bills filed by members of the opposing party that have split Pulaski County so I think we can do away with a little bit of the moral outrage on this but I think we ought to just let representative speaks amend her bill and then we can have a full and thorough debate about the merits of the map as amended and if you don't like the map you know vote no on the map and if you do vote accordingly thank you. Represent race vote for the amendment would anyone like to speak against the amendment. Representative Payton you're recognized speak against the amendment. Thank you Mr Speaker members I said on state agencies Committee. I'm sure most of you probably need to see the map until fifteen minutes ago but this bill was rushed. It was being modified right up to the last minute yesterday it was rushed through committee yesterday and this amendment is evidence of that. It needs corrected because it was rushed I know everybody wants to go home but we're not done with our business yet. The Senate. Just failed to pass the companion bill for this bill. We were told yesterday committee this is what we had to do because this is what the Senate wanted. Which goes against my grain and I voted against it in committee. But anyway evidently is not what the Senate wanted. They just failed to pass it on the Senate floor. This bill is rushed this amendment is also rushed this amendment is necessary because the bill was rushed it's time that we quit rushing with people's bit business most of the bills we handle down here. You know we can come back and change it it's not the law of the Medes and the Persians we can make changes folks whatever we pass on redistricting stands for ten years. Let's quit Russian it let's get it right thank you. Represent Payton spoke against the amendment would anyone like to speak for the amendment. Represent Dotson. You're recognized to speak for the amendment. Thank you Mr Speaker members this is a member's own amendment the reason we passed members own amendments as a courtesy to members is because they can simply file a new bill with all the changes in it. Please pass this amendment as a courtesy thank you. Represent Dotson spoke for the amendment would anyone like to speak against the amendment. Representative Springer you're recognized to speak against the amendment. Thank you Mr chairman members I join in with my colleagues in the districts that but my district district thirty four so like court join in with them opposing this amendment I just want the record to reflect the light to oppose this amendment thank you. Represent Springer spoke against the amendment would anyone like to speak for the amendment. Against the amendment representative Allen you're recognized speak against the amendment. Thank you Mr Speaker colleagues. This is my third time in the history of billion and this timer to come down hand oppose the bill originally I was in support of representative speaks bill. If you look at this map this map is totally different from the original now and the only thing that I have to say is when we vote on something like this is very important I think it's important that we get it right and there's no sense enough Russian. To get this bill passed when all we have to do is spend a little bit more time energy and effort to correct it and the come up with something that's workable for everyone so with that in mind that's the reason why I will oppose this bill thank you. If I like to speak for the amendment. Against the amendment. Representative speak your regular clothes for your amendment representative speaks is close for her amendment. The question before the House is passage of amendment one to House Bill nineteen eighty two. All in favor say aye. All opposed. Is haven't. Mr Clark amend read Amendment number two to House Bill nineteen eighty two. I've been over to the house bill nineteen eighty two. President speaks you're recognized explain amendment to. Thank you Mr Speaker. Before I start with this one I want to tell you the Senate has an identical bill to what this one is my name is on that bill and Senator English who is her bail is on my bill so they are absolutely just a lie and I am probably be coming over here. That is an amendment number two is just a technical correction and it does not change any and the districts are their precincts in the map it was just a technical. Problem. President Kennedy for what purpose question. Is it a question of the chair no I'm sorry question mentions. On her amendment. You're recognized for a question thank you Mr Speaker. Represent represent speaks I just have a question on the amendment process I know you're on state agencies so my understanding was I believe that you all scored these listen to them and then ranks them and then voted on them and then Chosen a. The top one but if there is going to be a significant change that perhaps there is going to be revoked so that's my question here with regard to process as we have these different amendments is this is your bill here in these amendments is that that first one that came in number one and if so are we significantly change this has there been another vote that's just my question on the process thank you. This this. What you're talking about totally different what we're doing here today we had to amendments we put one on yesterday and so what I'm doing is just let them the body know what that lies in Amendment number two we found out last night that there had been a technical error and in order to fix that we have to correct that because we want to make sure that everything gets done exactly what we're supposed to do and that's all we're doing is correcting that technical there it was in the codifying or not kind of fine but it was in the language and and sections and that that had to be omitted and put them. So I appreciate a good vote. Representive speaks is explain the amendment when he would like to speak against the amendment. Would anyone like to speak for the amendment. President speaks is closed for the amendment the question before the House is the adoption Amendment number two. The house bill nineteen eighty two all in favor say aye. Any opposed the amendment is adopted. Send the builder engrossing and return the bill to committee Mr Clark. Morning hours ended. Mr Clark please read Senate bill seven thirty nine. Senate bill seven thirty nine representative right to provide employee exempted from federal mandates and employer mandates related to the credit virus twenty nineteen and to declare an emergency. President right you're recognized explain the bill thank you Mr Speaker this bill Senate bill seven thirty nine is exactly the same bill we debated yesterday House Bill nineteen seventy seven the only difference is is that this bill does not have an emergency clause on it and some of the sponsors are conflict on instead of Senator Hammer is after Senator Ballinger on on the bill so I'm sorry for the delay Senator Ballinger on the house bill senator Hammer on this bill so I think any questions of the mascot and. Percent ray you're recognized for a question thank you Mr Speaker I represent a bright so we we passed your bill yesterday and the Senate my understanding is approve that bill this morning what what is the can you just explain the functional purpose in passing two identical versions of the same bill well that they put a lot of work into their bill just like I put a lot of work into mine they requested since that kind of the Senate took the lead on the bill that the house passed and Senate back and so I'm wondering that request. President Richmond what purpose. Question you're recognized for a question I don't know if you can answer this what but if I understand this correctly this bill does not the Senate did not pass the Emergency Clause. And so when we look at what is presented to us right now still has emergency clause on it tell me again what we're doing with this bill. We're passing it identically to the house bill ninety nine seventy seven but it should not have emerged across because it was not adopted okay so whatever if we pass it is passed without emergency clause correct thank you. President Crawford for what purpose question you're recognized for a question thank you Mr Speaker so if we were to pass this what does that do to the bill we passed yesterday will this one supersede jurors if the governor signs at last and we won't have an emergency clause. So the question that is correct but to represent a race point the house bill got debated on the floor to sent this morning and they were not able to to a pass emergency clause. You're recognized for follow up thank you. So in my estimation it's best to stay with the bill that we passed yesterday and to vote this one day and would you agree. I'll I'll let you have your vote. Represent Dotson for what purpose parliamentarian query let's hear your inquiry I guess the question is that I understood the Senate recall the bill the house version of this bill this morning is that. But is that back in the Senate I suppose and if that's the case and they're considering emergency clause on it would be premature to consider this bill that doesn't have an emergency clause on it that we sent their if they're still debating that we we received just a few minutes ago a request from the Senate to return house bill nineteen seventy seven but we have not taken that up as as most know it recall would require leave of the House to send the bill back to the Senate we've not taken that up at this point in time. So would it. I guess delaying the. Consideration of this particular bill until we take that up on whether we're sending it back to him be in order. We we have worked through the agenda the calendar that we have before us this letter was received while we were in the midst of our business here the the decision as with with it's been past practice was to work through the calendar quite honestly since we received this while I've been up here that's one of the things after we took up this bill that died to spade recessing briefly just to make sure that we handle that request appropriately but we're we're at this point on the calendar but as always that's that subject to the will of the body. I just finally. I guess what a motion be in order to delay action on this bill until we take up that other action. Represent represent Bryant has the floor right now so there's thank you not appropriate promotion at this point in time. President Payton for what purpose. Our question questions of me or that you have you Dotson covered most of my questions but it created more you're recognized for a question so would representive Bryant be at liberty to request this bill be held until the end of business today. Or put at the bottom of the calendar. It is the bot it is at the bottom of the calendar. Okay so Represent Bryant is left the well. Represent Payton you're recognized. I'd like to make a motion that we suspend the action on this bill until we've consider the. Letter from the Senate. I take it that's a motion to postpone temporarily yes thank you. That's a proper motion it's not debatable. The question before the House is a motion to postpone temporarily and the parliament Terry parliamentarians advised me it's a it would be a is non debatable. Majority of the quorum and similarly to bring it back up it requires would require a motion and a majority the court and bring it back up. All right. Proper motion question before the House the motion to postpone temporarily. Senate bill seven thirty nine all in favor say aye. Any opposed. The ayes have it. House stand recess for ten minutes. The Senate the house come to order. Mr Clark please read the letter from the Senate. October sixth twenty twenty one died of a serious tax there were stacks The Senate respectfully requests the return of Senate bill. To the Senate house bill nineteen thirty seven respectfully submitted in Cornwall. Is leave granted to send the bill back to the Senate. I've heard several say no is is there a motion to consider the to to send the bill back to the Senate. Once from for what purpose yes the question I have is just a point of clarification for what purpose with the bill be going back what's the conclusion. Keep Mr Clark you hear me the letter. The letter doesn't indicate the point of sending it back the letter just says dear miss stacks The Senate respectfully requests the return to the Senate and house bill nineteen seventy seven respectfully submitted and Cornwell Secretary of the Senate. Represent Payton. Thank you Mr Dreyfus I stood for a motion but I think the sponsor the bill probably takes precedence. President Bryant for purpose motion let's hear your motion motion send the bill back to the Senate house bill nineteen seventy seven. It's proper motion is debatable do you wish to explain The motion. You're recognized explained motion. Thank you Mr Speaker the Senate by a I spent a lot of time on this bill there's a lot of questions so going on between the Senate and and the Senate sponsors as well as myself which the Senate back across his body as a courtesy to allow that and so I would like that sent back thank you percent rise explain The motion when you would like to speak against the motion. Representing you're recognized speak against the motion. Thank you Mr Speaker I do not think we need to send this back. The games are being played down the Senate or this they want the emergency clause passed on both these bills or they're going to hold up the map the congressional map which means we'll stay here days longer. Now. We can work with the Senate. But in my eleven years here they usually do not care what we thank down here that's that's just track record. we are our own body I think it's a mistake to send this back and playing these games on because this is if the map is not gonna come out down there until they get a both emergency clause passed I'm just telling you. I would ask that we not send it back thank you. President Jane is spoken against the motion represent Payton we would like to speak for the motion represent paid you're recognized speak for the motion. Thank you Mr Speaker I really quick how fast we can pivot from show curtesy to a member that wants to do a member's own amendment to not showing curtesy to a member that wants to allow the Senate to recall the bill. This is represented Bryant's bill he obviously concurs with with us sending it back to the Senate but also yeah although courtesies shown to the Senate. Might give us an opportunity in the future to ask them for curtesy when we need it I recommend a good vote. President Payton has spoken for the motion would anyone like to speak against the motion. Would anyone like to speak for the motion. Represent Dotson you're recognized speak for the motion. Thank you Mr Speaker members this bill for this motion to recall this to the Senate if if it does not pass then it gets transmitted to the governor without an emergency clause I think the purpose the sentence I watched or listened to But a bit back and forth on this earlier this morning and my understanding of it is they're trying to recall it so they can continue the debate on whether not to add the emergency clause to this particular bill. We have the Senate version of this bill that we can take up immediately after we consider this motion if we so choose voted out of here and send it to the governor's desk so there is a bill on the governor's desk the does the exact same thing is as the house bill that is being considered right now so I would I would suggest we go ahead and grant leave to send this back to the Senate let them continue their their discussions on it we have a Senate version of it does not have an emergency clause on it and uh we can go ahead and vote that out here Senate to the governor's desk and there is a law forthcoming on the books they can continue to debate whether they want to try to add an emergency clause or not and they're two separate bills at that point in time if both of them pass and go to the governor's desk it's my understanding that the emergency clause if they do pass it with an emergency clause will go into effect as a separate piece of codes so that identical versions will stay the same but the emergency clause will go into effect if they get that done if they don't then. Then nothing else happens representatives for purpose question what's your question resent Dotson has the Senate had at least two or three times to debate this bill in essence whether to Senate bill or house bill and have the chance to pass emergency clause. I cannot speak to everything the Senate has done but I know there's been a lot of debate back and forth with with a few different motions and roll calls and various types of things that's what that's on them follow. So we don't have really any guarantee what they're going to do to this bill I know I've watched the Senate for the last week and the word circus has been tossed around a couple of times I I'm I'm on control that they may take the bill and to do something other than emergency clause is that a possibility well they do something other than emergency clause they would have to amend the bill and send it back to us for concurrence then we would get to decide ultimately what happens to it if we pass the Senate version of of this bill then there there's no need for this one to even go to the governor's desk so I think we have control of what happens with the policy at this point in time they haven't requested recall of Senate bill. Thirty seven thirty nine thank you off Dominican remain the number So we can go ahead and pass that. In this particular house bill would have it wouldn't matter if it passes or doesn't passes they can play with it all day long all we don't want to leave the house goes back to the Senate they can do whatever they want with it. Yeah they can kill it if they wanted to absolutely or they could passage with an emergency clause and it would go to the governor's desk where they can amended and we come back here for concurrence anyway I appreciate a good vote on the motion thank you. President Dotson spoken for the motion when you would like to speak against the motion would anyone likes representative flowers you're recognized speak against the motion. Collins I realize what I say. Probably won't have a whole lot impact on anybody's vote because people have take state their positions on this. I want to say this. We are the House. And I see this as a bunch of bullying. I think that this is the means with our process I was back there eating popcorn and I never thought that I would sit back and eat popcorn and really be doing and I always say I'm going to do it that's what that was. There are a lot of other ways that whatever you all for the Senate is trying to get done it can get done without bypassing and jamming with our process and pulling us into doing something so that we don't do what we came down here to do as it relates to trying the lines of these districts thank you. Exemplar spoken against the motion you would like to speak for the motion represent Ladyman you're recognized speak for the motion. Thank you Mr Speaker representative Jean I totally agree with what you said I don't think the Senate respects us as an equal body and I've seen that over the time that I've been here have been here long as you have but I've seen that but in this case I was over at sent this morning when they were debating this the Bill passed with a simple majority the emergency clause failed by two votes there's for members that are not there today they had pairs on the original motion. the governor would not allow those payers for the vote on the emergency clause or the expungement of the emergency clause and they want to call this bill back so that they can have a full body to consider the emergency clause so just wanna let you all know that. President Lehman spoken for the motion we would like to speak against the motion. We would like to speak for the motion represent Bentley recognized speak for the motion. Calling a quick reminder that this body yesterday voted for this bill with the emergency clause in place since it was the will of this body to have emergency clause intact so this really simply is asking us for a chance to bring it back to the Senate for full body there for them to get the emergency clause as we wish for and remember it's about our constituents back in our district we have thousands and thousands of our Kansans that about to lose their job and lose their livelihood is a little more porn than us maybe when you get home and get done and get out of here we're here for the people's business and I would ask you for chance for the people's business to continue thank you. Person Bentley spoken for the motion we would like to speak against the motion. We would like to speak for the motion. Represent bright you're recognized close for the motion. Really stepped off and at this time in a. I can appreciate everybody's comments I would say that this body that represent at least point is body passed passed out or bill. With sixty eight members two thirds this body push this bill to the Senate now The sentence got their own games as their games are this body has an intent and will to passes with emergency because whether or not they play games is not a game to my constituents it's not a game your constituents and so just the ninety days is so critical to the people at my doorstep today. will give them reprieve the mercy it won't will still affect future sure it will but you know if you watch the Senate you know an hour of their games on the floor for him maybe our entertainment is is worth it but it's not a game to these people that are in your districts affected by this legislation so if the if the Senate wants thinks they've got the votes to a representative as point I watched it as well you know procedurally they had some issues because of the pairs they get those issues worked out and actually do the will of their body so I appreciate a good vote on sending this back thank you represent flowers for purpose. Question is the question of represent broader myself yourself you're recognized Mister Speaker what is the vote threshold in order to pass this. Motion a majority of a quorum. Thank you. Right right as close for his motion the question before the House. Is the return of house bill nineteen seventy seven to the Senate all in favor say aye. Those opposed. The noes have it. I see five hands. The machine Mr Clerk. Is everyone voted. Is everyone voted. Cast about Mr Clark. By a vote of sixty days thirty two nine zero present the motion has passed. Members were gonna pass over Senate bill set well seven thirty nine they're still a motion holding it at this point in time. Members at this point in time we're going to go into a recess to allow House state agencies to meet I'm a recognized represent Tosh for announcmenet. State agencies committee members will meet in Rome one fifty one in fifteen minutes fifteen minutes from one five one thank you all right the House will stand in recess until one thirty PM this afternoon. When I saw it. The House will come to order. Read the committee reports Mr Clark. Mr Speaker we're Committee on state agencies the government governmental affairs to was referred house bill nineteen eighty to beg leave to report that we have the same under consideration here they're trying to say with the recognition that you pass strict this budget to I Tosh chair. All right. Members we're we've reached the end of the regular calendar we're moving to the supplemental calendar. Mr Clark please read house bill nineteen eighty two. Also nineteen eighty resent this speaks concerning the definition of fort United States Congress congressional district of Arkansas to declare an emergency. Represent speech you're recognized explain the bill. Thank you Mr Speaker. I bring to you a good cond congressional map and that one I believe will stand the challenge if necessary it's been scrutinized more than any bills since I've been down here. For you who have not been and state agencies I want to go through some of the changes that ex that hasn't changed from the existing map so we start with the first district. Moon in Marion County they have been added as well as a small portion from Pulaski County. Which is from the north side of the river that is the row crop farms land to and some small portion that was a swampland leaving all the city's hold as increasing and also the precincts hole the second district we added Cleburne County on the third district we remove new and Polk County adding Madison County the fourth district. We place news news and Jefferson counties and they are whole counties down from Sebastian County we removed a small portion that's known as bonanza placing pope into the fourth district removing five small county towns from Pulaski County that is south of a line thirty. This announcmenet meets all the principles we were asked to follow it does not split but to counties. It maintains districts as previously draw as close as possible. America requires a census every ten years and for only one purpose and that is to balance the population of the congressional districts this map has all of the four congressional districts less than point zero five per population. In closing this map can be defended and challenged in court and I would appreciate a good vote. President and it for what purpose question. You're recognized for a question representative speak did you speak to anybody in Pulaski County before you decided to present this bill to us. I did not speak to him personally in fact I've had some phone calls from Pulaski County and we did have some folks that did come and speak to us. Represent love for what purpose. You're recognized for a question. Thank you Mr. mystique's night is it your testimony that you lease the whole. The large cities yes okay now I do live in the city of little rock. In my house actually is now in the fourth congressional district. Can you explain how we leave cities hold get. My. House and my house district which is Pulaski if I know I live in Pulaski County but I live in Little Rock. Now is in the fourth missional District isn't that a suburb of Little Rock. No it's in Little Rock. Well I was told it was the suburb while ago the Little Rock is the I live in the. Okay. Represents represents represent love what purpose I'm still on the question. The question is is. Now would you you just said the city's home yet. I'm gonna let you all know that. My house is now. John into the fourth so is it your testimony that we do not leave the city a little hole that is what I've been told home we sat down and drew. Allen was drawing all the maps if it is all right maybe I misspoke but that isn't what I've been told and I was told just a little while ago that it was in the suburbs I don't I don't live in the suburb I live in southwest little rock so you know where you live okay. Since spring or for what purpose you're recognized for a question thank you Mr chair representative speaks you and I had a conversation earlier last week and I would just like to follow up on the question asked by representative any. Kate that you have spoken with persons within Pulaski County and and receive their opinion about your particular map is that correct. No I said I had received an email from someone that said they lived in he or a tax I can I think it was an email that they lived in Pulaski County but speak to someone personally I have not all of this share with that person to you in that email before they indicate to you all I got so many that they were asking us to. To protect some evidence and basically was all that was I mean nothing in specific. Last question Mister chair they indicate to you that by doing your map the way that you were doing it that you were diluting their voting power that you would call Senate to of be diluted no ma'am I did not do you. Thank you Mr thank you and I read it as for a good vote represented conceive represents speaks left the well president speaks is explain the building would like to speak against the bill represent Collins you're recognized speak against the bill. Thank you Mr Speaker. Great cities make a great state great counties make a great state. We all know that we help our counties and our cities by keeping them intact when it comes to congressional districts and that's why for the most part you all have fun to keep your counties together in your cities together as of all of us and we've collectively taking great pains to avoid splitting up counties and cities with Pulaski however it's been the opposite in a rush to see who can carve us up most egregiously AS one sponsor said it's the icing on the cake to split up last County this bill before us today is particularly egregious because it's split this up not to waste but it three ways and because it divides our cities including little rock and north little rock in a small part of Jacksonville. We all know what this map is doing. Pulaski County votes democratic and has a large black population particularly in the southern and eastern areas we're putting these parts of Pulaski County in different congressional districts and so doing we're weakening and diluting Democrats voiced in election representative and we are weakening and diluting black Arkansans voice and letting representative the map is likely illegal is personally offensive to me and many others and it is very sad. Even if you subscribe to the most cynical view of redistricting that the purpose is for the party in power to run up the score we really don't have to do this to Pulaski County. There's been plenty of maps including representative speaks initial map that's what no counties are legal and we Forsythe of the Republican districts there are also a few maps that split Pulaski once not twice the don't split cities that don't track obvious racial lines and those would be a lot more dispensable than this. Again great cities and great counties make a great state. In my time in the legislature I've kind of gotten used to people trying to talk down Little Rock. Sometimes there's a grain of truth I think it's exaggerated sometimes it's misunderstanding or fear sometimes there's a political agenda and sometimes racial gender. But little rock is our capital city. Little Rock along state everyone I'm proud of it I love it for its potential I love it for its people I love it for its loss I love the way it stores when people believe in it and you also to. Wherever you live in the state you benefit from a little rock that is strong safety growing thriving and well represented in Congress same for Pulaski County or largest county by far. Their company's stadiums stores recreational sites cultural resources creative spaces and cultural opportunities that would not exist in Arkansas if not for Little Rock in plaster county not to mention the human capital the brilliant energetic minds to build businesses provide jobs and in so doing sustain communities and strengthen families many of those people come to Arkansas or stay in Arkansas because of this city and this county. Everyone in the state wherever you live this is your city you can and do eat in our restaurants and shop at our Dillard's or cross go walk the big dam bridge this is the old mill can take as much as you want directly in those ways or indirectly benefiting from the jobs and economic power we pull into the State and spread to all four corners of it. Or you can vote for this man and whether or not you intend to you are going to hurt us and in doing so you're going to hurt your own constituents Arkansas is too small or face or two and twined the stakes are too high to let partisanship regionalism in racial gerrymandering come at the expense of our great capital city and this county our largest. We're on the same team we sabotage each other we all lose when we fight for each other. And empower people we all win. This bill hurts all of us urgent please but now thank you. Senator Collins is spoken against the building would like to speak for the bill represent Pilkington you're recognized speak for the bill. Thank you Mr Speaker we've got a lot of talk about little rock Pulaski County. On this map but actually what I want to talk about is where I'm from the river valley this is actually the only map that I've seen presented accounts and traits river valley counties together and gives a stronger voice we've constantly been a situation where popes in the third Johnson the fourth and other other counties are spread out and so for me representing my people and what they want they would like to see a map like this where the revive is concentrated in one thing I'd like to say aye you know I'm I thank I love elections I I help out all the time with different races in the state and that we actually could make these districts rather but didn't we look at the average Orvis ratings and congressional district it's about sixty to sixty three percent Republicans across the state this map actually is bluer than the average of most districts we look at the second congressional district so just wanna throw that out there we could have actually gone way harsher if we wanted to but I'm gonna be voting for this map because I'm representing my people in the river valley through like this and like being concentrated if you feel that your. County is not getting that deal feel free to vote against this bill and I would I would think that is a reasonable place to vote but I want people to centers when I'm going for it is because where I live in the river valley this is a good night for us thank you. President Pilkington unspoken. For the building would like to speak against the bill represents spring you're recognized speak. Thank you Mr Speaker members I come before you today and I'm coming because of my mentor John Walker. Had he been here he would have been a Paul it's four is taking place here today. He was saying the record is clear. This bill has cleared tactics of gerrymandering. Cracking and packing. This bill makes the case to show that the limits that the United States Supreme Court has already placed on Gressel redistricting is really valid here. The districts have been solely manipulated based solely on race. And I heard of representative Pilkington say. Which is pretty clear for the record now you all could have done this even more harsher. So the record is clear this is a clear case of gerrymandering based upon race thank you. Since Springer spoken against the bill we would like to speak for the bill. We would like to speak against the bill. President Godfrey recognized speak against the bill. Thank you Mr Speaker and colleagues I represent a racially and ethnically diverse legislative district and at the White representative that's a responsibility I take very seriously it's a priority of mine to continually consider center and seek out the diverse voices of my community to take their concerns seriously and to be under the mentorship of those who can help me see my blind spots when we as white representatives here from our colleagues and constituents of color who are telling us we've missed the mark we need to listen our intention is a relevant here we must consider our impact and we continue to hear that the communities of color in Arkansas will be hurt by this map therefore I will be voting no even though it won't impact my own community in northwest Arkansas because what matters to me and what should matter to all of us more than the narrow interests of our own districts and our own politics and our own limited experiences is that all our Kansans voices be taken seriously but no please. Represent Godfrey spoken against building would like to speak for the bill represent rate you're recognized before the bill. Well. Sorry about that. Colleagues I think this is a good map. There there's no map that is gonna be perfect but this is a good map. I don't think we should let perfect be the enemy of the good this map is the product of the state agencies Committee. Twenty members of this body one full one fifth of this body has been working on this map diligently. Unless you find it truly objectionable. I think we ought to support the committee here. A couple things I will mention about this bill about the map. Some of the areas of contention that we sorted through so on this map Chico initiate counties stay in the first district there was a lot of feedback on that topic. these are largely minority communities I think Chicot County is majority minority we heard a lot of feedback from those communities and they're staying in the congressional district. That they have provided feedback on. I know there's been a lot of feedback on Sebastian County and the desire for that county not to be split I totally understand where they're coming from from that but some County in the third district is probably going to have to end up being split. Because if you put all of these counties in whole. You're gonna be about ten thousand over on population. And so those people are gonna be under represented. According to the principle of one person one vote. And if we don't split Sebastian County then it's going to be Crawford County or it's going to be Madison County or it's going to be Carroll County. So if you represent one of those areas that's certainly something to take into consideration. The previous map. Split the city of alma basically straight down the middle. This map correct that. The previous map split five counties this map only splits to. I think a lot of people we consider that a vast improvement. I do want to talk about Pulaski County because that has clearly become the biggest point of contention I happen to live in Pulaski County Pulaski County is the largest and most populous county in the second district it is the center of gravity it holds the most to sway in our second congressional district elections. And if this map was adopted all that is going to continue to be true it's still going to be the largest County it's still going to hold the most sway it's still going to be the center of gravity. It was sent on the on the Senate in that in terms of the African American composition of the second district in this map versus the current one they're quite compared. You know a couple things that haven't been said. Is it ten years ago. When the other party drew these maps. They split Jefferson County. Which is a majority minority County. In this session it's been two maps that have been filed one by Democrat senator and won by Democrat House member that split Pulaski County. So I think we can just tone it down on some of the. Formative the address here in the moral outrage is being dialed up. About splitting accounting. The the idea that this is a quote gerrymander is laughable. If you want to see what a gerrymander looks like Google Illinois's fourth congressional district it starts out down here and then it snakes over here and it goes up here that comes back around here to get some other towns. Or better yet Google Google Maryland's third congressional district. I don't even think it's contiguous it is so messed up it has a nickname The Washington Post called at the praying mantis. I'm really I'm really disappointed that at every turn in this body it seems like the issue of race is continually injected into the discussion. There's a bill that gets passed. Good deals with the duty to retreat and it gets called racist we pass school choice legislation gets called racist announcmenet comes out of the committee with lines on a map gets called racist we're to come down here next week and we're gonna try to provide tax relief for hard working our Kansans and somebody's gonna call that racist. It's a cheap political trick designed to score cheap political points and that's how I feel about. President ray is spoken against for the bill we would like to speak against the bill represent Hodges you're recognized speak against the bill. Thank you us Mr Speaker and colleagues. And yes I am going to talk about race. I'm a talk about reality. Ingresa the if reality. I'm not trying to win an academy award by being up here so there's no theatrics here. This is about lives this is about people this about doing the right thing. Rev Allen mentioned this in his speech earlier. And I think it bears repeating. I don't come down here to speak against Bill. In fact I believe in this session was my first time on my five terms speaking against the bill. But I told you and I told you repeatedly doing session that to be silence is consent. I feel compelled to come speak against this bill. We all know what's going on here. It's no secret. Southeast Pulaski County is being split into three different congressional districts. Before we came down here to draw these maps. We all knew who live in the southeast corner of Pulaski County. NO who live in South Florida. Road fifty right field in college station. If people who look like me. Not a good look at the. In fact. According to the census data. The precinct that this map moved to the first and fourth district are sixty five percent and seventy percent non white respectively this means that neighbors church Korth classmates and co workers living in the same communities are going to have completely different representation. I live in Blytheville Mississippi County I can tell you we don't need the same things that people who roll city do. This map completely ignores their knees. That part of Pulaski County had its own judicial sub district because of the racial makeup of those precincts. This is so they have a fair and diverse representation on the beach. This map will do the exact opposite. You will dilute and diminish their representation. Many have said it is impossible to make maps they don't have county splits. But that just simply if false. Many maps have been filed with legal that the deviation that don't speak County. As a matter of fact. Representative Matt Nelda speaks original. Bill house bill nineteen fifty nine which I heard mentioned earlier had no county splits. You can even make the second district fairly drawn by just looping all them here in town. You'll still have your Republican delegation to Washington. That wouldn't change that. Any partisan advantage gained by this map with worth little compared to the negative effects this will have on the black community's in Pulaski County. So ask yourself. It is worth it to have a little partisan game at the stake of those communities. It is worth it to the the to do that. The voice of the people who look like me. I will be voting no I believe we can do better ask you to vote no with well thank you. Representative Hodges spoke in its building would like to speak for the bill. I represent what you're recognized before the bill. Colleagues will sit there and not say anything again of the. Hi I'll be involved because I represent my people. But when I look at this map I will bring a different representation to you my colleagues on the points of view that have been all for I've lived in St Francis County I've lived in Arkansas county and I lived I have lived in Polk County. And I have lived in Pulaski and I'll have in White County at the present time I've lived in every district but one the northwest corner of the State. And I can assure you for more from my perspective from the perspective of the people that I have become acquainted with this bad is well suited for the state of Arkansas. And like representative ray I'm sorry to see rice introduced in this body is a factor in this consideration. There's not one thing in the rules or laws that apply to the drawing of this map. They're mentions rice. It talks about representation proper representation and I don't think you can get any closer than point zero five percent differentiation between these districts. This map is been debated and debated and debated in this is the consensus of the state agency Committee. We need to support that committee. The Committee structure is designed to vet and failed out of those things that would be a waste of time or perhaps not due consideration. And we owe it to the committee to support this bill and pass this bill as it is. It is it has been reached of the liberation people from Pulaski County had ever effort. Possible money to them to come and appear before the the state agency committee they had ever opportunity to contact ever member of this body and I have not heard from a person in Pulaski County you say well you want us as well let me tell you one thing I've heard more from northwest Arkansas about so when the legislation we've considered recently then my whole district. I have gotten more phone calls from northwest Arkansas and more text and more emails. Then my district. So you tell me that the people of Pulaski County can't stand up and dial the phone puncher phone excuse me each of us ill punch a phone call the state representative in another district. Sure they K.. This is an effort to do the best that we can do and in my opinion at this point in the deliberation of this body and this is the best map available and representative who speaks like many others has spent a considerable amount of time to secure this map. And to. Represent the state of Arkansas let me tell you know forget this no one's been denied representation. No one's business I representation ever district as a Congress. With the county split or not. And this is not going to affect. The well being of Pulaski County I'll assure you that is not going to anyone is representing Pulaski County has the responsibility of the listen of them exactly like they do someone in another county of the state in their districts. But. It's true that great cities and great counties make a great state and we're a great study. And the porn of rice should not in my opinion be a factor in this. I love black people this is much as I love white people I'll do anything I can to help them in any way possible but just because of the rice being thrown in here is not right and it's unnecessary and I thank you for your time resentment for what purpose comment. We we don't have I don't think comments or appropriate questions and ask if I'm sorry was a question for me or for represent Wooten I missed for representive Wooten represent what is left the well okay. President what is spoken for the building would like to speak against the bill represent Crawford you're recognized speak against the bill. Hello friends. What a great day in the neighborhood. Well I have to speak because River valley is not whole as was said in river valley is happy because I live in the river valley Sebastian County. Representative spades came with the greatest. Map known to man. With house bill nineteen fifty nine. It had the growth right numbers in it. No council was split. Everybody was whole. And I'm gonna say what representative Charlene Fite said when she said why is everybody picking on Crawford County why I want to know why everybody's picking on Sebastian County. Sebastian County needs to be whole you know when I take a picture of my backyard. It comes up that I'm in bonanza and you have split bonanza bonanza is my zip code. So for that reason and many other reasons I will be voting now thank you president Crawford spoken against the building would like to speak for the bill percent talent you're recognized before the bill. Thank you Mr Speaker thank you colleagues. I just want to bring a little bit of a different perspective to this debate first I want to thank representative speaks for presenting this everyone in this room is have the opportunity to draw your own maps building consensus and get that is that the consensus approved through the committee. Same as representative speaks. However she's the one who got it done. And why did not initially like. Everything about her first matchup the. Amendments to this map. After hearing from our colleagues who have come to the capitol to speak I think changes. the changes or well warranted and a better representative of the state of Arkansas. I want to say this there is a disparity that exists in the state of Arkansas. But is not necessarily always around racial lines. A lot of times it's just like our public school system which I have a little bit of experience about. See we have a problem in our public schools or divide in our public schools along urban public schools enroll public schools. They don't work the same. They don't function the same they need different representations. And then this man out. I think it balances rule versus our ring quite well if you look at it you'll see the first in the fourth. Those are the majority of rule areas that exist in the state of Arkansas. They deserve to be represented is. By representatives who represent rural areas the second in the third or more your urban areas in the state of Arkansas they deserve representatives who represent urban areas. Now I'm in the first. My district is a minority or majority minority district. I've heard repeatedly house cleaning a little sliver off of Pulaski County will disenfranchise African American voters. You know where the majority of minority districts live in the State of Arkansas. They line the first. And we are glad to have African American voters joining with us in the first and represent them in the first and let their voices be heard in the first. We want to increase their voice and we will welcome them with open arms. The same is I'm sure the fourth will as well. In addition to this I would like to commend representative speaks to listening to my colleagues. My constituents. When they drove hours from Lincoln County. To have their voices heard. See we're supposed to keep groups similar. Well link in the chain Chico. Are similar in that most of that area is row crop farm. It's rule the same is the sliver of Pulaski County. It deserves a representative who represents row crop farmers. And so I'd like to thank representative speaks for including Lincoln County back into the first and keeping those groups who drove all their way up here to let their voice be heard and US hearing their voice to keep them together. I don't see this. S. silencing voices I see it is increasing voices increasing. Representation for both minorities for farmers. And for rule of our Kansans in the first. So I will be voting yes and I will ask you to vote yes as well thank you. Tala is spoken for the building would like to speak against the bill represent McKinsey you're recognized speak against the bill. Thank you Mr Speaker I think I can be quick I had some questions so I have some concerns so I'm leaning towards no but if I can get those concerns ramen NO. Suse chair my questions about the process and so maybe either in your closing or maybe another member of the committee I've tried to watch as best I can the state agencies my understanding I think was that we're going to hear a bunch of bills we're gonna vote and the agency members in order and then you know come to consensus of the top one and that's probably a very loose forty description port party does estrogen of what happened or what was the process and then my understanding is that your bill represents speaks was the top. Had the most support my question is. Is that bill pretty much intact now because I thought there was some discussion about and that would seem fair to me if the bill amends to the point where it more sent to another bill. That I'm worried about the process was there another another chance for the committee members to vote. So that's my question since we only do this every ten years I don't want to belabor the point I don't know the line I'm tucked up in the northwest corner my districts not changing a whole lot but getting smaller but I wanna make sure we're doing it fair and transparent so that's what I'm wanting to hear is how did that process play out the bill that was voted number one. Is it still sensually the same bill and if not was there a chance to revoked and if I've misunderstood the process I appreciate the clarification thank you. Person the Kinsey has spoken against against building would like to speak for the bill represent Wardlaw you're recognized before the bill. Thank you Mr chairman I was doing my best out of this place this section president mackenzie all speak to your question on process Bills were graded the committee did a an awesome job meeting prior to this session coming in meeting with people from Lincoln County of Southeast Arkansas has been appear almost every meeting we've had a. There's been representation from the first district and others. Representantes done the best job any chairman could ever done and I and I'm not telling that to to grain brownie brownie points for him until he did a awesome job integrated process went force. There was a motion made in committee to substitute representative speaks bill the majority of the committee voted to do that so process was followed everything that got us here today was done by the majority of the state agencies Committee it was done by a vote and it was done fair and it was done adequate and there was a lot of votes taken but her bill was the bill that's here in nineteen eighty two was substituted I think the number was nineteen seventy one if I remember correctly but there was a motion made in the committee voted majority to substitute that motion to the greater process. Wardlaw spoken for the bill we would like to speak against the bill representive cloudy recognized speak against the bill. Thank you Mr Speaker colleagues I'll be quick to but I did just want to get some numbers on one thing we had a colleague earlier stand up right in here and say that he was tired of racism being injected allegations of racism being injected into this debate I actually hadn't heard anybody make allegations of racism I heard us talking about race and so I just wanna talk about race very quickly as it pertains to this bill there are two slices of Pulaski County that are being discussed as as being kind of carved out one of the first one to the fourth those districts are sixty five percent non white and seventy percent non white respectively. Representative talents to down here and talk about the importance of keeping row crop farmers together condensing their political power. Senate Bill Clinton did the same thing is what we all do we want folks who have the same interests to be kept together I am sorry that conversations of race may feel inconvenient to some members of this body but I guarantee you that the impacts of race and racism are worse for our colleagues of color who are telling us quite clearly not what the intent of this bill is but rather what it does I would ask you to consider that and vote no thanks. President Clinton spoke against the bill would anyone like to speak for the bill. Would anyone represent Ladyman you're recognized speak for the bill. Thank you Mr Speaker and I'll try to be brief but but I I wanted to commend representative speaks on the work that you did and I'm just give me some fax on the work that you did she filed you know we had previous meetings but we went into our first committee meeting here. She had the first bill is filed I had the second bill. We had the first look we had night with seventeen bills to rank. We had a house and there was nine in the Senate so that's where we started but let me tell you from the very beginning representative speaks her primary goal and I know this more than anybody because I've tried to convince her to change her primary goal. Her primary goal was to not speak with a single county in the state of Arkansas. My bill was very similar to hers but I split three counties which was an improvement because somebody's already said it was five counties split ten years ago. So she was adamant about not splitting counties but to her credit. Well let me just say I drop my bill and and supported her bill is cosponsored because it was a better bill other people did that. but to her credit after discussions. She relented and said you got to get the numbers right we've got to split a county. We had counties we had cities that were split ten years ago. So I know people don't want a county split you don't want to be your county. But you know in Pulaski County I realize you don't want your county split but as has been said Sebastian of. Sir see that a county seven split many many times so it's just kind of like not in my backyard nobody wants to be split but the only way that we can make this map work and get the numbers right which was the primary concerns to get equal numbers is to split a county so we had to do that and I appreciate representative speaks being able to do that and compromised. Ferguson Ladyman would ask for a good vote president les mis spoken for the building would like to speak against the bill. Represent a call you're recognized to speak against the bill. Thank you Mr Speaker. I just have a few things to add I appreciate and agree with much what my colleagues have said today. There are a lot of inconsistencies here and what we say and then what we do none of us wanted or county split up I think we're better than this none of us wonder city split up I think we did have maps I think we could have maps that achieve all of those goals that worked out for the best for all of us. I think others mention made of plaster county people maybe not showing up to these meetings or. Emailing or whatever it's been hard enough for us to follow the calendar and to be appearing to break for thirty minutes and and then it not being posted online in time for anybody to get here to try to get somebody to get here's nearly impossible especially people that have families and they're working and trying to live their lives and trusting us with those lives. Also. Could not sit in my seat today and listen to anyone. Accuse my friends and my colleagues your colleagues. Of the chief political tricks. And to dismiss their perspective and their lived experience. Is ridiculous and often when we hear that something's not about race. It is about race. I just suggest that we listen to the folks that that know what they're talking about thank you. Representative because spoken against the bill represent very for what purpose motion let's hear your motion Mister Speaker I moved for immediate consideration. That's proper motion it's not debatable all in favor say aye. Any opposed. The ayes have it. Question before the House is the passage of house bill nineteen eighty to repair the machine Mr Clerk. Is everyone voted. As everyone voted. Cast up the ballot Mr Clark. By a vote of fifty nine yeas thirty nays and five present the bill is passed. Members we're now going to want to vote on the emergency clause. Members were voting on the emergency clause. Where the machine Mr Clark. Is everyone voted. As everyone voted. Cast about Mr Clark. By a vote of sixty three eight twenty eight days and to present the emergency clause has failed. House stand recess for ten minutes. The House will come to order. Read the bills Mr Clark. Senate also forty three that objection read the bill a second time Senate bill seven forty three state agency. Sorry. Represent represent Bryant for what purpose. Let's hear your motion motion to remove House Bill I'm sorry Senate bill seven thirty nine from the table. That's a proper motion. It's not debatable question before the House is to take Senate bill seven thirty nine off the table. All in favor say aye. Those opposed. The ayes have it. Mr Clark. Mr represent right you're recognized continue your presentation on the bill. Thank goodness looks like we're coming to a close on our week. So we just wanna go ahead and and get Senate bill seven thirty nine heard baited and off the floor and to the governor's desk so I appreciate a good vote. President Dotson. You're recognized for a question thank you Mr Speaker representative Bryant just for clarification for everybody this bill is identical to H. B. nineteen seventy seven that we already passed out of here yesterday with sixty eight votes I think an emergency clause so this only difference between the two is this one does not have an emergency clause on is that correct that that is correct thank you. President McKenzie for purpose question you're recognized all right I'm trying to figure out what's going on here for myself and my voted for people watching so you're saying you want to go ahead your your your ideas to present this for a vote it's already passed the Senate without the emergency clause but you want to go ahead and get this to the governor's desk. And my question is what you're thinking behind that four because I didn't realize it was on the table because just give me up a rundown of where we are in and why were there. One in the hand two in the bush. It is the best I can give you the answer we are you know I gave house bill back to the Senate they can they're gonna do what they want to do with that I agree to that and this is our chance to ensure that the governor at least has one of these bills on the table. Follow up question. Is there any reason why we must vote on this now is there a reason why we can't give it some thought let our constituents weigh in because we're going to have to be back here one or the other tomorrow. It's it's already been heard it's already been debated I doubt anybody's injured vote on identical bills to the house bill so I just figure which could get out of the way. President love for what purpose question you're recognized for a question okay so I'm I'm reading I'm reading it the title. Now are we voting on the Emergency Clause are we not because this is to declare Martin emergency out of does this have an emergency clause in it or does not I will defer to parliamentary inquiry on that so I don't miss speak. This is the I have an emergency clause on the body or I'm in because I'm I'm read to declare an emergency so does it have an emergency clause on or does it not. After consultation to that with parliamentarian and to specifically to your question I believe that references declaring emergency because that is literally in the bills title or subtitle whatever we display here the bill in the body the bill does contain an emergency clause we've looked at this today and based on the parliamentarians recommendation after consultation with attorneys and everybody else is that since the Emergency Clause was not passed by the Senate it was not part of what is being transmitted for a vote and so our determination is that we are only voting on the bill without the Emergency Clause. And the basis for that is that the Emergency Clause was not passed by the Senate okay all right thank you. Thank you for a good vote. Represent Bryant is explained the bill would anyone like to speak against the bill represent begins you're recognized speak against the bill. Thank you Mr Speaker I'm speaking against this bill because I don't have a whole lot of peace on what I'm doing right now. And I get uncomfortable when we recess. Things happen. And we come back. And the plan goes. I may be on board with that plan it may be a great plan but I have had all of thirty seconds to think about it. So. I'm speaking against this bill because I can see no reason why we can't bring it up. Tomorrow. After I've had a chance to reflect on. And I'm just. Trying to be sweet but I had a belly full of. This we re recess for second. Now perhaps I need to start being invited to these meetings but better yet I'd like the stuff to take place in front of you all. In front of my constituents because I'm not exactly sure I'm on board with this so when I'm not on board I'm and no. For the benefit of the body representative Brian asked to make the motion as I was sitting here reconvening the House it was a proper motion it was voted on by the membership there was no request by anybody else just to set the record straight if the body didn't want to hear it they could have voted it down. Senate can see the spoken against the bill would anyone like to speak for the bill. Represent hockey recognized to speak for the bill. Thank you Mr Speaker and thank you representative McKenzie as a freshman I often feel the way you express yourself what is going on here I would just like to recap. The major points of the bill and the reason for it Senate bill seven thirty nine is exactly the same as what we voted for yesterday and H. B. nineteen seventy seven along with an emergency clause it says and I'm going to paraphrase the author of the bill it says that businesses should they choose can mandate a vaccine. Representative Brian described that yesterday as one pathway one highway we're wanting to add two more lanes right next to that. If an employee so chooses a business will accommodate them showing proof of immunity they can show proof of immunity by having a vaccine or by having antibodies which the vaccine gifts as well as having had COVID nineteen so if a person tasks and has the antibodies that's just the same as a vaccination the other accommodation which is similar to what is being proposed at the federal level for employees to be tested weekly an employee may choose that option so to additional road ways that we're paving if a business in Arkansas so chooses to mandate a backseat we are not mandating anything we are not mandating vaccines we are not mandating anything other than options giving options for employees to show they are providing a safe workplace with antibodies that they test positive for or a negative test that's approved by the CDC and the FDA so those are the options that we voted for yesterday and we know that there are people all across our state large and small businesses that are facing termination because there's only one choice they have and that is to take the vaccine our bill offers them to different options accommodations and allows that to go into effect immediately I'll take any questions president McKenzie for what purpose you're recognized for a question thank you Mr Speaker and this may be I'm not sure who the proper person to proposes to. What is the status of the Senate has passed and we voted to send back. H. B. seventeen something. What is the status now if we vote on this pass or fail is because I believe the Senate already passed to that out but not with the emergency clause so what is the status of that bill now that is over in the Senate chamber should we not pass this or even pass it is it still is it still something that has passed the Senate chamber and can go on to the governor's desk what's the procedure whoever can answer that thank you. I'm sure that's a policy parliamentarian question I will just say I agree with representative Bryant's that should to bills go to the governor's desk at the end of the day we want to pass a bill that provides additional accommodations for Arkansas employees so I am going to allow for any other discussion on that but we don't want to miss the opportunity for one of these bills to survive this process. Thank you thank you Mr Speaker thank you the representative can see I don't know the status of house bill nineteen seventy seven in the Senate all that I do know is that this bill is before the House at this point. Questions. Thank you Mr Speaker. Percent hockey spoken for the building would like to speak against the bill. Would anyone like to speak for the bill. President bright clothes for the bill represent Brian is closed for the bill. Question before the House is the passage of Senate bill seven thirty nine prepared machine Mr Clerk. Everyone voted. Everyone voted. Asked about Mr Clark by a vote of sixty one Yeas twenty five days and four present the bill is passed. Represent makes what purpose motion let's hear your motion after the announcmenet trading or the bills transferring the bills placing the calendars on the desk members amending their own bills with their own amendments members withdrawing their own bills finalizing resolutions reading communications and any remaining committee reports I move that we adjourn until ten o'clock tomorrow morning that's a proper motion it's not debatable all in favor say aye. Any opposed. The motion passes members I think we've got just a couple announcements please listen closely with regard to scheduling in particular state agencies Committee meeting representantes for what purpose announcmenet you're recognized committee member state agencies you will meet a media lady let's say within five minutes let's try to be in the committee room room one fifty one thank you. Any other announcements. The state agencies is meeting in five minutes and then we're set to come back in tomorrow morning at ten o'clock continue to monitor your email and the schedule on the website. If no other announcements desk remain open as needed for the reading of the bill's upon completion The Addams named in the joint resolution house to be adjourned until ten AM tomorrow.