Public Transportation- House

The five fifty two Senator Irvin did it on the Senate side and this bill under current law a victim of domestic violence pits there can put their PO box number on their driver's license and someone can only get this address if they present a compelling reason and an affidavit and this would change it to a court order and also that person could not have been convicted of domestic violence and with that all all of my guests go ahead and introduce day center in due to a great. On the side. Yes. Your ability to resume because you got yourself okay no we now you can go thank you senator Missy Irvin district eighteen just happy to be able to be here with you this morning and I think I'll just let her run the bill and appreciate it very much thank you. Thank you Mr chairman my name is brandy day and with the Arkansas coalition against referred to speak up now we is that better that's better perfect so my name is brandy day I'm with the Arkansas coalition against domestic violence to say thank you to the chairman Senator Irvin and representative McCullough for let me be here today I'm here to speak for this bill at the coalition we hear hundreds if not thousands of stories from victims of domestic violence every year an issue that is continuously brought forward is the status of the address confidentiality program here in Arkansas for some context as those originally proposed back in two thousand five however over time the bill was not updated with the most current definition of domestic violence which this bill does include there's also no publicly available information on this program for victims of violence despite this other states in national organizations have listed Arkansas within acted address confidentiality program however victims when they go and try and get this program have their PO box have appeal box put on their license the met with confusion there's questions and no one seems to have answers and as a reminder the most dangerous time for victims of domestic violence as when they're trying to leave the relationship and no matter how small an action might be perceived we need to do everything we can to ensure the safety of victims and so we're here to support this bill or happy to take any questions at this time. Certi everything that a representative bill. The members I would just say you know it's really an honor to be able to work with great folks on a piece of legislation like this you know when you it's hard when you know somebody who's been a victim of domestic violence and we'll and I I don't mean to dive into the weeds but I do might might have my dad's partner years and years ago my dad's partner was in a dry cleaners and a lady who is a victim of domestic violence was so terrified and scared and she had a gun and a purse like this for her own protection because she couldn't get protection and this was years ago this is probably twenty five thirty eight No it was longer than that it was probably forty years ago. And so we. When she dropped her purse at the dry cleaners he reached down to pick it up and the gun accidentally went off and it Saddam in the head and a diamond and I will I was a kid when that happens and my dad he was my dad's partner orthopedic surgeon and best friend and it was a complete total accident but I would never I'll never forget that woman and how scared she was and how horrible this whole situation was but she had to take matters into our own hands to protect yourself because you can imagine forty years ago we didn't have the coalitions that we have today we didn't have the opportunity to really address policy in a meaningful manner and to be able to really think about. Those victims and their lives and what they're experiencing and the fear that they live in every single day so one small little staff like this actually does so much just in being able to make sure that that victim understands that we are on their side and we're trying to do everything we can to protect and so I've I've never forgotten that it just made a huge lasting impression on me and I thought you know I hope something good comes out of you know what a tragic situation so that's why I really enjoy working on these issues it's because I have that personal connection of what happens so I just want to share that with the members of the committee we're happy to answer any questions that we would appreciate a good vote course for committee presented very you're recognized for some list. Thank you Mr chairman and Senator Irvin how do we get around I know concealed handgun carry license a require I believe in the the major's hearing might be blessed but I believe they required to have a physical address on there all in the same thing voter voter ID how do we get around those I'm all for the bill I'm just looking at some of the issues is that may come up as a result of this have you all discuss that or come up with a plan or how we're going to mitigate those challenges. May I think will what this bill specific to the driver's license and so that's why we wanted to keep it very narrow it was just to the driver's license so would not affect those other my understanding it wouldn't affect those go ahead. And just to help clarify the department of finance and administration will also keep all addresses on file in the private server database however they decide to do that so if the victim were to apply say voter registration schools gun concealed carry licensees their permanent address would still be available to those agencies there just be some extra steps that they would need to take a to take advantage of that okay follow up Mr McConnell J. and that that's my only concern is those the the issues that surround because I know it's a challenge if you have a if you're trying to get a concealed Kerry license and you don't have a physical address on it so that's something I guess that the state police going to have to work out with the of the NATO to mitigate that was yeah and those of us that were live in rural Arkansas that's always an issue for us because I get my mail at PO box and so it's always I understand that issue but I think you will have the opportunity to to work through that thank you representative Brian you're recognized for a question. You're good of president Whitaker. Any other questions from committee. I don't see anyone on the list here to speak against the bill do not close. Thank you Mr were closed. Represent what you're recognized I move do pass I have a motion do pass discussion from committee. All in favor say aye. Any oppose same like sign hearing none congratulations your bill passed. Thank you Mr chair committee thank you Mr chair thank you members of the committee. President of brown you hit run eighteen ninety three would you identify yourself and you may proceed any witnesses you have bring on the table. Thank you Mr chair representative Carolyn brown District forty one I'm here to present house bill eighteen ninety three which is in essence a cleanup bill but it'll mean a lot to the people who got swept in with all those others who who had electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles were paying that were charged the additional fee we're talking about golf carts low speed vehicles of and I heard that actually electric motorcycle so I tried to include everybody who might have been caught by this legislation and it will be retroactive all those fees that they did pay which I talked to Mr hammock this morning that they think it didn't told more about thirty six hundred dollars that's what they can find right now so those fees will be returned and glad to answer any questions and I'd like to introduce my Support my technique my subject matter expert. Thank you of your committee my. Your question. Hearing okay yes Mr chairman of the committee I'd like to thank you for allowing me to speak of for this bill my name's Ken Kaplan here US Sir for Force veteran. FOR former alderman for the city of sure would and I'm also a car enthusiast I understand sometimes that when we pass legislation of. Things fall through the loop and I think that's what exactly happened with this right here of. Basically what this this bill does is to fixes of we're being charged two hundred dollars for golf cart that can be legally run on the road and also low speed vehicles and now the I understand motorcycle sector motorcycles. I have a low speed vehicle my I've got this in two thousand and seven I've got about three thousand miles on it It It Got a thirty five mile an hour speed limit the it goes about twenty miles on a charge so it's really a vehicle that you drive to from the store of. If you would take in maybe took the grandkids out for a ride order if you're going to go to the golf course you can actually use our golf course to but anyway it's it's R. I. think being charged extra two hundred dollars for something like that is a little excessive and I would appreciate you guys No fixing this this problem so. As a brown you have questions. Yes Sir any questions committee represent brunch recognized. Represents from your experience thank you Mr do we know if other. The eagles that is that fit the description of a golf cart or like a mule anything is registered to that currently have to pay registration fees to get a license plate well I think you will falls under the category of a. ATV. And they're not licensed to be on the road. offered useful one this only has to do with electric vehicles correct yes okay the electric and hybrid electric hybrid okay so follows yeah I just because I don't I don't own one that is if I own a an electric mule I can lights is it to be on the road but if I want to let your gas me why I can't do there certain requirements for you have to have turn signals you have to have a seat belts things of that nature it's kind of funny you have to have a winter wiper you'll have to a windshield but you have to have a wiper so you know that I love so that that mean the question and by if the mules have all those capabilities except have a gas engine. And I want to go to title it and and put it on the road with a plate will have to pay registration fees for that button this bill would say not if it's not what you're doin. What are you shopping restauration face but you have to pay the extra two hundred dollars that's on the that's currently on the on the books for electric vehicles. Represent Springer you're recognized for a question. Okay. President right you're recognized for a question. For. President Brown turn your back on please for minutes so he can get is a very. Okay now okay thank you okay go ahead okay thanks of you know we all the only thing I can I don't quite understand if it's a hybrid motorcycle though. Wine if they were not you if they were using the city streets why there would be some type of a registration phase of they don't use a lot but they are using the roads. Representative ride this and have anything to do with just your standard registration fee it has to do with that extra fee that we passed in legislation in a twenty nineteen and that big tax bill that we passed of which which is now charging our when a person with an electric vehicle like a Tesla. Or a hybrid like a **** a previous mmhm when they register they are the ones that were intended to pay the additional fees the hybrids were going to be charged have been charged extra hundred dollars and the electric cars have been charged X. two hundred dollars but inadvertently these other vehicles that do register that fall under electric or hybrid have been sort of the included now someone called and told me well you know we've got electric motorcycles innocent I didn't know that so I included electric hybrid whatever's that you know I mean I tried to catch a mall that's all that they do not this is just to stop them from being charged the additional fees when they go to register their vehicle that's all it does it leaves everything else intact Fofana yeah but are they paying any time for a others in this state right here well whatever they have to pay to register what if they're using city strange weather and the intention the intention of the end additional charges was to compensate for the gasoline taxes that they weren't paying budget to help pay for road repairs but these types of vehicles are tearing up the roads. They're not creating the wear and tear that up you know your passenger vehicles and trucks thanks very you're recognized. Come on thank you Mr chairman I think representative brown answered my questions but the original intent of the law was for automobiles that are using driving thousands of miles on the road correct that's correct thank thank you Mr any other questions committee. Of just for the committee's information of wine Hambrick definitely have position on the issue neutral we at this you okay with that. We really. It would be approximately thirty six and. Okay that's all right thank you any other questions committee. Okay I don't see anyone for that. Okay represent Springer items anyone to signed up to speak against the bill of represents bring you're recognized motion do pass I have a motion to passing discussion for committee. representative Whitaker I'm issued me with a feeling you're recognized I got to meet David's on the list of. thank you Mr chairman you know and I think that the bill was not intended to clue you know golf carts in. Of the vehicle but it in colluded. In a vehicle that was on the road. That. What is a low speed on that is that the highway. Monistat a bill that it did include that I I have the I do have a problem I will support the bill but I do have a problem with is excluded electric motorcycles but they are on the highway and there are. Where in terror. On the road but not does not the president and the gas or anything else but of. I'm complex but I'm also put the bill that I I I don't see the told the Taliban what. Can out of the building and I let to respond. this discussion any any other any other questions or comments from committee president brown I think Phil Committee is said to we're gonna mercy on you since it's so late in the session we don't stop your bill but don't be surprised if next session we come back with a bill to charge electric motorcycles a small fee if there on the highway so but well we don't charge motorcycles if they're if they're going to be electric electric co we will we will we will probably put them in the mix somewhere may not be much of a fee but I would be surprised I'm not I'm not saying that for sure but anyway that did everything to your bill today so the will we have a motion to do pass any other discussion to committee. All in favor of the bill say aye any opposing black signed hearing none congratulates your bill passes. Thank you Mr chair and I would just were through this thing. I read the last couple of paragraphs thanks. Okay Committee of. President of Watson's going to cheer when I come down the table for just a minute. The. Okay record representative Holcomb if you identify yourself you will be recognized to present your House resolution thank you Mr chair committee of if you've seen the scene the resolution is very simple there's probably no one here that hasn't had a friend or family member this being either been I have a talent he or had a terrible accident but distracted driving most of the time that's texting and so this is brought to my attention by young lady my district actually the governor did a proclamation for the month of April April declaring it distracted driving month and all this House resolution does is is really put that into perspective if you look at the bill it says in twenty twenty distracted driving driving contributed to to of four thousand three hundred and ninety two motor vehicle accidents so I think that gives you a good idea I have a personal friend his eighteen year old daughter was texting when they were working on five thirty never even looked up front and the back of the bed of a dump truck killer instantly and probably several of you all have learned a good lesson just like I did thank you and I could look up in Texas and and I learned a lesson fortunately the good lord gave me another chance and so all we're doing with this resolution is ages making everyone aware that the of the month of April is distracted driving month and that's it in that shall be glad to answer any questions thank you are there any questions by the committee. Representative Brett you're recognized yeah not not fully familiar with our these resolutions worked on a year to year basis but something that this has been passed every year because I think that's great. I would a whole month dedicated to raising awareness through PSAs and other activities the state could do is great but we're just this obviously this is April twenty twenty one it's just that is what it would be for had to be done every every session if we we want to do that now the governor could do his proclamation every year but this is the first time we've done House resolution so. Okay anymore questions by the committee ms of represent a hawk go ahead you're recognized. Okay we have a motion property do we have any from the audience that would like to speak for against this house resolution. Representative Holcomb would you like to close with the bill I'm close and and I would request to do pass please okay we recognize we do have a motion to pass Represent how would you like to sleep in the explain your motion is a do pass oshi okay Oshie main motion does I'm sorry we have a motion to pass thank you all in favor say aye hi those against like sign. Representative Holcomb congratulations your house resolution is passed thank you chairman committee. Thank you Mr president Bryant District ninety six in the audience is a state police if anybody has any questions are welcome to bring them up but I think I can present this pretty clearly maybe not need them so currently statute if you are of the age of fourteen you can go take a written test. At a testing center for the state police and be issued a permit want to hold that permit for six months you can go back and take your driver's test and get an issue the issue to an actual license deal with restrictions and to turn sixteen but that written that written permit is only good for twelve months if you do not go back and settle up the next step in that procedure that permit expires and you gotta go retake the test so what this bill does is push that from a twelve month period to a twenty four month period that way you can give you know and new drivers more time to be comfortable in the in the seat before having them go back have to take the test in case to go to my thirteenth as as we know a little different than my day when I turned fourteen I think everybody got their driver's license now there's there's some eighteen year olds I don't even have driver's licence so um this is open that window up to to give them more time to get covered behind the wheel before they want to go take the test and also gives the state police for time R. O. R. R. to bill that had closer closer lobbies and the parking lot is just a mad house and they go out and try to try to do their best to schedule it but you don't know if you're gonna get seen that day because even though you might make an appointment you don't know where they're at their schedule is just a little little bit difficult so this basically opens that window give a little more flexibility the state police. Okay any questions committee. The ones begins. No one here to speak for against the bill. don't have any questions you very close I'm close to the building motion to pass have mostly passing discussion. All in favor say aye. Any oppose same like sign hearing none congratulations your bill passes. Okay okay. Okay next on the agenda of represent Coleman H. B. nineteen. He has an. We have an amendment passed out Committee H. B. nineteen look at your management. I have a motion on Amendment. President Springer. Has motion do pass all in favor say aye. Okay you may proceed represent Gomes that defy yourself and maybe see. Thank you Mr chairman Bruce Coleman district eight eighty one. And thank you for passionate The Amendment Wallace explained couple things on it the Division and since this is an eighty The Village the little enters with Jewish I'm concerned that it would interfere with the farm to farm Use and so the first part of the the amendment covers that so that we don't interfere with that the last three segments I wasn't aware until that into this that the. Arkansas state parks you're not allowed right AT the in them so we wanted to make amendments to be sure that we didn't interfere with that existing stuff and also the corps of engineers and. Had in there the the for service because of the road. Reserve call would you pull back a little bit closer some on the back or having trouble hearing. All right probably should need to speak up a little better to show sorry about that I may not want to hear but speak up anyway there you go. I may be afraid for marriage. I have to do what the bill does And so I got interested in As you all know there's been some ATV bills that have been passed over the last few years and there's a lot of areas that utilize a eighty these there's a lot of recreational Is an attraction people come in they bring a division that in the right of and then there's that other users that their. Another's is welcome I live in an area where there's I guess you'd say they're not or welcome and Senator Ballinger lives in an area where that they utilize a lot so he and I worked together on this bill a figure that the things that. We want to do they were acceptable ham would have a chance of. Of the fashion them basically what the bill. Is designed to do is to give local authorities which should be your city councils in your quorum court chords the option to where the they may either allow or prohibit of. Streets and roads for eighty these. Two. The bill now. Right now a do these go from trailhead the trail head and. In the bill we're moving this section that does that were not basically changing it but we're moving in in this section so that's why own of. Page two and three there's some additions to that on three and four. Which market at basically the same information is changes that for for your information. land the the local authorities to. Of. Make sure rules on this land to put up signs but to regulate the safety and operational requirements of these and in this they can do last is liability insurance operator agent and speed limits and water reserve interest in this the safety regulations there are a lot of accidents and stuff and the Bill two eighty and state police for us of information on this and it's amazing how many crashes in the tell it these days that there are with ATVs. From. January fifteenth two twenty one five hundred thirty six crashes. With the ATVs and they were. Thank you for these crashes were for fatal sixty four people injured so there's definitely a safety concern of this. Now then that is the that the regulations that determined by the the local authorities shall be at least as restrictive as regulations for operating a motor vehicle as well as you can push the limit for ATV faster than five for a car but the safety regulations may be more restrictive than the safety of. Regulation for operator you can for the slower speed limit for them. And. Then this and of the four servers they have some rules out there on the road you can search supersede the rules of the for service or the local authorities gate. exceed the authority of the department of transportation and the the the State Parks. OR Corp engineers. That got a. Sums it up and of. Let you ask me questions of further explain what I missed. The berry recognized. Or Hillman. Mr chairman and represent common so the way I'm understanding this correct me if I'm wrong but my county judge in question no I'm in the District of there that a lot of TV's and everything so I'm gonna let my county judge who likes to go out and pop we lease and do whatever you do in these these things on weekends in the mud. And let him make the rules. Locally about ATVs on our highways in the county. Correct on the road that he has jurisdiction on which will be your county roads. And such is again a judge he will not be able to do in the Ozark the Ozark city council have just to do the ones in an Ozark so ATVs on the on the streets in the city also. If the Ozark. One thousand bay in their cities that are wanted allowed to the that would only be on the streets that they allow. Follow up Mr Bala so with the number of accidents and everything that we have today. that's you know regulated by state law on the highway by giving it to the decision to a local rule judge to make those safety decisions. That do you think that it's going to improve the safety. Issues on the roads. Well right now all of the regulations that we have. They're all out there run and and they're going from trail and the trail is what they say. And whatever use stop of they're going to trail head and they just they do that from your area some of them that they put out and they may have a hundred eighty mile round trips that they go alone on these and unfortunately right now there is not any regulations now. And. If I go in and put a lot of stiff regulations I'm not a will get this for would look to some various options of doing and. So for the Everton legislatures and there's. Pretty much a blank wall. The reading well maybe the better just description so what we're looking at is is trying to get some limitations because basically there are none out there now. Okay thank you Mr thank you represent code okay next on the list the president Hillman. Representative Coleman I commend you for what you're trying to do. But. Yeah you're in good. Of I had a bill very similar to this at one time it didn't get anywhere representive well another representative in your head at least two bills dealing with ATVs and the that's how we got to where we are now. My problem with this bill is. Of and it was alluded to earlier what would be legal and won that council could be illegal and of the council hello my as an ATV rider gone though the difference in in going from county to county then where I live you know we're going over the Catalans aren't really don't care as far as traveling and things like that a lot of this I know there's an agriculture exemption but we used ATVs around us on a daily basis and then a lot of us Farman Sir war at least two or three different counties so how we don't know the difference that we my question. There there will be differences of and that concerns me to you know obviously didn't have an answer that I could put in and. Put down here but that's one of the reasons that are put in there that the regulations. Shall be at least as restrictive as for operating a motor vehicle so you know you can't. Drive faster now also put in there that you can push signage out there so the if you're cat was to put a speed limit of thirty five for an eighty the versus. Forty five a car the voter sign after this is AT the speed limit is thirty five and. Okay next on the list representative Brooks you're recognized. combs you turn your Michael please ferment. Sorry operator my apologies represent Coleman thanks for come before us in bringing this quick question related to the public on same lines of some of the other ones about the regulations my specific concern is something like liability insurance so you've got the potential for seventy five different counties promulgating different insurance regulations on these types of vehicles how exactly without work and is it even within their authority to do so under the insurance department. Well requirements for the liability insurers. Would not exceed what the liability insurance as for vehicle so for the limits as to if you believe that right now they're not required to have any liability insurers I figure that the the liability insurance and and there is liability insurance available four wheelers of at the liability insurance on all mine I get with my agent to. Set the limits I would not expect the city's To put an unreasonable amount well the price is going to be in the market would determine you know how much the costs and stuff is for your for your liability insurers this to do. And the there is now there are NO requirements That I am aware of. Follow follow and it's about think would be good to consider if you've got ATVs and side by sides and all manner of different types of vehicles that are are now legal to to run on a. County road county highway this of the B. probably import to consider because you can you can have a very unintended significant impact I think on on insurance rates just from a from an actuarial standpoint I think will be difficult for an insurance company to look at the county by county challenges and then also just to add to assess for liability having those on the on the roads with a normal vehicle so that way I would say that's probably had been a significant point to consider and this is how that may be clarified or tied up. Well in in on some of these rules and stuff that you're concerned about of you know had these concerns to of but if if you go rules to set the level. You made a bigger block block block block wall then. Expected to meet only if. Represent feeling you're recognized. Mr my way into a comment I'm because I'm going to repeat the same thing I would come in okay of. President ray. Please call for myself and I guess about half a committee that wasn't here to your. The. The Bill. Past stop back. The Bill. In fact that. But I'm not sure I can just exactly just described the the Bill of kind of summarizes a. What I thank the results of the bill war that they open it up that you could you go over. From trailhead the trail head or from home or for your vision to trail it and in our area whatever anyone is stopped on a TV they've got a map that shows the trail head in whichever way they're going to they're going to trail it so they use that so it's open it up to where they go basically where they want to there's. There's no right of we had this the issue was a lot of county roads a relieving to deer camp going down to a of a trail like you would come up with a lot of ATV divided for getting ticketed for that so we made up across the board rule that they can go from from a point to point own own own how will roads to you know to to get to the next point so that's that's basically it and that you so a thesis same all we're cross state well it and and now and and been the bill and of one back in in the amendment to made sure that farmers and hunters. Are not regulated by the local ordinances they can still do that are going into the hunting and and farming so if you've got farm to farm that you're going to on a side by side you can can do that. Representative Christiansen you're recognized. Thank you Mr chairman representative Coleman I really like what you're doing mom my biggest concern is the municipal judge making or the city making an ordinance I have a couple communities in my district right now they're having issues with ATVs one family in particular monitor that uses as a personal transportation twenty four seven I've been personally witnessed that at two AM and at six AM and at three PM and they just continue using it from six year olds to a forty five year olds and they use it to go to dollar general run uptown by groceries and uses personal car and local administration will not do it because it's a prominent family so they rule in favor of them all the time much to the displeasure of the folks in that neighborhood so I'm a little concerned about that aspect of the bill. And and I understand I was more interested in prohibited that I was aligned with their a lot of other people out there with a T. V.'s that want to allow eleven Franklin County and it's good business down there that they do so. And you can't do a blanket wide state prohibit them all all the side roads. Orders to many peoples that are used to the you know those patients other to. I thank you Sir. President right you're recognized yes Sir thank you thank you Mr chairman representative Bruce earlier in the conversations are mention if there was any liability that was required for the for these activities how what I'm concerned about is let's just say that you got a county judge or you have a L. mayor and council in a town and they say we think that they need to be able to just you know drive the straits and do what you know they want to do is going from one place to the next but what if they run into someone what what would you do how would you what kind of insurance would pay for that. We'll. You for the insurance to pay for it because you need to have insurers in and whatever I've said earlier I didn't mean to imply that there wasn't any liability if you run into somebody you have liability we have insurance to protect or save to help push favor the signs on or we do it of the. I don't think there's anything in here that would allow them to to require a higher level of liability insurance on your ATV that it would if would a car. And then your actuaries are going to determine the rates and if you have a bunch of people out there that are having a lot of accidents your premiums will be higher closer initiative of make money. Any other questions committee. Speaking against the bill of major issues the mayor Jason wasn't making as major Jason Aaron for the state police major you defy yourself and and you may proceed. A major J. center with the Arkansas state police. Of Arkansas State Police opposes this bill are primary concerns is obviously the public safety of the five hundred thirty six crashes that representive Coleman spoke of over seventy six percent of them involved personal injury so obviously it's a great concern for the Arkansas state police I typically as troopers are investigating these crashes whether it's on a county road or city street Investigating crashes with Arkansas state police post be best at and so when other agencies encounter these crashes typically trooper that's responding to these corrections and so our experience obviously again over seventy six percent of men called a personal injury or death. And then again the jurisdiction issue it's about going to be impossible for troopers to keep up with the different jurisdictions whether it's municipal or counties what applies in that section of roadway that section of the county when you have a you may have a trooper that's working that day and he may be covered for different counties not to mention the different cities municipalities they're in the same areas of Arkansas State Police opposes this bill any questions. Observer a. Yes Sir Sir. On the liability insurance do you happen to have an answer for us on that one as far as. Of the folks on these activities have been required to keep of liability insurance I know Sir I don't I don't. Any other questions committee. Thank you for your testimony major. Yes No Way Out you are. Say no other questions no one else I know would you like closed. Thank you Mr chairman Inc in committee and. The. So permission public safety that's one of my concerns and just like on the liability insurance right now. The apparently there's not anything is required this would required for for everybody but it would be in these cases can be so the public safety is. May and enters the I don't think this certain answers anything everything and a few things is going to create some situations thank on these local jurisdictions whatever it will get some out there and there's some differences in there then maybe this will give us an opportunity to come back and put a common ground on these to to do but now unfortunately there's just not much out there just to do so and looking for a effort to try to get some stuff started to. Create you know you can consider that and. We appreciate a good vote thank you very much for hear me represent come when I think you know the feel committee already in the I think you knew that before you got here and. the five hundred and thirty seven accidents that's nothing new for ATVs motor voter in the woods someone get hurt there are concerns the statewide law also the cost been we've been approached by insurance agents and so there are some concerns but anyway a you you knew that yourself because we talk about it so anyway what's will of committee. Eleven bring you have a question or motion. Well that's up to you if you will give a motion except the. Are you both of you need the R. yes grin motion do not pass or do pass out okay okay okay she. The motion needs to be make a motion as amended moat motion is amended to do pass okay we have a motion is amended do pass any discussion. Represent building. Thank you Mr chairman read the call and you know we have we get a lot of bills that we bring up here for our constituents our consistent we try to run them sometimes they go in sometimes they don't but we have we did several ATV bills I read in full of the Northeast Arkansas we do want to try to accommodate that community they were doing that to try to accommodate it another community so do you agree so would you agree that it might be best. if you are the Committee deal opportunity to pull this down and we worked on this Donna Anna trying to get all that puzzle. The get of that the state police is talking about me going to offer what ever to ninety or to not ever that we can work on this and we'll come collective with a one. The bill that would take care in a for a in the state of Arkansas. That would be my suggestion if the. A lot to do that thank you president will occur you're recognized. Thank you Mr chair representing Coleman I understand. Your concerns here they're not new a lot of us have them. But in the years since I've been here. It's proving it it's been proven that you're not going to fix this by doing a patchwork. Of those of those of you who have been with me and other committees and heard my arguments for local control. might find this unusual that I'm having real difficulty with your bill. But transportation is unique. Vehicles no matter what the call. By their inherent nature move across the landscape and therefore in any one day you can be in dozens literally depending on which township city county or in you can be in dozens of jurisdictions and not only do the state police not know what the law is in each one of those but certainly the writers don't so for that reason in transportation bills a state wide comprehensive plan is always the best I'll have to vote no today. Any other comments from committee. We have a motion on the floor all in favor of do pass say aye. All opposed say no. Thanks rather obvious bill fails thank you for your patience and your time both to you and the committee so. All right thank you Committee. Okay next on the agenda. House Bill eighteen twenty seven representative Beatty in addition self you may proceed. Representative Howard Beatty District nine Mr chairman members of the committee I'm here to present house bill eighteen twenty seven is an act to amend the law concerning the sale of surplus highway property and authorize the sale of road buildings and for other purposes. Basically what this bill will do will allow the Arkansas department transportation to transfer road mailings to the counties in which those road mailings are produced in their projects will also allow them to transfer excess road buildings to the counties the counties can also that the counties have to use the road Billings for projects in the county they can also transfer those two adjacent counties for use in the county and county doesn't follow those rules then they can be prohibited from receiving any other road mailings this is a an effort that I think all your county judges will be in support of and provide materials for them to to upkeep the highways in the county and it this bill contains agreed upon language so with that I'll entertain any questions. Any questions committee. I don't see anyone speak to to speak for against the bill we're close I'm close to appreciate a good vote. What's the right you're recognized like make a motion to pass a motion to pass any discussion committee. Say none all in favor say aye opposed same lack the the hearing none congratulations your bill passes thank you Mr chairman thank you members of committee next we have Senate bill five seventy four representative Ballinger thank representative hawks gonna run that. Good morning committee Delia hawk District ninety one. Senator Ballinger I have similar constituents and that we have a large Mennonite population in our districts and this bill is for the purpose of providing them The opportunity to currently they use a program called Mennonite motorist AID which covers their liability there are no problems with with the program as it stands what this bill will do is allow them not to have to at request and yearly waiver they'll be able to have this put in place for good it also includes individuals that own twenty five or more vehicles in the state to be self insured for their liability for their motor vehicles or any. A political subdivision or municipality city to obtain a certificate of self insurance also. And with that I will take any questions. Questions from committee. Permit the next representative Brooks you're recognized. Purpose of hawking a friend thank you for bringing this to us and I and I like the idea my question maybe concern is I don't see anything related to these self insurance organizations requirements for reserves from the standpoint of pain claims so if we know that they are there have twenty five members in their ensuring X. amount of vehicles I guess at least twenty five vehicles what's the the requirement of a fund set aside to make sure that those claims are solvent in the current law I do not believe there is any a reserve requirement for that however the program has been approved by DFA and there's currently no problem and this program so we're not addressing any issues related to the program that they currently are allowed to use under state law we're just a lemonade in the annual requirement that they request permission as a waiver to exempt them from that requirement thank you president ray you're recognized for a question. Thank you Mr chairman represent hock I apologize that I'm just not extremely familiar with this population and their some of their beliefs and and traditions and habits what what type of vehicles do they drive. How will they on a lot of businesses they also are farmers electors and plumbers restaurant owners so a lot of them will drive you know family cars vans trucks okay so they're not they're not Amish. Well see if they can be that's Amish or part of a Mennonite population or a broad spectrum of that religious denomination okay. In my district there is a school there's a church there's many businesses are primarily Mennonite. Vice chairman Watson you're recognized for a question thank you Mr president of hawk are you aware of the need any other parts of the state I know in my. District three we do have a small population in the extreme just curious are you aware of other years beside yours yes so in Senator Ballinger is area north central Arkansas into Missouri is also a large population or a growing population. Thank you so this would be members I have twenty five members are greater in any religious denomination that has an A prohibition against insurance. Right. Thank you Mr I'm. Slow confused by some of the languages were were inserting a person or religious denomination that qualifies as self insured. if that person has more than twenty five vehicle so to me the bill would give two categories of purely religious institution with twenty five registered or for just an individual with twenty five or more is that was that that I remember that's the current law all this does is do away with the annual a waiver that they have to request so currently individuals that own twenty five or more vehicles can be self insured okay with proof of insurance you know their own insurance and to representative Brooks question on the reserves are how much they need to hold in reserves for insurance I don't know that amount I just know that the current law allows that okay. Represent hope what what what what is the issue that act the rest of us go to local agents are different agencies and we get insurers what is what is the insurance what is the issue of the man that people not to get your bond insurance companies like the rest of us have what's can you explain that to me I'm I have a little trouble understanding well I hate to speak you know directly for them but I would say they're prohibition against commercial insurance shows a lack of faith in the lord providing and they feel the need to provide for each other so if someone's barn gets blown down and a tornado they do not have insurance to cover that but their neighbors all calm and help them rebuild their bark that's how they see their life should be lived that's what they believe and that the lord provides and they also provide for each other so that kind of self insured even health insurance programs often times for other organizations would be similar to that so you feel secure in say one of as a dump truck has a serious accident you feel secure in and their their securities if they're going to be able to cover just like any other insurance company would the of the the liabilities for for damage or injury and all that are you yes you secure with that yes and there's been no problem with this program whatsoever in their driving records or accident records or anything like that absolutely no problem Sir well I'm a term of their driving records I'm just I just know that accidents happen yes the column accidents and yet in seven can be major miss Smith would you would you come to the table for D. F. M. A. and and Just. DO double tell me what what what the FAA's thoughts we're we're. you're not on the list but just just for the committee's clarity could you could you kind of give us a response from the FNA we're at the. Yes chairman Holcomb and DFA is not taking a position on this bill our our only concern was the fact that the way the bill was originally drafted and I think this is kind of to representative Brian's question it removed other entities who do have the ability to self insure from that language so that was our concern to be able to still and minister this law make sure that those other entities that political subdivisions the municipalities could still self insure so it's our understanding is that this just allows and it does not change any insurance requirements that does not change anything like that it just would allow these entities these religious denominations to also obtain a certificate of self insurance would you identify yourself for my apologies a lease Austin spent that with the FAA okay anyone have questions miss me okay. Okay thank you miss with appreciate coming in table representative right you're recognized for a question yes Sir thank you thank you Mr chairman. I just to have a little concerned let's just say in a scenario where you had. Four people in a car. And one of these folks are so supposed for you self insured. Runs into that car and all those folks repeal. And there's are also right there for forty or fifty million dollars how is that going to get paid I'll. Well this law that this does not concern the current law does not change the current law all this does is provide a waiver for having to come and ask for this on an annual basis so the current law allows this type of insurance coverage for liability coverage. Any other questions committee I have no one here signed up for against the bill of represent how could you not close I'm close or the question committee good you make you close I'm close to him you're recognized. I have a motion do pass any discussion for committee. All in favor of the bill say aye opposed same accent. I think you guys have it congratulations your bill passes. Next on the list we have house bill nineteen twenty two representative Wardlaw would you So submitted by yourself and you may proceed. Mr roll your permission I've got a couple of citizens with me today we'll have them introducer sales for the record three. Matt Cavenaugh a motor vehicle dealer. B. Raburn motor vehicle dealer. Thank you Mr. The Committee about every ten years or so we go back and we. Revise the motor vehicle franchise act is about ten years ago two thousand nine I think it was session the last time this is been or revised and what they usually do is all the contractor language and how they define the tools how they define how they fix the vehicles how they define how they release on all that stuff's included in this Act hand if you'll follow through the act there's about. Seven eight major changes in it this time around number one just basically updates the definition so it updates it to now basically online updates all the sales activity there the digital platform in section two is probably the biggest piece of this bill and I've got Matt Cavenaugh with me today and I'll have him answer questions on that because I I'm not nowhere near smart enough to know that much about it the rest of it's pretty much just technical changes and one of the big deals is of what we're seeing is our smaller dealers are held in to a higher standard so down in south Arkansas if you don't hold so much inventory of a particular item are pay so much franchise fee you can't have that particular item and I'd like to use like a big Dodge pick up that you would put a flat bed on as an example they get to have fifteen of them in stock well in Monticello Arkansas you can't stop fifteen you may only sell fifteen of the year so you're looking at close to three quarters million dollars an inventory to sell those same fifteen vehicles all year long let's not feasible so some of the things we do here is try to make this an even playing field across the state and I'll let you guys know for open of questions there's two hundred fifteen dealers in the state and there are no auto manufacturers in this state so when they testify in a few minutes so what you to remember there are no auto manufacturers in the state so with that I'd open it up for questions and I'll be in my my two colleagues over here try to answer those best of our ability okay for questions representative very you're recognized her thank you Mr chairman so represent Wardlaw and and I appreciate this bill not talked to a number of car dealerships and in the past two days since this bill was filed it is my understanding that. You know and and it does affect the large dealerships also it is my understanding that the smaller dealerships are getting crushed by the demands from manufacturers such as GM and to the point that. So so everybody that that's not paying the fees they're not going to get an additional allocation of cars but if you're willing to suck up to the manufacturers you're gonna be compensated as such and the problem over in the western side of the state I know between northwest Arkansas in. Fort Smith because of the warranty work and everything they're doing up in northwest Arkansas and they can pay higher wages for technicians which is drawn from the smaller dealerships because they can get higher paychecks so it's of it in in my mind from everything I've talked to all the major and smaller dealerships there being of this rated by manufacturers in the policies that they hold the car dealerships to in the State of Arkansas I'm like a representative Wardlaw says we do not have any car manufacturers. In this state in and I don't think that we should allow them to dictate you know to our dealership here. Thank you Mr. Senate chairman not I'd like to commit to that I think that was a question. Is that right one hundred percent. Thank you representative. Good that was my answer I wanted to agree. The representative that you're recognized for a question. You got it okay. Any other questions. A representative for Posted proper time okay. Okay. Great progress. Revealing. Thank you Mr chairman. Of the representative what can you tell me of one of the bill is that this a. Bill they have. New dealers are use dealers car dealers motor vehicles whether you want to call this bill actually helps dealers that have the names out front like Ford GM so it doesn't I don't think it affects the used car dealers at all it's mainly dealing with the franchise's between the dealerships and auto manufacturers and I would tell you we worked with the manufactures a lot on this bill and they pushed us down to about Friday before we can actually get this bill filed this is been something we've been talking about filing since before session started and they held back in a sentence amendments in the last hour Friday and I said no to those amendments because we have done all we can do and if we took those members we've been out of town for the session so it's almost like they wanted to hold us down we couldn't do anything and they would be forced to pay those fees for another two years so it doesn't affect those it's basically the dealerships at franchises with the manufacturers. Okay thank you okay I don't have any other questions committees I have I have to hear to speak against the bill militants be counted to come back we have a Randy Thurman to Lucas Hargrave which you get approaches by same time or. By yourself are you want to do it and do it yourself you may proceed. Mr chairman members of the committee I realize you already have a motion before you. so I'll be brief I am Randy Thurman my party Cordy Shepherd behind me and I we are government solutions and we are here this morning representing Gulf states Toyota. The exclusive distributor for Toyota in Arkansas Gulf states Toyota supplies all of the Toyota dealers in Oklahoma Texas Louisiana Mississippi and Arkansas with their vehicles and parts and it is one largest private distributors in the world. They provide critical training of Arkansas Toyota service technicians and play an important role in promoting and marketing Toyota vehicles across numerous media forms right here in Arkansas such as television and outdoor Billboard signs. Unfortunately our boss in the company's vice president government relations Mr layered Iran is unable to be here this morning due to having to appear before a legislative committee in Texas. today so he sends his apologies to the committee however he asked that I provide some brief remarks on his behalf regarding the company's concerns with H. B. nineteen twenty two. First let me point out that the auto business is a team effort manufactures dealers distributors want cars sold and customers well taken care of we're not competitors with the dealers of Arkansas we are their partners. We work extensively to support our Toyota dealers and help them to be successful. It is disappointing C. H. B. nineteen twenty two filed in its current form and unamended even after kill states Gulf states Toyota negotiated in good faith with Mr Kirkpatrick and the dealers to make this bill workable many hours were spent in negotiations starting back in March on March fifth we were first presented with the draft bill. Many issues were debated in a in improvements were actually made to this bill that would benefit both sides numerous items were fixed in that draft that were causing the manufacturers and distributors heartburn. Other issues required further negotiation and through it all both hi you Mr Kirkpatrick kept her eye on the clock. We were urging our clients moved quickly into reach consensus on April thirteenth one represent Wardlaw filed the bill. We both we both miss Kirkpatrick and I both still have the expectations that an amendment to fix the remaining few issues will be added. It was closely discussed and considered unfortunately the amendment was abandoned by the dealers association last Friday every prior franchise bill president of the Arkansas legislature has been an agree to bill H. B. nineteen twenty two is not Gulf states Toyota must respectfully oppose passage of the bill here's three quick reasons why. Mister Wardlaw touched on some of these but let me be point of the three that really give us continue heartburn first all the bill creates a new concept known known as digital platforms it makes the lawful for the manufacturer or the distributor to have the ability to safeguard against certain digital platform providers that could be harmful to the manufacture the distributor the dealer and the customer the definition of a digital platform is very broad as you can see in the bill it is defined as an online exchange of information goods and services that facilitate commercial interactions between supplier and consumer. It then creates prohibitions around when the manufacture can exercise control over the dealers digital platforms but that creates problems for the platforms that the manufacturer owns in itself controls this can negatively impact customer lead generation programs inventory display in management server shop programs and many other programs there's no other state in the country that has a similar definition or structure second point loaner cars the bill prohibits manufacture. From requiring a dealer to have a loner demonstration cars in order to receive allocation for certain vehicles this could result in programs and packages no longer offered in Arkansas it to do no longer be offered offered in Arkansas an example would be a manufacturer has a special edition vehicle that comes with a free loaner car service if the vehicle needs maintenance that would be prohibited in Arkansas because of a manufacturer can not require the dealer to have a loaner car. Thirdly and finally state franchise laws generally allow dealers to purchase substantially similar goods from vendors other than the manufacturer's preferred vendors when the dealer is renovating his facility things such as floor tiles windows lights things of that nature H. B. nineteen twenty two is unusual because it expands that privilege to special tools to equipment into digital platforms the alternative sourcing concept we believe should remain limited to renovations of store facilities manufactures cannot be expected to know whether a tool made by another vendor can perform the task that the manufacturer evaluated a special tool for. Special tools can be used as service shop for specific repair procedures to make them faster to make them safer. In summary negotiations were held in good faith by all parties at some point either due to missed misunderstandings are bill drafting errors some of the previously agreed to concepts from early negotiations fell by the wayside. Our expectations of a redraft by the dealers association of the digital platform language offered by Gulf states Toyota and the auto alliance never occurred. This bill is on the five yard line if a member were offered today to address these few remaining concerns Gulf states Toyota stands one hundred percent committed to working with the dealers association get the bill cross the goal line in a form that both dealers and manufacturers can be satisfied with without amendment we must respectfully respectfully oppose H. B. nineteen twenty two finally I would argue that there is at least one car menu vehicle manufactured Arkansas this Hino motors in Merion the West Memphis area so with that I close thank you. President very you're recognized thank you Mr chairman and Mr farmers Gulf states Toyota head quarter that Houston Houston Texas okay what a I'm I've got probably letter in have talking to over twenty dealerships here in the state of Arkansas in in they believe in the bill and at this point I think we've we've waited so long and it any amendment would not be able to to get through our legislature at this point but so I just want to make sure that you're representing all the Gulf states and your headquarters in Houston just so that is correct thank you for coming I appreciate it any other questions for Mr Thurman. Locus you're recognized. Thank you Mr chairman imitation again please sure thank you Mr chairman members of the committee Lucas Hargraves and I represent the alliance for automotive innovation also known as auto innovators the trade association that represents thirty seven automobile manufacturers and suppliers of auto equipment and technologies David bride attorney for the auto innovators was not able to be here today because of travel restrictions still in place for their organization so I'm reading a statement on his behalf auto innovators as opposed HB nineteen twenty two which would further regulate the contractual relationship between automobile manufacturers and dealers as with any contractual relationship there's always some give and take we have worked together for generations and recognized manufacturers and dealers cannot succeed without one another unfortunately this bill is drafted to heavily favor dealers over manufactures we have historically been able to find compromise on legislation and we have made progress in doing so with the resolution in sight but this bill doesn't reflect those negotiations as written H. B. nineteen twenty two has multiple problems chief among them is the first in the nation creation of a term call digital platform in a series of prohibitions related to how manufactures relate to them this term is surprisingly broad defined as quote an online exchange of information goods and services that facilitate commercial interactions between supplier and consumer section eleven compounds that problem because it fails to distinguish between quote digital platforms that the manufacturer owns or controls and quote digital platforms that the dealer uses from other sources it's troubling to see broad terms invade provisions in a bill regulating technology and the ramifications of this. Shin are unclear another problem with H. B. nineteen twenty two is that prohibits manufacturers from offering special vehicle models or additions for sale in Arkansas if the manufacture requires dealers to make loner or demonstration vehicles available to consumers that means the special packages that manufactures have designed to appeal to consumers will be prohibited in Arkansas there is no need for such a prohibition we feel like this bill needs more work we believe it favors one party with a major impact ultimately to consumers so auto innovators therefore respectfully asks that you vote against H. B. nineteen twenty two thank you Mr chairman the question president elect you're recognized for a question. Thank you Mr A I guess I have a comment and a question first of all I mean you represent Toyota and recently Toyota just pulled one of their sponsorships of our dealer from one of my town to constituents because the dealer refuse to pay exorbitant prices it from Toyota to update their facilities on some things that were done so our community lost their Toyota dealership because the manufacturer decided to you know charge way more. Two key it to and and to keep the or to allow them to keep their franchise. In your statement you said that it for you this legislation favors dealers over manufacturers so this is my question to you if a manufacturer owned something enforces dealers to purchase it at exorbitant prices wouldn't that be a monopoly on that. representative with all due respect I think that the those type of situations are covered in the franchise agreement between dealers and manufacturers. Follow. And does that agreement to favor the manufacture or the dealer at an. Mr chairman collected follow up and that it would be our position that those agreements are entered into a mutually by dealers and manufacturers. Any other questions representative Springer thank your next on the list. Thank you Mr I didn't realize that there were persons here opposing the. This legislation I like to hear from all parties prior to me making the decision so I heard you say that you all are prepared to offer some language as an amendment to this bill can you to specifically state what that language would be with respect to this bill specifically saying I'm in. Yes ma'am thank you for the question representative we do have an amendment drafted in available one that we would sign on to the immediately that we think reflects the discussions over the past several weeks weeks and addresses the agreements that we believed were in place the main point has to do with the digital platform I will know that but I I think I've covered the other semi statement briefly follow up this. Specifically what would how would yeah I was looking at that and I would agree but maybe that's something that can be addressed by some rules that you all they can be gotten together on but can you tell me specifically what's wrong with that what's that language that you what how would you change that. Yes ma'am sure number one I think that the thing that I would notice is that no other state in the country has a similar definition or structure we would be the first and I are concerned. Really centers around the bay yes and and the broadness of the definition. Okay read next service representative ray. Actually representative Springer stole my questions right. Posted made not rescue me representative very. Thank you thank you Mr thank you Mr chairman so if the dealer does not participate in the digital platform are they penalize at any point by automobile allocations if they choose not to be a part of that. A representative I'm I will be honest with you and tell you I'm not a subject matter expert on this and on the appearing here to convey a statement on behalf of my client and I I really don't have a good answer a specific answer that act I would feel confident and and giving you about that. Of follow up missed journal in it it's a Because in the form of a question I guess is my understanding that with car dealerships I've spoken to that there is a penalty for not taking part in the digital platform that's offered to them so you're saying you can't give me an answer to that correct. Yes Sir okay thank you. Okay not seeing any other questions committee thank you for your testimony think we have one speak for Greg perfect Kirkpatrick going pass okay represent Wardlaw. Thank you Mr president Springer I can I can answer your questions and he said in his testimony the answer to that question is control. The Amendment was so that they control all that digital platforms so that they can control the battery charger testers so they can control the lives so they can control the fact that you have to pay him upwards of eight thousand dollars a month to get access to those certain pieces of tools and equipment so they can control the fact that you have to have so many loaner vehicles for every specialty vehicle you sale that was a complete threat and that testimony the problem is is it in the committee we shouldn't take testimony that is a statement we should take testimony from people that can answer questions because if they can answer questions they shouldn't give testimony and that's the way it always has been and that's the way it always should be because we should hear from those people but they came down here with a lobbyist to tell you that because I thought you would vote with them and they didn't have to come in Arkansas. If they cared enough about Arkansas they've been sitting here at this table today and that's what they do to all of our dealers across the state two hundred fifteen dealers across state employee your constituents in mind and they have to sign these agreements and they have to pay these exorbitant fees because these people tell them they have to if they want to sell a Toyota in Helena they have to pay those fees they want to sale Ford and Southwest Arkansas they have to pay those fees where does it stop this bill was a compromise bill until Friday and they threw it out last time amendment so that we wouldn't have a bill this session that's why I'm sitting here this bill is very important to our taxpayers in Arkansas situation with that I appreciate a good vote thank you Mr chairman any other questions committee exist bring you're recognized. I have a motion to pass any discussion of committee all in favor say aye any oppose same accent. Okay. No no opposition to the bill passes graduation. Next on the agenda. Senate bill two forty seven representative Johnson probably run that bill representative Watson will take care. The representative Holcomb if you'll. Approach the bench bench in any witnesses. That you may have whatever you're ready you may proceed thank you miss your committee I have an amendment of the elected president I think we've all got a copy of it on on Senate bill two forty seven so and if you want me to explain the amendment first three one adopted have you only do it I'll be glad to do that heal me go through that he will briefly explain amendment the okay actually actually committee up I came to you awhile back and I I ran a bill for that for the highway police said we have some concerns about and it was actually about street racing and the concerned you and I had we were trying to stiffen the penalty because we're having so much trouble with just I don't know I'm I'm hesitant because of gang activity but I'm I'm telling you we've got you got drug dealers now that can afford high dollar cars that will not run anything on the road and it's and I don't know what you saw I sent a video out to several of the you may have seen the video so that's that's what the that's what the original intent was to address but I would you know this or not but when you get a bill through this committee it also goes to another committee with you know it or not and and the other committee did a lot because it was frayed that and could possibly happen a representative berry and I'm not due to red light in the heat of the moment you know let's see where that mopar when I do that she will AM that could happen to anyone and we were afraid someone might get caught up in that I think some of the mention the fact that you were afraid maybe you eighteen year old might get a a particular no later on get a felony tickets so we we revamp this whole thing And so of we've we deleted I'm I'm all I'm all look on page we're really counts page one of the amendment we deleted lines thirty through thirty two if you look back on thirty through thirty two that says a a first offense of racing crime. On a public highway is a Class C. misdemeanor of am I doing it right major mother to that right thirty three thirty two a personal Committee coloration apakah how you if he or she knowingly commits a violation twenty seven five oh two three oh two and operates a motor vehicle in a drag race on a public highway or participates and promotes solicit or collect monies at any location for any race or drag race on public highways of we go down into that we say a a a actually we did not change the offense well I but I say that we did a little bit changed a a first offense for crime a racing or public highway is a Class C. misdemeanor that's that's that's what it was before subgroup subsequent offense of the crime of racing on a public highway committed within a five year period the other committee ask for a kick back to you so we've added that five year period to cover that if they get it if they get another ticket it is a Class C. misdemeanor and shall result upon conviction in the suspension of a person's driver's license for six months seems reasonable mate now then we go down and we get into in this section C. section see a person commits a crime of felony racing on a public highway if he or she violates subdivision be one of this section at a commission of the violation service to impede stop the floor traffic traveling on public highways in the same office opposite or direction you saw some of the video what we're talking about here is where we've got a gathering actually the next line I'll give you the numbers we've got we've got going out on the highway state highways city streets holding up traffic on both the and sometimes one in so they can do racing one of the videos you watch was operate was on the force down the road I'm a poor but I've seen it. Wrong if you look at that if you look at that there's a double yellow line there it's against the law even cross over in the other lane on the double yellow that we're racing on a highway with double yellow line not only that we've got a pot of cars parked on the side of the road all up and down there so so that is the the intent if you go out it only becomes a felony if you if you are a impeding that traffic you're holding up that traffic on the next section behind and be is part of a gathering of ten or more the state police ask for five and I said no let's make it ten just because there's a lot would be two cars out there and five people and into cars so I'm trying to make this is accessible reasonable to you and me and and and and make it work for the state police in a similar behavior felony racing on the public highway is a Class D. felony and that pertains to what we were just talking about if there's ten or more and they're blocking the highway and now it's it's it's got to be more than just racing if you watch some of the videos they're going to a private parking lots of. Skews me forty cars are tied thirty cars at the time of circling the parking lots private parking lot donuts dangerous situation I don't have to be what it is one of the videos you saw were these members are all gathered together we've got fifty seven five maybe even a hundred cars what they're calling taking over there the the the expressway and the going down express when they got all the lands cover their flashing their running in and out between each other and what's happening in these gathered events this is all what become popular because of a of a TV program we've got people coming in from out of state you know Texan set a meet me at pine bluff on the port and the the V. thirty cars out there and we're trying to which I so it's gotten so popular and dangerous we've had several accident so that is the that is the The Amendment. In a nutshell and that is actually the bill so I would ask for an adoption of the bill of the amendment. Okay do we have any questions by the committee. did I thought I saw him maybe I did not okay it. We have a motion by. Representative berry okay. And this is to adopt the amendment is that correct yes. We have a do pass as amended as amended. Adopt reduce the weirdest pass for the for the dog to the minister yes okay. I'm all in favor signify by. Those opposed Like sign The Amendment carries representive okay if you if you don't mind we brought some witnesses and and and a committee I know we've been here while but I need your help on the floor tomorrow with this do you see in the video and and and and I need you to kind of help share with me kind of what's going on so we can help combat the end of major do you want to speak to the issue or or you won't call you witness it now like I'll say a few words and K. thank you recognise go ahead Sir a major J. center with the Arkansas state police representative I just ask for your support on this this is a trend is growing across the country it's already expanded the metro areas outside of little rock and see upon bluff in Jonesborough one is coming in Northwest Arkansas office its dangers it's more than racing it's a criminal enterprise. and and we were seeing here locally whether it's shootings it's involved at these parks that are out just ask for your support in this And as for to enhance these penalties are racing to help us. Thank you major do we have another of anybody else in the committee would like to approach identify yourself please and. You are recognized search. Thank you Mr chairman committee I'm sergeant Travis go forth with upon the police department traffic division of touching on for a little bit what Mr chairman said over here the port upon bluff is pretty famous in more than just Arkansas we're seeing racers tribe or the race cars in from Oklahoma Texas Missouri Louisiana and we're not talking about something you can go to your Dodge dealership and buy and there's been an twenty five thirty forty thousand dollars on just building motors and transmissions for the race cars. They do not have the safety features I'm sure everybody's watched the NHRA on TV where they just run a straight line with little triple trees these folks are bring in portable trees in. And video in it and it's a large underground network and it's branching out more than just like major said now they're taking out taking it out to the city streets Porter combo of port road is a city street but it's way out outside right on the fringe of the city. Now they're bringing it deep into the heart of the city and it's causing huge traffic concerns and safety concerns for the city of our our citizens and our in our city. So that's pretty much all I've got to say thank you Mr. Thank you anybody else of. Representative berry. You're recognized thank you Mr what would it be fair to say that the you have a substantial amount of gambling activity illegal gambling the sale of illicit drugs. Alcohol lot alcohol involved in the driving of the vehicles and infractions such as that do you see a lot of that. Yes Sir is not uncommon these racers of bet on these racers on these races it's not uncommon to hear of five ten fifteen twenty thousand dollars bet on one race alone firearms as a large issue illegal firearms I want to touch on the drugs I'm not in Vice in narcotics but it is well known that there's lots of drugs that travel back and forth between the states when these racers are coming back and forth thank you Mr. Thank you any other questions. Representative Brett yes you're recognized her thank you Mr Holcomb. Good job on addressing the concerns I approved it is a great bill my question would be is is some alluded by the state police were this is becoming more of an organized crime event but our bill addresses with public highway infrastructure so how do we address when they when they come in their parking lots of of malls that are. Having these issues but they're they're still organizer still legal activity going on to win no longer address the the criminality of the of the racing now we just go after the individual activities of the. Of the people in attendance or. It course you got officials here I'm a current may wanna speak this but as is drivers have his driving anywhere records driver's reckless driving anywhere if it's out of the public whether it's on a parking lot or anything like that but. This would you like to address that or or we want current address at or or or but. Colonel if you go indemnify yourself and you're recognized A bill Bryant director the Arkansas state police no relation to representative bright. good question I mean what we're seeing is not only on the public street is we're really falls under our responsibility but we're saying we're going the parking lots from the videos and stuff I see in some cities like little rock or trying to get a city ordinance against it but if you watch those videos I mean you've got a massive crowd in there doing those high speed burnouts and somebody's gonna get hit Senator late I think one of the video shows one car into another car so those of the dangers but I think it's really gonna make a difference we target these organizations and and hit him with a felony that's going to make a huge difference I think that's going to deter what we're seeing out there again that some of these cars the run hundred seventy hundred eighty miles an hour and you know we just can't catch those type of vehicles so I think this will have a deterrents and I think to I think the city Little Rock board is meeting tonight to discuss their ordinance are trying to do so certain cities but I guarantee if it's not in your city yet it's coming because what what and what we say is we target we do saturation sent I don't know if you saw the newspaper article last week but in pine bluff Pombal of the State Police in Jefferson County the saturation hit some of the racers but we were pulling all types of A. R. as in different times the weapons and drugs and money as a result of these and a lot of these unfortunately end up in pursuit you know we we work with the legislature this session as far as filling is concerned statewide fillings up sixty one percent here in central Arkansas is up eighty one percent so you know this will this will make a difference being a felony I think they'll think twice before they do these events it's it's kind of a game till and and then we saturate on here they go to pine bluff when Pablo stars do they move to another city so it's always a constant movement but if we start putting felonies on I think it's gonna make a huge difference again it's not you know Mike and I my can general berry race and at the red light these organized groups that are doing this and put our citizens at risk. Thank you Carl anymore questions no one is signed the what are the wishes of the committee what I like clothes yes go ahead close. Go ahead representative. Well you know I I can see it that if you watch the video and you can you understand where we're at what we're trying to do the reason we're doing it but I I just want to tell you this is this is just blatant violation of the law just to show that they can break the law and and and when a trooper goes to one of these events where they're all trying to get one person they all scattered out there showing out around him a run behind him trying to just it's just blatant violation no respect for the law and all you may be driving on a state highway I see it all the time domino's state highway in seed donut March right in the middle of the road that's got to be a big thing. The last time I read this bill we had a major I believe it from Crittenden County here with this and and he was on his way home back to West Memphis and the Dodge charger and and and and one of these of Gazaway hot cars these hell cats come up beside him just just because he knew he was a trooper stopped the vehicle and the troopers run a hundred forty mile an hour trying to catch you he's running away from it goes to Brinkley they get after him and Brinkley goes through several streets now this is a hazardous to me and you were driving through there with our children are people innocent people on the street and he has and he has a no thought about your safety or anyone else's he thought is this is a big game I'm going to get away he ends up crashing into a fire hydrant they ended up getting them but that's the kind of mentality that these people are facing today so so with that and and and we've with changing what we were asked to change I think what we've got here is a good law and it helps address the events that are going to continue to get bigger and bigger and bigger so Mr chairman I would ask the for a for a do pass on the bill as amended. With the wishes of the committee. What we have a do pass a representative berry. I'm made to do pass as members Mr chairman so the reddit we have that we have a motion to pass all in favor say aye. Those opposed Like sign motion carries congradulations representative thank you and I appreciate you have me on the floor and we got just one more bit of business take care of saying over just a minute. Thank you. I think this will be our last meeting today I see no need in meeting next Tuesday because if we run it we're gonna next Tuesday if in case you haven't heard is probably going to be our last week we may go through Friday to finish up but I'm confident and and and let something goes haywire I think we're within the good RSA done it we should finish up but let me let me tell you what a pleasure to is this is my third term to chair of a a Committee I want to thank you for your respect to not only me but my advice to you respect for one another hello thank you for your questions a lot of times people just let stuff go through that asking questions I thank you for your questions they were good questions because sometimes we didn't understand and as I told you before we don't always agree on the bills but this is been a good committee it's been orderly I appreciate it and I appreciate your I know you appreciate the staff as well as I do and Judy would you like to come up here the U. S. we don't want to like to do it anyway we want to just add that the all the committee got together and and we made little contribution to you all for your help these ladies do a lot of hard work and when I contact them they send that information to you you can contact them and you know that they've been good to us and so Estella here's a little envelope you from all the committee Judy here's one from you that's good. They've been around for awhile let me let me tell you this just in case if the Speaker has something if something comes out of the Senate and he wants us to have a special meeting we may meet again at a at a designated time to take care of any business needs to be taken care if not. Will this call it will be called