Senate Convenes

I'm. Several. This call the roll Ballinger Beckham Bledsoe Caldwell Chesterfield Clark Davis Dismang Eads Elliott English Flippo flowers Garner Gilmore Hammer Hendren Hester Hickey Hill Ingram Irvin Blake Johnson Mark Johnson Leding Pitsch Rapert Rice sample Stubblefield Sturch Sullivan Teague Tucker Wallace. Everyone in the gallery in everyone in here please stand senator it's going to be Senator Sturch Senator Blake Johnson heard your gonna fight over who's going to reduce. Why don't you senator Blake Johnson answers Sturch jointly I want to introduce the gentleman who's going to lead us in prayer thank you Mr president a college the reason we're doing this is because the Mr Collins a past Collins is from Blake Johnson's district that to he is a friend of mine and a good man comes from a good family he's also married to my cousin. But he's busy Senator Rapert here today And so we're glad having that Derek is from Walnut Ridge he is the president founders seventy Bible institute also pastor disseminate Mr beds church so with that there Collins. Welcome please leave us a word for. Thank you it's good to be homeless bill together if only for the region to you today and we thank you for the many blessings that you've given us a lot of I thank you today for this opportunity we were grateful that prayer is still instituted in this great country we're thankful for the United States of America lord we don't take it for granted that we live in the greatest nation in the world and father I thank you for our country may you bless and watch over sin even within this country we live in the most wonderful state the state of Arkansas and father were thankful for the state in which we live and we're thankful for each person that makes up this state and father this morning I this afternoon rather father I pray for each person that's in this building we have senators here today that represent people throughout the state of Arkansas and father I just pray this afternoon that you might touch each of their hearts that they might understand the obligation that they have to serve you through this capacity lord I just pray that. They remember the Bible the word of god and what it stands for. And lord I pray that the will always vote with you in mind and no matter what situation they're in or I do pray for. Every baby that's never been more and I pray that you protect those babies I pray for every child that's growing up lord I pray you watch over them and help them have a normal childhood is every child should. Lord I pray today that you might continue to bless this country bless this state bless each senator that's here lord I thank you most of all for the lord Jesus Christ and him coming and Donald cross for our sins and without him we wouldn't have anything and I'm thankful they didn't stay buried body rolls again on the third day and he's alive lord I just pray today that we must always remember that I do pray there's any senators or anybody in this building this never been save that they might trust Christ as their savior and not miss the entire meaning of life thank you for saving my soul thank you for this place may you bless today may everything be done accordance to your will and I pray these things in Jesus name amen amen. I pledge allegiance to the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one. Indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you pass. Thank you senator. Any announcements we get going. Any announcements will we get going. Senator Solomon is recognized. You're recognized by Senator Solomon I think someone needs you're gonna ask for leave is that correct. You can leave your one of your colleagues. I'm not. Leave for senator Clark please lavers OR. Many items. Yesterday Mr President this is to inform you that on April seventh twenty twenty one I reviewed the proof the following measures of the regular session the ninety third General Assembly Senate bill eighteen at six oh four Senate bill three eighty six ACT six oh five zero three forty nine ACT six oh six sincerely Asa Hutchinson governor follows. President will your committee on Rhode Bills to whom was referred Senate bill sixty one by Senator Irvin said bill to twenty six by Senator Chesterfield senate two ninety one by Senator Irvin Senate bill four seventeen by Senator hammer Senate bill for eighteen by Senator Dismang similar to eighteen by Senator Hendren said bill for twenty five days Senate dismaying semaphore eighty one by Senator Dismang symbol for ninety four by Senator hammer Senate bill five O. five by Senator Bledsoe Senate bill five eighty four by Senator Hickey senate five ninety three by Senator Hickey. The engrossed copy the enrolled copies with the original find same correctly enrolled and have delivered to the governor at nine forty four AM this morning follows where your committee on engrossed bills to whom was referred senate bill three thirty seven by Senator let's compare the engrossed copy with the original find same correctly engrossed. Revenue tax where your committee on engrossed bills to whom was referred Senate bill five thirty nine by Senator Davis road copy with the original find same correctly public health Committee on engrossed bills to whom was referred Senate bill five eighty two by Senator Hammer compare the engrossed copy with the original find same correctly engrossed state agencies Committee on engrossed bills to whom was referred Senate bill five eighty seven by Senator Teague compare the engrossed copy with the original find same correctly engrossed shirts commerce Committee on engrossed bills to whom was referred senate five ninety one by Senator letting compare the engrossed copy with the original find same correctly engrossed Judiciary Committee on engrossed bills to whom was referred Senate bill five ninety four by Senator Dismang compared the engrossed copy with the original find same correctly engrossed insurance commerce committee on engrossed bills to whom was referred Senate bill six thirty one by Senator Teague compare the engrossed copy with the original find same correctly engrossed city county local committee on engrossed bills to whom was referred Senate bill fifteen forty three House Bill all fifteen forty three I read all representatives rights compare the engrossed copy with the original and find the same correctly engrossed revenue this where your committee on engrossed bills to whom was referred house bill seventeen seventy by representative McCollum compare the engrossed copy with the original find same correctly engrossed Education Committee on engrossed bills to whom was referred house bill eighteen thirty six by representative ball compare the engrossed copy with the original find same correctly engrossed public health. For your committee on crime to whom was referred Senate bill six thirty seven by Senator Irvin recommend due pass counted Committee on a bride who was referred house bill eleven thirty two by representative Gazaway recommend due pass counted Committee on it right to him was referred house bill fifteen seventy five a representative Eubanks recommend due pass counted. Committee on city county local to whom was referred Senate bill six ten by Senator Flippo recommend due pass counted Committee on city county local to whom was referred Senate bill six twenty four by Senator Wallace recommend to pass. Counted Committee on city county local to whom was referred house bill sixteen thirty three by representative vendor would recommend due pass counted Committee on city county local to whom was referred house bill sixteen ninety by representative five recommend to pass. Counted Committee on city county local to whom was referred house bill seventeen sixty three by representative Christiansen recommend due pass counted Committee on city county local to whom was referred house bill seventeen ninety eight by representative thank recommend due pass counted Committee on joint budget to whom was referred Senate bill two twenty one by joint budget recommend due pass counted. Senate bill six fifty seven by Senator Leding to amend the law concerning. Watercraft Senate bill six fifty seven credit. Senate bill six fifty eight by Senator Leding to amend the law concerning the issuance of a driver's license to us to certain African Senate bill six fifty eight. transportation. Senator Stubblefield you speak to be recognized. If you are seeking to be. What we're done with the desk if you want to change my recognize Senator Stubblefield. And Senator Hickey do we do all for taking the rules. Senate resolution twenty by Senator Stubblefield proclaimed Tucker twenty twenty one syndrome awareness month. Thank you Mr president if if it's if it's okay with the Senate I would like to ask of Mr Kevin black if you could come up with what I read. Without objection. Please introduce it to the chamber. Colleagues of. I know most you don't know there's gas. Of noting for short time of sale but I'm sure you know is brother brothers Clint black the country music singer Kevin and I got to meet each other while back in the. He was telling me about his daughter Courtney who died of a very rare disease call rich disease she was sixteen year old and I have a resolution to. today to bring awareness to read as the rest is a and our country and I just want to do that in honor of Kevin's daughter and. And I'll read it now then I will let Kevin so just a few words. S. R. twenty centers over first item of business. You've read. Please whereas rex syndrome is a rare potential genetic neurological disorder the Kurds most exclusively in females and rarely in males whereas the symptoms of Rett syndrome usually do not appear until six to eighteen months after birth and we're as repression carried a regression carried follows and which acquired motor skills are lost leading to lifelong impairment including loss of speech seizures scoliosis irregular breathing patterns the hallmark sign of Rett syndrome is near constant repetitive hand movements while away in those diagnosed with Rett syndrome require Maximo systems maximum assistance with daily living living activities and the just disorder is not a generative environmental research in my suggested neurological symptoms may be re referred even after decades of severe symptoms. With the discovery of the gene that causes Rett syndrome in nineteen ninety nine research in the laboratory that proved that seriously of reversibility of the disease in two thousand seven the discovery of breakthrough testing using an in vitro models in two thousand ten in the launch of multiple disease modifying human clinical trials recently we have now reached an unprecedented and historic moment in time when we must do everything possible to fund the truly life changing research that is in front of us now would you continue our effort to bring awareness to the medical community therapists teachers caregivers and the general public in support researchers who are dedicated to finding a cure for Rett syndrome in the State of Arkansas supports the shared mission so be it resolved by the Senate of the ninety third General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that this Janet proposed Senate proclaims October two thousand twenty one as Rick syndrome awareness month in Arkansas. You for the resolution all the favor say aye. Follows Is haven't resolution adopted. Without objection that if the Senate would like Kevin site just a few words with without. Thank you very much everybody and I really. I am honored to be here I know you all deal with more important things every single day then then why I'm here but in my world this is extremely important to me and and after since two thousand three trying to bring awareness and raise funds for research for retching drome it my daughter passed away from after sixteen years my partner and I didn't so many different types of things golf tournaments bass fishing tournaments concerts and and stolen funds and we finally decided to do a book and we realize it if if we wrote a book about Rett syndrome nobody would read it and so we decided to create the type of the Trojan horse if you will we're both photographers and musicians so we photographed and volume one we photograph two hundred and twenty six famous artists such as my brother plant he was easy to get to of Paul McCartney George Strait Merle Haggard Dolly Parton BB king Jimmy Buffett and and on and on and on volume two has two two hundred and thirty eight new artist in the book and so there's very little in the front very little in the back about Rett syndrome and and what goes on in my world so we thought that the photographs should be interesting with interviews and things of this nature and so we're relation volume to any and and I don't know if you all know Doug Smith but I talked more than he does so I don't have to be respectful of your time here but thank you so much and I and I really I thank you Doug and and centers open field for allowing me this time and I one thing I do need to say is direct community around the world. if they can hug you and tell you thank you would be a excellent feeling shall I thank you and hug you for everyone in the rec Committee need thank you so much all. Thank you senator mark Johnson is recognized house concurrent resolution ten sixteen by representative back in center Johnson to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the Arkansas Scott observatories. Sir Clark. Senator Johnson. Thank you Mr president hi this is a house concurrent resolution that celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of Arkansas sky observatories and in nineteen seventy one of the direct design directorship of our cans and ninety clay shared the first facility of Arkansas sky observatories was constructed in central Arkansas Mr shared and Arkansas scabs over towards develop when the first confirmation stations for the Harvard Smithsonian I you minor planet center with Dr Brian Marston had led in within only two years serving professionals trying to reach for nearly fifty years in the studies of new comments asteroids no supernovae in galaxies billions of light years distance I know I sound like Carl Sagan but I tried not even emulating of this is a wonderful wonderful facility that obviously is way under the radar but with fifty years needs to be recognized this is on page Jean mountain at one another one of our treasures of the State of Arkansas so I want to ask you if you could favorably to approve a. House concurrent resolution sixteen and honor Arkansas scabs are rhetorically and Mister clay shared as a leader this for fifty years Mr president I move the adoption of the resolution all those of favour say aye aye ayes have it the resolution is adopted. Due to the House Senator Hammer and then we're gonna go to use generates after Senator Hammer was got House bills to Senate Amendment Senator Hammer amendment one house bill ten ninety eight. To have a. Thank you Mr president what this did was the Amendment took it down to where it would only require have the requirement upon the owner or the administration of the daycare facility that they would have to notify parents of children who are attending their if their spouse was a registered sex offender glad to answer any questions any questions on the amendment at all those of favour say aye. Lows Is have it members adopted to doing grossing Senator Eads. Just stepped outside. We will retreat center in there is. You're recognized. Thank you Mr president. colleagues on behalf of the Senate rules committee we met today at noon and have a voted to Ford and review the governors appoint for Dr Meryl and bring it to the floor and at this time then I move that we confirm this last appointment for the governor Dr Merrill. Any questions. All the. What the what what the vote. All those of favour say aye. News haven't. You'll call. Well being. Okay. Hollowell. You saw it is. Part of the part of the whole emphasis for getting this on the floor so the debate continues but for about to have a vote there is no opportunity for debate so could we have a really on board with this is allowable. What. Generation. Okay and then you have a vote yeah they're gonna have a roll call vote this is on whether to passes motion. Just to make clear I'm hearing I'm hearing voices so this is only a vote to considered on the floor or is this is a vote for confirmation. Okay. For. Okay well. So we had we had a vote on whether to confirm you wish to speak on the part of the process that we were advised is that this was moving to the fore for an opportunity for further debate and discussion. So. Hi. Yeah. Yes this is. Two two. Yeah. Yes we cannot so. We returned to my recognition ruling was correct. Tended to have a motion. But we have to we have to suspend the rules so there is a motion on whether to do this or not okay to the proper motion is suspend the rules and consider the confirmation right okay. You can read the going respect. I move that we suspend the rules to consider the confirmation of doctor Meryl on the floor okay so that's the vote on that's what I heard and what we'll do and this is obviously twenty four vote. Although the murder to suspend the rules to hear it on the. Hi. I have a. Clearly have okay now. Yeah. We can go process in having put on the calendar you can only come right here. Okay let's proceed just as we normally would we'll have the debate will have speeches again for awhile so you're recognized thank you Mr president okay this is brought forth from the Senate rules committee for approval of the confirmation of doctor Romero. Any questions for the senator. Anyone would think again. Right. Members I don't like doing re runs we just had this discussion I wish we all had been in committee for this I thought about this a lot frankly over the last several months. I don't have any problem with Dr Romero on a personal basis his his career his professionalism that's all laid aside. This is about executive decisions that have affected the state of Arkansas with the last several months especially during twenty twenty. And frankly what I think is a lack of accountability at a professional level. It's not got anything to do with his ability as a physician but it does have to do with the fact that every single one of us. If we have made some mistakes were made some decisions have been made just like I've been made from the Arkansas department of health over the last few months. That have impacted thousands frankly millions of our Kansans. I don't think that we would be let off so easily. We would be held to account. On your desks so that you've got something in front of you is an article that was written by mac Wickline the Arkansas Democrat Gazette September the first of twenty twenty. The very start of that article says a former part time doctor at the Conway human development center told state lawmakers Monday that she resigned in June because she didn't believe that she could prescribe Hydroxychloroquine to the center's residents for COVID nineteen. Dr center young of London said she made that judgment based on an email that she received from now state department of health secretary Jose Romero Romero said that while he didn't recommend or endorse the use of hydroxy core going to treat COVID nineteen he hasn't prevented young and any other doctors from using the contentious medication. We had a hearing which doctor American Romero was put under oath many of you were in that meeting. And he we ask you why whether such confusion amongst the doctors and pharmacists in our state that was causing patients to call many of you in the state legislature asking for help because they were given prescriptions by their physicians for medication that was being denied filling at pharmacies. And we were told it was testified to in committee by another member that many of them said that they were scared to do anything because of the messages out of the Arkansas department of health. Where is the accountability for that. He's supposed to be the number one medical officer in the state but yet this was happening all across the state. That articles highlighted you can read that but the last things they really get gets me in this article is the fact because we had somebody also stating committee that he never did that and what he said did not calls Dr young to resign. But she said herself if you were to go to the second page of the article on your desk. She said I felt that I could not stay there and watch people get sick and die when I knew I could prevent it or to watch the people that I worked with the staff gets sick and possibly die and not prevent it she said she received the June twenty first email from Romero and subsequently decided to quit. When he testified it she testified that day in on the back of the page in front of you is her actual email with Dr Romero. In the last sentence in that I'm not going to read the whole thing to you but you'll see that email he said I cannot recommend or endorse it used for patients and staff at the con way development center I just got a question for you now. They were using it at the Conway human development center earlier in the year. Several of us had COVID in this room. When I went into the hospital in Conway Arkansas in July of twenty twenty the first thing I ask once I realized I was being admitted to the COVID unit is would you please utilize what at that time was the last best information we had is hydroxy Cork when the budesonide inhalers do whatever's recommended at the time they had just made a change. To utilize room disappear. And they explain that to me. So that's what I used. But you heard the reports you saying the reports all around this country and we've got members in this body that said that they used hydroxy Cork when and it helped them. But yet here we are an executive decision in which a physician. Who probably has over thirty year career she was consulting with the medical director that was the inflation Dr remarks served as the medical director the center consultant for the C. CHEC and she said look I want to do something to try to prevent people from getting sick and do what I can to help them. And whether he meant to or not his words by saying I cannot recommend or endorse issues for patients and staff at the co more development center called her to say I can't do this she quit. The other thing and I will say I will say this for Dr Amer I appreciate he apologized to me the other day when we spoke after our caucus meeting. Because when he spoke with me I've had many interactions with Dr Naismith that were wonderful I talked to Dr Naismith while I was in the hospital. But when I got a call from Dr Romero. And I've shared within the great news that my doctor said I could be released. And I was going to be out and I was gonna be free to go in so many days he said oh no you can't not to you get a letter from us. Said Dr Romero. You're not my physician. You haven't spoken with my doctors. You haven't even reviewed my own filing yet you're saying you're going to hold you gonna let you go as an individual citizen in Arkansas. Folks it's ridiculous. And frankly to say that to anybody let alone anybody in public but anybody. That you're going to say that your doctors don't know what's best for you and they're going to hold you. Basically put you under house arrest. Folks. One in the world we not stand up for civil liberties. And you know what for an I'm I'm totally I'm objecting today for every pastor in every church in the State of Arkansas that got one of those crazy calls from the department of health in said are you singing in church. Are you saying in in church. You mean that's the best that they could do in the pandemic is to try to get people to quit saying in church but guess what you go to Walmart you go to Lowes and you could rub up against each other and be there all day long and I never wanted to shut their doors but think about all those mom and pops in the restaurants. Should them down. It hurt their businesses. Look. This pandemic it's been rough on everybody we all had to learn lessons. But it really really bothers me that you can have somebody making decisions like this that were unnecessary there were over burdensome. In we not hold them accountable whatsoever. We're not. Making sense it's on somebody here we're just saying you know what there's plenty of doctors and physicians and experts in this state and this country they could fill this role that might just have a little better. Presence about the. It might be able to handle the pressures of the of the position a little better. And not get mad and and market a state senator who's just trying to get out of the hospital after surviving COVID nineteen and act like you're going to put him under house arrest. Yes what it just so happens I've got a voice with you today and there's many of our people that would love to be here telling you what they went through. But no they don't have that moisture in here today but I do. And all I'm saying is I just don't think with all of these things is just like a box of rocks are just too many rocks have been thrown in here for me to say that I would approve this so I'm going to vote against it. And I'm voting against it because we got plenty of information to stand bill in that respect so I ask you to think about it you know what I'll say one last thing. The Bible says pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. All we had to do that day and that meeting was to say you know what I miss wrote. And I do apologize for that and that would have gone a long way but when I see somebody continue to come up and be asked for some little bit of accountability in a little bit of humility on. They should be able to do that. So there you go I appreciate you for thinking about this many of you have given me your objections one on one. So let's stand up for what's right in here is the Arkansas Senate you know what else I'm going to say well I got a chance. Governor got up front of everybody on Tucker Carlson any spoke out the other day and he said that all of you just didn't have the experience and background to listen to testimony and make good judgments. You know what I think you made a mistake on this judgment. In my judgment is there's better folks involved in my judgment is that all thirty four of you to sit with me and this body you do have good judgment. We had good judgment when we overrode that veto to that's all. It was four. So then senator garner against Senator Bledsoe. What is recognized. Thank you Mr president ladies and gentleman to start with I want you to know that I had put on your. on your desk a letter from the C. E. O. from Washington regional hospital if you'll notice the date at the top of the letter or the email it says April the second this was right after that first newspaper article of was saw in the paper and he on his own unsolicited I don't really know him well I know who he is unsolicited he wrote me this email and it says Dr Meryl it says a lot of things but he said Dr Romero has positively contributed to our efforts to protect the public he has been ineffective and tireless leader to overcome the challenges that have plagued our state and region I urge you to vote for his confirmation this is one of the largest hospitals they had very high numbers COVID in the beginning and end unsolicited I say again he thought that much of Dr Romero that he would send me that email and I did receive other emails about the good job that doctor amero is doing but I want to say just a few more things about it Paula have a chance. I would start off by stating that doctor room Romero is an honorable and trustworthy man he is headed Jellico what the CDC and the Arkansas version of the response to code the code pandemic has been sometimes their minor contradictions but Dr Romero has been consistent in his handling on the. He does not micromanage other physician treatments of any disease but he is obligated to relate to everyone physicians included for the Arkansas directives and guidance is or the Arkansas department of health has made some mistakes but they have always done so in good faith. A. D. H. and the entire health care establishment has learned a lot during this worldwide pandemic but all are to be commended and how it was handled the pandemic shows signs of abating but it's not over we absolutely need Dr Romero to continue as secretary of health and to not allow him to continue and to not allow him to continue would be a travesty to him eighty eight and to the citizens of Arkansas he has proven his worth at a DH because of his training and credentials as he is internationally recognized he has an impeccable work ethic and his moral character character is above reproach the Arkansas department of health backs him one hundred percent and in closing he needs to be able to perform its job without having to continuously be looking over shoulders shoulder these distractions that he has had to address keep him from giving his best best effort in addressing the health needs of Arkansas I ask you to confirm. Dr Romero thank you. Are recognized against anyone for a for this. Senator Garner against senator thank you governor. They we had the rules meeting. I was truly undecided whether I would vote to confirm or not confirm Dr Mary. There's many issues I want to discuss with him from his handling of pandemic. How we will address future pandemics. Our vaccine rollout has been one of the most in need make in the United States. From how my brother who is mentally and physically handicapped because the department of health still can't stay out overnight. At a DHS facility or not going quarantine even though we both had COVID and had to vaccines. I legitimate and real questions. About his ability to lead that position. And the Department of Health under his leadership so far. If those were answered honestly. Inexorably. There's a chance I could have voted for. But I will not go form for this very reason. We ask him to show up today. He told you this body you're not important enough. For me to show up for. He told you that he doesn't care the shore for his job interview and from the Senate. He told you he's got more important things to do in a common answer your real and legitimate questions in the committee. No. Every two to four years depending on what year it is we all have to run for reelection we go to the voters and we're held accountable. Dr Romero. Decided today that he doesn't have to be held accountable. We tell you if you set this precedent if you vote him out as confirmed why would he ever listen to anything you have to say from here on out. What were authority will you have once we leave session. Another pandemic hits that's what the experts think could happen there could be another virus it is tomorrow. The next your credit comes through this thing. To my Democrat friends listen to me we know what the political route in Arkansas so I can be for next few years. There's another appointment that comes up. And you ask on the rules committee to have them come discussion your questions and they say you know we got the votes don't listen to you. That's going to make you feel how they're going to represent the people that you do this job for. What they start pushing ideas outside the norm of what we pass transgenderism additional regulation restrictions Department of Health the Department commerce member this last summer we held a meeting department commerce did not come ABC did not come to do not see a pattern with the executive branch ignoring this body you know why because they don't think we have the courage of the conviction to stand up and do the right thing on this. This is less about PH dis. Qualifications. This is more about the institutional power and the legacy of the Senate and how we deal with the executive branch moving four there's been a wave of Polish COVID nineteen a consolidation of power in one branch from the federal government to almost every state. One the few checks and balances to that is US. Today we have to see a very clear message. That we will hold people accountable that we or the people's branch and we will do the work as needed with that I'll be voting no thank you. For by once again. Senator. All. You may speak on law. Mr president. The other day searches for a call with historian of the Senate I don't know if I was insulted or flattered. But I want to say that I do have a long history and knowledge of it because I've lived it I've studied it and I've certainly read our constitution. And I want to encourage all my colleagues regardless of how you feel about this particular vote. To take this process very very seriously for the future of our state this was not put in the constitution of Arkansas as a whim. This constitutional duty of advice and consent to our governor on important appointments was put there for a reason. And I respect everything that my friend senator Bledsoe said about Dr Romero and I don't really. No I didn't read his resume I can't tell you what papers is written or anything like that. I respect everything that Senator Rapert and senator garner said. But regardless of how you choose to vote. Do not do this based on short term thoughts and the the issue at hand and even though the pandemic in the thanks we've been through over the last year recognize that it's important for the Senate to acknowledge and rise to our constitutional duty in this too often in the past this has deteriorated to the point where what. Should properly be called senatorial courtesy that is before the governor appoints someone who's your constituent he has a staff contact you and say do you know Mr jondo in your district is he a good person for this position and you say I think he's great tell the governor be happy to support his appointment. Or you could say you know governor got a problem with this person now that is not in the constitution that's a practice that has evolved over many many many years called senatorial courtesy and if you can think about it you could see how that could happen. If someone is going to be appointed from Mississippi County the governor could look Senator Wallace insight you know use these people in your area better than anybody else you're the one that I need your advice from and and Senator Wallace gives his advice as best he can we're not perfect we know that but this is this is a process. For. This is a process and it's one it's important and I frankly think regardless of the the instant issue we need to do it more often we need to look more carefully it's become a thing well I approved old Joe over there he's a good guy to be on the hot dip galvanized there's board or whatever and and that's that's okay I mean a lot of this stuff is routine and we should treat it when it's routine but wanted something important. We do need to think about it we need to deliberate and we need to pray over it and and vote our conscience based on the evidence that's been presented. This is really not about. Completely about Dr Romero it's a lot about the separation of powers. In the checks and balances that a lot of. Really carefully thinking people did in eighteen seventy four and subsequent years so I encourage you please take this seriously if you think that Dr Mario should be confirmed vote that if you think that maybe shouldn't vote that way but don't be swayed by the fact that we've never done this before and I will tell you as long as I've been around and I think Steve could say the same thing we have never done this before but that doesn't mean that's not what the constitution says and we need to take our responsibilities from this point forward more seriously look at these and and stand up for the importance of the separation of powers and for the legislative branch thank you Mr president. Centre read like to speak for. Yes Senator flowers was recognized to speak for one one. Senator flowers recognized. Thank. I want to say this. I'm a member of the rules committee and I heard. That debate today in the committee. And I'd listen to Does it work against this. Confirmation on the floor. I have to say. I'm in support of. Confirming the. Appointment and the nomination of Dr Robert wrote. Now the things that I've heard. That. People put up as junction of bill. Are specific to. Things that. The whole world has experienced in this last year with this pandemic. We didn't have a road map. To deal with this pandemic. It occurred in a hundred years. And I have to say. From my view point. The administration that we had in Washington DC. Last year. Added to the confusion. And that was wrong. And a lot of people suffer. Enter still suffering. Many Americans dot. People all over the world not. It wasn't a lot of consideration. Given. What happened. But those. From last year. I have two million people that. In this country. Before the beginning of this year. We had things thrown. From the White House. About all kinds of. Things that could be used for treatment of code at nineteen. Dropsy chloroquine was one of the. So would bleach. So was some kind of Fluorescent light. Wasn't based on science. We had scientists and doctors debating that. And ultimately. CDC said. It wasn't that effective I took. All right I do not see Clark. I want to say this in terms of. Our role as senators. We don't know everything. We all come from different backgrounds. I'm a lawyer I was trained in the law. I am more than thirty eight years practicing law. I'm not subject to come up in cases that I've handled. But I'm not a doctor. I'm not a scientist. And when doctors discuss with other doctors protocol. And I believe one doctoral Meryl probably discussed with this doctor. That was referenced in the news article. That doctor even see it. What she believe she was told. It is. With all the confusion from last year. About the treatment. Nineteen. The. There was. What. And I think the professionals that. We're in the department of health. Having to get guidance from. CDC from the White House. The items. And still do the best they could. But what. All last year was what. So I would watch the news in these press conferences that were given. And I was. But also was. To know so many people. What what we were not prepared. Yeah we were told will not allow access. You may not want to admit it. But that was my perception. More than a half million people in the United States survey it. Arkansas was fortunate. We try to keep our numbers down. But I suggest to you. The doctor Romero should be concerned we're still in a pandemic. He's been right along with CDC operated under doctor Nate Smith's. He's a scientist he's a doctor. And I don't believe our governor. Yes. Summarily I without any kind of thought. And review of this man's record. Would have nominated him. If it wasn't qualified to continue as the director of the health department. I urge you to be honest. I would be able. That place. It is eight eight. Say what the protocol is for discharging patients from hospital because of. There. Treatment for cold weather they I have successfully improved. That's protocol. Winds. I'm self they come from somewhere. This deal with. Nobody has the exact answer. But we need to be consistent. What we have in Arkansas now. And that is a person that's very familiar. It has become a custom. These guidelines in the changes that are made with CMS are CDC. Surgeon General. Yes. Rules and protocol. Follows no rules regulations and those rules. So I would suggest to you. Let and confirm. The governor's nomination thank you. Senator Rapert a closer you. Senator is closed by Senator please call the roll. Ballinger. Beckham. Bledsoe. Caldwell. Caldwell. Chesterfield. Clark. Davis. DISMANG. Eight. Elliott. English. English. Flippo. Flowers Garner. Gilmore. Hammer. Hendren. Hester. Hickey. Hello. Ingram. Irvine. Irvine. Blake Johnson. Mark Johnson. Senator Mark Johnson. Leding. Page. Rapert. Rice. Rice. Sample. Stubblefield. Stubblefield. Sturch. Sullivan. T.. Tucker. Wallace. You wish to vote or change their vote. Four or eleven I will get justice good Stubblefield no anyone else. Senator English aye Senator English I got your anybody else. Senator Rice by. It. Sir col I cast about twenty five Yeas eight days the confirmation at the doctor's approved confirmation brief. Senator English and then you have one two two Senator English as to bills and then Wallace and Garner Wallace for three thirty nine by Senator English to authorize certain permit holders to sell alcoholic beverages directly to consumers to be consumed off premises or delivered to the consumer at a location off premises. Thank you folks. This is a to concur in it house amendment one little word that the alcohol beverage control people inserted into the language. Speaking again for centers closed yes role of junction rolling the vote. Roll please Ballinger Beckham Bledsoe Caldwell Chesterfield Clark Davis Dismang Eads Elliott English Flippo flowers Garner Gilmore hammer Hendren Hester Hickey Hill Ingram Irvin Blake Johnson Mark Johnson Leding Pitsch Rapert Rice sample Stubblefield Sturch Sullivan Teague Tucker Wallace anyways change their vote. Senator Sturch president Senator Blake Johnson now anybody else over here. Senator Bledsoe now over here center back on nope Senator Rice president. Senator Hester is no Senator Dismang no Senator Irvin no. The record. No no. Sir Flippo no. Senator Hammer was not this now. Cass about twenty one days eleven days the bill is passed trends for two the transmitir the house under English Senate bill five thirty two by Senator English to require all newly constructed public schools an existing public schools undergoing additions or consultations provide for water bottle filling stations. Thank you so this bill basically as we had it here the last week and it's for water bottle filling stations in new construction or in renovations instead of putting in water fountains they will put in water bottle filling stations we all know how much everybody needs water kids need water I never thought about chill I know about all people needing water never thought so much about kids needing water but they absolutely do need to be hydrated all the time otherwise we have off off a lot of kids with a lot of problems in school. Any questions for Senator English Senator Hendren you're recognized thank you Mr president so you said something there that is interesting to me so you said instead of water cooler so is is that is that what it is so they don't have to put in both no I mean no it would be in lieu of water fountains water found to pretty much out I mean my only concern was the cost of it is the school board association takes about about the same cost. What it's about the same cost to put in a water fountain is it is to put in a water bottle filling station but like there's no health department requirements or anything they're going to say all hell okay I'll catch thank you. All code according to code. Any other questions Senator English Senator Pitsch thanks for taking questions Senator Pitsch Senator English couple of us want to make absolutely certain this is only on new construction only on new construction or renovations where they've taken the water fountains out so there is no requirement to mandate no they have to go in to build a house and renovate them to the house thank you nine. Any other questions for Senator English. Say no questions I'm gonna recognize Senator Mark Johnson for disclosure. Thank you Mr president I didn't vote for this bill I just want to disclose the Senate that it is being supported by the Arkansas the feeling to the American heart association and my daughter does work for that organization and I had not sent a letter to miss corn well as previously about that I just wanna make that disclosure thank you. Welcome Sir anyone to speak for against this bill. Anyone speak for against saying nine Senator English are you closing Senate this is closed for a bill is aimed action rowing the boat. Say no objection I'm secretary place will. Ballinger Beckham Bledsoe Caldwell Chesterfield Clark Davis Dismang Eads Elliott English Flippo flowers Garner Gilmore hammer Hendren Hester Hickey Hill Ingram Irvin Blake Johnson Mark Johnson Leding Pitsch Rapert Rice sample Stubblefield Sturch Sullivan Teague Tucker Wallace. You senator session devoted change their vote. Senator Beckham is no. Senator Gilmore is no. Senator garner is no Senator Blake Johnson is president. Senator Rice is present or not voting. Nonvoting. Senator Rapert is not voting Senator Hill. President Senator records presents on center hill is not. Senator Solomon is no. Senator Stubblefield is known Senator Hester is now any other Senator wishing to vote or change their. Any insinuations a vote or change their vote saying that absent today please cast about. The vote of twenty three ACT seven days three present the bill has passed please transmitted to the house. Now take up Senate bill five forty three senate five forty three by Senator Wallace to amend the law governing the income tax credit for waste reduction reuse or recycling equipment and to amend the definition of qualified specialty steel products manufacturing facility. Senator Wallace you're recognized thank you Mr president. Members Mississippi County is currently with the largest steel producing counties in the nation job growth and still mystery in Mississippi County in Arkansas has grown by thirty nine percent the last ten years we're still growing. This bill will encourage more investment in the still in industry which means more jobs for Arkansas the more tax dollars for our state. For projects that qualify this bill will allow for recycling tax credits calculated that thirty percent of the expense of the eligible equipment. Now to qualify for these tax credits the project must have a total investment in excess of two hundred in may two hundred million dollars. I must create at least one hundred fifty new jobs and these jobs should have an average. Annual wage of seventy five thousand. These tax credits will not be available until after the facility is operational and the jobs and wage requirements are met. In this part I'm gonna say is important. This is a key. D. F. and H. fiscal impact statement says that these tax credits will not be issued. Until the project has a positive. Cost benefit analysis for the state. No that's better than a money back guarantee. This exact bill was passed in two thousand seventeen. In the days have been refreshed over the when the for new projects and to establish the eligibility for those two projects. And with that I will stand by for your questions. Any questions for senator Wallace. Any questions for senator Wallace. Say no questions is there anyone who we speak for or against the bill. Saying nine senator Wallace is indicated is closed for the bill is there any objection role in the vote on this bill. Say no objection I'm secretary please roll the vote Ballinger Beckham Bledsoe Caldwell Chesterfield Clark Davis Dismang Eads Elliott English Flippo flowers. Garner Gilmore hammer Hendren Hester Hickey Hill Ingram Irvin Blake Johnson Mark Johnson Leding Pitsch Rapert Rice sample Stubblefield Sturch Sullivan Teague Tucker Wallace. Any senator wishing to change their vote Senator Beckham is no. Flowers is president Senator flowers is present. Any other Senator wishing to change their vote. Seeing none madam secretary please cast a ballot the voter thirty two days one name and one present the bill has passed please transmit to the House. Justin form will be passing over Senate bill six twenty seven today I move on to House bills for a third reading and passage. When I think of house bill eleven twenty. Senate bill eleven twenty by Senator slap concerning criminal detention facilities review committee. Senator Ballinger you're recognized to present your bill. Every distracted this is a claim the bill for the department of corrections of dealing with the transformation allows a the secretary to take the position basically and one former another director than that the Director becomes an employee so I'm happy to answer any questions. Richard good vote any questions for Senator Ballinger. Say no questions is there anyone who wish to speak for or against the bill. Senate senator Ballinger is indicate he's close for the bill transaction ruling vote on them. Say no objection madam secretary please will devote Ballenger Beckham Bledsoe Caldwell Chesterfield Clark Davis Dismang Eads Elliott English Flippo flowers Garner Gilmore hammer Hendren Hester Hickey Hill Ingram Irvin Blake Johnson Mark Johnson Leding Pitsch Rapert Rice sample Stubblefield Sturch Sullivan Teague Tucker Wallace. Any senator who wishes to vote or change their vote Senator Breanne Davis is no. Any other Senator wishing to vote or change their vote. Saying that ma'am CJ please cast a ballot the voter thirty three days one nine zero present the bill has passed please return to the House. Not take up house bill twelve forty three hassle twelve forty three by representative Lowery center page to modify the definition of policy cancellation and to clarify the minimum notice requirements for cancellation of certain property and casualty policies Senator Rapert you're recognized thank you Mr president members house bill twelve forty three is the fifth and as far as I know the final insurance department bill and their packet it currently the statue describing unfair policy cancellation does not clearly address the manner of notice required for policies in force of sixty days or fewer this bill provides clarity to notice requirements for policies and for sixty or fewer days and it does nothing more there was questions about that that's all this does final statement this amendment is consistent with other notice cancellation requirements that apply to property and casually polity policies which are in for sixty or fewer days I. E. automobile liability insurance notice shall not be affected unless the least twenty days prior to fictive date of cancellation so it's putting it in line with other policies that I'm open for questions any questions for Senator Pitsch. Any questions Senator Pitsch Singh nine to anyone who wish to speak for or against this bill. Sensitive pages indicate he's close for the bill. Is there any objection rowing the boat. Say no objection madam secretary please well bill Ballenger Beckham Bledsoe Caldwell Chesterfield Clark Davis Dismang Eads Elliott English Flippo flowers Garner Gilmore hammer Hendren Hester Hickey Hill Ingram Irvin Blake Johnson Mark Johnson Leding Pitsch Rapert Rice sample Stubblefield Sturch Sullivan Teague Tucker Wallace. Are there any senators wishing to vote or change their vote. Any senators wishing to vote or change their vote. Saying that ma'am secretary please cast a ballot the voter thirty forty eight zero nine is the bill has passed please return to the House. When I take a house bill twelve seventy four. Twelve seventy four by representative Smith concerning the membership or a volunteer firefighters and volunteer police officers in the Arkansas public employees retirement system Senator Hammer you're recognized. Thank you this bill came to the retirement system house bill twelve seventy four would allow a member of a person to serve as a volunteer police officer in a lofty covered position without forfeiting apers benefit they are earning through separate a per covered positions currently the law governing a purse does not allow a person to be a member of both systems at the same time even a separate positions however the law does allow full time employees and a personal service about your firefighter under Lotfi this bill would provide a similar exemption for volunteer police officers of fiscal impact was minimum minimum minimum sorry and the actuary estimates it'll be a small cost a lot for your locations the sponsor volunteer place coverage because there is potential for cross we checked with poppies actuary and the adviser would be no measureable impact to the Lotfi if this is enacted and this came through retirement system create a good vote glad to answer any questions. Any questions for senator Hammer. Any questions say no questions is there anyone who's wishes to speak for against the bill. Saying nine senator Hammer is closed for good vote Sam is closed please bill is there any objection willing to vote on this bill say no objection madam secretary please roll the vote Ballinger Beckham Bledsoe Caldwell Chesterfield Clark Davis Dismang Eads Elliott English Flippo flowers Garner Gilmore hammer Hendren Hester Hickey Hill Ingram Irvin Blake Johnson Mark Johnson Leding Pitsch Rapert Rice sample Stubblefield Sturch Sullivan Teague Tucker Wallace. Are there any senators who wish to vote or change their vote. Any senators who wish to change of a. St nine AM secretary please cast about. With the voter thirty forty eight zero nine is the bill has passed please return to the House. When I take a house bill twelve ninety eight twelve ninety eight by representative warning Senator sample to amend provisions of the Arkansas code concerning the Arkansas public employees retirement system Senator sample you're recognized. Thank you Mr president members are present the bill very similar this a couple weeks go hand and everyone objected to the two of the committee this is to add members to the apers retirement board and the her dejection about having The. Association counties municipally eggs doing appointments I went back and changed it now the appointments are being made by the by the protium and the Speaker and so that's exactly what we're and two members of the board which make it thirteen but two appointments will be made by the Speaker into by the protein. I'll take questions are there any questions for senator samples. Any questions for senator samples. Say no questions is there any Senator we speak for or against the bill. Say nine Senator sample is close for his bill. You saying Junction willing to vote on this bill. Saying no objection I'm secretary please rolled vote Ballinger Beckham Bledsoe Caldwell Chesterfield Clark Davis Dismang Eads Elliott English Flippo flowers Garner Gilmore hammer Hendren Hester Hickey Hill Ingram Irvin Blake Johnson Mark Johnson Leding Pitsch Rapert Rice samples Stubblefield Sturch Sullivan Teague Tucker Wallace. Any center wishes to change their vote Senator Teague not voting. Any other senators who wish to vote or change their vote. Any senators wish to change their vote saying that ma'am secretary please cast a ballot. The voter thirty three A. zero nine is the bill is passed please return to the House. Not take up house bill thirteen hundred thirteen hundred by representative Murdock the center hammer concerning the men membership of participants of summer youth work programmes in the Arkansas teacher retirement system and to mend the definition of employee Senator Hammer you're recognized president thank you thank you Mr president this is a good bill brought by representative Murdock there's grant money that is available however you with the enactment of this law would allow is for those individuals that will be hired to work during the summer program students that will be able to work during the summer program through this grant money they will not have to be added to the apers program and so it allows them to be able to work during the summer programs and be glad to answer any questions. Any questions Senator Hammer. Any questions. Is there any senator who wishes to speak for against the bill. Same manner Senator Hammer Richard good vote Senator Hammer is closed west Bills Sam Jackson willing to vote. Say no objection madam secretary please roll the vote Ballinger Beckham Bledsoe Caldwell Chesterfield Clark Davis Dismang Eads Elliott English Flippo flowers Garner Gilmore hammer Hendren Hester Hickey Hill Ingram Irvin Blake Johnson Mark Johnson Leding Pitsch Rapert Rice sample Stubblefield Sturch Sullivan Teague Tucker Wallace. Are there any senators wishing to change their vote on this bill. Any center's mission to change their vote. Say nine AM secretary please cast a ballot vote thirty forty eight zero names the bill is passed please return to the House. When I take up house bill thirteen twenty nine thirteen twenty nine by representative front and center Ballinger concerning the comprehensive criminal records sailing Act of twenty thirteen and concerning sailing of felony controlled substance conviction. Senator Ballinger you're recognized Centerville. Thank you Mr president this bill is a bill that it just allows a misdemeanor possession charge to be a they have the records sealed same way you would with other misdemeanors there was a code section pass that inadvertently did not say felony conviction but just said conviction and so it's really designed for drug court for people with felony convictions to require them to go through we have we have and all those things well in this case what this would do is if you have a misdemeanor possession possession to be up to the judge or the judge conceal the records without that happening answer any questions. Senator Ingram you're recognized for a question would you be able to be a camera Sir if it was single and it is a misdemeanor that is a good question but I think I think with the amendment that that Senator Davis is putting on it you would be able to. Any other questions any other questions Senator Ballinger. Send questions president of a. Any senator wishing to speak for against the bill. Same manner Senator Ballinger Senate Katie's closed the bill is there any objection rowing the boat. Say no objection I'm sorry ma'am centerpiece Rosa Ballenger Beckham Bledsoe Caldwell Chesterfield Clark Davis Dismang Eads Elliott English Flippo flowers Garner Gilmore hammer Hendren Hester Hickey Hill Ingram Irvin Blake Johnson Mark Johnson Leding Pitsch Rapert Rice sample Stubblefield Sturch Sullivan Teague Tucker Wallace. Any senator wishing to change their vote on this bill. Any senator wishing to change their vote. Saying that ma'am secretary please cast a ballot though thirty forty eight zero nine is the bill is passed please return to the House now take of house bill fourteen forty six fourteen forty six by representative Ryan Senator English to make children of members of the uniformed services eligible to receive a scholarship under this state scholarship program. Senator English. Thank you very much members is basically expands the succeed scholarship no additional funding but it would allow a member of the uniformed services which is any of military National Guard Air Force if there are funds available for a student to be able to take advantage of this is six seed Scholarship. Any questions for Senator English. Any questions se no question is is there anyone who wish to speak for against the bill. Sainath Senator English close the bill Senator English is closed is there any objection rolling vote on this bill. Say no objection madam secretary please rowboat Ballinger Beckham Bledsoe Caldwell Chesterfield Clark Davis Dismang Eads Elliott English Flippo flowers Garner Gilmore hammer Hendren Hester Hickey Hill Ingram Irvin Blake Johnson Mark Johnson Leding Pitsch Rapert Rice sample Stubblefield Sturch Sullivan Teague Tucker Wallace. Is there any Senator wish to vote or change their vote Senator Chesterfield is present. Any other senator who wishes to vote or change their vote. You're saying that that I'm secretary please cast about the voter thirty three eight zero nine and one present the bill has passed please return to the House. Not take of house bill fourteen sixty four fourteen sixty four per cent Cozart Senator Irvin to add to the Arkansas Code a provisional forty an opportunity to challenge instructional materials and associated events and activities. Senator Teague you're recognized for senate bill thank you members of the Senate what this bill does is really just outlined a process and procedure about and if the legal guardian or parents or person having legal control lawful control the students So that they can inspect upon request any instructional material that's used as part of the educational curriculum that they can challenge that and it said procedure that spelled out in the bill I'll be happy to answer any questions any questions for Senator Irvin. Any questions say no questions is there any Senator wishes to speak for or against the bill. Saying that senator I'm closed thank you senator Evans closed for bill is injection willing to vote on the bill. Say no objection I'm secretary please roll the vote Ballinger Beckham Bledsoe Caldwell Chesterfield Clark Davis Dismang Eads Elliott English Flippo flowers Garner Gilmore hammer Hendren Hester Hickey Hill Ingram Irvin Blake Johnson Mark Johnson Leding Pitsch Rapert Rice sample Stubblefield Sturch Sullivan Teague Tucker Wallace are there any centers wishing to change their vote on this bill. Any senator who wish to change their vote. Same night madam secretary please cast about though thirty four U. A. zero nine is the bill is passed please return to house when I think of house bill fifteen ninety eight. Fifteen ninety eight by representative Wardlaw to amend sections five seventy three one twenty two concerning the definition facility as it is used in regard to the possession of a firearm. Senate. Thank you Mr president what this bill does is brings and city parks in line with the the state parks and national parks when it comes to possessing a firearm so basically outdoor areas of a the municipality will no longer be defined as a facility which basically means that they would be no prohibition happy to answer any questions. Any questions for Senator Ballinger. President of a single questions is anyone who speak for or against the bill. Saying nine Senator Ballinger is indicated is closed for the bill is there any objection rolling the vote on this bill. Say no objection madam secretary please will devote. Ballinger Beckham Bledsoe Caldwell Chesterfield Clark Davis Dismang Eads Elliott English Flippo flowers Garner Gilmore hammer Hendren Hester Hickey Hill Ingram Irvin Blake Johnson Mark Johnson Leding Pitsch Rapert Rice sample Stubblefield Sturch Sullivan Teague Tucker Wallace are there any senators who wish to vote or change their vote showers NO Senator flowers is known Senator Tucker is no Senator Elliot is known Senator Leding is no Senator Chesterfield is present. Senator Hendren is now. You senator Bledsoe is now. Senator Chesterfield is now. Senator Ingram is now. Are there any other senators who wish to vote or change their vote. Any other senators who wish to vote or change their vote. Say no ma'am secretary please cast about the voter twenty six days eight name is the bill has passed please return to the House. When I think of house bill sixteen sixty five House was sixteen sixty five a representative Hansson Senator Ballinger to establish the Arkansas affordable energy at. Senator Ballinger you're recognized for senate bill. Thank you Mr president was sixteen sixty five AS is really response to what we're seeing frankly what happened to us to some extent during the during the big winner event but especially what we saw happen down in Texas and it's just an effort to have the focus of the public service commission review and look at the facilities we have and be hesitant to close down baseload generation so happy to answer any questions about that any questions Senator Ballenger Senator Teague you're recognized for a question Ballinger some of our laws dealing with utilities exclude this one or that one are they all covered under this yes so any of this to be in a generation that is actually located in the state of Arkansas and under the authority the public service service commission so it that so basically yes all of them are now there's about is or that it might not be that is correct exactly so they would be they would be governed by this amount of the thank you. Are there any other questions Senator Ballinger. Any other questions good vote say no questions is there any Senator which speak for or against the bill. Saying that Senator Ballinger syndicate is closed for the bill James J. zero in the vote on this bill. Say no objection madam secretary please roll the vote Ballinger Beckham Bledsoe Caldwell Chesterfield Clark Davis Dismang Eads Elliott English Flippo flowers Garner Gilmore hammer Hendren Hester Hickey Hill Ingram Irvin Blake Johnson Mark Johnson Leding Pitsch Rapert Rice sample Stubblefield Sturch Sullivan Teague Tucker Wallace. Cast about thirty forty eight zero nine as bills pastoral House. Senator Ballinger once again. House bill sixteen ninety one by representative Tosh to amend the administration of the sex offender assessment committee. This is also another clean bill from department of corrections and change the language from director to secretary and then adds the the sex offender assignment committee but also one the ones that report directly to happy to answer any questions any questions Senator Chesterfield. Bills got the floor. Thank you Mr chair senator and the governor is in agreement with the relegation of all of these powers I'm so sorry did you say is the governor in agreement with all of the relegation of his talent in this yes yeah this is directly an agency build so I I would have been cleared with governor's office thank you it is good to be able to vote with you on two bills today. You were of like mind. Anyone else in which speak against for any objection on the vote please rolled about secretary. Ballinger Beckham Bledsoe Caldwell Chesterfield Clark Davis Dismang Eads Elliott English Flippo flowers Garner Gilmore hammer Hendren Hester Hickey Hill Ingram Irvin Blake Johnson Mark Johnson Leding Pitsch Rapert Rice sample Stubblefield Sturch Sullivan Teague Tucker Wallace it was injured. Yes. Forty eight zero nays bills pastor of the House center Caldwell Caldwell's Senator Hester or will be in a white Ballenger and Senator sample Senate bill seventeen thirty by representative Janice centre Caldwell to amend the law concerning the cap fourteen rounds commission to amend the law concerning appointment of members to the capitol arts and grounds commission and to allow the promulgation of rules. Thank you the members this bill is just to clean up bill on the language way the legislation written and sent over by the secretary of state and it just brings their appointments on the commission in line with what we do other commission appointees any questions Hey we're speaking against for for centers close any objection or the vote I'm secretary please roll. Ballinger Beckham Bledsoe Caldwell Chesterfield Clark Davis Dismang Eads Elliott English Flippo flowers Garner Gilmore hammer Hendren Hester Hickey Hill Ingram Irvin Blake Johnson Mark Johnson Leding Pitsch Rapert Rice sample Stubblefield Sturch Sullivan Teague Tucker Wallace in which injured vote. Cast a ballot thirty forty eight zero nays bills passed the house Senator Ballinger on behalf of Senator Hester. Seventeen thirty one percent of Underwood Senator Hester concerning the sentencing procedure during a capital murder trial in the event of an era occurring during the sentencing phase of the trial Senator Ballinger. Thank you Mr president this bill was brought on behalf of of the prosecutors to provide a little bit to clean up so if there is a if there is a case capital case cover murder case that is is declared a mistrial in the sentencing phase it doesn't doesn't basically because of for a completely new trial you just address the sentencing phase with the with the new new judge or the jury and I'm happy to answer any questions about it any questions an invoice when we speak against for service closed your junction the vote is over by Senator Ballenger Beckham Bledsoe Caldwell Chesterfield Clark Davis Dismang Eads Elliott English Flippo flowers Garner Gilmore hammer Hendren Hester Hickey Hill Ingram Irvin Blake Johnson Mark Johnson Leding Pitsch Rapert Rapert Rice sample Stubblefield Sturch Sullivan Teague Tucker Wallace in which change their vote. Cast about thirty forty eight zero days bills passed returned to the House last but most certainly not least. Seventeen fifty two by a representative Fortner Senator sample to enable Arkansas racing commission to require certain employees to apply for a license to be subject to background checks. Thank you Mr president of members this is the as you well know the racing commission thanks to and and controls the casinos and and everything this is allow the racing commission to to Three do you have a night auditor should conduct background checks on employees of the racing commission already has that authority to connect the base the background checks by rule this is statutory requirement Rick. Required by the federal her the feds this bill will allow operation commission to conduct that background checks there's no revenue impact on it. I'll take questions. Thank you for centers close any objection or the vote please role of a. Ballinger Beckham Bledsoe Caldwell Chesterfield Clark Davis Dismang Eads Elliott English Flippo flowers Garner Gilmore hammer Hendren Hester Hickey Hill Ingram Irvin Blake Johnson Mark Johnson Leding Pitsch Rapert Rice sample Stubblefield Sturch Sullivan Teague Tucker Wallace. You know was injured wrote. Senator Hester is no Senator Hester is no anyone else. Yes the ballot. Thirty three ACT one day. The bill is passed returned to the house any announcements Senator patch. Senate thank you Mr president Insurance and Commerce will meet five minutes upon adjournment we have a very full schedule today thank you sure Commerce anybody else Senator sample. Senate revenue tax to make Monday morning at nine thirty Monday morning at nine thirty Senate Revenue and Tax anybody else Senator Ballinger. Joint Energy will be meeting eleven o'clock on Monday we'll get on with the peace of substantive legislation so you guys can be here to be great. Monday eleven anybody else. Anybody else. Senate journey until one o'clock Monday subject to the clearing.