Education Committee- House

an illegal handout represent all wheel around the legal and out to you all on this so. Okay okay so those will be and when we get to get to that point so there will be three bills will not be run today representative rail fourteen forty six is going to move his he still got something's gotta change on a group of shippers Speaker Shepherd is going to need to get some co sponsored on his so he'll be running Tuesday of. Reserve board is waiting on some testimony of talking points from of his person and you'll be running Tuesday so we'll move those to the to the calendar and we can up with how will we can run yours to see if you want to. That would do it today all right so we're just started S. B. two sixty five you're on the under the table you ready go archer. All right if you will either Richard Crawford your radio. Good morning committee early morning and I'm on Judiciary if you need to take or a pal there if he's doing things illegally to help with that I am here today to present to you an amazing bill that the Republican women are supporting its in our big package and this includes the correctional facilities changing up some things they're making one of the my favorite is making sure that the inmates know how to read before they late so with your permission Mister chair I will ask Sullivan grades to join me. We find. Great if you just introduce yourself and who you're with you you'll be recognized. The morning mist Mr chairman members of the committee Sullivan grace secretary of corrections when are correctional school district was created in nineteen seventy three in its enabling legislation there was a tad going at the end of that language that restricted the population they could serve to only those without a high school diploma or a GED. And addressing that language is the first thing that is B. two sixty five does the effect of that language while it made sense in nineteen seventy three in twenty twenty one we understand that unfortunately just because an individual has a high school diploma or has a GED does not mean they can read. Does not mean they can do basic math and when we're trying to provide inmates in our care and custody with marketable skills it's hard to get them to where they need to be without being able to provide a certain measure of remediation oftentimes so this bill strikes that of the language that requires our district only serve those without a high school diploma or GED thereby expanding the pool of offenders they can service to any offender under the custody or supervision of the department of corrections whether it's in our institutional division of correction or in our community correction Division this bill also allows us to begin the process of modernizing our career technical education many of you have worked for the last several sessions to align career tech education within our public school system with the industry needs this bill allows us to do the same things with our correctional school district by transferring the of services currently offered by riverside vocational technical institute into the correctional school district also requiring coordination with the office of skills development within the department of commerce and the Division of current technical education with and the the department of education and finally the last thing this bill does is it allows us to have more flexibility of operation within our educational services also allows us to eliminate duplicative administrative oversight between our school district and are vocational school thereby increasing the resources available to provide direct instructional support to the men and women in our custody is Mr again I thank you in the committee for this opportunity to address you this morning. Right. Richard but. Right of course not I like this bill I'm just curious if you can just real quickly on the technical side of it what type of programs are we talking about thirty nine. Right now all our programs that we offer within our Riverside vocational correct are trick on the traditional courses you would see in a bow tech model with that's going to be your age back there's going to be your or welding small engine and we also have a fairly robust cosmetology program what we're wanting to do as part of this transition is to incorporate more web based skills training more certificates of proficiency and also begin the process of incorporating more steam and educational offerings four offender populations you had me at H. B. eighty six. We reserve got for you're recognized. Thank you Mr chair secretary graves and the Bill talks about you to kind of this approval process for this collaboration between CT and and commerce I'm just learning how frequently that's going to affect that conversation is going to occur and if you anticipate and kind of significant curriculum changes or changes in the program based on industry needs of. We're we're expecting fairly rate regular conversation scenes with both those groups are leading up to those says leading up to this session we've already began those conversations along with the board of corrections which has a dual role as the Board of correctional education to the second part of your question yes we have we are expecting fairly significant changes in our career technical education curriculum we recently brought on a new deputy superintendent whose portfolio in large part is going to be leading and sustaining that ever follow up do you feel like within the department have sufficient funding to meet those curriculum and instruction needs and this membership yes yes yes ma'am I apologize for interrupting you with the the transition that it's B. two sixty four would represent a Maddox passed out of committee the last meeting in two sixty five along with the forthcoming governor's letter moving the existing appropriation for riverside take to our school district yes we will have sufficient operation operational resources to meet our current needs and to sustain us moving forward thank you thank you Mr. Any other questions. Seeing none. I'm sorry this sort privileged and see their. You're recognized for. Thank you. Mr Grayson in regards to the vocational And technical school nature or the the curriculum the chopper and are there any restrictions once the once the and make them get out do we have any restrictions so for instance I think about the bill that we passed nine ninety how is this how does it bill impact of vocational and are they are they really able to get out and find jobs after this. There are aye aye I'm sure this entire committee is aware there are certain occupational license licenses that do have restrictions based on criminal history as part of our re alignment of our career technical education curriculum we are focusing on occupations and skill sets that are open to our offender population and also putting a greater emphasis on entrepreneurial training to provide our vendors the ability to leverage their skills on their own outside of the need to go to work for an individual where there may be restrictions in place following his chair. Okay sorry are their vocations that we aren't teaching in the correctional facilities then once they get out they will not be able to practice. One of the areas that we do currently provide instruction Cendyn is cosmetology which does have restrict chins on participation based on an individual's criminal history but we're while working to transition though at that program. Thank you. Any other questions. Yeah one more for the. Thank you Mr ideas Humm just wonder why we're spending money if if we're spending money in the correctional facilities on these trains in these locational. Careers in the in the. They cannot get out of practice why are we continuing to do that well two fold one the Occupational licensing restrictions are not absolute there are offenses in which an individual is still level eligible to receive a license so we're actively working on making sure those individuals are the ones that go into training that requires a occupational licensing before they can practice this skill in the community beyond that for many of our inmates who who are in our care and custody there in our care custody because they don't have a marketable skill because no one has ever invested in them and provided opportunities for them to be a success so by providing a base level of training is often times the first time that anyone has demonstrated Hey you have value you have worth so that in and of itself is what is what is working in the investment in our mind. Great that we may have legislation coming that will help those guys with them to go out and go to work I just filing a bill today that deals with the offenses of to help them lessons some of those bill get license to go to work so we all have that bill filed probably center noon so hopefully it will be something that we have to go to some of your people we would love to have that conversation. Session which is the subject of occupational licensing group one of our recommendations so I think it's gonna be good legislation. Just wanna like get it out. So. A more thank you. Any other questions. Seeing none we see if we have anybody I don't think we by signed up to speak. I don't see one signed up to speak against or for your bill so I'll go to the audience is anyone like speak against the bill. For the bill. Would you like clothes for your bill. Yes thank you Mr chairman I think you can see how this is great to help inmates where there would not be recidivism rates that would be skyrocketing we need to take care of our people the Republican women are excited to help those who are incarcerated so that they can have a better life and I really like the way the legislation is working together this year where we just continue to put the pieces of the puzzle together to make life better for those in Arkansas even those for incarcerated so with that I would ask for do pass. Which will committee. I have a motion for representive offered to pass. Any discussion on the motion. Seeing none all in favor say aye. He opposed no resolution you passed your bill. Of Richard Johnson ask about skip over to ninety one for right now we'll come back to it so represent Lowery if you're ready will will go to twelve thirty one and will Two I'm sorry twelve thirty seven. And will run time back. Or forward because. There are quite a few people that have signed up to speak. On this bill. Four I believe most of for this bill let me know I don't think. Yes. He gets a good boy ward this week. Please shall should not be so surprised. A are you're recognized Mister chairman with your permission I would like to have the Stacy Hurst come to the table to answer help answer some questions about how this bill is going to be very beneficial to the State of Arkansas okay. Source if you're recognized recognize yourself and who you with you be recognized talk. Thank you members thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today I'm Stacy her secretary of the Arkansas department of parks heritage and tourism. Okay we'll. Members I'll just tell you. This bill is a. It's a labor of love I mean it's something that I've been working on for couple of terms when it was. Allen remember how I can how the idea was presented to me think I started looking into the fact that you know Arkansas's number two industry no question is part is tourism hospitality and tourism in yet by our earlier and earlier start dates and this is been an incremental creepers matter fact you we've already seen there's one bill filed by representative told that they would take is all the way back to I think August fifth so it's been an incremental creep and as I've had conversations with those in the tourism and hospitality business one of the things that the they universally endorsed was the fact that those weeks in August those industries can never reclaim those there is there's no I mean even if you corrupt if you changed the school calendar we're students were in families were free to travel in April April or may does not give back those very valuable weeks in the month of August and you know what. So that was where the this main things started is what can we do to help help aid that industry but not just say the industry but also a the state of Arkansas because tax revenues sales tax revenues many times a lot of these revenues coming from visitors from outside the state they're coming coming into Arkansas there visiting this beautiful state they're taking advantage of everything we have to offer and yet because of the earlier and earlier start dates some of the travel was having to be issued a short cut in some cases venues were not able to continue to stay open because their summer help which were students they were having to go back to school and so even if they had visitors coming to their venue there it was very difficult for the those venues to continue to operate without the the part time help or even full time during the summer you know in in a lot of the students they really they benefit from that opportunity to be able to work in their community be able to save money for whatever whether it's college or whether it's buying their first car or or whatever and the I don't have the specific dollar amounts I know Monte McNulty from the hospitality association will be able to give you a little bit more insight into that the tens of millions of dollars we're talking about this drain on Arkansas's economy by us having the earlier start dates one of the problems obviously though in trying to implement this of having a school start date that's closer to what a lot of us remember I mean I know I'm much older than most of you but you know I remember school didn't start well K. I'm not much older than you Rick but schooled. The start until after Labor Day and we've seen this creep further and further back So the real challenge is will then if if you're going to start later where do you re claim those days we certainly don't want to be pushing over into may we can't claw back enough days from and and and you know there was that attempt to look at what can we call back a couple of days for instance thanksgiving break it used to be just Thursday and Friday will incrementally again that's gone to a full week two years ago late in the session the bill and been out there for a while Richard Abernathy with a a a E. a came to me with the idea that the state of Missouri has adopted I believe maybe even taxes of adapting minimum school days to minimum classroom hours. And it sounded like it I mean I a novel approach Ameen it just to give you an idea if the school decided school district did this transition the best estimate I've heard is that if you if you just ran school fifteen minutes longer of a day you actually could potentially call back two weeks in the calendar we have amended this bill because there were concerns the community colleges that expressed concern to me that many of their students take concurrent enrollment and if there the community college starts two weeks before the public schools due within how to those public school students get to those campuses so we've amended the bill to where it is not previously the bill said that you could not start any earlier than the Monday before Labor Day now it is two weeks back the ninety two weeks prior to Labor Day so that gives back a week community colleges have told me that they are they're pleased with that they're neutral on the bill or not opposing it The. So this will keep us and also we we we've already passed a bill in here that actually is that just the testing schedule I know some of you you've heard from your constituency L. why in the world retesting in early April and then there's two weeks or more where there's just not in the classroom instruction going on I mean if your parent you probably know have gotten notes telling your child it telling you to this send to school reading materials are going to be watching movies or whatever so the testing calendar is also being pushed and that's going to be a benefit to our students still have more time to prepare for the test of that the end of your test hopefully we will see some some upticks in the preparation for the students so anyway that those are the high marks I don't want to take away too much time from you know I don't usually have a lot of people signed up for my bill so I don't want to take away from their ability to come testify but I I do want to go ahead and turn it over to his hers for her to just give you a no review of of how this had this bill would greatly impact and help the hospitality and tourism business thank you representative Lowery as you all know tourism is the second largest economic sector in the state of Arkansas before the pandemic our economic impact generated through tourism was approaching eight billion dollars second only to agriculture in the state of Arkansas and tourism hospitality has been the hardest hit economic sector due to the pandemic and it is predicted to be one of the slowest to recover so if there's ever been a time to consider a change now is the time because this impacts our state park system it impacts our rural communities it impacts small businesses across the state of Arkansas. Aw in terms of employment it's in terms of revenue generated taxes generated on a local level and state level park centers and did a study two years ago on this issue to study the impact of school starting early and I will tell you that the estimated loss of jobs was one thousand seven hundred and fifty annually as representative Lowery mentioned a lot of those are high school students are low wage earners and add those jobs disappear. There was a lot an estimated loss of a hundred and ninety six million in travel expenditures a lot of those are visitors that are coming into the state of Arkansas but there also are Kansans who are enjoying a long week before the start of school. A loss of ten million in state revenues and taxes and an estimated loss of three point seven million and local taxes so as you can see an early start date to school truly has an economic impact on revenue generated at the state and local level and really pocket books across the state and from the loss of jobs so I would urge your consideration of this again the hospitality industry is struggling and needs all the support that it can get tourism we are well positioned to come back stronger than ever and grow our economic impact in Arkansas but we need your help and support thank you very much. The members let me give you a lot of little bit of background also of why this concept was brought to me two years ago of us transitioning from days to hours and why we didn't get the bill before you the Department of education and worked with me in trying to make sure when we amended that bill to make sure that we have touched every part of statute that makes references to classroom days and that we switched to classroom hours and they're just really was a a concern both by the ADA who had brought the idea to me if this transition to ours but also the department that we may not have caught every part of statute so there might have been a a hick up or major hiccup in terms of funding to the school districts so I made the decision at that time to not run the bill and to work on it in the interim the department has fully vetted the bill at and I've been very encouraged as they've looked at it that they've come to me week after week and said you know the more we look at this we really like it there are some other residual benefits for one thing you know you're not cooling the buildings during one of the hottest weeks of the of the month of the year you're saving on transportation costs for the that week so there a lot of benefits plus I think it probably puts in better alignment our ability for students to be better prepared for further testing so that's the that's the Review and and I'm open for any questions. Represent Vaught you're recognized. Thank you Mr chair I what I do appreciate you work and with the community colleges Mister Lowery to. To better accommodate our concurrent Students because I was seriously worried about that ties on a per I want to thank you for at least consider in that part of it thank you Mr. Rison got for you're recognized for a question thank you Mr chair and secretary Hurst thank you so much for your testimony and I know that your reasons are very compelling payment at tourism an economic standpoint I'm here at the kids table. I think that you know my concerns just still come from the implications on instruction and there are few you know hick ups and adjustments that schools and districts will have to make that I'm I'm less concerned about the inconvenience a school that as I am about the implication instruction maybe represent Lowery maybe you can speak to the I think you know a couple that I've heard just what that timing that may prove a little that problematic or or worrisome to schools is one that October one deadline that schools have to submit kind of their data their their yes they population there you know and. What students are at their school so they'll know and you know what kind of a finding that they'll be receiving and and what kind of and demographics are reflected in their school so I think that kind of cringes the time schools have to receive information back from them here says that it's reduced forms and so that's a little bit of a concern and as well as now semesters. You know what we have equal weeks they will align and fall on Christmas break and so that that's always kind of nice instructional to have that that break at the end of the semester no learning October there's two weeks and then to kind of start fresh in January with the new semester integrating period just wondering if you've heard this concerned if you can speak to those and just the impact on student learning that this date change may have. Well I I had not heard specifically of those concerns and and I frankly the the answers those questions are above my pay grade and I'm glad that the Department I think Secretary key has offered to provide testimony may be able to answer that but the the ability for that the schools to be able to have a longer class day will be able to do that will enable them to be able to keep within that same structure of one semester ending before Christmas and then starting the second semester so just the ability the flexibility for the district to operate a little bit longer it should be able to help with the instructional piece as far as the funding I'll let them answer that question when they come to the table that's okay yes of course thank you for the clarification and a quick follow up if you don't mind I think that. You don't have yes you could. Yes okay so it will to add kind of instructional minutes on to the end of the day or or kind of extend out learning day I think that's another question I have I I just a little bit of research and I think extended school day the research that you know the jury still out on whether that improves student achievement or not having a longer school day I'm just wondering if you know I was that we want the minutes to be be there but we want high quality instructional minutes I'm just wondering if there are concerns about tacking on fifteen minutes at a time if that will help or hurt student learning if you know okay I really don't I don't know I think we have testimony. Okay what's at issue I think we have testimony yes we do we do okay great thank you appreciate the opportunity for the follow up especially sure. Citified. That was also my question. President McKenzie. Thank you Mr chairman I'm gonna get in trouble here too because I had an emergency here at work I was tending to that text I think you asked the question I was going to ask but I didn't get the answer so my thought on said that's a big concern of my teachers and some parents to the semester test would they have to make and I apologize I'm sure just answer this can they without converting to the hourly data can they still get those tests in without having that Christmas break in between. My understanding is that this transition will will enable that it should should not it impacted all the school council and one of the things I I should have mentioned also the initial draft of this bill or the initial bill that was out there there was a drafting here that said that this would start in the twenty one twenty two school year and that's been changed it was never intended to start that soon because I know calendars are already probably very much in place of this would begin the twenty two twenty three school year that would give the school districts plenty of time to be able to make any of that just means that they would need and and again most of this would be optional scheduling for the school districts for them to make sure that they are delivering a quality product to the students. I'm sure she got one. Mine's real brief I'm just curious do we regulate when the community colleges and second. Secondary school doing regulate their starting center will it and that was really one of the reasons why we need to make the adjustment is that our colleges are do you have a dictate of having to have sixteen weeks of instruction so for them to to make the adjustment to match up to this later school start date which is not going to enable them to have the sixteen weeks and before the typical adjournment date in December so my understanding is that this rule change in our law helps accommodate over half of the community colleges in terms of matching up to the start dates and then the others my understanding is that they're they're going to be able to make the adjustments necessary. Represent look you're recognized. Thank you Mr Mister Lowery with pollution it would petition the starting date back have you heard from parents in regards to the child care needs that they won the they will have to they will have to have because I'm sensitive to this the state and in regards to the revenue that will create but. there's also going to need to be child care provided in so have you heard from any parents about that. I've I've not heard that feedback I know that the I had heard about the concern of students who experience food inequities that if they're not at school physically sometimes they may not get fed but though we we find pretty dramatically our summer feeding programs that also is never been an issue before when we made the decision for instance to go from two days at thanksgiving two full week and we've expanded Christmas break so that same thing would be true there as far as child care so it's it's really not been something that has prevented us from making other changes in the calendar and and I don't think it would be a significant issue here either Mr. Okay I will tell you I have a very big concern in regards to the the number of weeks in which we're going to be pushing it back because of the of of the chapter this going to be necessary for kids And so if you can if you can speak to that the amount of the fine. Okay. Richard Deffenbaugh. Thank. Thank you Mr okay I'm sorry for Mr representa Lowery did use did you say thank is the bill rate fifteen minutes to extra every day too so they can start early is that the way the bill ray it it actually does not specify the and that is just some research that I know I think bill are provided me two years ago would just crunching the numbers that that is one way that optionally the school districts would be able to still meet their minimum requirement in terms of these this classroom instruction as we're transitioning from days the classroom hours that you could meet the same classroom days equivalent by extending the day by between ten to fifteen minutes okay follows because okay so so technically they could could just go Monday through Thursday is that is that is that give them the leeway to go that far and the awful Friday if they get that hours in the in the four days my my understanding is that is an option that is available I think there's one school district that is already implementing four day school weeks there there's more than one school districts so there are some that have already exercise the option even under the minimum classroom day requirement this is going to and to enable that further if school districts one of that option all right thank you president. Thank you so much Mister chair and thinking about fewer school days I'm wondering too if there would be an impact on support staff and receiving. You know less less opportunity to get paid if they're if they're paid by the school days they're they're not driving buses they're not clean classrooms are not and the operating the lunch room is that a potential impact of of this bill the way it's written. But will the examples that you gave cleaning the classrooms they would still be there the same I mean. Their school their workday also would be extended so if their hourly employees you they're still going to be able to make the same amount of money what would be affected Domenichino doubt that bus drivers and cafeteria workers would potentially be affected there but that is been something that has really been causing a lot of concern anyway for school districts when the minimum wage increase was implemented it really was seen by many school districts as an unfunded mandate that they had no provisions to be able to meet that that requirement with this is one way that they would be able to it least lessen the sting and maybe even be able to accelerate that progression of the minimum wage thank you. Your term you might become part guys girls when you get to speak please turn your box office figuring in it for it I just shut your lawful. If the latter years off now yes it is. All right that was all the questions of Leicester's more anybody else have a question. Seeing none. I do have. There's nobody to speak for. Yes there is. Well I was gonna say does that do they do I think the grass here because they're afraid I kidnapped these people to speak for me. Actually they are here for you. Of first up to a month to month milty. From the hospitality association to speak for the bill. If you would of introduce yourself you're recognized speak for the bill thank you Mr Amman teaming of the CEO of the Arkansas hospitality association which consists of the Arkansas lodging association Arkansas restaurant association and Arkansas travel council all under one umbrella umbrella so we represent the interests of lodging properties restaurants properties thousands of them hundreds of hotels and also attractions in Arkansas. this bill I think has some really interesting features for success and it offers a lot of different flexibility sit in individual of schools can decide on hours of flexibility the days of flexibility and testing is no longer in an obstacle and that's been one of the major obstacles in this thing about school start dates has been the the testing and that doesn't seem to be one. many many businesses in leisure and hospitality basically have twelve weeks to successfully I have a good year in their business we have a beautiful natural state lots of things to do in the city and the outdoors and they ramp up employment and it dies when school starts. Of people leave and leave their jobs and everything really comes to a standstill it is a huge economic hit I thank representative Lowery did a good job of explaining why August is so important we can't substitute any other it's hot it's dry people love to go to the lakes and love to experience the outdoor but it costs lost jobs lost wages and lost revenue in businesses. key considerations to evaluate start date policies include higher school operational costs primarily related to much higher utility costs related to the cooling during the hot months of August and when you think about it I don't know if there's any study on utilities in schools but that's got to be a savings loss of earning potential for students teachers and staff during the summer that may have the opportunity to extending go to school loss of additional educational opportunities for teacher. The negative impact on tourism due to the shortened summer vacation season which can result in lost revenue as well as tax revenue and again so many businesses depend on a three month window of that's their year and if you take away a day or a week in it can be really huge or if we pick up a weekend or a week actually the calendar as proposed in this bill is not too far off of the way it has been over the years it's not that drastic change but I think it's gonna yield tremendous help for both the schools and the industry. At first glance it appears that the educational system and tourism is is in conflict on the is but only on the contrary it we support the advancement in our education system the future of this state and our employees need to learn things like how to be courteous to people had a accurate be a cashier how to be a dependable front desk person of these traits don't just happen they happen in school in on the other side it's really important to to have competitive pay for for different things many believe our interests are not compatible I think they really are compatible and I know that the state depends on the huge amount of revenue brought in by our industry and that soon important consideration to after all the education goals interests and goals we want them to be is much aligned as possible. So what is different about this year it may be the future and just want to point out business travel is not going to come back easily to Arkansas or any other state we know that we can see it whether it happens in twenty two or twenty three we need the truth the tourism travel in Arkansas and this bill will allow that to happen I appreciate the the opportunity to talk about this and be glad to answer any questions. President brown you're recognized for a question. Thank you Mr chair So we're. We're talking about. Being able to increase the revenue for our state if we can adjust the start dates. At the That's an important aspect of this not only to give the children an opportunity to enjoy more summer and give our industry an opportunity to expand but I know that in in this committee and on the house floor we have argued against some legislation that would affect our our general revenues by a minuscule amount but this. Opportunity could increase wouldn't you agree that this opportunity to and could increase our general revenues considerably. Every week and every day in August will generate huge benefits for the state thank you very much. Any other questions for Recca Recca Beck. Your answer of the question did you have a figure around that like every week is worth. I'm not gonna hold you to it just a general account well and I think It was mentioned earlier in just a minute I'll give you an example. I think it's still adhere. Yeah. the study two years ago it lost of a hundred ninety six million in travel expenditures and a loss of ten million in state revenue in taxes at a loss of three point seven million in local taxes and that was the impact of the early school start date in the state. Those walls and I'm sorry but what was that. How long was that period that was August the August the early school start date this was the loss of revenue for the state. All right thank you. All right any other questions for. Seeing none thank you. Thank you. Next up B. of Mike Martin. From the AAPDA speak against the bill. Thank you state your name and who you're with you're recognized. Thank you Mr chair members of the committee. before I start I would like to say that I certainly appreciate representative Lowery his work on this bill and you know he actually took time out of his busy schedule to to joined our legislative committee to on its own to explain this bill and several others so I did I want to tell him that I do appreciate that Hello eighty eight does not support moving the start of school later in the month of August. You know the current law allows schools to start no earlier than the month of the week that August nineteenth follow the on but there is some leeway but cool overwhelmingly darted as early as they can it it's been mention of another bill that would give schools the flexibility to start earlier in August and we have actually supported that bill. So and there are some of your reasons for that and some of you have been you know discussed their school do wanted many day this possible before state assessment in this spring and we fully support the move to move testing further back that to allow more day them instruction before the test that if this bill passes that it be a case of you're taking two step to step forward but want that back by losing five days of instruction on the front end we have heard from district with charter schools within their boundary chartered will not be held to the new start date and if bill and those districts fill fill like that they need that same opportunity to start as early as they can And it represented to Godfrey mentioned school going to get it in as many days before Christmas in order to equal last semester that much as possible so that the nother factor And I do remember the discussion two years ago on the the issue of going to the hours at both the days and I think something had happened that probably has changed the the the thought process for many of our educators is you know currently there does not appear to be great interest in making school days several minutes longer every day in order to make school day the number of school days a shorter and and I think what we've experienced is a pandemic is is probably part of that. We're already seeing school planning for targeted summer school sessions to address learning law this most likely will extend before the year I think you will see an increase and before and after school tutoring again for targeted for those students that actually need that extra help if if nothing else the year of the pandemic it heightened the awareness of of food security in some households when school's not in session and it even goes beyond that the need for children to receive other critical Services of the. The the issue with classified employee this kind of a to aid stored there could be some savings by having less days. But if you lengthen the school day then you know classified employee that are already at an eight hour work day and you extend that pay that a past eight hours then you would be paying them overtime. and we do have a handful of school that it that have gone to four day school week I actually have a my oldest granddaughter the teacher in one of those schools and I will say that some of those schools are offering services to student on the day that they are in school such is computer coding and Richmond or mediation or assistance with with the with the work that they have met. And I really I guess is you know being a career educator really can't speak to the economic impact I do know that many families with children if or educator family with the children they plan their vacation at the end of may around hopefully a school get out by Memorial Day around late may or early June and you know I will say No matter what day school starts in August it's like August first to the magic date that's when teachers they want to get back in their classrooms in order to start setting up for school that's when you see kids that are at football practice their band practice or or cheerleader or pap glide you know practice you see an increase in activity at all schools you know there may be some a little bit of savings from not running air conditioner for a week but probably not for because teacher there there and also every screw it is running air conditioners to make sure that they're working and they're ready to go when kids actually I do show so. You know those are my comments and I'd be glad to answer any questions or any questions. Seeing none thank you Sir for your comment of Secretary key is up next to speak in support of the bill. Jon Kate apartment education and of all the bills. The representative Lowery has filed. This is one of them. And I think it's actually. Yes and I actually think Uh this is one that I believe this could be the best one should it pass let me give you a little history because I was sitting In a committee like this in two thousand eleven when ACT sixty five was being considered that was the bill that change the start date of school too where we currently are now and we met we heard many of the same things we were told that we need more and days of instruction before testing which was not an unreasonable request. But I would ask you to remember the context in which we were in two thousand eleven. We were under no child left behind. We had just adopted the common core standards and there was a lot of of transition going on. That teachers were trying to learn the standards we're trying to understand how do we need to teach the standards and getting prepared for the the park assessment that we knew was coming in a few years of so many things that are different now we had end of course testing of that high stakes testing at that time where it was critical that some of these days could be important to whether a student passed or do not pass at high stakes exam we don't have those same types of high stakes exams now we also as has been mentioned of persons we are pursuing legislation that. Pushes that testing window out. And because what do we know we know that once testing is over then there's a lot of enrichment that you know that that the two type of instruction is not the same as is not as intense those of you with students are great kids kids in school you you you've seen it. Not the teachers aren't working I'm not saying that I'm saying that there's a of pressure that is released after that testing ends. Well. This bill simply moved that date for starting time back to closer to what it regionally was prior to two thousand eleven the days that we tried to say well we need more days I would ask you to look at those school calendars that happened many districts that I had only taken Wednesday Thursday Friday for thanksgiving took the entire week of that so so it was a give and take there will be given take here as well let me address some of the issues that have been brought up. Third security we have summer feeding programs we have a number of food programs that we did not have in two thousand eleven. And districts can take part in that and provide meals to their students during that time so we do not see the part it does not see that week as being a a huge factor in increasing risk to our students child care there are more childcare after school programs pre before school programs around the state and there's more funding now for those types of programs and really the child care pressure by moving it back is you have a number of kids that will be back in school earlier and so the child care will not be as as needed for that week for those kids that are. For those parents are needing that time. I also would say that of the calendar still going to be up to the calendar committees in the PPC's every school every year they have a counted Committee PPC that looks at the calendars a review those with their local boards and revisions can be made adjustments can be made this is not going to be a major impediment. To adjusting the calendar so that you can have a completed semester prior to Christmas if that is something that is important to the staff. Over the last several meetings you've heard superintendents come and talk about flexibility this bill gives flexibility that they have not had before and have asked for in the past we have that we have had superintendents in districts have asked us can we make adjustments to our school day so that we can make up days in minutes if we have an extended weather event or something like that so you know and we said well we don't have the authority there's nothing in law that allows that this actually allows them as that Missouri our neighbor to the north has been doing for several years now to have that flexible calendar and make those adjustments and represent a Lowery I would compliment him on the work that he has done with us because his bill in to twenty nineteen with respect to the hours instead of days I was not a we would not have been able support that bill and we had told him that at the time but he has worked with us to get the language so that aligns with the with our accounting system or computer system the the all the hours are the days that become ours we can make those adjustments now in ACT scan and we don't have any issues at all with the the language that he is a proposed now and so with that I think that covers some of the questions you all last but we we we don't see that overall this is detrimental in any way to instruction detrimental in any in any way to student achievement. Of we believe that it does give districts through the hours rather than days flexibility that might work for their communities but they may not currently have and with that Mister chairman be glad take any questions. Receive emails a question. Krista Kafer you're recognized. Thank you Mr chair thank you secretary secretary keeper some of this clarification that couple I didn't hear you touch on and first with that October one cycle pull deadline do you have any flexibility within the department and if that backup we move school back. We've I don't see we will see that October one is an issue even with this later start date it wasn't an issue prior to two thousand eleven okay and. The second. Thank you thank you the second one I didn't hear you talk about what as support staff and that we would have particularly bus drivers but other support personnel losing out on the opportunity to have okay because there are fewer days I know we're already in such a Penn state to get bus drivers as it is can you speak a little bit to that concern and and just being able to recruit and retain support staff in schools. I would say you generally the department does not have any response to that because so many of those issues are local issues that the hours that they speak that they're hired for you know the biggest change that was made here in this body I think that affected support staff especially bus drivers was in twenty thirteen regarding the the the part time employees for insurance and that has been a big issue for districts think we've made some progress there but frankly the I don't see that changing. The number of days in a contract the number of days for student contact that's not changing unless you go to ours and enters equivalent hours that that make that's hundred seventy eight days of a wash out so that the day adjustments I think would have to be addressed at the local level to accommodate or or a take care of any of those concerns thank you. Any other questions. Cigna thank you Sir. I have no one else signed up to speak for against your bill anybody the audience like to speak against it. For like close for your bill. Yes that thank you Mr chairman and I just want to extend my thanks to those who came and testified for the bill and the worked with me on this I think that this is a great step forward of rescind education We we heard a lot of discussion yesterday I think representative brown referenced another bill that really no one ever really talked about that. What the The tax credit the voucher program was about public private partnerships well this is the ultimate public private partnership that we have all been wanting we want our local communities to be able to be more available more able to provide support to the public schools and that is specially is going to be true ins in parts of the state where tourism and hospitality are such an important part of their economy so it you know any of these the these issues for instance of whether it is a summer feeding program or whether it is of additional job opportunities you know many of our classified staff to also work during the summer with this gives them an opportunity to be able to continue that work another week so we really feel like the impact on them would be would be minimal so of thank you again for the opportunity to bring this to you and I do hope that you'll you'll vote for it and uh I will will make a motion to pass. Okay we'll motion do pass. The discussion on the motion. Seeing none all in favor say aye. All opposed no no seven regulations pastor bill. Representative Allen you're recognized to take the into the table to present H. B. sixteen seventy eight is that correct. I you're recognized we were discussing the bill thank you all Mr chairman and members and Davis on a privilege for me to stand here to sit here this appointment introduced house bill sixteen seventy eight I report commissioned by the Walton foundation Wilson released a few weeks ago and the report suggests across Arkansas proxy for president of the teachers are on thirty five and more than double the average and one point seven. Statewide thirty districts herbal workforce that include at least ten percent of certified teachers of those seven districts have more than thirty percent of certified teachers into district more than half district faces severe shortages are forced to request waivers from the state to hire teachers who are on certified and the subject that they are assigned to teach. Student the call of a student living in southern region. From the state. Are more likely to have uncertified teachers. This bill will allow college professors. already teaching in our state in the institution of higher education to offer the opportunity to receive a teacher licensure so this bill to simply allow. Our highly qualified professors and assistant professors to get a licensure to teach. That's simply what the bill does. Wrecked questions. A reserve brownie recognized. Thank you Mr so this would only apply to professors and assistant professors it would not apply to people who have of skills that students might need like right reading and writing skills they might have a master's degree or or whatever it they would have to be already professor or system professor that is correct thank you receive got for. Thank you Mr chair representative Alan what type of teaching license with these professors qualified for I mean there there's several different grade levels and content areas and it to me it's important. That. It party to licensure includes that you have specific pedagogy for the age of the students that you're teaching so I'm just wondering you know what what grade level and what subject area would these professors qualified for that that is a question that is filed at the department eighty eight promulgate rules so someone from apartment a town coming just that because. I have a fat for department of education and and we that was one of the questions that we had when and representive Allen had a drive to the bill so he worked with us on that language that's been amended and so that the the rules will be promulgated in through that application process then and we would look at what those qualifications are and what type of and pedagogy experience do they have and that way it wouldn't allow them to be matched up with the most appropriate license thank you. All right any other questions. Public charter Rosa McKenzie. Thank you Mr chair so one what's the purpose of this is far since there's so much still to be you know Worked out with with the promulgation of rules is this if we we have this license so it means more pay is that the girl no the goal is to address the shortage of teachers. I'm how how does it do that I'm just trying to understand how this works thank you well if you have a professor of social professor of that this will give bills license to that will give those professor of the licensure to go and address some of these issues that we're facing within the educational system. President of fight you're recognized for a question. Thank you representative Allen I'm wondering do we have any professors who are wanting to do this that they're wanting to be a professor in the college and also teach into an elementary or middle school or high school actually at the same time yes bill actually it was some of the college dean but also in this committee last year I met with a group of college deans and professors and with their idea to come up with this bills so on this fall in the wishes of many of those processes acting. All right any other questions represent Lowery. Thank you Mr chair and I. I know that you had to. Can I cut this off at a certain point assistant professor or above but would you of. Recognizer greed that there there are other levels of instructors at. At the college level then also we're highly qualified they may not have reached that assistant professor level but say they're of lecture to our lectures three they've been teaching for a number of years are. Alternative certification also it can be used in lieu of something like is correct correct okay was there any consideration of going any further hello assistant professor level to be able to Be able to allow them to be recognized as high qualified to be able to get the certificate and no. Our but we we simply cut it off at a professor and assistant professor okay all right thank you. Reservoirs that reserve professor Lowery With this sister professor just for the record. All right to refer the Richard Johnson. Thank you Mr chair and and reserve Alan I like this bill in this concept to that is I read it is permissible English first law correct so it's for they may the other thing is I I do like the thought of looking at it may be even broader I think represent Lowery maybe leave that you know as a as a physician I'm not a university professor but but I'm certainly qualified I think to teach certain subject matters in a school with some and you know possible digital trail like the idea of looking at an outside the box approach trying to fill some of these teacher shortages so you appreciate the the thought I think it's a good idea and hopefully something that the department's case can look into Would you consider or do you think there's a pathway to consider other people besides university professors in looking at this kind of teacher alternate teacher certification I do it I would love to work with the bill we're with you on the bill with that for the next section that's what. Representa Kinsey. Thank you Mr and I apologize nine follow the intent of this so my question is do what certified teachers situation our professors situation in our and our higher ed are we do have an overflow there where we. CNN several members over. I can't I can't answer that question but what I did to I've talked to Dr Martin and she had no problem with the bill. You have a question Murdock. Allen thank you for bringing this forward on the I don't know that you had this out there but I know in my area with their we have vote a college in Helena and one for city where we have of how the qualified people that would meet this that maybe that would help in that do know that we have a shortage of teachers over there many times and my wife is struggled as she tried to fill those gaps that continuously come because of various other reasons but there are people out there are full professorships and otherwise and does so now these people can if they choose to help Rimini some of that problem this this is that the purpose of this bill for something like that yes Sir there is like that that that is the intent of this bill okay I appreciate what you told me about it. RT other questions. Seeing the I have no one signed up to speak for against but I'll ask the audience is anyone would like to speak against the bill or for the bill. C. nine. Personality like close for you will I'm done. I have a motion I have a motion to pass from a couple people representative bossing first. Any discussion on the motion. Seeing none all in favor say aye. The opposed no resolution passed a bill thank you Mr Marley's Jill this is the order of business next I have a reserve hall will and we're gonna try to pull this bill in and run that quick we have a couple senators I think or three over there waiting to of on this bill and then rested Barker as a bill after that and that we may finish up our afternoon well hopefully not after another Mr Johnson has one also I will try to get these two in their appropriate port to get out today resent how will if you have one the senators will sit with you you're you're welcome to go down. We have quite a few people signed up to speak for this bill I don't then heavy by signed up to speak against or maybe somebody in the audience will see. Of server call will had circled is about four to pull up with and speak and then we just like to see if the rest of them are in agreement with that and we do have probably like Senator have you signed up against but they might use your Speaker yes okay. All right of representative hello you're recognized okay thank you Mister chairman and the committee appreciate you letting us enter calling come up with me and help me with this bill this is the bill that damage to a little history about the bill pantry Is a locally known area it's a public lands it was a public plan through a program created by title three of the bike and John's pharma Act of nineteen thirty seven. This act was compilation of decades of work in the early twentieth century to reverse the trend of farming marginal land over eleven point five million acres was ultimately purchased by the federal government through the through these programs some of these properties ended up as part of our system of natural grasslands while many others locations have been used for public recreation research or conservation in nineteen sixty after about two decades of rehabilitation work by various government agencies the Arkansas game and fish commission. The eleven thousand eight hundred fifty acres that now makes up the pantry research station. was sold to the US forestry service to the university of Arkansas. The recording the sale includes a revision clause which states that if the land ceases to be used for public purpose it shall immediately revert and revert to the forestry service only an act of Congress can clear this calls from the date. The Arkansas game and fish commission currently manages pantry wildlife demonstration area in partnership with the university of Arkansas division of agriculture Pinetree WBA is a key area public hunting and fishing access and site in St Francis County and a diverse group of constituents oppose the sale for multiple reasons local residents who hunt fish birdwatch hi otherwise record related pantry to be a oppose the sale because it further reduces publicly available habitat in an area the Stabler's resources are already extremely limited Arkansas game and fish is historically issued nine hundred permits for firearms deer hunting at Pinetree deputy this year that number was cut to two hundred twenty five when the sale was announced. In addition to the Department huts many people include retirees parents teaching their children how to hunt use pantry to hunt for small gain. These are excess excessive acres of bottomland timbre that were hunters can walk in to hunt water file Pinetree W. W. D. A. has a trail system that is friendly to mobility impaired outdoorsmen and women and ponds and lakes that pantry provides easy access to unders. Lack of access in the number of one reason why people stop hunting and fishing. Losing access to pantry WBA were will result in continued loss of our state time efficient heritage. At a time when the access to outdoors is needed more than ever. If you're hunting or fishing license or some of the Arkansas gamefish Commission received last federal of federal funding for conservation and ultimately conservation efforts in Arkansas would decline and suffer local farmers with privatization to the pantry Debbie I also oppose the sale because of uncertainty of how the land will be on maintained possible relating to degraded upstream and downstream water flows. Local business owners could lose revenue generated generated by people who travel to hunt to Pinetree WA gas station restaurants grocery stores sporting goods stores the area receive business from outdoorsman women who have traveled to hot selling the property to private entities could result in drastic reduction of revenue for local businesses that depend on outdoor recreation area with few economic drivers public access to Pinetree Debbie a. Contributes to a fair share to it to its fair share of Arkansas first congressional district outdoor recreation economy which generates one point five billion dollars annually. Citizens of Arkansas and the citizens of my area incenter kal-el's area and and representive Murdock's area. Oppose the sale of this land. So I'm just going to. Stop right there and what center calling to make some comments of the like in the. Sir call will you're recognized thank you Mr chairman of the committee the recall will sit pretty clearly the real problem we have on this is that uh the university Division back actually owns the of property been under management of the Arkansas game and fish for a great number of years providing access to public hunting fishing and outdoor recreation to the public and just because you don't live in the district doesn't mean that you can't go which opened for you to to go apply for the permit and and so anyone can do that the the legal standpoint of it is that the deed very clearly states that they cannot sell it to anyone unless you for public use and it's in public you should of I have a another bill and and a joint budget that we're trying to get the funding for the the project but I have. A contract signed between the University and a private company in the the details you can't do it. Of their argument is the they give you a wink and a nod said we were going to go to Congress and get that change will you've got to get your ducks in a row I want to be a brain surgeon but I have to go to this school for I don't think anyone in here when we could owner brain today and they don't have the legal authority to be selling it the other issue is is that if we're going to take this out of public domain we're gonna take your state park for your wildlife management area out of public domain and it needs to remain in public building we don't need to sell it to private enterprise under any circumstance in the real issue is if if these folks that want to bite wanted on all the issues apply for a permit or adult cleaning you don't have to have a permit taking come anyway we just need to leave it in the open to the public so that the citizens of Arkansas wishes someone from out of state in these buyers are from out of state why would we ignore our taxpayers in our citizens and give the advantage to somebody from out of state in the the the the sale price is is about sixteen and a half million dollars you know the. Come this time next month if they had a check today they continue where the money is but if we've got the land input and the open to the public will have the input of perpetuity the real issue is if we were building a stadium or bridge and we couldn't find the funding for it this legislative session we can come back next legislative session and try to find that money if we let this land get out of public bill committee will never ever get it back. You're ready for questions yes all right questions. your easy reference. Thank you Mr chair German I received a call from a family member in that area and he was quite concerned that this property was going to be sold and it could you please confirm his concern that the only places left for hunting and fishing would be for those who could afford to join a private hunt club. Thank represent rail in times past I've operated a of private up close that the five hundred all my life and I have it much lately if you all know a state will cheer for well but. When we take the public ground where it in Eastern Arkansas is highly agriculture and the farm every acre that they can put a tractor in. And it's impossible for us to keep a hunting and fishing spots available because if they can put it in crop production they do and and you're exactly right to to go duck hunting at a private club just a day holidays without lodging and meals issues three to four hundred dollars a day minimum sometimes more than that with lodging and meals it would be eight nine hundred thousand dollars or more per day and in. A common our Kansans cannot afford that and if we lose the pantry area our constituents will have to drive fifty sixty seventy miles to have a place to go on another public area so why would we give the advantage to someone out of state in and not keep it for our our citizens the the university bought this land with tax dollars from the taxpayer's of Arkansas and I think we need to protect thank you Sir. Any other questions. Representante. Thank you Mr chair and I apologize senator if I miss this did you say there's an appropriation to to offset it that can you yeah if you just explain that their preparation peace if that will help the other day and it just kind of I just I think I missed the details of that okay the approach to the reason for the two bills is the the appropriation is a book it is not a force pavement if we don't have the money in RSA we don't get appropriated but by the same token we don't want to lose the our land we come back for most people don't realize that something that goes through special language is only temporary language. The language could be changed a year from now and and if it is not then it automatically goes out of the fact two years from now so for special language is only temporary this bill would make it permanent that they would have to abide by the deed and keep this land open to the public and that's why we have a two fold affected the appropriation is for sixteen and a half million dollars that that is not a mandate appropriation that is putting that book it out there we don't have the of legislation in place the language in place to fund this the we can't get any money at all so we put the language in the own own own their bill budget and if if we meet our SAT and exceed RSA there will be extra money to be spent and if we have any extra money it's possible that we could get that back into our bucket so to speak to pay for this land this bill will stop the university from selling of that land on a permanent basis that's what needs to be passed through this committee entered the house chamber. Thank you for the clarification thank you Mr. Russia Vaught did you have a question okay anyone else have a question. All right see none I guess we're ready we have quite a few people that have signed up to ILECs that speak for the bill we have about three to speak against what we'll start with the against the bill you'll be into the table we will start with the this list the rust and I believe she is referred by yourself for you gonna bring someone else with one additional okay want to time okay. With the with the back and forth that. Okay bill would introduce yourself and who you're with you're recognized to speak against this bill sure thank you Mr chairman my name is Melissa Rustom with university of Arkansas system. Mr chairman is chuckle over on the director of external relations for the division of agriculture. Mr chairman members of the committee we had anticipated that when the bill came before the committee that doctor Bobbitt and Dr mark Cochran who's the vice president for the division of agriculture would be able to be here and present to you and share their thoughts concerning a house bill sixty ninety four unfortunately we have a board of trustees meeting that started yesterday and today and both of them are involved in that meeting and so I I guess is I told someone earlier to be team had to show up today and so I hope you won't hold that against us that we don't have the primary focus here today let me start off if I could by just sharing with you a few comments that are derived from some comments that doctor Bob it would have made yesterday in the special language subcommittee if testimony had been taken and so I'll just start there and and and I want to say also I know you have a lot of issues on your agenda so I'm going to streamline my comments and be happy to answer any questions thank you he yes Sir house bill sixty ninety four obviously results from a decision of the board of trustees for the university of Arkansas to sell a portion of white representative hollow well in center Caldwell described as a pine tree research station that station involves I think approximately eleven thousand plus acres of property the sale contract that we have entered into with a buyer is for sixty three hundred of the eleven thousand plus acres we did that in order to provide funding for the division of agriculture for several reasons first of all I want you to know that we initially approached the game and fish commission about possibly purchasing this land from the University of Arkansas for the division of agriculture the game and fish commission indicated to us that it was not a priority of theirs and they did not have the funding in order to be able. The purchases lands we also approach the nature Conservancy and received essentially the same response that they simply didn't have the funding to purchase the land we have as many of you probably know we have received a five million dollar gift from the rice research our rice board in order to have a new rice research station we have to match that five million dollar gift and so the seventeen point six million dollars that is the price for the sale of this property would allow us to meet that five million dollar commitment and then in addition to that we have differed in critical maintenance needs throughout the state of Arkansas for all of our agriculture related facilities is is many of you know in this committee you provide funding for K. twelve in so far as it concerns facilities for renovation for construction for deferred in critical maintenance and higher education and the division of agriculture is part of higher education that's not funding unfortunately that the state is able to provide for higher education so in that instance we have to seek that funding in order to try to keep our buildings up to date to the best to the best of our abilities of several years ago our board of trustees charge our chancellors including doctor Cochran with the desire to go and look at an inventory of all the properties that we had in the University of Arkansas System and we're we using those properties or not and if we were using those properties and we didn't have in a use for them then we should look to sell them so that those properties as you know we don't pay property taxes on the land that we own in the state but if we sold those of parcels when we didn't have a need for them that would allow for those property taxes to go for schools other city and county. Needs and so doctor Cochran looked at his property determined that it was appropriate to sell some of the pine tree research station and that's what led to the contract that we've entered into we do believe we have a legally executed contract with the buyers they are from Tennessee is I believe Senator Caldwell mansion but they do have significant business and property interest here in Arkansas as well it and so I don't want to I'd like to address the restriction in the deed because that came up in the meeting that was prior to this one. Excuse me and and I would like to address that because I and I suspect you may have questions about that as well there is a restriction in the deed that indicates that if the property is not used for a public purpose not public use but a public purpose in the property reverts to the grand for which is the US department of agriculture when we entered into the sales contract with these with the buyers we included a contingency in that agreement that said that in order for the sale to be fully consummated that we would need to get action of Congress in order to waive that restriction when we first learned this summer about senator Caldwell's concerns about the property we met with senator Caldwell and various Senators and as a result of that Senator Caldwell told us in that meeting that he would he wanted to get us twenty million dollars in the session in order to pay us for the sale of this property he wanted us to include an additional eleven hundred acres and in addition to the sixty three hundred and we agreed at that time or not that David not too long afterwards to execute an addendum to the sales contract that said we would wait until July first to proceed with the sale any further so that senator Caldwell could trying to see if he could obtain the funding during this legislative session and so we have done that we have simply stopped our process until that time to see what might materialize during the session in order to for us to be able to continue with the sale of the property I'm. What I would like you to know is that you know we are facing with the appropriation bill as you heard a moment ago with special language that is exactly the same language that is before you today and house bill sixty ninety four and instead of you know preceding forward for instance with the possibility of twenty million dollars what is insured with us is the possibility of maybe five million and then an ability perhaps over time to raise some additional funds The eight I also want you to know just one other primary issue I did approach center Caldwell last week and offered offered that it if he was agreeable to assist us with the sale of the property that the division of agriculture why is willing to provide. him him the ability to purchase skews me him the ability to select two thousand acres out of three thousand that's available that the Division would donate to game and fish or another state entity for instance and that any monies as senator Caldwell was trying to get for us could be utilized for game and fish or another entity we would be able to go forward with the sale of the property but there would be two thousand acres available for Senator Caldwell to select for to address both his concerns and his constituents concerns as well as ours to be able to proceed with the property we have not received a response to that offer but I want you to be aware that we have made that offer we are certainly trying to do everything we can to help resolve the situation to allow needed funding for the Division but at the same time to address senator Caldwell's concerns and those of his constituents at all stop at this point if there are any questions of me I'll be happy to answer them or be happy to turn it over to Mr call for for for any comments as well let's go ahead here Mr over so we can get this move and I'll. We have a lot more to do today so Mr route may very brief here. The issue came up about the date restriction and why was that the division of agriculture would have a sales agreement. That time we would have a condition in there that we would have to get a waiver for our state and the reason is is that is the federal requirement hi this is not the first time that we've done this we executed one of these and nineteen ninety six and I was engaged in that as well the center that committees the federal side said that time we had to identify the bar. We would have to identify that the public purpose for which we would use the proceeds and also a public purpose that the. The buyer would have as well. And I'm there is a misconception that and that the buyers if they purchase the property can do anything that they want to with the and that anything that they say that they're going to do. would be aspirational and unenforceable but that's not the case either because the federal legislation would codify what those purposes I would be and the Federal deed restriction would follow in attached to the The New Dade so um. Again did this sale was a. A god send to the division because it would allow us to do four major statewide projects that we just don't have the resources to do it would allow us also to protect all the other timber lands that that we on that we just don't have the resources for. it also would allow us to do major improvements at the pine tree station itself for the plans that Review retaining the buyers have committed that they will do five specific our wildlife watershed done projects in the region and they would also help us with seven projects there on the pine tree station all of these things that could be codified all of it could be in the federal legislation so again thank you for your consideration. Any questions. Seeing none thank you all for your testimony to bring up before. First off I have a James Brendan Burke. If you take the of the table and state your name and who you're with you're recognized to testify for this bill. Thank you Mr chairman and committee members my name is James Brandenburg. I am the chair of the Arkansas chapter of backcountry hunters and anglers or B. H. A. for short. B. AJ's bin one of the fastest growing conservation organizations in North America over the past five years and we are the voice for wild public lands waters and wildlife. Today I'll be also the voice for the citizens of the pine tree area who use that property for recreation. Arkansas B. AJ is involved in the effort to keep pine tree public because of the hunting and fishing access it affords to every day outdoors men and women from every walk of life. In a part of the state or finding a place to go can be tough if you don't own land or have the income to afford to look for lease as this committee has already heard from senator Caldwell. We are also fighting to protect the intact ecosystems that exist on the pine tree property which we fear may be lost if the rumors are true about how the property will be developed for private gain. B. H. A. is not alone in this effort. There are multiple agencies and nonprofit organizations in this state and nationally. You also want to see pine tree remain public. Contrary to the university's factsheet these nonprofit groups were not consulted prior to the university seeking a private sale. We are working with a number of them now to engage the University honestly and in good faith to provide an alternate arrangement that keeps Pinetree public and also solves their funding needs. As you heard this property became public as a result of the federal government's efforts to help starving struggling farmers during the depression over seventy families in the area agreed to give up their land for a fresh start with the promise that it would be used for public purposes. The bank had Jones farm ten ACT facilitated these purchases in the axle and which it contemplates what public purposes are and are not. Here are a select few and I quote. Controlling soil erosion reforestation preserving natural resources protecting fish and wildlife developing and protecting recreational facilities mitigating floods skip a few. And protecting the public lands health safety and welfare. But not to build industrial parks or established private industrial or commercial enterprises end quote. The university agreed to these terms want to purchase the land in nineteen sixty the current deed reflects these terms. To date. Nobody has provided concrete evidence. That the proposed sale to a private out of state buyer abide by these terms on every acre of the property it's important to note. All we've heard is what the buyers say they could do with the property there has been no formal plan presented to the taxpayers of Arkansas. Imagine if the university in nineteen sixty had made an agreement with a wealthy donor. Who provided a grant to endow faculty position. If now sixty years later that grant had grown in value. But the university no longer wanted to have the faculty position. With the university be able to just change the agreement and use the money elsewhere. No the donor's family would be raising Cain. Here in in just a few minutes you'll hear from some of those same families and beneficiaries of those people who gave up the land which eventually became the pine tree research station. In a way they endowed the US government and by extension the University of Arkansas by leaving that land. And now they are asking you to stand up for what's right to stand with all the citizens of the state who now benefit from the sacrifices these families made over eighty years ago to reach back in history to once again confirm what was promised to the people who sold their land with the understanding that it would be used to the benefit of the public and all of the public in perpetuity thank you. Question yes Sir alright anyone who represent love you. Thank you Mr so now let me get this correct there was an interesting testimony that you see a so are you saying that the people that were there before you today and down the U. S. D. A.. And so then the USDA entered into an agreement with the U. of a cooperative extension can you clarify what you were thank you yes and in a figure of speech so the the residents there who owned that property at the time during the depression so that property to the US government women they sold it they did sell it for a very low low price. Okay I all right I was not it was not a gift that is correct okay all right I just want to clarify that okay we made this this into something else all right thank you Mr. Any other questions. Seeing none thanks are thank you. President will make you have a motion. Yes Sir I know I'd like to limit testimony to two minutes per person please proper motion. No debate. All those of favour say aye. Opposed no. seven so after this the the for and against will have two minutes to speak we will time that and sorry for having to do that but we have another very poor bill we have here today and we've got to try to get this done and I hate to limited debate but we have done it already represent Bragg had to do that on his bill today so and we've done it before so all right so what we have next up. Deborah Lee has a correct R. D. DLE I'm sorry B. and To speak should not here not here okay. All right then next up Billy Shaeffer. That sound correct. For the bill. If you're really coming the room. Okay. There shall are are there is okay Wycherley let your man with Billy. Take the other table just state your name and who you're with and you have two minutes to per president and I hate to hate that we're doing that to you but we got to try to move along. Thank you so thank you for allowing me to speak today my name is Billy Schaefer I'm from Palestine Arkansas which is about six miles from the university I'm sixty eight years I will I just don't look it but of course I've lived there all my life. Of my day of my whole family we've the. Use the university's property for outdoor activities S. R. most of the people in the community day when our our health and I just hate to see you know what it be lost the to some other Whatever endeavor aw it means a lot I believe they're like say my whole life I know all the people in the community I work for the little city of Palestinian I have for twelve to fifteen years of so I know most everybody there it is It's just a of a very Personal off whatever for the people in the community and also the Patrick Committee cold the whole does St Francis County period of and really I just a. Would like to thank Steven Mr calling for their Efforts in an attempt to try to save this Whatever this property and with that of I guess that's all I. Are there any questions for. See no questions thank you Sir yes Sir. I do not have anybody else signed up against the bill is anyone in the room that would like to speak against the bill. All right next up is Tim Fischer. To speak for the bill and if you make your way into the room. And on deck after that will be Stacy Schafer. That will be your main three or four and a phone. Richard how will is anymore after that. We have a bunch that are signed up but we'll just they're all for this bill so. Yes Sir if you take the into the table. With my kids and state your name Sir and who you're with. You're recognized to speak for two minutes. My name is Tim Fisher. Our farming owned business and Cross County close to cope. That for generations there what they're trying to do is take the young people and the people of code places it hones picnics all kind of stuff. This this last but not like I said for a year my great granddaddy was there. We don't want to lose it. I know the university may need money but we need to find another way to get it. Thank you wrote senator call with trying to do that if you give him time. I want these people to understand we're not in a big city. Pantries are park that's where we go we don't have a park in in co we go to pantry we hope everything gets stuff done. I see this just it's part of our heritage our our family it was told us that we would always have it our grandfathers give some land there lost land because of the depression. And we still own land close to it. So let's that's what it is we just want to keep what long what was told us the governor said we always have it now. We look where we're at these are the people going back they say they're going to certain things if the government's going to get back from work what can I do from us. So. S. that's all I've got a question for Mr Fisher. Thank you Sir for your testimony. Stacie Shaver. If you're ready to come on in. You state your name and who you're with you're recognized speak for two minutes thank you Mr chairman my name is Stacy Schafer a United States marine veteran disabled of there's not very many places in the state of Arkansas where you can go and have a outdoor recreations and be able to use your disabled of license and stuff that we have to access properties of universal pantry is one of those and it's kind of convenient that were speaking to the Education Committee because I have five children and I have educated everyone of them all firearms and how to handle them how to hunt and fish of how to collect Leafs for science. Objects and how to collect books for biology for two to submit for their school work it's very educational it's not just a place for. ever to go kill a squirrel or to kill a deer or to hundred duck it's very educational and a lot of people use this property to educate their children and to spend time with their families and if you keep kids interested in hunting and fishing and the outdoors and a lot less TV and video games you have a lot less drug use a lot less home abuse it creates a lot better family atmosphere and it is very important to that part of this committee this state and and the community there thank you. If you any questions signup thank you Sir. More ask for more time the Odyssey one against this bill I think you had someone had a question Sir I'm so I'm sorry of a question of what toward richer Love I did see you there go ahead. Thank you Mr. He said something interesting you testimony. He said it's not open for whoever wants to come down to killer squirrels no no I said it's more than just who wants to okay low score or dark doing that that's what I that's what I wanted to hear because the thing about it is if we're going to move ahead with this and put money into it and then I want to be open to whoever wants to come down there so okay Sir it is open to the public in in if anyone tries to make you believe that this property is not used by the public just have them go down there any time when it's not a hundred degrees and you'll see vehicles at every turn role every parking okay so that it is already well used okay that's what I want to hear I thank you thank you of any other questions thank you Sir thank you all right so we do have others that it signed up so we're going to mention their name to tell you that they are in support of this bill and I have Charles Gaines I have. Ron Lewis of think that's rude riffle are little as ripple I believe Michael the gallon. Of layer and Leri Etheridge. Josh alone Robert shepherd those are the other ones that have signed up to speak in favor of this bill that have. The sponsors have said it would be okay to shortness of a little bit so it is shortened up at this time represent hall will. You're recognized come to the table and clothes for your bill. Well I just think you heard heard testimony about this so I'm select consider college few things he wants of few words should to respond to the university or what they were saying a few minutes ago the best game fishing nature Conservancy they're still involved in conversations with us from trying to fund money neither one of them had the sixteen million dollars to pay up front so that they are still very much involved in this mistrusted mention seventeen half million dollars with university only get sixteen half million dollars are going to give a million dollars to a private foundation how many times have we allowed a state entity or agency give way state money to a private entity I mean it's crazy there that we would even do that but that's of the that's part of the contract the other thing she talked about was the ownership that the buyer has in Arkansas his or the Arkansas holdings there or they are other hunting clubs is investing over here to hunt club they they live in in Shelby County Tennessee Memphis car real area we also mention twenty million dollars hours will try to find to to buy seventy four hundred acres and not sixty three hundred acres and with the budget way it is right now we're trying to by manage their funding of the sixteen half million dollars it also suppose they mentioned that they had made a proposal to give us a two thousand acres in this corrector eleven hundred acres involved in the university right now this is not good enough to farm but it didn't having bring timber already so this majority of the two thousand acres we were going to get so don't. You'll put lipstick on a pig it's not really good hunting acreage and and what that is that that land needs to be included in this at some point time because it's not good enough for we could managed for wildlife management but to I want to bring that to to the forefront and let you all know what we're talking about thank you. And you know I I guess I'm close to the bill but I just want you to listen to what the people say that came in here testify about this how much they use it and I just. Results all. Voting for this bill. I make a motion do pass motion to pass a debate on the motion. Mister NO debate just a couple comments I can attest to the testimony that's been given by those if that appear in over a day from each Arkansas it's kind of a pretty close to my backyard where I grew up I spent many a day and a committee and I. On this Pinetree land and and I can attest that unless it's a hundred degrees in the summer or unless it's not where the mosquitoes actually pick it carry off the the pine tree area is is an invaluable asset to the citizens and and the stakeholders of these communities and has been for multiple generations and I just wish I support this support this bill and and really appreciate Senator call will represent Apollo of taking this of the citizens those communities Russian Murdock. Symbolized to concur in and do what of represent eleven just mentioned and that the county is where I represent and it many citizens have a voice to saying concern and so I appreciate Senate call Wales and represent hall is leadership on this and making sure that we do the things we need to do in a unified fashion to take care of people what we from and thank you so much for this and bring this for great job. What is that short statement being a hunter of hunted all my life I would I've been privileged by death started me up when I was very young and I'll just tell you two thousand acres you get about fifty acres out of it that you can actually hot if you're lucky so two thousand acres is not a very big hunting spot because what we lease about three thousand acres of garden that represent will Max area and you get very very little of that you can actually hot so it would be a lot for a for a big group of people that live in that area would not be enough so anyway Rosa Beck you have a full debate. Okay anyone else. No more debate. All right we have a motion to pass all in favor say aye opposed no. Graduation you've passed your bill thank you thank you any. Of president Barker I'm going to skip over representative Johnson again because we do need to get this on the bill out of here resent Barker you're recognized to present S. B. three five four I believe that's correct number. Yes it is thank you Mr chair with your permission medical hadn't have can you enjoy me at the table please you may thank you. What state your name who you're with that would get you ready to go anytime mystery I. My name is can you hang on the director of government affairs at Arkansas family council dollar recognized president thank you Mr chair in committee this bill Senate bill three fifty four is deeply important to me not only as a public high school coach of female and male athletes but also as a female former very former athlete as the mother of the female multiple sport athlete and as a grandmother of a female hopefully future athlete it's very important to me and I could cite you example after example today of the issue that this bill addresses but I'm sure you've heard them seen them read them where biological males are competing in female sports and not just competing but dominating our female sports taking titles and records and awards and opportunities away from our girls and our young women. These female athletes have trained and competed many of them for years against other females only to find themselves at an important juncture. Competing against biological males who have a distinct inherent biological or committee several distinct inherent biological advantages so in the interest of time in respect of your time I'll briefly address what this simple and straightforward bill does. In order to as the title states create fairness in women's sports in Arkansas schools basically does three things Senate bill three fifty for insurers that sports expressly designated for females shall be closed to biological males. The bill gives a private cause of action to a student who is denied an athletic opportunity or who suffers indirect or direct harm as a violation as a result of a violation of this bill it also gives a school private cause of action if they suffer direct or indirect harm as a violation of this bill the simple five page bill but it significantly gives our girls and our young women in sports what they deserve which is a level playing field in athletic competition in an athletic advancements and opportunities for nearly fifty years women and men have fought long and hard for title nine achievements in these areas. And Senate bill three fifty four just ensures that we now not give them the opposite message to our our female athletes but instead ensures that we show them that we value them we support them and we protect them and with that would be happy to take any questions. Representative got for you're recognized. Thank you is a thank you Mr chair thank you represent Barker I to a former female athlete at the and a mom of that and an eight year old girl and so inclusion in sports matters a lot to me and I did notice that in the last several questions but the person this bill does include inter collegiate athletics but I know that the NC double a already has policies guidelines cutting practices for inclusion of transgender athletes and that the prohibitions and permissions I'm so I'm wondering why you felt like those were sufficient light why NC double a athletics are included in this bill and an office start with a question. Well I'll start in all it can take up a little more technical but I guess the best interest to say that we didn't want partial protection for females and our female athletes or it doesn't stop at a certain point and I'll let him speak to more of the technical thank you for the question but I got free yes then instead of a double a and I. O. C. to do address that but as time as gone on there been multiple studies is there's one in Sweden about the difference between biologically between biological males and females in that time and time again now they're you know they've they've said that there is a huge different in those in those two things which is why you've seen this bill filed or similar to this bill filed in twenty eight twenty eight other states and most recently a past in Mississippi and South Dakota. Hold hello. Follows yes and I'm wondering first does triple a have any policies currently around transgender athletes and into a K. twelve setting and and if but I guess that's just my first gonna clarify questions of if triple a or has policies they do have policy similar to this bill and I spoke with lance Taylor multiple times first time it thanked me for the bill second time he said yes we are following similar guidelines already but this bill would give our school interpolate Lamar cover. And. I can get back in. I'm sorry give me just a moment please you can go ahead if you have another question. Thank you Mr chair and yeah I think my biggest question I know that you know there are organizations are already addressing this issue incidental a at the collegiate level I guess you senator Melaye's thirty and considering policies and and guiding principles as well I think that you know you referenced Bills like this you know being introduced and passed across the country but we're seeing that that sports organizations including organizations for girls and for women in sports are actually support of including transgender girls in girls sports and so I I understand the concern and and the competitive and advantage concern and and again as a former athlete as a mom of a daughter I hear that and I've really kind of dug into that because I never want to create an opportunity that's unfair particularly for girls I think we're seeing girls sports advocates and women's sports advocates oppose bills like this but they say there is not necessarily an inherent biological advantage just because of your biological sex and so. I guess my question is why would we have girls sports advocate to have the same goal as you and and need to have fairness and and inclusion in sports if there are if they're opposed to bills like this why why do we need it if our goal is to advocate for girls and sports. Well. First of all I'm not sure you can have a biological male competing in a female sport and have fairness I'm an I would like to bring out that this bill doesn't exclude anyone from participating in sports the the language in the bill is not exclusive in that way it's directive based on science and biology in the first part of the bill is is full of the physical and physiological differences facts and in findings. And would you like to add to it also like to add that the yes it is you know biological males can play in in the sport so that there I wanted to is in an e-mail supporter co ants but also you know and to the point of women's organizations you have you know tennis legends like Martina Navratilova crasher's campaigns is say women sports women's liberation front fair play for women and hands across the aisle coalition and more and more women groups all across the United States that to support this legislation. Representative love you're recognized for a question. Thank you Mr yes I am a couple of questions but number one. Do we have an instance where this has occurred in Arkansas. I'm not to my knowledge we haven't yet I heard someone talk yesterday about that we may have but I can't I can't verify that so I can't say that for sure okay follow Mr. Recognized okay so when I when I look at this bill I thought about an instance in which right now it Vanderbilt this past season in football there is a female that was on the Vanderbilt football team as a kicker. So if we were to apply the same logic that means that we would have to outlaw her from. Playing on the football field what we now know that if if if not and in the straightness talk to them now that's already covered under title nine that's what tidelands been doing for years because there's not a designated female football team that's why you're female I know it sounds like a double standard but it it's really not that that's why she gets to play we have a a female player where I coach and Smackover playing on the football team because there's not that offered in a female version mature but years you're stating the same thing as far as the metaphysical differences so if you're if you're stating that she if you were stating that males are more time into the females the end then that means she should be allowed to play. The question. Thank you. It's coming. That is a question what I'm saying is you're stating that as a as a trans gender then they have an advantage because of the physical the physical differences right so therefore in it in first thing that would make that would be the same thing it would not be correct well not exactly because you're going from someone who was coming as a dominant down to a low I don't want to say lower but a little less physically advantaged just like we let some of our athletes play up if you're younger and you want to play up in the older division in baseball sometimes they allow you but you don't ever see a seventeen year old kitchen in the Little League words World Series against a twelve year old so it's really not the same it's it's the reverse of that. Okay Mister out. I'm. Any other questions. Representative got for. Thank you I just want to circle back to that disadvantage because I'm just not sure that's the case I think. You know no offense to some of my male colleagues in the room I'm probably a little bit faster than some of you who are industry even female we can we can prove that later maybe that I think that they're just so many facets to being a competitive athlete and and biological sex is it may be just one of them but I I do want to you know focus on that concern of unfairness because there have been instances you the Connecticut cases probably most prominent where there there could be they need to be able to investigate instances of fairness for girls and sort I I agree with you there and so I'm just wondering. Is the problem significant enough you know you you mentioned not hearing of a specific case Arkansas that we need this blanket ban and that this arguably discriminatory ban against transgender girls participating or is it possible that we could just require organizations to facilitate sport sports whether that's at the collegiate level or at the K. twelve level to implement a protocol or at a process for hearing and adjudicating complaints of fairness would that not be sufficient for instances where it may truly be a problem or we have a transgender girl having an advantage but since it's not widespread and not totally verifiable that that transgender girls do have an advantage I'm just not sure we need this blanket ban I understand your concerns in your viewpoint but obviously I don't think that sufficient or I would be running this bill or that that's enough protection for female athletes in their sport yeah I hear that thank you. Any other questions Deffenbaugh coach or you're recognized thank you Mister chair I maybe I missed something this is just a bill about men playing women sports and you say you say thing about. No other right okay thanks. Any other questions you. The debate time is not yet. All right seeing no more questions we have. I have no one signed up to speak for the bill or maybe someone in your but do have a couple against and so we're going to And I'll give you the option this this is an option you can limit debate before. Richard Womack I make a motion to limit debate to two minutes I mean the testimony to minute testimony two minutes okay we have we may have more but we do have actually two signed up so all right I have a motion is not available all in favor say aye opposed no. Graduation that but at motion is passed all right of first up of Janet Cathy. Come speak against the bill not sure. Probably know the right. Okay let's make sure the Arkansas my make sure she's not energetic Kathy lance love all or your ear okay lance you're recognized. Got there landed just a few state your name and who you're with please. Lance live our in here as a private citizen. Recognizing that again our voices were cut off from debate. I want to talk a little bit about the circle a bowling. You see the circle a bowling has to do with. We hear an idea and we stay and we separate there's one volley that everybody involved in that circle is a bully. But they all listen to false information have stories and decide to support that action. Last Thursday on the floor of the House. The Bible was used. As a bludgeon against our transgender youth talking about their abominations. Last week. Representive Lowery said I know it only affects two hundred forty kids statewide but those are still kids. Representative guard Godfrey talked about building and I was grateful for bringing that up. Senate Irvine in this setting said these are just kids that want to participate in sports. The science does not support what is happening. And I would encourage you if you have not spent time talking to our transgender youth and young adults that you may be caught in the circle of bullying that is existing right now in our legislature between this bill the bill to ban the ability for them to pause and actually have time to have therapy to find out what they do and instead force them to go through things. That increase the rate of suicide in fact the person who is quoted in line in item three one three. Coleman specifically is against to these type of bills instead that her research has been misquoted and started a foundation in February. To talk about let's not do the one size fits all approach there are nuances instead of using a bludgeon you have fifty plus civil rights organizations to spoken against the winter clothes with yes I will close with governor **** from Utah who set. When he was brought and veto the same type of bill I apologize for getting a little emotional but when you spend time with these kids it changes your heart's in important ways and so I want to try to improve that message and see if we can't find a better way. Bring a brown says it's hard to hate close up and I will tell you again it is hard to understand from a distance represent Deffenbaugh you're recognized for a question. Thank you Mr. So you got a problem with using the Bible in this state that allows Christianity have come. I did not say I'm not sure where my statements and I had a problem with that is what I said what I said is I have an issue with using a book that I can find wholly and inspired of god to be used as a bludgeon to discriminate against people who just want to live. I do have an issue when I will take the Old Testament and it's concepts and cherry pick one verse. And use that as a way to silence dissent as a way to install which is the opposite of what our lord and savior Jesus Christ did and reaching out to those who struggled I disagree with the call in an election. All right any other questions. C. nine thank you Sir thank you. Are there anyone in the audience look speak for the bill. Representative of the first senator permit I have just a see to me represented the table so I just kind of go that way. Are you an honor to serve join your ranks you're recognized. And. Representatives of the committee I just wanna thank Senate of Sonya Barker for and bringing this bill and handling it so gracefully and so in depth and she's done a wonderful job I want to do share and respond. I want to respond to this after I filed a bill I had a friend who called me and we have a mutual friend and his friend that called him was a is a biological male is now a trans gender who had surgery later in their life and is now consists considers himself a female in identity. This this person this woman now Fully and completely supports my bill. I'm here to bring that person who is a transgender in the State of Arkansas's voice to the. Because she formally with a biological male who competed in athletics. And she of the transgender adult fully and completely supports the bill and I'm and thought and thanked me for doing this because there is a clear distinction. This bill is very simple. This bill is very direct and I would appreciate you all supporting representative Barker in the job that she did in presenting this bill and I would appreciate a good vote for my bill thank you any questions. Signal thank you. Is there anyone in the audience like speak against the bill. Seeing none would you like clothes for your bill. Yes thank you Mister chair and I want to say one thing. That impressions are kind of given the word hate was used in and from afar I teach every student that comes in my classroom I coach sorry I didn't get emotional today. I coach. Every job that comes to me whether they have any athletic ability or not. No one goes into teaching very few anyway that does not love every single one of those students I've taught transgender students they still come hug me at Walmart when they're checking me out I'm sorry. This is not about hate this is about protection this is about safety for our female athletes are girls that are women I'll just leave you with the statistics. C. N. B. C. dot com says ninety six percent of all female CEOs played competitive sports. So I hope you can see with me that this is not just about positively affecting our girls and our young women in athletics today but it's about securing for them those opportunities for a brighter more successful future and I would appreciate a good vote. Will committee I have a motion to pass representative makes. Three but debate on the motion. Robson got. Thank you Mr chairman and represent Barker thank you for your very thorough presentation I appreciate perfect you're professionals and we do disagree here but I I really appreciate you taking my questions Committee I would just say you know I agree wholeheartedly with the benefits of grow sports I've participated in them my daughter participate and then I I agree and I worry that we're excluding transgender girls spend those benefits I understand the argument for fairness I also think that there are ways their exemplar you know models out there for for protocols policies to ensure fairness and also to create a mechanism for complaints when there may not be and and that's. Well that's how I wish we were addressing this and not with just as a sweeping ban that I know is not your heart representative but also feels hateful if feels discriminatory if filled exclusive to individuals who who are members of the transgender community I know that that's not. The intent behind the building but that is how it feels because it's so sweeping and so it exclusive to transgender girls and so I would just you know my opposition as an advocate for girls women sports and advocate for fairness also for inclusion of transgender athletes thank you. Richey Richmond begins the. Thank you Mr chair and I just wanna be brief but I wanna be a voice for my constituents who so wanted to be here and testify they support this they have daughters that that compete and they've been reaching out to me for almost a year now so I appreciate this and and on behalf of the moment thank The sponsors are for bringing this bill I have found in my community my my constituents widespread support for this for this bill across party lines it's common sense not hate it's just a common sense approach to protect our girls and I appreciate the support for. Any others. Bridgeable. You Mr Sitting here bowling's come up a couple times If that's truly concerned I would submit to the committee that you use in using the government the rules to allow somebody this clearly physically dominant to dominate in a support against a Weaker six would be bullying those folks are not prohibited from sport service prohibited from. Intentionally going against the weaker sex I mean that I think that's a little bit laughable to say that's bullying just wanna throw that out there for those concerned with bullying. Chrissolari of. Okay anyone else. I see no more debate. We have a motion to pass all those of favour say aye. All opposed no ayes have it resolution be pressure built thank you Mr chair thank many I have one bill that from one like to run today you guys will stay in here short one as your shorter's along one short okay. You have the sponsor which if you both want to push that bill so representative Johnson and. Senator Irvin two ninety one is that correct that's correct that's correct all right. Delamare funday. You're recognized thank you Mr chairman committee members yeah there are lots of different ways to educate we're seeing that we need to be flexible our state to educate our kids and this bill is intended to provide some of that flexibility by engaging schools and communities as a growing trend across the country where schools call community schools are starting to form this is an interaction between our public schools in the communities around them for looking at outside the box ways to try to educate our kids and provide resources for our children this bill is permissiveness language it just allows the department shall start looking at ways that schools in our system may be able to interact in this community school process and has some folks here with with me today with Ford Arkansas the kid testify to this bill if anyone has any questions. All right any questions Robson Godfrey as always. Thank you Mr Gerry thank you representative Johnson and senate bill we disagreed on the last and I love the community schools model and appreciate this bill and I did want to ask about could you talk about permitted but I did see a provision that level five schools would now be required to use the community schools model is that correct like or or to submit a community schools plan that it does look. I don't believe there's a requirement but you can use your enhance student achievement funds for these purposes and I think that's what we're referring to and and maybe what you're reading but this is permissive language and so it's at a school would choose to be a community school or not and then that would allow them to apply for the different levels of grants that are available through both the federal government in three different private organizations that would have that ability to fund that but they would required to be able to put forward like a proposal but but the ASA funding would also require a proposal like within that bill okay perfect I think my question is just what those level five schools also have to have the community school coordinator in addition to the plant. I think I know where that language is yeah and I'm sorry to have the bill pulled up I saw that when I read through it I think I think that language in defining how they look at what thank you school would be I don't think it's and I'll be happy to visit with you sure it's after if I'm wrong we can look at look at that to get closer and we can let go by it's inspection to secondary Kikkan answer short term. If it does say require for for level five intensive support schools. Would require a structured system of hotel supports through a community school plans so now level high schools would be required to have a community school plan I'm not necessarily opposed I just want to clarify that that the intent and also to see if they would also be required to have a community school coordinator for two Q. you're recognized Johnny key department education that section six fifteen twenty nine sixteen is under the education support accountability act it to that particular section of that code defines what the authority the state board has over districts that are in level five support this simply provides the state board that option that they could require this for these added five districts as far as your second the second part of your question that would be part of the remainder of the community schools that state border not be requiring a coordinator it would just be court requiring the follow the model eight thank you very much. Representative makes recognized thank you Mr chairman I've kind of been looking through the bill here and I think I kind of get the gist of what we're going with this but one thing that the the audit described was what is a community school I think I support it but I wonder if you could expound and may provide more information than what I can read here within the language of the bill yes so and I will send you will have a video actually that Batesville school district that about it they haven't raced this concept and they can really it's a great video and there's also a couple schools in Little Rock as well that are embracing this it's it's really the opportunity to partner with people in your community to provide those extra opportunities for students in a variety of different ways but to really look at a school as a community resource not just for the school but also for not just for the students but also for the families and so it's I mean really that's what school used to be like in a small community in a small town you know it was kind of the hub of everything right I mean and so that's that's really what this model is is to say and you know we're gonna choose to do this and allows them then to to have those partnerships and apply for those grants findings to to sent to to address some of those community needs that are specific to that community so I mean just also say I have a a program that we have in our area and it is our school is not a community school model but it would allow them more opportunity to do the different types of after school programs and things like that that they're currently already doing and so it's you know it I think I'll send you the link of the video and it can do a better job of me explaining it to you okay I look forward to that and I'm I'm I'm always a big proponent given our schools more flexibility so I think this sounds like a good program thank you. Rep Richard McKenzie of your for. Thank you Mr chairman I have concerns about it so send me that information when I read this one of my biggest concern this act I agree that a lot of this is what our schools have been doing. And keep a continue to do I do wonder if we will sometimes we start required too much of our schools to take on so much more when and we lose focus. Reading and things like that so that's my concern on this I have a problem with most promising in your think it's a good thing I think my schools are doing it but I want to learn more about the when we designate somebody a community school and how much of their focus and attention might be drawn to other aspects when we've got some very important things so please send me that information my concern thank you. I will I will I just I was just come in it's not we're not requiring schools to be them they can choose to do it if they want to do it and take it on that's their choice but thank you I I'll send it to. Russia Lowery I believe your first respite Murdock of your the. Thank you saying Mister chairman I don't mean that are up on the question but we do have someone here they can speak may be a little more directly to the community school a concept Cory basis here he came several support us let him come in on the of the four again that's fine. Thank you Mr chair if I understand this concept correctly I guess my concern would be We already have limited resources within the schools and if this grant application means that you can partner with other community organizations I would rather see a mechanism where the private sector is infusing money towards the public sector rather than the other way around is there any component in here where there is a if a school district does become a community school and they partner with a local entity that there is a matching requirement that that it's not all an outflow of public monies towards. Private actors. I'm gonna let em Cory Biggs at address site because it's not if that's not what it is it there are private organizations that would give the money to the schools okay just told all the questions that we get every day grace that's what I want yeah I know that there are there are opportunities I would say now the federal government does have grant programs I believe sixteen billion dollars and federal dollars I think has been designated for these uses but I mean that's nothing that's from state general revenue but there's also other types of organizations where they can get grants from to be able to read as Utah of we'll and the reason I ask that is because you referenced S. the money which is with with within our funding yes yes that yet I yeah I did I did however that's that's part of the partnership that could be utilized but again it's by choice right in again I think that be great if we can maximise S. of money by these partnerships we're at a private entity say it's say it's a church okay or it's the local salvation army or in the case of good will you know with their excel center that they're putting up their own money to provide you know education high school diploma for those who maybe didn't graduate That public private partnership where the the. Private entity also has skin in the game and if that's exactly what we're enabling that I think it's a great concept. Richmond Smith your question. Thank you Mr chairman I just want to comment that I'm currently teaching a base for high school and I'm involved a little bit with this community school expert Matt actually had it not been illegal for me to take the job in the community school coordinator right now Basil but this is a fantastic program on our committee school coordinator gets out and she make sure that we're by working with our local businesses she make sure our kids have internet services I just got through interviewing kids where there's internship set up with these kids get to work at businesses are high school kids or get or that we're interviewing there learn interview process are going out and working at local businesses at banks at bad boy mowers for the chamber of commerce it's just a wonderful wonderful thing And a great opportunity for these kids I would like to see it be that opportunity but not just Basil's kids but the entire state of Arkansas because if you're on the inside you'll see how wonderful it is I just wanna make that comment. Any other questions. All right seeing that. Mr big joy come up now. I don't think I have anybody against the bill there if I do forget him after this. So you will speed your speed for the bill the correct. And ask questions are still. Yes so the the the the entire point of the bill is just to lay out a road map for every other school in this state to do what has already been done by some of our young go getters in Batesville in Little Rock the the important piece so really is that community school coordinator peace that's what makes the whole model bill that's a person whose job is to to set up these partnerships with the community it takes that burden off of administrators and teachers so that they can actually focus their time on academics little bit more. and it it make sure that those services are all lined as part of a well thought out plan instead of just being something that's in your tacked on or or sort of done without a whole lot of forethought so that really is the the whole gist of it to to your point representative Lowery in other places around the country where this has gotten up and gotten going it absolutely is the case that this is outside resources that are coming into the school in fact the only out ways that that I would anticipate with community schools in Arkansas you can see in Batesville they've used some of their federal dollars that they have to fund the community school coordinator position and that's it that's the only cost that would actually person who already was employed by the district who was just moved around and they supplemented the funding with those federal dollars in Little Rock they use and dollars that they already had available within the district's budget the the beauty of it is that it's totally flexible in fact I don't think there any to community schools across the country that look exactly the same they can they can do it anyway they want to it's all dependent on the specific needs of the students and families within their school. I'll be happy to take any questions. All right any questions. Three nine thank you it would like to speak against the bill. We have someone here like to speak against the bill. You may come down and. Thank the table. State your name and who you're with you're recognized. Turn your Michael. Please. Well what. Good morning Helms our Kansans for Education freedom thank you for your time I'm here to speak against Senate bill two ninety one mainly due to privacy and consent concerns I've read the bill and I read it along side the language of the every student succeeds act notice SO that's this big monstrosity that most of you probably have not read and I won't read it to you it's a snoozer but I read alongside the S. a bill particularly title for section forty six twenty four and forty six twenty five this bill says that it will provide comprehensive programs and services which include without limitation it says adequate health care of mental health care dental care nutrition trauma Health Services it will help children and youth give me a develop educational social emotional and physical skills it does involve community partners I think that's the part that I'm people like and federal thunder can be used and of course that would be used through federal grants and it specifies targeted support and interventions. So as it's currently written the bill gives the state government and the required community business partner the right to decide which health services which mental health services you and your child need and if you do not engage in the surveys which that's how they get their information is through surveys and don't follow their guidance they can intervene with targeted interventions in because this lines up with title for at S. a it also gives the same right to the federal government because a community school must provide information to the US department of education on their needs assessments there in the use in the pipeline services by partner entities. In some states that have adopted community schools these interventions have included home visits school based mental health services or health care for your child and in some cases without consent it because notice in this bill if you read it very carefully consent is not mentioned anywhere in the language of this bill nor is it mentioned in SO in that section that I just mentioned so I have ten questions I'd like you to carefully consider before you vote on this bill one two parents have the right to refuse any part of those services if their child is enrolled in the community school that's not mentioned in this bill. Can parents say they don't want their child their child's data or their families data shared that's not mentioned in this bill. Can parents find out who would get the data if it's shared that's not mentioned in this bill. How are they targeting interventions anyway they have to have some way to target and I know that in other states they do that through surveys lots and lots of surveys with kids for example what if they ask to kid about how they feel about using a bathroom with someone of the opposite sex will child might answer no when today's political climate that might be considered wrong or strange or Discriminatory and so that might be targeted for intervention that child in their family with someone else views is wrong or strange might not be strange in your own home what about gun ownership they'll ask questions about that perhaps are you and your family going to be targeted or put on a list because you have fire alarms in your home or on your property which shall be asked about being spanked at home is that considered abuse or is it neglect because I haven't had a vaccine these are questions that we need to ask could these targeted interventions include home visits we don't know that from the bill because it's not mentioned so that leads me to question five what triggers an intervention as a parent I want to know this it's not mentioned in the bill north their language in the bill it tells us that parents could get this information or how they could get it. Can they get the information before they often and there should be an opt in not opt out because no parent wants to be the odd man out not giving their child it looks like a good service but the devil's in the details and these consequences need to be clearly defined if for parents before they often question six school children receive medical or mental health care without consent that's not mentioned in this bill. Number seven who sees all the answers to the data these children are providing we don't know it's not mentioned in this bill. Number eight who decides if medical intervention is needed is it a registered nurse is that a physician is that a school employee is that someone who is licensed or unlicensed we don't know it's not mentioned in this bill but it says it's going to give without limitation medical care. For mental health what are the qualifications and credentials are they an experienced person are they licensed not mentioned in this bill yesterday I spoke with Sherrick keys occur who is co chair of the parent coalition for student privacy and that's a national coalition that provides detailed informations to the states and by the states regarding data privacy issues and on a side note market I hold you for just how much more do you have two more questions because we have to be out at a certain time because these people have to eat lunch but I will session so that if not all that close you I'm almost done. But you can go to their website to see how we rank we rank C. on a scale of a to F. Arkansas does for data privacy but she told me that in Colorado when the begins community schools people doing mental health evaluations and specifically those working with us to autistic children only had to have minimal training and by minimal I mean that advertise for these people on Craigslist to become a registered behavior technician no experience required. I would not want my child's mental health being evaluated by anyone not properly educated trained license and certainly not without my knowledge and expressing evaluates mental health here because it talks about mental health it is not mentioned in this bill and number ten last question what's the language of the HMO you that we're going to have to do required for pipeline services and community partners we don't know and who's who oversees that language we don't know it's not mentioned in this bill so in summary there too many questions and no answers this bill is clear language to answer all the questions I've just asking if you don't know the answers just like I don't know the answers I think you need to vote no on this bill and ask the sponsors to amended the bill and answer all those questions and to require an opt in for parents with clear explanations of what they're opting into the potential consequences of of participation thank you thank you thank you for testimony seeing no questions. All right of I think that's all of our testimony today would you all like to close for your bill. I would just say there is an answer and it's called the for fall laws needed. I don't I don't we don't need more testimony we're not gonna get out if we do decide to say that so your clothes for you real quick. For us are just so you can speak for yes your for yes ma'am. This was closed I would just say that there is an answer to it and perhaps though the speaking for the bill would discover that that family educational rights and privacy act for both does cover and answer the questions that were brought about so they're they're all those protections are in place with that I I appreciate representative Smith thank you to for your testimony in support of the bill because you're exactly right there's some incredible opportunities for our young folks there with the community and the internships and they did a shark tank that the businesses there did like a shark tank with some of the students then they can that they I think got scholarships awarded because of what they presented in their marketing plans it was the coolest thing ever and so you know it's important for our communities to be able to help help with the our school students so I think it's a great piece of legislation that's permissive for schools to choose to do this and I would appreciate a good vote I'm close from a bill I make a motion to pass a motion to pass any discussion. Russian Lowery. Thank you Mr chair of the the questions that were presented to us by miss Helms I think your are very significant because there are so it this is so open ended I don't know that it is the nerve to say that for but protects the privacy of students because there have been data breaches that go beyond for per we are now with this concept we are enabling more actors more entities to be involved in being able to access the data of students I mean we're already having problems with data breaches when the information is contained within the school environment now we're talking about these public private partnerships we're containing that that flow of information is going to be even more difficult I also have concerns about the the public health component when you have an outside entity we may be able to have restrictions right now because of current state law that for instance Planned Parenthood can't come into the school to do abortion referral but with the community school concept where the the consulting or the counseling staking place off the campus we may not the law may not Protect in that case now and I do have the ability of file that would probably deal with that about transactions but right now there's a lot of unanswered questions I think that this at. I like the idea of public private partnerships but I think that we have not really done the work to make sure that student privacy I think the excellent point about students of parents being able to opt in rather than opt out is a critical issue that we we need to make sure that parents no what kind of information they're going to be giving out giving up and who is going to have access to the information I don't think or for Bo loan gives in the protection that they need for the that reason I'm going to vote against the bill. Any other debate. Seeing none with a motion to pass all in favor say aye. He opposed no. Regulations you've passed your bill. Thank you thank you committee for staying late talking to my vice chair from that alone we going to be kind of tight like this so starting on Tuesday if we get to twelve fifteen we will shut it down and that bill will finish the next day. What I can do this to you anymore thank you.