Senate Convenes

Read. Thank members will call the as soon as the order. We thank you we please call the roll Ballenger Beckham Bledsoe Caldwell Chesterfield Clark Davis Dismang he Elliott English. A Flippo flowers Garner Gilmore hammer Hendren Hester Hickey hill Ingram Irvin Blake Johnson mark Johnson leading Page right perfect rice sample Stubblefield Sturch Sullivan Teague Tucker Wallace. Everybody would would you please rise we leaders in prayer please. For. This group of people who've come to serve and to seek your willing god we just ask that you help us to to follow the direction that you would give to a selfless to do what's best for the people of the State of Arkansas to make that are. Most important concern we just to ask you what your families which is thank you for the staff and all that they do and all the many people here who work to make Arkansas a better place just guide us and direct us and all that we do in Jesus name amen. Apple. We just. One. You will. Justice for a. Morning hour. Our members are there any announcement. Metal gear there any items that the dentist. Yes Sir will your committee on engrossed bills to whom was referred Senate bill 85 by Senator Bledsoe compare the engrossed copy with the original and find the same correctly engrossed. Public you committee on engrossed bills to whom was first Senate bill 143 by Senator carving compare the engrossed copy with the original and find the same correctly engrossed McGill Committee on engrossed bills to whom was first Senate bill 160 by Senator Hester compare the engrossed copy with regional finance and correctly engrossed Education Committee on engrossed bills to whom was first Senate bill 179 by Senator Mark Johnson compare the engrossed copy with the original and find correctly engrossed city county local committee on engrossed bills to whom was first Senate bill 254 by Senator hammer compare the engrossed copy with the original find same correctly engrossed public health. Where your committee on city county local fairs to whom was referred Senate bill 169 by Senator garner recommend to pass calendar. Committee on city county local to whom was referred house bill 1183 per cent of under would recommend to pass as amended number 1. Calendar. Committee on joint budget to whom was referred Senate bill 43 by joint budget recommend to pass calendar. Committee on joint budget to whom was first Senate bill 214 by joint venture but joint budget recommend to pass calendar Committee on joint budget to whom was first Senate 20 by joint budget recommend to pass calendar Committee on joint budget to whom was first Senate bill 213 by joint budget recommend to pass as amended number 1 calendar. Any on transportation to whom was referred Senate bill 245 by Senator Blake Johnson recommend to pass calendar committee on transportation was first Senate bill 246 by Senator Blake Johnson recommend to pass calendar committee on transportation was referred Senate bill 247 by Senator Blake Johnson recommend to pass as amended number 1. Calendar. Committee on Education to whom was referred house bill 1103 by represented Evans recommend to pass. Calendar. With. Okay members do you have anything else on the fourth for the morning hour begins. Senate dismaying. I need to re referred Senate bill 82 and 1381 to state agencies. Committee members here were already first Senate bill what was it. 82 back to state agencies yet for purpose of amendment purpose of amendment. Any objection. I make a motion to move Senate bill 138 of back to state agencies purpose amendment okay. Members Senate bill 138 we will refer it back to state agencies. Any objection. Similarly re referred. Senate bill 288 by Senator Wallace to allow a limited exemption for rule obligations for entities not subject to Arkansas administrative procedure act and to allow an alternative process for filing a rule Senate bill 288 state agencies. Anything else. Okay this is what we'll take a recess for the morning hour. Person there is gonna be centering. Amendment 1 to Senate bill 206. Thank you members my bill my amendments. Okay are there any questions regardless of the amendment. Adopted. Okay okay. Thank you. Okay. Amendments adopted so senator grossing. Center for. We'll pass over house building 58 whenever I go to House Bill Evans hundreds Senator English. One to House Bill 1100. Thank you this is just an amendment to House Bill 1100. Thank you Senator English. Any questions. All in favor the members say aye. Okay that'll be adopted police into engrossing. All right we're going to the business agenda. Senator Reid. Senate bill 77 by Senator aids to amend provisions of the Arkansas code concerning education renewal signs. Sendiri you're recognized thank you Mr chair members this is. Senate bill 77 if you're familiar with education renewals owns this is primarily a cleanup bill for the Department educations few technical corrections and there's a couple things that I will cover that does change of education rules owns were implemented to identify implement education and management strategies designed specifically to improve public school performance in student academic achievements throughout the state so if you're members as part of the job transformation to avoid confusion after the Division of elementary and secondary education became the division of Arkansas department of education this bill named the Division of education rules owns 2 office of education rules on so that's clear the second thing it will do it will line education rules on practices with the mission and vision of the Division of elementary and secondary ed this is what this will do this will clarify provide structure that avoids any of inefficient or costly overlaps between the 2 so they make sure they're talking on the same page when they're working with the schools and then the third thing it does is it eliminates there's a big strike through section eliminates the process of application with these education rules owns. Them so that they will be offered state wide what they've done previously as they were only allowed within your education service cooperative owned this allows you to be able to apply statewide which allowed districts to access a wider array of professional development opportunities to address student needs instead of just relying on what was in their their service area so it takes up takes all those parameters off so they can go throughout anywhere in the state so I would be happy to answer any questions. Okay member center users are presented is building questions. Senator Flippo. What would you like Senator Flippo. Here's how okay. There any other questions percent reads on this bill. C. mobile speak for against the bill. CNN is there any objection to roll in the vote. We run the vote Ballenger Beckham Bledsoe Caldwell Chesterfield Clark Davis Dismang aids Elliott English Flippo flowers Garner Gilmore hammer Hendren Hester Hickey hello Ingram Irvin Blake Johnson mark Johnson leading page Rapert Rice sample Stubblefield Sturch Sullivan Teague Tucker Wallace. The mobile 35 U. A. 098. This press please transmit to the House. Senator Clark or did you want to present your amendment. I've got amendment to house bill 1058. Your record center court. DO not presenting the amendment. Of. The Amendment was so amendment requested up from the floor. That allows more than 5 a non profits. To build up allowed in conjunction with this bill for jurors to donate to. By having questions of center parcs. All over the member center Johnson. Senator Sir card. This is allow any Bible one see 3 or chair organization to for lack of better word apply to participate in this program or is it just. Leave it open ended. Yes a note and and let me qualify my yes the we looked at that centre Johnson because I liked that idea. Of and the reason I say yes Is because there's. They have to take public comment and any one can ask to be included. Of and while I like the idea of being able to include everyone. As I looked at it of the county Clerk didn't want more than 5 and there will certainly be I think be probably way more than 5 the. I'm running a business I know. The problems we're trying to get money back to people and if you don't have a list. People will put down nonprofits that are non profits except for and then you just have a mess on your hands and so every as they take public comments people can can make sure that they try to get on the list and we can always come back and amend this later or anybody that we think that was left out that ought to be there but but it is allowing more than 5 and there is public comment to get anyone on that anyone would like to see their. Could you support revisiting this to make sure that we're not discriminating against one nonprofit or another absolutely I guess. Well represented Dalby on the idea of you know how it is when you bring forth a bill it's hard to to get everything but I think it's a it's a great start I think there's a lot of people that for the small amount you get for being a juror that would just as soon donated and that makes it easy for them to do and gives us a place to start and I would not be at all surprised if in future sessions we make some changes and and add some things but but we also need to keep it practical for the for the clerks so that they're not having to figure out what to do with something somebody marked and they can't figure it out thank you so far thank you. Centerville. When you add it to the end is the C. limited get limit to 5 right now you said you changed it what have you added that on there is no number it would be amended out the number it's just that they will take public comment and they will. Look to the for the nonprofits that fit the criteria that still in there and it's not hard for nonprofit to fit that criteria. The to be part of that list. Not encourage anybody that wants to be part of that list of to get the part that process. This is amendment is anybody anybody else have any questions on the amendment. That all 5 of the moment please say aye. Any opposed Like sign you would please send the gross. Thanks for. Centerville. You will present. Senate bill 114 by Senator Irvin to amend provisions of the Arkansas code concerning applications and eligibility for the academic support scholarship Arkansas governor scholarship program scholarships for teachers in high needs subject areas. Sender read you're recognized. Thank you members what this bill does is it requires that students fill out the fasta fasta is a tool to allow for students to apply for different loans that are available as well as scholarships so currently there to scholarships that are required to have a fast of before you submit I'm in apply for the scholarships that there are others that do not so what this does is brings consistency to where all the students are going to fill out the FAFSA Furthermore that really is a great tool to help identify what resources are out there available for those students that they may not know about so that they can take advantage of those so it's a great financial tool and if every student feels one out then they than they may realize that they actually do have a good pass to a higher education so that's all the bill does And I would it I take any questions. Senator Durbin is presenter builds any questions. You ready any questions on this bill. I like to speak for against the bill. Senator you closing I have appreciate a good vote thank you. 30 control in the vote. Madam secretary please read the vote. Ballenger Beckham Bledsoe Caldwell Chesterfield Clark Davis dismaying aids Elliott English Flippo flowers Garner feel more hammer Hendren Hester Hickey hill Ingram Irvin Blake Johnson mark Johnson leading page Rapert Rice sample Stubblefield Sturch Sullivan Teague Tucker Wallace. It is anybody wants change or both. You may want to change your vote. See no matter if you would please cast a ballot. 35 yeas and 0 now As You. Bills urban. Transmit please transmit to the House. Senator Dismang you're recognized to present Senate bill through 36 to 36 by Senator Dismang to exempt unemployment compensation benefits from income tax during a certain time period and to declare an emergency thank you Mr president members this bill does exactly what the title says this is exempt from state income tax for the year 20202021 calendar year and unemployment benefits received in the state of Arkansas as you all know we're in unprecedented times 8 in in there were layoffs there were shut down some a lot of uncertainty occurred over this past year and still continuing in that on a typical year we have about $100000000 for the unemployment benefits paid out in this state this year we've had about 2.$6000000000 worth of unemployment benefits are paid out in the state 1 of the things that we caught later on was is on your on your 1099 which are going out right now you can have federal withholding you can have jobs for withholding but there was no mechanism to revolt with old for state income tax we made this tax bill in 2017 and without that that mechanism in place there really you're really asking folks come April to April 15 when they file their tax returns to have to come up with those dollars out of pocket with the environment we're in I think that's a difficult situation for those families to be in and 1 that I think we should help alleviate with this bill we have to take any questions thank members every question senator garner. You're recognized Sir thank you Mr president we have fiscal impact how much it's going to cost on a on an average year we collect about 3000000 well it's only had it since 2017 would have been 2018 and 2019 tax years for collections was about $3000000 what we collected state income tax on unemployment this has an estimated revenue pack of 51 the impact of 50 $1000000 however that 50 $1000000 all the 3000000 it was not in our forecast that's not what Sir not in our forecast is so it doesn't impact us for budgeting purposes. When you can have all of its present yes Sir is the $20000000 typically put in there. Members of your will have to be a little water if you don't mind because we can't here is a $20000000 that is normally forecasted on average you're included as to complete $53000000 6000000 this exempt everything so that revenue impact of forecast in 3 would be $3000000 to forecast the total revenue impact from a leave your eliminating this tax for those years is $51000000 okay and this is including our state all that is will move this court as far as I know and I would not say it's an RSA we're still working through our say so I don't know what that looks like this would not be a part of the governor's balanced budget at least a $3000000 a portion but we are right now running a surplus of about or running above forecasts of June about $400000000 so you would hope in this does impact this fiscal year by the way C. would help that we're able to absorb that the $3000000 hit or that's that's kind of all about the I thought there's more of a. Measured approach to help the budget would be due at the end but if you're saying we cover this Burley's alters your judgment thank you yeah on on this particular item and I understand completely what you're saying this would impact the prior year's RSA were in the current fiscal year in our state was already written for that and that one 's running about $400000000 above a forecast and when we drop our next are say that's the the future 3000000 which would just be for one year would be what we talk about. Any other questions. You want to speak for against the bill. Senator because I'm close thank you members. Is there any objection role in about. Record please rose one. Ballenger Beckham Bledsoe Caldwell Chesterfield Clark Davis Dismang eights Elliott English Flippo flowers Garner Gilmore hammer Hendren Hester Hickey hill Ingram Irvin Blake Johnson mark Johnson leading page Rapert Rice sample Stubblefield Sturch Sullivan Tague Tucker Wallace. During the senators desire to change your vote. Anybody want to change your vote. The number of every please cast of the ballot. 35 days only 35 minutes 0 nineties of the bill is passed please transmit to the House. But that also that that will also emergency clause on it so that that did pass also. I will never go to House Bill. 03. Senator Davis. House Bill Teno 3 bam represented Fite and Senator Davis to a man an update the laws regarding individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to ensure respect the languages used regarding individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and remove the term hearing impaired. Senate Davis you're recognized thank you Mr president and this bill and while lengthy is and Billy just send cleanup language hearing impaired impaired is a definition that has been around for decades and and. Focuses on the disability not the individual and so the words throughout this bill have been amended to say death with a capital D. which are people that identify culturally a staff and as it's been point out there are a few different definitions of that but it is to be it is people who are born deaf and deaf lowercase D. and our people who maybe have lost hearing later in life and then hard of hearing and is also people who do and have lost some of their hearing but communicate and not with the American Sign Language but still with verbal communication and with that I'll take any questions. Members are there any questions under Davis. Because your bill yes I'm close thank you. Sector we please call the roll. I'm sorry anybody will speak for against the bill. If you would do if you will well the vocals. Ballenger Beckham Bledsoe Caldwell Chesterfield Clark Davis Dismang aids Elliott English Flippo flowers Garner Gilmore hammer Hendren Hester Hickey hill Ingram Irvin bike Johnson mark Johnson leading Page reipert rice sample Stubblefield Sturch Sullivan T. Tucker Wallace they do the senators would change their vote. Seeing none matter do we please cast about. By a vote of 35 EA 0 nineties the bill is passed you would please transmit to the House. Will now take up to a House bill liberal for Haskell Levin former Representative Evanson represent and senator aides to amend provisions of the Arkansas code concerning special school elections. Sendiri these. You're recognized Sir thank you Mr president okay colleagues. This bill does not change anything as far as requirements of special education elections it changes one line of code if you look on page one line 30 there was a line of code to the Commissioner of elementary and secondary education approve the date of the special election but there was nothing in statute that provided the 40 for the basis of the Commissioner to bill to not anybody so they feel like there's no reason for this to being code if he could deny anybody so that just like that completely out of there they still have to meet all other statutory requirements if they're gonna try to schedule any kind of special election doesn't change any of those things that just takes him off the process since he had no basis for denying any I'd be happy to answer questions. Senator can you have a question yes. You're recognized Sir thank you Mr president senior aides has the Secretary key waiting on this yes Sir this bill actually came from the Department education he's okay with you Sir that I'm I'm okay with it thank you Sir thank you Mister. Are there any other questions. Sir will speak for against the bill. Senator your clothes for your bill. Maddox sector you would please call the roll. Is there any objection role in the vote. Ballenger Beckham Bledsoe Caldwell Chesterfield Clark Davis Dismang aid's Elliott English Flippo flowers Garner Gilmore hammer Hendren Hester Hickey hill Ingram Irvin Blake Johnson mark Johnson leading cage Rapert Rice sample Stubblefield Sturch Sullivan Teague Tucker Wallace they will change their vote. The Amendment object to please guests of the ballot. The voter 35 U. A. 0 nineties bills or transfer you would please. Please return to the House. Well they'll take of house bill 11 owners. 11 on 9 by represented view banks and Senator Stubblefield to amend the law concerning depositor funds by the unclaimed property at. The Bill you're recognized thank you Mr president of living bill 1109 is a bill that was agreed on greed upon by the FAA and the auditor's office and also a recommendation from like audit to Senate fixed amount from the audit from the unclaimed property fund of $18000000 the reason I chose $18000000 was because it's an average of the last 10 years there was an average of the last 10 years another this bill also makes it a lot easier for the FNA and the auditor's office to to budget to the budgeting or just. We have to take any questions anybody have any questions the center several phone. Forget this bill. Question. We have a question center for hours. 6 senators double. Thank you Senator Stubblefield do you have any. Knowledge of why almost $18000000 is man I'm calling the is there any reason given by the state auditor's office for that they sent out notices to people or what what's. I'm in real trouble here you sent for that the $80000000 was chosen because it was an average paid out for the last 10 years. Ma'am it's been I'm calling according to the bill so. Question though is do we have any. The specific reasons that the auditor's office is given for people not claim in this almost $18000000 average per year I mean are they sending out notices or what well that are you know other than the fact that amount transferred that's very complex formulas that they use that involves a lot of volatile variables and. It takes. I'm not quite. The amount I'm just wondering why is it that people are not claiming that much money. But not answer to flower if we can just limit it to a question what what would be placed in the center for. I just want to know if the and any idea from the auditor about the problem with people not claiming that kind of money. That way do you know the answer no I would not know the answer why people are not claiming that that amount of money it's been that way for a long time. I wondered if we should change the process for notifying people of of money that's on the books that I'm kind. That's a question for another day but it seems like we want to know. AS people have that much money out there why they're not trying to claim it. My bill runs hours okay thank you thank you ma'am for it senator. Anyone else have any questions Senator Garner has question you want to take the center Stubblefield. Senator garner you're recognized. Thank you Mr president so I don't know about you but I've been in many rotary clubs in different events for the outstanding Our Lady came to explain the extensive and multi tiered process to try to claim unclaimed property for people including having a kiosk outside our office where you put your name in there and automatically determine whether you have a claim or not would you agree we already have a process in injury Lee doesn't excellent job and telling the communities about that I would agree we have a process in place that is the worked as to why there's such a large amount claimed I don't thank you anyone can answer. Any other questions. Senator eyes your clothes for your bill. Any objection role in the vote. Madam secretary. This Is Senator 4:00 hours away or putting her on the screen every time correct. Yes I'm on the screen when the vote call for you didn't call for 80 a body to speak for against the bill your you are correct senator and I'll do that this time would be to somebody will speak for against. I want to speak on the bill. Okay. That'll be fine you're recognized center. And this is in response to US senator garner a lot of the people that are listed on that list of unclaimed property are deceased and so would be kind of hard for them to go up to it and claim it so you think about what he's saying and. Thank you very much senator. What either way that's the strategy is not username District of the policies I've been asking you know since we began so. If you have anything else Senate requires. No I do not okay thank you ma'am. Okay the governor the governor general of the vote no I do not okay thank you senator meditech hearing you would please or of the vote Ballenger Beckham Bledsoe Caldwell Chesterfield Clark Dismang. Davis H. Elliott English Flippo flowers Garner Gilmore hammer Hendren Hester Hickey hill Ingram Irvin Fite Johnson mark Johnson leading Page reipert rice sample Stubblefield Sturch Sullivan Teague Tucker Wallace. K. doing doing Senators desire to change the vote. CNN madam secretary please cast about. The voter 35 BA 0 days the bill is passed please a return to the House. We will now take you above. House Bill live in 19. 1119 by represented Lundstrum and senator each concerning the first and second districts of the state District Court system and to declare an emergency. Sendiri you're recognized thank you Mr president. In 2020 the city of Bethel Heights in spring bill had a late an election to merge Bethel Heights into the city of spring bills there is no longer a city of of Bethel Heights the way this statute currently reads in the first district of district courts and in the department so that there are currently 14 of those in one of those being Bethel Heights in district 2 a there are believed to have a which includes Springdale and also that stretches into Spring Hill moo goes up into been County so it includes the sections of spring bill that are in that county currently we're outside the lines of this with the statue Regis reads right reason we have an emergency clause on this is so that those that are in that department within Bethel Heights then will now call into district to the part of spring Dale that's in Benton County so this is removed that line and changes the department's from 14 to 13 and strikes out one located in Bethel Heights so that those cases will now take place in the District Court in Spring Hill I'll be happy to answer any questions. Remember Senator is present is bill does anybody have any questions. If I have any questions anybody will speak for against the bill standard because. I'm sorry Senator Garner we want to speak for against the bill. Sir. We got a center guard will speak against the bill you're recognized Sir thank you is present so I heard from some people in my district who felt that during the pandemic they took additional steps to try to maintain a good writing they went out there and made some sacrifices both money and other issues to try to do that and while I understand the unprecedented pressure that our teachers and administrators feel for that reason that reach out by those few people I'll probably buildings present on that that even know which price do it where they should be having kind of punishment funding otherwise I still think it's a good barometer of where they stand during a pending to be a good sign thanks so much. Johnson. You're recognized I believe senator garner made the jump the gun I think he was addressing the next bill on the list. And I I agree with but I think we need to go back to 11 that day. Thank you senator. I'll be voting yes. Center for. All right first Sentifi won't be recognized. What. No. Returns I know you already close once when you are close. All right. There is a role in the vote. Thank you. Secretary please role the role the vote Ballenger Beckham Bledsoe Caldwell Chesterfield Clark Davis Dismang aids Elliott English Flippo flowers Garner Gilmore hammer Hendren Hester Hickey hello Ingram Irvin Blake Johnson mark Johnson leading page Rapert Rice sample Stubblefield Sturch Sullivan Teague Tucker Wallace. Okay does anybody deserve the voter change your vote. Member that will also had an emergency clause in it passes by 30 5000000 09 madam secretary please cast about. Please. Transmitted out. 1151 by represented Evans and Senator ages to suspend the public school rating system for the 202020 and 2021 school year under Kevin 6152105. Centereach you're recognized to present the house bill 1151. All members I guess there's no surprise with this bill deals with now so. During this difficult time all this bill's going to do it's not going to impact any kind of testing or anything like that it's just determining it during the issues that are having caused by this worldwide pandemic that it would be prudent to take a one year pause on that the grades of a through F. assigned to specific schools and it's just for the one year only specifically stated in statute and will go back into regular effect after the school year is over happy happy to take any questions. Question center hammer you're recognized. Thank you Mr could you tell me will reset it to what the previous years great well as will that be the starting point it'll pick up where we left off it'll be as though this year didn't even exist pretty correct that's correct Sir thank you. Senator Johnson and then I'll go to senator flowers Center guarding your neck. Thank you Mr president centuries of would you agree that the pandemic has affected all school districts in all schools in our state. Yes absolutely would it be fair to say that. It's been tough on all of this and that. Even though trying to say that there's no. There's not this you know very lucky fortunate school district it hasn't affected and then the school district it has affected it's been pretty well universal problem is it not well some aspects I would have to agree with you some maybe not so much if you think about some the rule schools versus the those in the larger metropolitan area and I understand that I'm just simply saying that it would appear perhaps that in the you could disagree I would understand that but that this. Was it accurately applied standard across the board and to fiddle with it and not do it would be a. I would not give our parents others the the guidance that they need because you basically took away with this everyone can understand that the number might be depressed or cars modify but it wouldn't be on fairly so between one area another it would really be a question how well did that district of that school or those teachers respond to the the challenges in those that did a good job. Perhaps needed to be commended for doing a good job in keeping their their great up there would you agree well I would agree that all things being equal that would definitely be the case but I don't believe that there were situations all things being equal during this this this unprecedented challenges okay thank you thank you thank you Syndergaard Senator Blake Johnson. Question I'm sorry requires you remarkable. you remarkable. Your next bill okay. Thank you senator each the now I heard you say when you presented the bill that it won't affect testing so testing we will proceed. Is that what I'm hearing because. I know that this bill would not have any impact on that so that may be something to take up with the Department but this bill does have any correlation to that. Okay well. I'm I'm concerned about the impact of suspending these letter grades on the schools and districts because I have a district that is under state control. So what is the effect gonna be all districts such as the one in my district that's under state control do you know. All I can answers they won't have a letter grade for this year and that's the only change that would happen. The district has the school district under control it extend the 5 years out that the district is allowed to be under state control as per our statutes. That I can answer I don't know that would have any impact on those those years. Okay one other thing I'll ask you a notice when the bill was presented in Education Committee there were no questions asked about this bill and I found that very concerning so I don't know what your take is on that I don't just think this is a simple bill when you have school districts that are under state control. I appreciate the question. Thank you. Okay we'll go to Senator Bledsoe. Thank you Mr president of senator eads understood that the grades would not be on the schools but that the children would still get a letter grade is that not correct that's absolutely correct yes all right thank you so much. Like Senator Bledsoe Senator Hill. You're recognized. Senate my question is if we're going to give not give the schools a grade why we give the students one because the students will be held accountable for their great why should a school district not the not accountable for their performance with the students. That would be a question for the department's take up and that this particular bill doesn't doesn't address that specific area. You're very Centerville not disagree that. The business does you said we're not reading the schools correct correct so why are we not ready but we are the students. That's an answer for that with the province we would want to talk to the Department about if they want to take up an ad that is specific and other specific bill probably. Any other questions. Senator garner in a voter Senator Blake Johnson thank. What I know standardized testing is a big part of how you get this great do you know like how much data is collected that usually goes into these grades first of standardized testing of the matrix for an and I guess the second part that question is that still being collected with the understanding I think Senator I know standardized tests is been changed can you can't tell me the matrix and what kind of information they are collecting on this that could potentially be used for grades that make sense I understand the question I still have that that data to be able to okay break it out for you like that though I think Senator. Senator Joyce. I couldn't hear but I think. My question is same as senator garner garner's for. Can you elaborate on what other factors besides the assessment that go into this grade can you do that no I don't have that information okay well there's there's more factors is not just is not displaying at the student's performance on on a standardized I believe that's correct thank you. Singerman. Thank you Mr president can you tell me. What's at stake if this does not pass searches are we potentially going to lose any federal funding. First of all. Not that I'm aware of. And then the other thing the other states in our region are they doing the same thing because if we did this and we were to be compared a few years down the road because we did this but the states around us didn't how would that affect our image at the national level if we don't count to grades this year that's a good question center I'm not aware of anybody that's to either doing that or not doing that I'm I just think this is an opportunity to hit pause for one year so that we don't have schools that maybe have had other challenges as a result of this pandemic that we don't want to you know put an undue burden on them that's outside the norm of what we fully expect from our schools all right thank you. Senator Clark will your next. Centuries of appreciate you bringing this bill. Of because we certainly don't want to penalize schools for what's beyond the control of has there been any discussion at all I'm sorry I'm late in the conversation was our many discussions all is doing the grading but the other either with an asterisk or. Did you know were were were not counted against anybody but but yet still. Having the standards there I appreciate the the fight the the concern is when you put that grade down on there whether you have an asterisk beside it or not the people are still going to look at that and assume that everything was measured out the same way normally would during a normal year. Thank you. Any other questions. I will speak for against the bill. Senator Johnson. You're recognized speak against the bill. Senator Mark Johnson. You're recognized Sir thank you Mister president of. When we instituted this A. B. C. D. E. F. letter grade system I got a lot of feedback from people saying we really really are glad you did this it's a nor I. a system that normal people could look at to compare schools and to see how they were doing are improving or maybe just backsliding or whatever people in my district hello acted like a lot. And I think we would all. Go back in and I love the Astors thing it Senator Clark brought up the recent passing of of Hank Aaron makes me think about the when. Roger Maris broke Davis record he had slightly longer season to do it so there's an Asterix there and I think it's it might be important that we note so that are. Patrons are parents the schools could could see the of them and they know I think we all agree they know that this is amended unusual year and it's difficult situation because certainly been difficult situation for them and. But that doesn't mean we excuse accountability this is still an accountability measure and as I said in my question to senator each. Could this not be a way to. To evaluate those schools that really truly stepped up and see that they responded to the pandemic in a positive manner and maybe came up with some more innovative ideas and just frankly did a better job than than some of the others and I again I don't know that data but if we start with the standpoint of of there being you know some data gives you something to work with it's not absolutely the answer to everything but by having of this data raw data into they went down a little bit they went up we'll find it this district or the school go down from a from a C. 2.5 and a half and this one went down from a B. to a C. now the beat of the city of we might could see that but if there's any statistical anomaly that we could look at I just think it would be a valuable tool I. I worry that the purpose of the bill is to kind of give the schools that maybe you're not doing quite as well past for year and and lord knows they've all had problems and I sympathize with that but but I would ask you to consider that. Maybe we don't hurt them by. System we actually hurt them by suspending it for a year because it doesn't allow me to have something to get a hold up and those that have in a tough situation done a better job or maybe even improve themselves you know we want to get credit for that so I think that the. The comparing it to the students of sales yes we're we're giving them letter grades and someone had a tough time and some kids do better in a virtual classroom than others but that doesn't mean we're excusing them from the great so I I would encourage you all to vote to against this bill and may we send a message that while we appreciate all our educators we think that the the accountability measure needs to go forward and to have the understanding and however it's publish that this was that anomaly year operates anomaly year I think we all day but that the because of the pandemic that these numbers are not necessarily comparable to previous years. I'll be glad if questions Mr right right is there any question for centre Johnson. Senator Stubblefield. Johnson are you familiar with the numbers that of the number of students actually logged on during spring semester of Berkeley and the fall semester no Sir I'm not there because numbered around 39 to 41 percent of kids exactly log home. To the computers well that broadband access would you feel like that would have already made would you place blame on the teachers or. No Sir I would certainly wouldn't but I think that it would be important to note because I send those same students would be tested and receive letter grades for that same period time would that be correct right we also would you agree that we we have lost about a year of education in our country I fear that you're probably correct thanks for. You have a question for Senators and. Okay you spoke against the bill is anybody's report center Hendren speak for the bill. Senator garner you're recognized. So there are there were several questions asset to I know senator Reid's didn't have the information for because he was involved in this 2015 we had no letter grades this this was a product of this is my bill and I brought it after hearing testimony year after year from the Education Committee and from educators and other states that this is one of the most important tools for communities to understand how their school districts or do it. So if you told me 5 years ago that I would be down here arguing that yeah we should take a pause in it I would have said. What in the world would cause that because I believe strongly in the importance of these letter grades leading communities no. Which schools are failing in which schools are succeeding. Let me tell you the most controversial part of that and why support housing is for years I don't think most and senator Johnson alluded to this the scoring grade system to to determine whether school district gets an a a B. a C. a D. or F. is very complicated and is the product of months and months of study and analysis my professional educators at the university office case office of education policy coming together to look at how can we be fair because it is a devastating thing to a school district to put in the paper that it's in a school district and you don't need to be doing that unless it's absolutely certain that is accurate and so there are far other factors than just test results it's. Poverty index it's rate of increase from the previous year. And the fact is a centuries was right this pandemic has not affected all school districts equally some have been through no fault of their own far more harshly hit. And for no fault of the students than others so to use that same matrix and grading criteria to put into the paper performance based on those criteria. When all of these parameters have been so very because of the pandemic is really just not good for the system and I will tell you I talk to Director key when I saw this bill and I wanted his assurance that this was not an effort to scrap this whole process because I believe in I think it is important otherwise I wouldn't from the bill. And he assured me that it was not that's why I think Senator each is very clear that this is a one year pause so that we don't unduly and misrepresent the performance of school districts for things they had no control so that's just a little bit of history I think it's important as we move forward that's why support bill. Question center here. What we take a question from Sen requires your. Senate Barger recognized. Request. Thank you thank you senator Hendren I appreciate you coming to the whale. I'm just not clear in terms of. ACT this bill on a district in my community that's under state control and when I looked at both the house education committees debate on the bill as well as the Senate education committee's debate. The the secretary of education didn't appear. In the Senate on the Senate side there were no questions and so I'm very much concerned about. What the impact is going to be on the panel blood school district that now has and next to it the Galloway school district that was under state control for 5 years. And the department had to recommend an exhortation well did recommend an exhortation is one is one of the options because they were forced to do something because they had district in there under their control for 5 years so I think it's unfair. The Department. McGill and explanation in terms of the effect and impact. All the districts that they have under their state control now we've given a lot of money. Education that Donald down to the school districts. And then when you consider when I consider the fact that the department is under is controlling districts. And has access to money to make districts improve under their control. And they have no accountability seems like we're letting them off in terms of accountability particularly with districts under their control can you offer any kind of. Enlightenment. On these concerns that I have. You know I think it's a fair question my understanding is from my time on the school board and when we were doing looking at to. Takeovers of school districts prior to the A. through F. it was primarily driven by what was defined as academic distress or fiscal distress and I know that those those conditions were defined in law and regulatory information prior to the 8 through this implementation I'm not even certain that the A. 3 F. is used in those terminations but it's absolutely a gym question but I don't think it and I think the director does owe you an answer about is this going to unnecessarily delay a Changin and that status but I don't think that it would but I can't be certain. Well until I get an explanation that makes sense from the secretary of education. I'm going to vote no thank you thank you senator for our. Senate hammer you want to ask you a question yes Sir senator you you're okay with that. You're recognized interfere with thank you centre Hendren with a school which under state control the help to any different standards or expectations that a district that is not under state control. Not under this bill I don't I don't think it has any impact on how the A. 3 F. criteria as assessed okay second question I understand as far as the 8 F. system that it is built around collection of many data points that feed into the determinations. Would it be fair to say that under the unusual circumstances that were operating under this year that some of those data points may be able to be collected or it would differ between the normal expectations of schools compared to what we're going through now so he could actually make a school that might be may be a city or school that was C. unfairly get a is that a fair conclusion that's my concern that's exactly right all right thank you Mr president. Thank you center hindrance senators spoke before the bill is anybody will speak against. The Bible speak against the. Anybody else to speak for. I can hear you Sir. Senator Clark is going to speak on the bill. Senator Clark you're recognized. Or is it is it is hard to hear of your so. And. The center is very well might have brought the bill myself. Because it. We don't and I thought long and hard about speaking on your bill. The. We don't want to be unfair to schools during of this pandemic an emergency at the same time I have knowledge that yes some schools have been hit harder. In other schools have been here but also know that some schools regardless of how they've been hit of schools have been hit hard in schools that have been hit hard that within those 2 groups that we've had schools that have done exceptionally well within those groups and schools that have an exceptionally well within those groups and the way that they handle these things. And the. You know I go back to. The in have we had this bad for years of not keeping score in basketball and with their kids and so on I. I don't. On one hand I agree with the No permanent. Great. On the other hand I have a real concern about not grading. Of and I miss the debate in the House Committee and so I have concerns among a vote against it but but I have concerns for it of we if they're it perhaps is not some other way because I certainly would want to give anybody an elf during this time but also. I want to make that would make sure that this body is making sure. That we are being accountable and so I don't know that I'm ready to. Hello again thank you for being on top of. The Senator Clark spoke on the bill anybody else will speak for the bill against the bill sent Irving to speak for the bill. Centerman you're recognized members I just want to break this down I'm I really appreciate what all of my colleagues are are saying about the bill and about this process the procedure I really commend sender Hendren excellent build glad that we could afford glad we have it in place and I'm for this legislation is really quite simple very very quite simple. It is putting a pause. At this point in our time we need a pause that's all the bill does it to the pots for this one year because of a pandemic that nobody saw coming and I believe it is the right thing for us to do and for that I would appreciate your vote for in the bill thank. Service vote for the bill anyone else. Said center you will speak for the bill. Senator to recognize. Thank you Mr president I don't come and speak for against a lot. But I thought you ought to hear from someone who is there and taught during the pandemic. Last fall. This school rating system. Is a whole lot more as senator Hendren said than what you think of just someone taking a test. Cheeseman is one. Growth is the other and that's just one fifth of. All these other things like graduation rates attendance rates school reading rates. All those have been affected if you think about it last semester we stop school in March. And I didn't have just kids coming back then from a summer slide I have been coming back from a 6 month supply. I don't have any problem with this bill because it's just simply a school grade I'm more concerned about the student great the student achievement rates which have not been wait in which this bill has no effect on I still want to system is to be done come spring my students while I've been down here are already getting their map testing done for benchmarks to be ready for those guys to come out I hope to say No such bill that would weigh the student achievement our student assessment because as a teacher I need to know how far my students have either gone behind whether they've advanced or whatever but if you want the honest truth. I have lost some kids that I have no clue of where they are virtually because we have not been able to make contact with after several attempts by myself in our school administration and our principals and superintendents and that's no fault of our own. To me. All schools were hit differently this semester as well some schools had a whole lot more shut down Sir quarantines in my school day and and I don't think that would be a fair assessment either to say the school rating system should go forward and because schools aren't on the same level playing field this year so I do support the bill and I hope that you will too thank. Thank you centers third Senator Sturch is a spokesman for the bill. Senator hill your speak against the bill. You're recognized thank you Sir I appreciate everything that everyone is stated a positive and negative for the S. and the former school board member myself actually considered an insult not to score the school that I would represent I feel like the our teachers and our superintendents and everyone there professional people they've been paid to do a job during this time no different than our doctors and nurses have been thank goodness they kept working forward the same with our educational system thank they should be working for doing the best they can not considered an insult myself if we don't for the schools. Thank Centerville Centerville spoke spoken against the bill. Senator Elliot center LED will speak for the bill. Senator Elliot you're recognized ma'am. Thank you I really hesitated to say anything at all about this bill but the reason I didn't have a question yesterday in the Education Committee and perhaps others. As a practitioner and so much because of common sense. I don't have questions about things that makes. We can disagree. But. If you if you think that. We can treat things as if they're normal. And the conditions that were in look at us. We don't even look normal sitting here with what we have to do. We all have to conduct business differently. And there are people who don't even hold us to the same standards. Because we don't have lobbyists out there all the time the way we used to. We have to do more emailing and everything else just because things are different. So what I'd like you to think about is. In order to grade school. You need to have reliable validated data. That's what we don't have. It really is that simple we don't have reliable valid data. And we're going to test the kids some people saying that they were not going to test the kids we're going to test the kids and we're going to use the data that we have we're just not going to put a grade on them as if things are normal they're not. This is really a common sense bill and I hope you will vote for. These kids don't deserve this the community doesn't deserve it the teachers are really doing the best they can under the circumstances that I'm not normal. Don't try to act please as if the end product is normal and do the right thing in my estimation and vote for this bill thank you good release program for the bill Senator we won't ask questions. I do believe she left the well that's mine at I'd like to speak against the bill. Okay you're you're a you're recognized center for or to speak against the bill yes. But I'm I'm speaking against this bill because there's too many unknowns House Senator Elliot just mentioned that there is a we don't have the data. 25. Bring for these grades a better call for under the bill that senator hindrance sponsored. My concern is this I don't know how. That are great for these schools is going to impact school districts that are under the control of the state. From what I saw in those debates in the committee's. Very little questioning the Commissioner of the secretary of education did not even appear I don't know if this means that the districts that are under state control. The time the 5 year. It. Maillol. That the state can control these districts because of a bill you to achieve or get beyond whatever got them under state control in the first place is going to be extended. So I don't know if it's going to have the effect of extending the law to 6 years of state control. And I'm not sure but I understood. Less. Year. Yes. Not much assessment none of the students so. This is not making sense to me you ask for people to have common sense you've given us nothing to even up the value wait to make common sense decisions. And the reason I'm voting no and I would ask you to vote no or send the bill back to committee and get more explanation from the department of education and the secretary of education of the state of Arkansas because I'm concerned about the kids that are in my school district there under the state control. Thank you thank you for under fire alarms are spoken against the bill anybody else. Your. All. For. March. I can't hear you will take the question I think whatever. Sendiri. We may allow him right before he closes if he wants to. Okay. We're we're in the process right now speaking for against anybody else want any of this. Centuries would you like to close for your bill Sir and do you want to take the question they are not a question Davis and members are more well Senator Clark to do that and then we need to be moving out. Senator Clark you're recognized Sir. Senator is you know what a lot of times we say that this debate don't change minds but of I think they're important regardless but Senator Sturch said something. Of the very much caught my attention about the state. Achievement scores. More still in place. The server and I don't know. Helm how much you know what they're. But is all of that still in place or are we still. Are we still tracking number things with graduation rates and with scores except for that we normally would as far as how the students are doing. As far as I know I believe that's correct. Okay that's thank you. You want you want to close for the bill are you closing I was appreciate a good vote I'm close thank you okay. Sendiri it is close for his bill Mattox sector if you would please call the roll. Ballenger. Beckham. Thank. But. Caldwell. Chesterfield. Chesterfield. Clark. Davis. DISMANG. DISMANG. 8. Elliott. English. Flippo. Flowers NO garner. No more. Hammer. Hendren. Hester. Hester. Hickey. Hanky. Hello. Ingram. Irvine. Thank Johnson. I Mark Johnson. Leading. Page. Right. Price. Sample. Stubblefield. Sturch. Sullivan. T.. Tucker. Wallace. Okay do any senators are voters change their vote these are. Anyone else. Report. Senate is going to present. Anyone else. Anyone else. Okay CNN may take care of your cast a ballot. With the voter 29 days 3 days and to present the bill just passed if you would please a returning to the house. Okay members we are now going to take a. House Bill Levin 95 Senator Ballinger House 1195 by represented Dotson incenter Ballenger to create the every mom matters act to provide health care support to pregnant women in Arkansas and to stabilize families and reduce the number of abortions performed in the state. Senate bill under your regular service thank you Mr president Bills axle one I'm really excited to be a part of you know I any time that we have a bill that comes through and restricts abortions and and limits the number of portions I'm I'm usually very supportive of it but almost all of them do what would come of it it kind of restricts the abortion kind of makes makes a little bit more difficult for some to go through the process well this one limits number portions but doesn't do it that way what it does is by providing evidence and information to the women to allow them to make the choice to to not get abortion so like the the the old adage which I think a lot of people colleagues and even across I'll in the legislature shares that you know that they should be safe legal and rare right so the idea of this is that you're just empowering the women in order to be able to to to make the choice not to have abortions like I said I can I'm I'm for cutting it off all together I think that'd be great however this is something that empowers women to make that choice so essentially what it does is it creates a a process where when a woman goes to seek an abortion she gets gets basically signed signed a number she makes a telephone call 5 minute telephone call that you've been visits with the service provider who is contracted with the health department to provide information to make sure that they have an opportunity to get get information to be able make an informed decision about whether she gets the abortion or not so that's something that that we've been working on for probably about really really 2 years because we passed something that sort of was a precursor that last session so I would be happy to take any any questions. About your resume is billed as the anyone have any questions. Any questions or Senator Ballinger. You will speak for against the bill. Centerview closed. All right Senator Ballinger close their need direction wrong vote. Okay there is. Yeah madam secretary. Senator 4:00 hours you have 7. You said you're not gonna rolled out no I'm not we work in your not used with thank you very please call the roll Ballenger. Beckham. Bledsoe. Caldwell. Chesterfield. Chesterfield. Clark. Clark. Davis. Davis. DISMANG I. 8. Ballinger. English. Flippo. Flowers no Garner. Gilmore. Hammer. Hendren. Hester. Hickey. Hanky. Hello. Hello. Engram. Ingram. Irvine. Blake Johnson. I Mark Johnson. Leading. Page. Riper. Price. Sample. Stubblefield. I. Sturch. Sullivan. T.. Tucker. Wallace. Doing Senator desire to vote or change your vote thank you as I. Senator Breanne Davis is I. Senator hill is our. Anyone else. Senator Ingram and you might. No centering or was known. Anyone else. If you would please cast of the ballot. With a vote of 20 eighties. 5 days Senator Ballinger you past your your bill if you would please return to the House. Nicks bill that's on the calendar is going to be House Bill 1227. 1227 by represented ward on center each term in the minimum wage act as our of the state of Arkansas Intermin this section regarding relief from liability for employers that impacts portions of the law resulting from initiated act 52018. Senator you're recognized. Thank you Mr president okay what this bill does. Is is we're attempting to codify department of labor or guidance that certain activities. 4 over the road drivers are not compensable and we're going to just put that specifically in the statute what it does not do is it doesn't change any of the ways that trucking companies compensate their customers of ways they compensate their drivers if you look at page 2 of the bill we're simply adding 7 lines to the code to specifically state there are 3 different areas. Those are the read those to you. Traveling to or from a personal residence engaging in a personal activity that is not primarily in furtherance of the employer's business or logging time as off duty or in the sleeper berth that those when if the situation is come up we've seen this happen some other states already in the event of a review or audit those hours that drivers are required to be off duty would not be included when they calculate the minimum wage or overtime calculations so it's just limited to those specific areas and we're following along with with the guidance of department labor was on this and I would be willing to take any questions. You will speak for against the bill. You want to speak for against good. Senator you because there is closed during the action rolling about. Thank you for your vote. Ballenger Beckham Bledsoe Caldwell Chesterfield Clark Davis Dismang aids Elliott English Flippo flowers Garner Gilmore hammer Hendren Hester Hickey hello Ingram Irvin Blake Johnson mark Johnson leading page Rapert Rice sample Stubblefield Sturch Sullivan teak Tucker Wallace. The Senator desire to change their vote. We want to change your vote. CNN madam secretary would you please cast of the ballot. But the voter 35 a 0 day. Your bill is passed. This one also had an emergency clause and that also by. No did not I'm sorry. In return to the House. 1262 by represented Watson to amend the duties of the secretary of the department of public safety. Senator Garner you're recognized. Thank this president this came from the department of public safety it just clarifies that if the person as a qualification has to meet the law enforcement standards take any questions this time. A centre garner's presented bill anyone have any questions. We will speak for against the bill. Garnering close yes Sir. Is there any objection rolling above. Your call will. Anyone else. Press. Please call the roll. Ballenger Beckham Bledsoe Caldwell Chesterfield Clark Davis Dismang aid's Elliott English Flippo flowers Garner Gilmore hammer Hendren Hester Hickey hello Ingram Irvin Blake Johnson mark Johnson leading Page reipert rice sample Stubblefield Sturch Sullivan Teague Tucker Wallace. Steve I want voter change your vote. Centre back home present. All right center back present center you're more you present. Senator Clark was present. Anyone else. Anyone else would change their vote. Please cast a ballot. By voting 31 days 1983 present the bill passes it would please return to the House. This. Thank. It is what. This time will take up the budget that in so you. You're recognized Sir I think Mr president members I would just have a few items on the counter today if you don't mind want to have the sector read through those if there's any at the end that you like to pull out the vote on separately just let us know. Senate bill 109 an act for the pure of Legislative Research in the Legislative Council preparation for 20212022 fiscal year. Senate bill 201 an act for the Arkansas 7 Arkansas community college preparation for 20212022 fiscal year. Senate bill to to an act for the University of Arkansas pine bluff preparation for the 20212022 fiscal year. Senate bill 209 an act for the Arkansas state university Newport appropriation for the 20212022 fiscal year send up to 10 and I for the Arkansas state university Beebe operation for the 20212022 fiscal year save up to 2010 and I for the university of Arkansas community college at Morrilton appropriation for the 20212022 fiscal year Senate bill 223 and I for the Arkansas university of Arkansas community colleges thanks for appropriation for the 2122 fiscal year. Thank you members only those items or any of those bills you talked pull out for a separate vote on scene in a movie we do pass in both these a batch okay members were Baxley's bills. Is there any objection Rogan vocals. 60 please road. Ballenger Beckham Bledsoe Caldwell Chesterfield Clark Davis Dismang aids Elliott English Flippo flowers Garner Gilmore hammer Hendren Hester Hickey hello Ingram Irvin Blake Johnson mark Johnson leading Page riper rice sample Stubblefield Sturch Sullivan Teague Tucker Wallace. The rate would change their vote. Anybody wish to change your vote madam secretary please test of the ballot. By a vote of 35 U. A. 0 nineties that back to back to the Hey. Because of the job that please. Transmitted out. Members are there any announcements. Senator Bledsoe. Members of the Singapore here with the New York police Senator Bledsoe you're recognized. Thank you Mr president ladies and gentleman if you have a house bill that you have said that you would sponsor in the public health committee please get with me because we are listing of. A Representative Ladyman Representative Boyd Representative Wooten and we would need any of you who have agreed to sponsor those bills to let us know. Senator recognized. Insurance and Commerce downstairs right soon as we finish your 171. Center for. Senate Judiciary Committee will not meet on Monday. I think was present personnel will meet on Tuesday it's been moved to 8:00 in the and joint budget will not meet again until Wednesday at 830. Any other announcements. Centerville. Education will meet Monday afternoon at 2:00 if you have any bills please get them to me by the end of the day if you would like them on the calendar or the agenda for Monday thank you. Senator. Thank you Mr president one recognizes Dr the day we have an orthopedic surgeon from here in Little Rock Dr Richard McCarthy and our first sherry bar. Any other. There will be a committee on engrossed bills to whom was first Senate bill 206 by Senator Irving recommend committing rest copy with the original and same correctly engrossed calendar Committee on engrossed bills to whom was referred house bill 1100 by Representative Evans compare the engrossed copy with the original and find the same correctly engrossed calendar Committee on engrossed bills to whom was referred house bill 258 per cent dabbing per the engrossed copy with the original and find the same correctly engrossed calendar. Senate joint resolution to by Senator Clark a constitutional amendment to allow the General Assembly to convene an extraordinary session upon the request of a majority of the members of each house of the General Assembly Senate joint resolution to. Calendar. State agencies. And we're orders.