House Convenes
Video
Transcript
Bills discussed (30)
| Bill | Title | Sponsor | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
|
HB1001
Act 2
· 4 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…s been adopted morning hour has ended Mr. Clerk please read House Bill 1001.”
|
AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY APPROPRIATION FOR … | Shepherd | Notification that HB1001 is now Act 2 |
|
HCR1006
· 3 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…there any executive communications? Mr. Clerk, please read House Concurrent Resolution 1006. House Concurrent Resolution”
|
PROVIDING FOR RECESSES OF FOUR (4) OR MORE CONSECUTIVE DAYS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES … | Shepherd | Approved by the Governor |
|
HB1125
Act 247
· 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…l a second time. House Bill 1124. Aging children and youth. House Bill 1125.”
|
AN ACT FOR THE OFFICE OF THE TREASURER OF STATE APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2021-2022 FISCAL … | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that HB1125 is now Act 247 |
|
HB1130
Act 47
· 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…ill a second time. House Bill 1129. Joint Budget Committee. House Bill 1130. Without objection, read the bill a second time.”
|
AN ACT FOR THE OFFICE OF THE TREASURER OF STATE - AMENDMENT 74 PROPERTY TAX … | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that HB1130 is now Act 47 |
|
HB1142
Act 131
· 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…read the bill a second time. House Bill 1141. Public Hill. House Bill 1142. Without objection, read the bill a second time.”
|
TO RECOGNIZE ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION OF LIVESTOCK AND ANIMALS AS A ROUTINE ANIMAL HUSBANDRY PRACTICE. | Vaught | Notification that HB1142 is now Act 131 |
|
HR1001
· 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…ill a second time. House Bill 1147. Joint Budget Committee. House Resolution 1001. Without objection, read the bill a”
|
TO ADOPT THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY. | Shepherd | READ AND ADOPTED. |
|
HR1006
· 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…read the bill a second time. House Resolution 1005. Rules. House Resolution 1006.”
|
TO ADOPT RULES OF PROCEDURE FOR COMMITTEES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-THIRD … | Shepherd | READ AND ADOPTED. |
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HB1119
Act 87
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “Read the bill, Mr. Clerk. House Bill 1119. Read the bill a second time. House Bill 1119. Judiciary. H…”
|
CONCERNING THE FIRST AND SECOND DISTRICTS OF THE STATE DISTRICT COURT SYSTEM; AND TO DECLARE … | Lundstrum | Notification that HB1119 is now Act 87 |
|
HB1120
Act 685
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…9. Read the bill a second time. House Bill 1119. Judiciary. House Bill 1120. Without objection, read the bill a second time. House Bill…”
|
CONCERNING CRIMINAL DETENTION FACILITIES REVIEW COMMITTEES. | Slape | Notification that HB1120 is now Act 685 |
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HB1121
Act 88
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “State agencies. House Bill 1121. Without objection, read the bill a second time. House Bill…”
|
AN ACT TO CREATE CONSISTENT LANGUAGE FOR ALL STATE ENTITIES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION STATE DEPARTMENTS, … | Dotson | Notification that HB1121 is now Act 88 |
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HB1122
Act 183
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ad the bill a second time. House Bill 1121. State agencies. House Bill 1122. Without objection, read the bill a second time. House Bill…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE AUTHORITY TO AWARD A MEDAL, RIBBON, OR DECORATION TO … | M. Berry | Notification that HB1122 is now Act 183 |
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HB1123
Act 184
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…l a second time. House Bill 1122. Aging children and youth. House Bill 1123. Without objection, read the bill a second time. House Bill…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE POWERS, DUTIES, AND IMMUNITIES OF THE ORGANIZED MILITIA. | M. Berry | Notification that HB1123 is now Act 184 |
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HB1124
Act 185
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…l a second time. House Bill 1123. Aging children and youth. House Bill 1124. Without objection, read the bill a second time. House Bill…”
|
TO AMEND THE PUNITIVE ARTICLES OF THE MILITARY CODE OF ARKANSAS CONCERNING SEXUAL ASSAULT AND … | M. Berry | Notification that HB1124 is now Act 185 |
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HB1126
Act 16
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…without objection. House Bill 1125. Joint Budget Committee. House Bill 1126. Without objection, read the bill a second time. House Bill…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE OFFICE OF THE TREASURER OF STATE - ANIMAL RESCUE SHELTERS APPROPRIATION … | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that HB1126 is now Act 16 |
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HB1127
Act 192
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ill a second time. House Bill 1126. Joint Budget Committee. House Bill 1127. Without objection, read the bill a second time. House Bill…”
|
AN ACT TO MAKE AN APPROPRIATION FOR STATE TURNBACK FOR COUNTIES AND MUNCIPALITIES BY THE … | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that HB1127 is now Act 192 |
|
HB1128
Act 49
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ill a second time. House Bill 1127. Joint Budget Committee. House Bill 1128. Without objection, read the bill a second time. House Bill…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE OFFICE OF THE TREASURER OF STATE - GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS APPROPRIATION … | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that HB1128 is now Act 49 |
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HB1129
Act 48
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ill a second time. House Bill 1128. Joint Budget Committee. House Bill 1129. Without objection, read the bill a second time. House Bill…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE OFFICE OF THE TREASURER OF STATE - ASSISTANCE TO LOCAL LAW … | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that HB1129 is now Act 48 |
|
HB1131
Act 246
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “House Bill 1130. Joint Budget Committee. House Bill 1131. Without objection, read the bill a second time. House Bill…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE OFFICE OF THE TREASURER OF STATE - REFUND OF LOCAL TAXES … | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that HB1131 is now Act 246 |
|
HB1132
Act 46
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ill a second time. House Bill 1131. Joint Budget Committee. House Bill 1132. Without objection, read the bill a second time. House Bill…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE OFFICE OF THE TREASURER OF STATE - CITY-COUNTY TOURIST MEETING AND … | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that HB1132 is now Act 46 |
|
HB1133
Act 17
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ill a second time. House Bill 1132. Joint Budget Committee. House Bill 1133. Without objection, read the bill a second time. House Bill…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS GOVERNOR'S MANSION COMMISSION APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2021-2022 FISCAL YEAR. | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that HB1133 is now Act 17 |
|
HB1134
Act 406
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ill a second time. House Bill 1133. Joint Budget Committee. House Bill 1134. Without objection, read the bill a second time. House Bill…”
|
TO ALLOW PHARMACISTS TO PRESCRIBE, ADMINISTER, DELIVER, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE VACCINES, IMMUNIZATIONS, AND MEDICATIONS TO … | Boyd | Notification that HB1134 is now Act 406 |
|
HB1139
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “read the bill a second time. House Bill 1139. Insurance and Commerce. House Bill 1140. Without objection…”
|
CONCERNING THE STATE BOARD OF EMBALMERS, FUNERAL DIRECTORS, CEMETERIES, AND BURIAL SERVICES. | Vaught | WITHDRAWN BY AUTHOR |
|
HB1140
Act 396
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ill a second time. House Bill 1139. Insurance and Commerce. House Bill 1140. Without objection, read the bill a second time. House Bill…”
|
TO MODIFY THE LAW CONCERNING EMBALMERS AND FUNERAL DIRECTORS. | Vaught | Notification that HB1140 is now Act 396 |
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HB1141
Act 731
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “Public Hill. House Bill 1141. Without objection, read the bill a second time. House Bill…”
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TO AMEND THE CEMETERY ACT FOR PERPETUALLY MAINTAINED CEMETERIES. | Vaught | Notification that HB1141 is now Act 731 |
|
HB1143
Act 45
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “House Bill 1142. Agri-Forestry and Economic Development. House Bill 1143. Without objection, read the bill a second time. House Bill…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2021-2022 FISCAL YEAR. | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that HB1143 is now Act 45 |
|
HB1144
Act 109
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ill a second time. House Bill 1143. Joint Budget Committee. House Bill 1144. Without objection, read the bill a second time. House Bill…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - ARKANSAS SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND AND ARKANSAS … | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that HB1144 is now Act 109 |
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HB1145
Act 44
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “House Bill 1145. Without objection, read the bill a second time. House Bill…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - ARKANSAS STATE LIBRARY APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2021-2022 … | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that HB1145 is now Act 44 |
|
HB1146
Act 1001
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “Joint Budget Committee. House Bill 1146. Without objection, read the bill a second time. House Bill…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS - DIVISION OF COMMUNITY CORRECTION APPROPRIATION FOR THE … | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that HB1146 is now Act 1001 |
|
HB1147
Act 43
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ill a second time. House Bill 1146. Joint Budget Committee. House Bill 1147. Without objection, read the bill a second time. House Bill…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS COURT OF APPEALS APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2021-2022 FISCAL YEAR. | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that HB1147 is now Act 43 |
|
HR1005
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “second time. House Resolution 1001. Rules. House Resolution 1005. Without objection, read the bill a second time. House Reso…”
|
TO ADOPT EMERGENCY RULES FOR THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY. | Shepherd | READ AND ADOPTED. |
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Thank you.
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I invite the members, staff, press, and guests in the galleries to stand and be led in prayer by Dr. Rex Horn, retired pastor of Emanuel
Baptist Church, Little Rock, and to remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance to be led by Representative Lane Jean. Would you
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join me in prayer, please? Our Father, on this beautiful day in this hallowed place, we give you thanks for another day, a new day of life, a new day of opportunity. We remember the old scripture, this is the day the Lord has made. let us rejoice and be glad in it and because father you know the number of days that we have
and we do not help us to apply ourselves to wisdom to things that matter being gracious to being helpful thank you lord for the men and women who are here for their commitment to public service the commitment they have to the citizens friends and families here in arkansas bless our speaker and all who have a part today and i pray that you'll meet not only the needs of this body but of the individual members and the challenges they face individually as a family that no one
would know or know the depth of we pray these things thank you for hearing our prayer
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in jesus name amen i pledge allegiance to the flag of the united states of america and to
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the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Amen.
Members, please indicate your presence by pushing your yellow present button. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk.
Cast it for ballot, Mr. Clerk. If 99 members present, the chair sees a quorum. Are there any requests for leave? Representative McElroy, for what purpose? Leave for Representative McGee. Is leave granted for Representative McGee? So noted. Representative Frederick Love moves we dispense with the reading of the previous day's journal. Without objection, so ordered. Are there reports from select committees?
Are there reports from standing committees? Is there any unfinished business? Are there any executive communications? Mr. Clerk, please read House Concurrent Resolution 1006. House Concurrent Resolution
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1006 by Representative Shepard, providing for recess of four or more consecutive days of the House of Representatives and the Senate
Chair
Unverified
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of the 93rd General Assembly. Representative Wing, you're recognized to explain the resolution.
Representative Carlton Wing
Unverified
11:32
All dressed up and nowhere to go. House Concurrent Resolution 1006 is identical to the recess motions that we have at the beginning of each session. Of course, rules state that any time we are in recess longer than three days, we need permission from the other chamber. This, however, takes an additional step due to COVID, which allows the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate to set some additional recesses just in case of COVID emergencies. Deadlines could be extended for the filing and consideration of scope of practice legislation, the filing of proposed constitutional amendments, and the filing of appropriations bills.
Other than that, it's the exact same that we do in every session. Appreciate
a good vote. Representative Wing has explained the resolution. Would anyone like to speak against the resolution? Would anyone like to speak for the resolution? Representative Wing is closed for the resolution. The question before the House is the adoption of House concurrent resolution 1006. Prepare the machine Mr. Clerk. has everyone voted
cast up the ballot Mr. Clerk by a vote of 94 yea, 0 nay and 0 present the resolution has been adopted morning hour has ended Mr. Clerk please read House Bill 1001.
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House Bill 1001 by Representative Shepard, an act for the Arkansas House of Representatives of the 93rd General Assembly Appropriation for the 2020 and 2021 fiscal year.
Representative Carlton Wing
Unverified
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Representative Wing, you're recognized to explain the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 1001 is identical to the appropriations bills that we pass at the beginning of each session, just to take care of the financial needs as we go about our session.
Appreciate a good vote. Representative Wing has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Representative Wing is closed for the bill.
The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1001. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk.
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has everyone voted you're voting on the
bill and the emergency clause has everyone voted cast up the ballot mr. clerk by a vote of 95 yeas zero nay and zero present the bill is passed
Members, the doctor of the day is Dr. Sean M. Morrell of Little Rock, and the nurse of the day is Ms. Brenda Hewitt. Members, at this time, we will stand in recess until 1030 when we will reconvene for the virtual joint session and the address from the governor.
Unknown speaker
14:59
The House stands in recess. Thank you.
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Read the bill, Mr. Clerk. House Bill 1119. Read the bill a second time. House Bill 1119. Judiciary. House Bill 1120. Without objection, read the bill a second time. House Bill 1120.
Chair
Unverified
20:06
State agencies. House Bill 1121. Without objection, read the bill a second time. House Bill 1121. State agencies. House Bill 1122. Without objection, read the bill a second time. House Bill 1122. Aging children and youth. House Bill 1123. Without objection, read the bill a second time. House Bill 1123. Aging children and youth. House Bill 1124. Without objection, read the bill a second time. House Bill 1124. Aging children and youth. House Bill 1125.
Read the bill a second time without objection. House Bill 1125. Joint Budget Committee. House Bill 1126. Without objection, read the bill a second time. House Bill 1126. Joint Budget Committee. House Bill 1127. Without objection, read the bill a second time. House Bill 1127. Joint Budget Committee. House Bill 1128. Without objection, read the bill a second time. House Bill 1128. Joint Budget Committee. House Bill 1129. Without objection, read the bill a second time. House Bill 1129. Joint Budget Committee. House Bill 1130. Without objection, read the bill a second time.
House Bill 1130. Joint Budget Committee. House Bill 1131. Without objection, read the bill a second time. House Bill 1131. Joint Budget Committee. House Bill 1132. Without objection, read the bill a second time. House Bill 1132. Joint Budget Committee. House Bill 1133. Without objection, read the bill a second time. House Bill 1133. Joint Budget Committee. House Bill 1134. Without objection, read the bill a second time. House Bill 1134. Public health. Hospital 1135. Without objection, read the bill a second time.
Hospital 1135. Public health. Hospital 1136. Without objection, read the bill a second time. Hospital 1136. Public health. Hospital 1137. Without objection, read the bill a second time. Hospital 1137. Public health. Hospital 1138. Without objection, read the bill a second time. Hospital 1138. Public health. Hospital 1139. Without objection,
Representative Marcus E. Richmond
Unverified
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read the bill a second time. House Bill 1139. Insurance and Commerce. House Bill 1140. Without objection, read the bill a second time. House Bill 1140.
Public Hill. House Bill 1141. Without objection, read the bill a second time. House Bill 1141. Public Hill. House Bill 1142. Without objection, read the bill a second time.
Chair
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House Bill 1142. Agri-Forestry and Economic Development. House Bill 1143. Without objection, read the bill a second time. House Bill 1143. Joint Budget Committee. House Bill 1144. Without objection, read the bill a second time. House Bill 1144. Joint Budget Committee.
Representative Marcus E. Richmond
Unverified
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House Bill 1145. Without objection, read the bill a second time. House Bill 1145.
Chair
Unverified
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Joint Budget Committee. House Bill 1146. Without objection, read the bill a second time. House Bill 1146. Joint Budget Committee. House Bill 1147. Without objection, read the bill a second time. House Bill 1147. Joint Budget Committee. House Resolution 1001. Without objection, read the bill a
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second time. House Resolution 1001. Rules. House Resolution 1005. Without objection, read the bill a second time. House Resolution 1005. Rules. House Resolution 1006.
Representative Marcus E. Richmond
Unverified
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Without objection, read the bill a second time. House Resolution 1006. Rules. The House convenes joint session at 1030. Thank you.
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The House will come to order. The joint session of the Arkansas Legislature will come to order. Please indicate your
presence by pushing your yellow present button. Prepare the machine Mr. Clerk
members present, the chair sees a quorum. Are there any requests for leave? Representative McElroy,
for what purpose? Is leave granted for Representative McGee? So noted. At this
time, I invite the member, staff, press, and guests in the galleries to stand
and be led in prayer by the House Chaplain, Dr. Rex Horn, retired pastor, Emanuel Baptist Church, Little Rock, and to remain standing for the presentation of the colors by the Arkansas Army National Guard, Governor's Color Guard, and the Pledge of Allegiance to be led by Representative Lane Jean.
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Friends, would you join me in prayer, please? Our
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Father, we remember the psalmist who said, blessed be God who has not rejected our prayer. We thank you that you hear us
when we pray, and we thank you for the privilege of interceding today on behalf of the men and women who serve the citizens of Arkansas in both chambers here to give you thanks for the president pro tem, to give you thanks for our speaker, Matthew Shepard, and especially for our governor and our first lady. We pray you'll continue to bless our governor with strength, with courage, with wisdom that's needed for this day. Father, may we all, as we think about the privileges and
blessings of life, use the time here in this session as an opportunity of service. And as we look back over the term, the term of the session, the term of life, that we might look upon it as a stewardship of the days, the months, the years that you grant us upon this earth. Thank you for every blessing. We know that every good and perfect gift comes from you, and that includes the gift of friendship, the gift of citizenship, and the opportunity to serve.
Bless this session in
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of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
At this time, I would like to recognize the First Lady of Arkansas, Susan Hutchinson, and the Governor's Chief of Staff, Allison Williams. Mr. Parliamentarian, you are recognized to announce the results of the general election
vote for the United States Senate, the United States Congress, proposed
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constitutional amendments, and ballot issues. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The following results are certified by our Secretary of State, the Honorable John Thurston. For the U.S. Senate, Ricky Dale Harrington, 399,390 votes. Senator Tom Cotton, 793,871 votes.
U.S. House of Representatives, District No. 1, Congressman Rick Crawford, 237,596 votes. He was unopposed. U.S. House of Representatives, District 2, Senator Joyce Elliott, 148,410. Congressman French Hill, 184,093 votes. U.S. House of Representatives, District No. 3, Michael J. Calagas, 12,977 votes, Celeste Williams, 106,325 votes, Congressman Steve Womack, 214,960 votes.
U.S. House of Representatives, District 4, Frank Gilbert, 7,668 votes, William H. Hansen, 75,750 votes, Representative Ruth Westerman, 191,617 votes. the ballot issues issue number one an amendment to the arkansas constitution continuing a one half percent sales and use tax for state highways and bridges county roads bridges and other surface
transportation and city streets bridges and other surface transportation after retirement of the bonds authorized in the arkansas constitution amendment number 91 for 660,018 votes against against 532,915 votes for a total of 1,192,933 votes. Issue number two, a constitutional amendment to amend the term limits applicable to members of the General Assembly
to be known as the Arkansas Term Limits Amendment. Four, 647,861 votes against 521,979 votes for a total of 1,169,840 votes. Issue number three, a constitutional amendment to amend the process for submission, challenge, and approval of proposed initiated acts, constitutional amendments, and referenda. for 503,028 votes
against 638,319 votes for a total of 1,141,347 votes. Mr. Speaker, I invite you to enter these reports into the journal. The reports will be entered into the journal. I hereby appoint the
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following named House Committee to notify Governor Asa Hutchinson
and that the virtual joint session is ready to receive him and to escort the governor to the speaker's rostrum. Representative Bruce Coleman, chairperson. Representative Monty Hodges. Representative Carolyn Brown. Representative Austin McCollum. Representative Johnny Rye.
Representative Jim Wooten. Representative Craig Christensen. Representative Tippi McCullough. and Representative David Ray.
For what purpose, Mr. Sergeant-at-Arms? Sure. Admit Governor Hutchinson.
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Thank you. Thank you. Mr. Speaker, may I proceed?
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Thank you, Speaker Shepard, and to Senate Pro Tem, Jimmy Hickey, and to the honorable members of the General Assembly. Thank you for that warm greeting. Let me assure you that is gratefully received, and hopefully that signals a strong relationship as we enter this session. I also welcome those members joining from the Senate Chambers and those that are joining from the public.
First, let me extend my congratulations to the new members. By my count, we have over 20 members newly elected in this session, and for some, it is a return in a new role, and for many others, this will be your first regular session. Well, as you will remember, when I was elected governor, we hit the ground running, and we did not intend to slow down. So buckle your seatbelt, because we've got a lot of work to do.
Now, this marks my seventh year
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as governor, and today will be the last time that I address the General
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Assembly in regular session. Thank you for not applauding on that last line. Today, we begin this session with historic challenges besetting our nation. We are beginning the 11th month of a global pandemic that has impacted every aspect of life,
From losing friends and loved ones, to increased unemployment needs, to changes in education, health care, community events, and even in this legislative session. Our life is different today. And then last week we witnessed a violent mob assault our nation's capital. When they breached our Article I branch of government, they attacked the foundations of our democracy.
And let me say clearly that each person who breached the heart of our democracy must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. A presidential election often divides the country along political and cultural lines, and I understand the passion. It is okay to be passionate, but we must not let passion cloud our common sense
in our commitment to our state and nation. And when the election is over, then we need to come
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together, united to strengthen our democracy and heal our land. As we enter this session, I ask you to take the long look through the perspective of time. How do
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we want history to remember this session? Will it be one that brought people together? or did we just add more fuel to the flames of division?
We all have our political principles and convictions and we dare not abandon those. But we can still find solutions and ways to work together for the common good. Some people look at the upcoming session and predict that it will be acrimonious and accomplish little. I wholeheartedly disagree with that assessment. I expect us to meet the challenge of the moment and to
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pass legislation that will give our health care workers and public the tools needed to defeat the coronavirus.
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I expect legislation that will boost our economy. We need laws that will assure that our police officers have the highest standards, are fully trained, funded, and supported. And yes, we want laws to increase accountability and oversight as well.
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And we must take action to reward our teachers who make a difference every day for the next generation.
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This session will also build on the accomplishments of the past.
In each regular session, we have lowered
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taxes on hardworking Arkansans. And this year, the individual income tax rate has been reduced to 5.9%. In total, as a result of all of our income tax cuts, we have moved $800 million from the government checkbook into
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hands of individuals across our state. And because of your
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efforts, we have raised the pay of our dedicated teachers in our public
schools and we have become a nationally
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recognized leader in computer science education. We have, for the first time, devoted state resources to expand high-speed Internet in unreached areas of our state. $86.8 million has been invested in the Rural Connect grant program.
This has provided Internet access to
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over 70,000 Arkansans who previously lacked service. This is progress. We equalized our sales tax collections so that online transactions are treated the same as sales from our Main Street small businesses, and those small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities.
The legislation that you passed
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allowed our cities and counties to survive through the pandemic. Thank you. We have worked hard to make state government more efficient. And the result is that 1,700 fewer state employees are employed in state government than in 2015. This is estimated to be an annual savings of $77 million each year.
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And so today, despite the crosswinds of a national economy that is struggling, we are beginning this session in the best budget position in more than a decade.
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The state right now has an unallocated surplus of over $200 million. And after six months into our current budget year, we have exceeded our revenue forecast by more than $300 million.
So the state of our state finances is strong. And our state budget reflects a resilient state economy in which the private sector continues to create jobs. And I have never been more proud of Arkansans. We are still all determined to come through this health care crisis stronger and more hopeful than ever. And while we have been focused on our health care emergency, my administration continues to do the work of job creation.
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Despite the limitations on travel, companies have moved or expanded in Arkansas over the last
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year, creating more than 2,200 new jobs and invested over $800 million this last year. These jobs and
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investments are the result of incentives and signed agreements by our economic development teams. It has been exciting for me to help celebrate some of these job announcements. From Synergy Cargo in Crosset, to Emerson Motors in Ash Flat, from Dice Pack in Jonesboro,
to Hytrol in Fort Smith, to name just a few. Thank you for supporting the economic incentives that have been critical to closing many of these investments. with the challenges of the pandemic, we have over 53,000 more Arkansans employed today than in January of 2015.
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Most importantly, we have supported our farmers and ranchers
with reduced regulation and efforts to expand market opportunities. And while our tourism and hospitality industry
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have struggled. They continue to be a foundational part of our economy. They might need more help. We will be there for them. Now let me address the upcoming session. Our
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first responsibility is to act on the health care emergency that faces our state. The General Assembly has been an essential
and effective partner during the last 11 months. Without your action, we would not have built a grant program for small businesses. Without your help, we would not have provided enhanced benefits to the unemployed or additional funds for food assistance and rental assistance. And without your work, we would not have been successful
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in building the health care infrastructure to fight coronavirus today. So on behalf of the people of Arkansas, I thank you for
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your work through the Legislative Council and through your own actions
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in meeting the needs of our citizens. And now is not the time to withdraw from the battle. We must not be faint of heart, but we must keep fighting and not call for retreat, as some would advocate. The current emergency rules are in place until February 27, and prior
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to that date, you need
to act. I trust you will both affirm the emergency and continue the emergency rules that are proven necessary during this
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health care crisis. These include our telemedicine rules, our educational waivers, our immunity liability for business and health
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care workers, and other important life-saving measures. If you do not act, these measures will end. As part of our
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pandemic response, I'm asking the General Assembly to pass appropriations
to allow federal COVID relief funds, which have been granted by Congress, sent to the states, to be spent on getting the vaccines more quickly and into the arms
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of more Arkansans. We need health department infrastructure to coordinate and administer the coronavirus vaccines. We need a continued investment in testing.
We need stable funding for contact tracing and support for our K-12 education and higher education. All of these investments require major appropriations and actions on your part. When it comes to our public schools, I support another round of increased pay for teachers. My goal is to raise average teacher salaries by $2,000 over the next two years.
You have already signaled your support to raise teacher pay.
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You've paved the way, you've led the way, and we can work together to accomplish this goal. Now, let me move to a more difficult subject. Let me read portions of a
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couple of letters I have received on a topic that has already generated some discussion, hate crimes legislation. My
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only request is that you listen and make your own judgment on the merits and fairness of the bill.
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From Jimmy D. Warren of Conway, who writes in support of hate crime legislation in Arkansas. Quote, Arkansas has always been on the forefront of leading on important issues, with this being an important and an opportunity to take a stand against actors who clearly represent the worst of crimes that are against people for their identity. This legislation is important not just for economic development, but it demonstrates that Arkansas is no place for racism and discrimination.
From Rabbi Barry Block of Congregation Benign Israel in Little Rock. As a people historically targeted with horrific hate crimes, the Jewish community well
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understands the importance of hate crime legislation. Arkansans would be safer if such hateful and heinous criminals faced sentence enhancement on the basis of their animus-motivated crimes. He goes
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on to say, adopting this legislation will enhance Arkansas's reputation, much to
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the credit of the General Assembly.
From IBM, IBM plans to engage Arkansas business and
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community leaders to ensure that all reasonable measures are considered to get hate
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crime legislation enacted on a bipartisan basis. the time to act is now. The swift passage of Georgia's hate crime law shows that the
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moment has come. The status quo is unacceptable. We look forward to working with the state legislature to pass a hate crime law in Arkansas. And from 50 for the Future President Scott Kopis from Mayor
Little Rock. Not only is hate crime legislation the right thing to do morally, failure to pass bill will leave Arkansas as only one of three states without such a law. This would negatively impact our ability to recruit and retain employers and talent, as it will result in a black eye for Arkansas on a national scale that will cripple our economic development efforts for years to come. I could read scores of letters, but let me make another point. The main objection that I hear
from my conservative friends is that it gives some people more protection than others. Or it has been phrased, if you're going to do it for one group of people, why wouldn't you do it for another? This legislation applies equally. If you are Hispanic and you are targeted, it applies. If you're a Jewish, it applies.
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If you're a Caucasian, it applies. Or African American or any other race, it applies equally.
It enhances the penalty for targeting regardless of the race that is targeted. I've talked to a broad range of people
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across Arkansas about hate crimes, and they all express a sincere conviction, whether for or against it. And the only way we
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can come together on this issue is for us to listen to each other and to step into others' shoes who live in a different world than ours. When we do this, then we can come together and find the best solution.
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Many of you ask that I not have a special session of the legislature for hate crimes. I respected your request, and we are here today, and the time to act is now. Polls show that a clear majority of Republicans, Democrats, and Independents support passage of this kind of legislation. Let's not be the last to enact it, but let's lead and do what is
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important for so many. In each session, each general session, while I have been governor, we
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have also supported children suffering from abuse,
increased our support for foster children, and we have passed pro-life legislation, and now we are
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the number one pro-life state in the nation. And I want to acknowledge the First Lady
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who is here, my wife Susan of 47 years, and
she has worked hard to protect the children of our state. And I can't think of a greater responsibility than to protect our children. I look forward to working with you to make sure we do all we can to take care of the most vulnerable among us. Six years ago, when we started cutting the income tax rate in Arkansas, there
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were many who said we were going to become just like Kansas.
They warned that it would be a financial catastrophe to
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cut taxes. And yet, because of our measured approach and our emphasis upon private sector growth, we have lowered taxes, fully funded K-12 education, increased funding for higher education, and created not only a surplus, but the first long-term reserve fund in history. And now we are poised to do more. I have set aside $100 million in my proposed budget for the long-term reserve fund increase,
and we have set aside over $50 million for tax cuts for
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middle and lower-income Arkansans. Let's work together to determine the best way to get this done. But I have asked for two specific tax cuts proposals as part of the package. Let's reduce the sales tax on used cars that sell from $4,000 to $10,000. Currently, the sales tax rate is 6.5%.
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We can reduce that to 3.5% and give relief to thousands of Arkansans who depend
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upon used vehicles for getting to work and school. Let's do that together. But to
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pay for tax cuts, we need to continue to grow our economy and bring people to Arkansas. If we can lower our tax rate for new residents to 4.9% for five years,
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then we will attract new Arkansans who will create jobs, spend money, and pay taxes. You say, well, how do you know this? I know it because we've done it. By just lowering our tax rate to 5.9%, we
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have seen people return to our state and invest in our future. According to one study, Arkansas ranked number 10 in the nation for the number of people moving in to our state. And it sets a goal for
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us as well, to lower our tax rate in a similar way for all citizens.
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And if we don't get there, the tax break for new residents will sunset. But we can get there
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together. I'm also asking for support to expand high-speed Internet into more rural areas of our state. We have to reduce the digital divide. We have to provide education fairly in all areas of our state. And it takes high-speed Internet to
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do this and so much more from improving the quality of life to attracting businesses and entrepreneurs.
I have set aside $30 million for this purpose in our proposed budget. If we can, let's do more. It is such a great need for our state. And when it comes to our success in computer science education, I ask you to support legislation that will require a computer science course as a graduation credit. And yes, we will have to increase the training of our teachers even more, but we are ready
to do it because it gives our young people even greater opportunities right here in Arkansas. It is an honor to serve the
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people of this state. Usually during a legislative session, there is nothing else but the session on my mind. That consumes my time and
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energy. This year it's a little different because of the need to get vaccinations out to the millions of Arkansans that are waiting.
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I'm intentionally devoting a great deal of my time to that effort, but my door is open to you. Anytime we can work together, anytime you want an audience, anytime you want to share an idea, let's visit. And let me end with a story today. When I was 17 years of age, on April 4, 1968, Senator Robert Kennedy was told of the news
that Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. had been assassinated. He broke the earth-shattering news to the mostly black audience he was scheduled to address in Indianapolis. he said these words, What we need in the United States is not division. What we need in the United States is not hatred. What we need in the United States is not violence or lawlessness, but love and wisdom and compassion toward one another
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and a feeling of justice towards those who still suffer within our country, whether they be white or be black. Those words ring true more than 50 years later, but our prayer is the same. Let's pray for our nation, our leaders, and
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pray for understanding, wisdom, and let us pursue justice for all Americans. May God bless the United States,
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the state of Arkansas, and your work in the coming days. Thank you.
The house will stand in recess for five minutes.
Unknown speaker
1:14:44
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Unknown speaker
1:23:44
Thank you.
The House will come back to order.
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Representative Meeks, for what purpose? Announcement. Excuse me,
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motion. Let me get my act together here. It's early. It's
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early in the session. What's your motion? After the announcements,
Representative Stephen Meeks
Unverified
1:25:04
reading of the bills, transferring the bills, placing the calendars on the desk, members amending their own bills with their own amendments, members withdrawing own bills finalizing communications and any remaining committee reports i move that we adjourn
until one o'clock tomorrow afternoon that's a proper motion it's not debatable all in favor say aye aye any opposed the motion passes are there any announcements representative vault for what purpose you're recognized
Representative DeAnn Vaught
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1:25:34
for announcement ag will meet for an organizational meeting at committee tomorrow So, at 2 o'clock or 10 minutes, a Pona
journal. Representative Dalby, for what purpose? Announcement.
Representative Carol Dalby
Unverified
1:25:45
You're recognized. House Judiciary will meet today, 2
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o'clock, Big Mac A. Representative Eves, for what purpose?
Speaker 82
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Announcement. You're recognized. Thank you. House Rules Committee will meet tomorrow at 12 noon,
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Big Mac B. Representative Charlene Fype, for what purpose? Announcement. You're recognized.
Representative Charlene Fite
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1:26:06
Aging Children, Youth, Military, and Legislative Affairs will meet tomorrow at 2 or at 10 minutes upon
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adjournment in Big Mac A for our organization.
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Representative Lowry, for what purpose? Announcement. Recognized. House Insurance and Commerce will have our organizational meeting tomorrow morning, 9.30 in Conference Room C.
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Representative Lanny, for what purpose? Announcement. You're recognized. City County Local will meet in MACC tomorrow at 2 p.m. Representative Fortner, for
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what purpose? Announcement. You're recognized. Rev and Tax will meet immediately after adjournment today for organizational meeting, 151.
Any other announcements? Members, particularly, well, throughout the session, but just as a reminder, particularly here early in the session continue to monitor the legislative and House websites for the calendar and also your your email for announcements as we get as we get the session going if there's no further announcement the House the desk will remain open is needed for the reading of the bills and
upon completion of the items named in the adjourn resolution the House will be adjourned until 1 p.m. tomorrow.
Unknown speaker
1:27:54
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Agenda
1. House called to order by Speaker of the House, Matthew J. Shepherd.
2. Invocation by the House Chaplain, Dr. Rex Horne, Retired Pastor, Immanuel Baptist Church, Little Rock, Arkansas.
3. Pledge of Allegiance, led by Representative Lane Jean.
4. Roll Call of the House of Representatives.
5. Speaker Shepherd recognizes Representative Fredrick Love for motion to dispense with reading of the Journal.
6. Introduction of House business.
7. Reading of bills.
8. Recess for Virtual Joint Session to begin at 10:30 a.m.
1. Call to order by the Speaker of the House, The Honorable Matthew J. Shepherd.
2. Electronic Roll Call of the House by the Chief Clerk.
3. Invocation by the House Chaplain, Dr. Rex Horne, Retired Pastor, Immanuel Baptist Church, Little Rock, Arkansas.
4. Presentation of Colors by the Army National Guard, Governor's Color Guard.
5. House led in Pledge of Allegiance by Representative Lane Jean.
6. Speaker of the House, The Honorable Matthew J. Shepherd, recognizes visiting dignitaries.
7. Speaker Shepherd recognizes House Parliamentarian Finos “Buddy” Johnson to announce the results of the General Election vote for the United States Senate, the United States Congress, Proposed Constitutional Amendments, and Ballot Issues.
8. Speaker Shepherd appoints the following named House Committee:
Representative Bruce Coleman, Chairperson
Representative Monte Hodges Representative Jim Wooten Representative Karilyn Brown Representative Craig Christiansen Representative Austin McCollum Representative Tippi McCullough Representative Johnny Rye Representative David Ray
as the Committee to notify Governor Asa Hutchinson that the Virtual Joint Session is ready to receive him and to escort the Governor to the Speaker’s Rostrum.
9. Speaker Shepherd recognizes Sergeant at Arms.
10. Remarks by The Honorable Asa Hutchinson, Governor of the State of Arkansas.
11. Announcements.
12. House reconvenes in five (5) minutes.
13. Senate reconvenes in ten (10) minutes.
Documents
No documents posted.
Speakers
Representative Matthew J. Shepherd Chair
Unverified
Speaker 8
Speaker 10
Speaker 11
Speaker 14
Speaker 1
Speaker 22
Chair
Unverified
Representative Carlton Wing
Unverified
Speaker 29
Representative Marcus E. Richmond
Unverified
Speaker 50
Speaker 51
Speaker 55
Speaker 62
Speaker 70
Speaker 71
Speaker 78
Speaker 72
Speaker 88
Speaker 89
Speaker 91
Representative Stephen Meeks
Unverified
Representative DeAnn Vaught
Unverified
Representative Carol Dalby
Unverified
Speaker 82
Representative Charlene Fite
Unverified
Speaker 98
Speaker 102
Speaker 103
Speaker 105