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Senate Convenes

January 12, 2021 ·10:00 AM ·Senate Chamber ·1:13:59
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Bills discussed (2)

Bill Title Sponsor Status
SB98 Act 25 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “Senate Bill 98 by Joint Budget Committee”
AN ACT FOR THE OFFICE OF THE PROSECUTOR COORDINATOR APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2021-2022 FISCAL YEAR. Joint Budget Committee Notification that SB98 is now Act 25
SB1 Act 3 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB1 Hester An Act for the expenses for the Arkansas Senate of t…”
AN ACT FOR THE EXPENSES FOR THE ARKANSAS SENATE OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY APPROPRIATION … Senate Efficiency Notification that SB1 is now Act 3

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Unknown speaker 0:00
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
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Speaker 6 4:00
Thank you.
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Speaker 5 4:30
Thank you.
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Unknown speaker 5:00
Please call the roll.
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Speaker 14 5:30
Ballinger, Beckham, Bledsoe,
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Chair Unverified 5:34
Caldwell, Chesterfield, Clark, Davis, Dismang, Eads, Elliott, English, Flippo, Flowers, Garner, Gilmore, Hammer, Here. Hendron. Here. Hester. Hickey. Here. Here. Ingram. Irvin. Blake Johnson. Here. Mark Johnson. Here. Letting. Pitch. Here. Rapert. Here. Rice. Sample. Here. Stubbefield. Sturge. Here. Sullivan. Here. Teague. Tucker. Wallace. the gallery. Senator Raper will lead us in prayer. Please remain standing for the
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Speaker 17 6:19
Pledge of Allegiance after the prayer. Senator Raper. Members, let us pray. Dear Heavenly Father, we
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Senator Jason Rapert Unverified 6:30
come to you this morning in prayer for our communities, our state, and our nation. We ask that you bless all our leaders and state legislators as we make decisions today for the state of Arkansas. all. We ask that you see us here at this moment and remember the prayers of our forefathers who called upon you in distress as they sought freedom and liberty in 1776 to form a new nation. They recognize that we are all endowed by our Creator, who is you, Father, and they ask for your divine intervention to save them and grant them victory. And by your mercy and grace, you granted that victory. And on March the 30th of 1863, during our horrible civil war, just 87 years after our Declaration of Independence was signed, President Lincoln signed a presidential proclamation in which he declared and called for a day of national humiliation, fasting, and prayer, saying, we have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven. We have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth, and power as no other nation has ever grown, but we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined in the deceitfulness of our hearts that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us. It behooves us then to humble ourselves before the offended power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness. Lord, right now, in 21, after many months of social unrest and hatred that has spilled over to protests and led to riots where buildings have even been burned, businesses destroyed, innocent people assaulted, people harassed in public places and on our streets and in our restaurants, damaged throughout our country, to even public monuments defaced and destroyed. Even here on our own state capitol at the hand of angry vandals spray-painted our Capitol, broke windows out of businesses, burned a building in front of our state Capitol out of rage, and even burned the U.S. flag on Capitol grounds. The hatred and strife has grown too strong, Lord, and it must stop. Just days ago, our U.S. Capitol was breached, and damage done within our national seat of government, and lives were lost. Lord, please help us. Please help our people. Please help our citizens. Remember that in your word you declare that we do not love God if we do not love our neighbor. May the power of the Holy Spirit and the love of Jesus Christ sweep over our broken land that's forgotten you in so many ways. Forgive us for claiming to care for others while we even allow killing of unborn little babies in a mother's womb. we must stop embracing ungodliness that leads to sin despair and destruction so lord breathe life and peace and prosperity back into our nation remove all those who are against you and replace them with leaders who love others respect others and inspire us all to be better for you say blessed is the nation whose god is the lord and today as i close this prayer we all join and pray together just as jesus instructed us to do our father which art in heaven hallowed be thy name thy kingdom come thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen. I
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Speaker 22 10:51
pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic
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Speaker 24 10:58
for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Senator Johnson, Senator Johnson
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Speaker 26 11:09
is moved to dispense with the reading of the journal without objection. Are there any
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Speaker 17 11:22
announcements? Any announcements? Start the day. Senator Caldwell, please come on down.
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Senator Ronald Caldwell Unverified 11:35
Senator Caldwell. Thank you, Governor. two years ago I would have rolled down here in a wheelchair and today I walk I'm very thankful for everything that everyone in this chamber did I just want y'all to know
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Speaker 34 11:58
that thank you any other announcements introductions okay
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Speaker 36 12:05
Senate Bill 98 by Joint Budget Committee an act for the Office of the Prosecutor and Coordinator Appropriation for 2021-2022 fiscal year Senate Bill 98
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Speaker 13 12:15
Joint Budget Senator Hester Senate
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Speaker 36 12:25
Bill 1 by Senate Efficiency an act for the expenses for the Arkansas Senate of the
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Chair Unverified 12:32
93rd General Assembly Appropriation for 2021 fiscal year. Senator Hester, it's recognized.
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Senator Bart Hester Unverified 12:38
It is exactly what Ann just said. Happy
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Speaker 22 12:42
to answer any questions. Any questions for Senator Hester? Anyone wish to speak against? Anyone wish to
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Speaker 36 12:56
speak for? Is there any objection
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Chair Unverified 12:59
to rolling the vote? Seeing none, please roll the vote. Ballinger, Beckham, Bledsoe, Caldwell, Chesterfield, Clark, Davis, Dismayne, Eades, Elliott, English, Flippo, Flowers, Garner, Gilmore, Hammer, Hendron, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Ingram, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, Letting, Pitch, Raypert, Rice, Sample, Stubbefield, Sturge, Sullivan, Teague, Tucker, Wallace. Anyone wish to change their vote? Seeing none, cast up the ballot.
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Speaker 22 13:34
35 yays, 0 nays. SB 1 is passed. Transmit to the House. On
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Speaker 17 13:44
the motion of Senator Hickey, President Pro Temp, the senate will recess for the virtual joint session without objection senator hickey do you have an announcement before so we will recess now uh if there are no further
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Speaker 19 14:04
announcements into the virtual session which will start in about 15
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Speaker 17 14:13
minutes before we um announce i just want to announce that before we uh adjourn or recess i just want announce the following members were appointed to the committee to escort the governor, Senator Jane English, Senator Greg Letting, Senator Brianne Davis, Senator James Sturge. You will make
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Speaker 43 14:36
your way down to, they'll make their way down to the
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Speaker 19 14:43
House. We are in recess until the virtual session. Thank you.
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Unknown speaker 15:18
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
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Speaker 45 21:48
Thank you.
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Unknown speaker 22:18
Thank you. Thank you.
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Speaker 48 23:18
Thank you. Thank
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Speaker 1 24:11
you.
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Unknown speaker 24:18
Thank you.
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Speaker 1 24:48
Thank
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Speaker 59 24:57
you. Thank
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Speaker 55 25:26
you.
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Unknown speaker 25:48
Thank you. Thank you.
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Speaker 1 26:48
Thank you.
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Unknown speaker 27:18
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Test, test.
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Speaker 24 29:48
Can you hear that? Yeah. It's easier for you to hear me than it is me because I speak loud. If I get up here and go like this, you can't hear me. If we had a speaker right there, it would be excellent.
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Speaker 56 30:18
Thank
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Speaker 67 30:39
you.
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Unknown speaker 30:48
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. The House will come to order.
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Representative Matthew J. Shepherd Unverified 33:48
The joint session of the Arctaw Legislature will come to order. Members, please indicate your presence by pushing your yellow present button. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. Cast up the ballot, Mr. Clerk. With 99 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 members, 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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Speaker 80 35:21
Friends, would you join me in prayer, please? Our 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 Jesus' name. Amen.
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Speaker 84 36:58
Let me go to the box, let me go to the box,
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Speaker 47 37:29
go to the box, breathe in and out. I
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Speaker 86 37:31
pledge allegiance to the flag 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. Mark down, walk.
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Speaker 84 37:50
Right field, walk. Forward, march.
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Representative Matthew J. Shepherd Unverified 38:13
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're recognized to announce the results of the general election vote for the United States Senate, the United States Congress, proposed constitutional amendments, and ballot issues.
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Speaker 94 39:13
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The following results—you may
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Speaker 95 39:22
be seated, please. 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 Number 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 Number 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. Hanson, 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 service transportation, and city streets, bridges, and other service transportation after retirement of the bonds authorized in the Arkansas Constitution Amendment No. 91 for 660,018 votes against 532,915 votes for a total of 1,192,933 votes. Issue No. 2, 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 the 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.
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Representative Matthew J. Shepherd Unverified 42:16
The reports will be entered into the journal. I hereby appoint the following named House 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. 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.
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Unknown speaker 43:21
Thank you. Thank you.
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Representative Matthew J. Shepherd Unverified 44:21
For what purpose, Mr. Sergeant-at-Arms? Admit Governor Hutchinson.
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Unknown speaker 45:18
Mr. Speaker, may I proceed?
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Speaker 105 45:48
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 as governor, and today will be the last time that I address the General Assembly
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Speaker 104 47:04
in regular session. Thank you for not applauding on that last line.
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Speaker 105 47:14
Today, we begin this session with historic challenges besetting our nation. We're 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
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Speaker 106 48:04
that each person who breached the heart of our democracy must be prosecuted to the full extent
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Speaker 105 48:23
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 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 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
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Speaker 103 49:32
and accomplish little. I wholeheartedly disagree with that assessment. I expect us to meet
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Speaker 105 49:41
the challenge of the moment and to pass legislation that will give our health care workers and public the tools needed to defeat the coronavirus. I expect legislation that will boost our economy. We need laws that will assure that our police officers have the highest standards, our
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Speaker 113 50:04
fully trained, funded, and supported.
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Speaker 105 50:21
And yes, we want laws to increase accountability and oversight as well. we must take action to reward our teachers who make a difference every day for the next generation. This session will also build on the accomplishments of the past. In each regular session, we have lowered 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
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Speaker 112 51:18
from the government checkbook into hands of individuals across our state.
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Speaker 105 51:30
And because of your efforts, we have raised the pay of our dedicated teachers in our public schools, and we have become a nationally 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 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 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. 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. 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. Despite the limitations on travel, companies have moved or expanded in Arkansas over the last year, creating more than 2,200 new jobs and invested over $800 million this last year. These jobs and 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 CrossFit, 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. Even with the challenges of the pandemic, we have over 53,000 more Arkansans employed today than in January of 2015. 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 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 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 in building the health care infrastructure to fight coronavirus today. So on behalf of the people of Arkansas, I thank you for your work through the Legislative Council and through your own actions 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 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 health care crisis. These include our telemedicine rules, our educational waivers, our immunity liability for business and health care workers, and other important life-saving measures. If you do not act, these measures will end. As part of our 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
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Speaker 106 57:50
getting the vaccines more quickly and into the arms of more Arkansans.
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Speaker 105 57:56
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.
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Speaker 106 58:44
My goal is to raise average teacher salaries by $2,000 over the next
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Speaker 105 58:49
two years. You have already signaled your support to raise teacher pay. 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 couple of letters I have received on a topic that has already generated some discussion. Hate crimes legislation. My only request is that you listen and make your own judgment on the merits and fairness of the bill. 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 Benai Israel in Little Rock. As a people historically targeted with horrific hate crimes, the Jewish community well 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 on to say, adopting this legislation will enhance Arkansas's reputation much to the credit of the General Assembly. from IBM. IBM plans to engage Arkansas business and community leaders to ensure that all reasonable measures are considered to get hate 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 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 Little Rock, not only is hate crime legislation the right thing to do morally, failure to pass a 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 and a black eye for Arkansas on a national scale that will cripple our economic development efforts for years to come, end quote. 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. 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 across Arkansas about hate crimes, and they all express a sincere conviction, whether for or against it. And the only way we 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. 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 important for so many. In each session, each general session, while I have been governor, we have also supported children suffering from abuse, increased our support for foster children, and we have passed pro-life legislation,
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Speaker 106 1:03:33
and now we are the number one pro-life state in the nation. And I want to acknowledge the First Lady who is
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Speaker 105 1:03:57
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. And I look forward to working with you to make sure we do all we can
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Speaker 106 1:04:14
to take care of the most vulnerable
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Speaker 105 1:04:24
among us. Six years ago, when we started cutting the income tax rate in Arkansas, there were many who said we were going to become just like Kansas. They warned that it would be a financial catastrophe to 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 middle and lower income Arkansans. Let's work together to determine the best way to get this done.
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Speaker 103 1:05:28
But I have asked for two specific tax cuts proposals as
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Speaker 104 1:05:33
part of the package. Let's reduce the sales tax on used cars that sell
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Speaker 105 1:05:39
from $4,000 to $10,000. Currently, the sales tax rate is 6.5%. We can reduce that to 3.5% and give relief to thousands of Arkansans who depend upon used vehicles for getting to work and school. Let's do that together. But to
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Speaker 104 1:06:04
pay for tax cuts, we need to continue to grow our economy and bring people to Arkansas. If
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Speaker 105 1:06:11
we can lower our tax rate for new residents to 4.9% for five years, 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 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 us as well to lower our tax rate in a similar way for all citizens. And if we don't get there, the tax break for new residents will sunset, but we can get there 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 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 people of this state. Usually during a legislative session, there is nothing else but the session on my mind. That consumes my time and energy. This year, it's a little different because of the need to get vaccinations out to the millions of Arkansans that are waiting. 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
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Speaker 112 1:08:56
told of the news that Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. had been assassinated.
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Speaker 105 1:09:03
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 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 pray for understanding, wisdom, and let us pursue justice for all Americans. May God bless the United States, the state of Arkansas, and your work in the coming days.
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Unknown speaker 1:10:08
Thank you. Thank you.
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Speaker 91 1:10:40
The House will stand in recess for five minutes. Mr. Rayford is recognized.
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Senator Jason Rapert Unverified 1:11:19
We will have a 2 p.m. meeting this afternoon. It's an organizational meeting, and we will have an update provided to us on the census numbers and also the expectations. So please, members, be there
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Speaker 17 1:11:35
for that. Thank you. Senator Hickey, what time are we going to be here tomorrow? One o'clock.
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Speaker 24 1:11:48
Okay. Other items at the desk?
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Speaker 36 1:11:51
Yes, sir. To the Speaker of the House, this is to inform you that on January— Oh, wait. I'm sorry. That's not what I wanted to read. Okay. Senate Bill 99 by Senator Bledsoe to regulate state step therapy protocols. Senate Bill 99. Public
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Speaker 62 1:12:11
health. Follow. Public health is 99.
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Speaker 139 1:12:19
Then we're going to go. We've got three more.
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Speaker 36 1:12:24
Okay. Senate Bill 100 by Senator Irving, to enhance the higher education, physical accountability, and transparency, and to amend provisions of the Arkansas Code concerning student accounts, receivable policies, and certain financial condition reports, Senate Bill 100. Education. House Bill 1001 by Representative Shepherd. An act to make an appropriation for necessary expenses, pay expenses of members, pay salaries of employees, pay for supplies and equipment for the Arkansas House of Representatives of the 93rd General Assembly for
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Chair Unverified 1:13:02
the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021, House Bill 1001.
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Speaker 36 1:13:07
Calendar. House Concurrent Resolution 1006 by Representative Sheppard and Senator Hickey, providing for recesses of four or more consecutive days of the House of Representatives in the Senate of the 93rd General Assembly. House Concurrent Resolution 1006. Calendar. Anything else
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Speaker 17 1:13:32
at the desk? Any other, any announcements? Seeing none. Senate is adjourned
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Speaker 22 1:13:40
until 1 o'clock tomorrow subject to reading across the desk
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Agenda

Call to Order

Roll Call

Prayer

Pledge of Allegiance

Announcements

SB1 Hester An Act for the expenses for the Arkansas Senate of the Ninety-Third General Assembly appropriation for the 2021 Fiscal Year

Adjourn for Joint Virtual Session

Virtual Joint Session

Call to order by the Speaker of the House

Roll Call of the Senate by Secretary of the Senate

Invocation by the House Chaplain

Pledge of Allegiance

Speaker recognizes visiting dignitaries

Announce the results of the General Election

Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin announces the Senate Committee and Speaker appoints the following name House Committee

Speaker Shepherd recognizes Sergeant at Arms

Remarks by The Honorable Asa Hutchinson, Governor of the State of Arkansas

Announcements

Adjourn

1:13:41

Back from Joint Virtual Session

Adjourn

Documents

No documents posted.

Speakers

Speaker 6
1 segment
Speaker 5
1 segment
Speaker 14
1 segment
Chair Unverified
6 segments
Speaker 17
8 segments
Senator Jason Rapert Unverified
11 segments
Speaker 22
4 segments
Speaker 24
3 segments
Speaker 26
1 segment
Senator Ronald Caldwell Unverified
1 segment
Speaker 34
1 segment
Speaker 36
7 segments
Speaker 13
1 segment
Senator Bart Hester Unverified
1 segment
Speaker 19
2 segments
Speaker 43
1 segment
Speaker 45
1 segment
Speaker 48
2 segments
Speaker 1
3 segments
Speaker 59
2 segments
Speaker 55
1 segment
Speaker 56
1 segment
Speaker 67
1 segment
Representative Matthew J. Shepherd Unverified
11 segments
Speaker 80
3 segments
Speaker 84
2 segments
Speaker 47
1 segment
Speaker 86
2 segments
Speaker 94
1 segment
Speaker 95
5 segments
Speaker 105
49 segments
Speaker 104
3 segments
Speaker 106
6 segments
Speaker 103
2 segments
Speaker 113
1 segment
Speaker 112
2 segments
Speaker 91
1 segment
Speaker 62
1 segment
Speaker 139
1 segment