House Convenes
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Transcript
Bills discussed (1)
| Bill | Title | Sponsor | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
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HCR1001
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “…recognizes Representative Carlton Wing for presentation of House Concurrent Resolution 1001, providing for a Virtual Joint Session of the House and Sen…”
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FOR A VIRTUAL JOINT SESSION OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE SENATE AT 10:30 … | Shepherd | Approved by the Governor |
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Unknown speaker
0:00
Thank you.
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Speaker 4
2:00
In accordance with the provisions of Article 5, Section 11 of the Arkansas Constitution and
Speaker 5
2:10
by the authority vested in me by the rules of the Arkansas House of Representatives, Section 18A, I, Finest Buddy Johnson, declare the House of Representatives of the 93rd General Assembly to be officially convened.
I invite all members, guests, staff, press, and visitors on the chamber floor and in the galleries to stand as you are able and be led in prayer by the House Chaplain, Dr. Rex Horn, retired pastor, Emanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas. Please continue to stand as you are able for the posting of the colors by the Arkansas State Police Color Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance led by Representative Lane Jean, and the presentation of our national anthem by Representative Mike Holcomb.
Speaker 9
3:02
Dr. Horn. Friends, would you bow with me, please? Father, we know that you are our refuge and strength, a present help in time of trouble, and for that we thank you and we claim it for our individual lives for our state nation and for this world father we're so grateful for a new year and new opportunities we thank you for these men and women here in the house who come from all over our state representing various concerns and
constituencies we pray for our speaker as he continues to give wise leadership and for our governor and all of our elected officials, that you might bless them with wisdom beyond our human capacity. Father, we ask that you would continue to make us people that you would be proud of, that you see within us the characteristics that affirm the blessings of living in this great land of ours, that we might be people of conviction but also of compassion, that we might be willing
to hear one another and debate vigorously, but to be able to leave as fellow citizens and people who love this state and love the people of our state. So we commit this time to you. We thank you for life itself. We pray for continued help for our members, some who've experienced various illnesses, including COVID during this time. And Lord, keep each one safe. Bless their families while they're away. and for every blessing we'll thank you knowing it comes from you in Jesus name I pray amen
Speaker 17
5:35
Ladies and gentlemen, I'm honored to introduce to sing our national anthem, Representative Mark Hockham.
Speaker 20
6:13
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming? Through broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly
Speaker 21
6:39
streaming? And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there Oh say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free
Speaker 5
9:09
Please be seated. The Parliamentarian appoints the following named committee to notify the Secretary of State, the Honorable John Thurston, that the General Assembly has convened and to escort him to the podium of the
Speaker 17
9:36
House Chamber. Representative Brant Smith, Chairperson. Representative Steven Meeks, Representative Mark Lowry, Representative Robin Lundstrom,
Representative Carolyn Brown, Representative Marcus E. Richmond, Representative Jim Wooten, Representative Cameron Cooper. Ladies and gentlemen, you'll find on your desk
Speaker 5
10:22
a packet of materials from the Secretary
Speaker 17
10:26
of State. We ask if you complete the oath, the duplicate copy, and after you've completed it and signed it, we need to collect those. there will be a basket outside the office of the chief clerk over in this corner of the building.
Speaker 33
10:59
Mr. Sergeant Orange, for what purpose? Committed
Speaker 17
11:07
Honorable John Thurston. Admit Mr. Thurston, Mr. Sergeant-at-Arms. Okay,
Speaker 5
11:27
the Secretary of State's not present at this time.
We're going to stand in recess until he arrives, so thank you. Thank you.
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Speaker 47
40:17
Mr. Sergeant-at-Arms, for what purpose? Admit
Speaker 5
40:21
Mr. Thurston, Mr. Sergeant-at-Arms.
Ms. Thurston, you're recognized. Thank you. I guess you guys move faster over here. Did I tell
Speaker 49
40:51
them to be seated? Okay, you may be seated. Please be seated.
Mr. Speaker, representatives, family members, friends, and honored guests, in accordance with Arkansas law, it is my honor to present the list of members elected to the State House of Representatives of the 93rd General Assembly. I, John Thurston, Secretary of State for the State of Arkansas, hereby certify that each of the following members receive the highest number of votes cast in his or her respective House District in the general election held on November the 3rd, 2020, as certified by
the Office of the Secretary of State by the various county boards of election commissioners. And bear with me, we have a few, obviously a hundred, and I'm going to do my best to pronounce everyone's names correctly. Carol Dalby, State Rep. District 1, Lane Jean, State Rep. District 2, Danny Watson, State Rep. District 3, Deanne K. Vaught, State Rep. District 4, David Fielding, State Rep. District 5, Matthew Joseph Shepard, State Rep. District 6,
Sonia Eubanks Barker, State Rep. District 7 Jeffrey Wardlaw, State Rep. District 8 Howard M. Beattie, Jr., State Rep. District 9 Mike Holcomb, State Rep. District 10 Mark D. McElroy, State Rep. District 11 David E. Tallett, State Rep. District 12 David Hillman, State Rep. District 13. Roger D. Lynch, State Rep. District 14. Ken Bragg, State Rep. District 15. Kenneth Bernard Ferguson, State Rep. District 16. Vivian Flowers, State Rep. District 17. Richard Womack, State Rep. District 18. Justin Gonzalez, State Rep. District 19. John Maddox, State Rep. District 20.
Marcus E. Richmond, State Rep. District 21. Richard McGrew, State Rep. District 22. Lanny Fite, State Rep. District 23. Bruce Kozart, State Rep. District 24. Les A. Warren, State Rep. District 25. Rick McClure, State Rep. District 26. Julie Mayberry, State Rep. District 27. Tony Furman, State Rep. District 28. Fred Love, State Rep District 29, Fred Allen, State Rep District 30, Keith Brooks, State Rep District 31, Ashley Hudson, State Rep District 32, Tippi McCullough, I'm sorry if I messed that up, State Rep District 33,
Joy C. Springer, State Rep. District 34, Andrew Collins, State Rep. District 35, Denise Jones-Innett, State Rep. District 36, Jamie Scott, State Rep. District 37, Carlton Wing, State Rep. District 38, Mark Lowry, State Rep. District 39, David Ray, State Rep. District 40, Carolyn Boggan-Brown, State Rep. District 41
Mark W. Perry, State Rep. District 42 Brian S. Evans, State Rep. District 43 Cameron Cooper, State Rep. District 44 Jim Wooten, State Rep. District 45 Leslie Dale Eves, State Rep. District 46 Craig N. Christensen, State Rep. District 47 Reginald Murdoch, State Rep District 48 Steve Hollowell, State Rep District 49
Milton Nix Jr., State Rep District 50 Deborah Ferguson, State Rep District 51 Dwight Tosh, State Rep District 52 John Milligan, State Rep District 53 Johnny Rye, State Rep District 54 Monty Hodges, State Rep District 55 Joe Jett, State Rep. District 56 Jimmy Gassaway, State Rep. District 57 C. Brant Smith, Jr., State Rep. District 58
Jack R. Ladyman, State Rep. District 59 Francis Cavanaugh, State Rep. District 60 Marsh Davis, State Rep. District 61 Michelle Gray, State Rep. District 62 Stuart A. Smith, State Rep. District 63 John Payton, State Rep. District 64, Rick Beck, State Rep. District 65, Josh Miller, State Rep. District 66, Stephen Meeks, State Rep. District 67, Stan Barry, State Rep. District 68, Aaron Pilkington, State Rep. District 69, Spencer Hawks, State Rep. District 70, Joe A. Cloud, State Rep. District 71,
Steve Maggie, State Rep District 72 Mary Bentley, I think that was Maggie, or Maggie, yeah Maggie, I'm sorry Mary Bentley, State Rep District 73 John S. Eubanks, State Rep District 74 Lee Johnson, State Rep District 75 Cindy Crawford, State Rep District 76 Justin Boyd, State Rep District 77 Jay Richardson, State Rep. District 78. Gary Duffenbaugh, State Rep. District 79. Charlene Fite, State Rep. District 80. Bruce Coleman, State Rep. District 81. Mark H. Berry, State Rep. District 82. Keith Slate, State Representative, District 83.
Denise Furman-Garner, State Rep. District 84 David J. Whitaker, State Rep. District 85 Nicole Clowney, State Rep. District 86 Robin Hall-Lundstrom, State Rep. District 87 Clint Pinzo, State Rep. District 88 Megan Godfrey, State Rep. District 89 Kendon Underwood, State Rep. District 90 Delia Haik, State Rep, District 91
Gayla Hendron-McKenzie, State Rep, District 92 Jim Dotson, State Rep, District 93 John P. Carr, State Rep, District 94 Austin McCullum, State Rep, District 95 Joshua P. Bryant, State Rep, District 96 Harlan Brough, State Rep, District 97 Ron McNair, State Rep. District 98, Jack Fortner, State Rep. District 99, Nelda Speaks, State Rep. District 100.
Congratulations, and I'm praying in agreement with you all that it will be a productive session, and reach out to me if you ever need anything during your time here at the Capitol.
Speaker 53
48:49
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Secretary. Representative Gray, for
Representative Michelle Gray
Unverified
48:55
what purpose? Let's hear your motion. Mr. Parliamentarian, I move that the 100 members elected and certified to the Arkansas House of Representatives for the 93rd General Assembly be seated and that the oath of office be administered by the Honorable John Dan Kemp, Chief Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court.
Speaker 5
49:11
That's the proper motion. Question for the House. That the 100 members elected and certified to the House be seated and that the oath of office be administered by the Honorable John Dan Kemp, Chief Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court. Prayer of the Machine, Mr. Clerk.
Speaker 45
49:42
Has everybody voted? Has everybody voted? cast out the ballot Mr. Clerk 96 yeas 1 nay and 2
Speaker 5
49:53
present the motion is adopted Parliamentarian appoints the following name committee to notify the Honorable John Dan Kemp, Chief Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court that General Assembly has convened and is ready to take the oath of office and to escort the Justice to the podium to administer the oath of office to members of the House Representatives of the 93rd General Assembly
Speaker 17
50:13
Representative John Maddox, Chairperson Representative Jimmy Gassaway, Representative Clint Penzo, Representative Mark Perry, Representative Andrew Collins, Representative Joy C. Springer, Representative Delia Hock, Representative Kendon Underwood.
Unknown speaker
50:46
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Speaker 33
1:09:16
has to come to order Mr. Sergeant Orange, for what purpose? Admitters for the Chief Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court, the Honorable John Dan Kemp. Please admit to Chief Justice, Mr. Sergeant-at-Arms.
Speaker 5
1:10:10
Mr. Chief Justice, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In just
Speaker 59
1:10:16
a moment, I will administer the oath of office to each state representative who's been duly elected by the people in their district. In that oath,
Speaker 60
1:10:27
each person swears to support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Arkansas. I would like to read the preamble of each Constitution. The preamble for the Constitution of the United States reads as follows.
We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. The preamble for the Arkansas Constitution reads as follows.
We the people of the state of Arkansas, grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government, for our civil and religious liberty and desiring to perpetuate its blessings and secure the same to ourselves and posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution. In each of these preambles, the Constitution is established by the people. We should never forget that fact. At this time, if you feel comfortable, if
you want to remove your mask while we take the oath, you may do so. Please raise your right hand, say I in your name, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Arkansas, and I will faithfully
discharge the duties of state representative for district number, the official position upon which I'm about to enter. So help me God. Congratulations.
Speaker 5
1:12:53
congratulations members you may be seated representative eaves for what purpose motion let's hear your motion i
Speaker 63
1:13:16
move that the rules of the 92nd general assembly be adopted as the temporary rules of the 93rd general assembly that's proper motion
Speaker 5
1:13:24
is there any discussion where's for the house is
adoption of the rules of 92nd general assembly as the temporary rules and 93rd general assembly prepare the machine mr. clerk Thank you.
Speaker 70
1:15:42
Clerk. Allen. Barker. Beatty. Beck. Bentley. Berry. Berry Stan. Boyd. Bragg. Bragg, Breaux, Brooks, Brown, Bryant, Carr, Kavanaugh, Christensen, Cloud, Clowney, Coleman, Collins, Cooper,
Cozart, Crawford, Dalby, Davis, Deffenbaugh, Dotson, Eves, Ennett, Eubanks, Evans, D. Ferguson, K. Ferguson, Fielding, C. Fight, L. Fight, Flowers, Fortner, Furman, Garner, Gasway, Godfrey,
Gonzales, Gray, Hawk, Hawks, Hillman, Hodges, Holcomb, Hollowell, Hudson, Gene, Jet, Johnson, Ladyman, Love, Lowry, Lundstrom, Lynch, Maddox, McGee, Mayberry, McClure, McCollum, McCullough,
McElroy, McGrew, McKenzie, McNair, Meeks, Miller, Milligan, Milligan Murdoch Nix Payton Penzo Perry Pilkington
Ray Richardson Richmond Rye Scott Slape Smith B Smith S Speaks Springer, Tollett, Tosh, Underwood, Vaught, Wardlaw, Warren, Watson, Whitaker, Wayne, Womack, Wooten, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker 16
1:18:34
I have a vote of 98 yeas, 1 nay. The motion is passed. Representative
Speaker 45
1:18:46
Wing, for what purpose? Motion. Let's hear your motion. I wish
Representative Carlton Wing
Unverified
1:18:50
to place in nomination the name of the Honorable Matthew J. Shepard as speaker for the Arkansas House of Representatives for the 93rd General Assembly. That's
Speaker 8
1:18:59
the proper motion. all in favor say aye opposed nay representative dalby motion see your motion mr parliamentarian
Representative Carol Dalby
Unverified
1:19:12
i move that the nominations close for the speaker of the
Speaker 8
1:19:16
house that's a proper motion all in favor say aye opposed nay the ayes have it the motion is is adopted representative lee johnson for what
Speaker 79
1:19:26
purpose motion hear your motion i move that the vote of the entire membership of the house be recorded for the honorable matthew j shepherd as speaker of the arkansas house of representatives for the 93rd general assembly that's proper motion mr clark call the roll
Speaker 69
1:19:44
Allen. Barker. Beatty. Beck. Bentley.
Speaker 70
1:19:55
Berry. Stanberry. Boyd. Bragg. Bro. Brooks. Brown. Bryant Carr Cavanaugh
Christensen Cloud Clowney Coleman Collins Cooper Cozart Crawford Dalby Davis Deffenbaugh Dotson Eves Innit Eubanks Evans
Deborah Ferguson Ken Ferguson Fielding Fielding Charlene Fite Lanny Fite Flowers Fortner Furman Garner Gazaway Godfrey, Gonzalez, Gray, Hawk, Hawks, Hillman, Hodges, Holcomb, Hallowell, Hudson, Gene, Jet,
Johnson, Ladyman, Love, Lowry, Lundstrom, Lynch,
Speaker 69
1:21:41
Maddox, McGee, Mayberry, McClure, McClure, McCollum McCullough McElroy McGrew
Speaker 70
1:21:57
McKenzie McNair Meeks Miller Milligan Murdoch Murdoch Nix Peyton Penzo Perry Pilkington, Ray, Richardson, Richmond, Rye, Scott, Slape, Brant Smith, Stu Smith, Speaks,
Springer, Tollette, Tosh, Underwood, Vaught, Wardlaw, Warren, Watson, Whitaker, Wing, Womack, Wooten, Ms. Speaker.
Speaker 16
1:23:04
I vote 99 yays, 0 nays, 0 present. The motion is adopted. Matthew Shepard is elected
Speaker 5
1:23:18
Speaker of the House. the parliamentarian appoints the following named committee to escort the speaker of the house
to the podium and notify the honorable bobby e shepherd united states court of appeals for the eighth circuit
Speaker 17
1:23:52
that the honorable matthew j shepherd is ready to take the oath of office as speaker of the arkansas house representatives representative charlene fight chairperson Representative David Fielding, Representative Bruce Cozart, Representative Les Eves, Representative Nelda Speaks, Representative Francis Cavanaugh, Representative Les Warren, Representative Julie Mayberry, Representative Jamie Scott, Representative Lee Johnson.
Speaker 45
1:25:58
Mr. Sergeant Orange, for our purpose. Matthew J. Shepard
Speaker 5
1:26:29
And Mr. Shepard Judge Shepard, you're recognized.
Speaker 88
1:27:07
Speaker, are you ready to take your oath? I am. Right hand, please. I, Matthew Joseph Shepard, do solemnly swear. I, Matthew Joseph Shepard,
Speaker 91
1:27:20
do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States that I will support the Constitution
Representative Matthew J. Shepherd
Unverified
1:27:26
of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Arkansas and the Constitution of the State of Arkansas and
Speaker 88
1:27:36
that I will faithfully discharge the duties
of the Speaker of the Arkansas House of Representatives and that I
Representative Matthew J. Shepherd
Unverified
1:27:42
will faithfully discharge the duties of Speaker of the Arkansas House of Representatives upon which I am now about to enter upon which I am now about to enter. So help me God. So help me God. Congratulations.
Please have a seat. Let me just begin by remembering all those across our state who have been affected by the COVID-19 virus, those who have lost friends and family members, those who are fighting the virus currently,
and all of those who are on the front lines. And I think it would be appropriate for us to join together in acknowledging all the sacrifices that have been made by all Arkansans and those who are, to this very day, taking all the steps necessary to try and turn the corner on this terrible virus. Please join me.
I'd also like to thank my family for their love and support.
I would like to thank my wife, Allie, who right now is teaching kindergarteners in the Eldorado public schools. I'd like to thank my children, Eli, Mary-Kate, and Libby, who despite the fact it snowed in Eldorado this morning, should be in school.
as of 10 o'clock. They have made tremendous sacrifices and have endured a great deal throughout my 10 years of public service, and I will forever be indebted to them for their love and support. I'd like to thank my parents. My father is with me here today, and I'm sure my mother's watching online for all of their support and encouragement through the years. They certainly have made me the person that I am today. There are many other friends and family that I would
like to thank. Certainly my brother back home in Eldorado, who hopefully is keeping the law practice going, and my sister here in Little Rock, who has always been supportive of my endeavors. I want to begin by congratulating all of you on your election. If you are new, I welcome you to the Arkansas House of Representatives. I think you will find it one of the greatest and most rewarding experiences of your lifetime. If you're a
returning member, I welcome you back to the House. I'm humbled by the trust that you have placed in me and I graciously accept your nomination and vote to serve as your Speaker of the House. I'm certain that when many of you began your campaign last year, you did not envision serving in a time such as this, a time when a disease demands our distance and poison politics pushes us further apart. When Winthrop Rockefeller entered this very chamber 54 years ago, he did so as the first Republican to be elected Arkansas governor
in more than a century. Yet he took the moment upon his swearing in not to dwell on his own role, but rather to deliver a vision for the future he said quote we come here committed not to discord but to doing not to destroying but to discovery not to dividing but by solve solving old problems with new solutions I find these words are as relevant today as they were in 1967 we gather
now in our state's capital perhaps still wounded from our own political battles or deeply burdened by the weight of an increasing divide. So let us commit now to doing instead of discord and to discovery rather than destroying. How we choose to conduct business in this chamber will set an example for Arkansans now and for generations to come. House and Senate leadership have spent months planning for a session that keeps you, the staff, and the public as healthy and as safe as possible
during this challenging health crisis. I recognize being surrounded by glass, covered by a mask, and separated from loved ones who should be by your side on days like today, and not the least of which would be my grandmother, who's 94 years old, who of course would love to be here today, but she's back home in Camden, being confined to her house for the better part of nine or ten months. but even despite that today may not be an ideal situation but make no mistake this session
will have its challenges there will be changes to agendas new protocols for entering the building and perhaps longer work days as we move through the session but as we proceed I ask you to remember the challenges your constituents face at home the teachers who are creating multiple lesson plans, the restaurant owners trying to keep their doors open, or the nurses who haven't had a day off. If we as a state have asked our essential workers to keep going, then it is incumbent upon us to do the same, as long as we prudently can. This pandemic has taught us many
lessons. Perhaps it has taught you that a smaller gathering is sometimes more fun, or maybe it has showed you that Arkansas's own backyard is just as breathtaking as a destination halfway across the world. I believe it is reminded many of us that an individual's worth does not equate to their net worth. The Arkansans who we have relied on the most this year are the ones who have asked the least in return, and they live in every one of your districts. Ask yourself as you begin to create new legislation how it makes life better for those who have made your lives easier.
as an aside you may notice there are two there are two bibles here and it was not my intention to come to the well with two bibles but as i was sitting in my office just a moment ago of course this is my personal bible but as i was sitting in my office a moment ago and was monitoring what was going on, I was noticing that there was reference made on the Senate end
to the Bible that's in the Senate chamber. And so I was asking staff back there about the House Bible. And we actually have a Bible that was given to us by Colonel T.H. Barton. And I said, well, I'd like to see it. Of course, Colonel Barton is from my hometown of El Dorado. it's even more poignant when you consider that yesterday of course Colonel Barton made was affiliated with Lion Oil and the oil industry
which yesterday was the 100th anniversary of the discovery of oil in El Dorado but in the front of this is actually an inscription written by T.H. Barton with sincere best wishes to this great house Follow the rules, these rules, and you will be right. T.H. Barton, February 25th, 1943. And so, you don't have to be from El Dorado and be a graduate or a matriculated from Barton Junior High to appreciate those words.
When you consider that in 1943, we were, of course, were in the midst of World War II. but just a poignant reminder to us that we should do what is right. History teaches us that Arkansans are resilient but how our state emerges from this crisis hinges on the months ahead. Your constituents place their faith in you to lead during this time. Honor their faith by serving with integrity. In the end, we will be known only by the
impact we've had on others. May our impact be one that makes Arkansas a better place. Thank you. God bless you. God bless this house, and God bless the great state of Arkansas.
Representative Matthew J. Shepherd
Unverified
1:37:21
Members, at this time, it's my pleasure to announce the Parliamentarian of the House of Representatives for the 93rd General Assembly, Finus Buddy Johnson.
Speaker 85
1:38:21
Say aye in your name. Aye. Finest Buddy Johnson. Do solemnly swear. Do solemnly swear. That I
Speaker 17
1:38:33
will support the Constitution of the United States. That I will support the Constitution of the United States. And the Constitution of the State of Arkansas. And the Constitution of the State of Arkansas. And
Speaker 110
1:38:44
I will faithfully perform the duties. I will faithfully perform the duties. A parliamentarian for the House
Speaker 17
1:38:49
of Representatives. of parliamentarian for the house of representatives of the arkansas general assembly the official
Speaker 16
1:38:53
position the official position upon which i'm about to enter upon which i'm now about to enter so help me god so help me god congratulations representative valk for what purpose motion what's your motion mr speaker i move for the
Representative DeAnn Vaught
Unverified
1:39:32
confirmation of speaker elect shepherd's appointment of miss sherry stacks as the chief clerk of the arkansas house of representatives for the 93rd general assembly that's a
Representative Matthew J. Shepherd
Unverified
1:39:45
proper motion all in favor of confirmation say aye
any opposed the ayes have it the vote has confirmed the appointment of ms
sherry stacks as the chief clerk of the house
Speaker 59
1:40:03
for the 93rd general assembly I, your name, I, Sherry Stacks, do solemnly swear, do solemnly swear, that I
Speaker 120
1:40:28
will support the Constitution of the United States, that I will support the Constitution of
Speaker 59
1:40:30
the United States, and the Constitution of the State of Arkansas, and the Constitution of the State
Speaker 120
1:40:33
of Arkansas and I will faithfully perform the duties
Speaker 122
1:40:39
and I will faithfully perform the duties of chief clerk of the Arkansas House of Representatives of chief clerk of the Arkansas House of Representatives the official position the official position of which I am about to enter so help me God. Congratulations. Thank you. Thank you.
Representative Matthew J. Shepherd
Unverified
1:41:03
I hereby declare the assignment of seats on the House floor to be consistent with seats chosen by the members, attested by the records on file with the Chief Clerk, and is hereby the final seating arrangement for the 93rd General Assembly.
objection, so ordered. Mr. Clerk, please read House Concurrent Resolution 1001.
Chair
Unverified
1:41:39
House Concurrent Resolution 1001 by Speaker Shepherd for a virtual joint session of the representatives in the Senate at 10 30 a.m. Tuesday, January 12, 2021, to declare election results and to hear that an address by the governor. Mr. Clerk, read the resolution for a second time. House concurrent resolution 1001. Please read the resolution for a third time. House concurrent resolution 1001. Representative Wing, you're recognized to explain the resolution.
Representative Carlton Wing
Unverified
1:42:12
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. HCR 1001 provides,
just as it said, for us to meet tomorrow at 1030 a.m. for the declaration of results from certain elections, and also we will hear an address from Governor Asa Hutchinson. and I would appreciate a good vote.
Representative Matthew J. Shepherd
Unverified
1:42:29
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 1001.
All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? The resolution is adopted. Members, at this time, I will announce certain appointments.
I hereby appoint Representative John S. Eubanks, Speaker Pro Tem of the House of Representatives for the 93rd General Assembly.
I hereby appoint the following Assistant Speaker Pro Tems, Representative Francis Cavanaugh, Representative Fred Allen, Representative Marcus E. Richmond, Representative Michelle Gray.
I hereby appoint the following chairpersons and vice chairpersons of the ten standing committees. Education, Bruce Cozart, chairperson, Brian S. Evans, vice chairperson. Judiciary, Carol Dalby, chairperson, Brant Smith, vice chairperson. Public health, welfare, and labor, Jack Ladyman, chairperson, Deborah Ferguson, vice chairperson. Public transportation, Mike Holcomb, Chairperson. Danny Watson, Vice Chairperson. Revenue and Taxation. Joe Jett, Chairperson. Jack Fortner, Vice Chairperson. Aging Children and Youth Legislative and Military Affairs. Charlene Fite, Chairperson. Sonia Eubanks Barker, Vice Chairperson. Agriculture, Forestry and Economic Development. Deanne Vaught, Chairperson. Roger D. Lynch, Vice Chairperson. City, County and Local Affairs. Lanny Fite, Chairperson. Milton Nix, Jr., Vice Chairperson. Insurance and Commerce. Mark Lowry, Chairperson. John Maddox, Vice Chairperson.
State Agency and Governmental Affairs, Dwight Tosh, Chairperson, Justin Gonzalez, Vice Chairperson. Members, I'm going to make the following announcements of Chairs and Vice Chairs of the Select Committees, and all of these will be put out, along with the full membership, will be put out after the conclusion today so that you can see all of the full appointments. Rules Committee, Chairperson Les Eves, Vice Chairperson Keith Slate. House
Management Committee, Carlton Wing, Chairperson, Vice Chairperson Lee Johnson. Joint Committee on Energy, Rick Beck, Chairperson, Clint Penzo, Vice Chairperson. Joint Performance Review, Jimmy Gazaway, Chairperson, Reginald Murdoch, Vice Chairperson. Joint Committee on Public Retirement and Social Security Programs, Les Warren, Chairperson, Gary Deffenbaugh, Vice Chairperson. Joint Committee on advanced communication information technology Stephen Meeks
Speaker 133
1:46:15
chairperson Spencer Hawks vice chairperson
Representative Matthew J. Shepherd
Unverified
1:46:29
with regard to the joint committees joint auditing Richard Womack co-chair person Nelda Speaks co-vice chairperson I will go ahead and announce for the four chairs of the audit subcommittees, Representative David Hillman, Chairperson Counties and Municipalities, Representative Robin Lundstrom, Chairperson State Agencies, Representative Stan Berry, Chairperson Educational Institutions, and Representative Justin Gonzalez, Chairperson of the Medicaid Subcommittee. Arkansas Legislative Council, Chairperson Jeffrey Wardlaw, Vice
Chairperson Jim Dodson. Joint Budget Committee, Chairperson Lane Jean, Vice Vice Chairperson Justin
Boyd I hereby appoint the following
name committee to notify the honorable Asa Hutchinson governor of the state of Arkansas that the house is duly organized
and ready for business representative gala hendron mckenzie chairperson representative reginald murbach representative fred allen representative austin mccullum
representative sonja eubanks barker representative marsh davis representative stew smith and representative tippy
at this time i appoint the following name committee to notify the senate that the house is duly organized and ready for business representative jim dodson chairperson representative frederick love representative gary deffenball representative david whitaker representative johnny rye representative danny watson representative cindy crawford representative denise jones in it
Representative Matthew J. Shepherd
Unverified
1:49:33
Members, the doctor of the day is Dr. J. Lee Kuhn of Wynn and the nurse of the day is Ms. Brenda Hewitt.
Unknown speaker
1:50:59
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Representative Matthew J. Shepherd
Unverified
2:00:29
Members, at this time, I will ask staff to distribute the legislative lapel pins for this session, and I hope that that's something that will be a memento from your time in the House and that as you wear that during this General Assembly that it'll be a
reminder to you to uphold the integrity of the House
of Representatives. Congratulations on your election to the House. Thank you.
Representative Matthew J. Shepherd
Unverified
2:02:27
Thank you. for what purpose? Motion. Let's hear your motion. After the announcements, reading of the bills,
Representative Stephen Meeks
Unverified
2:03:05
transferring of the bills, placing the calendars on the desk, members amending their own bills with their own amendments, members withdrawing their own bills, finalizing resolutions, reading communications, and any remaining committee reports, I move
Representative Matthew J. Shepherd
Unverified
2:03:18
we adjourn until 10 o'clock tomorrow morning. That's a proper motion. It's not debatable.
All in favor say aye. Any opposed? the motion is adopted. Any announcements? And let me just say at the outset, the full complement of appointments to select committees will be released shortly upon adjournment and placed online as well. Additionally, there are other appointments
with regard to legislative council budget and others that will be released in the forthcoming days. One additional announcement, I believe the Chief Justice is going to be in the rotunda If you're interested in having a photo taken, we just ask that you continue to monitor and adhere to social distancing as you go about that. And finally, we will allow you and your escorted guests onto the floor, but I'd ask that we do so in an orderly fashion upon adjournment.
We don't want to have a crowd out here. and I'm going to ask Mr. Ragland we'll coordinate that. Let's coordinate it at the actually the front, probably the front door. Alright, any of the announcements? Representative Gene,
for what purpose? Announcement. You're recognized. Joint budget will meet at 8.30 in the morning over at Big Mac
Representative Lane Jean
Unverified
2:04:35
A. We'll get our seating spots and also go over the rules and of course the first thing we have to do in every general assembly is is past the general appropriation 8 30 in the morning any other announcements representative
Representative Matthew J. Shepherd
Unverified
2:04:51
dalby for what purpose you're recognized house judiciary will meet
Representative Carol Dalby
Unverified
2:04:54
at two o'clock tomorrow up on adjournment big mac a it'll be for organization purposes only okay any other announcements all right The desk will remain open
Representative Matthew J. Shepherd
Unverified
2:05:22
as needed for the reading of the bills and upon completion of
the items named in the adjourn resolution, the House will be adjourned until 10 a.m. tomorrow morning.
Agenda
FIRST DAY'S PROCEEDINGS
1. House called to order by the Parliamentarian of the 92nd General Assembly, The Honorable Finos “Buddy” Johnson.
2. Invocation by the House Chaplain, Dr. Rex Horne, Retired Pastor, Immanuel Baptist Church, Little Rock, Arkansas.
3. Posting of Colors by Arkansas State Police Color Guard. (After Posting of Colors, then Pledge of Allegiance to be led by Representative Lane Jean.)
4. National Anthem by Representative Mike Holcomb.
5. Parliamentarian appoints the following named Committee to notify the Secretary of State, The Honorable John Thurston, that the General Assembly has convened and to escort him to the Podium of the House Chamber:
6. Parliamentarian recognizes Sergeant at Arms.
7. Certification of the election of Members of the House of Representatives and presentation of Certificate of Election by the Secretary of State, The Honorable John Thurston.
8. Parliamentarian recognizes Representative Michelle Gray for motion relative to the seating of members for Oath of Office.
9. Electronic Roll Call by the Chief Clerk of the House.
10. Parliamentarian appoints the following named Committee to notify The Honorable John Dan Kemp, Chief Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court, that the General Assembly has convened and is ready to take the Oath of Office and to escort the Justice to the Podium to administer the Oath of Office to members of the House of Representatives of the 93rd General Assembly:
Representative John Maddox, Chairperson Representative Jimmy Gazaway Representative Joy C. Springer Representative Clint Penzo Representative Delia J. Haak Representative Mark Perry Representative Kendon Underwood Representative Andrew Collins
11. Parliamentarian recognizes Sergeant at Arms.
12. Seating and Oath of Office administered by The Honorable John Dan Kemp, Chief Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court.
13. Parliamentarian recognizes Representative Les Eaves for a motion relative to adoption of the temporary rules of the 93rd General Assembly.
14. Nomination and election of the Speaker of the House.
15. Parliamentarian recognizes Representative Carlton Wing to place in nomination the name of The Honorable Matthew J. Shepherd, as the Speaker of the House of Representatives for the 93rd General Assembly.
16. Parliamentarian recognizes Representative Carol Dalby to move that the nominations close.
17. Parliamentarian recognizes Representative Lee Johnson for motion that the vote of the entire membership be recorded for The Honorable Matthew J. Shepherd, as the Speaker of the House for the 93rd General Assembly.
18. The Parliamentarian declares the results of the vote for the Speaker of the House.
19. The Parliamentarian appoints the following named Committee to escort the Speaker to the Podium and notifies The Honorable Bobby E. Shepherd, United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, that The Honorable Matthew J. Shepherd, is ready to take the Oath of Office as Speaker of the Arkansas House of Representatives:
Representative Charlene Fite, Chairperson Representative David Fielding Representative Les Warren Representative Bruce Cozart Representative Julie Mayberry Representative Les Eaves Representative Jamie Scott Representative Nelda Speaks Representative Lee Johnson Representative Frances Cavenaugh
20. Parliamentarian recognizes Sergeant at Arms.
21. Oath of Office to Speaker Matthew J. Shepherd, administered by The Honorable Bobby E. Shepherd, United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
22. Presentation of the Speaker of the House, Matthew J. Shepherd, by Parliamentarian Finos “Buddy” Johnson.
23. ADDRESS OF THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE.
24. Speaker Shepherd announces the name of the Parliamentarian of the House of Representatives for the 93rd General Assembly.
25. The Honorable Bobby E. Shepherd administers the Oath of Office to the Parliamentarian.
26. Speaker Shepherd recognizes Representative DeAnn Vaught for a motion to confirm Speaker Shepherd’s appointment of Ms. Sherri Stacks as the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives.
27. Speaker Shepherd declares the results of the vote for the Chief Clerk of the House.
28. The Honorable Bobby E. Shepherd administers the Oath of Office to the Chief Clerk of the House.
29. Speaker Shepherd declares the seating arrangement for the 93rd General Assembly to be identical to the seat assignments on file with the Chief Clerk.
30. Speaker Shepherd recognizes Representative Carlton Wing for presentation of House Concurrent Resolution 1001, providing for a Virtual Joint Session of the House and Senate at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, January 12, 2021, to declare the results of certain elections, to declare ballot issue results and to hear an address by The Honorable Asa Hutchinson, Governor of the State of Arkansas.
31. Speaker Shepherd announces the name of the Speaker Pro Tempore of the House of Representatives for the 93rd General Assembly.
32. Speaker Shepherd announces the names of the four (4) Assistant Speakers Pro Tempore of the House of Representatives for the 93rd General Assembly.
33. Speaker Shepherd announces the names of the Chairpersons and Vice Chairpersons of the ten (10) Standing Committees of the House of Representatives for the 93rd General Assembly.
34. Speaker Shepherd announces the names of the Chairpersons and Vice Chairpersons and members appointed to the Select Committees of the House of Representatives for the 93rd General Assembly.
35. Speaker Shepherd announces the names of the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of and any other appointments to the Joint Legislative Auditing Committee.
36. Speaker Shepherd announces the names of the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of and any other appointments to the Legislative Council.
37. Speaker Shepherd announces the names of the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of and any other appointments to the Joint Budget Committee.
38. Speaker Shepherd appoints the following named Committee to notify The Honorable Asa Hutchinson, Governor of the State of Arkansas, that the House is duly organized and ready for business:
Representative Gayla Hendren McKenzie, Chairperson Representative Reginald Murdock Representative Marsh Davis Representative Fred Allen Representative Stu Smith Representative Austin McCollum Representative Tippi McCullough Representative Sonia Eubanks Barker
39. Speaker Shepherd appoints the following named Committee to notify the Senate that the House is duly organized and ready for business:
Representative Jim Dotson, Chairperson Representative Fredrick J. Love Representative Danny Watson Representative Gary Deffenbaugh Representative Cindy Crawford Representative David Whitaker Representative Denise Jones Ennett Representative Johnny Rye
40. Presentation of Legislative lapel pins by Speaker Shepherd.
41. Announcements.
42. Read bills that have been introduced.
43. Adjourn. (Representative Stephen Meeks)
Documents
No documents posted.
Speakers
Speaker 4
Speaker 5
Speaker 9
Speaker 17
Speaker 20
Speaker 21
Speaker 22
Speaker 33
Speaker 34
Speaker 47
Speaker 49
Speaker 53
Representative Michelle Gray
Unverified
Speaker 45
Speaker 59
Speaker 60
Speaker 63
Speaker 55
Speaker 69
Speaker 70
Speaker 16
Representative Carlton Wing
Unverified
Speaker 8
Representative Carol Dalby
Unverified
Speaker 79
Speaker 36
Speaker 30
Speaker 88
Speaker 91
Representative Matthew J. Shepherd
Unverified
Speaker 85
Speaker 110
Representative DeAnn Vaught
Unverified
Speaker 120
Speaker 122
Chair
Unverified
Speaker 133
Speaker 137
Representative Stephen Meeks
Unverified
Representative Lane Jean
Unverified