Senate Convenes
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HCR18
· 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…resentative J. Frank Holmes of Washington County introduced House Concurrent Resolution 18 on February the 11th, 1943, and it was passed by the House…”
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Pre-2017 bill |
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That would do for me. Thank you. Thank you, Ben. Okay, I don't have anything to do.
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Thank you. General Assembly is called to order.
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
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Secretary of the
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Senate, please call the roll. Ballinger, Beckham, Bledsoe, Caldwell, Chesterfield, Clark, Davis, Dismain,
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Eads, Elliott, English, Flippo, Flowers, Garner, Gilmore, Hammer, Hendron, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Ingram, Irvin,
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Letting, Pitch, Raypert, Rice, Sample, Stubblefield, Sturge, Sullivan,
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Teague, Tucker, Wallace. Senator Gary Stubblefield is recognized to share
the history of the Senate Bible.
thank you governor senators recognized thank you glad to see you here well you
Senator Gary Stubblefield
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want to say that i appreciate uh senator hickey asking me to do this i served two years in the house. And there were times when I would fill in for the speaker and said, and I noticed
that there was a Bible on that desk too, just like I've noticed this one for years and years. Never, never did I ever even consider where it came from, how it got there, what the history was behind it. And thanks to Senator Hickey, we now know the history behind this Bible and how long it's been there. And I'm going to read to you some of that history. The Bible on the desk of the president of the Senate was a gift given by Colonel T.H. Barton on February the 25th, 1943.
Colonel Thomas H. Barton was a pioneer oil man, visionary businessman, publisher, and philanthropist. He helped establish the Arkansas State Fair where Barton Coliseum was named after him. State Representative J. Frank Holmes of Washington County introduced House Concurrent Resolution 18 on February the 11th, 1943, and it was passed by the House on February the 12th. The resolution directed the Clerk of the House and the Secretary of the Senate to purchase the Bibles for each chamber.
They are to be kept on the desk of the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate for members to read from when quoting Scripture and when presenting their bills in the well. On February the 12th, 1943, the resolution was introduced in the Senate, but a vote was not taken. On February the 25th, 1943, at a joint meeting in the House, presided over by the President of the Senate, legislators from both chambers listened to United States Senator John L. McClellan speak on the war effort.
Before Senator McClellan took the podium, Representative Holmes brought up House Concurrent Resolution 18 of 1943, and then he introduced Colonel T.H. Barton. Colonel Barton then presented two identical Bibles to the Speaker of the House and to the President of the Senate. The Bible is still on the desk of the President of the Senate to this day. The following words are handwritten inside the Bible. To the Arkansas Senate, with the hope of this book, we'll always guide you.
T.H. Barton, February 25, 1943. Accepted with deep appreciation on behalf of the Arkansas Senate, 54th General Assembly. J.L. Bud Shaver, Lieutenant Governor. The book was presented by a resolution introduced by the undersigned February the 25th, 1943, Representative Holmes. And the signatures are in the front page. And I won't read them, but if you ever want to look at them, they're here.
Let me just say one thing in closing. You know, we live in a world that is changing, and a lot of times change is good, but a lot of times it's not good. And
I am thankful today that this never changes. God said, I'm the same today, yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He does not change. His word does not change. This Bible does not change. So I pray for each of us as we begin this new session, and I pray that we'll work together and do our best to do his will.
Thank you. Thank you, Senator. Senator Kim Hammers recognized to read Proverbs 27, 17, and Philippians
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2, verses 3 and 4. members if you're able to stand
out of respect for god's word would you please stand while i read god's word thank you mr president the king james version of proverbs chapter 27 verse 17 reads as
follows iron sharpeneth iron so a man sharpeneth the continents of his friends the king james versions of philippians chapter 2 verse 3 and 4 reads as follows let nothing be done through strive for vain glory, but in lowliness of mind, let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. And all God's people said, Amen. Thank
you. Thank you, Senator. Senator Hickey is recognized to introduce
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
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Pastor Kenneth Reed. Everyone, please rise if you're not already up. Looks like you are. Even in the
box. Thank you, members. Members, it is my sincere honor today to be able to introduce our pastor of the opening day ceremony of the 93rd General Assembly.
Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr)
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He is a native of Texarkana, Arkansas. His parents are the late Reverend Joseph E. Reed and Joyce Rees. He was raised in a loving Christian home along with his two brothers and a sister. His passion lies in the pursuit of teamwork and
discipline. He lettered at Texarkana High School in track and football and received a football scholarship to attend Arkansas State University. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in math in 1992. God called him to preach in 1992, and he started his course in ministry. He loves to serve people and community. His education has always been a priority, and he received two master's degrees from Texas A&M in Texarkana. He has served as pastor of the Mount Royal Baptist Church for
the last 23 years, and he has also served in education for the last 15 years as a math teacher and administrator. He is married to his beautiful wife, Linda, who is in my office watching through the live stream, and they have three children, Kirsten, Kenneth Jr., and Kendall. In addition, he is my friend. We played football together, where I could tackle just a smidgen better than he could. If I can get y'all to buy that, then it'll be a good
session for me. We may or may not have always agreed, but there has never been a racial divide between us. We have always had a mutual respect for each other. Colleagues, please join in welcoming not only my friend, but also my brother in Christ, Pastor Kenneth
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N. Reed, Sr. Wow. Thanks, Senator Hickey. May we pray?
Father God, in the name of Jesus, we thank you for this day. Thank you for this time in history. Lord, we're asking for guidance and strength in such a time is this. As we now pray for our senators, God, Lord, please give them the courage, give them the strength, and give them clarity when it comes to serving your people. I pray that their decisions are led by the spirit of servitude, and that we come against anything that causes
division, and give us a clearer vision of serving the needs of all people. Now, God, I want to pray for Senator Jimmy Hickey as he takes on this new position, God, give him courage, give him strength and clarity, a vision to serve your people and to lead this Senate. Let the integrity be his guide and wisdom be his compass. And Lord, we thank you for his commitment, his compassion, as well as passion for serving the people. Lord, we also pray for the leadership in our Senate now
that this day will bring a new day as we build a new future for Arkansas. But also, give us unity with no division as we learn to live with one another and to love one another. And not only that, God, we're also asking that we learn to respect and continue to honor one another. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.
Thank you. Thank you, Pastor Reed. Everyone, please remain standing. The state police color guard will now enter
and present arms post colors in the Senate chamber
and then remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Thank you.
The Senate will now be led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Senator Jim Hendron, Senator Trent Garner, and Senator
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David Wallace. All three Senate members have defended our country in the
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armed services. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for
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which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Please allow the color guard to exit. Senator Terry Rice is recognized.
Senator Rice will nominate Senator Jimmy
Hickey Jr. to serve as President Pro Temp of the 93rd General Assembly. Senator Rice,
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good to see you, Senator. thank you members it is my privilege to nominate
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the honorable jimmy hickey jr to serve as the president pro tem of the 93rd general assembly All those
in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed? Ayes have it. The Honorable
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John Dan Kemp, Chief Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court, will administer the oath of office with the Senate Bible.
As a senator representing District 11 and pro tip of the Arkansas Senate to the Honorable Jimmy Hickey, Jr., District 11. In just a
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moment, I will administer the oath of office to Senator Hickey and the other senators who have been duly elected or re-elected by the people of their district. In that oath, 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 in posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution. In each of these preambles, the Constitution is established by the people. We should never forget this fact.
Senator Hick, if you please raise your right hand. Say aye in your name. I do
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solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Arkansas, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of Senator for District 11 and President Pro Tem of the Arkansas Senate,
the official position upon which I'm about to enter. So help me God. Congratulations. Thank you, sir.
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Ann Cornwell, Director of the Senate and Secretary of the Senate, announced the following senators
elected within their respective caucus to serve in leadership during the 93rd General Assembly. Senator Scott Flippo, Majority Leader, Senator Keith Ingram, Minority Leader, Senator Matthew Pitch, Majority Whip, and Senator Larry Teague, Minority Whip. Senator Scott Flippo, Majority Leader, and Senator Keith Ingram, Minority Leader, will come forward to present the Senate lapel pin to Senator Jimmy Hickey Jr.,
President Pro Temp of the Arkansas Senate. Senator Hickey, I'm sure you want to say something.
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
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Yes, sir. Senator Hickey, do you recognize? Yes, sir, I do. I had actually prepared this. So, members, the first thing that I'd like to do is begin by thanking Senator Hendren for
Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr)
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serving this position. The last four months of trying to plan for this COVID session have put in perspective to me how much work he has done over the past two years in serving
Senator Jim Hendren
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and trying to direct the past of this body. I'd ask that every senator right now stand and give him a hand for his leadership.
Thank you, members. I also want to recognize my wife and my son. First, my wife, Denise. She is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside, which I know is hard to believe, but she really is. She helps me manage our businesses and corporations,
Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr)
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and she helps me keep my Senate calendars, files, reports, and helps me with my schedule. And very importantly, she helps to manage and soften my personality. We are a team, and I don't operate effectively without her. Sawyer is our only child. Sawyer has always exhibited maturity well beyond his years. He is currently studying to become a doctor at the University of Arkansas Medical School. His primary reason for being in this field is because he truly cares for people
and has been that way his entire life. I also want to say something very sincere to all of our staff. The Senate staff here today, our Bureau staff, our legislative audit staff, and all others. Our government does not operate or function without you. I want you to know that each and every senator here today recognizes that.
We know this is so much more than just a job for you. It is your way to serve the great patrons of the state
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of Arkansas. I would ask that all senators rise at this point and let that be known across Arkansas. And now
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for you 34 colleagues I'm looking at, I really don't even know how to thank
you for this unique opportunity which is offered to so few people. That honor is branded on my conscience. With all humility, I thank each one of you. But I also want to talk about you, about us, and about this Arkansas Senate body. I have been doing multiple interviews over the last few weeks. Everyone wants to ask me about you and the personality makeup of the senators.
And I keep telling them that you're a salty group for sure. And that's probably even somewhat of a soft understatement by me. But nothing in the world could be better than that. With too little salt, our constituency believes we are too bland and wonders why their government cannot do better. With too much salt, we dehydrate ourselves and our constituency to the point that we take away from what we can accomplish.
We all struggle to find the right pinch of salt, the exact needed measure of salt, to be able to operate at the maximum potential. The key to this balance of salt lies within the respect we show each other, the communication we must pledge to do through not only talking, but listening. That doesn't mean you have to agree, but common good will flow out of that courtesy.
And most importantly, that communication should be with the ones who you are least likely to communicate with. It is just like I always say about campaigning. It is easy to campaign at places where you're liked, but success comes when you go to places where you're not liked. I want you to know that I have every intention to manage strongly. I have every intention to question your legislation as hard as I ever have, and I will fight to make sure that this Senate is the great body which it is constitutionally designed
to be. However, and I do mean however, I must be humble and not too proud to look you in the eye today and tell you that I'm going to need your help. And I ask that of each and every one of you here today in the most sincere way that I can do that. In these times, I believe it's the Senate's duty as the upper body to provide an example not only for our great state of Arkansas but
our but for our country as well. God bless
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the state of Arkansas and God bless each one of you. Thank you. thank you senator
hickey and congratulations the honorable jimmy hickey jr president pro temple the senate appoints the following members to escort the honorable john thurston secretary of state to the senate chamber for the purpose of delivering the certificates of election to
members of the Senate, Senator Missy Irvin, Senator Alan Clark, Senator Blake Johnson. These senators will receive the Honorable John Thurston so that he may be escorted to the well of the Senate and deliver remarks.
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a big sack of candy that's left over from a year or so
ago. It's down here if anybody wants it. We have lots of bags. Welcome, Secretary of State Thurston.
Secretary Thurston, you are recognized to deliver remarks. All right.
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Thank you very much. I've got the other chamber yelling at me, so I'm going to be brief. Mr. President, Senators, 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 Senate 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 Senate district in the general election held on November the 3rd, 2020, as certified to the office of the Secretary of State by the various county boards of election commissioners.
Bart Hester, State Senate District 1 Jim Hendron, State Senate District 2 Lance R. Eads, State Senate District 7 Jimmy Hickey Jr., State Senate District 11 Charles E. Beckham III, State Senate District 12 Alan Clark, State Senate District 13 Breanne Davis, State Senate District 16
Dan Sullivan, State Senate District 21 David Ray Wallace, State Senate District 22 Ronald Caldwell, State Senate District 23 Stephanie Flowers, State Senate District 25 Ben Gilmore, State Senate District 26 Trent Garner, State Senate District 27 Jonathan Dismay, State Senate District 28
Ricky Hill, State Senate District 29 Clark Tucker, State Senate District 32 and lastly Jane English, State Senate District 34 Thank you Thank you Senator Jimmy Hickey,
Jr., President Pro Temp of the Senate, will present the Senate lapel pin to each of the following
returning Senators when their name is called by the
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Secretary of the Senate. Senator Bledsoe. Thank you.
Senator Greg Letting.
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Senator Bob Ballinger. Senator Gary Stubbeville.
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Thank you.
Senator Matthew Pitch. Senator Terry Rice.
Senator Larry Teague.
Senator Bill Sample.
Senator Mark Johnson.
Senator Scott Filippo.
Senator Missy Irving
Senator James Sturch
Senator Blake Johnson Senator Keith Ingram
Senator Linda Chesterfield.
Senator Joyce Elliott
Senator Kim Hammer.
Senator Jason Riper.
The Honorable Jimmy Hickey, Jr., President Pro
Temp of the Senate, appoints the following members to escort the Honorable John Dan Kemp, Chief Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court, to the Senate chamber for the purpose of administering oaths of office. Senator Stephanie Flowers, Senator Bob Ballinger, Senator Mark Johnson.
The Honorable John Dan Kemp, Chief Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court, will administer the oath of office to reelected returning senators. Senator Jimmy Hickey
Jr., President Pro Temp of the Senate, will then present the Senate
lapel pin to the reelected returning senators. Following members will come forward as their
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name is called by the secretary of the Senate. Senator Bart Hester, District 1. Just
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your name, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the state of Arkansas and
that I will faithfully discharge the duties of Senator for Senate District number one the official
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to enter. So help me get out. Congratulations. Congratulations.
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Senator Jim Hendren, District 2. I do solemnly
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swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the state of Arkansas, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of senator for district number two, the official position upon which I am about to
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to enter. So help me out. Congratulations.
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Senator Lance, Eades, District 7. Please raise your right
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hand. Say aye on your name. Aye, thank you. Do solemnly swear that I
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will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Arkansas and I will faithfully discharge the duties for senator for district number seven the official position upon which i'm about to enter
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so help me out congratulations Senator Allen Clark, District 13.
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Raise your right hand. Say, I'm your name. I'm your name. Do solemnly swear.
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Do solemnly swear. That I will support the Constitution of the United States. I will support the Constitution. and the Constitution of the State of Arkansas, and I will faithfully perform the duties of Senator for Senate District No. 13, the official position upon which I am about to enter.
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So help me God. Congratulations. Senator Brianne Davis, District 16.
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Please raise your right hand. Say aye on your name. Aye on your
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head. 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, Senator for Senate District Number 16, the official position upon which I am about to enter. So help me God.
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Congratulations. Senator David Wallace, District 22.
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Say, I, your name. I, David Ray Wallace. Do solemnly swear. Do solemnly swear. That
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I 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. The Constitution of the State of Arkansas. And I will faithfully perform the duties. I will faithfully perform the duties of Senator for Senate District Number 22. The official position upon which I am about to enter. So help me God.
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Congratulations. Senator Ronald Caldwell, District 23. say I your name
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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 Senator for Senate District number 23 the official position upon which I'm about to
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enter So help me God. Congratulations. Senator Stephanie Flowers, District 25.
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I 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 perform the duties
of Senator for District No. 25, the official position upon which I'm about to enter. So
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help me God. Congratulations. Senator Trent Garner, District 27.
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Say aye on your name. Aye, sir. Do solemnly swear.
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that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the state of Arkansas. And I will faithfully perform the duties of Senator for Senate District Number 27, the official position upon which I'm about to enter. So help me God. Congratulations.
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Senator Jonathan Dismang, district 28. Say aye on your name. Aye, Jonathan Dismang. I do solemnly
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swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States
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and the Constitution of the state of Arkansas. And I will faithfully perform the duties of Senator for Senate District No. 28, the official position upon
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which I am about to enter. So help me
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God. Congratulations. Senator Rickey Hill, district 29.
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Say hi in your name. Hi, I 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 perform the duties, Senator, for Senate District No. 29, the official position upon which I am about to enter. So help me God.
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Senator Jane English, District 34. I got you. Say aye in
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your name. I do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Arkansas. I will faithfully perform the duties, Senator, for Senate District No. 34, the official position upon which I am about to enter.
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So help me out. Congratulations. The Honorable John Dan Kemp, Chief Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court, will now administer the oath of office to the newly elected Senators.
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr., President pro temp of the Senate, will present the Senate lapel pin to the newly
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elected Senators. The following members will come forward as their name is called by the
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Secretary of State. Central Lake, Charles Beckham, District 12.
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Raise your right hand. Say, aye, on your name. Aye, Charlie Beckham III. Do solemnly swear.
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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 perform the duties of Senator for Senate District Number 12, the official position upon which I'm about to enter. So help me out. Congratulations.
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Senator-elect Dan Sullivan, District 21.
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Do solemnly swear That I will support the Constitution of the United States And the Constitution
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of the State of Arkansas And I will faithfully perform the duties a senator for senate district number 21
the official position upon which I'm about to enter so help
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me God. Congratulations. Senator Lack, Ben Gilmore, District 26.
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If you'll raise your right hand, say aye on your name. Aye, Ben Gilmore. Do solemnly swear. that I will support the Constitution
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of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Arkansas, and I will faithfully perform the duties of Senator for Senate District No. 26, the official position upon which I'm about to enter. So help me God.
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Congratulations. central act clark tucker district 32
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please raise your right hand say aye on your name I do
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solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Arkansas. I will faithfully perform the duties of Senator for Senate District number 32, the official position upon which I'm about to enter. So help me God. Congratulations.
The Secretary of the Senate announces their appointments by Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr., President Pro Temp of the Senate,
of the Assistant Pro Temp of the Senate for the
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93rd General Assembly by Congressional District.
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First District. First District, Senator Ronald Caldwell.
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Second District, Senator Linda Chesterfield. Third District, Senator Lance Eades. Fourth District, Senator Bill Sample.
Senator Bard-Hester submits to Secretary of the Senate the names of the Efficiency Committee
to be filed in the Senate Journal of the 93rd General Assembly. Senator Bard-Hester, Chairman. Senator Breanne Davis, Vice Chairman. Oh, he's going to announce. Okay. Senators recognize. Thank you, Mr. President. Madam Secretary, as Chairman of the
Senator Bart Hester
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Efficiency Committee for the Senate of the 93rd General Assembly, I hereby submit the names of the members of the Efficiency Committee of the 93rd General Assembly to be filed in the official Senate journal.
Chairman, Senator Bart Hester. Vice Chairman, Senator Brianne Davis. Senator Joyce Elliott. Senator Larry Teague. Senator Linda Chesterfield. Senator Jonathan Dismayne. Senator Bill Sample. Senator Jane English. Senator Keith Ingram. Senator Matthew Pitch. Thank you, Senator.
Members, as a chairman of the Efficiency Committee, I hereby submit the names of the Senate session employees to be filed in the official Senate Journal of the 93rd
General Assembly. Thank you, Senator. Majority Leader, Senator
Scott Flippo, submits to the Secretary of the Senate the committee assignments to be filed in the Senate Journal for the 93rd
Senator Scott Flippo
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General Assembly. Thank you, Mr. President. Madam Secretary, as Senate Majority Leader for the
Senate of the 93rd General Assembly. I hereby submit the committee assignments to be filed in the official Senate journal of the 93rd General
Assembly. Thank you, Senator. Rules Committee Chair Senator Lance Eades is recognized to present the Senate Rules of the 92nd General Assembly as amended during the Senate Organizational Meeting on November 6, 2020 for adoption. Senator is recognized. Thank you, Mr. President. Members, I present the Senate
Senator Lance Eads
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rules of the 92nd General Assembly as amended during the Senate organizational meeting held on November 6th, 2020. Mr. President, before I move for adoption, now is the proper time for any senator who may have a proposed rule change to present it to
Chair
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the body for consideration. anyone wish to be recognized Senator Irvin
wishes to be recognized hi hello thank you
Senator Eads for allowing me to present these rule changes members if you will look on your desk there are proposed changes to Senate Ethics Rule 24 The proposed changes can be found in 24.09, 24.10, 24.13. If you will look and turn to those sections, I will describe for you briefly those changes. The first is page 12.
I'm changing the terms from accused and accuser to respondent and claimant. That is being consistent with administrative investigations and hearings that we find in different arenas along these lines. And furthermore, under section 4, that an allegation of violation would be filed by a
written petition. Senator Irvin, they're having difficulty hearing you.
Sorry. Okay. go. Okay, so I'll repeat, changing the terms from accused and accuser to claimant and respondent,
and then later on in section four, where an allegation would be brought forward in a written petition and not publicly until the ethics committee has their ability to conduct their investigation. There's another section on timing of withdrawal so that can be added into the report that is submitted to the Senate President Pro Tem of the Senate before any committee would be called of the whole of the Senate, and I believe those are the last changes. If you have any questions, I'll be happy to address those, any questions you may have.
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Any questions on the changes? Anyone wish to speak against the changes? Senator Garland. Thank you, Mr. President.
Senator Trent Garner
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I did not receive an early copy of these rules, so I'm basically going off what I've done since I've read here. If you look at Rule 24-09, the rule that has been added in dealing with how you may bring an allegation against another senator,
it is extremely restrictive on how you're actually able to do that. If you look at it, if you discuss with staff another senator, or even anybody else that may be involved, you could be in violations of our ethics rules as they stand now and have separate ethics charges against you. I understand the reason for this rule. The public display of a violation against another senator did raise attention,
but it seems that in the effort for transparency and openness, we shouldn't make a rule that prohibits us from discussing allegations against each member that may be for the public sphere. In fact, this will keep it hidden from the public and the media until the committee process happens. Under this rule, I'm not even sure if you could talk to witnesses, which is required in the hearing process. Once again, I understand why these changes may have been made,
But I think that as currently written, anytime we would try to bring an allegation against another senator for an ethics violation, we ourselves would be in violation of these ethics rules. And to speak, finally, the reason we came up with these ethics rules, I thought, was so that the public could have confidence and trust in our body after the sins of our past that many of you know about.
Making allegations be hidden in the darkness doesn't serve democracy. It serves the self-interest of us to minimize the political and other fallout. I'm asking you to please vote against Rule 24.09 because
of those reasons. Thank you. Anyone
else wish to speak or speak in favor? Senator Teague, for what purpose do you...
Speaker 81
1:17:28
Okay. Did you meet and approve these changes? I remember us discussing it, but
I don't remember us approving them. No, the Ethics Committee did not meet to approve these changes. This was discussed with our committee, all except for the withdrawal of the petition, which happened after we had met. Okay, thank you.
Speaker 239
1:17:51
Anyone wish to... Senator Rayford. Can I ask a
Speaker 242
1:17:55
question? Yeah. For what purpose, the gentleman has a question?
Senator Jason Rapert
Unverified
1:18:00
Yeah, the question is, of course, I understand what we're doing on this, but have we had an announcement, Senator, on any of the new appointees to the committee? Because that just prompted my concern there. If there was any actions in the committee, do we even know who that's going to be yet? No, not at this time
Speaker 64
1:18:18
that I'm aware of. Thank you. Any other questions? Anyone wish to speak for, against?
Speaker 208
1:18:31
Senator, you have anything else you want to say on this before we
take a voice vote on the amendment? Yes, thank you. Members of the Senate, as Ethics Committee Chairman, I believe, and I'm going to speak on behalf of our Ethics Committee, we did the very best we could to navigate the waters. I feel like these are appropriate changes to the rules. We cannot create policy based on a single instance or what has happened or in the past. We really need to think about the entirety of any complaint that's brought forward.
Some of those complaints could be a very sensitive and personal and intimate matter. Therefore, it really needs to be done in private as much as possible because of that. This is consistent, consistent with Title IX policies that have been passed at the federal level. Although I disagree with some of the Title IX policies and the way that they are conducted on our campuses, it is consistent so that both parties have the opportunity of the fairest, most possible investigation and process
and hearing as possible. Because of the nature of some of those instances that could come before us in the future, we need to be sensitive to make sure that that approach that investigative process is as fair as possible. Therefore, I believe that these changes are very appropriate and they are needed in order to allow the Ethics Committee to really have the most fair view and process as possible as we are considering any allegation that's brought forward against one of our own members.
And I just appreciate the time and consideration. I know it's a delicate subject, but again I am thinking of what is to come to us in the future and making sure that we have the cleanest possible process set forth in the rules so that there's no questions of the members of the committee or of the chair or of this body or the rule itself. I did my best to bring forward those changes to the language and I hope that you will approve this rule change. Thank you.
Senator Irvin, Senator Irvin, so there
are three separate provisions here that we're talking about. I'm going to have three voice votes, one on each. Is that your intent? Okay. Okay, so on section 24.09, all those in favor say aye. Opposed? No. Ayes have it. Amendments adopted. Section 24.10, all those in favor say aye.
Aye. Opposed. Ayes have it. Memmits adopted. Section 24.13, all those in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed. Ayes have it. Memmits adopted. Senator Eades.
Speaker 160
1:21:23
Mr. President, if there's no further
Senator Lance Eads
Unverified
1:21:30
discussion, I move for adoption of these rules as amended. Any questions to
Senator Eades? Anyone wish to speak? All those in favor, say aye. Aye. Opposed? No.
Ayes have it. Changes, the rules are adopted. Senator Hickey Jr., President, Protem of the Senate, moves the Senate go into a committee of the whole for discussion of the Senate chamber temporary emergency procedures and Senate Resolution outlining Temporary Committee Procedures. So moved. It is Senator Hickey.
You should get a senator to sit in the chair during the committee of the whole.
Speaker 255
1:22:27
You're the perfect one, Senator Hickey. you look i'll be right here i won't leave
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
Unverified
1:22:53
don't worry okay members we have uh resolved herself to a committee of the whole uh i'm going to request
Speaker 259
1:22:58
that Ms. Garrity and Ms. Thayer both come in. They're already in here. They're going to go over what our temporary chamber emergency procedures are going to be and then also our committee procedures. So, Ms. Thayer, do you want to come forward and explain that to the membership? Yes, sir. Senator Hickey, do
Speaker 260
1:23:23
you want me to start with the chamber procedures? Yes, ma'am.
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
Unverified
1:23:28
And you may have to remove your mask at that mic. It's hard to hear in here.
Okay. Members, if you do have questions as we get in this, I would ask that you speak up because, as you all can tell, the plexiglass
Speaker 268
1:23:46
is making it hard to hear. Yes, ma'am. Okay. You should all have in front of you a copy of the temporary emergency procedures for the Senate chamber. Okay. Okay.
Speaker 267
1:23:56
You should all have in front of you a copy of the temporary emergency procedures for the
Speaker 268
1:24:00
Senate chamber. I'm just going to go over those. Section one is the intent section. It also deals with the duration of these procedures. If adopted, the procedures will exist for the duration of the current public health emergency related to the COVID-19 public health emergency. If that public health emergency is terminated or allowed to expire during the legislative session then the members of this chamber may vote to extend the provisions of this rule through a vote of the
chamber. Section 2 deals with health and safety requirements for the Senate chamber and specifically refers to Senate facilities which are defined to include the Senate chamber, your offices, the quiet room, and any other Senate workspaces. This requires, includes a mask requirement where anyone entering Senate facilities must wear a mask or a cloth face covering over the mouth and nose. The exceptions to this are anyone speaking directly into the microphone,
when you're able to maintain physical distance of six feet or more, if an individual is consuming food or drink, or if an individual has a medical condition or a disability that prohibits him or her from being able to wear a mask or a face covering. There's also a provision encouraging maintaining a physical distancing of at least six feet within Senate facilities. All individuals entering Senate facilities are required to have passed a temperature check each day.
Section 3 deals with who will be allowed to enter the Senate chamber, and this includes the senators, the lieutenant governor, staff, and no more than two members of the media at any time. Section 4 covers remote participation of members. There are five specific provisions listed here for why a member might be allowed to participate remotely, and the remote participation will be via Zoom. And the reasons are if he or she is at high risk for severe illness due to COVID-19, is a caretaker or lives in the home with someone who's at high risk,
if the member has been directed to quarantine or is in isolation for testing positive for COVID-19, or if the senator fails the temperature check for that calendar day and cannot enter the Senate facilities. If you do qualify to participate remotely, the rules ask that you submit your request for remote participation to the Secretary of the Senate and ask that that be done at least one hour prior to the Senate session. And the Secretary of the Senate will provide that request to the Pro Tem
who will make the decision on approval. Anyone who does participate remotely will be considered to count towards a quorum of the Senate but will not be eligible for per diem on that day unless the member has traveled to Little Rock from his or her home district. And then the last provision just states that the quorum that's established here does meet the constitutional requirements of meeting in the seat of government. Thank you, Ms. Thayer.
Speaker 273
1:27:25
Okay, members, again, this is for the chamber procedures, not
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
Unverified
1:27:29
the committee. We'll go over those in a minute. Are there any questions in regards to this? Senator Flowers?
Is your mic on, ma'am? I don't necessarily have a question, Mr. President, but I do
have a proposed amendment to these procedural rules. Okay, if it's okay, ma'am, let
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
Unverified
1:27:50
me get any other questions, and then I'll recognize you to come present your amendment.
Speaker 281
1:27:57
Any other questions? Senator Garner, do
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
Unverified
1:28:01
you have a question? Anyone else? Senator Flowers, if you want to come forward
Speaker 273
1:28:20
and present your amendment now, it would be
the proper time. You're recognized whenever you need to be, Senator. Thank you, Mr. President. Mr.
President, I have a proposed Senate procedural supplemental to those that were just outlined.
And I have a copy for each of the members,
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
Unverified
1:28:39
if it could be distributed. Yes, if you
don't mind, somebody with staff can pass it out. And it's
actually the same procedural, temporary procedural rule that was discussed and presented during the
Senate organizational meeting. So it should not be that foreign.
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
Unverified
1:29:06
Let's just hold up just a second and make sure all the senators have it in front of them. They need their written copy. Thank you.
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
Unverified
1:30:12
okay members uh you've heard senator flyer she said it's basically what she had printed presented in the organizational meeting if
senator flyers that's okay i will just ask you to read this yes
we'll take questions on it thank you it reads as follows due
to the current COVID-19 pandemic, all members of the Senate shall be required to wear a mask covering their
nose and nostrils and mouth at all times while in the chamber. Senators are also required to wear a mask in the quiet room and areas immediately adjacent to the Senate chamber. A senator while in the well may remove his or her mask while speaking if given permission from the presiding officer. If any member knowingly and purposely refuses to wear a mask over his or her nose
and nostrils and mouth, such refusal shall be reported to the presiding officer by any member receiving recognition. If the presiding officer determines that the member is in such non-compliance, the presiding officer shall inform the member that he or she shall forfeit that day's per diem.
for the violation subject to approval of the Senate for a second and any additional violation a member in addition to the loss of per diem shall be excluded from the next meeting of the Senate following the violation cited. Thank you, Senator Flowers. You've heard Senator Flowers read
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
Unverified
1:32:19
read what her proposed amendment is senator johnson you have a question this is substantial
Speaker 300
1:32:29
substantially the same as what you did earlier we don't know in november
Speaker 93
1:32:36
what uh in the organizational meeting what what uh what finding did you find about the per diem
being made of law or rule. As far as I can determine, I haven't done a lot of research, but I don't see anything that is contrary to the law in terms of having members per diem forfeited. Just as Ms. Garrity explained that working remotely, you forfeit your per diem.
Speaker 300
1:33:09
that's that would be that because you're not present that's right and this is a matter
of being present and this is a matter of an emergency procedure and compliance got one
Speaker 305
1:33:24
more question yes sir the uh do you feel this was is unequal unequal justice because because somebody within 50 miles has a different per diem than somebody outside of 50 miles. So this is, there's not as
much penalty inside that 50 miles as there is outside. Do you think that's fair and equal? Well, it's
not any less fair than the fact that a member that lives within 50 miles, such as myself, gets less per diem than a member that lives outside a 50 mile range. So no, I do not think it's unfair. I think the point is that I'm trying to make is that we need some
type of, I guess, how would you say some something that would impress all members, the seriousness of wearing a mask and protecting their own health as well as the health of each
other. That's my intent. Any other questions?
Speaker 307
1:34:47
Senator Hendren? Thank you, Mr. President. Yeah, I guess my question, Senator Flowers, is the second part of that where there's a violation for the second day. The member shall be excluded from the next meeting of the Senate. And this may be a question for staff is would they still be able to vote via proxy or participate remotely? because I don't have a problem with the per diem, but excluding
Speaker 308
1:35:09
their vote on issues is kind of punishing the folks of their district. I believe that I'll answer that.
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
Unverified
1:35:18
We're not going to have proxies, of course, during this regular
Speaker 307
1:35:22
session. We're going to be able to participate remotely. So would
they be able to participate remotely in this case? I don't think this would exclude
a member from participating remotely. It clearly says, well, it says excluded from the next meeting. So
you could, but I had, I don't have a problem with them working and participating remotely. Okay. Thank you.
I think the point is to impress on all of us the importance of wearing a mask and keeping each other safe. Arkansas is increasing in terms of numbers of deaths and we should all be concerned. Mr. Garner there, even though we have a rule, has no mask on. So I've
Speaker 311
1:36:16
observed that. Let's just keep it where it's
Speaker 293
1:36:19
not personal members. Well, let's talk
about policy. Okay, we'll talk about policy. Let's
do that. Thank you. And the policy is in place already. I believe that we have a requirement to wear a mask. And if some of us don't take it serious and others do, I think we need to be protected from one another, from those that don't take it serious. I take it serious. I have an aunt that's in a hospital right now with COVID. I know others that have died from COVID. Those that are
struggling from COVID. Members in this body have suffered from COVID. So I think we should be careful. And this is only a way to impress upon members, all of us, including me, the seriousness of the times that we are in. Senator Flowers, I believe we may
Speaker 315
1:37:15
have some other questions. Will you take others? Yes. Was there someone on this side? Senator Hammer? thank
you mr chair senator flowers there's no description of the mask that is expected to be
worn in your proposed change to the rules dr romero specifically said in a public health meeting on two occasions that the masks that even we're wearing in here today are not effective the gator masks this the only real effective mask is the n95 are you proposing or is there any intent later that we would have a requirement as to which kind of mask we're supposed to wear. Well, Senator Hammer,
when you look at the rules that Miss guarantee just went over,
you know, there is no description of a particular type of mask other than I believe it. I saw where it said a mask or other cloth face covering in that section 2a is required to be worn over the mouth so the the proposal that i have before you today is submitted as additional or supplemental to what we will be
considering ultimately in this body of the whole uh so in terms of the type of mask whether it's the n95 our rules don't say that but the point is to have a mask or other covering now if you want to take issue with the rules that were just gone over uh i guess you can do that but that was not my intent. My intent is just to put something in place that would, I guess, kind of make sure that
people understand the seriousness of it. And just like we do with people that break the laws that we create down here in the legislature, we penalize them. We may give them a fine. We may send them to jail or to the penitentiary. This is just a matter of forfeiting our per diem if we fail to comply with the rule of wearing a mask to keep us all protected.
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
Unverified
1:39:49
Anyone over on this side? Senator Stubblefield. Thank you,
Senator Gary Stubblefield
Unverified
1:39:54
Mr. President. Senator Flowers, have you had your vaccine? Have you taken the vaccine? The COVID vaccine? The COVID vaccine. Have you taken it? No, I have not. Okay. I
Senator Stubblefield. Okay, over here on this side, Senator Garner. Thank you,
Speaker 321
1:40:13
Mr. Chairman. Yes or no question. Can you take
Speaker 322
1:40:17
a drink with this rule if you're sitting in the chamber and take your mask off?
Yes or no? It I think you can take a drink. And as I said before
in the Senate organizational meeting, what about what about a medical condition? I have a straw and it's simple. And I noticed that Senator Rice, after being diagnosed and recovering from COVID, he uses and I've seen him
on several occasions now, slip a straw under his mask to drink whatever it is.
I understand you don't want to drink no hot coffee through no straw, but, you know, you might want to have some iced coffee some
Speaker 324
1:41:02
days. Okay, we believe that has been answered. Was
Senator Trent Garner
Unverified
1:41:04
there a follow-up? Yes, sir, I had a follow-up. What about if you have a legitimate medical reason, as our current
Senate rules prescribe? Well, the medical rules allow
Senator Trent Garner
Unverified
1:41:15
you to stay at home. Ma'am, there are scientific reasons why you may can attend but not wear a mask via the CDC and the governor's executive order. Is that in this rule as well?
Speaker 281
1:41:25
I didn't understand what he said. Do you mind repeating the question, Senator Garner? Yes,
Senator Trent Garner
Unverified
1:41:31
sir. Under the current Senate rules that we just adopted and also the CDC recommendations and also the governor's executive order, if you have a ballot health reason for not wearing a mask, you are excluded from being able to do that. I was wondering if this rule would prescribe that same kind of remedy for those who may have a ballot health reason for not wearing a mask in the chamber. I
don't know what rules you're talking about we just adopted
Speaker 322
1:41:55
because we haven't adopted any rules concerning the procedure. Excuse me, ma'am, you're correct. I mean the rules we may adopt. Excuse me on that.
Speaker 281
1:42:03
Okay. Senator, y'all raise your hands if you want to ask a question. Senator Chesterfield. That's for a committee of
Speaker 328
1:42:16
the whole. I don't believe that that would be a problem. Right. Thank you. Thank you, though, Senator.
Speaker 332
1:42:26
Okay. Any other questions? Senator Caldwell. I
Senator Ronald Caldwell
Unverified
1:42:38
was just talking to Mr. Cook about questions in flowers as to whether or not the Senate rule would override a state statute or law on the payment of the per diem. we just passed a rule that said that we'd keep our mask on at all times except when consuming food
or to try to be safe and I don't know where your amendment would take that any further other than taking the per dem away but then the question is does the Senate rule override the statute the fact that we as a committee as a whole does not control the payment of the per diem, that a higher law could possibly be violated in the fact that
our rule may not supersede state law in paying a
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
Unverified
1:43:36
I want to please correct me, Ms. Geraghty, Ms. Thayer, if we pass these procedures, there is a spot in here where it says that these would supersede our rules. However, we would have to pass this as amended before that would go into place. Any other questions? Senator Ballinger?
Speaker 336
1:44:01
So are you saying that the rules could violate Arkansas Code? Will you repeat that? Yeah, well, either or. Would the rules violate Arkansas Code? I mean, I think there may be a method, a system that you can go through efficiency to do it, But this rule itself doesn't show, it doesn't provide for a mechanism to change the per diem that is set forth in Arkansas Code. I don't know what
your point is. I don't know if that's a question or what. Well.
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
Unverified
1:44:31
If you could repeat it. Senator Ballinger, and we're practicing here a little bit today. Can you lift your mic up and hold it to your mouth? Let's try that. Well, I can take my mask off. Well, I'm not asking you to do that. Okay, members, again, it is, you all know what we're going through. It's very hard for the members to hear. It's very hard to hear up here,
for sure. So if you can, we're just going to speak as loud as we can.
Any other questions? Okay. Are you closed, Senator? Yes, I would just ask for a favorable vote,
And it's simply to supplement the other temporary emergency rules that we have before us to vote on. Thank
Speaker 341
1:45:20
you. Your motion is to pass this as amended. Yes. OK, we've had a
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
Unverified
1:45:26
motion and members, I want to say this so that everybody understands since we're in a committee of the whole,
I'm going to have to go by the vote that I hear on
Speaker 343
1:45:36
your voice. Yes, sir. Can we not speak
Chair
Unverified
1:45:52
for or against? Yeah, I mean, if you, yeah, if you want to speak for or against, you can do that, sir. I would like to speak against. Okay. Senator Clark is recognized to speak against the motion.
Senator Alan Clark
Unverified
1:46:05
Ma'am. Excuse me. Against, against the amendment. Thank you, Mr.
President, going by the rules that we're fixing to pass. May I take my mask off at
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
Unverified
1:46:24
this current time? Yes, sir. You're just six foot because I don't
Senator Alan Clark
Unverified
1:46:28
think we'll have to ask when we come down here, but this is not how I want to start off the session either.
I am concerned about Central Flowers health. I'm concerned about all of your health, as I think all of you are. Many of us have had the virus. Many of our family members have had. We know how contagious it is. We know how dangerous it is. People have different thoughts about it. I don't know. I'm not a lawyer. I haven't done any research. I have serious doubts that we can financially penalize members.
I have more serious doubts that we should. But bigger than that is we were elected to come here and debate each other. And the idea, no matter how serious this pandemic is, that any one of us should be excluded from this room.
is an idea we should not be taking up period just a few minutes ago as i was being sworn in my mask slipped down below my nose twice the first time i took my hand down pulled it up the second time i was going to and i noticed that justice kemp's had also as he was talking had slipped down below his nose and i have to tell you as serious as i take this i don't take take the mask as serious but I take your health seriously and I take your feelings seriously
but if I was alone in the quiet room and I didn't think anybody else was coming in I might take my mask off and when prosecutors start arguing the argument is not whether you intended to break the rule it's back to what the rule said did I do it on purpose yeah I did it on purpose, took my mask off. If I'm with a group of two or three people, just like when I'm with family, that I feel safe around and they feel safe around me, we might have our mask off
and somebody walks in. And so while I very much appreciate my dear friend's reasons for wanting to do this, I think it is very much the wrong thing to do. And it pains me to start off the session in disagreement with her. But this body is too important not to express that disagreement,
and I hope you will vote against this amendment. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Senator Clark. Senator Clark has spoken against
Speaker 353
1:49:12
the amendment. Do I have anyone that would like to speak for the amendment? Senator Chesterfield? Is it for? Senator
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
Unverified
1:49:21
Chesterfield will be speaking for the amendment. Thank
Senator Linda Chesterfield
Unverified
1:49:24
you, Mr. Chair. Even though the loss of per diem is something that we can quibble about. The health and safety of each other is the most important thing we have going in this session. Because if we are unable to secure our own safety and the safety of our co-workers, then we're not going to be able to do the people's business. That is what we were sent here to do, the people's business. And so we have a responsibility to keep ourselves as safe as possible. And we are indeed our brothers and
our sisters keepers here. So I would appreciate a good vote. It seems harsh, but I tell you, if we are not taking it seriously, then we deserve a harsh penalty. Thank you. I'd appreciate
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
Unverified
1:50:12
a good vote. Thank you, Senator Chesterfield. Senator Chesterfield spoke against the amendment. Anybody else want to speak for or against? Okay. Ma'am? You was for it. Anybody else want to speak?
Okay, members, again, I'll have to hear your voice vote. And what you're voting on is just the amendment. All in favor for the amendment, please say aye. Aye. All that are opposed, say no. No. I rule the no's have it.
Speaker 360
1:50:49
At this time, if you would, would you mind coming forward, Ms. Thayer, and just go over the committee procedures? Okay, members, you
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
Unverified
1:50:59
should have it at your desk, the committee procedures that we'll
be using while we're in session. And what we're trying to do is we're trying to run an identical committee procedure between the Senate and the House. If those were to get changed on either end, we will have to come up with some other procedures that will have to do with our joint committees other than joint budget. Those will have their own rules that we'll pass out or their own procedures. Ms. Thayer?
Speaker 361
1:51:34
Thank you, Senator Hickey. Jill Thayer,
Speaker 268
1:51:37
Bureau of Legislative Research. You should have in front of you Senate Resolution 1. These are the proposed procedures for the standing and select committees of the Senate. As Senator Hickey mentioned, they will also apply to joint retirement and joint energy if the House and Senate pass identical committee procedures. On page one, this lists the purpose of these rules.
The working group worked for several months to ensure that you all were able to be here and perform your constitutional responsibilities to meet in a regular session while also ensuring that the public can be here and participate in a meaningful way and hopefully protecting the health and safety of the members, the staff, and the members of the public who come. Section two is the duration. These rules, similar to your chamber rules, will last until the public health emergency is terminated or expires
or until sine die adjournment, whichever comes first. However, you can vote in this chamber to extend certain provisions of these rules or all of these rules should the public health emergency be terminated prior to the end of the session. Going to Section 5, there is a meeting schedule and room assignments established by this rule each chamber has three committee rooms that they're able to use during the session and three corresponding public comment holding rooms and
at the very back of these rules you'll see attachment a which shows the proposed meeting schedule and this section adopts that attachment by reference and the schedule as you'll see it shows that the chambers will meet in committee on Monday through Thursday you'll have a morning committee meeting then you'll go into your chamber session and then a different committee will meet in the afternoons and section six
Speaker 363
1:53:44
covers committee room health and safety requirements and these are similar
Speaker 271
1:53:49
to what we just went over with the addition that there is assigned
Speaker 268
1:53:54
seating within the committee rooms. Each committee will, once you are seated on your first meeting, you'll sit in those same seats for the duration of the session. Each room has a marked off section for two to three members of the media, for members who are waiting to present their bills that are not members
of the committee, state agency staff, and the members of the public who are there to testify on the bill that's currently being heard by the committee. There's a mask requirement. It is identical to the one that was just dealt with in your chamber with the same exceptions for speaking directly into the microphone, maintaining physical distance of six feet or more, consuming food or drink, or medical conditions. There's a physical distancing requirement.
all the committee rooms have been set up where the chairs are currently spaced to ensure physical distancing, and one of the duties of your tan coats in those committee rooms is going to be to help make sure that those chairs stay where they are placed. Every individual who enters the Capitol or the Big Mac building will have to go through the health screening that you've all been dealing with during the interim, and everyone in both buildings will receive a band that will match each day that will allow them admittance to the committee rooms and the public comment holding
rooms. And then there is a provision here where, and we went over this with your chairs and vice chairs, that the chair will ask for everyone to remove their own trash from the committee room before they leave. And then the security for these rooms is going to be provided in the senate by your tan codes. There will be a tan code in each committee room and public comment holding room to help ensure the following of these health and safety provisions.
On the next, section 7, which is on pages 3 and 4, you'll see some differences with how committee agendas are going to be prepared. The purpose of this was to provide predictability to the public every day of what they can expect to see when they come to the Capitol for a committee meeting. When a bill is filed and then referred to committee, it will now go on to what's called the referred items list. Each committee will have one of these. As a committee chair is creating their agenda for their next meeting,
the bills will be pulled from that referred items list. So as a sponsor of a bill, it will be your obligation to contact the chair of the committee to which your bill has been referred. and there will be three areas on each agenda where a bill could be placed. The regular agenda, those will be the bills taken up that day. The consent agenda, this is a new item and that is for bills that have no known opposition and then deferred bills which is something that you're
used to seeing on your agendas. The primary sponsor will contact the committee chair and let the chair know that they are ready to have their bill placed on the regular agenda. They will try to give the chair information about the bill to help them create that agenda, including an estimate of how long you think your bill will take in committee, how many witnesses you plan to bring with you, and whether or not your bill is considered controversial. And then you'll work
with the chair on a specific date that you can appear in that committee to present your bill. The chair will then work with committee staff to create an agenda for the next meeting. If you feel that your bill has no known opposition, this is primarily thinking of technical corrections bills, that type of thing, you can ask that it be placed on the consent agenda. the way that this will happen is at the beginning of each committee meeting that
there's a new consent agenda item the chair will direct the attention of the committee members to the consent agenda and just state without objection these items are added to the consent agenda if one member objects then that is known opposition to the bill and the bill will go back to the referred items list and then the sponsor will just need to work to get on the
Speaker 361
1:58:25
regular agenda with the chair the committee agendas this
Speaker 268
1:58:28
time under these rules you'll see under section D must be posted at least 18 hours prior to the meeting so for
example if you're going to have your first committee meeting at 10 o'clock this Wednesday those will need to be posted by 4 o'clock tomorrow so Senator Hickey asked that I just mentioned that it but if you want to be heard then you might start contacting chairs once the bills are referred if you work with the chair to be placed on an agenda and you may also tell the chair if someone else is going to come and present for you and then you or your designee do not appear at the committee meeting the first time that happens your
bill will just be pulled and put back on the referred items list and you'll just need to work with the chair again to be on a regular agenda if this occurs three times your bill will be put on the deferred list and then the provisions that apply to move from deferred back to regular will apply which are the same as they've always been and this does apply to bills and resolutions just for your information and the 18-hour rule is the only provision of these rules that may
be suspended by the committee two-thirds of the committee may vote to suspend that 18-hour rule in order to more expediently take up a bill. The remainder of these rules can only be suspended by the chamber. Section 8 on page 6 deals with public participation. Only members of the public who are present to testify on the bill that is currently being heard will be in the committee room. Once a bill is finished, then the chair will ask those
individuals to exit the committee room and the tan coat that's in there will call down to the public comment holding room and ask the next group to be sent down so in that way hopefully the public everyone who wants to
Speaker 269
2:00:23
testify will be able to be there without overflowing those rooms agency
Speaker 268
2:00:28
personnel and members of the media who wish to be in the committee rooms will have designated seating and they can stay throughout the committee meeting and the public Public comment holding rooms are subject to the same health and safety requirements
as the committee rooms, and they also have limited seating. Those will be monitored by your tan coats. There will be two opportunities for the public to sign in if they wish to speak on a bill. We are posting public comment sign-in sheets on the website with the agendas. Those will remain up and available for people to sign up for up to two hours prior to the meeting at that point our staff will pull the sign-up sheet and print it and
bring it to the committee meeting we'll also still have physical sign-up sheets outside the committee rooms just as we always have under these rules lobbyists are defined as members of the public and will follow the same rules as every other member of the public and there is also a provision here for additional public seating within the Capitol. Up on the fourth floor, the Secretary of State has set up seating, and individuals who enter the building who may not necessarily be signed up to testify
but do want to be here for whatever reason to meet with you or other reasons can be seated up there. Section 9 on page 7 deals with remote participation. The first provision is regarding members, and it's the same as what I just described to you for the chamber. There are those five reasons why a member of the committee may participate remotely. However, under these rules, if a member of the committee wishes to participate remotely,
the rule requires that you notify or ask for approval with the Secretary of the Senate, who will send it to the Pro Tem by 4 o'clock p.m. the day before your committee meeting. This will allow staff to have time to set up the Zoom and make sure that everyone is ready for the remote participation. Obviously, if you're stopped on your way into the building and you don't pass the health screening, that's the one exception to that 4 o'clock p.m. deadline. And this, a member who participates remotely, just as we said with the chamber, will count towards the quorum.
and the member is required to be seen and heard while participating so zoom is the method of remote participation that's been chosen however you'll see at section 6a here there is a provision that if the member is unintentionally disconnected you lose your ability to reconnect via zoom and you want to continue participating in the meeting you will need to call the chair of that committee and let them know that you're having that difficulty the chair will
then put it to the committee to take a vote and determine whether or not to allow the member to participate only by being heard and that would be via phone call if that is allowed it will only be for that particular meeting at which the vote is taken and not for all subsequent committee meetings this actually does also allow for remote participation you'll see at subsection B there on page 8 of agency personnel. The provision for this is more limited than for a member
of the committee. Agency personnel will be allowed to testify via Zoom only if he or she was requested by the committee to testify that day and they are unable to do so because they are either in quarantine as a close contact or in isolation because they've tested positive or if they failed the health screening that day. I think that that covers all
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
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2:04:29
And of course this is the training that the chairs and the vice-chairs that we had went through. So, Senator Johnson, I'll go first with you and then come to Senator Teeke. Senator Johnson? Yes, sir. Yes,
Senator Mark Johnson
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2:04:50
sir. Senator, thank you for the work you've done on this. We discussed it in the meeting you had for the chairs and vice chairs. I had recommended a change related to if a remote connection was lost.
I believe this is covered in Section 9, and on page 8, I believe that would be 6A and B. Is that the information, the section that I requested? Now, the one thing I noticed that it would require a vote by the committee to, I guess, reinstate the connection by, say, cell phone from a remote member. So that would actually require a vote. Is that correct? Yes, sir. It would not be the discretion of the chair?
No, sir. It's going to be the committee. I can live with that. I don't want us to exclude some senator for a technical difficulty. So I'm confident that our colleagues will allow that. But I appreciate you adding that. That's the only question I had, Mr. Chairman. Thank
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
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2:05:48
you. Thank you, Senator Johnson. Senator Feig, you were up next, and then I'm going to go to
Senator Flowers. Thank you, sir. Yes, sir. And mine is almost on the point of a comment, because I discussed this when we had our chairman's meeting.
I worry that we are going to limit the voice of the people, because they're not going to be able to get in or out or whatever to comment. We're calling lobbyists people. Isn't that right, Ms. Sarah? Yes, sir. So I figure the lobbyists are going to figure it out real quick, know how to get in and out, and they're going to be where they want to be. And I'm concerned that people who drive up from Nashville or Texas County or wherever to comment on a bill won't figure it out and won't get in
or will be way down the list and it'll wind up before then. I just hope that we'll all commit to making sure that if people have come to talk that they'll get a chance to talk because we don't, I think, want to deny the people their voice. And wouldn't you agree, sir? Yes, sir, I would. The
Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr)
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2:06:58
only thing that is, we've actually, that's why we've developed it this way. And we're
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
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2:07:03
going to have staff in the halls that are going to help direct members of the public that may have traveled here.
You know, the one thing, we're going to make every attempt, as we always have, to allow all public to speak. But just because you're signed up, that doesn't guarantee it. I don't want to mislead anybody, because if we get five or six hundred people here to speak against something, we may not be able to allow them all. So let me say it that way.
I just think it's important that at least a representative of
the people gets a chance to talk. And again, calling lobbyist people, I'm not sure is the right way to handle it,
because I think that just lets me in no matter what. But we can start out this way, and we can always come back and
Speaker 121
2:07:52
discuss it. Yes, sir. And I've never been sure they were people. We
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
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2:07:59
refer to them as public. Thank you. Thank you.
Anybody? Senator Flowers, you're recognized, ma'am. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. I'm looking on page two, section one.
Two, section one? One, it's section one, number six, under section one on page two. It deals with failure to comply with these health and safety requirements. And it says that the failure of a member to abide by these health and safety requirements, they call them not to be recognized by a chair. And then if they continue with the violations, it can result in discipline by the members' respective chamber.
What is contemplated in terms of discipline by the respective chambers? And I had asked
Ms. Thayer to do it. This body always, of course, has the discretion to discipline one of their members.
Senator Jim Hendren
Unverified
2:09:05
So we already have those in place. I'd ask Ms. Thayer to pull those, and if you have them with
Speaker 268
2:09:15
you, you can present that. Yes, ma'am. Under the Constitution, Article 5, Section 12, the Senate has the— Yes, ma'am. Under the Arkansas Constitution, Article 5, Section 12, the Senate has the power to discipline its members.
No specific disciplinary action is listed there other than up to expulsion, which requires two-thirds vote of the Senate. However, I would point you to Senate Rule 24, your ethics provisions, which does list a variety of punishments or penalties that the Senate can impose, beginning with a letter of caution and going all the way up to expulsion. So I think it's the determination of the chamber, but that's not lined out in this rule. So
what you're saying that it could include loss of per diem. Is that right?
Speaker 268
2:10:03
Under the Constitution, I think that could be an option you could look at. Thank
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
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2:10:14
you. Any other questions, comments, members, in regards to our committee procedures? Senator Clark? Yes, and may I
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
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2:10:25
We're having a hard time hearing anybody, so just as loud as you can do it. I believe as long as you're six foot, then you're fine, sir. And
again, we're about to pass all of this, or hopefully we are.
Senator Alan Clark
Unverified
2:10:38
First of all, thank you all for all of your work. You've done a very good job and much better than I would have done. I had a couple of concerns. One's page seven.
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
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2:10:49
Hey, Senator Clark, if I may, members, I know it's normally that we rise to speak. Is any member object if Senator Clark were to sit down so
that he could speak into the mic? If, without objection, if you don't mind, maybe that'll help. Can you hear me?
Senator Alan Clark
Unverified
2:11:09
It is somewhat better, yes, sir. Doesn't come any closer than that. Page seven, number nine, remote participation. And I may just be missing something here, but I want to be sure. Is it covered here if you wake up in the morning and are running a temperature? you didn't know at 4 o'clock the day before, do you have to get dressed and come over for a temperature check or drive in for a temperature check?
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
Unverified
2:11:44
So I believe it's, yes, sir, it's on
page 8. I believe that's line 7. If you're planning to be physically present, even if
you walk in the door and you have a temperature at that time,
then at that point, then you would be able to participate remotely. But I'm talking about all of us
Senator Alan Clark
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2:12:07
know what it's like to go to bed fine and wake up in the morning very ill.
In that case, you have not got an official health screening and you didn't call in at four the day before. And so my concern is that we don't leave a loophole where somebody's really sick and can't participate. If a member wakes
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
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2:12:37
up and he's running a temperature, whether or not you've taken that temperature at our door or at your house,
I would think this body that we would say that both of those would apply. Okay. It is a good point, Senator. I appreciate you bringing it
Senator Alan Clark
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2:12:55
up. Thank you. Like I said, I'm sorry I have not brought these up before, and y'all have done a great job. My second concern is on page 9, number 10, the suspension of the rules. Okay, members, Senator
Speaker 393
2:13:08
Clark is talking about page 9 under number 10. Is that correct?
Senator Alan Clark
Unverified
2:13:19
that starts. Well, Senator Tigg brought up
public participation, which I think, you know, which pains me, and I think it also pains most of this body, that that's going to be more difficult. Also, as hard as y'all worked on this, we're going to find week one, week two, as in any battle plan, that there are things that need to be changed.
The two-thirds vote of the membership, I see no reason for it to be that high. I see that reason for a lot of other things, and I understand what was— but since this is going to be something we've never faced before, I think a barrier for 18 senators being able to say, hey, this needs to be changed, and especially we have people sick or quarantined, et cetera, that can't be here, 18 votes can be hard to it could be hard to get so anyway not because I've done
this last minute I'm not expecting naturally anyone to do anything but I think it's a valid concern That's going to be your question. Thank you, Senator Clark. Thank you.
Speaker 401
2:14:43
Senator Hammer. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Point of clarification. We have not adopted the temporary emergency procedures yet, have we? I know. No,
Speaker 402
2:14:49
no, sir. All we all we could do in the committee of the whole was to vote, vote on the amendment.
OK, so with regards to the temporary emergency procedures. Are those now in place, or is there still opportunity for discussion on those? Right now, we're discussing the committee. I understand that, but we have not taken action on the temporary emergency procedures other than we voted down Senator Flowers' amendment. That is correct. At an appropriate time, if loud, I'd like to ask Jill a question about the temporary emergency powers, please.
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
Unverified
2:15:31
Okay, for the chamber, correct? Sir. For the chamber? For the chamber. Okay. Members, right now we're
Speaker 321
2:15:42
still discussing the committee. I will come back to that, Senator Hammer. For the committee, I
think Senator Irvin and then Senator Elliott. Senator Irvin, you're recognized. Thank you. On page six under F, is that the two-thirds of the membership of the committee that it means the committee that's considering the bills,
not the committee of the whole of the Senate. Is that correct? Yes, I am. Okay, and then my second question is, what about amendments, and you, I think, said this, is what you said about amendments that substantially change the language or the intention of the bill itself, will those be considered, or does that move back to the referred list? I understand if it's an amendment that just, If an amendment is presented in the committee and the amendment is beyond just adding a co-sponsor, but it's an amendment that, you know, greatly changes the language of the bill, how is that going to be handled?
And you're referring to a bill that is
on the consent agenda? On the consent agenda, if a bill is on the consent agenda and it's being considered and the sponsor presents an amendment that dramatically changes the bill or changes it in any way other than adding a co-sponsor, is there anything in this that deals with that? because of the public participation and the notice and the scheduling of bills and the great links that we're trying to go to to make sure that the public is aware of what the bill says,
is there anything in here that addresses that instance? There's
nothing that directly deals with an amendment. However, if a member of the committee at that point did object to
Speaker 268
2:17:25
continuing with it as a consent agenda item, it would have to be pulled under these rules and go back to the referred items list. So that
Speaker 332
2:17:37
would be the only safeguard there. Okay. Thank
Senator Joyce Elliott
Unverified
2:17:41
you, Senator. Senator Elliott? Thank you, Mr. Chair. I think part of my concern might have been part of the question from Senator Irvin.
And if it were, if it's answered, just tell me and I will get the answer from somebody else because we don't have to belabor this. But I was trying
to figure out and make sure I understand, if we want to reconsider any one of these rules, what's the process for doing that? We can
Speaker 413
2:18:11
make an amendment to this. No, no, I'm
Senator Joyce Elliott
Unverified
2:18:14
sorry. I don't mean now. I'm sorry.
I don't mean making a change right now. But we can make an amendment. Is that on the floor? Is that on the rules committee?
Speaker 398
2:18:24
it would take two-thirds to consider it. Is
Speaker 121
2:18:29
that right, Mr. Cook? For us at a later date to reconsider something, if we see something's
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
Unverified
2:18:36
not going to work, does that take two-thirds of this body to consider it?
Senator Joyce Elliott
Unverified
2:18:46
What I wanted to find out, I got the two-thirds. Do we bring it back to this
body? Do we introduce something here in this body, or is there some other procedure?
Speaker 332
2:18:59
What do I actually do? Can you hear? Senator, I'm going
Senator Joyce Elliott
Unverified
2:19:10
to be honest. I can't hear your question either. Okay. If I want to make two
weeks down the road, we decide we
want to make a change to the rules. What is the actual procedure for proposing that? Is it here in this body? Submit something to somebody else.
That's what I just want to know. How do you do it? That's going to be
Speaker 416
2:19:39
the Senate's procedure. Wanting how we would do it, we'd just bring it up in the chamber.
Speaker 16
2:19:54
I think we're going to have a change. Sure. Put it on the calendar, calendar event, that you're going to have to make a motion to amend the rules.
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
Unverified
2:20:01
Just as normal, Mr. Cook's saying, well, we could do it one or two ways. You could either make a motion in here, any sender could, to suspend those for us to reconsider them, or we can put it on the calendar. It's just whatever would work best for you.
Okay. Thank you. Yes, ma'am. Thank you, Senator. Senator Clark?
Senator Alan Clark
Unverified
2:20:23
At the proper time, I would like to make a motion to amend these rules. Okay.
Speaker 332
2:21:08
Okay. Senator Clark, I'll come back to you on that. Senator Hammer, I do remember you want to
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
Unverified
2:21:17
go back to the other one. Okay, members, in regards to the committee, do we have any other
Speaker 315
2:21:28
questions, comments on it? Senator Clark, I'm going to go ahead and recognize you for the committee, but I want to make a statement first. We do have this as a Senate resolution, so any action that we do as it relates to that,
we are then going to read that across the desk, and then that will be adopted as it was amended in here. So does anybody have
Speaker 311
2:21:52
any questions on that? Is everybody clear? Senator Teague, do you have any questions? Mr. President, is this the one that we're doing identical
to the House? It's the one that we were trying to, yes, sir. Well, it seems to me if we amend it, that's going to kind of upset the apple cart. Yes,
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
Unverified
2:22:14
sir, it will. Of course, if they amend it at that end, it's going to upset it also.
Speaker 427
2:22:19
Thank you. But Senator Clark has asked for recognition. Mr.
Senator Alan Clark
Unverified
2:22:27
President, I would propose and make a motion that we amend page 9, number 10. The next
to the last one, that's line 16. The rules may only be suspended, currently it says by a two-thirds vote.
i would i would make a motion that we change that two-thirds to majority all right members did everybody in here hear uh senator
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
Unverified
2:23:01
clark's motion is there any discussion in regards to that anybody want to speak for or against it okay so
what we're going to send her this way i mean i i guess i'm i don't know if i'm for
Senator Jonathan Dismang
Unverified
2:23:24
or against i would just say my concern would be and it goes back to what senator teague uh had mentioned and really you know while i you know support the what you know in theory what Senator Flowers is working on. I mean, I think it's important that we have rules that mirror across the Capitol between the chambers. You guys have done a ton of work to make that work out and to kind of get us to the point where we are. As you stated, that could be changed on the other end and it may not matter, but I mean, I do
think there should be a higher threshold to change these if they were going to be changed and one that should be similar on both sides. So that would be my point on changing the vote threshold. I understand that we may need to make adjustments. I expect that they will, and I think there'll be a willingness in the chamber to do that when necessary. But with that, like I said, I'd support the
Speaker 430
2:24:14
higher threshold to change. Thank you, Senator Dismay. Any other comments? A few quos, sir?
Senator Alan Clark
Unverified
2:24:27
I would just say that Senator Dismay makes good points. Y'all worked
really hard on this. and I hate to make an amendment last minute, I hate to make an amendment without y'all having seen it and had time to study it. I just think it's important enough, and you may not but I think it's important enough that we should at least take it up and you can vote however you think we should do it. I think the threshold should be lower. I appreciate you. Not a good
vote, vote your conscience. Vote what you think is
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
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2:25:02
going to be best for the Senate. Members, if we don't pass, and Senator Clark, you okay with me talking? I don't want
to get us out of order, but this is a little bit different time. Just what this will do, if either we change it or the House changes these identical rules, what we will have to do is we will have to make changes for joint energy and retirement.
so that we'll have substantially the same rules within there so we're going to have to make separate rules for those two committees so that is what if if the house doesn't change theirs to the majority or if they change it any other way we're going to have to we will have to do that i hope that's clear senator t it seems to me if
it's important that we continue on and we all match. A simple vote of 18 would suspend the rules, and you've got to have 18 if you're
going to pass what you want to do anyway. So I'm not sure that much matters
Speaker 315
2:26:15
in the great scheme of things. Anyway, thank you, sir. All right. Senator Clark's motion is to change
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
Unverified
2:26:24
that in 10, suspension of the rules from two-thirds to a majority of the membership of the Senate. Correct,
Senator Clark? Okay, so we'll be voting on just Senator Clark's amendment and his motion was to do that.
All in favor of Senator Clark's motion, please indicate by saying aye. All opposed, say no. No. That does not carry. Thank
Speaker 315
2:26:54
you. Okay, Senator Hamer, you have requested to go back to our discussion on the chamber
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
Unverified
2:27:01
procedures, is that correct? Yes, sir, please. Okay, members, we're back to the chamber procedures. Mr. Chair, may
Speaker 437
2:27:10
I ask Jill a question or Marty a question, please?
Yes, sir. Just try to speak up. Well, and that's my point, Mr. Chair. Jill, the decision to not allow, well, let me get it this way. If I remember right, ALC rules
allow that if we're sitting at our desk and we're behind the shield, that we can take our mask off to ask the question and then we're to put it back on. Is my memory correct on that? Yes, sir.
Speaker 365
2:27:44
If you're speaking into the microphone, you don't have to have the mask on.
Speaker 241
2:27:48
Okay. So where did it come from? We've got a
difference of rules. If we're over there in Big Mac A, then it's one set of rules. But we are passing rules here as far as the temporary emergency procedures that we can't take our mask off if we're here. And I'm just wondering why the discrepancy, because as I read the rule on mask requirement, like right now, according to this rule,
I can't take my mask off because I'm within three feet of Senator Beckham here. And I'm just wondering what formulated the idea as to why I couldn't take
Speaker 366
2:28:33
a question. Actually, this mask requirement at Section 2A does allow you to remove your mask when you're speaking directly into the microphone. So right now, I could
take my mask. because we've had some back and forth, I just want clarity.
I could take my mask off now, even though I'm within three feet of Senator Beckham here, but as long as I'm behind the shield, I can take my mask off
Speaker 365
2:29:01
to talk. Yes, sir. This actually doesn't make any reference to your plexiglass shields in the masking requirement rule. All right.
So now I can take my mask off or we can be heard a little bit better because I just wanted to bring clarity. And, Mr. Chair, that's my point. of the conversation is there's been some back and forth so from now on unless i'm told differently
if i'm in the shield here it's okay for me to take my mask off to ask my questions yes sir
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
Unverified
2:29:25
and i believe as we did with senator clark it's probably going to be more effective as whenever even though that's not the way that we've always done it that we may have to remain seated so we can be close to the microphone and possibly be safer anyway since we'll be behind behind the All right. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, Jill. Okay. Anything else, members?
Okay. With that, Senator Hill. Secretary, please read Senate Resolution 1 for the first and second time, refer to the calendar.
Speaker 161
2:30:35
Senate Resolution 1 by Senator Hickey to adopt rules of procedure for committees of the Senate of the 93rd General Assembly of the State of Arkansas, Senate Resolution 1. Calendar. Senator Hickey is
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
Unverified
2:31:11
recognized. Senate resolution 1, I guess members
first, we need to suspend the rules.
Speaker 448
2:31:21
All those in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed? Ayes have it. Rule suspended.
Speaker 161
2:31:25
Senate resolution 1 by Senator Hickey to adopt rules of procedure for the committees in the senate for the 93rd general assembly okay members you've heard all that all discussion
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
Unverified
2:31:34
i'd appreciate a good vote all those in favor say aye aye opposed ayes have it
Chair
Unverified
2:31:40
resolutions adopted okay now we're going to do the procedures
Speaker 16
2:31:56
anybody who's going to handle this senator And yeah, we will right
Speaker 427
2:32:02
after that we do that. Now, regarding the temporary
Speaker 451
2:32:06
emergency procedures, the Arkansas Senate, all
those in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed? No. Ayes have it. Procedures adopted.
Chair
Unverified
2:32:24
Senator Johnson, I believe, has the medical professional
doctor of the day. Is that correct? Yes, sir.
Speaker 304
2:32:34
Senator, I appreciate it. I want to announce the doctor of the day. It's Dr. J. Lee Kuhn. He resides in Poconis. He practices in Wynn, emergency medicine. And the nurse of the day is Brenda Hewitt. Is that right? R.N. I appreciate y'all, and please give them a hand.
Senator Teague is recognized. Thank you, sir. Question of the secretary. These cookies, they weren't a gift. I'm ready to eat mine, but they weren't a gift from somebody that would make it an illegal contribution, are they? Every desk has got one
Speaker 416
2:33:29
on it. Senator Hickey. Those cookies were made by a young girl in my district that's 13 years old, so don't want anybody involved. Shouldn't count.
Okay. Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr., President of the Senate, appoints the following members to notify the Honorable Asa Hutchison, Governor of the
Great State of Arkansas, that the Senate is organized and
ready for business. Senator Keith Ingram, Senator Scott Flippo, and Senator Terry Rice. Senator Jimmy
Hickey, Jr., President and Pro-Tip of the Senate, appoints the following members
Chair
Unverified
2:34:10
who will be serving in their last General Assembly in the state of Arkansas to notify the house of representatives
that the senate is organized and ready for business senator cecile bledsoe
Speaker 448
2:34:31
senator joyce elliott senator larry teague okay now we will move to house house concurrent resolution
Speaker 161
2:34:45
1001. House concurrent resolution 1001 from the House for a virtual joint session of the
House of Representatives and the Senate at 1030 Tuesday, January 12, 2021, to declare election results and to hear an address by the Honorable Asa Hutchison, Governor of the State of Arkansas. The House Concurrent Resolution
1001. Calendar. We're going to move to the introduction of... Suspended
vote. Senator Hickey is recognized on House Concurrent Resolution 1001.
Speaker 426
2:35:27
Yes, we just need to suspend the rules. All those in
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
Unverified
2:35:34
favor say aye. Aye. Opposed. Ayes have it. Rules two. Okay. I would appreciate a good
Speaker 161
2:35:42
vote to adopt that so we can get it sent back to the House. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed. House concurrent resolution 1001 by Representative Shepard for a virtual joint session of the House of Representatives in the Senate at 1030 a.m. Tuesday, January 12, 2021, to declare election results and to hear an address by the governor.
Speaker 160
2:35:57
Without objection, we will now go over the introduction of the Senate
Speaker 161
2:36:18
bills. Senate Concurrent Resolution 1 by Senator T, to request that the Arkansas State Social Security Administrator hold a referendum to determine whether a majority of the
members of the General Assembly desire full Social Security coverage. Senate Concurrent Resolution 1. Senate Concurrent Resolution 2 by Senator Dan Sullivan to terminate the public health and disaster emergency and the declaration of the State of Arkansas as a disaster area under Executive Order 2037 and Executive order 2051 public health senate bill one by senate efficiency an act for the expenses of the arkansas
senate of the 93rd general assembly appropriation for the 2021 fiscal year Senate Bill 1, joint budget, calendar, calendar, it doesn't go to joint budget, it
Speaker 468
2:37:13
says joint budget. That's a stand bill, how you session
Speaker 176
2:37:17
4, it always goes with calendars. Oh, hold on. Hold on. Let's hold on. Okay. Okay.
Speaker 423
2:37:30
That's what you said. I haven't told you. I haven't told you.
Speaker 161
2:38:04
Senate Bill 2 by Senator Hendren, to create an earned income tax credit, an increased
standard deduction, and an individual income tax reduction, and to provide funding for the income tax reductions through new taxes on cigarettes and e-cigarettes, Senate Bill 2. Revenant Times Senate Bill 3 by Senator Hendren Creating a sentence enhancement for certain offenses committed against a person due to the person's attributes and to require an annual report concerning the Commission of Hate Crimes in Arkansas Senate Bill 3 Judiciary Senate Bill 4 by Senator Sample
To amend the law concerning disability retirement employer accumulation accounts and employer contributions under the Arkansas Local Police and Fire Retirement System to declare an emergency, Senate Bill 4. Comment. Senate Bill 5 by Senator Sample to amend the law concerning reciprocal service credit, benefits, rights, and deferred retirement under the Arkansas Local Police and Fire Retirement System and declared emergency, Senate Bill 5. Comment.
Senate Bill 6 by Senator Rayford to create the Arkansas Unborn Child Protection Act. Senate Bill 6. Public health. Senate Bill 7 by Senator Sample to amend the law concerning deferred retirement option plans and Internal Revenue Code qualified plans of fireman's relief and pension funds and policeman's pension and relief funds to declare an emergency. Senate Bill 7. Senate Bill 8 by Senator Mark Johnson to name the Visitor's Center in Pettyjean State Park
and to honor Dr. T.W. Hardison, Senate Bill 8. Ayer, Coach. Senate Bill 9 by Senator Stubberfield to amend the law concerning taxes and fees applicable to car wash operators and to repeal the fee levied on car wash operators based on water usage, Senate Bill 9. Revenue tax. Senate Bill 10 by Senator Wallace to create the Working Taxpayer Relief Act, Senate Bill 10. Revenue tax. Senate Bill 11 by Senator Sullivan to allow Arkansas corporations and Arkansas banks
to hold annual or special shareholder meetings remotely and declare an emergency. Senate Bill 11. Sheriff's College. Senate Bill 12 by Senator Sullivan to amend election law to create modified election procedures during an emergency declared under the Arkansas Emergency Services Act of 1973 and declare an emergency. Senate Bill 12. State agency. Senate Bill 13 by Senator Sullivan to codify Executive Orders 2018 and 2034 to ensure health care professionals are equipped with the tools necessary to combat COVID-19 and declare an emergency.
Senate Bill 13. Public Health. Senate Bill 14 by Senator Sullivan, to regulate the witnessing of certain documents by a notary public under certain circumstances to declare an emergency. Senate Bill 14. Public Health. Senate Bill 15 by Senator Sullivan, to amend the Arkansas Emergency Services Act of 1973 concerning the suspension of regulatory statutes, orders, or rules during an emergency and declare an emergency. Senate Bill 15. Public Health. Senate Bill 16 by Senator Sullivan, to amend certain provisions of initiating Act 4 of 1949, declaring an emergency, Senate Bill 16.
Public Health. Senate Bill 17 by Senator Sullivan, concerning business liability for a person exposed to COVID-19, declaring an emergency, Senate Bill 17. Public Health. Senate Bill 18 by Senator Clark, to amend the law concerning child custody and visitation, Senate Bill 18. Senate Bill 19 by Senator Clark to authorize the presence of a support person for a patient in a hospital or physician's office and concerning visitation rights
of patients in hospitals and physician's offices, Senate Bill 19 Senate Bill 20 by Senator Wallace to amend the law concerning vacancy, suspension, and removal procedures for county elective, county quorum court district, and township officers Senate Bill 20. City County Loughlin. Senate Bill 21 by Senator Wallace to exclude mill, mill scale and slag from the definition of solid waste in the Solid Waste Management Act
and the Solid Waste Management and Recycling Fund Act and to add a definition for mill, scale and slag. Senate Bill 21. Senate Bill 22 by Senator Irving to modify the application process for certification to practice as an orthodic assistant, orthodic process assistant, or process assistant, Senate Bill 22. Public Health. Senate Bill 23 by Senator Blake Johnson to establish the Electric Cooperative Corporation
Speaker 467
2:43:12
Self-Regulation Act of 2021, Senate Bill 23. Assurance Commodore. Symbol 24
Speaker 161
2:43:21
by Senator Ballinger, concerning the defense of a person with the use of fiscal force or deadly fiscal force, Symbol 24. Judge Sherry. Symbol 25 by Senator Sturge, to amend the law concerning limitation on school choice transfers under the Public School Choice Act of 2015, Symbol 25.
Speaker 141
2:43:44
Education. Senate Bill 26 by Senator Sturge to amend the law concerning the reduced sales and use tax rate for utilities used by manufacturers and to apply a reduced sales and use tax rate to sales of coal for use in manufacturing, Senate Bill 26. Senate Bill 27
Speaker 161
2:44:05
by Senator Garner to ensure that the suicide prevention hotline employs individuals who have experience working with veterans, Senate Bill 27.
Public Health. Senate Bill 28 by Senator Garner. To make rape of a child by forcible compulsion a capital offense, Senate Bill 28. Judiciary. Senate Bill 29 by Senator Garner. To make trafficking a capital offense concerning capital offenses and concerning federal offenses, Senate Bill 29. Judiciary. Senate Bill 30 by Senator English to amend the law concerning professional services contracts and outside vendors, Senate Bill 30.
State agencies. Senate Bill 31 by Senator English to amend the components of a college and career readiness assessment, Senate Bill 31. Education. Senate Bill 32 by Senator English to authorize a retail liquor permit holder to deliver alcoholic beverages directly to a consumer. Senate Bill 32. City County Local. Senate Bill 33 by Senator English to amend provisions of the Arkansas Code concerning the interstate compact educational opportunity for military children.
Senate Bill 33. Education. Senate Bill 34 by Senator English to amend the law concerning compensation for teachers in the National Guard Youth Challenge Program. Senate Bill 34. Education. Senate Bill 35 by Senator English to amend the law concerning tuition benefits for soldiers and airmen of the Arkansas National Guard and to allow a temporary waiver of the completion of the initial active duty training requirements. Senate Bill 35.
Education. Senate Bill 36 by Joint Budget Committee, an act for the Department of Transformation and Shared Services, Building Authority Division Appropriation for the 2021-2022 fiscal year, Senate Bill 36. Joint Budget. You want to read
Speaker 489
2:46:22
a minute? Okay. Senate Bill 37 by joint budget, the Arkansas Catfish Promotion Board Appropriation for 21-22, Senate Bill 37.
Joint budget. Senate Bill 38 by joint budget for the Department of Human Services Division of Aging, Adult and Behavioral Health Services Appropriation for 21-22, Senate Bill 38. Joint budget. Senate Bill 39 by joint budget, Arkansas Beef Council Appropriation for 2021-22, fiscal year, Senate Bill 39. Joint budget. Senate Bill 40 by Joint Budget. The Department of Human Services, Division of Children and Family Services Appropriation for 2122. Senate Bill 40. Joint Budget. Senate Bill 41 by Joint Budget. Department of Human Services, Division of Youth Services Appropriation for 2122 Fiscal Year.
Senate Bill 41. Joint Budget. Senate Bill 42 by Joint Budget. For the Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission Appropriation for 2021-22 Fiscal Year, Senate Bill 42. Joint Budget. Senate Bill 43 by joint budget for the Department of Education, Division of Public, School, Academic, Facilities, and Transportation Appropriation for 21-22 fiscal year. Senate Bill 43. Joint budget. Senate Bill 44 by joint budget for the Arkansas Ethics Commission Appropriation for 21-22 fiscal year. Senate Bill 44.
Joint budget. Senate Bill 45 by joint budget for the Department of Energy and Environment, Arkansas Geological Survey Appropriation for 21-22 fiscal year. Senate Bill 45. Joint budget. Senate Bill 46 by Joint Budget for the Department of Transformation and Shared Services, Arkansas Geographic Information Systems Office Appropriation for 21-22 Fiscal Year, Senate Bill 46. Joint Budget. Senate Bill 47 by Joint Budget for the Department of Labor and Licensing, Workers, Compensation Commission, Appropriation for 21-22 Fiscal Year, Senate Bill 47. Joint Budget.
Senate Bill 48 by Joint Budget for the Department of Energy and Environment, Liquefied Petroleum, Grass, Gas Board Appropriation for 21-22 Fiscal Year, Senate Bill 48. Joint Budget. Senate Bill 49 by Joint Budget. An act for the Arkansas Minority Health Initiative of the Department of Health, Arkansas Minority Health Commission Appropriation for the 21-22 fiscal year. Senate Bill 49. Joint Budget. Senate Bill 50 by Joint Budget. The Arkansas Teacher Retirement System Appropriation for the 21-22 fiscal year. Senate Bill 50. Joint Budget.
Senate Bill 51 by Joint Budget for the Department of Veterans Affairs Appropriation for the 21-22 fiscal year. Senate Bill 51. Joint Budget. Senate Bill 52 by joint budget for the Department of Health, Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Commission, appropriation for the 21-22 fiscal year, Senate Bill 52. Joint budget. Senate Bill 53 by joint budget for the Department of Health, Arkansas Minority Health Commission, appropriation for 21-22 fiscal year, Senate Bill 53. Joint budget. Senate Bill 54 by joint budget for the Department of Commerce, State Insurance Department,
appropriation for the 21-22 fiscal year, Senate Bill 54. Joint budget. Senate Bill 55, for the Department of Human Services Division of Medical Services Appropriation, for the 21-22 fiscal year, Senate Bill 55. Joint Budget. Senate Bill 56, by Joint Budget, for the Department of Human Services Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education Appropriation, for the 21-22 fiscal year, Senate Bill 56. Joint Budget. Senate Bill 57, by Joint Budget, for the Department of Human Services Division of Developmental Disability Service Appropriation, for the 21-22 fiscal year, Senate Bill 57.
Joint Budget. Senate Bill 58 by Joint Budget for the Department of Commerce, Division of Aeronautics, Appropriation for the 21-22 Fiscal Year, Senate Bill 58. Is it 58? Joint Budget. Senate Bill 59 by Senator Ballinger, Senator Garner, the Arkansas Second Amendment, Liberty Safeguards Act, Senate Bill 59. City, County, Local. Senate Bill 60 by Senator Irvin to amend provisions of the Arkansas Code concerning mandated vision screenings for public school students.
Senate Bill 60. Education. Senate Bill 61 by Senator Irvin to amend various provisions of the Arkansas Code concerning the college and career coaches program. Senate Bill 61. Education. Senate Bill 62 by Senator Irvin to amend provisions of the Arkansas Code concerning the Right to Read Act. Senate Bill 62. Education. Senate Bill 63 by Senator Irvin to amend provisions of the Arkansas Code concerning the attendance of the Commissioner and the Secretary of Education at board or commission meetings. Senate Bill 63.
Education. Senate Bill 64 by Senator Irvin to amend various provisions of the Arkansas Code concerning public education. Senate Bill 64. Education. Senate Bill 65 by Senator Ballinger to amend Arkansas law regarding state emission plans for fossil fuel-fired electric generating units. Senate Bill 65. Public Health. Senate Bill 66 by Senator English to allow the tuition-free benefit for soldiers and airmen of the Arkansas National Guard to apply to programs of study in which the courses are taken exclusively online.
Senate Bill 66. Education. Senate Bill 67 by Joint Budget, an act for the Department of Commerce Division of Workforce Services Appropriation for the 21-22 fiscal year, Senate Bill 67. Joint Budget. Senate Bill 68 by Joint Budget, an act for the Department of Transformation and Shared Services Appropriation for the 21-22 fiscal year, Senate Bill 68. Joint Budget. Senate Bill 69 by Joint Budget, an act for the Department of Finance and Administration Assessment Coordination Division Appropriation for the 21-22 fiscal year, Senate Bill 69. Joint Budget. Senate Bill 70 by Senator Blake Johnson to amend the law concerning county financial records and the financial operations of a county.
Senate Bill 70. City County, welcome. Senate Bill 71 by Senator Sturge to amend provisions of the Arkansas Code concerning ethical violations applicable to educators. Senate Bill 71. Education. Senate Bill 72 by Senator Sturge to amend provisions of the Arkansas Code concerning background checks for school personnel. Senate Bill 72. Education. Senate Bill 73 by Senator Sample to amend the law related to cabinet-level departments to provide for state entity transfers and to amend definitions. Senate Bill 73.
State aye, decision. Senate Bill 74 by Senators Hill and Davis to amend the Telecommunications Regulatory Reform Act of 2013 and to declare an emergency. Senate Bill 74. Agriculture. Senate Bill 75 by Senator Mark Johnson to amend provisions of the Arkansas Constitution Amendments 91 and 101 to provide that proceeds may be applied to multi-line highway improvements and to declare an emergency. Senate Bill
75. City, county, local, 75, state agencies. Senate
Speaker 489
2:52:50
Bill 76 by Senator Eads to establish an excursion train permit
and to authorize an excursion train permit holder to sell and serve alcoholic beverages. Senate Bill 76. City, county, local. Senate Bill 77 by Senator Eads, to amend provisions of the Arkansas Code concerning Education Renewal Zone, Senate Bill 77. Education. Senate Bill 78 by Senators Hill, Wallace, Garner, Urban, Hendron, English, and Flippo, to establish Arkansas Occupational Licensing of Uniformed Service Members, Veterans, and Spouses Act of 2021, and to declare an emergency, Senate Bill 78. State agencies. Senate Bill 79 by Joint Budget, an act for the Department of Corrections, Parole Board Appropriation for the 21-22 fiscal year, Senate Bill 79.
Good, sir. Joint budget. Senate Bill 80 by Senator Wallace to require the governor to appoint potential members to the State Plant Board. Senate Bill 80. Joint budget. Senate Bill 81 by Senator Dismayne to amend the law prohibiting spoofing to regulate municipal telecommunications service providers and to declare an emergency. Senate Bill 81. Hang on. 79. There
was one skipped here. 79 was joint budget. There's two 79s in my stack.
80 is agriculture. Okay. And 81. And 81 is insurance commerce. Yes. Senate Bill 82
Speaker 489
2:54:06
by Senator Dismang, to amend the law concerning campaign contributions and to establish the procedure for distribution of campaign contributions when a candidate withdraws or files for a different office. Senate Bill 82. State agency. Senate Bill 83 by Senator Davis, and to state-supported institution of higher education and to the state-supported institutions that are exempt from certain laws that govern the construction of public facilities. Senate
Chair
Unverified
2:54:30
Bill 83. Education. One second. Please suspend. Senator Dismay is recognized.
Senator Jonathan Dismang
Unverified
2:54:36
Thank you, Governor. Just before we lose everybody, but tomorrow morning we'll have joint budget at 830. We'll pick seats and do the general appropriation
bill. It should be a quick meeting, but we do need you in
Speaker 84
2:54:47
attendance. Thank you. And for those who are leaving, we will be here at 10 o'clock. Senator
Chair
Unverified
2:54:52
Johnson, do you have something quickly? We're going to do announcements after this, but go ahead if you've got something quickly. Are we going to meet at 10 tomorrow? 10 a.m. tomorrow. Okay. Okay. Alright. Let's keep going. We just got a handful left. Yeah.
Speaker 304
2:55:10
Senator, recognize. The transportation is going to have a procedural organizational meeting before we meet at 10 in the old Supreme Court. We're just going to have a regular meeting. It's not going to hear bills or anything. We're just going to go over everything. yeah just to
Chair
Unverified
2:55:25
be clear we adjourn here today it'll be till 10 a.m tomorrow please proceed no no no when we
do we were he was asking when we're going to be here tomorrow we've still got
Speaker 64
2:55:38
a few more to go here senator we should be recognized
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
Unverified
2:55:44
senator hickey's recognized yes sir i've moved that we adjourn uh subject to the clearing of the
desk And it'll be 10 a.m. And we'll meet tomorrow at 10 a.m. Senate is adjourned, subject to the clearing of the desk
Speaker 489
2:56:04
till 10 a.m. tomorrow morning. Thank you. Senate Bill 84 by Senator Davis, to amend the law concerning the notice and public...
Agenda
Call to Order
Call the Roll
History of the Senate Bible
Proverbs 27:17 (KJV) and Philippians 2:3-4 (KJV)4
Prayer
Arkansas State Police Color Guard
Pledge of Allegiance
Nominations for 93rd General Assembly President Pro Tempore
Announce 93rd General Assembly Leadership
Present the Senate lapel pin to Senator Hickey, Jr.
Senator Hickey appoints members to escort The Honorable John Thurston, Secretary of State, to the Senate Chamber
Senator Hickey, Jr. will present the Senate lapel pin to the following returning Senators
Senator Hickey appoints members to escort The Honorable John Dan Kemp, Chief Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court, to the Senate Chamber / The Honorable Chief Justice John Dan Kemp will administer the oath of office to the re-elected Senators
The Honorable Chief Justice John Dan Kemp will administer the oath of office to the new incoming Senator-elects
Announces the appointments of the Assistant Pro Tempores
Senator Bart Hester submits names of the Efficiency Committee
Senator Bart Hester submits the names of the session employees
Senator Scott Flippo submits the committee Assignments
Senator Lance Eads, Rules Committee Chair, is recognized to present the Senate Rules
Senator Hickey, Jr. moves to the Senate to go into a committee of the Whole for discussion of the Senate chamber Temporary Emergency Procedures and Senate Resolution Outlining Temporary committee Procedures
Committee of the Whole
Senate Chamber Temporary Emergency Procedures
Senate Resolution Outlining Temporary Committee Procedures
Senator Ricky Hill moves the Senate rise and report progress
Adjourn Committee of the Whole
Senator Hickey, Jr. appoints the following members to notify The Honorable Asa Hutchinson, Governor of the Great State of Arkansas, that the Senate is organized and ready for business
Senator Hickey, Jr. appoints the following members to notify the House of Representatives that the Senate is organized and ready for business.
Introduction of the Senate Bill #1
Introduction of other bills and resolutions
Adjourn
Documents
No documents posted.
Speakers
Speaker 8
Speaker 5
Speaker 16
Speaker 7
Speaker 25
Speaker 27
Speaker 32
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
Unverified
Speaker 34
Speaker 36
Senator Larry Teague Chair
Unverified
Speaker 52
Senator Gary Stubblefield
Unverified
Speaker 60
Senator Kim Hammer Chair
Unverified
Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr)
Unverified
Speaker 75
Speaker 81
Speaker 82
Speaker 31
Speaker 90
Speaker 92
Speaker 98
Speaker 102
Speaker 104
Speaker 114
Senator Jim Hendren
Unverified
Speaker 126
Speaker 128
Speaker 132
Speaker 140
Speaker 160
Speaker 161
Speaker 166
Speaker 146
Speaker 141
Speaker 164
Speaker 143
Speaker 182
Speaker 162
Speaker 142
Speaker 112
Speaker 194
Speaker 91
Speaker 181
Speaker 136
Senator Bart Hester
Unverified
Senator Scott Flippo
Unverified
Senator Lance Eads
Unverified
Chair
Unverified
Senator Missy Irvin Chair
Unverified
Senator Trent Garner
Unverified
Speaker 239
Speaker 242
Senator Jason Rapert
Unverified
Speaker 64
Speaker 208
Speaker 255
Speaker 259
Speaker 260
Speaker 268
Speaker 267
Speaker 273
Senator Stephanie Flowers Chair
Unverified
Speaker 281
Speaker 300
Speaker 93
Speaker 305
Speaker 307
Speaker 308
Speaker 311
Speaker 293
Speaker 315
Speaker 320
Speaker 321
Speaker 322
Speaker 324
Speaker 328
Speaker 332
Senator Ronald Caldwell
Unverified
Speaker 334
Speaker 336
Speaker 341
Speaker 343
Senator Alan Clark
Unverified
Speaker 353
Senator Linda Chesterfield
Unverified
Speaker 360
Speaker 361
Speaker 363
Speaker 271
Speaker 269
Senator Mark Johnson
Unverified
Speaker 121
Speaker 390
Speaker 393
Speaker 398
Speaker 401
Speaker 402
Senator Joyce Elliott
Unverified
Speaker 413
Speaker 416
Speaker 427
Senator Jonathan Dismang
Unverified
Speaker 430
Speaker 437
Speaker 365
Speaker 241
Speaker 404
Speaker 366
Speaker 448
Speaker 65
Speaker 451
Speaker 304
Speaker 426
Speaker 468
Speaker 176
Speaker 423
Speaker 470
Speaker 467
Speaker 489
Speaker 84