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House Convenes

April 8, 2025 ·1:30 PM ·House Chamber ·3:02:02
Video Transcript

Bills discussed (99)
Bill Title Sponsor Status
HCR1010 · 8 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “HCR1010 T. Shephard REQUESTING A STUDY OF WAYS TO IMPROVE THE STATE…”
 REQUESTING A STUDY OF WAYS TO IMPROVE THE STATE'S JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM FOR YOUTH. T. Shephard Approved by the Governor
HCR1008 · 5 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “HCR1008 McAlindon TO CELEBRATE AND COMMEND NORTHWEST ARKANSAS COMMU…”
 TO CELEBRATE AND COMMEND NORTHWEST ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE'S NATIONALLY LEADING AND INDUSTRY-TRANSFORMING BICYCLE ASSEMBLY & … McAlindon Approved by the Governor
HR1102 · 4 mentions in transcript, chapter
Matched: “please read House resolution 1102. House resolution 1102 by Representative”
 TO HONOR REGINA RENEE HENSON FOR HER CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CHILDREN AND ADULTS OF NORTH … Steele READ AND ADOPTED.
SR31 · 4 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…two decades ago, during the eighty-sixth General Assembly. Senate resolution 31 was filed.”
 TO RECOGNIZE MISS AMERICA'S TEEN 2025 PEYTON BOLLING. Hester Sine Die adjournment
HB1332 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…r committee on Public Health, Welfare and Labor to whom the House Bill 1332, vaguely reporting the same consideration here for time wit…”
 TO REQUIRE THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM TO EVALUATE CLAIMS FOR DIAGNOSES FREQUENCY OF OBESITY-RELATED CONDITIONS … Pilkington Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
HB1468 Act 558 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…r committee on Public Health, Welfare and Labor to whom the House Bill 1468 vaguely report the same consideration here for the same rec…”
 TO AMEND ARKANSAS LAW CONCERNING CLAIMS AGAINST HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTORS, RESIDENTIAL BUILDING CONTRACTORS, AND SUPPLIERS. Cozart Notification that HB1468 is now Act 558
HB1915 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…ommittee on Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committees and House Bill 1915. House Bill 1961, House Bill 1992. Begly report the same co…”
 TO DIRECT THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES TO REQUEST A BROAD-BASED CATEGORICAL ELIGIBILITY WAIVER FOR … Eubanks Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
HB1960 Act 1013 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “Revenue and taxation, who was a House Bill 1960, Senate Bill 530, Senate Bill 567, Senate Bill 577, vaguely…”
 TO PROVIDE THAT THE LESSEE OF A LEASED MOTOR VEHICLE IS THE OWNER FOR PURPOSES … Stone Notification that HB1960 is now Act 1013
HB1961 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…c Health, Welfare and Labor Committees and House Bill 1915. House Bill 1961, House Bill 1992. Begly report the same consideration here…”
 TO ALLOW MEDICAL PROVIDERS TEMPORARY EXEMPTIONS FROM FEDERAL INFORMATION-BLOCKING REGULATIONS TO SAFEGUARD PATIENTS DURING INFORMATION … Achor Delivered to the Secretary of State
HR1103 · 2 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “HR1103 Steele TO RECOGNIZE CHARLOTTE THOMAS ON THE OCCASION OF HER…”
 TO RECOGNIZE CHARLOTTE THOMAS ON THE OCCASION OF HER UPCOMING RETIREMENT FOR HER FIFTY-ONE YEARS … Steele READ AND ADOPTED.
SB470 Act 646 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “house for 1986, Centerville 303, Centvie 467, Senate Bill 470, Senate”
 TO REQUIRE AN ADULT APPROVED TO OVERSEE THE ADMINISTRATION OF A STATEWIDE STUDENT ASSESSMENT TO … J. Dotson Notification that SB470 is now Act 646
SB496 Act 700 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…was referred to hospital in 1988, Center 397. Center. 492, Senate Bill 496, Senate Bill 540, Senate Bill 562, vaguely report the same…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PERMITS FOR SPECIAL CARGOES; AND TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING … Caldwell Notification that SB496 is now Act 700
SB530 Act 701 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “Revenue and taxation, who was a House Bill 1960, Senate Bill 530, Senate Bill 567, Senate Bill 577, vaguely reporting the sa…”
 TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS WOOD ENERGY PRODUCTS AND FOREST MAINTENANCE INCOME TAX CREDIT. B. Davis Notification that SB530 is now Act 701
SB540 Act 702 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…hospital in 1988, Center 397. Center. 492, Senate Bill 496, Senate Bill 540, Senate Bill 562, vaguely report the same consideration her…”
 TO LIMIT THE SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF A DRIVER'S LICENSE OR IMPOSITION OF RESTRICTIONS ON … M. Johnson Notification that SB540 is now Act 702
SB562 Act 704 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…Center 397. Center. 492, Senate Bill 496, Senate Bill 540, Senate Bill 562, vaguely report the same consideration here for the same re…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE OFFICE OF INTERNAL AUDIT; AND TO REPEAL THE REQUIREMENT … Hill Notification that SB562 is now Act 704
SB567 Act 719 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…e and taxation, who was a House Bill 1960, Senate Bill 530, Senate Bill 567, Senate Bill 577, vaguely reporting the same consideration…”
 TO AMEND AND MODERNIZE THE LAW CONCERNING THE APPORTIONMENT OF INCOME DERIVED FROM MULTISTATE OPERATIONS; … Crowell Notification that SB567 is now Act 719
SB572 Act 649 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “Bill 515, Senate Bill 572 vaguely reporting the same consideration here for the same…”
 TO CREATE THE PUBLIC SCHOOL ACCESS AND TRANSPARENCY ACT; AND TO REQUIRE PUBLIC ACCESS TO … J. Dotson Notification that SB572 is now Act 649
SB577 Act 720 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…ho was a House Bill 1960, Senate Bill 530, Senate Bill 567, Senate Bill 577, vaguely reporting the same consideration here for term sam…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING LOCAL SALES AND USE TAXES; AND TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT … J. Petty Notification that SB577 is now Act 720
HB10 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…Speaker of your Committee on Education, to whom is referred House Bill 10, 17, House Bill 17, 19, House Bill 17, 18, 74, House Bill 1…”
 Pre-2017 bill
HB1003 Act 871 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1003 House Management AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS HOUSE OF REPRESENT…”
 AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - STAFF APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL … House Management Notification that HB1003 is now Act 871
HB1063 Act 875 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1063 J. Mayberry TO AMEND THE ACHIEVING A BETTER LIFE EXPERIENCE…”
 TO AMEND THE ACHIEVING A BETTER LIFE EXPERIENCE PROGRAM ACT; AND TO AMEND THE DEFINITIONS … J. Mayberry Notification that HB1063 is now Act 875
HB1084 Act 884 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “Joint Budget Committee, to whom was referred House Bill 1084, House Bill 1086, Houseville 1092, House Bill”
 AN ACT FOR ARKANSAS LEGISLATIVE AUDIT OF THE LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING COMMITTEE APPROPRIATION FOR THE … Joint Budget Committee Notification that HB1084 is now Act 884
HB1086 Act 784 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…int Budget Committee, to whom was referred House Bill 1084, House Bill 1086, Houseville 1092, House Bill”
 AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS COURT OF APPEALS APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR. Joint Budget Committee Notification that HB1086 is now Act 784
HB1265 Act 660 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1265 AN ACT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT LITTLE ROCK APPROP…”
 AN ACT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT LITTLE ROCK APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL … Joint Budget Committee Delivered to the Secretary of State
HB13 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…Speaker of your Committee on Education, to whom is referred House Bill 13, 12, Senate Bill 90. Begley reporting the same consideratio…”
 Pre-2017 bill
HB1303 Act 546 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1303 #1 Jean TO CREATE THE SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL INCENTIVE A…”
 TO CREATE THE SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL INCENTIVE ACT; AND TO CREATE AN INCOME TAX CREDIT … Jean Notification that HB1303 is now Act 546
HB1312 Act 909 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…r, Mr. Speaker, your committee on Education and who was the House Bill 1312 Senate bill. 90 vaguely reporting the same consideration he…”
 TO AMEND PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING AMOUNTS UNDER THE PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING ACT OF 2003. Brooks Notification that HB1312 is now Act 909
HB1433 Act 828 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1433 K. Moore TO REQUIRE A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER WHO IS EXECUT…”
 TO REQUIRE A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER WHO IS EXECUTING OR SERVING AN ORDER OF PROTECTION … K. Moore Notification that HB1433 is now Act 828
HB1485 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1485 K. Brown TO CREATE A SALES AND USE TAX EXEMPTION FOR SALES…”
 TO CREATE A SALES AND USE TAX EXEMPTION FOR SALES TO CERTAIN ORGANIZATIONS THAT SUPPORT … K. Brown Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
HB1529 Act 827 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1529 S. Meeks TO CREATE THE CRIMINAL OFFENSE OF UNLAWFUL CREATIO…”
 TO CREATE THE CRIMINAL OFFENSE OF UNLAWFUL CREATION OR DISTRIBUTION OF DEEPFAKE VISUAL MATERIAL; AND … S. Meeks Notification that HB1529 is now Act 827
HB1627 Act 877 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1627 Barnett TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PROPERTY TAX RELIEF; AN…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PROPERTY TAX RELIEF; AND TO REQUIRE COUNTIES TO PROVIDE NOTICE … Barnett Notification that HB1627 is now Act 877
HB1669 Act 509 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1669 #1 Bentley TO CREATE THE KEEP KIDS FIRST ACT; AND TO PROVID…”
 TO CREATE THE KEEP KIDS FIRST ACT; AND TO PROVIDE FOR PROTECTIONS FROM DISCRIMINATION FOR … Bentley Notification that HB1669 is now Act 509
HB1672 Act 800 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1672 McCollum TO AMEND PROVISIONS OF THE ARKANSAS CODE TO CREATE…”
 TO AMEND PROVISIONS OF THE ARKANSAS CODE TO CREATE A MORE EFFICIENT SYSTEM FOR PUBLIC … McCollum Notification that HB1672 is now Act 800
HB17 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…mittee on Education, to whom is referred House Bill 10, 17, House Bill 17, 19, House Bill 17, 18, 74, House Bill 1945, House Bill 196…”
 Pre-2017 bill
HB1724 Act 503 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1724 #1 B. McKenzie TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING LOCAL SCHOOL BOA…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING LOCAL SCHOOL BOARDS OF DIRECTORS AND SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS; AND … B. McKenzie Notification that HB1724 is now Act 503
HB1732 Act 878 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1732 Vaught TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF THE INCOME TAX DEDUCTION A…”
 TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF THE INCOME TAX DEDUCTION ALLOWED FOR A TEACHER'S CLASSROOM INVESTMENT. Vaught Notification that HB1732 is now Act 878
HB1745 Act 604 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…re Committee on Public Transportation, whom was referred to House Bill 1745, Begley report the same consideration here for time with th…”
 TO REQUIRE CERTAIN COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSE HOLDERS TO POSSESS A UNITED STATES WORK AUTHORIZATION; TO … Hawk Notification that HB1745 is now Act 604
HB1790 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1790 B. McKenzie TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE REGULATION OF S…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE REGULATION OF SHORT-TERM RENTALS BY A LOCAL GOVERNMENT. B. McKenzie Died on House Calendar at Sine Die adjournment.
HB1806 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…aker, we have a committee on education to whom was referred House Bill 1806, House Bill 1919, vaguely reporting the same consideration…”
 TO PROVIDE CURRICULUM TRANSPARENCY FOR PARENTS OF KINDERGARTEN THROUGH GRADE TWELVE STUDENTS; AND TO ALLOW … Vaught Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
HB1807 Act 879 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1807 Eaves TO AMEND THE SALES TAX EXEMPTION FOR AIRCRAFT HELD FO…”
 TO AMEND THE SALES TAX EXEMPTION FOR AIRCRAFT HELD FOR RESALE AND USED FOR RENTAL … Eaves Notification that HB1807 is now Act 879
HB1866 Act 908 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1866 Brooks TO CREATE ELI'S LAW; AND TO REQUIRE EACH PUBLIC SCHO…”
 TO CREATE ELI'S LAW; AND TO REQUIRE EACH PUBLIC SCHOOL TO INSTALL AN AUDIO RECORDING … Brooks Notification that HB1866 is now Act 908
HB1869 Act 868 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1869 L. Johnson TO CREATE THE MATERNAL OUTCOMES MANAGEMENT SYSTE…”
 TO CREATE THE MATERNAL OUTCOMES MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH; AND TO ORGANIZE … L. Johnson Notification that HB1869 is now Act 868
HB1876 Act 927 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1876 R. Scott Richardson REGARDING THE OWNERSHIP OF MODEL TRAINI…”
 REGARDING THE OWNERSHIP OF MODEL TRAINING AND CONTENT GENERATED BY A GENERATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TOOL. R. Scott Richardson Notification that HB1876 is now Act 927
HB1877 Act 977 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1877 S. Meeks CONCERNING CRIMINAL OFFENSES RELATED TO POSSESSION…”
 CONCERNING CRIMINAL OFFENSES RELATED TO POSSESSION OF SEXUALLY EXPLICIT MATERIAL THAT DEPICTS A CHILD; AND … S. Meeks Notification that HB1877 is now Act 977
HB1897 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1897 Painter TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS TOWING AND RECOVERY REFORM A…”
 TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS TOWING AND RECOVERY REFORM AND EFFICIENCY ACT OF 2025; TO AMEND … Painter Recommended for study in the Interim by the …
HB1914 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1914 Long TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE ARKANSAS MOTOR CARRIER…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE ARKANSAS MOTOR CARRIER ACT, 1955; AND TO REQUIRE AN … Long Died in House at Sine Die adjournment.
HB1918 Act 810 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1918 McAlindon TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING SPECIE OR LEGAL TENDE…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING SPECIE OR LEGAL TENDER; TO AUTHORIZE THE USE OF A … McAlindon Notification that HB1918 is now Act 810
HB1919 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ommittee on education to whom was referred House Bill 1806, House Bill 1919, vaguely reporting the same consideration here for time wit…”
 TO CREATE THE PUBLIC SCHOOL ACCESS AND TRANSPARENCY ACT; AND TO REQUIRE PUBLIC ACCESS TO … McAlindon Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
HB1922 Act 881 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1922 Maddox TO AMEND THE CONSOLIDATED INCENTIVE ACT OF 2003; TO…”
 TO AMEND THE CONSOLIDATED INCENTIVE ACT OF 2003; TO CREATE AN INCOME TAX CREDIT FOR … Maddox Notification that HB1922 is now Act 881
HB1931 Act 694 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1931 Beaty Jr. TO CREATE THE RECIDIVISM REDUCTION SYSTEM WITHIN…”
 TO CREATE THE RECIDIVISM REDUCTION SYSTEM WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS; AND TO DECLARE AN … Beaty Jr. Notification that HB1931 is now Act 694
HB1938 Act 807 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1938 Joey Carr TO AMEND PROVISIONS OF THE ARKANSAS CODE CONCERNI…”
 TO AMEND PROVISIONS OF THE ARKANSAS CODE CONCERNING THE CREATION OF DISTRICT STRATEGIC PLANS AND … Joey Carr Notification that HB1938 is now Act 807
HB1939 Act 808 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1939 Joey Carr TO AMEND ELIGIBILITY FOR TEACHER INCENTIVE AND ME…”
 TO AMEND ELIGIBILITY FOR TEACHER INCENTIVE AND MERIT PAY; TO AMEND REQUIREMENTS FOR SUMMATIVE EVALUATIONS; … Joey Carr Notification that HB1939 is now Act 808
HB1941 Act 809 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1941 Joey Carr CONCERNING DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION BOARDS AND COM…”
 CONCERNING DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS; AND TO PROTECT ARKANSAS STUDENTS BY ENSURING THE … Joey Carr Notification that HB1941 is now Act 809
HB1944 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1944 Vaught TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE AND RENEWAL OF A SPECIAL L…”
 TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE AND RENEWAL OF A SPECIAL LICENSE PLATE TO PROMOTE AND SUPPORT … Vaught Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
HB1945 Act 913 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ouse Bill 10, 17, House Bill 17, 19, House Bill 17, 18, 74, House Bill 1945, House Bill 1966, House Bill 1986, Senate Bill 303, Senate…”
 TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS OPPORTUNITY PUBLIC SCHOOL CHOICE ACT; TO AMEND THE PUBLIC SCHOOL CHOICE … McCollum Notification that HB1945 is now Act 913
HB1946 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1946 Bentley TO REQUIRE HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT INSTRUCTION…”
 TO REQUIRE HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT INSTRUCTION IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS. Bentley Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
HB1949 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1949 Schulz TO ADD MEDICAL, EMERGENCY MEDICAL, AND AMBULANCE SER…”
 TO ADD MEDICAL, EMERGENCY MEDICAL, AND AMBULANCE SERVICES TO THE LIST OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR … Schulz Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
HB1951 Act 929 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1951 A. Collins TO SET FORTH AUTHORIZED DOMAIN EXTENSIONS FOR HI…”
 TO SET FORTH AUTHORIZED DOMAIN EXTENSIONS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION AND GOVERNMENT WEBSITES. A. Collins Notification that HB1951 is now Act 929
HB1952 Act 947 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1952 Hawk TO ASSIST THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE STATE ATHLETIC COM…”
 TO ASSIST THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE STATE ATHLETIC COMMISSION; TO PROVIDE FUNDING TO THE STATE … Hawk Notification that HB1952 is now Act 947
HB1964 Act 825 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1964 Brooks TO MOVE THE CHILD WELFARE OMBUDSMAN DIVISION AND THE…”
 TO MOVE THE CHILD WELFARE OMBUDSMAN DIVISION AND THE JUVENILE OMBUDSMAN DIVISION TO THE DEPARTMENT … Brooks Notification that HB1964 is now Act 825
HB1966 Act 914 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…House Bill 17, 19, House Bill 17, 18, 74, House Bill 1945, House Bill 1966, House Bill 1986, Senate Bill 303, Senate Bill 467, Senate…”
 TO AUTHORIZE AN INCORPORATED TOWN OR A CITY OF THE SECOND CLASS TO PETITION THE … Barnett Notification that HB1966 is now Act 914
HB1976 Act 883 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1976 Nazarenko CONCERNING VERTIPORTS; AND TO CREATE THE OPEN ACC…”
 CONCERNING VERTIPORTS; AND TO CREATE THE OPEN ACCESS TO PUBLIC-USE VERTIPORTS ACT. Nazarenko Notification that HB1976 is now Act 883
HB1981 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1981 Maddox TO AMEND THE DEFINITIONS OF "OUTDOOR RECREATION OPER…”
 TO AMEND THE DEFINITIONS OF "OUTDOOR RECREATION OPERATOR" AND "TRAMWAY OPERATOR UNDER THE LAW CONCERNING … Maddox Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
HB1982 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ees, whom was referred to House Bill 1915, House Bill 1961, House Bill 1982. Begley reported the same consideration here for time with…”
 TO AMEND THE USED TIRE RECYCLING AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT; TO CREATE THE TIRE MANAGEMENT AND … Wooldridge Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
HB1983 Act 1026 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1983 Eubanks TO AMEND ACTS 1973, NO. 167, § 4, CONCERNING THE SA…”
 TO AMEND ACTS 1973, NO. 167, § 4, CONCERNING THE SALE OF CERTAIN PROPERTY TO … Eubanks Notification that HB1983 is now Act 1026
HB1986 Act 794 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…9, House Bill 17, 18, 74, House Bill 1945, House Bill 1966, House Bill 1986, Senate Bill 303, Senate Bill 467, Senate Bill 470,”
 CONCERNING EXCUSED ABSENCES FOR CHILDREN OF FALLEN SERVICE MEMBERS AND CHILDREN OF FALLEN FIRST RESPONDERS. Nazarenko Notification that HB1986 is now Act 794
HB1988 Act 930 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…e a committee on public transportation to whom was referred House Bill 1988, Senate Bill 397, Senate Bill 492, Senate Bill 496, Senate…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE DISTRIBUTION OF AUTO AUCTION FEES FOR SALVAGE-TITLED OR PARTS-ONLY … Tosh Notification that HB1988 is now Act 930
HB1992 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…and Labor Committees and House Bill 1915. House Bill 1961, House Bill 1992. Begly report the same consideration here for time with”
 TO REQUIRE A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION FOR DANGEROUS DOGS AND VICIOUS DOGS; AND FOR OTHER … McAlindon WITHDRAWN BY AUTHOR
HR1108 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HR1108 Schulz TO HONOR UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT FAYETTEVILLE BASK…”
 TO HONOR UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT FAYETTEVILLE BASKETBALL SCORING STAR IZZY HIGGINBOTTOM. Schulz READ AND ADOPTED.
SB125 Act 611 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB125 AN ACT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS APPROPRIATION…”
 AN ACT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR. Joint Budget Committee Notification that SB125 is now Act 611
SB127 Act 612 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB127 AN ACT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS - FAYETTEVILLE APPROP…”
 AN ACT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS - FAYETTEVILLE APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR. Joint Budget Committee Notification that SB127 is now Act 612
SB241 Act 885 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB241 J. Scott Pilkington TO AMEND THE UNIFORM ATTENDANCE AND LEA…”
 TO AMEND THE UNIFORM ATTENDANCE AND LEAVE POLICY ACT; AND TO GRANT PAID LEAVE TO … J. Scott Notification that SB241 is now Act 885
SB290 Act 921 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB290 B. Johnson Vaught TO PROHIBIT A MORATORIUM ON THE ISSUANCE…”
 TO PROHIBIT A MORATORIUM ON THE ISSUANCE OF PERMITS IN WATERSHEDS AND OTHER BODIES OF … B. Johnson Notification that SB290 is now Act 921
SB303 Act 644 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…18, 74, House Bill 1945, House Bill 1966, House Bill 1986, Senate Bill 303, Senate Bill 467, Senate Bill 470,”
 TO ALLOW A RESIDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT TO PERMIT A PRIVATE SCHOOL STUDENT TO PARTICIPATE IN … Dees Notification that SB303 is now Act 644
SB322 Act 591 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB322 J. Bryant Pilkington TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING CONSTRUCTI…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT; AND TO ALLOW THIRD PARTIES TO PERFORM … J. Bryant Notification that SB322 is now Act 591
SB348 Act 567 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB348 C. Penzo Pilkington TO AMEND THE ANNUAL CAP FOR DIAGNOSTIC…”
 TO AMEND THE ANNUAL CAP FOR DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY SERVICES WITHIN THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM; AND … C. Penzo Notification that SB348 is now Act 567
SB359 Act 613 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB359 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - DIVISION OF ELEMEN…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - DIVISION OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION OUT-OF-SCHOOL … J. Petty Notification that SB359 is now Act 613
SB37 Act 608 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB37 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE APPROPRIATION FOR THE…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR. Joint Budget Committee Notification that SB37 is now Act 608
SB39 Act 609 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB39 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - DIVISION OF WORKFOR…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - DIVISION OF WORKFORCE SERVICES APPROPRIATION FOR THE … Joint Budget Committee Notification that SB39 is now Act 609
SB390 Act 695 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB390 J. English Lundstrum TO ESTABLISH THE STATE APPRENTICESHIP…”
 TO ESTABLISH THE STATE APPRENTICESHIP AGENCY ACT. J. English Notification that SB390 is now Act 695
SB397 Act 931 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…public transportation to whom was referred House Bill 1988, Senate Bill 397, Senate Bill 492, Senate Bill 496, Senate Bill 540, Senate…”
 TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIAL PERSONAL INFORMATION OF RAIL EMPLOYEES IN REPORTS INVOLVING RAILROAD FATALITIES. D. Wallace Notification that SB397 is now Act 931
SB408 Act 696 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB408 B. Johnson Eaves TO PROVIDE AN INCOME TAX EXEMPTION FOR CER…”
 TO PROVIDE AN INCOME TAX EXEMPTION FOR CERTAIN PAYMENTS BY THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF … B. Johnson Notification that SB408 is now Act 696
SB464 Act 698 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB464 A. Clark C. Cooper TO AMEND THE LAWS CONCERNING SALES OF RA…”
 TO AMEND THE LAWS CONCERNING SALES OF RAW MILK; TO ALLOW SALES OF RAW MILK … A. Clark Notification that SB464 is now Act 698
SB467 Act 645 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ll 1945, House Bill 1966, House Bill 1986, Senate Bill 303, Senate Bill 467, Senate Bill 470,”
 TO MODIFY THE DEFINITION OF "HEALTHCARE PROVIDER" REGARDING STUDENT ATHLETE CONCUSSION EDUCATION TO INCLUDE CHIROPRACTORS … C. Penzo Notification that SB467 is now Act 645
SB492 Act 699 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…tion to whom was referred House Bill 1988, Senate Bill 397, Senate Bill 492, Senate Bill 496, Senate Bill 540, Senate Bill 562, vaguely…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE RELOCATION OF UTILITY FACILITIES; AND TO AMEND THE LAW … J. Bryant Notification that SB492 is now Act 699
SB494 Act 717 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB494 J. Bryant Eaton TO REDUCE THE NUMBER AND TYPES OF PERMITS I…”
 TO REDUCE THE NUMBER AND TYPES OF PERMITS ISSUED BY ARKANSAS TOBACCO CONTROL; AND TO … J. Bryant Notification that SB494 is now Act 717
SB495 Act 718 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB495 J. Bryant Eaton TO AMEND DEFINITIONS USED UNDER THE ARKANSA…”
 TO AMEND DEFINITIONS USED UNDER THE ARKANSAS TOBACCO PRODUCTS TAX ACT OF 1977; AND TO … J. Bryant Notification that SB495 is now Act 718
SB510 Act 594 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB510 J. Boyd Gramlich TO ALLOW FOR THE CROSS DEPUTIZATION OF MUN…”
 TO ALLOW FOR THE CROSS DEPUTIZATION OF MUNICIPAL, COUNTY, STATE, AND TRIBAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ON … J. Boyd Notification that SB510 is now Act 594
SB515 Act 647 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “Senate Bill 515, Senate Bill 572. vaguely important same consideration here…”
 TO REQUIRE THAT A UNIT DEDICATED TO ARKANSAS VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES BE INCLUDED WITHIN … J. Petty Notification that SB515 is now Act 647
SB522 Act 648 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB522 M. McKee M. Brown TO AMEND THE LAW REGARDING THE ARKANSAS S…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW REGARDING THE ARKANSAS SCHOOL FOR MATHEMATICS, SCIENCES, AND THE ARTS; AND … M. McKee Notification that SB522 is now Act 648
SB523 Act 762 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB523 Irvin Dalby TO AMEND THE LAW REGARDING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES;…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW REGARDING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; AND TO REMOVE THE REQUIREMENT THAT A PRIVATE … Irvin Notification that SB523 is now Act 762
SB529 Act 617 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB529 B. Johnson Cavenaugh TO AMEND THE INDEPENDENT TAX APPEALS C…”
 TO AMEND THE INDEPENDENT TAX APPEALS COMMISSION ACT. B. Johnson Notification that SB529 is now Act 617
SB550 Act 703 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB550 Hill Painter TO CHANGE THE NAME OF THE ARKANSAS LIVESTOCK A…”
 TO CHANGE THE NAME OF THE ARKANSAS LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY COMMISSION TO THE ARKANSAS BOARD … Hill Notification that SB550 is now Act 703
SB552 Act 650 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB552 K. Hammer Eaves TO CLARIFY THE DEFINITION OF "PRINCIPAL OFF…”
 TO CLARIFY THE DEFINITION OF "PRINCIPAL OFFICE" USED UNDER THE ARKANSAS BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT OF … K. Hammer Notification that SB552 is now Act 650
SB553 Act 671 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB553 K. Hammer Milligan TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS MUNICIPAL ACCOUNTI…”
 TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS MUNICIPAL ACCOUNTING LAW; TO AMEND THE DUTIES OF A MUNICIPAL TREASURER; … K. Hammer Notification that SB553 is now Act 671
SB594 Act 705 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB594 M. McKee Milligan TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING EXEMPTIONS FO…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING EXEMPTIONS FOR CERTIFICATES OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY FOR NEW … M. McKee Notification that SB594 is now Act 705
SB88 Act 610 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB88 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - DIVISION OF HIGHER…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - DIVISION OF HIGHER EDUCATION APPROPRIATION FOR THE … Joint Budget Committee Notification that SB88 is now Act 610
SB90 Act 902 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…mittee on Education, to whom is referred House Bill 13, 12, Senate Bill 90. Begley reporting the same consideration, here for turning…”
 TO REQUIRE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO BE AFFORDED THE OPPORTUNITY TO PRESENT PUBLIC COMMENT … J. English Notification that SB90 is now Act 902
SB93 Act 1010 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB93 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION APPROPRIATION FOR TH…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR. Joint Budget Committee Notification that SB93 is now Act 1010

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Unknown speaker 0:00
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 7:00
- I invite the members, staff, press, and guests to in the galleries to stand and be led in prayer by House Chaplain, the Reverend Benjamin Cain and the Second Presbyterian Church of Little Rock guest today of Representative Ashley Hudson and to remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance to be led by Representative Lane Jean. Would you pray
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Speaker 9 7:48
with me? Lord of all, you have told us what is required of each of us and that is to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with you. May it be so here at the Capitol where we have gathered as the House of Representatives to do the work of your people, the people of Arkansas. To do justice is to remember that when we entered this room, we carried more than just ourselves. The very fabric of our being is infused with the stories of the people we represent. Their joys and hopes, desires, and shortcomings are woven into this very body. May our hearts and minds be cognizant that the decisions we make here have real-life ramifications and our reflections of who you are and who you call us to be. To love kindness is to seek the better angels among us by paying close attention to the bills that we bind ourselves together as your people. To love kindness is to seek the betterment of the people and the communities that we represent, to see those local stories and how they can transform a community and also a state. To love kindness is to see that bringing people together with the laws means lifting up the lowly, showering the lost with hope, and revealing grace that is available to each of us. To walk humbly with you is to recognize that none of this is possible without you. May we see the power to walk side by side with one another, and by doing so, we reveal something beautiful to this world, something desperately we need to see, and that is a good and loving word. To walk humbly with you is to recognize the weight that is upon the shoulders of those gathered here. It is both an opportunity and a burden, and I pray for each member in this chamber. It is an opportunity for them to do better and be better for you and your people as we seek to be a better state. It is also a burden to remember what we are here is matters here and it affects others. Lord, we ask that you give us patience to love, gentleness to hope, and a willingness to see ourselves as a part of your larger story that invites us to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with you. Lord, we lift up these prayers, but also a prayer for a state government employee. May we offer prayers for miracles, and also the prayers that are upon our hearts, that we pray in the silence of our hearts right now. Lord, all of this is to you and for you. May you shower us with your love as we gather together as
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Speaker 12 10:14
your people. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.
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Speaker 3 10:20
Through the flag of the United States of
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Speaker 18 10:28
America and through the republic for which is the same, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 10:42
and justice for all. Members, please indicate your presence by pushing your yellow present button. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk.
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Unknown speaker 10:50
As everyone indicated their presence.
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Speaker 24 11:20
As everyone indicated their presence. Cast up the ballot. 96 members
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 11:51
present. Chair sees a quorum. Are there any requests for leave? Representative John Carr, for what purpose? Leave. You're recognized. Leave for Representative Duke. Is leave granted for Representative Hope Duke? Leave. So ordered. Representative Kavanaugh, for what purpose? Leave. You're recognized. Leave for Representative Barker. Is leave Is leave granted for Representative Sonja Barker? So ordered. Representative John
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Chair (Representative Howard M. Beaty, Jr.) Unverified 12:20
Eubanks, for what purpose? Leave. You're recognized. Leave for Representative Shepard. Is leave granted for Representative Matthew Shepard? So ordered.
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Speaker 32 12:28
Representative Meeks, for what purpose? Leave for Representative Milligan. Is leave granted for Representative John Milligan? So
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 12:35
ordered. Representative John Eubanks moves that we dispense at the reading of the previous day's journal. no objection so ordered madam clerk you have reports
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Chair Unverified 12:47
from select committees you are recognized mr speaker we're committee on joint budget committee to whom was referred hospital 1084 hospital 1086 hospital 1092 hospital 1096 hospital 1101 hospital 1106 hospital 1107 hospital 1112 hospital 1174 hospital 1200 hospital 1206 hospital 1649 vaguely report into consideration and here for time with the same recommendation that do pass specifically submitted representative jean co-chair thank you madam
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 13:08
clerk you have reports from standing committees you're recognized mr. speaker we're your
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Chair Unverified 13:13
committee on revenue and taxation the homes of third house bill 1960 Senate bill 530 Senate bill 567 Senate bill 577 vaguely important the same consideration here for time the same recommendation that do pass directly submitted representative Kavanaugh chair mr. speaker we your committee on public health welfare and labor to homes with third house bill 1332 vaguely report the same consideration here for time the same recommendation that it do passes amendment number two respectfully submitted representative Ward law chair mr. speaker your committee on public health welfare and labor to homes of third House Bill 1468, Begley report the same consideration here for time with the same recommendation that it do pass to concur in Senate Amendment No. 1, respectfully submitted. Representative Warlaw, Chair. Mr. Speaker, we are Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committees, whom was referred to House Bill 1915, House Bill 1961, House Bill 1982. Begley reported the same consideration here for time with the same recommendation that it do pass, respectfully submitted. Representative Warlaw, Chair. Mr. Speaker, we are Committee on Public Transportation, whom was referred to House Bill 1745, Begley report the same consideration here for time with the same recommendation that it do pass to concur in Senate Amendment No. 1, respectfully submitted. Representative Holcomb, Chair. Mr. Speaker, we have a committee on public transportation to whom was referred House Bill 1988, Senate Bill 397, Senate Bill 492, Senate Bill 496, Senate Bill 540, Senate Bill 562, vaguely reporting the same consideration here for the same recommendation that it do pass, respectfully submitted, Representative Holcomb, Chair. Mr. Speaker, we have a committee on education to whom was referred House Bill 1806, House Bill 1919, vaguely reporting the same consideration here for time with the same recommendation that it do pass as amendment number one, respectfully submitted, Representative Brooks, Chair. Mr. Speaker of your Committee on Education, to whom is referred House Bill 13, 12, Senate Bill 90. Begley reporting the same consideration, here for turning the same recommendation that do pass in Amendment 2, respectfully submitted. Representative McKenzie, Vice Chair. Mr. Speaker of your Committee on Education, to whom is referred House Bill 10, 17, House Bill 17, 19, House Bill 17, 18, 74, House Bill 1945, House Bill 1966, House Bill 1986, Senate Bill 303, Senate Bill 467, Senate Bill 470, Senate Bill 515, Senate Bill 572. vaguely important same consideration here for time same recognition I do prospectively submitted representative Brooks chair
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Speaker 24 15:09
thank you madam clerk madam clerk do you have any unfinished business in executive communications thank you
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 15:24
madam clerk members I would ask you to rise I'd like to direct your attention to the back of the chamber we have with us today sergeant Corey Ray of the Aircraft Section and Corporal Trey Keller of the Highway Patrol Administration and our State Troopers of the Day. Gentlemen, thank you for your service to the State of Arkansas and to the House of Representatives.
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Representative Howard M. Beaty, Jr. Unverified 15:47
Members also with us in the back of the chamber, we have with us our doctor today is
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 15:53
Shalitha Jones, a family medicine physician from Camden, guest of representative Wade Andrews today dr. Jones thank you for being here and serving the house also alongside dr. Jones we have our nurse miss Lee Fazio miss Lee thank you for being here in your service to the house of representatives members up in the north gallery up above my head today guest of
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Chair (Representative Howard M. Beaty, Jr.) Unverified 16:23
Representative Tracy Steele we'd asked North Little Rock Mayor Terry Hartwick is here with us would he please
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 16:41
stand and let us recognize him Representative Aaron Pilkington for what purpose point of personal privilege You're recognized. Come to the
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Representative Aaron Pilkington Unverified 16:53
well. If you'll look up to the, I assume, East Gallery. I can never remember East from West. But these beautiful ladies in the crown we have with us today, they're joining us today with a special guest, the 2024 to 2025 Arkansas State Fair Queens, Junior Miss Lily Burns from Alpena, Miss Arkansas State Fair, Emerson Green from Sheridan, elite Miss Ashley Walls from Brooklyn. As ambassadors, these women serve as role models for others. The role extends beyond just the title, though. They inspire and uplift their communities while helping to preserve local culture, business, lifestyle, exhibitions, arts, crafts, agriculture, and the traditions that make the Arkansas State Fair such a cherished annual celebration. And with that, I'd just like to send them a round of applause and thank them for being here and all they do for the state of Arkansas. Thank
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Speaker 39 17:54
you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Representative Pilkington. Representative Ashley Hudson, for what purpose?
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Representative Ashley Hudson Unverified 18:02
Point of personal privilege. You're recognized to come to the well. Colleagues, I wanted to take a moment and recognize the AARP members who are here visiting with us today. If anyone in the chamber, if you could stand up for us. They have been doing their day of advocacy, and so you may have talked to members from your districts. Be sure to say hello to them If you haven't, I also wanted to give a special welcome to former representative Nancy Blount, who is here visiting us and represented Marianna. So thank
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Speaker 57 18:45
you all for being here today.
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Representative Howard M. Beaty, Jr. Unverified 19:06
Madam Clerk, please read House Concurrent Resolution 1008. House
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Chair Unverified 19:14
Concurrent Resolution 1008 by Representative McElhinden to celebrate and commend Northwest Arkansas Community College's nationally led and industry transforming bicycle assembly and repair technician and trial technician programs. Representative McElhinden, you're recognized to explain
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 19:28
your resolution. Mr. Speaker, would you ask the
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Representative Mindy McAlindon Unverified 19:34
representatives from Benton County to come on down?
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Representative Howard M. Beaty, Jr. Unverified 19:37
With the members from Northwest
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Speaker 69 19:49
Arkansas, please join Representative McElhinnen and Will. Thank you, sir.
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Speaker 72 19:56
My colleagues, today I rise with great enthusiasm to speak
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Representative Mindy McAlindon Unverified 20:05
for House Concurrent Resolution 1008, a resolution that celebrates and commends the outstanding achievements of Northwest Arkansas Community College, what we affectionately call NWAC. This resolution recognizes their national leading and industry-transforming bicycle assembly and repair technician and trail technician programs. As we spoke yesterday, Northwest Arkansas runs on bikes. Northwest Arkansas has long been a beacon of innovation and forward-thinking initiatives, but NWAC exemplifies this spirit. Their bicycle assembly and repair technician program is not just about teaching skill. It is about creating opportunities, fostering economic growth, and positioning Arkansas as a leader in an industry that both is sustainable and forward-looking. Similarly, the trail technician program reflects our state's commitment to outdoor recreation, environmental stewardship, and the development of world-class trails that attract visitors from across the country and across the world. These programs are more than educational offerings. They are transformative. They equip students with specialized skills that meet the demands of growing industries while simultaneously addressing workforce needs. They also enhance the reputation of our state as a hub for outdoor innovation and sustainability. This resolution is not just about celebrating programs, it's about recognizing the people behind them. The educators who inspire, the students who strive for excellence, and the community leaders who support these initiatives. So I'd like to recognize Dr. Megan Bolander, Executive Director of the Trails and Construction Technology Program, and Ben Glenn, Director of the Bike Technician Program, who are up in the North Gallery. Under their leadership, these efforts contribute to our state's economy, our culture, as well as our identity. As we adopt this resolution, we affirm our commitment to supporting institutions like NWAC. Let us continue to champion these programs, not only to prepare Arkansans for meaningful careers, but also to elevate our state on the national stage. And, Speaker, would you please ask the clerk to read
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Speaker 60 22:05
the title? Madam Clerk, would you please read the
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Speaker 76 22:07
title of the resolution? To celebrate and commend Northwest Arkansas Community Colleges nationally led an industry transforming bicycle assembly and repair technician and trail technician
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 22:16
program. Representative McElhinden has explained the resolution. Would anyone like to speak against the resolution? For the resolution? Representative McElhinden, you're recognized to close for your resolution. I am closed for my resolution. I ask for a good vote. Representative McElhinden is closed for the resolution. All those in favor say aye. Opposed nay. The ayes have it. Congratulations, Representative McElhinden. Your resolution is adopted. Madam Clerk, please read House Concurrent Resolution 1010.
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Chair Unverified 22:56
House Concurrent Resolution 1010 by Representative Shepard, requesting a study of ways to improve the
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 23:04
state's juvenile justice system for youth. Representative Shepard,
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Representative Tara Shephard Unverified 23:19
you're recognized to present your resolution. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, nearly two decades ago, during the 86th General Assembly, Senate Resolution 31 was filed, a bold and necessary call to reform Arkansas's juvenile justice system. At the heart of this resolution was a powerful recognition. Too many of our young people were being placed in secure confinement for nonviolent and minor offenses, subjected to costly and overly punitive responses that did not match their needs or the nature of their actions. From that recognition, political will emerged. And with it, Arkansas embarked on a course of thoughtful and measured reform. Many of the practices and the work groups we rely on today were born out of that commitment. House Concurrent Resolution 1010 mirrors Senate Resolution 31 and seeks to sustain and build upon its efforts. It's not a partisan issue. It's a moral imperative. And it is a fiscal one as well. We are currently spending $127,000 per child, per youth, to incarcerate in this state. Let that sink in, $127,000. That is more than the cost of a four-year degree at most universities, more than the average salary that a teacher makes, more than the nurse earns, and more than some of us in this chamber earns. An analysis as recently as last year again found too many of our children are being locked away for nonviolent, low-level offenses. Further highlighting that community-based alternatives are limited, and existing resources are stretched thin, and judges are left with limited tools to offer meaningful interventions outside of confinement. Despite the dedicated efforts and heartfelt commitment of judges, advocates, educators, and service providers across our state, the number of youth in secure confinement continues to rise. In fact, as of today, we are witnessing one of the highest census and one of our most secure programs in years. This resolution calls on us to renew our commitment to juvenile justice. not just the justice found in statues, but the justice that reflects our shared values of compassion and accountability, and the belief that every child is worth the investment of hope and opportunity. HR 1010 is a continued step forward in ensuring our systems work for all youth. I've had many individuals to ask me, Why didn't I just file a bill or a single statute? Because for me, it's not just about a bill or a statute. It's about seeing the entire system reform. And with that, I ask for your support for this resolution and that we stand together for our children's future. Mr. Speaker, if you can have the Madam Clerk read the resolution and name on it. - Madam Clerk, please
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Speaker 60 27:12
read resolution by title. - Requesting a
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Chair Unverified 27:15
study of ways to improve the state's juvenile justice system for youth.
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 27:21
- Representative Shepard has explained the resolution. Would anyone like to speak against the resolution? For the resolution? Representative Shepard is closed for the resolution. Question before the house is the passage of house concurrent resolution 1010. All those in favor say aye. - Aye. - Opposed nay. - The ayes have it. Congratulations, Representative Shepard. Your resolution is adopted. Madam Clerk, please read House Resolution 1102. House Resolution 1102
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Speaker 94 28:01
by Representative Steele to honor Regina Renee Henson for her contributions to the children and adults of North Little Rock through her role as Director of Sherman Park Community Center.
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Chair Unverified 28:12
Representative Steele, you're recognized to explain your resolution. Thank
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Representative Tracy Steele Unverified 28:17
you, Mr. Speaker. And Mr. Speaker, could you allow me to ask Representative Wing to join us? Representative Wing, if
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 28:24
you would join Representative Steele in the well.
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Representative Tracy Steele Unverified 28:29
Members, I'm honored today to bring special recognition to a wonderful leader in North Little Rock, Ms. Renee, and I'm going to remember the Regina part. Renee Regina Henson has been the Sherman Park Center Director for the last 38 years. Prior to that, she was the YMCA Director. All told, she has been involved intimately in the lives of young people in North Little Rock for the last 45 years. She's done an outstanding job. They have young men and young women who have come through the Sherman Park Recreation Center and they all left better than they came. She's dedicated her life to helping not only the children, but being involved in the community. She loves Sherman Park. As a matter of fact, I probably wouldn't have her here today, but I had to tell her we were having a meeting here at the Capitol on how we can help children. That's the only way I was able to get her to leave Sherman Park. So today we are glad and we are honored to pause and
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Speaker 102 29:41
pay special recognition to a wonderful leader. And at this time, I'd like to ask Representative Wing if you have
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Representative Carlton Wing Unverified 29:50
any comment. Anytime someone can make the difference in the lives of youth and to do so for so many years, it deserves to be celebrated and it is wonderful to be able to honor her efforts in our community in central Arkansas and now to know for generations is throughout the state.
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Representative Tracy Steele Unverified 30:08
Renee is known for a lot of things. One of the programs that you may have heard from that she was an architect of is Midnight Basketball, which received a lot of acclaim throughout the nation. Midnight Basketball was a program that was actually really not so much about basketball, but it was more about getting kids off the street on weekends and times where some of our kids would lose their way. She was nationally recognized. This program was known throughout the nation. This program even received a visit from former president William Jefferson Clinton and our former governor. And today we are honored to pause to recognize a wonderful person, a wonderful leader the state of Arkansas Miss Renee Henson mr. speaker could you ask the clerk to read the resolution and
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Representative Howard M. Beaty, Jr. Unverified 31:05
title only madam clerk please read the title of the
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Speaker 94 31:09
resolution to honor Regina Renee Henson for her contributions to the children and adults of North Little Rock through her role as director of
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 31:19
Sherman Park Community Center representative still has explained the resolution would anyone like to speak against the resolution, for the resolution. Representative Steele, you recognize closed for the resolution. I'm closed for the resolution. Representative Steele is closed for the resolution. Question before the House is the passage of House Resolution 1102. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed nay. The ayes have it. Congratulations Representative Steele. Your resolution has been adopted madam clerk please read house resolution 1103 house resolution 1103 by representative still to recognize
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Chair Unverified 32:07
Charlotte Thomas on the occasion of her upcoming retirement for her 51 years of exceptional service in the city of North Little Rock.
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 32:15
Reverend Steele, you're recognized to explain
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Representative Tracy Steele Unverified 32:19
your resolution. Thank you again, Mr. Speaker. Members, also this is North Little Rock Legends Day. We have a wonderful person who has served our city well. She has served in numerous capacities. She is one of the first African Americans to ever serve in an administrative leadership position in the city of North Little Rock. And our mayor who is here with us today would agree that most of the things you see and experience in North Little Rock, you can rest assured that Ms. Charlotte Thomas had something to do with it. She has served for a number of years, I've heard of people serving 30 years, 35, 45 years. She has served for 51 years and still serving the city of North Little Rock well. We're going to miss her when she finally retires, and I can say that North Little Rock City Hall would not be the same without seeing her smiling face. I'd like to recognize Representative Wayne again. She's been around since Mayor Hartwick was
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Representative Carlton Wing Unverified 33:39
mayor the first time when he was about 11 years old. So we're very grateful for your long service and your dedication to our community. Thank you very much. Representative Steele has explained the resolution.
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 33:54
Would anyone like to speak against the resolution, for the resolution? Representative Collins, you're recognized to
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Representative Andrew Collins Unverified 34:04
speak for the resolution. My first real job was as an intern in the North Little Rock Mayor's Office, and so my first real boss was Charlotte, and she was fabulous, just a wonderful person, kind, helpful, and she was in every other interaction I've ever had with her. Congratulations on your retirement. Representative
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 34:24
Collins has spoke for the resolution. Would anyone like to speak against the resolution for the resolution? Representative Steele, you're recognized to close for your resolution. Representative Steele is closed for the resolution. The question before the House is the passage of House Resolution 1103. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed, nay. The ayes have it. Congratulations, Representative Steele. Your resolution has been adopted.
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Speaker 117 34:59
Representative Wing, for what purpose? Point of personal privilege.
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Representative Carlton Wing Unverified 35:03
You're recognized. Well, we're going to keep this North Little Rock theme going. We are able to celebrate some true achievement as well. I'd like to ask for Ms. Caroline Jones to step forward. She is the daughter of Judge Paula Jules Jones and the daughter of our Pulaski County Prosecuting Attorney, Will Jones. But she is here today because she knows how to rule on the tennis court. A two-time state champion, 6A and the state overall. She completed a perfect regular season for the third year in a row. She did all this while maintaining a 4.3 GPA and incredible academics for the North Little Rock Center of Excellence. We are very, very grateful to honor you and your achievements today. And I want to introduce as well, she is joined by her mother, Paula Jules-Jones, her grandmother, Laura Jules, her North Little Rock coach, Michael Clutcher, Athletic Director Caroline Faulkner, and also I believe Thomas Anderson is there as well. So thank you for your achievement and for giving us an opportunity to celebrate some success here in central Arkansas. Thank you. And go Chargin' Wildcats, Titletown, Mr. R.J. Hoff. members we have
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 36:31
a request from the Senate to return to the Senate House Bill
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Representative Howard M. Beaty, Jr. Unverified 36:37
1555 that objection so ordered that's the chief clerk send House Bill 1555 back
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 36:43
to the Senate members you'll notice up and down the aisle ways and down on the benches in the front we have a great group of pages here with us today we appreciate so much their service and willingness to come and help us out I I know many of us here in the chamber at one time, including myself, served as pages, and so we know that the sacrifice they are making, and we appreciate that very much. If we especially want to recognize one page in particular today, we have with us Ms. Josephine Eddins. Ms. Josephine? There she is, right here.
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Speaker 122 37:21
Miss Josephine is the bashful daughter of our friend Blake Evans. Thank you Josephine for being here
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 37:33
with us today Madam clerk, please read House Resolution
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Chair Unverified 37:37
1108 Resolution 1108 by Representative Schultz to
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Speaker 94 37:40
honor University of Arkansas at Fayetteville basketball scoring star Izzy Higginbottom
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 37:47
Representative Schultz you're recognized to present your resolution
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Representative Bart Schulz Unverified 37:51
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Could I ask Representative Pierce to join
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 37:59
me in the well? Representative Pierce, if you would
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Representative Bart Schulz Unverified 38:19
join Representative Schultz in the well. Colleagues, today it is our distinct honor to recognize Arkansas Razorback Superstar Izzy Higginbottom. In addition to this resolution, we have letters from Chancellor Robertson at the U of A, and We also have one from Hunter Urichek, but in the interest of time, I'm not going to read all those, but I do want to say a few words. Today we celebrate not just a remarkable athlete, but an extraordinary young woman who has left an indelible mark on the game of basketball. Izzy Higginbottom, a proud native of Batesville, Arkansas, has dazzled us with her skills, leadership, and relentless dedication to the sport. Representing the University of Arkansas, Izzie has proven herself to be one of the best scorers in the nation. Averaging an incredible 24.4 points per game, she led the SEC and ranked third nationally in scoring. Her dominance on the court is undeniable, leading the entire NCAA in total points, in free throws made, and ranking among the best free throw percentages in field goals. But beyond the numbers, Izzy is more than just a star player. She's a role model. For every young girl in Arkansas and beyond who dreams of stepping onto the court, she's proof that hard work, determination, and passion can turn dreams into reality. She carries the heart of her hometown, the spirit of Arkansas, and the inspiration of a generation on her shoulders. This week, Izzy took to the national stage once more in the 2025 Lilly Women's College All-Star Game. She competed among the nation's best and continued to shine just as she has throughout her career. Izzy, we thank you for your dedication, your leadership, and the way you have represented the university and this state with pride. Congratulations on your outstanding achievements, and we cannot wait to see what is next in your journey. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Representative Schultz. Izzy, would you stand
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Representative Shad Pearce Unverified 40:36
for me, please? Izzy, although I have always been so impressed by your athletic ability, there's one thing that highlights that more than athletics. And remembering you watch you run around West Baptist Church, and you've kept that same godly heart, not by preaching, but by example. and the example that you are to these young women that's trying to do what you're doing, that's amazing to me. And so if you would hold your applause just a second. Thank you.
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Speaker 134 41:25
Mr. Speaker, would you have the clerk read the
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 41:52
resolution and title only? Madam Clerk, please
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Chair Unverified 41:54
read the resolution by title. To honor University of Arkansas at Fayetteville basketball scoring star, Izzy Higginbottom.
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 42:00
Representative Schultz has explained the resolution. Would anyone like to speak against the resolution? For the
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Representative Howard M. Beaty, Jr. Unverified 42:07
resolution. Representative Schultz is closed for the resolution. Question before the House is the passage of House Resolution 1108. Bear the machine, excuse me, all those in
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 42:16
favor say aye. Aye. Opposed, nay. The ayes have it. Congratulations. Your resolution has been
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Chair (Representative Howard M. Beaty, Jr.) Unverified 42:36
adopted. representative jeremiah moore for what purpose point of personal privilege you're recognized
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Representative Kendra Moore Unverified 42:40
come to the well. Thank You Mr. Speaker, colleagues. I prepared a house memorial resolution 1009 and due to a small clerical error that was due to no one's fault but myself that resolution has to run tomorrow but the family and friends of a dear friend of mine are here today and so i want to take a moment to express to express my gratitude and friendship and honor and memory of my dear friend former speaker of the arkansas house of representatives benny petras benny was a good friend of mine in fact when i first decided i at least thought about running for this office i called a select few group of people select well-respected members of our community and Mr. Benny was one of them. And since that day, before I even filed for election, up until the point of his passing, Benny was always there for me. Anytime I needed some advice, anytime I was in a bond between a rock and a hard place, Mr. Benny was there for me. Mr. Benny served in the House of Representatives from 2007 to 2009, holding the position of Speaker of the house from 2007 to 2009. The thing about Mr. Benny is that you didn't have to ask him where he stood because he was going to tell you. I've never met a man that was more straightforward than Benny Petrus. His greatest passion was his family. His father, his brothers, his wife, Miss Tammy, and his two sons, Jonathan and Justin, were in business together and were very successful in Arkansas County whether it was from the farm to the car dealership to being CEO and president of Adams manufacturing which is happens to be the largest fertilizer manufacturing company in North America I'll read you a quote by a former fellow colleague former state representative Marvin Childers who served with mr. Benny at the time he said Benny just loved helping people and he was interested in anything agriculture. He took the lead when it came to funding for the community college at Stuttgart. Education was important to him and Benny worked across the aisle in the House of Representatives and he didn't care whether you were a Democrat, Republican, or Independent so long as you would do the right thing. Now the thing that people will tell you about Mr. Benny back home in Arkansas County is that he helped people and they had no idea. There are hundreds of people in Arkansas County that he benefited at no gain to his own. Moreover, through his work in the legislature, there are millions of people in Arkansas that I can say the exact same things about. I'll end up with saying this, Benny Petrus motivates me every day. I like to think that I work hard and that I call my constituents back and return their emails but one of the only reasons I do that is because I know my constituents expect me to fill the shoes that Benny Petrus filled so long ago and every day that motivates me to work as hard as Benny did and to serve his constituents and his people as Mr. Benny did and so I hope that I honor his memory by serving with you today and by serving the people of Arkansas now if you will please rise and give a round of applause for his family his friends his sons, and his business partners. Thank you.
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 46:40
Thank you, Representative Moore. Members also serving with us here as a page today, you may recognize the name Jenny Dowden. Jenny is communications. We see her around the Capitol a lot.
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Representative Howard M. Beaty, Jr. Unverified 46:52
Her daughter is here today, Ms. Rosalind Dowden. Rosalind, there you are. Members, welcome Rosalind to the house chamber.
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 47:21
morning hour is ended members represent and Mary Bentley recommends that we can current Senate amendment number one to house bill 1669 madam clerk please read Senate amendment number one Senate amendment
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Chair Unverified 47:37
number one to house bill 1669 representative you're
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 47:41
recognized to explain amendment one thank you speaker colleagues we've
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Representative Mary Bentley Unverified 47:46
got this bill down to the Senate and the AG's office has from a little amendment to make sure that we're not getting rid of our state's sovereign immunity. So with that, that's what we did in the Senate in. My bill, my amendment, I'd appreciate
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 48:01
a good vote. Thank you. Representative Bentley has explained the amendment. Would anyone like to speak against the amendment, for the amendment? Representative Bentley is closed for the amendment. The question before the House is in concurrence with Senate Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 1669. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot. The vote of 73 yea, 17 nay, and 0 present. You have concurred and Senate Amendment Number 1 to House Bill 1669. Representative Lane Jean recommends that we concur in Senate Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 1303. Madam Clerk, please read Senate Amendment No. 1. Senate Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 1303. Representative Jean, you're recognized to explain the amendment.
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Representative Lane Jean Unverified 48:59
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is a bill that we passed out of here, 91-2. This is the Aviation Fuel Bill for South Arkansas. What the Senate did was take out the buyback from the state, so the state's out of it, on the tax credits. That's what the bill does. Appreciate it. Representative Jean has explained
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 49:19
the amendment. Would anyone like to speak against the amendment or the amendment? Representative Jean is closed for the amendment. The question before the House is concurrence with Senate Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 1303. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Has everyone voted? everyone voted cast up the ballot the vote of 83 a's one day and for present you concurred in Senate amendment number one to House bill 1303 members representative Britt McKenzie recommends that we concur and Senate amendment number one to House bill 1724 madam clerk please read Senate amendment number one Senate amendment number one the house both 1724
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Chair Unverified 50:07
reps in the McKenzie you're recognized to explain your amendment.
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 50:10
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We got it over to
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Representative Brit McKenzie Unverified 50:12
the Senate. We got this bill over the Senate. We had a few of our stakeholders who worked with this in the process to make this good bill help us with some of the smaller contingencies that may exist. So first, we covered all situations in which would require a new election for a school board. We ensure that appointments for vacancies serve until the next successor is sworn in. And then we work to align filing start dates and end dates. In addition, we just passed a bill that The governor's already signed Act 405. That moved our primary date permanently to March. So we just, as opposed to leaving it not descriptive to the actual month, we codified it with that. So with that, I'd appreciate a good
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 50:49
vote. Representative McKenzie has explained the amendment. Would anyone like to speak against the amendment, for the amendment? Representative McKenzie is closed for the amendment. Question before the House is concurrence with Senate Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 1724. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot. The vote of 81 yeas, 3 nays, and 1 present. You have concurred and Senate Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 1724. Madam Clerk, please read House Bill 1790.
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Chair Unverified 51:34
House Bill 1790 by Representative McKenzie. to amend the law concerning the regulation of short-term rentals by a local
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 51:40
government. Representative McKenzie, you're recognized to explain your
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Representative Brit McKenzie Unverified 51:44
bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This bill's been a long time coming. I'd love to start by saying this is a little old bill that don't do much. But in reality, what this bill is, it represents a great deal of compromise. This bill represents three years of work. I started this process when I was a candidate for office, not even finishing the primary process. And it's something that comes directly from constituents. Um, this has been a labor of love for me, um, it's been something that all stakeholders have been brought to the table on, um, it's born out of two key principles, one, securing the fundamental rights of property owners around the state of Arkansas, and two, allowing for local control and promoting flexibility within our municipalities to ensure that they have the regulations and the power they need to enforce, uh, ordinances and rules on property owners. This legislation strikes that impressive balance between protecting those fundamental rights of property owners and offering thoughtful compromises to our municipalities for local control. It's a win-win for both residents looking to embrace the sharing economy and local governments aiming to maintain order and safety. But this is not a free-for-all. Compromises by empowering local governments to regulate short-term rentals sensibly. can require permits, licenses, collect fees, enforce rules like providing owner contact, posting safety notices, and ensuring taxes are paid, as well as the opportunity and power to enforce health, safety, and welfare standards. Plus, they can revoke permits for repeat offenders or serious issues keeping communities safe and accountable without overreach. This bill also classifies short-term rentals as residential for zoning purposes. harmonizing them with the neighborhood essence irrespective of zone type. It respects private agreements like homeowners associations, rules, or deed restrictions. In short, House Bill 1790 is a forward-thinking bill that champions property rights and economic freedom while giving local governments the tools they need to manage responsibly. It is a balanced, practical compromise that keeps Arkansas open for business and welcoming to all. So what does this mean? This bill does two things, two key principles that I set out and sat with the main stakeholders at play here, the Arkansas Municipal League, before session even started. The two things that I was unwilling to sacrifice to the benefit of our constituents were, nope, municipalities cannot ban nor cap short-term rentals. That is born out of the fact that Article 2, Section 22 of our Arkansas Constitution is clear, that the rights to property owners are above all else. Everything else, and I've said this in many meetings across this issue and others, is window dressing. And I understand that. I've been referring to this version of the bill that's before you today for consideration by my personal standards, by what I believe principally is the fuzzy lollipop bill. It is still a lollipop. It is still something that hopefully we can enjoy, but it's banged around the floorboard for a while. I'm okay with that because at the end of the day, our constituents, your constituents, the 1.8 million Arkansans who own property in the state of Arkansas need some relief. So I come to you humbly today to say please consider this bill, and I know I want to personally apologize because I have plagued your inboxes for months, but this issue matters deeply to me. It matters deeply to my constituents, and if you ask enough, it will matter deeply to yours as well. So with that, I'd
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Speaker 167 55:18
be happy to take any questions. Seeing none, appreciate it. Representative Torres, for
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Representative Randy Torres Unverified 55:22
what purpose? Question. You're recognized. representative mckenzie i in communities where there are no caps and so forth but there is a requirement for people to you know come and petition for a special use permit for a short-term rental will that go away because citizens come to those to voice whether they're for it or against it will this bill take that away no it wouldn't take away because a lot of
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Representative Brit McKenzie Unverified 55:46
municipalities are using the a special use permit within their zoning structure that most have adopted. It would probably behoove that municipality to create a permanent standing license or permit for them to draw down, but if a municipality wants to keep special use, they can keep it.
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Speaker 51 56:04
Any other questions? I appreciate a good vote. Representative McKenzie has explained the bill, would anyone
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 56:16
like to speak against the bill? Would anyone like to speak for the bill? McKenzie is closed for the bill. Question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1790. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk.
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Speaker 153 56:37
Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 56:46
up the ballot. The vote of 33 yay, 49 nay, and six present. bill has
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Representative Howard M. Beaty, Jr. Unverified 56:52
failed. Members at the request of Representative Wayne Long we will pass over House Bill 1914 today. Madam Clerk please read House
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Chair Unverified 57:01
Bill 1944. House Bill 1944 by Representative Vaught to authorize the issuance and renewal of special license plate to promote and support the Arkansas EMS Foundation and to repeal the Grand Lodge of Arkansas special license
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 57:14
plate. Representative Vaught you're recognized
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Representative DeAnn Vaught Unverified 57:17
to explain your bill. Thank you Mr. speaker the EMS came to me about doing a foundation memorial license plate kind of like what the firefighters have anybody can buy those license plates in the state of Arkansas it's not just for the ones that are EMS or the firefighters so it's the same kind you have to find a license plate that you would like to see maybe leave they give you a couple of license plates you can pick from the one that I picked was the one at the top and it happened to be the Grand Lodge Masonic and Howard's losing his mind over it it had 240 active license plates to stay active you need 500 or more license plates and that's the reason that one was the one that was chosen this license plate will again they've already got 500 of them sold so with that i appreciate a good vote
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 58:17
representative vaude has explained the bill would anyone like to speak against the bill for the bill representative vaude is closed for the bill question before the house is the passage of house bill 1944 prepare the machine madam clerk
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Speaker 153 58:41
everyone voted is everyone voted cast up the ballot
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 58:50
the vote of 82 yay 6 nay and zero present bill is passed madam clerk please read house bill 1897 and pass over that today the request of representative Painter we will pass over 1897 today. Madam Clerk, please read House Bill 1807. House Bill 1807
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Chair Unverified 59:09
by Representative Eves to amend the sales tax exemption for aircraft held for resale and used for rental or charter and to clarify the person's eligibility
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Speaker 94 59:17
for the sales tax exemption for aircraft held for resale and used for rental
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 59:23
or charter. Representative Eves, you're recognized to
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Representative Les D. Eaves Unverified 59:28
explain your bill. Thank you Mr. Speaker. Members, current Arkansas law allows individuals engaged in selling and leasing aircraft the option of either paying sales tax upon the purchase of an aircraft held in inventory or paying the use and use tax on the least income of that aircraft. This bill will qualify who is allowed to have this option and what reimbursements or requirements must be met. so it does two things. It clarifies the long-standing definition of who is in the business of buying and selling aircraft to include those holding aircraft in inventory. It codifies the generally accepted minimum lease rate of 7.5% of the acquisition cost of the aircraft. And frankly, one of the most important things it does, it will prevent double taxation of aircraft that are held for resale or lease. It's important to note, as I've said once or twice, that aviation is Arkansas's leading export so we want to make sure we take care of this industry. There is currently no fiscal impact in committee. We had a report that showed there could be one but it is only going to be a fiscal impact if we allow DF&A to collect a sales tax that the Tax Appeals Commission said they are not allowed to collect. So this bill would fix all those issues. I appreciate a good vote.
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 1:00:47
Representative Eves has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? For the bill? Representative Eaves is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1807. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot. The vote of 89 yeas on One nay and one present, the bill is passed. Madam
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Chair Unverified 1:01:27
Clerk, please read House Bill 1869. - House Bill 1869 by Representative Johnson to create the maternal outcomes management system within the Department of Health and to organize maternal health
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Representative Lee Johnson Unverified 1:01:36
resources. - Representative Johnson, you're recognized to explain your bill. - Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, the first thing I wanna say about this bill is it currently doesn't have any funding or appropriation, but it does set up a framework for the Department of Health. We currently have a need, I think, in the state for a statewide system of care around maternal health. This creates the legislation that would create both a grant cycle program for hospitals that are delivery hospitals that would mirror what we do in trauma. It also sets up the possibility for a call center like we do with trauma to coordinate transfers across the state and also to help fund a postpartum call center. Again, right now there's no funding for this, but there was a lot of work done in the interim to kind of come up with this plan. And I just want to try to get this framework in place in case we do identify funding at a later date. happy to answer any questions on the bill. Representative Ray, for what purpose?
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Representative David Ray Unverified 1:02:22
Question. You're recognized for a question? Representative Johnson, there's been several bills similar to this that create grant programs that don't currently have any funding. What, how much funding would you anticipate a grant program like this would need in order to be successful in your view? That's a great question. So I think
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Representative Lee Johnson Unverified 1:02:40
some of it depends on the outcomes of how things look once the Medicaid reimbursement fully comes into place. The idea that this would be grants for just hospitals that deliver babies. As you know, we put a lot of money into Medicaid to increase reimbursement rates. I think it's yet to be determined how much that's going to help. We hope that it helps a lot, but it's still possible that some of our low-volume delivery centers may need some kind of subsidy in the future. What I want to do with this grant program is create the guardrails and conditions of participation like we have in trauma. In trauma, we don't just give away the money. We say, hey, you have to do education in your community. You have to do CME for all of your providers. You have to participate in peer review and talk about bad outcomes, and if you're not meeting these criteria, we're not going to give you any grant money. That's what this would set up if the grants were to be available. I hope that we don't get in a place where we need to subsidize our low-delivery, rural delivery hospitals in the future, but if we do, I'd like this framework to be there so that we have a way to monitor how those grants would be distributed. From a price standpoint, I think it just depends. I don't know for sure how much the shortfall is going to be. Right now, when you look at delivery hospitals, it's a volume-based issue. So hospitals that deliver less than 300 babies a year end up running in a little bit of a deficit. We're hoping that the increased reimbursement will overcome that, but I think there's a chance it might not. Seeing no other questions, I appreciate a good
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 1:04:06
vote. Thank you. Representative Johnson has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill, for the bill? Representative Johnson is closed for the bill. Question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1869. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot. The vote of 78 yea, 7 nay, and 6 present. The bill is passed. Madam Clerk please read House Bill 1433. House Bill
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Chair Unverified 1:04:47
1433 by Representative Moore to require a law enforcement officer who is executing or serving an order of protection to serve any outstanding criminal warrants related to domestic violence or offenses involving the petitioner
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Chair (Representative Howard M. Beaty, Jr.) Unverified 1:04:58
as the victim. Representative Moore you're recognized
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Chair Unverified 1:05:06
to explain your bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 1433 simply adds that a law enforcement officer who is serving an order of protection checks for active warrants before serving that order of protection. The purpose of this addition is to promote officer, community, and court safety. We vetted this bill through the Administrative Office of the Courts, the Judicial Council, the Arkansas Police Chiefs Association, and the Arkansas Sheriff's Association. With that, I'll try to answer any questions. Appreciate a good vote. Representative Moore has explained the bill.
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 1:05:40
Would anyone like to speak against the bill? For the bill? Representative Moore is closed for the bill. Question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1433. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Has everyone voted? Is everyone voted? Cast up the ballot. The vote of 95 yea, 0 nay, and 0 present. The bill is passed. Madam Clerk, please read House Bill
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Chair Unverified 1:06:17
1529. House Bill 1529 by Representative Meeks to create the criminal offense of unlawful creation or distribution of deepfake visual material
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Speaker 188 1:06:24
and to establish a cause of action for unlawful creation of deepfake visual material.
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Chair (Representative Howard M. Beaty, Jr.) Unverified 1:06:30
Representative Meeks, you're recognized to explain
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Representative Stephen Meeks Unverified 1:06:32
your bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, this is one of the two AI bills that I'm running that these are priority bills for the attorney general's office. They help supply a lot of the language in here. This first one is to outlaw deepfake visual material, illicit photos made using an identifiable person. If you are found guilty of doing it or creating this material, first time it's a class A misdemeanor. After that, it is a felony. Many of you have joined me as co-sponsors on this because you see the harm that this can potentially do. Happy to answer any questions. Seeing none, appreciate a good vote. Representative Meeks has
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 1:07:14
explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill, for the bill? Representative Meeks is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1529.
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Speaker 153 1:07:26
Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Has everyone voted?
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 1:07:41
Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot. The vote of 88 yea, 0 nay, and 2 present. The bill is passed. Madam Clerk, please read House Bill House bill 1877.
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Chair Unverified 1:07:52
House bill 1877 by Representative Meeks concerning criminal offenses related to possession of sexually explicit material that
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Speaker 94 1:07:57
picks a child and to include a computer generated image that is indistinguishably from the image of a child.
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 1:08:05
Representative Meeks, you're recognized to
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Representative Stephen Meeks Unverified 1:08:07
explain your bill. Thank you, colleagues. Again, this language comes from the Attorney General's office. This is to outlaw child sexual assault material computer generated. This has been passed in 37 other states. With your approval, Arkansas will become 38. And even though these images are AI computer generated, that AI model is trained on the images of real children. And so with that, we'd appreciate a good vote.
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 1:08:37
Representative Meeks has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill for the bill? Representative Meeks is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1877. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk.
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Speaker 153 1:08:59
Does everyone voted? Does everyone voted? Cast up the ballot. The
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 1:09:07
vote of 93 yea, 0 nay, and 0 present. The bill is passed. Madam Clerk, please read House Bill
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Chair Unverified 1:09:15
1931. House Bill 1931 by Representative Beatty to create the recidivism reduction system within the
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 1:09:22
Department of Corrections and to declare
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Representative Howard M. Beaty, Jr. Unverified 1:09:29
an emergency. Representative Beatty, you're recognized to explain your bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, I'm here to present House Bill 1931 is to create the recidivism reduction system within the Department of Corrections. Basically, this bill outlines or proposes the creation of the recidivism reduction system at Department of Corrections. Right now, our recidivism rate, I'm having trouble with that word today, is 48.3%. I'll say that again, 48.3%, and that reoffenders are costing this state approximately an estimated $140 million. So what this what this bill pulls together, it stresses and emphasizes the importance of reentry preparation for incarcerated individuals from the first day of their incarceration. The system includes components such as validated risk and needs assessment of each individual, individual case plans for the prisoners, evidence-based programming, incentives for their participation, and partnerships with external organizations, and also reentry preparation. services for our prisoners. The bill has no known opposition. The Department of Corrections we took into account some of their concerns and work with those so with that I'd appreciate a good vote. We have to deal with recidivism and take care of this issue. Thank you. Representative Beatty has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill for the bill? Representative Beatty is closed for the bill.
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 1:11:04
Question before the house is the passage of House Bill 1931. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Members, your one vote is for the bill and the emergency clause. Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot. With a vote of 89 yay, 0 nay, and 2 present, you have passed the bill and the emergency clause. Madam Clerk, please read House Bill 1672. House Bill 1672 by
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Speaker 76 1:11:41
Representative McCollum to amend provisions of the Arkansas Code to create a more efficient system for public schools
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 1:11:48
of innovation in Arkansas. Representative McCollum, you're
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Representative Austin McCollum Unverified 1:11:55
recognized to explain your bill. Thank you mr. speaker thank you colleagues I'm grateful that governor asked me to not just work on this bill but worth work with our community partners and I'm equally grateful our community partners came to the table to work towards a solution there's been multiple amendments mostly around the fact that we wanted to take into account our innovative charters that we have and we didn't want to hurt charters specifically virtual charters as well as dropout prevention folks so in the end the goal the goal of the legislation in front of you is to take this very good structure that we have that we've operated under for years and make sure that we continue to have high quality choice options for parents students families because we do believe in empowering those parents at the same time we want to make sure that we have language that is so streamlined and we want what I would say instead of reading these notes we want to make it clear if you're gonna do a charter in the state of Arkansas we're gonna have a contract in this language it provides that contract language that we haven't had in the past essentially says if you're an F school for three years in a row your contract is null and it's void I believe the terminology that was used in testimony from our agency is failure factories but we're not gonna let you stand up and continue to operate failure factories with no accountability representative Garner for what purpose yeah I have a quick question I apologize
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Representative Denise Garner Unverified 1:13:48
for not asking earlier, but in reading the bill again, if a school of innovation is changed to a public charter, that means that they will not be under the auspices of the district school board now. They'll have their own school board. Is that correct? Say the last part again. If a school of innovation is changed over to a public charter, then will the school of innovation who has been under the control of the school board district school board have their own charter school board as
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Representative Austin McCollum Unverified 1:14:23
opposed to the district school board that is correct by the end of the so specifically to those district conversion charter schools they'll have by the end of the 27 28 school year so all the charters will have a written contract holding them to those set performance standards that we talked about thank you Rep.
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 1:14:47
McCollum has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? For the bill? Rep. McCollum is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1672. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. - Does everyone
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Speaker 153 1:15:13
voted? Does everyone voted? Cast up the ballot. With a vote of 75
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 1:15:23
yay, 11 nay, and seven present, the bill is passed. Madam Clerk, please read House Bill 1876.
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Chair Unverified 1:15:32
- House Bill 1876 by Representative Richardson regarding the ownership of model training and content generated by a generative artificial
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 1:15:42
intelligence tool. Representative Richardson, you are recognized to
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Speaker 231 1:15:47
explain your bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, House Bill 1876 is another one of those AI bills. It's a good bill. Right now, if you are using or leveraging AI, you know that there are essentially three different buckets that we sort of work in. One of those buckets is the existing AI software. This could be your chat GTPs or your Microsoft co-pilots or all those other open AI-related chat software pieces that you can find out on the web. Then you have what we call your modeling, which is the second bucket. And this is where you put your input in, and that could be anything that you want to do to get a certain set of outcome. And what happens is when you place that output, or excuse me, that model or that input into the existing chat GTP or copilot or whatever AI solution that you want, it produces a set output. Now, our businesses are spending a lot of time and effort to create modeling that works well for them to get a specific type of output. And I use the example in committee, and I'll use it here, of leveraging a specific set of input to go into chat GTP to produce an output. By example, a survey group might provide specific content from a specific set of software like AutoCAD or MicroStation, and then it produces a specific output like a legal description. Now, the work that it takes to create that model and get that set of output needs to be protected so that our businesses continue to invest and produce a consistent tool that can provide a competitive advantage for their businesses. So all this bill does is it provides protection for what I call that second and third bucket, which is the model training and whatever output that they're producing.
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 1:17:55
And with that, I'm happy to take questions. Rep. Richardson has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? For the bill? Rep. Richardson is closed for the bill. Question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1876.
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Speaker 153 1:18:25
Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. everyone voted it's everyone voted cast up the ballot
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 1:18:32
with a vote of 94 yay zero nay and two present the bill is passed madam clerk please read house bill 1866 that's for 1866 by representative brooks
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Chair Unverified 1:18:41
to create eli's law and require each public school to install an audio
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Speaker 94 1:18:44
recording device in each locker room and dressing room on the public school campus. Representative Brooks, you're recognized to
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 1:18:51
explain your bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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Representative Keith Brooks Chair Unverified 1:18:54
Colleagues, normally when I run a bill of substance like this, I would normally type it out, make sure that everything I say is pretty well put together and very clear and I spent a lot of time on it. I spent a lot of time on this, but today I decided to just kind of speak from my heart based upon my experience with these two young men, their families, and their experience. In 2024, a couple young men in the town of Quitman were trying to enjoy what they perceived to be an upcoming football season. However, their opportunity to compete and frankly their opportunity to just be a kid was interrupted and destroyed when they were sexually assaulted in their school locker room. Most of you and I would know the term baptizing by a very spiritual experience. It's something that most of us have probably taken place in our life, and it was a very positive thing. However, and this is an extremely sensitive topic, in fact I wouldn't call it sensitive, I'd call it just awful. And so these are things that you wouldn't want to say from the well, but I'm going to say them because I think their story needs to be told. To these young men, baptizing was something very different, and folks from the town of Huntsville have experienced this in years past as well in a very public way. To these young men, and they were age 12 and 13 at the time, no more than about 95 to 100 pounds, baptizing was then being held down by older boys in their locker room while the older boys put their genitals in their mouths. That's not acceptable. We call that sexual assault. We would never stand for that in any situation, especially within our school system where our kids' safety should be prioritized above everything else. And so last week in house education, Eli and Cash, two very brave young men, stood behind their moms as their moms told the story. Their moms bravely gave the details that frankly would make you sick. And their moms told what the experience was like for these two brave young men. And these brave young men got a standing ovation in my committee because of their courage to step out and tell their story. But it's a story that they should never have ever had the chance to tell because it should never happen on our watch. And so what does Eli's Law do? It's actually, frankly, very, very simple. Eli's Law just requires that by the 2027-28 school year, that schools will install audio recording devices in their locker rooms. The reason we put it out for 2027-28 is to allow us to create funding mechanisms within the next session. It also allows for schools to utilize school safety grants should they find a way to do it. But the goal is to give plenty of time for our schools to step up to the plate and ensure that what their number one priority is, is being upheld. And that is the safety of the young men and women that are on their campuses every single day. So I know a lot of folks have talked about privacy, have talked about concerns around that, so I want to address that. And I'll address it by a gentleman in White County Central, Dr. Ferris Smith. Dr. Ferris Smith came and talked about this as well. He had heard of these situations, and so Dr. Smith, small rural school, decided that he was not going to allow this to happen on his watch at his school. And so by his own motivation, in October of last year, he placed audio recording devices in all of his locker rooms in his school system. It cost him about $1,200 per device, and to keep the recording costs about $250 a year. He did it at his cost, but to hear Dr. Smith talk about it, it was more than worth it. He has had zero incidents of bullying. He has had zero fights. And more than anything else, he's had zero calls from moms and dads or from students who are concerned about privacy or anything else within their locker rooms. Quite frankly, what he has done is he has addressed the issue on his own. The reason that I bring you this bill, members, is because I want to ensure that we do not allow this to happen to kids again in the state of Arkansas. Again, we've had multiple situations over the last few years where we know that it's happened. It's likely that it's happened more than that, and kids just don't want to step up and tell, because frankly, it's something that's a terrifying thing to talk about. And so again, just to go into the specifics of the bill, it would require that by the 2027-28 school year to talk about who can actually request the information. And a school administrator would have access to it should there be an allegation of an event that has happened. Or a parent or grandparent or someone who is responsible for the child will be able to request those audio device, audio recordings from the locker room. So it's not something that somebody can just go grab because they want to find out about the other team and what their secrets are. No, you have to have a specific situation. The audio recordings would have to be kept for a minimum of 90 days but they can't be kept any longer than a year so if you're required to destroy the audio recording so that we protect privacy frankly beyond that that's about the specifics of the bill but for me more than anything else I wanted to ensure that the story was told because Eli and Cash you two young men are brave and I want that to be heard and I want to be seen in the state of Arkansas that two young men are willing to stand up for themselves when they were unable to stand up for themselves and when other people wouldn't. Their screams were there. People heard their screams. The young men who were the perpetrators, who have all admitted it, they heard their screams, they witnessed their screams, and they did it anyways. Could there have been somebody who could have stopped it? It's entirely possible. Will an audio recording prevent every single situation from happening? Frankly, I have no idea. But should it? Should it give pause to anyone? It absolutely should. And I want schools to hear this. Administrators, coaches, teachers, moms and dads. In the state of Arkansas, sexually abusing and assaulting a child is never going to stand, and this body will not allow it. And so for that, I would appreciate a good vote, and I'll be happy
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Speaker 240 1:25:39
to answer any questions. Representative Wooden, for what purpose? Question.
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Representative Jim Wooten Unverified 1:25:43
You're recognized. I support your bill. I think it's well needed, and unfortunately, it needs to be done. But my question is, and you knew it was coming. Yes, sir, I totally expected it. Isn't it wonderful that this doesn't happen
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Representative Keith Brooks Chair Unverified 1:25:59
in private schools? I have no idea if it does, and I pray to God that it doesn't, and certainly, Representative Wooten, and I absolutely, I should have written down the answer. I probably should have written down the question because I knew it was coming and just told you and asked it myself. So, frankly, yes, we are requiring public schools to do this because that's within the purview of what we do. Private schools are not in this. However, I would certainly encourage private schools to do it as well, and should those grants be available to them, just like the grants are available to our public schools,
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Chair (Representative Howard M. Beaty, Jr.) Unverified 1:26:25
I would encourage them to do it as well. Thank you. Thank
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Representative Matt Duffield Unverified 1:26:32
you, Mr. Chair. Representative Duffield, for what purpose? Question. You're recognized. Representative Brooks, I appreciate your passion in protecting our children in our schools. I guess could you explain a little bit further? I just have – I'm having a hard time with putting recording devices in locker rooms from someone who played sports and was in locker rooms. Guys and girls both, we say stuff, we joke around. I understand what happened to these young men was horrific. I've read the story. I mean, it makes anybody fight mad to hear this. I'm just not sure this is the right answer moving forward for our athletes. Sure, and I
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Representative Keith Brooks Chair Unverified 1:27:04
certainly appreciate the question. I was an athlete as well, and in many locker rooms myself, I've experienced that. So this has nothing to do with locker room talk, goofing around, kids being kids, whatever that might be. I totally respect that. So someone cannot request this information or these audio recordings unless there's been an allegation of an event that has happened. So it's not just that somebody's going to go in, an administrator gets to go in and say, I wonder what the boys are talking about today. It's not that situation. We're talking about a serious allegation of an event that has happened, and that's the bar that's there because, again, the intent is to find a way to protect the kids. Representative Duffield,
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Chair (Representative Howard M. Beaty, Jr.) Unverified 1:27:42
you're recognized for a follow-up. And, again,
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Representative Matt Duffield Unverified 1:27:45
I appreciate your passion with this. I just think when you use this recording device and you put these recording devices in these locker rooms, I don't know how we can assure that these administrators are not going to listen to these things, and I just think it may open up a can of worms for some
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Representative Keith Brooks Chair Unverified 1:28:04
more problems. Certainly appreciate the question. I think it's a fair question. I would absolutely direct, frankly, I'd direct anybody to Dr. Ferris Smith at White County Central and ask him what his experience has been. You know, we require within the bill to conspicuously place a notice that it's being recorded so everybody knows that there's no questions about it. I would say that his experience has been that no one has had any concerns in any way, frankly, from his entire school district, whether it be the kids or the parents or other stakeholders. It's been nothing but positive, and it's prevented a lot
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Chair (Representative Howard M. Beaty, Jr.) Unverified 1:28:35
of situations in his mind. Representative Carolyn Brown, for what purpose? Question.
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Representative Matt Brown Unverified 1:28:39
You're recognized. Representative Brooks, I was in committee, and I kind of missed part of it, but I think, would you confirm, that there are no adults, no coaches, Nobody in the locker rooms to monitor what's going on. Obviously, every
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Representative Keith Brooks Chair Unverified 1:28:54
school probably has a different policy in and of themselves. You know, there's no requirement under statute that an adult be in a locker room within any specific times. And so, certainly, you'll have many opportunities where kids are there by themselves. Yes. So the coaches are teachers. Nobody's restricted from going in,
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Representative Matt Brown Unverified 1:29:10
but just likely not there. I would say that, again, just based upon the ebb and flow of a
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Representative Keith Brooks Chair Unverified 1:29:15
typical school day, you could certainly have people who are there without coaches or adults present. - Thank
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Speaker 259 1:29:24
you. - Representative Steele, for what purpose? - Question.
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Speaker 261 1:29:28
- You're recognized. - Representative, so you have no idea what the cost this would be?
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Representative Keith Brooks Chair Unverified 1:29:32
- No, I specified that earlier on. So, a typical impact study done? - So there is no fiscal impact that's on this because we're not paying for it from the state perspective. Again, the state has opened up the opportunity to utilize our school safety grants through the department for this. When you look at what the cost was for White County Central who did that, it cost him about $1,200 per device. It cost him $250 a year for the maintaining of the audio recording. So all in all, it cost Dr. Smith at White County Central about $8,000.
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Representative Tracy Steele Unverified 1:30:02
Follow-ups. You're recognized. So would these include the locker rooms that have bathrooms within them as well? Some of
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Speaker 261 1:30:13
the smaller schools, not just shout, but they have the bathroom in there as well. It just states
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Representative Keith Brooks Chair Unverified 1:30:17
that it has to be within the locker room. So I wouldn't necessarily put it in a bathroom. It just has to be in
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Speaker 261 1:30:23
the locker room. So each individual locker room. Would that be considered dressing room? Because now newer schools, a lot of them
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Representative Keith Brooks Chair Unverified 1:30:30
don't have lockers. I guess maybe there could be some semantics there relative to locker room versus dressing room. But the intent, obviously, is a place where kids gather to prepare for athletic events, changing room, whatever you might want to call them. Where would the
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Speaker 269 1:30:43
schools get these devices from? They should have to be pretty high-tech. There's
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Representative Keith Brooks Chair Unverified 1:30:47
a number of resources that are out there for devices such as this. I find that our schools are pretty capable of figuring out what works best for them. Again, I'm sure that, and I keep saying his name, but I told him that I would say his name over and over, Dr. Smith, which would probably be more than willing to help his fellow superintendents ensure that it's done successfully. So there was
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Representative Tracy Steele Unverified 1:31:10
no discussion about putting forth an appropriation bill to pay for these devices? There's no discussion
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Representative Keith Brooks Chair Unverified 1:31:14
within this session, but that's why I put it out for the 27-28 school year to allow us to have those ongoing discussions. That
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Representative Tracy Steele Unverified 1:31:21
does not require a fiscal impact to say that you're going to get something funded in
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Representative Keith Brooks Chair Unverified 1:31:26
the future. It does not because we're not proposing to fund this as a state. We're proposing to fund this through safety grants and work with the local school districts to do that. And again, I'll refer back to White County Central. They chose to find $8,000 within their school budget to do it because it was that
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Chair (Representative Howard M. Beaty, Jr.) Unverified 1:31:43
important to them. Representative Jay Richardson, for what purpose? Question. You're recognized.
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Representative R. Scott Richardson Unverified 1:31:46
Representative Brooks, I thought in the beginning of your presentation that you said that you started it back, I guess, in the coming years so that we could find funding to fund this program. Is that not what you said? Should we want to find an additional
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Representative Keith Brooks Chair Unverified 1:31:59
funding and have a state appropriation? Yes, we could do that. We could make that decision in the next legislative session. However, there are a number of schools who would like to go ahead and start this process because they think it's very important. I've had a number reach out to me since we presented this in committee. They may want to work with the school safety grants to start implementing this. There are several federal grants that are available as well. So, again, for us to have a discussion about perhaps doing an appropriation as a part of the legislative session, certainly I'll be happy to have that conversation, but that's why I want to put the requirement out far enough so we can have
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Representative R. Scott Richardson Unverified 1:32:33
that conversation ongoing. So then it is your intention that the state does eventually fund it or offer ways for it to be
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Representative Keith Brooks Chair Unverified 1:32:39
funded? Should schools not find a way to do that between now and then? that would be my intent in the long run
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Speaker 277 1:32:46
yes sir okay thank you representative clowney for what purpose question you're recognized thank you
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Representative Nicole Clowney Unverified 1:32:50
and i apologize uh representative brooks if this came up in committee but i didn't have time to go back and watch it um i just want to follow up on representative steel's question because i know that there are often bathrooms that are part of the locker room if this passes are we requiring that every bathroom every every will there be audio recordings of these little boys and girls using the bathroom just readily available that's my concern can you speak to that and that was that would absolutely not be the
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Representative Keith Brooks Chair Unverified 1:33:15
intent in any way the intent would be that within the locker room changing facility where most kids are gathering on a daily basis in preparation for athletics that that's where the recording devices would be if we need to clarify this once it gets to the Senate with additional language I'm happy to do
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Chair (Representative Howard M. Beaty, Jr.) Unverified 1:33:33
that representative Wardridge what purpose question recognized thank you representative for
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Representative Justin Gonzales Unverified 1:33:36
bringing this bill I appreciate your intent as well as you We're talking, I think, answering Representative Richardson's question. You talked about the need for this bill because there are some schools that are wanting to go ahead and do this now. But my understanding is they could do this now, right, because the school
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Representative Keith Brooks Chair Unverified 1:33:51
in your district has done this? So not within my district. The school has done it. Yes, they can do it. But, again, we know that just because someone can and sees a value in it doesn't necessarily mean that they will. For me, the situation is far too egregious and far too much of a potential for the destruction of a child's life for us to not pay attention to this. And I want their story to be known and heard, which is the primary reason for this bill, is to prevent another Eli in cash.
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Speaker 244 1:34:19
I'm glad to know these young men, but I wish
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 1:34:28
I didn't. Seeing that, I appreciate a good vote. Representative Brooks has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak
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Representative Austin McCollum Unverified 1:34:40
against the bill, for the bill? Representative McCollum, you're recognized to speak for the bill. thank you mr. speaker thank you colleagues I try not to pile on or come down and add on anymore I guess unless I think maybe potentially perhaps I can add some type of value I was on the committee that listened to this bill and I heard representative Duffield's some of your questions and concerns I don't know if this will be helpful to that or not on the the way some of this technology in the way that it can listen, depending on what type of purchase they can make. It can pick up on key words or key sounds, please, for help. It's not as though it's constantly going at any given time in bathrooms or other places. The data wouldn't be openly available. I think that was mentioned. There are parameters on when they can go after this type of listening device. There has to be some serious allegations. So there are time periods that it's available for. And then I think, I think there's another question, maybe concern on, you know, this is kind of a private space. Obviously I agree with you. We don't, it's for that reason. It's kind of this weird space of we're allowing students to go here, but no adult supervision. Unfortunately, we've seen the worst case scenario of that. So I do think this could be really helpful in being preventative of that nature, at least preventing that cycle of bullying, so I appreciate a good vote.
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 1:36:06
Representative McCollum has spoke for the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Representative Steele, you're recognized to
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Speaker 102 1:36:21
speak against the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I as well think it's certainly
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Representative Tracy Steele Unverified 1:36:26
awful to harm any child and we should do what we can to prevent and stop that but I'm I'm just not comfortable this is this is the way to do that I'm concerned about the unintended consequences of listening to everything and going into a private space which is a person's conversation with another person everything will be heard if a child is talking on the phone to someone else their parents or anybody else that also will be recorded if a child says someone negative about a teacher or a coach or someone else that as well is recorded and can be used against them but we're all held to a standard of when you put something out if you can pay for it pay for it and I guess my main issue is to say that you know the past is now this session and then after this session in the next session then we'll find a way to pay for it but there's one thing in between this session in the next session that's called an election thank you appreciate a no vote representative
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 1:37:41
Steele has spoke against the bill would anyone like speak for the bill representative McKenzie you're recognized speak for
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Representative Brit McKenzie Unverified 1:37:47
the bill thank you Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For those who weren't in Education Committee, and Representative Brooks hit on it, I think it's important to talk about Eli and Cash, the two students that this happened to, and talk about what the purpose of this bill is, which is the pursuit of justice. Those two boys didn't just stand up to bullies. They didn't go and just tell their parents. They had to sit in the Quitman School while superintendents, while principals, and while coaches ignored their pleas for help. I hope that none of this, nothing remotely like this happens to your children. But when we have a system that doesn't just fail children at the point of impact, but at every step down the line, the cost of this could be tenfold and it wouldn't be enough. So I would encourage a good vote because this isn't some mythical thing that's happening. We have two boys that have had a transfer from their district whose lives have been uprooted. And everything about what they expect when they walk into an Arkansas school has failed them. So I'd ask for a good vote. Representative McKenzie has spoke for the bill. Would
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Chair (Representative Howard M. Beaty, Jr.) Unverified 1:38:57
anyone like to speak against the bill, for the bill? Representative Brooks, it's closed for the bill.
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 1:39:07
The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1866. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot. The vote of 60 yeas, 12 nays, and 16 present. The bill is passed. Madam Clerk, please read House Bill 1964.
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Speaker 175 1:39:40
House Bill 1964 by Representative Brooks to move the Child Welfare Ombudsman Division and the
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Chair Unverified 1:39:46
Juvenile Ombudsman Division to the Department of Inspector General and to declare
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Chair (Representative Howard M. Beaty, Jr.) Unverified 1:39:51
an emergency. Representative Brooks, you're recognized
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Representative Keith Brooks Chair Unverified 1:39:55
to explain your bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A little less serious subject matter. This bill does nothing more than exactly what it says, which is to move Child Welfare Ombudsman and Juvenile Ombudsman to the Department of Inspector General, and this is supported by the department. It's agreed upon, and yesterday in committee when it was heard, the question was asked about whether one of the ombudsman positions would be terminated, and the answer from Secretary Putnam was no. And so with that, I'd appreciate a good vote. Representative Brooks has explained
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 1:40:26
the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? For the bill? Representative Brooks is closed for the bill. Question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1964. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Members, your one vote is for the bill and the emergency clause. Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot. With a vote of 89 yay, zero nay, and zero present, you have passed the bill and the emergency clause. Madam Clerk,
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Chair Unverified 1:41:09
please read House Bill 1003. House Bill 1003 by House Management, an act for Arkansas House Representative Staff Appropriation for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 1:41:18
Representative Vought, you're recognized to explain the bill.
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Representative DeAnn Vaught Unverified 1:41:21
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. After the pay plan was passed, It was time for us to put our staff into the categories in which they fit. And that's what this does. It just helps us with our play plan on our floor for our staff members. And with that, I'd appreciate a good vote. Representative Vaught has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill, for
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 1:41:40
the bill? Representative Vaught is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1003. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Members, your one vote is for
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Representative Mindy McAlindon Unverified 1:42:13
the bill in the emergency clause. Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted?
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 1:42:21
cast up the ballot with a vote of 92 yay 0 nay and 0 present you have passed the bill and the emergency clause madam clerk please read
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Chair Unverified 1:42:36
house bill 1732 house bill 1732 by representative vaut to increase the amount of the income tax deduction allowed for a
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 1:42:42
teacher's classroom investment representative vaut you're recognized
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Representative DeAnn Vaught Unverified 1:42:45
to explain the bill thank you mr speaker our teachers spend a lot of money in their classrooms getting prepared for students every year. My girls they always buy water and food and necessities that they might would need in a classroom and what we're trying to do is take it from what they have right now up to a thousand dollars of deductible that would be the income tax deductible that would be allowed. So this will just give them a a little bit more deduction for what they're spending to make sure that they bring things into the classroom to help the kids. With that, I'd appreciate a good
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 1:43:23
vote. Representative Vaught has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? For the bill? Representative Vaught is closed for the bill. Question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1732. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. everyone voted everyone voted cast up the ballot with a vote of 93 a zero nay and two president the bill is passed
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Speaker 44 1:43:58
madam clerk please read House bill 1485
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Chair Unverified 1:44:00
that's with 1485 by representative Brown to create a sales and use tax exemption for sales to
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 1:44:08
certain organizations that support veterans
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Representative Matt Brown Unverified 1:44:22
facilities represented Brown you're recognized to explain your bill I'll exist thank you mr. speaker colleagues house bill 1485 is to allow nonprofit organizations that support like the veterans cemeteries and the veterans homes facilities that are supported by Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs this is to allow foundations such as the one I'm most familiar with the one that supports the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock we're probably the most active one there's one another one in Bird Eye for that Veterans Cemetery, but it's anticipated that other 501c3s may become established or there may be a larger umbrella organization that would address the needs of all the Veterans facilities. There's often things that are not covered by the budget, by the state budget, and these 501c3s then step up to the plate to provide those additional items or to enhance what the state is doing. For instance, our foundation for the North Elder Rock Cemetery, we purchase all the flags that are placed on the graves for every Veterans Day and Memorial Day. We arrange for the volunteers to put them out, and we teach them how to place them. Then we arrange for the volunteers to come and retrieve them, and we don't throw them away. We save the ones we can save, we repair the ones we can repair, and we, anyhow, we just do that. We're very frugal. We also purchased the wreaths for the graves for Christmas time. This bill would simply allow those nonprofits to not pay sales tax on the purchases they make to enhance the EDVA facilities that we serve. For our foundation, we spent a total of three thousand dollars last year so it's not a big a big hit on the budget so with that I'll answer any questions and ask for a good vote thank you all representative Brown has explained
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 1:46:35
the bill would anyone like to speak against the bill for the bill representative Brown is closed for the bill question before the house is the passage of House Bill 1485 prepare the machine madam clerk everyone voted everyone voted cast up the ballot the vote of 93 a 0 nay and 0 present the bill is passed madam clerk please read house bill 1063
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Chair Unverified 1:47:15
1063 by representative Mayberry to amend the achieving a better life experience program act and to amend the definition of disability certification and eligibility individual to change disability onset age from 26 to 46.
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Chair (Representative Howard M. Beaty, Jr.) Unverified 1:47:28
Representative Mayberry you're recognized to explain
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Representative Julie Mayberry Unverified 1:47:32
your bill. Thank you Mr. Speaker. In December of 22 federal law was changed to the IRS section 529A which is the ABLE accounts achieving a better life experience act. it allows a person with a disability to save money and not risk losing some of their services like Social Security and Medicaid. This bill updates our state law so that it matches and will comply with federal law. It changes the age limit of the onset of the disability from 26 to 46. This bill will allow a person with a disability to save money to help them meet their own needs. I'd appreciate a a good vote. Representative Mayberry has explained the bill. Would
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 1:48:15
anyone like to speak against the bill, for the bill? Representative Mayberry is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1063. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk.
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Speaker 153 1:48:37
Has everyone voted is everyone voted cast
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 1:48:44
up the ballot with a vote of 92 yay zero nay and zero present the bill is passed madam clerk please read house bill 1922 house
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Chair Unverified 1:48:54
bill 1922 by representative maddox to amend the consolidated incentive act of 2003 to create an income tax credit for relocating corporate headquarters to this state and to encourage operations to relocate to
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 1:49:07
arkansas Representative Maddox, you're recognized to explain
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Representative John Maddox Unverified 1:49:10
your bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. So, this bill, this bill is really pretty simple. What it does is it provides some incentives if a corporation will relocate its headquarters to the state of Arkansas. That's really all it does, but I think one thing to really, probably the most important thing to think about is it must have a positive cost benefit analysis so it has to have that to qualify these incentives are tiered so the tier being the least wealthiest counties will have the best shot at getting one which is exciting to me in my district so there are very strict clawback provisions so if they don't meet the standards to get the incentives then there's a clawback and it's very strict this will likely be used very
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Speaker 310 1:50:06
very rarely if ever to be frank so the testimony was
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Representative John Maddox Unverified 1:50:11
that in 30 years we haven't had any corporation choose to relocate to the state of Arkansas so let me say that again no one's ever done it we're just wishing they would so what a great win it would be if a corporation from Texas or California says we're gonna come to your district and bring 300 jobs which is one of the minimum qualifications so very very rarely if ever used if it is used to be a huge win it's just another tool in the very competitive incentive race we're in with other states so that's all it is this is obviously a Commerce Department bill this is supported by ADC and I got a text about and I'm the governor's office's message to me is they're strongly supportive of this
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Speaker 117 1:50:59
bill so I'd appreciate a good vote. Representative McKenzie for what purpose? Question. You're recognized. So is your
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Representative Brit McKenzie Unverified 1:51:05
assertion or the assertion here in testimony that no corporations have moved to Arkansas in 30 years or no corporations have moved to Arkansas in 30 years and
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Representative John Maddox Unverified 1:51:17
accepted this tax abatement? So no corporation my understanding the testimony from the Commerce Department was no existing corporation with a headquarters located in another state has chosen to move their corporate headquarters to the state of Arkansas. Follow
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Representative Brit McKenzie Unverified 1:51:31
up. You're recognized. I noticed the triggers for the different tiers are based on total payroll. Was there any thought process and again I know this is an older bill any thought process to size of employment or impact on community and not just the total amount that they're paying out in payroll? Yeah
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Representative John Maddox Unverified 1:51:50
that's a good question so was there thought process behind it is up the question. So to be frank, this is a Commerce Department bill. I have faith that they put a lot of thought behind it. Tier 1 is 300 positions, so that's for your wealthier counties at 150% of the county or state average, and then it just tiers down. So I would say yes, there was thought process behind it. Representative Ray, for what purpose? Question. You're recognized. Representative
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Representative David Ray Unverified 1:52:18
Maddox, I asked you this question in committee, and I'm just going to ask it for the benefit of folks who didn't hear it. So the way this bill is arranged is a company that relocates here and qualifies for one of these incentives is not going to pay, they're going to pay zero corporate income tax for the first five years and then they'll have a very reduced rate for the next five years. So for 10 years they're going to receive a very substantial benefit. If a company moves to Arkansas and they compete directly with a company here, a homegrown company that started here, expanded here, is loyal to the state, isn't this going to give that company a major advantage over the company they're competing with here?
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Representative John Maddox Unverified 1:53:03
So that's a great question. The incentives are it provides up to a 50% income tax credit on the payroll of new full-time permanent employees. Again, and we had a very robust and a very good discussion in rev and tax. I think everyone should go and watch it. It was really good. So anyway, the most important thing is it must have a positive cost-benefit analysis. It has to be positive for the state. They have to be here 10 years or we get a full clawback. So your question, and I think my answer last time was, is it an incentive? Yes. Do we give incentives every day to companies to come here? Yes. As a person, I guess to be frank, who owns a small business, who's an entrepreneur, who is invested in other small businesses in Arkansas, no, I don't get any of those, and I guess it could hurt me, but I think if we could build, if we could bring a corporate headquarters back to the state of Arkansas, it would be a great win. I'd appreciate a good
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 1:54:07
vote. Representative Maddox has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Representative McKenzie, you're recognized to speak
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Representative Brit McKenzie Unverified 1:54:17
against the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Simply put, Representative Pilkening makes this example a lot. If you can measure it, you can make it more accountable. We've measured this for 30 years. No one's used it. So what we could do is sweeten the pot and create some more corporate welfare or we could say let's find an incentive base that works for existing companies in the state of Arkansas. With that, I'd be a no vote and encourage
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 1:54:39
you to say. Representative McKenzie has spoke against the bill. Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Representative McClure, you're recognized to speak for the
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Representative Rick McClure Chair Unverified 1:54:50
bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let me just break this down very simply. If you have something that hasn't been working, you repackage it. The question that Representative Ray brought about competitiveness is a very real question. It's a very valid question. That's the reason when you read this bill, it's full of maize. There is discretions in this. I would hope that the Department of Commerce and our economic development team would not do this with a company that is coming in to directly compete with a company already established here. So I think we have those protections already in it. This is not unusual. States around us offer all types of different things. I've worked on projects that were similar to this, not exactly like this, but this is reserved for corporate headquarters. And when you look at the payroll, it's not only the size of the payroll, but in Tier 1, I believe it's 150% of what the average wage is there. So the bar is set extremely, extremely high. Let's give them a chance to continue to recruit good corporate companies to our state.
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 1:56:04
Thank you. Representative McClure has spoke for the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? For the bill? Representative Maddox, you're recognized to close
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Representative John Maddox Unverified 1:56:22
for your bill. Thank you, Representative McClure. You said it much better than I did. So I just want to be real clear. All we're giving our Department of Commerce is one more tool, one more opportunity to compete with other states. In a perfect world, in a perfect world, we wouldn't give incentives. But unfortunately, Texas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, they roll out the red carpet. They give more incentives than we do, and they win a lot. So all this does is give us one more chance to win, and I'd appreciate a good vote. Thank you. Representative Maddox is
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 1:56:53
closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1922. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. has everyone
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Speaker 153 1:57:07
voted has everyone voted cast up the ballot the vote of 67 yay 18 nay and
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 1:57:18
five present the bill is passed madam clerk please read house bill 1918 hospital
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Chair Unverified 1:57:24
1918 by representative McAuliffe to amend the law concerning species or legal tender to
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Speaker 94 1:57:29
authorize the use of bullion depository and to that allow for a precious metals-backed electronic
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Representative Mindy McAlindon Unverified 1:57:36
system. - Representative McElhinden, you're recognized to explain your bill. - Thank you, Chair, or thank you, Speaker. Colleagues, this is House Bill 1918, and the primary objective of it is to provide Arkansan with the secure and efficient means to store and use precious metals as a form of payment. So to do that, this bill does two things. thing it does is it authorizes the option to create a state-run depository in the future. It does not mandate its creation, it does not require its creation, it just gives the state the option to do this. Texas established the first state-run depository back in 2015, allowing individuals, businesses, and even the government entities to store gold and silver. Tennessee has adopted a similar provision and is actually working on a depository. Louisiana, Florida are also considering similar legislation. Second, gold and silver are already recognized in Arkansas as legal tender, but there is no mechanism to allow people to use that legal tender. So therefore, the next logical step is a system that enables its practical use. By implementing a precious metals-backed electronic transaction system, we can modernize commerce, allow seamless asset-backed exchanges for those who want to use gold or silver. And And so basically what it is, if you think of it like a credit card, if I store my gold down in Texas, and then I go into a store in Arkansas, I can use my credit card to buy something. Then digitally, that store is going to travel down to Texas, pull gold out of my depository, that gold will be translated into dollars, and those dollars will be given to the merchant here in Arkansas. Obviously all that's digitally. So I am using my gold to buy the product, but the store is receiving it in dollars. So it doesn't force anybody to exchange in gold. It just gives the person who wants to hold gold a way to utilize their gold by using the credit card that is back through the depository right now, probably in Texas or wherever they choose to use it. This initiative positions Arkansas as a leader in financial institutions, giving residents an alternative, stable, and reliable means of conducting transactions if they choose. This bill was written in conjunction with the treasurer's office, so they are very comfortable with this bill. And the responsibility for promulgating rules on this lies with the CFO.
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 1:59:59
And with that, I'd ask for a good vote. Representative McElhendon has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill, for the bill? Representative McElhendon is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1918. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Is everyone voted?
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Speaker 153 2:00:30
Is everyone voted? Cast up the ballot. The vote of 89 yeas, 1
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:00:38
nay, and 0 present. Bill is passed. Madam Clerk, please read House Bill 1941. House Bill 1941
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Chair Unverified 2:00:44
by Representative Carr concerning Department of Education Boards and Commissions and to protect Arkansas students by ensuring the efficient deposition of ethics complaints against teachers. Representative Carr, you're
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:00:55
recognized to explain your bill. Thank you
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Speaker 329 2:00:59
Mr. Speaker. House Bill 1941 does that. It
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Representative John P. Carr Unverified 2:01:02
reorganizes the Division of Ed boards and what that does is to handle the ethics complaints in a more streamlined fashion and also with the organization of who receives those, also the fact that they now allow electronic submissions of epic complaints. With that, I'd entertain any questions. If not, thank you. Appreciate a good vote. Representative Carr has
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:01:26
explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? For the bill? Representative Carr is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1941. Repair the machine, Madam Clerk.
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Speaker 153 2:01:47
everyone voted? Is everyone voted? Cast up the ballot. With a vote of 89 yay, 0 nay, and
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:01:58
one present, the bill is passed. Madam Clerk, please read House Bill 1939. House
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Chair Unverified 2:02:04
Bill 1939 by Representative Carr to amend eligibility for teacher incentive and merit pay, to amend requirements for semantic evaluations, and to amend school district requirements under the Merit Teacher Incentive Fund
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:02:15
program. Representative Carr, you're recognized to explain
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Representative John P. Carr Unverified 2:02:18
your bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 1939, what this does, this ties the formative or the summative observations that are conducted by the instructional leaders to the National Board payment or also the teacher merit pay. With that, I'd entertain any questions. Representative Collins, for what purpose?
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Representative Andrew Collins Unverified 2:02:38
Question. You're recognized. Thank you. And I was wondering if you were going to address it, but I just, can you tell me what this first section does where it looks like it's saying that teachers won't get yearly incentive bonuses for, uh, if they're certified under a certain board? Oh, did you leave the well? Sorry. Oh, um, which section section one, right at the beginning, it says a person shall not be qualified to receive funds, bonus funds, uh, if they have not satisfied the requirements by
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Speaker 338 2:03:09
This year. And what this does, this ensures that
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Representative John P. Carr Unverified 2:03:13
the administrators are doing those summative or the formatives. It's already in law that they do that, and this is just to connect those, to tie that, and to ensure that they're doing that to make sure in order for those. And then what that does, that's the qualifying factor for those teachers. Any other questions? Representative
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:03:37
Carr has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill, for the bill? Representative Carr is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1939. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk.
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Speaker 153 2:03:59
Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot. The vote of 86 yay, zero nay and four present the bill is
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:04:13
passed Madam clerk, please read House bill 1938
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Chair Unverified 2:04:17
House bill 1938 by representative Carr to amend provisions of the Arkansas code concerning the creation of district strategic plans and the responsibility
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:04:27
of the Division of Elementary and Secondary
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Representative John P. Carr Unverified 2:04:29
Education Representative Carr you're recognized to explain the bill Thank You mr. Speaker House bill 1938 This is another streamlined bill. What this does, it reorganizes and it also realigns the district plans instead of having 10 to 12 different plans that they upload individually. The department has set this up to where they can do that in one plan. It's one upload that will prevent duplication. It also will tie in their Title I and other federal funding to the actions in their budget where it's all streamlined and just makes it a better process for district schools. entertain any questions at this time appreciate a good vote
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:05:07
thank you representative Carr has explained the bill would anyone like to speak against the bill for the bill Rep. Carr is closed for the bill question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1938 repair the machine madam clerk everyone voted everyone voted cast up the ballot with a vote of 93 a zero nay and zero present the bill is passed madam clerk please read house bill 1946 that's about 1946 by
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Chair Unverified 2:05:44
representative Bentley to require human growth and development instruction in public schools representative Bentley you're recognized to
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:05:50
explain your bill Thank you, Speaker. Colleagues,
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Representative Mary Bentley Unverified 2:05:57
the very first week of session, or maybe the second week, we passed a bill that I was very passionate about, the Baby Olivia Act, and we passed it with 70 votes and sent it to the Senate, and it stuck in the Senate Education Committee. I amended the bill twice, and it still wasn't quite enough, so here I bring you a brand new bill today that completely removes anything to do with live action video or the Baby Olivia video. Now, this bill will require when our schools after the sixth grade teach human biology, that will include a human development video showing a high-definition ultrasound as well as a video that shows the major markers in the development from conception to birth. I think it's a great bill. I think baby liver will should be shown in school. It's a good compromise, and I'd appreciate a good vote.
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:06:47
Thank you. Representative Bentley has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Representative Bentley is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1946. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot for the vote of 76 yea, 14 nay, and 0 present. The bill is passed. Madam Clerk, please read
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Chair Unverified 2:07:29
House Bill 1983. House Bill 1983 by Representative Eubanks to amend Acts 1973 No. 167, Section 4, concerning the sale of certain property to the West Ark Area Council, Inc., Boy Scouts of America.
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Speaker 343 2:07:39
Representative Eubanks, you're recognized to explain your bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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Representative Jon S. Eubanks Unverified 2:07:44
Members, back in 1973, the state donated approximately 2,800 acres to the Boy Scouts to put a scout reservation in southern Logan County. It's down Highway 23 south of Boonville, almost over the Highway 71. Included in the deed was it had to convey back to the state if they were ever to quit using the land for scout purposes. They don't want to do that, but they would like to do something with part of the land to help them maintain the part that they've, There's a legal description of approximately 250 acres in the deed now and use part of that land, possibly a sale or for some other purposes, generate income to help maintain the Rogers Scout Reservation plus Camp Orr up on the Buffalo River. Now my boys were in Scouts. They've been to Rogers. They've been to Camp Orr. There's been other groups that have used this facility. There's a pavilion on it, there's a lake on it, and that sort of thing. So the purpose of this bill was to allow them to keep the approximately 250 acres that they've outlined here in the legal description and then use the funds from whatever purpose, whether it's a sale or whatever they are allowed to do with the rest of the land to maintain those those two scout camps. Representative Ward-Law for what
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Chair (Representative Howard M. Beaty, Jr.) Unverified 2:09:29
purpose? Question. You're recognized. Representative Eubanks were you
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Representative Jeff Wardlaw Unverified 2:09:33
there in that negotiation in 1973? No I missed it by
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Speaker 191 2:09:40
three years. Just three? Just three. Representative
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Speaker 349 2:09:43
Meeks for what purpose? You're recognized. Thank
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Representative Stephen Meeks Unverified 2:09:46
you Mr. Speaker. So no problems with the intent of the bill my concern is the constitutionality of it having served on the auditing committee for me for many years so many times our cities get dinged for you know they donate a fire truck and the Arkansas State Constitution outlaws the donating of lands and things for non-governmental purposes I may not be remembering that correctly but I do know that that's been an issue so just wondering if you were aware of that concern
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Speaker 351 2:10:17
or had any thoughts on that or am i out in left field maybe
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Representative Jon S. Eubanks Unverified 2:10:23
well in the research that went into all of this in 1973 because it was revisited in 19 the legislature went back in 1991 to try to adjust some of this none of that has ever come up so okay representative warden
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:10:40
law for what purpose follow-up you're recognized for a follow-up
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Representative Jeff Wardlaw Unverified 2:10:44
there's just a question out there and i can't figure out what we're
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Representative Jon S. Eubanks Unverified 2:10:50
going to do but you think we could build a prison there you know uh that's actually been suggested because if we could get i-49 completed from fort smith to texarkana this piece of property would be closer to an interstate than the piece of property that has
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:11:05
been identified currently i'd appreciate a good vote representative eubanks has explained the bill Would anyone like to speak against the bill, for the bill? Representative Eubanks is closed for the bill. Question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1983. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Is everyone voted? everyone voted cast up the ballot by a vote of 84 yeas three nays and one present the bill is passed madam clerk please read house bill 1976
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Chair Unverified 2:11:58
also 1976 by representative nazarenko concerning vertiports and the create the open access to public use vertiports act representative
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Chair (Representative Howard M. Beaty, Jr.) Unverified 2:12:07
nazarenko you're recognized to explain your bill
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Representative Jason Nazarenko Unverified 2:12:12
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and colleagues. Excited to bring you House Bill 1976 today. It's the VertiPort Open Access Bill. So this bill is a fair market bill, fosters open competition, and encourages investors to look at Arkansas when they're considering a place to invest into. House Bill 1976 avoids public use VertiPort monopolization and promotes competition and equity of access, positions Arkansas for future advanced air mobility. All FAA regulations will become complied with. You can see that in the bill as well. And then also, we can expect as this moves forward that those rules will even become more stringent. So that there's no confusion, I wanna take a few minutes just to give a couple definitions of what a vertiport is and kinda how it's being used so that there's no confusion. I know that this is a futuristic bill. When you're looking at it, you're probably thinking the Jetsons, but I will warn you, this is closer than you think. So first, a vertiport. We'll talk about what a vertiport is. You know what an airport is. A vertiport has to do with eVTOLs. That's E-V-O-T-V-T-O-L. That's an electronic vertical takeoff or landing aircraft. So think of a helicopter, electronically powered, takeoffs vertically, goes, takes off horizontally, goes, or excuse me, vertically, goes horizontally, and then comes back down. So just like a helicopter, smaller footprint than an airport, and then for the use thereof. So where we could see these, like in theory, where this could end up being helpful is if you could imagine going over to Fayetteville, jumping on an eVTOL, and then cruising over to Bentonville, or Harrison, jumping on an eVTOL and Harrison, getting yourself to Fayetteville, and then over to Bentonville. So again, this is a futuristic concept. It is, there is not anything in motion right now, but what this does is sets it up so that we can position ourselves, Arkansas can position ourselves, so that when companies do start looking at investor-friendly areas, we could be one of those that they would consider. As we all know, Hyundai has said they're going to work about $20 billion into the U.S. economy, and Hyundai is somebody that is out in this space that's doing some research on that. So lots of great things It's coming in the future, and I know that this would be one way that Arkansas can stay positioned. So we do, so that you know, there are airports currently right now in Arkansas, airport managers that are looking at vertiports and how they can position themselves, because right now an airport will be the first thing that's used until a vertiport is actually set up. So seeing no questions, I ask for a good vote. Thank you.
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:14:59
Representative Nazarenko has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Representative Nazarenko is closed for the bill. Question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1976. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot. vote of 94 yay zero nay and zero present the bill is passed madam clerk please read house bill 1627
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Chair Unverified 2:15:39
house bill 1627 by representative barnett to amend the law concerning property tax relief and require counties to provide notice to taxpayers concerning certain property tax
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:15:49
relief offered under arkansas law representative barnett
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Representative Lincoln Barnett Unverified 2:15:55
you're recognized to explain your bill thank you speaker hello fellow members i'm before you today to present house bill 1627 the intent of this bill is to ensure that all tax-paying arkansas citizens are made aware of the existing relief that is available to them in particular the tax relief that is available to taxpayers who have a disability or are 65 years of age or older, otherwise known as the Arkansas Constitution Amendment No. 79. Most recently we passed Senate Bill 263, now Act 330, which increases the Homestead tax credit. This legislation was passed with overwhelming support in large part because we want to help and provide increased tax relief to the most vulnerable of our Arkansas taxpayers, those who are differently abled, having a disability, and our state elders and senior citizens. House Bill 1627 ensures that all Arkansas taxpayers are given notice of that benefit when they receive their annual tax statement from their county tax collectors. In the process of developing this bill, I work with members of the Arkansas County Tax Collectors Association to develop a bill that would be easily implemented, ensuring that each tax collector can give annual notice to their respective taxpayers of the tax relief available to them. You will see on page 1, line 32 through 34, the bill provides options for how the tax collector can give notice. It can be either printed in bold print on the statement, it can be printed and highlighted on the statement, or it can be included as an insert with the statement. These options were agreeable to the County Tax Collectors Association based upon the capabilities of the varying billing templates and software used by the collectors. The option of including the insert was suggested by the Tax Collectors Association. House Bill 1627 would require for the notice to be given and clearly state the requirements for a taxpayer to be eligible for the property tax relief. The intent of this bill is simple, and it ensures that all tax collectors across the state are providing notice to the benefit of all Arkansas taxpayers with the hopes that more of our eligible constituents will take advantage of the tax relief that is available to them. I thank you for your time, and I would entertain any questions if there are.
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Chair (Representative Howard M. Beaty, Jr.) Unverified 2:18:33
Representative Meeks, for what purpose? Please. You're recognized for a question.
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Representative Stephen Meeks Unverified 2:18:38
Thank you. Representative, no real concerns with the bill. Kind of just thinking into the future. You said it requires like inserts and mail pieces in a lot of areas. We've been doing away with that. Would this allow for these notifications to be done online through email, through electronic format to try to prepare and open those notices for future?
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Representative Lincoln Barnett Unverified 2:18:59
currently most tax notices are being mailed and so this only speaks to those mailed notifications those mailed statements all right thank you representative Beatty
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:19:10
for what purpose a question you're recognized
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Representative Howard M. Beaty, Jr. Unverified 2:19:15
represented Barnett was was there a problem with this and in the process that our collectors were were discharging their duties because I I'd I'd just like to know because I'm not aware of it. There's
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Representative Lincoln Barnett Unverified 2:19:28
a lack of consistency across the board. So what I did find out is that most tax collectors are already notifying, but not all of them are. And so there were gaps there. And so this bill would help us have that consistency across the board. Follow-up? You're recognized for a
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Representative Howard M. Beaty, Jr. Unverified 2:19:46
follow-up. So in working with this bill now, are all the tax collectors in the association, they're supportive of your bill?
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Representative Lincoln Barnett Unverified 2:19:53
Or is there still some opposition? I can't speak to all of them. The representatives that I spoke with, they don't have an issue with the bill now that it includes those options. And that option that they recommended adding was to add the insert. The concerns that were raised earlier with the bold print or the highlighted print is that some of the templates that they use do not allow for them to alter in that way. And so the insert would help cover ground on that issue. - Representative Scott Richardson, for what purpose?
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Chair (Representative Howard M. Beaty, Jr.) Unverified 2:20:25
- Question. - You're recognized for a question. - Thank you, Mr.
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Speaker 231 2:20:29
Speaker. Representative Barna, I appreciate the bill. I like it a lot. Would you agree that if in the event that we move away from hard copy, paper copy, mailed copies of these statements, you could still highlight and/or bold on the statement the information that you're requesting? Okay, thank you. - Representative Lundstrom,
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Chair (Representative Howard M. Beaty, Jr.) Unverified 2:20:48
for what purpose? - Question. - You're recognized. - Currently,
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Representative Robin Lundstrum Unverified 2:20:52
our assessors and collectors, there's so many of them that are already doing this because they're running for office. They wanna talk to their constituents. Don't most do this anyway?
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Representative Lincoln Barnett Unverified 2:21:05
- So as I shared earlier when responding, we do know that most are, but there are gaps and some are
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Speaker 346 2:21:13
not. - Okay, thank you. - Representative Ward-Law, for what purpose? -
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Representative Lincoln Barnett Unverified 2:21:20
Question. - You're recognized for a question? - The first question is which ones are not? - So I can't give you the full account of all, but I can tell you that Pulaski County clerk does not. On their statement, it does not list those requirements to be eligible, nor does it list the information about amendment 79. And that's one that I know for sure that does not. - Are your targets Pulaski County? - I've seen their tax statement. So in the course of me communicating Arkansas Tax Collector. I spoke primarily with their president, former president, Ellen Foote, that is representing them, and she made contact with other tax collectors to see whether or not they were doing it and how they were doing it. And so in that process we found out that not
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Speaker 51 2:22:23
all are doing it. Rep. Beatty for what purpose? Rep.
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:22:26
Barnett has left the well. Rep. Barnett has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Rep. Beatty is speaking against the bill. Rep. Beatty is recognized
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Representative Howard M. Beaty, Jr. Unverified 2:22:38
to speak against the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, looking at this bill and the intent of Rep. Barnett, I can understand a little bit, but, you know, a lot of times it's a single county or one issue. And based on his comments today, we've got one county that he identified that's a problem. We're about to set a rule out for all of our counties, and I think that's wrong. Most of these folks are already doing this, and I think this rule is unnecessary. So I'll be voting against and encourage you to do the same.
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:23:05
Representative Beatty has spoke against the bill. Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Representative Collins, you're recognized to speak for the bill.
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Representative Andrew Collins Unverified 2:23:15
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To be clear, it's not necessarily just one county. I just don't think he has a copy of all the different tax statements. All this bill does is make it easier for people to pay less in taxes. This is property tax relief they're entitled to, and all this bill does is it makes sure that they can clearly see they're entitled to it. They have to request it. They don't know to request it. They don't get it. So this will let people be paying less taxes, which I think, especially when it comes to property taxes is something we can all agree on, so I'm for the bill. Thank you.
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Speaker 334 2:23:47
Representative Collin just spoke for the bill. Would
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:23:51
anyone like to speak against the bill? For the bill. Representative Barnett, you're recognized to close for your
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Representative Lincoln Barnett Unverified 2:23:59
bill. Again colleagues, I would like for your support in this bill, it just brings consistency across the board and ensures that all taxpayers are being made aware of the tax relief that is available to them. Thank you. Representative
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:24:13
Barnett is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1627. Prepare the
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Speaker 153 2:24:19
machine, Madam Clerk. Has everyone voted? Has everyone
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:24:36
voted? Cast up the ballot with a vote of 58 Yay, yay, 17, nay, and 6 present. The bill is passed.
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Representative Dwight Tosh Chair Unverified 2:25:09
Madam Clerk, read House Bill 1981. House
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Chair Unverified 2:25:18
Bill 1981 by Representative Maddox to amend the definitions of outdoor recreation operator and tramway operator under the law concerning recreational
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Representative Dwight Tosh Chair Unverified 2:25:26
tramways. Representative Maddox, you're recognized to present your
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Representative John Maddox Unverified 2:25:30
bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, colleagues. This one's really easy. It truly is. I would characterize this as a cleanup bill. earlier this session we ran some legislation regarding tramways for mountain bike parks so an issue came up that there was a concern that we may have somehow jeopardized tort immunity for our cities and counties that certainly wasn't the intent and we're just clarifying that our cities and counties will continue to have tort immunity in these areas so that's all this does I'd be
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Speaker 310 2:25:58
glad to take any questions thank you appreciate a good vote
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Representative Dwight Tosh Chair Unverified 2:26:06
representative maddox has explained the bill would anyone like speak against the bill anyone for the bill representative maddox close with your bill representative maddox has closed with his bill, Madam Clerk, prepare the machine. Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk. By a vote of 90 yes and two nays, the bill has passed. Madam Clerk, call House Bill 1949. House Bill 1949 by Representative Schultz to add medical,
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Chair Unverified 2:26:59
emergency, medical, and ambulance services to the list of professional services for purposes of procurement. Representative Schultz,
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Representative Dwight Tosh Chair Unverified 2:27:08
you will recognize and present your bill.
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Representative Bart Schulz Unverified 2:27:16
Good afternoon, colleagues. Two years ago, we basically passed this bill unanimously out of this chamber. When it got to the Senate end, it got mired down, and it didn't make it out. After that, upon review of the title, it really wasn't written all that well, so there was quite a bit of confusion. So we retooled the title, and we're bringing it back. Basically what this does, if a political subdivision, such as a quorum court, wants to contract with an ambulance service or just say a doctor in their jail they simply go with lowest bidder that's the only option they have so from my personal perspective if I'm looking for someone to take care of my family do I want the cheapest or do I want the best so already in Arkansas law if a political subdivision wants to contract with a financial advisor an architect an engineer a construction manager land surveying professionals or other consultants there's a process in place all we're proposing to do with this bill is take this medical piece out of just a strict lowest bidder and put it into this process with all these other professional services. And with that, I would answer any questions. Seeing none, I'd appreciate a good vote. See no
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Representative Dwight Tosh Chair Unverified 2:28:48
questions. Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Against the bill? Representative Schultz, you're recognized to close with your bill. Representative Schultz is closed with his bill. Question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1949. Madam Clerk, prepare the machine. Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? With a vote of 78, cast up the ballots, Madam Clerk. With a vote of 79 yeas, 6 nays, 3 presents, the bill has passed. Madam Clerk, Call House Bill 1951. House Bill 1951 by
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Chair Unverified 2:29:39
Representative Collins to set forth authorized domain extensions for higher education and government websites. Representative Collins,
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Representative Dwight Tosh Chair Unverified 2:29:46
you recognize to present your bill.
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Representative Andrew Collins Unverified 2:29:51
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So this bill is just a cybersecurity bill that sets forth the authorized domain extensions for government websites. Domain extension or a top level domain is what happens after the last dot, so .com or .net. Dot gov is supposed to be what's reserved for government websites. And the reason that there's a difference is that a government website actually you have to apply and get that. Not just anyone can sign up and get that. And there's some other security protocols associated with it. But the most important thing that it does is it prevents phishing. So you know that when you visit a dot gov website, it's a legitimate website, it's a government website. You can't just sign up as someone and say this is arkansasgovernment.com and send a message, and then you can fleece the public. Those are called phishing scams. So it's kind of a best practice in cybersecurity to move toward .gov in the case of educational institutions, EDU, military.mil. This would just say state, city, and higher education would need to move to it by 2026. There's an extension in there. The Municipal League requested to go toward six months later, the beginning of 2027 for cities smaller than 10,000. no cost to register a .gov domain, this is something that most states and the federal government have moved to requiring and it'll just secure our cyber security and the public. Happy to take any questions and appreciate a good vote. Thank
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Representative Dwight Tosh Chair Unverified 2:31:19
you. Representative Collins has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? For the bill, question before the House is, yes, Madam Clerk, prepare the machine. Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Madam Clerk, cast up the ballot. With a vote of 86 yeas, zero nays, and three presidents, the bill has passed. Madam Clerk, call House Bill 1952. House Bill 1952 by Representative
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Chair Unverified 2:32:01
Hawke to assist the administration of the State Athletic Commission to provide funding to the State Athletic Commission to continue its mission to promote a robust, healthy, and safe combative sports
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Representative Dwight Tosh Chair Unverified 2:32:13
industry. Representative Hawke, you're recognized to present your bill.
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Representative RJ Hawk Unverified 2:32:16
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. colleagues this bill was brought to me by our athletic commission and we talked about this at length last night right now the commission is losing money and we there's not an appropriation nor do they want an appropriation from this body to help fund that commission but what they do want it to be is is to be made whole and that's by getting the reimbursement by whenever they have to send out an inspector or something to one of these events that they're able to then build that event for the inspectors needed what we're talking about in the the funding is like the hourly rate for the inspector, the lodging, the mileage, things like that. Right now, it's $125 per inspector that we send out or that they send out. They are losing on average $225 per inspector for each one of these events. So all we're doing in this bill is allowing for them to set rules through the athletic commission to reimburse the commission themselves to be made whole. One thing you'll also see in the bill, and I spoke with Representative Tosh about this. If you remember a couple sessions ago, we took wrestling away from the Athletic Commission. That was a big deal at the time, and so we have added it back, but we are protecting our small towns. So what we're saying is that if you're a small town in Arkansas and you want to put on a wrestling event that has an attendance less than 1,500 people, then you're not going to be sanctioned by the Athletic Commission. That was something Representative Tosh and I talked about at length on that was because a lot of our small towns, this is a driver for those communities and we didn't want them to have to be sanctioned. What we are doing though is with the 1500, we are really sanctioning the WWE's or the UFC's, things like that that wanna come in. I was talking with the commissioner of the Athletic Commission and he had a representative from the WWE call and we got on a conference call and he said, "You know what? We will not come back to Arkansas unless there's a sanctioning body like the Athletic Commission to do blood tests, to check rings and things like that. And so at the end of the day, this is allowing for economic development by having this, by having this sanctioning body. Because if we don't have that, not only do we not get the WWE, but if we ever want to have like a mixed martial art like the UFC or something like that to come to Arkansas, one of those big events, they are also wanting sanctioning as a second set of eyes for their rings, for their fighters, and things of that nature. And with that, I'll
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Representative Frances Cavenaugh Unverified 2:34:47
take any questions. Representative Kavanaugh, for what purpose? Question. You're recognized. Representative Hawke, I'm having deja vu. Did we not cover this like the last session, something very similar to this, asking
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Representative RJ Hawk Unverified 2:34:59
for an increase? So if you remember, I don't remember doing it this last session. If you remember when Governor Hutchinson was here, he gave down some rainy day funds out of his funding to give, it was like $300 million or something like that, to the Athletic Commission, but we have never appropriated any money to the Athletic Commission. That is what was told to me anyways. Maybe not $300 million, but ASA gave them the money. Maybe it was $300,000, excuse me, not $1 million, $300,000. I apologize. i said million i meant 300 000. that's my apologies thank you representative jean follow up yes ma'am
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Representative Frances Cavenaugh Unverified 2:35:39
you're recognized okay first just for some reason this is all very familiar conversation that we're having that we've had this discussion before and for several of us think we've had this discussion before so we're having like this group deja vu but anyway but you don't remember us raising this or so according to the
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Representative RJ Hawk Unverified 2:35:57
commissioner um mr bob edmonds he said that he's been trying to get somebody to run some legislation for a couple sessions now and they've not had any attempt to do that and he told me that this was the first time that any type of legislation for the athletic commission has been done seeing no more questions i would appreciate a
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:36:19
good vote representative hawk has explained the bill would anyone like to speak against the bill for the bill representative ray you're recognized
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Representative David Ray Unverified 2:36:34
to speak for the bill Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, this bill came through state agencies. That's why I'm speaking on it. I think it's good for a couple of reasons. Number one is financial. So when Representative Hawk and I were talking about this bill, I was really interested in the topic. And so I actually asked BLR to do a 10-year look back on the finances for the State Athletic Commission. This is an agency that operates at a deficit every single year. They routinely bring in somewhere in the range of $40,000. Their expenditures are about $80,000. And so the reason for that is because they can't charge promoters an amount that's commensurate with what they have to pay the inspectors to come and work, a professional boxing match or a professional MMA match or something like that. So that's why they operate at a deficit. When they do that, you know, who has to fill in that gap? Well, it's other money from the agency, or as Representative Hawks said, it's rainy day funds or surplus funds or something like that. This is not something that you or I, as the taxpayer, ought to be subsidizing. They ought to be able to recoup their costs so that taxpayers aren't paying for their budget with sales tax revenue or income tax revenue or anything like that. The second reason that I think this is a good bill is because we need a functioning state athletic commission. I'm a big sports fan. It's just a reality based on our population. Arkansas is probably never going to have an MLB team or an NBA team or an NFL team. But the one thing that we could get, we could get some really good and interesting stand-alone events. You know, last year I went to professional bull riding at Simmons Bank Arena. You know, they have monster truck events there. That's not under the Athletic Commission, but these are the kind of events I'm talking about. And so I think we could get more professional boxing matches, MMA events, wrestling events, things like that if we had, you know, a functioning state athletic commission.
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:38:36
So I appreciate the bill. Representative Reyes spoke for the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill, for the bill? Representative Hawke,
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Representative RJ Hawk Unverified 2:38:50
you're recognized to close for your bill. Thank you, colleagues. Once again, very rarely do we have something where there's not an appropriation tied to it. And I'm proud to say that, you know, talking with the Athletic Association, they're not asking for an appropriation. They're not asking for the governor to send them funds. They're just wanting to be able to be reimbursed for sending out these inspectors to do these events and really make Arkansas a safe place to be able to hold events in Arkansas and bring good events, as Representative Ray said. And so with that, I would appreciate a good vote. Representative Hawk is closed for the bill.
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Speaker 398 2:39:18
The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1952. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot.
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:39:40
With a vote of 89 yeas, 3 nay, and 0 present, the bill is passed. Members, I want to
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Chair (Representative Howard M. Beaty, Jr.) Unverified 2:39:48
go to the yellow budget calendar. Representative Gene, you're
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Representative Lane Jean Unverified 2:39:59
recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, we have Senate Bill 93, this is Department of Education, that's the appropriation. We've still got some members working with the department to clarify some answers, so we will skip over that today and put it on tomorrow's calendar. We're going to start off with House Bill 1265, this is the University of Arkansas Little Rock appropriation any questions seeing none your one vote is for the bill the emergency clause mr. speaker the clerk read the bill third time madam clerk read the bill for the third time possible
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:40:36
1265 representative Jean has explained the bill anyone like speak against the bill for the bill represent the McElindon you're recognized. Speak for the bill.
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Representative Mindy McAlindon Unverified 2:40:55
Good afternoon, colleagues. Full disclosure, I pretty much vote against this bill every time it's come up, but my name was mentioned yesterday, and so I just wanted to kind of come down and explain what I've been doing with universities to try and help assuage some of the concerns that I have about what's going on and the policies that I have issue with. And so if you recall, I ran a bill a few weeks ago that set a requisite core that requires universities or everyone attending a two-year and a four-year school to take U.S. history as well as U.S. government. And I've also worked with higher ed, and they are working to tighten up the other courses that are allowed to be taken within the humanities and social science electives that are also part of the general core. And then beyond that, I ran an ISP this morning in the education committee, and I worked with higher ed to create that, and that ISP is to study the majors that we have in our liberal arts to make sure that those majors are solid, that we're getting a return on those, and to make sure that what our job is is to make sure that those public funds are being spent in a wise way, and higher ed will work with us over the next year and a half to make sure that happens. So, anyways, I just wanted to update you on what I have done to try and solve some of those issues and hopefully get the universities
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Speaker 398 2:42:10
funded. Thank you. Representative McIlinen has spoke for the bill. Would anyone like to speak against
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:42:17
the bill? For the bill. Representative Jean is closed for the bill. Question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1265. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk.
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Speaker 153 2:42:34
Is everyone voted? Is everyone voted to cast up the ballot? One
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:42:42
vote is for the bill and the emergency clause. A vote of 78 yeas, 11 nays, and one present. You have passed the bill and the emergency clause. Representative
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Representative Lane Jean Unverified 2:42:53
Jean. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The next item we're going to take up is Senate Bill 127. That's the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville appropriation. Any questions? Your one vote is for the bill of mercy clause. Mr. Speaker, the clerk, read the bill for the third time. Madam
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:43:15
Clerk, read the bill for the third time. Senate Bill 127. Representative Jean has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill, for the bill? Representative Jean is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of Senate Bill 127. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Members
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Speaker 406 2:43:36
of your one vote is for the bill in the emergency clause.
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:43:38
Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot. Vote of 82 yea, 7
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Speaker 135 2:43:49
nay, and 3 present. The bill in the emergency clause
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Representative Lane Jean Unverified 2:43:55
has passed. Representative Jean. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The next one is Senate Bill 125, University of Central Arkansas Appropriation. any questions seeing none your one vote is for the bill the mercy clause mr. speaker had the clerk read the bill for the third time a clerk
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:44:17
read the bill for the third time Senate bill 125 represent gene has explained the bill anyone like speak against the bill for the bill represent gene is closed for the bill question before the house is the passage of Senate Bill 125, prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Members, your one vote is for the bill in the Emergency Clause. Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot. A vote of 81
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Speaker 135 2:44:49
yea, 10 nay, and 2 present. The bill in the Emergency Clause is
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Representative Lane Jean Unverified 2:45:02
passed. Representative Jean. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, without objection, give time to look at them. We're going to batch Senate Bill 25, Senate Bill 37, Senate Bill 39, and Senate Bill 88. These are appropriations that Senate Bill 25, which the Insurance Department has no general revenue. The other general revenue is flat with the exception of the pay raise that we just voted in any questions on any of these four and do I need to pull in these out of the batch for any reason seeing none Senate bill 25 Senate bill 37 Senate bill 39 and Senate bill 88 your one vote is for the bills and the mercy clause mr.
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Chair Unverified 2:45:46
speaker the clerk read the bill third time madam clerk read the bills for the third time. Senate Bill 25,
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:46:03
Senate Bill 37, Senate Bill 39, Senate Bill 88. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Members of your one vote is for the bill and the emergency clause of each bill in the batch. Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot. A vote of 92 yea, 0 nay, and 1 present. You pass the
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Speaker 135 2:46:19
Bill and the Emergence Clause of each bill in
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Representative Lane Jean Unverified 2:46:25
the batch. Representative Jean. Thank you Mr. Speaker. The last bill on the agenda for today is Senate Bill 359. It comes from Senator Petty. This is an out-of-school, after-school grant program for $3.9 million. It's out of cash funds, which means he would have to get a letter over the interim from the governor and ALC would have to approve it but it's for 3.9 million it's not funded at this time but have to go through cash funds and have to get a support from ALC. Any questions? Does have the emergency clause the one bill is for the bill of the emergency clause. Mr. Speaker the clerk read the bill third time. Madam clerk read the bill for the third time. Senate Bill 359. Representative
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:47:13
Jean has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? For the bill? Representative Jean is closed for the bill. Question before the House is the passage of Senate Bill 359. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Members, your one vote is
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Speaker 406 2:47:34
for the bill in the emergency clause. Has everyone voted is everyone
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:47:42
voted cast up the ballot a vote of 80 yeas four nays and seven present the bill in the emergency clause has passed members will go back
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Representative Mindy McAlindon Unverified 2:47:56
to the red calendar madam clerk please read Senate bill 322
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Speaker 175 2:48:02
Senate bill 322 by representative Fulkington to amend the law concerning construction and development and allow third parties to
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:48:10
perform plan reviews and site inspections. Representative Pilkington,
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Representative Aaron Pilkington Unverified 2:48:14
you're recognized. Explain your bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is a pretty simple bill. As the title says, it allows third parties to perform plan reviews and site inspections. This bill comes from a piece of policy that's out of Georgia. We work at the Municipal League to get it to where it worked for them. And essentially what it just does is, if there's a project, the developer, at their own expense, can go out, hire a third party to go in, do the site review, or do the third party inspection. During the Senate testimony, there was a question about certificate of occupancy. That's still with the city. The plan still has to be reviewed by the city. All the safety mechanisms are still in place. And, of course, like I said, all the cost is on the developer, not the city. And so, also, in case that this third party, if there's ever two reviews that get rejected, then these third parties are no longer eligible to do this, and that's also a safety mechanism. And so there was unanimous support on the Senate floor and I hope to see it here too and I'd appreciate a good vote. Thank
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:49:14
you. - Representative Pilkington has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? For the bill? Representative Pilkington is closed for the bill. Question before the House is the passage of Senate Bill 322. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk.
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Speaker 153 2:49:34
has everyone voted it's everyone voted cast
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:49:44
up the ballot with a vote of 80 yays 10 nays and one present the bill is passed madam clerk
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Chair Unverified 2:49:54
please read Senate bill 510. Senate bill 510 by Representative Gramlich to allow for cross deputization of municipal county state and tribal law enforcement on federally recognized tribal land within the state.
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Chair (Representative Howard M. Beaty, Jr.) Unverified 2:50:04
Representative Gramlich, you're recognized to explain your
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Representative Zack Gramlich Unverified 2:50:07
bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 510 allows for a very, very, very specific problem in our state to be fixed. In February, tribal land was officially recognized in Arkansas within Fort Smith. If you walk outside of the casino in Pecola, Oklahoma and enter into the parking lot, you enter into the state of Arkansas. In February, like I said, there is a trust that the state has recognized saying that that parking lot is a tribal land of federally recognized nation, specifically the Choctaw Nation. What has happened is now we're in this really weird gray area where their tribal police doesn't know if they can enter into our state and patrol their parking lot to help provide safety for, you know, people who use that facility, and Fort Smith police, Sebastian County Sheriff, and state police don't know if they have the ability to actually enter into tribal land and also protect you know and provide safety for the individuals who are in that area. So what this does is it allows for the conversations that we think should already be happening to actually happen and protect our citizens and other individuals who are in that area and with that I'll
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Representative Jim Wooten Unverified 2:51:22
answer any questions. Representative Wooden for what purpose? I understand the bill, but I don't understand why a tribal officer has to be deputized to be on the recognized land of the tribe. Well, so it
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Representative Zack Gramlich Unverified 2:51:40
really just allows for the cross deputization agreement to actually, in conversation, to happen. I agree. I think they should be able to enter into their own tribal land. It is their land. But what it also does is allow us, okay, so when we do come into this area, you know, what is actually happening? Who does what? And it just allows for a lot more clarity to protect the citizens of the area. And with that, I appreciate a good vote. Representative Gramlich has explained
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:52:08
the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? For the bill? Representative Gramlich is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of Senate Bill 510. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Is everyone voted? Is everyone voted? Cast up the ballot. With a vote of 90 yeas, 2 nay, and 0 present, the bill is passed. Madam Clerk, please read Senate Bill 241. Senate Bill
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Speaker 175 2:52:47
241 by Representative Wilkinson to amend the Uniform Attendance and Leave Policy Act
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Chair Unverified 2:52:50
Act and to grant paid leave to public employees in the event of the death of a public employee's family
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:52:57
member or child. Representative Pilkington you're recognized to
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Representative Aaron Pilkington Unverified 2:53:02
explain your bill. Thank You Mr. Speaker. This bill comes from collaboration with me and Senator Scott in the governor's office. Earlier in the session me and Senator Scott wanted to work on a piece of legislation together as we typically do every session and we wanted to have it have to create leave in case of the death of a child. When we brought this to the governor's office, they actually found that their bereavement policy for all the different departments is kind of all over the map. And so they wanted to standardize it for all the departments so that it would be consistent and also give some clarity because some departments were doing things differently. And, of course, the leave actually comes from the catastrophic fund, so when a certain leave is not used, it goes into a fund, and then that's used to pay for this. But just to read it so you understand it, it goes, As in this section, immediate family members means father, mother, sister, brother, husband, wife, child, grandmother, grandfather, grandchild, and in-laws. And then for child, we include a biological child, an unborn child, a stepchild, an adopted child, or a child in foster care who's in place in the home of that employee. That's what the bill does, and I appreciate a good
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:54:09
vote. Thank you. Representative Pilkington has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill, for the bill? Representative Pilkington is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of Senate Bill 241. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot. The vote of 75 yeas, 12 nays, and 3 present. The bill is passed. Madam Clerk, please read Senate
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Chair Unverified 2:54:49
Bill 348. Senate Bill 348 by Representative Pilkington to amend the annual cap for diagnostic laboratory services within the Arkansas Medicaid program and to declare an
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:54:57
emergency. Representative Pilkington, you're recognized to explain your
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Representative Aaron Pilkington Unverified 2:55:01
bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This does exactly what the title says. We're raising the cap from $500 or adding this $1,800. For those who are not familiar with this program, oftentimes we're treating people for addiction. We're using a MAT program, and we have to check them to make sure that they're not using other drugs. Unfortunately, because what's happening is they're hitting this cap, and we're not able to pay for that additional diagnostic labs. And so what's happening is because we can't do that, we can't continue the program, they relapse, they go to the hospital. It actually costs us way more money. So this is just to increase that cap because now MAT exists. When this virtually came in, my understanding is it did not exist, so that's why the cap was set as low. So we're just raising the cap a little
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:55:48
bit. Appreciate a good vote. Thank you. Representative Pilkington has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill, for the bill? Representative Pilkington is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of Senate Bill 348. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk.
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Speaker 406 2:56:12
Members, your one vote is for the bill in the emergency clause.
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Speaker 153 2:56:17
Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot. The vote of 69 yea, 8
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:56:27
nay, and 11 present. The bill in the emergency clause is passed. Madam Clerk, please read Senate Bill 523. Senate Bill 523
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Speaker 175 2:56:35
by Representative Dalby to amend the law regarding alcoholic beverages and to remove the requirement that a private club be a nonprofit
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:56:44
organization. Representative Dalby, you're recognized to explain your bill.
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Representative Carol Dalby Unverified 2:56:48
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, several weeks ago I ran a bill taking away the requirement that there be a nonprofit before you have a private club. ABC looked at it, they wanted to add some others to it. down on the Senate also in that first bill ran, so all this is doing is it's taking away the requirement for the formation of a non-profit to operate a private club in the Dry County. That's all it does. It eliminates those multiple tax returns that we talked about the last time. It does not change the structure, everything. If you're going to have a private club, you've got to go through all the hoops, but you always have to. the county ordinances all the votes and everything so all the requirements remain the same that's it's a mirror bill to what I ran just a few weeks ago and with that I'd appreciate a good vote.
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:57:40
Representative Dalby has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? For the bill? Representative Dalby is closed for the bill. Question before the house is the passage of Senate bill 523 prepare the machine madam clerk everyone voted is
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Speaker 153 2:58:03
everyone voted cast up the ballot
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:58:09
a vote of 70 a 8 nay and 8 present the bill is passed madam clerk please read Senate bill 529 Senate Bill
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Chair Unverified 2:58:21
529 by Representative Kavanaugh to amend the Independent Tax
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:58:24
Appeals Commission Act. Representative Kavanaugh you're recognized
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Representative Frances Cavenaugh Unverified 2:58:33
to explain your bill. Thank You Mr. Speaker this is just a language that's going to set up a small claims process for the Independent Tax Commission and puts in a definition of who else can serve on the Commission and with that I take any questions. Seeing None, I appreciate a
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Speaker 291 2:58:53
good vote. Representative Kavanaugh has explained the bill.
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:58:56
Would anyone like to speak against the bill? For the bill? Representative Kavanaugh is closed for the bill. Question before the House is the passage of Senate Bill
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Speaker 153 2:59:17
529. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot. The vote of 88 yeas, two nay,
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Speaker 135 2:59:28
and one present. The bill is passed. Representative Meeks, for what
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Representative Stephen Meeks Unverified 2:59:36
purpose? Motion. I'll hear your motion. Pursuant to House Rule 33M, I move
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Speaker 325 2:59:42
we adjourn until 1:30 tomorrow afternoon. proper motion it's non-debatable. All those in favor
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 2:59:50
say aye. Opposed nay. The ayes have it. Any announcements from
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Representative Lane Jean Unverified 2:59:56
committees? Representative Jean for what purpose? Announcement. You're recognized. Joint budget will meet tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m. Big Mac A.
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Speaker 433 3:00:06
Representative Lynch for what purpose? Ag committee will meet
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 3:00:11
tomorrow 10:00 a.m. room 138. Representative Underwood for what purpose? Announcement.
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Speaker 436 3:00:14
You're recognized. House Judiciary will meet immediately
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 3:00:18
after we leave here. Representative Eubanks for what purpose? Announcement. You're recognized. House Rules will meet tomorrow at noon in Big Mac B. Representative Gonzalez for what purpose? You're recognized. Representative
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Representative Justin Gonzales Unverified 3:00:31
Kavanaugh just reminded me that City County locals meeting tomorrow at 10 a.m.
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Chair (Representative Howard M. Beaty, Jr.) Unverified 3:00:36
might be. Representative Gassaway for what purpose? Announcement. You're recognized.
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Speaker 329 3:00:39
State agencies will meet tomorrow morning, 10 a.m.,
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 3:00:43
room 151. Representative Ward-Law, for what purpose? Announcement.
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Representative Jeff Wardlaw Unverified 3:00:46
You're recognized. It's the last chance to run the House bills. Public health will meet immediately upon
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Speaker 47 3:00:53
adjournment. Senate bills will follow. Representative
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Representative Mike Holcomb Unverified 3:00:55
Holcomb, for what purpose? Announcement. You're recognized. Public transportation will meet tomorrow in MAC-A after adjournment of joint budget. Representative Brooks, for what purpose? Announcement.
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Representative Keith Brooks Chair Unverified 3:01:09
you're recognized house education will be 15 minutes upon adjournment we are going to clear out the rest of the house bills this afternoon representative
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Speaker 442 3:01:17
pilkington for what purpose announcement you're recognized tomorrow morning 8
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Representative Aaron Pilkington Unverified 3:01:19
a.m we have pier and mac a representative vault for what purpose announcement you're recognized house
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Representative DeAnn Vaught Unverified 3:01:28
management will meet in the morning at 10 a.m in room 130.
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Chair Unverified 3:01:33
representative maddox for what purpose announcement you're recognized insurance and commerce made at 9:30 in the morning at room 149 any
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Representative John Maddox Unverified 3:01:41
other committee announcements we missed any other committee announcements seeing none the
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Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified 3:01:48
desk will remain open as needed for the reading of the bills and upon completion of the items named in the adjourn resolution the house will be adjourned until 1:30 tomorrow
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Agenda

Call to order

7:19
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Prayer

7:21
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Pledge

7:24
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Roll Call

10:58
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Morning Hour

RESOLUTIONS

Number Sponsor Subtitle

HCR1008 McAlindon TO CELEBRATE AND COMMEND NORTHWEST ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE'S NATIONALLY LEADING AND INDUSTRY-TRANSFORMING BICYCLE ASSEMBLY & REPAIR TECHNICIAN AND TRAIL TECHNICIAN PROGRAMS.

19:20
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HCR1010 T. Shephard REQUESTING A STUDY OF WAYS TO IMPROVE THE STATE'S JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM FOR YOUTH.

23:03
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HR1102 Steele TO HONOR REGINA RENEE HENSON FOR HER CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CHILDREN AND ADULTS OF NORTH LITTLE ROCK THROUGH HER ROLE AS DIRECTOR OF SHERMAN PARK COMMUNITY CENTER.

28:11
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HR1103 Steele TO RECOGNIZE CHARLOTTE THOMAS ON THE OCCASION OF HER UPCOMING RETIREMENT FOR HER FIFTY-ONE YEARS OF EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE TO THE CITY OF NORTH LITTLE ROCK.

32:11
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HR1108 Schulz TO HONOR UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT FAYETTEVILLE BASKETBALL SCORING STAR IZZY HIGGINBOTTOM.

37:46
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End of Morning Hour

47:31
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CONCUR IN SENATE AMENDMENT

Number Sponsor Subtitle

HB1669 #1 Bentley TO CREATE THE KEEP KIDS FIRST ACT; AND TO PROVIDE FOR PROTECTIONS FROM DISCRIMINATION FOR ADOPTION AND FOSTER CARE PROVIDERS ACTING IN ACCORDANCE WITH SINCERELY HELD RELIGIOUS BELIEFS.

48:29
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HB1303 #1 Jean TO CREATE THE SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL INCENTIVE ACT; AND TO CREATE AN INCOME TAX CREDIT RELATED TO SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL.

49:20
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HB1724 #1 B. McKenzie TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING LOCAL SCHOOL BOARDS OF DIRECTORS AND SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS; AND TO AMEND THE DATE ON WHICH AN ELECTION OF A SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS IS HELD.

50:15
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REGULAR BILLS

Number Sponsor Subtitle

HB1790 B. McKenzie TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE REGULATION OF SHORT-TERM RENTALS BY A LOCAL GOVERNMENT.

51:42
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HB1914 Long TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE ARKANSAS MOTOR CARRIER ACT, 1955; AND TO REQUIRE AN OPERATOR OF A COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE TO HAVE ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY.

HB1944 Vaught TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE AND RENEWAL OF A SPECIAL LICENSE PLATE TO PROMOTE AND SUPPORT THE ARKANSAS EMS FOUNDATION; AND TO REPEAL THE GRAND LODGE OF ARKANSAS SPECIAL LICENSE PLATE.

57:12
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HB1897 Painter TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS TOWING AND RECOVERY REFORM AND EFFICIENCY ACT OF 2025; TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE ARKANSAS TOWING AND RECOVERY BOARD; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

HB1807 Eaves TO AMEND THE SALES TAX EXEMPTION FOR AIRCRAFT HELD FOR RESALE AND USED FOR RENTAL OR CHARTER; AND TO CLARIFY THE PERSONS ELIGIBLE FOR THE SALES TAX EXEMPTION FOR AIRCRAFT HELD FOR RESALE AND USED FOR RENTAL OR CHARTER.

59:13
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HB1869 L. Johnson TO CREATE THE MATERNAL OUTCOMES MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH; AND TO ORGANIZE MATERNAL HEALTH RESOURCES.

1:01:43
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HB1433 K. Moore TO REQUIRE A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER WHO IS EXECUTING OR SERVING AN ORDER OF PROTECTION TO SERVE ANY OUTSTANDING CRIMINAL WARRANTS RELATED TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OR OFFENSES INVOLVING THE PETITIONER AS THE VICTIM.

1:04:55
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HB1529 S. Meeks TO CREATE THE CRIMINAL OFFENSE OF UNLAWFUL CREATION OR DISTRIBUTION OF DEEPFAKE VISUAL MATERIAL; AND TO ESTABLISH A CAUSE OF ACTION FOR UNLAWFUL CREATION OF DEEPFAKE VISUAL MATERIAL.

1:07:48
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HB1877 S. Meeks CONCERNING CRIMINAL OFFENSES RELATED TO POSSESSION OF SEXUALLY EXPLICIT MATERIAL THAT DEPICTS A CHILD; AND TO INCLUDE A COMPUTER GENERATED IMAGE THAT IS INDISTINGUISHABLE FROM THE IMAGE OF A CHILD.

1:07:59
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HB1931 Beaty Jr. TO CREATE THE RECIDIVISM REDUCTION SYSTEM WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

1:09:29
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HB1672 McCollum TO AMEND PROVISIONS OF THE ARKANSAS CODE TO CREATE A MORE EFFICIENT SYSTEM FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF INNOVATION IN ARKANSAS.

1:11:47
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HB1876 R. Scott Richardson REGARDING THE OWNERSHIP OF MODEL TRAINING AND CONTENT GENERATED BY A GENERATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TOOL.r

1:15:37
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HB1866 Brooks TO CREATE ELI'S LAW; AND TO REQUIRE EACH PUBLIC SCHOOL TO INSTALL AN AUDIO RECORDING DEVICE IN EACH LOCKER ROOM AND DRESSING ROOM ON THE PUBLIC SCHOOL CAMPUS.

1:18:50
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HB1964 Brooks TO MOVE THE CHILD WELFARE OMBUDSMAN DIVISION AND THE JUVENILE OMBUDSMAN DIVISION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTOR GENERAL; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.b

1:40:58
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HB1003 House Management AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - STAFF APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.

1:41:16
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HB1732 Vaught TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF THE INCOME TAX DEDUCTION ALLOWED FOR A TEACHER'S CLASSROOM INVESTMENT.

1:42:51
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HB1485 K. Brown TO CREATE A SALES AND USE TAX EXEMPTION FOR SALES TO CERTAIN ORGANIZATIONS THAT SUPPORT VETERANS' FACILITIES.

HB1063 J. Mayberry TO AMEND THE ACHIEVING A BETTER LIFE EXPERIENCE PROGRAM ACT; AND TO AMEND THE DEFINITIONS OF "DISABILITY CERTIFICATION" AND "ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUAL" TO CHANGE DISABILITY ONSET AGE FROM TWENTY-SIX TO FORTY-SIX.

1:47:39
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HB1922 Maddox TO AMEND THE CONSOLIDATED INCENTIVE ACT OF 2003; TO CREATE AN INCOME TAX CREDIT FOR RELOCATING CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS TO THIS STATE; AND TO ENCOURAGE CORPORATIONS TO RELOCATE TO ARKANSAS.

1:49:09
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HB1918 McAlindon TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING SPECIE OR LEGAL TENDER; TO AUTHORIZE THE USE OF A BULLION DEPOSITORY; AND TO ALLOW FOR A PRECIOUS METALS-BACKED ELECTRONIC SYSTEM.

1:57:33
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HB1941 Joey Carr CONCERNING DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS; AND TO PROTECT ARKANSAS STUDENTS BY ENSURING THE EFFICIENT DISPOSITION OF ETHICS COMPLAINTS AGAINST TEACHERS.

2:01:01
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HB1939 Joey Carr TO AMEND ELIGIBILITY FOR TEACHER INCENTIVE AND MERIT PAY; TO AMEND REQUIREMENTS FOR SUMMATIVE EVALUATIONS; AND TO AMEND SCHOOL DISTRICT REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE MERIT TEACHER INCENTIVE FUND PROGRAM.

2:02:11
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HB1938 Joey Carr TO AMEND PROVISIONS OF THE ARKANSAS CODE CONCERNING THE CREATION OF DISTRICT STRATEGIC PLANS AND THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE DIVISION OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION.

2:04:26
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HB1946 Bentley TO REQUIRE HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT INSTRUCTION IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

2:05:53
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HB1983 Eubanks TO AMEND ACTS 1973, NO. 167, § 4, CONCERNING THE SALE OF CERTAIN PROPERTY TO THE WESTARK AREA COUNCIL, INC., BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA.

2:08:53
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HB1976 Nazarenko CONCERNING VERTIPORTS; AND TO CREATE THE OPEN ACCESS TO PUBLIC-USE VERTIPORTS ACT.

HB1627 Barnett TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PROPERTY TAX RELIEF; AND TO REQUIRE COUNTIES TO PROVIDE NOTICE TO TAXPAYERS CONCERNING CERTAIN PROPERTY TAX RELIEF OFFERED UNDER ARKANSAS LAW.

2:16:21
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HB1981 Maddox TO AMEND THE DEFINITIONS OF "OUTDOOR RECREATION OPERATOR" AND "TRAMWAY OPERATOR UNDER THE LAW CONCERNING RECREATIONAL TRAMWAYS".

2:25:21
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HB1949 Schulz TO ADD MEDICAL, EMERGENCY MEDICAL, AND AMBULANCE SERVICES TO THE LIST OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR PURPOSES OF PROCUREMENT.

2:27:06
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HB1951 A. Collins TO SET FORTH AUTHORIZED DOMAIN EXTENSIONS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION AND GOVERNMENT WEBSITES.

2:29:41
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HB1952 Hawk TO ASSIST THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE STATE ATHLETIC COMMISSION; TO PROVIDE FUNDING TO THE STATE ATHLETIC COMMISSION TO CONTINUE ITS MISSION TO PROMOTE A ROBUST, HEALTHY, AND SAFE COMBATIVE SPORTS INDUSTRY.

2:32:09
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REGULAR SENATE BILLS

Number Sponsor Subtitle

SB322 J. Bryant Pilkington TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT; AND TO ALLOW THIRD PARTIES TO PERFORM PLAN REVIEWS AND SITE INSPECTIONS.

2:48:23
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SB510 J. Boyd Gramlich TO ALLOW FOR THE CROSS DEPUTIZATION OF MUNICIPAL, COUNTY, STATE, AND TRIBAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ON FEDERALLY-RECOGNIZED TRIBAL LAND WITHIN THE STATE.

2:49:59
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SB241 J. Scott Pilkington TO AMEND THE UNIFORM ATTENDANCE AND LEAVE POLICY ACT; AND TO GRANT PAID LEAVE TO PUBLIC EMPLOYEES IN THE EVENT OF THE DEATH OF A PUBLIC EMPLOYEE'S FAMILY MEMBER OR CHILD.

2:52:55
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SB348 C. Penzo Pilkington TO AMEND THE ANNUAL CAP FOR DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY SERVICES WITHIN THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

2:54:59
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SB523 Irvin Dalby TO AMEND THE LAW REGARDING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; AND TO REMOVE THE REQUIREMENT THAT A PRIVATE CLUB BE A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION.

2:56:42
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SB529 B. Johnson Cavenaugh TO AMEND THE INDEPENDENT TAX APPEALS COMMISSION ACT.

2:58:35
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SB494 J. Bryant Eaton TO REDUCE THE NUMBER AND TYPES OF PERMITS ISSUED BY ARKANSAS TOBACCO CONTROL; AND TO CONSOLIDATE SEVERAL PERMITS INTO A SINGLE PERMIT UNDER THE ARKANSAS TOBACCO

PRODUCTS TAX ACT OF 1977.

SB495 J. Bryant Eaton TO AMEND DEFINITIONS USED UNDER THE ARKANSAS TOBACCO PRODUCTS TAX ACT OF 1977; AND TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "INVOICE" AND THE DEFINITION OF "INVOICE PRICE" USED UNDER THE ARKANSAS TOBACCO PRODUCTS TAX ACT OF 1977.

SB408 B. Johnson Eaves TO PROVIDE AN INCOME TAX EXEMPTION FOR CERTAIN PAYMENTS BY THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

SB594 M. McKee Milligan TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING EXEMPTIONS FOR CERTIFICATES OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION TO SUPPLY A PUBLIC SERVICE OR TO EXTEND A PUBLIC SERVICE.

SB552 K. Hammer Eaves TO CLARIFY THE DEFINITION OF "PRINCIPAL OFFICE" USED UNDER THE ARKANSAS BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT OF 1987 AND THE UNIFORM LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY ACT.

SB390 J. English Lundstrum TO ESTABLISH THE STATE APPRENTICESHIP AGENCY ACT.

SB553 K. Hammer Milligan TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS MUNICIPAL ACCOUNTING LAW; TO AMEND THE DUTIES OF A MUNICIPAL TREASURER; AND TO REQUIRE TRAINING FOR AN INDIVIDUAL CHARGED WITH DUTIES UNDER THE ARKANSAS MUNICIPAL ACCOUNTING LAW.

SB290 B. Johnson Vaught TO PROHIBIT A MORATORIUM ON THE ISSUANCE OF PERMITS IN WATERSHEDS AND OTHER BODIES OF WATER.

SB550 Hill Painter TO CHANGE THE NAME OF THE ARKANSAS LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY COMMISSION TO THE ARKANSAS BOARD OF ANIMAL HEALTH.

SB464 A. Clark C. Cooper TO AMEND THE LAWS CONCERNING SALES OF RAW MILK; TO ALLOW SALES OF RAW MILK AND RAW MILK PRODUCTS AT LOCATIONS OTHER THAN THE FARM WHERE THE RAW MILK OR RAW MILK PRODUCT WAS PRODUCED; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

SB522 M. McKee M. Brown TO AMEND THE LAW REGARDING THE ARKANSAS SCHOOL FOR MATHEMATICS, SCIENCES, AND THE ARTS; AND TO AMEND THE LAW RELATED TO THE TUITION AND FEES PAID BY STUDENTS ENROLLED IN THE ONLINE PROGRAMS.

Bills and their Emergency Clauses to be considered which have been introduced by Joint Budget Committee

HB1265 AN ACT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT LITTLE ROCK APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.

2:40:23
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SB25AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - STATE INSURANCE DEPARTMENT APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.

2:45:28
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SB37 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.

2:45:17
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SB39 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - DIVISION OF WORKFORCE SERVICES APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.

2:45:20
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SB88 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - DIVISION OF HIGHER EDUCATION APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.

2:45:22
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SB93 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.

SB125 AN ACT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.

2:44:09
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SB127 AN ACT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS - FAYETTEVILLE APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.

2:43:01
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Bills and their Emergency Clauses to be considered which have been introduced by Senators

SB359 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - DIVISION OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION OUT-OF-SCHOOL TIME PROGRAM GRANTS APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.

2:46:53
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Motion to Adjourn

2:59:48
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Announcements

Adjourn

Documents

No documents posted.

Speakers

Representative Brian S. Evans Chair Unverified
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Chair (Representative Howard M. Beaty, Jr.) Unverified
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Chair Unverified
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Representative Howard M. Beaty, Jr. Unverified
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Representative Aaron Pilkington Unverified
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Representative Ashley Hudson Unverified
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Representative Mindy McAlindon Unverified
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Representative Tara Shephard Unverified
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Representative Tracy Steele Unverified
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Representative Carlton Wing Unverified
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Representative Andrew Collins Unverified
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Representative Bart Schulz Unverified
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Representative Shad Pearce Unverified
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Representative Kendra Moore Unverified
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Representative Mary Bentley Unverified
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Representative Lane Jean Unverified
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Representative Brit McKenzie Unverified
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Representative Randy Torres Unverified
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Representative DeAnn Vaught Unverified
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Representative Les D. Eaves Unverified
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Representative Lee Johnson Unverified
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Representative David Ray Unverified
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Representative Stephen Meeks Unverified
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Representative Austin McCollum Unverified
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Representative Denise Garner Unverified
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Representative Keith Brooks Chair Unverified
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Representative Jim Wooten Unverified
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Representative Matt Duffield Unverified
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Representative Matt Brown Unverified
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Representative R. Scott Richardson Unverified
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Representative Nicole Clowney Unverified
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Representative Justin Gonzales Unverified
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Representative Julie Mayberry Unverified
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Representative John Maddox Unverified
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Representative Rick McClure Chair Unverified
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Representative John P. Carr Unverified
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Representative Jon S. Eubanks Unverified
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Representative Jeff Wardlaw Unverified
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Representative Jason Nazarenko Unverified
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Representative Lincoln Barnett Unverified
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Representative Robin Lundstrum Unverified
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Representative Dwight Tosh Chair Unverified
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Representative RJ Hawk Unverified
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Representative Frances Cavenaugh Unverified
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Representative Zack Gramlich Unverified
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Representative Carol Dalby Unverified
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Representative Mike Holcomb Unverified
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