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Senate Convenes

April 8, 2025 ·1:00 PM ·Senate Chamber ·9:34:34
Video Transcript

Bills discussed (185)
Bill Title Sponsor Status
SCR5 · 8 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “SCR5 M. Irvin TO CONTINUE TO ENCOURAGE THE PURSUIT OF NATIONAL C…”
 TO CONTINUE TO ENCOURAGE THE PURSUIT OF NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE DESIGNATION BY THE WINTHROP P. … Irvin Approved by the Governor.
HB1688 Act 710 · 5 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “Motion to move HB1688 to the bottom of the calendar”
 TO AMEND ARKANSAS LAW CONCERNING THE USE OF A DEALER'S EXTRA LICENSE PLATE. Cavenaugh Notification that HB1688 is now Act 710
SB520 Act 747 · 5 mentions in transcript, chapter
Matched: “…commend due past calendar Committee on City County Local to Senate Bill 520 by Senator Sullivan recommend new passes amended number one…”
 TO PROHIBIT DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION OFFICES, OFFICERS, POLICIES, OR PRACTICES IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT. D. Sullivan Notification that SB520 is now Act 747
HB1834 Act 816 · 4 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “HB1834 Stone”
 TO AMEND ARKANSAS LAW CONCERNING THE LICENSING AND REGULATION OF MOTOR VEHICLES. Holcomb Notification that HB1834 is now Act 816
SR67 · 4 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “SR67 Motion to put SB67 on Today's Calendar”
 TO HONOR UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT FAYETTEVILLE BASKETBALL SCORING STAR IZZY HIGGINBOTTOM. J. Payton Sine Die adjournment
SB568 Act 1012 · 3 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “SB568 - Motion to suspend the rule and to put SB568 on Today's Ca…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE TAXES APPLICABLE TO LITHIUM EXTRACTION AND DEVELOPMENT; TO PROVIDE … Crowell Notification that SB568 is now Act 1012
SB574 Act 742 · 3 mentions in chapter
Matched: “SB574 - Motion to move SB574 to the bottom of the Today's calenda…”
 TO REQUIRE A MUNICIPALITY THAT OPERATES A WATERWORKS SYSTEM OR SEWAGE SYSTEM TO PROVIDE SERVICE … J. Petty Notification that SB574 is now Act 742
SB67 Act 1016 · 3 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “SR67 Motion to put SB67 on Today's Calendar”
 AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS PUBLIC DEFENDER COMMISSION APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR. Joint Budget Committee Notification that SB67 is now Act 1016
SR66 · 3 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…Medical Sciences, Senate concurrent resolution 5. calendar. Senate Resolution 66 by Senator Davis to recognize”
 TO RECOGNIZE THE ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY ROBOTICS CLUB FOR WINNING THE TOURNAMENT CHAMPION AND INNOVATE … B. Davis Sine Die adjournment
HB1476 Act 675 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…mended pass. calendar Committee on City County Low is heard House Bill 1476 by Representative McKenzie recommend they pass calendar com…”
 TO AMEND THE DIRECT SHIPMENT OF VINOUS LIQUOR ACT; AND TO ESTABLISH A WINE DIRECT … B. McKenzie Notification that HB1476 is now Act 675
HB1656 Act 1024 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…ed. calendar. We your committee on Agra to who was referred House Bill 1656 by Representative Be recommend do pass calendar on Agra is…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW REGARDING OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION AND CONSERVATION. Beck Notification that HB1656 is now Act 1024
HB1666 Act 656 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…ectly engrossed calendar Committee on the bills was started House Bill 1666 and it makes and for hammer compared the gross copy of the…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE ARKANSAS SELF-FUNDED CYBER RESPONSE PROGRAM. S. Meeks Notification that HB1666 is now Act 656
HB1680 Act 811 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…Representative Be recommend do pass calendar on Agra is 3rd House Bill 1680 by representativealt recommend due pass calendarit on A rig…”
 TO PREVENT A FOREIGN-PARTY-CONTROLLED BUSINESS FROM LEASING LAND; AND TO PROHIBIT A PROHIBITED FOREIGN PARTY … Vaught Notification that HB1680 is now Act 811
HB1735 Act 813 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…nd new pass calendar Committee on Insurance commerce to for House Bill 1735 by Representative Eaves recommended pass. Calendar on Insur…”
 TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS UNDERGROUND FACILITIES DAMAGE PREVENTION ACT; AND TO REVISE MEMBERSHIP IN THE … Eaves Notification that HB1735 is now Act 813
HB1778 Act 832 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…rrectly engrossed calendar Committee on Eress who was fired House Bill 1778. Senator Gilmore Gross copy of the. and curling calendars t…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE CRIMINAL OFFENSE OF STALKING TO INCLUDE PLACING A PERSON … Gazaway Notification that HB1778 is now Act 832
HB1810 Act 796 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “Gross House Bill 1810 by Central English compared the gross copy of the original…”
 TO AMEND PROVISIONS OF THE ARKANSAS CODE CONCERNING THE ARKANSAS SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND AND … Joey Carr Notification that HB1810 is now Act 796
HB1827 Act 817 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “was for House Bill 1827 by War I recommend to pass calendar on Agra who was referre…”
 TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS HUNTING HERITAGE PROTECTION ACT. Wardlaw Notification that HB1827 is now Act 817
HB1844 Act 822 · 2 mentions in chapter
Matched: “Motion to move HB1844 to the bottom of the calendar”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE OFFENSE OF FLEEING BY MEANS OF A VEHICLE OR … Tosh Notification that HB1844 is now Act 822
HB1855 Act 818 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…y War I recommend to pass calendar on Agra who was referred House Bill 1855 I represent and it recommend do pass calendarit on Arita wh…”
 TO AMEND THE LAWS CONCERNING THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND … Ennett Notification that HB1855 is now Act 818
HB1929 Act 797 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…recommended Du pass calendar on state agencies team as for House Bill 1929 by Representative McAman”
 TO CREATE THE RECOGNIZING JUDEA AND SAMARIA ACT; AND TO PROHIBIT STATE AGENCIES FROM USING … McAlindon Notification that HB1929 is now Act 797
HB1958 Act 848 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “pass calendar Committee on state agencies to as House Bill 1958 by Mes recommended to pass as amended number one, calendar.…”
 TO REQUIRE PUBLIC ENTITIES TO CREATE A POLICY CONCERNING THE AUTHORIZED USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE. S. Meeks Notification that HB1958 is now Act 848
SB106 Act 898 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…. calendar Committee on joint budget team was referred, uh, Senate Bill 106 by joint budget recommend do pass calendar maybe on joint b…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR. Joint Budget Committee Notification that SB106 is now Act 898
SB123 Act 553 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “a.m. for approval. Please file it. Return of Senate Bill 123 from the House has passed. And”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING COVERAGE FOR MAMMOGRAMS AND BREAST ULTRASOUNDS. G. Leding Notification that SB123 is now Act 553
SB160 Act 589 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “return the Senate Bill 160 from the House has passed and roll it return a simple 237 f…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING ADMINISTRATION OF THE ARKANSAS PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM. J. Dotson Notification that SB160 is now Act 589
SB2 · 2 mentions in chapter
Matched: “SB2 - Motion to move SB2 to the bottom of Today's Calendar”
 TO REPEAL THE STATEWIDE FLUORIDATION PROGRAM; AND TO REMOVE THE MANDATE FOR WATER SYSTEMS TO … C. Penzo Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
SB262 · 2 mentions in chapter
Matched: “SB262 C. Penzo TO AMEND THE CORPORATE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE DOCTRI…”
 TO AMEND THE CORPORATE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE DOCTRINE; AND TO AUTHORIZE A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL … C. Penzo Died on House Calendar at Sine Die adjournment.
SB278 Act 438 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “measure the regular session of 95th General Assembly, Senate Bill 278 is now Act 438. Sincerely, Sarah Sanders, Governor, please…”
 TO REPEAL THE STATUTES CONCERNING THE OCCUPATIONAL AUTHORIZATION AND LICENSURE OF CERTAIN EMPLOYMENT OFFICES AND … J. English Notification that SB278 is now Act 438
SB323 Act 516 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “central Pennzo Senate Bill 323 by Senator Bryant, Senate Bill 332 by Centra Dotson compare…”
 TO AMEND THE HORIZONTAL PROPERTY ACT. J. Bryant Notification that SB323 is now Act 516
SB332 Act 536 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “central Pennzo Senate Bill 323 by Senator Bryant, Senate Bill 332 by Centra Dotson compared the road copies with the original…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - DIVISION OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION SEXUAL … J. Dotson Notification that SB332 is now Act 536
SB351 Act 592 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…eturn the 252 from the House is past and roll it, return of Senate Bill 351 from the House has passed and roll it return of 357 from th…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING ETHICS AND CAMPAIGN FINANCE; TO AMEND PORTIONS OF INITIATED ACT … J. Dismang Notification that SB351 is now Act 592
SB371 Act 653 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “return of Senate Bill 371 from the House as passed as amended. Calendar Karen uh Sena…”
 TO ESTABLISH A STANDARDIZED SYSTEM TO AID IN THE SEARCH OF MISSING CHILDREN WHO DO … J. Scott Notification that SB371 is now Act 653
SB374 Act 751 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…371 from the House as passed as amended. Calendar Karen uh Senate Bill 374 from the House as amended number one. City County local ret…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE CIVIL SERVICE SYSTEM. B. Davis Notification that SB374 is now Act 751
SB456 · 2 mentions in chapter
Matched: “SB456 Petty TO CREATE THE HOME OPPORTUNITIES MADE EASIER ACT.”
 TO CREATE THE HOME OPPORTUNITIES MADE EASIER ACT. J. Petty Sine Die adjournment
SB460 Act 697 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…he House as amended number one. City County local return of Senate Bill 460 from the House as amended number one calendar. calendar. Fo…”
 TO MODIFY THE COMPLIANCE ADVISORY PANEL; TO REPEAL THE MARKETING RECYCLABLES PROGRAM OF THE COMPLIANCE … Irvin Notification that SB460 is now Act 697
SB51 Act 893 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…ecommended past calendar Committee on Joint Budget to first Senate Bill 51 by joint budget recommend to pass calendar on edge team was…”
 AN ACT FOR THE OFFICE OF THE PROSECUTOR COORDINATOR APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR. Joint Budget Committee Notification that SB51 is now Act 893
SB54 Act 1015 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…mmended pass. Calendar Committee on Jointudge and his first Senate Bill 54 by joint budget recommended pass calendar depending on join…”
 AN ACT FOR THE AUDITOR OF STATE - DEPUTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 … Joint Budget Committee Notification that SB54 is now Act 1015
SB585 · 2 mentions in chapter
Matched: “SB585 G. Leding TO REQUIRE CERTAIN RECORDS BE PROVIDED TO AN EMPL…”
 TO REQUIRE CERTAIN RECORDS BE PROVIDED TO AN EMPLOYEE WHO IS A MINOR. G. Leding Died on House Calendar at Sine Die adjournment.
SB591 Act 973 · 2 mentions in chapter
Matched: “SB591 C. Penzo TO PROHIBIT RACE-SELECTION ABORTION IN THIS STATE;…”
 TO PROHIBIT RACE-SELECTION ABORTION IN THIS STATE; AND TO CREATE THE RACE DISCRIMINATION BY ABORTION … C. Penzo Notification that SB591 is now Act 973
SB614 Act 992 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…e recommended DuP pass. Calendar on State agencies to first Senate Bill 614 by Centra Tucker recommended new passes me to number one ca…”
 TO AMEND THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT OF 1967; AND TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING … C. Tucker Notification that SB614 is now Act 992
SB615 · 2 mentions in chapter
Matched: “SB615 C. Penzo TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING ENERGY; TO REGULATE NO…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING ENERGY; AND TO REGULATE NONEXPORT FACILITIES. C. Penzo Died on Senate Calendar at Sine Die adjournment.
SB621 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…endar Committee on Insurance and Commerce team was referred Senate Bill 621 by Senator Irving recommend Du pass calendar Committee on I…”
 TO CLARIFY ENFORCEMENT PROVISIONS AGAINST A HEALTHCARE INSURER; TO RETROACTIVELY APPLY TO A HEALTHCARE CONTRACT … Irvin Died in House at Sine Die adjournment.
SB629 · 2 mentions in chapter
Matched: “SB629 Caldwell TO ALLOW AN OFFICER OF A CLOSELY HELD CORPORATION…”
 TO ALLOW AN OFFICER OF A CLOSELY HELD CORPORATION TO REPRESENT THE CORPORATION IN COURT … Caldwell Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
SB81 Act 897 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…ass calendar committee on Joint Budget team was referred to Senate Bill 81 by joint budget recommended pass. calendar Committee on joi…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, HERITAGE, AND TOURISM - STATE PARKS AND TOURISM … Joint Budget Committee Notification that SB81 is now Act 897
SR5 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “need to make a motion to suspend the rules to play Senate resolution 5 on the calendar today for Oh, sorry. OK, I guess I can't ma…”
 TO COMMEMORATE AND RECOGNIZE NATIONAL SCHOOL CHOICE WEEK DURING THE WEEK OF JANUARY 26-FEBRUARY 1. J. Dotson Sine Die adjournment
HB1062 Act 565 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1062 R. Scott Richardson Dees TO CREATE THE TEACHER AND STUDENT…”
 TO CREATE THE TEACHER AND STUDENT PROTECTION ACT OF 2025. R. Scott Richardson Notification that HB1062 is now Act 565
HB1072 Act 876 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1072 C. Cooper M. Johnson TO CLARIFY THE REQUIREMENTS FOR ESTABL…”
 TO CLARIFY THE REQUIREMENTS FOR ESTABLISHING ELIGIBILITY FOR THE PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR DISABLED VETERANS, … C. Cooper Notification that HB1072 is now Act 876
HB1079 Act 860 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1079 F. Allen Wallace TO MANDATE COVERAGE FOR GENETIC TESTING FO…”
 TO MANDATE COVERAGE FOR GENETIC TESTING FOR AN INHERITED GENE MUTATION FOR CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS; AND … F. Allen Notification that HB1079 is now Act 860
HB1089 Act 618 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1089 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - ARKANSAS WATERWAYS…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - ARKANSAS WATERWAYS COMMISSION APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 … Joint Budget Committee Notification that HB1089 is now Act 618
HB1131 Act 959 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1131 #1 Pilkington Penzo TO AUTHORIZE AN ADVANCED PRACTICE REGIS…”
 TO AUTHORIZE AN ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSE TO DELEGATE CERTAIN TASKS TO MEDICAL ASSISTANTS AND … Pilkington Notification that HB1131 is now Act 959
HB1148 Act 597 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1148 Vaught B. Johnson TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS PRIVACY ACT; AND T…”
 TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS PRIVACY ACT; AND TO ADDRESS CERTAIN IMAGES CAPTURED BY UNMANNED AIRCRAFT … Vaught Notification that HB1148 is now Act 597
HB1150 Act 624 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…pass. Calendar. Committee on Insurance Commerce, who is for House Bill 1150, by Representative Moore, Mayor, recommend you pass. Calend…”
 TO PROHIBIT A PHARMACY BENEFITS MANAGER FROM OBTAINING CERTAIN PHARMACY PERMITS. J. Moore Notification that HB1150 is now Act 624
HB1191 Act 619 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1191 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY APPROPRIATION FO…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR. Joint Budget Committee Notification that HB1191 is now Act 619
HB1193 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1193 Cavenaugh B. Johnson TO REQUIRE AN INSURER TO INCLUDE A LIE…”
 TO REQUIRE AN INSURER TO INCLUDE A LIENHOLDER ON PAYMENTS MADE UNDER AN INSURANCE POLICY. Cavenaugh Died in House at Sine Die adjournment.
HB1241 Act 568 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1241 J. Mayberry Irvin TO ENSURE THAT THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROG…”
 TO ENSURE THAT THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM REIMBURSES FOR DENTAL AND ANESTHESIA COSTS FOR HIGH … J. Mayberry Notification that HB1241 is now Act 568
HB1255 Act 857 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1255 Wooldridge Davis TO AMEND THE COVERAGE OF A CONTINUOUS GLUC…”
 TO AMEND THE COVERAGE OF A CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITOR IN THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM. Wooldridge Notification that HB1255 is now Act 857
HB1296 Act 556 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1296 L. Johnson Irvin TO MANDATE COVERAGE FOR HEALTHCARE SERVICE…”
 TO MANDATE COVERAGE FOR HEALTHCARE SERVICES PROVIDED IN MOBILE UNITS. L. Johnson Notification that HB1296 is now Act 556
HB1320 Act 626 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “Committee on Insurance Commerce, who is for House Bill 1320, by Representative Woodridge, recommend you pass. Calendar.…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING CRISIS STABILIZATION UNITS AND HEALTHCARE INSURERS. Wooldridge Notification that HB1320 is now Act 626
HB1333 Act 627 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1333 Hudson Scott TO MANDATE COVERAGE FOR BREASTFEEDING AND LACT…”
 TO MANDATE COVERAGE FOR BREASTFEEDING AND LACTATION CONSULTANT SERVICES. Hudson Notification that HB1333 is now Act 627
HB1344 Act 598 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1344 Warren Dotson CONCERNING ADMINISTRATION OF THE ARKANSAS TEA…”
 CONCERNING ADMINISTRATION OF THE ARKANSAS TEACHER RETIREMENT SYSTEM; AND TO CORRECT THE NAME OF THE … Warren Notification that HB1344 is now Act 598
HB1352 Act 937 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1352 Beaty Jr. B. Johnson TO AMEND VARIOUS LAWS CONCERNING ACTIO…”
 TO AMEND VARIOUS LAWS CONCERNING ACTIONS RELATED TO CERTAIN FOREIGN ENTITIES. Beaty Jr. Notification that HB1352 is now Act 937
HB1365 Act 938 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…e, calendar. Committee on State Agencies to whom is for the House Bill 1365 by Representative Brown, recommended to pass, calendar. Com…”
 TO REMOVE RACIAL AND GENDER QUOTAS AND QUALIFICATIONS OF MEMBERSHIP FOR CERTAIN BOARDS, COMMITTEES, COUNCILS, … K. Brown Notification that HB1365 is now Act 938
HB1416 Act 673 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…endar. Committee on City County Local, to whom was referred House Bill 1416 by Representative Johnson, recommended to pass. Calendar. C…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING FIRE DEPARTMENTS; AND TO ALLOW A VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT SERVICING … L. Johnson Notification that HB1416 is now Act 673
HB1424 Act 628 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1424 L. Johnson B. Johnson TO MANDATE COVERAGE FOR SEVERE OBESIT…”
 TO MANDATE COVERAGE FOR SEVERE OBESITY TREATMENTS. L. Johnson Notification that HB1424 is now Act 628
HB1426 Act 569 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1426 L. Johnson Irvin TO AMEND THE HEALTHCARE CONTRACTING SIMPLI…”
 TO AMEND THE HEALTHCARE CONTRACTING SIMPLIFICATION ACT. L. Johnson Notification that HB1426 is now Act 569
HB1429 Act 854 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1429 M. Shepherd Irvin TO INCREASE ACCESSIBILITY WHILE ENSURING…”
 TO INCREASE ACCESSIBILITY WHILE ENSURING QUALITY FOR CERTAIN FACILITIES PERFORMING MAMMOGRAPHY SERVICES; AND TO AMEND … M. Shepherd Notification that HB1429 is now Act 854
HB1467 Act 557 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1467 Achor Boyd TO AMEND THE UNIFORM MONEY SERVICES ACT.”
 TO AMEND THE UNIFORM MONEY SERVICES ACT. J. Boyd Notification that HB1467 is now Act 557
HB1470 Act 582 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1470 Beaty Jr. Hill TO REPEAL THE LAW CONCERNING THE REVIEW OF I…”
 TO REPEAL THE LAW CONCERNING THE REVIEW OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PLANS. Beaty Jr. Notification that HB1470 is now Act 582
HB1515 Act 574 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1515 Painter Crowell TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE AUTHORITY T…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE AUTHORITY TO ORDER THE ARKANSAS NATIONAL GUARD INTO SERVICE; … Painter Notification that HB1515 is now Act 574
HB1519 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1519 Cavenaugh Gilmore TO ALLOW THE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT…”
 TO ALLOW THE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE HIRING AND … Cavenaugh Died in House at Sine Die adjournment.
HB1522 Act 620 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1522 Womack Clark TO AMEND THE LAW TO ALLOW FOR THE DISTRIBUTION…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW TO ALLOW FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS IN THE MUNICIPAL AID … Womack Notification that HB1522 is now Act 620
HB1525 Act 923 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1525 Steimel Irvin TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING REAL PROPERTY; AN…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING REAL PROPERTY; AND TO ADDRESS AGRICULTURAL IMPACT REMEDIATION AGREEMENTS. Steimel Notification that HB1525 is now Act 923
HB1526 Act 575 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1526 Painter Crowell TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF THE MILITARY…”
 TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF THE MILITARY TO ENTER INTO PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS; AND TO AMEND … Painter Notification that HB1526 is now Act 575
HB1531 Act 630 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1531 Achor Boyd TO PROHIBIT PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURERS FROM RE…”
 TO PROHIBIT PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURERS FROM RESTRICTING OR LIMITING PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS TO A LIMITED DISTRIBUTION NETWORK … Achor Notification that HB1531 is now Act 630
HB1555 Act 995 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1555 - Motion to recall from the House HB1555 for purpose of ame…”
 TO ESTABLISH UNIFORM PROCEDURES FOR FILLING A VACANCY IN A MUNICIPAL OFFICE. Painter Notification that HB1555 is now Act 995
HB1572 Act 707 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…pass. Calendar. Committee on Insurance Commerce, who is for House Bill 1572, by Representative Ladyman, recommend you pass. Calendar. C…”
 TO CREATE A TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY STUDY ON NEW NUCLEAR ENERGY GENERATION; AND TO DECLARE AN … Ladyman Notification that HB1572 is now Act 707
HB1594 Act 621 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1594 Vaught Dees TO CREATE A FARMER SALES TAX IDENTIFICATION CAR…”
 TO CREATE A FARMER SALES TAX IDENTIFICATION CARD; AND TO RELIEVE A SELLER OF SALES … Vaught Notification that HB1594 is now Act 621
HB1602 Act 633 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1602 L. Johnson Hammer TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS PHARMACY BENEFITS M…”
 TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS PHARMACY BENEFITS MANAGER LICENSURE ACT; TO ESTABLISH FEES UNDER THE ARKANSAS … L. Johnson Notification that HB1602 is now Act 633
HB1604 Act 943 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1604 McAlindon B. Johnson TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PROHIBITED…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PROHIBITED CONTRACTS BY STATE AGENCIES; AND TO PROHIBIT THE USE … McAlindon Notification that HB1604 is now Act 943
HB1630 Act 599 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1630 Gazaway Gilmore TO ADD A MISDEMEANOR CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE O…”
 TO ADD A MISDEMEANOR CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE OFFENSE TO THE PREDICATE OFFENSES FOR CAPITAL MURDER, MURDER … Gazaway Notification that HB1630 is now Act 599
HB1641 Act 600 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1641 Clowney Davis TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING HARASSMENT; AND T…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING HARASSMENT; AND TO INCLUDE THE USE OF A TRACKING DEVICE … Clowney Notification that HB1641 is now Act 600
HB1645 Act 601 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1645 M. Brown M. Johnson TO AMEND THE LAW REGARDING ADVERTISING…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW REGARDING ADVERTISING BY A MICROBREWERY-RESTAURANT PRIVATE CLUB. M. Brown Notification that HB1645 is now Act 601
HB1679 Act 861 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…. Calendar. Committee on Engrossed Bills, to whom was voted House Bill 1679, by Senator Irving,”
 TO AMEND THE REVISED ARKANSAS ANATOMICAL GIFT ACT; TO ALLOW CERTAIN CLASSES OF PERSONS TO … M. Brown Notification that HB1679 is now Act 861
HB1681 Act 812 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1681 Vaught Bryant TO ESTABLISH THE WATER AND SEWER TREATMENT FA…”
 TO ESTABLISH THE WATER AND SEWER TREATMENT FACILITIES GRANT PROGRAM; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY. Vaught Notification that HB1681 is now Act 812
HB1685 Act 1008 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1685 to withdraw from committee for purpose of amendment”
 TO CREATE THE GROCERY TAX RELIEF ACT; TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE SALES AND … Underwood Notification that HB1685 is now Act 1008
HB1690 Act 583 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1690 Pilkington Davis TO TRANSFER THE NUCLEAR PLANNING AND RESPO…”
 TO TRANSFER THE NUCLEAR PLANNING AND RESPONSE PROGRAM FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO THE … Pilkington Notification that HB1690 is now Act 583
HB1694 Act 996 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1694 Hawk Crowell TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING ALTERNATIVES TO EL…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING ALTERNATIVES TO ELECTRONIC FILING FOR CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORTS. Hawk Notification that HB1694 is now Act 996
HB1695 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…. Calendar. Committee on Engrossed Bills, to whom was voted House Bill 1695, by Senator Quirrell, compared to the engrossed copy of the…”
 TO CLARIFY THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS FOR PROPERTY SUBJECT TO A MUNICIPAL LIEN; TO ALLOW A … J. Richardson Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
HB1696 Act 566 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1696 McAlindon Dotson TO ESTABLISH THE STRENGTHENING ARKANSAS ED…”
 TO ESTABLISH THE STRENGTHENING ARKANSAS EDUCATION ACT; AND TO PROVIDE A CORE CURRICULUM AT STATE-SUPPORTED … McAlindon Notification that HB1696 is now Act 566
HB1700 Act 638 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1700 Achor Boyd TO AMEND THE PRIOR AUTHORIZATION TRANSPARENCY AC…”
 TO AMEND THE PRIOR AUTHORIZATION TRANSPARENCY ACT; AND TO CLARIFY THE PROCESS OF AN ADVERSE … Achor Notification that HB1700 is now Act 638
HB1701 Act 925 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1701 Gonzales Stubblefield TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING SEWER COL…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING SEWER COLLECTION AND SEWER TREATMENT PROVIDERS AND RELATED SERVICES. Gonzales Notification that HB1701 is now Act 925
HB1703 Act 570 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1703 L. Johnson Irvin TO PROVIDE A DRUG REIMBURSEMENT PROCESS FO…”
 TO PROVIDE A DRUG REIMBURSEMENT PROCESS FOR CERTAIN HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS. L. Johnson Notification that HB1703 is now Act 570
HB1713 Act 602 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1713 Rose M. Johnson TO REQUIRE BALLOT TITLES FOR INITIATED MEAS…”
 TO REQUIRE BALLOT TITLES FOR INITIATED MEASURES TO BE AT OR UNDER A CERTAIN READING … Rose Notification that HB1713 is now Act 602
HB1730 Act 830 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…endar. Committee on City County Local, to whom was referred House Bill 1730 by Representative Brown, recommended to pass. Calendar. Com…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE ISSUANCE AND TRANSFER OF WHOLESALE PERMITS. M. Brown Notification that HB1730 is now Act 830
HB1734 Act 862 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…Calendar. Committee on engrossed bills, whom is referred to House Bill 1734, by Senator Hamer, compared to the engrossed copy of the or…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING DEATH CERTIFICATES; AND TO CLARIFY THE MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS WHO MAY … Childress Notification that HB1734 is now Act 862
HB1736 Act 603 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1736 M. Brown Dees TO AMEND ARTICLE 9 OF THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL…”
 TO AMEND ARTICLE 9 OF THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE. M. Brown Notification that HB1736 is now Act 603
HB1737 Act 584 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1737 M. Brown Dees TO AMEND THE TRANSMITTING UTILITY ACT; AND TO…”
 TO AMEND THE TRANSMITTING UTILITY ACT; AND TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "TRANSMITTING UTILITY" TO … M. Brown Notification that HB1737 is now Act 584
HB1740 Act 585 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1740 K. Moore Crowell TO EXEMPT CERTAIN AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION…”
 TO EXEMPT CERTAIN AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION FROM THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT OF 1967. K. Moore Notification that HB1740 is now Act 585
HB1743 Act 586 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1743 Wooldridge Wallace TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS FEED LAW OF 1997.”
 TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS FEED LAW OF 1997. Wooldridge Notification that HB1743 is now Act 586
HB1746 Act 997 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1746 - Motion to re-refer HB1746 from committee”
 TO AMEND THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE. M. Brown Notification that HB1746 is now Act 997
HB1771 Act 651 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1771 Perry Murdock TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING DISCLOSURES TO PO…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING DISCLOSURES TO POLICYHOLDERS; AND TO REQUIRE MONTHLY REPORTING BY INSURERS. R. Murdock Notification that HB1771 is now Act 651
HB1774 Act 562 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1774 Beaty Jr. B. Johnson TO AMEND THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE ARKANSA…”
 TO AMEND THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE ARKANSAS FAIR HOUSING COMMISSION. Beaty Jr. Notification that HB1774 is now Act 562
HB1777 Act 683 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1777 #1 Gazaway Gilmore TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE OFFENSE…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE OFFENSE OF SEXUALLY GROOMING A CHILD; AND TO INCLUDE … Gazaway Notification that HB1777 is now Act 683
HB1779 Act 833 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “Calendar. Committee on engrossed bills, whom is referred to House Bill 1779, by Senator Gilmore, compared to the engrossed copy of the…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW RELATED TO THEFT OF PROPERTY; AND ENHANCE THE OFFENSE CLASSIFICATION FOR … Gazaway Notification that HB1779 is now Act 833
HB1783 Act 834 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…s. Calendar. Committee on City County, to whom was referred House Bill 1783 by Representative Clowney, recommended to pass. Calendar. C…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE REDUCTION OF A CITY OF THE FIRST CLASS TO … Clowney Notification that HB1783 is now Act 834
HB1788 Act 571 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1788 L. Johnson Irvin TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS HEALTH CARE CONSUMER…”
 TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS HEALTH CARE CONSUMER ACT; AND TO REDUCE THE TIME ALLOWED FOR … L. Johnson Notification that HB1788 is now Act 571
HB1789 Act 605 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1789 R. Burkes Bryant TO RESTRICT A LOCAL GOVERNMENT FROM PROVID…”
 TO RESTRICT A LOCAL GOVERNMENT FROM PROVIDING FUNDS FOR THE PURPOSE OF ISSUING AN IDENTIFICATION … R. Burkes Notification that HB1789 is now Act 605
HB1794 Act 559 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1794 Duke Penzo TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING CONTINUING EDUCATION…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS FOR REAL ESTATE LICENSEES; AND TO CREATE … Duke Notification that HB1794 is now Act 559
HB1797 Act 944 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1797 Beaty Jr. Gilmore TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE ARKANSAS…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE ARKANSAS DEVELOPMENT FINANCE AUTHORITY; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY. Beaty Jr. Notification that HB1797 is now Act 944
HB1800 Act 998 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1800 - Motion by Sen. McKee to withdraw HB1800 from Committee fo…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING DISCLOSURE FOR CAMPAIGN FINANCE; TO REQUIRE DISCLOSURE BY A REPRESENTATIVE … McAlindon Notification that HB1800 is now Act 998
HB1802 Act 606 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1802 Warren Petty TO CREATE THE TALENT RECRUITMENT GRANT PROGRAM…”
 TO CREATE THE TALENT RECRUITMENT GRANT PROGRAM; AND TO PROVIDE INCENTIVES FOR INDIVIDUALS TO RELOCATE … Warren Notification that HB1802 is now Act 606
HB1803 Act 657 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1803 Joey Carr Wallace TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE PLACEMENT…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE PLACEMENT OF A MONUMENT ON THE STATE CAPITOL GROUNDS … Joey Carr Notification that HB1803 is now Act 657
HB1808 Act 686 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1808 A. Collins Tucker TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING MUNICIPAL FIR…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING MUNICIPAL FIRE DEPARTMENTS; AND TO CREATE THE BILL OF RIGHTS … A. Collins Notification that HB1808 is now Act 686
HB1814 Act 712 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1814 Gazaway B. Johnson TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING MUNICIPAL AU…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY OVER UTILITIES; AND TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF … Gazaway Notification that HB1814 is now Act 712
HB1820 Act 652 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1820 M. Brown McKee TO REGULATE AUTOMATIC RENEWAL AND CONTINUOUS…”
 TO REGULATE AUTOMATIC RENEWAL AND CONTINUOUS SERVICE OFFERS. M. Brown Notification that HB1820 is now Act 652
HB1821 Act 560 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1821 Wardlaw Gilmore TO CREATE A MORE SUSTAINABLE SYSTEM OF PROP…”
 TO CREATE A MORE SUSTAINABLE SYSTEM OF PROPERTY INSURANCE FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS, INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER … Wardlaw Notification that HB1821 is now Act 560
HB1847 Act 798 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…commend Du pass calendar on insurance commerce to as far as House Bill 1847 by representative uh.”
 TO AUTHORIZE THE ARKANSAS RACING COMMISSION TO MAINTAIN A STATEWIDE SELF-EXCLUSION LIST. McAlindon Notification that HB1847 is now Act 798
HB1859 Act 561 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1859 Rose Bryant TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING MASTECTOMIES.”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING MASTECTOMIES. Rose Notification that HB1859 is now Act 561
HB1865 Act 976 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “Motion to suspend rules to adopt amendment to HB1865 by Sen. Tucker”
 TO CREATE AN ENHANCED PENALTY FOR CERTAIN OFFENSES AGAINST A CHILD. Vaught Notification that HB1865 is now Act 976
HB1870 Act 840 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…s, calendar. Committee on State Agencies to whom is for the House Bill 1870 by Representative Wing, recommended to pass, calendar. Comm…”
 CONCERNING VOTER REGISTRATION LISTS; AND TO ALLOW THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO PROVIDE A VOTER … Wing Notification that HB1870 is now Act 840
HB1872 Act 693 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…dar. Committee on City County Local to whom was referred to House Bill 1872 by Representative Gassaway, recommended to pass.”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE FEES THAT MAY BE COLLECTED BY A COUNTY SHERIFF; … Gazaway Notification that HB1872 is now Act 693
HB1886 Act 823 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…s, calendar. Committee on State Agencies to whom is for the House Bill 1886 by Representative Pierce,”
 TO DESIGNATE THE LABRADOR RETRIEVER AS THE OFFICIAL CANINE OF THE STATE OF ARKANSAS. Pearce Notification that HB1886 is now Act 823
HB1891 Act 715 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…Calendar. Committee on State Agencies to whom was referred House Bill 1891 by Representative Gray. Recommended due pass. Calendar. Com…”
 TO ALLOW A PERSON FILING AS A CANDIDATE FOR THE OFFICE OF JUSTICE OF THE … Ray Notification that HB1891 is now Act 715
HB1896 Act 716 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…Calendar. Committee on State Agencies to whom was referred House Bill 1896 by Representative McKenzie. Recommended due pass. Calendar.…”
 TO CREATE THE JUNK FEE ELIMINATING ACT OF 2025; TO ABOLISH THE INFORMATION NETWORK OF … B. McKenzie Notification that HB1896 is now Act 716
HB1898 Act 837 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…Calendar. Committee on State Agencies to whom was referred House Bill 1898 by Representative Painter. Recommended due pass. Calendar.…”
 TO CREATE THE REGULATORY DIVISION AND THE REGULATORY ENFORCEMENT DIVISION IN THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE … Painter Notification that HB1898 is now Act 837
HB1901 Act 844 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…dar. Committee on City County Local to whom was referred to House Bill 1901 by Representative Milligan, recommended to pass. Calendar.…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PASSPORT FEES COLLECTED BY COUNTY PASSPORT ACCEPTANCE FACILITIES. Milligan Notification that HB1901 is now Act 844
HB1902 Act 845 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…dar. Committee on City County Local to whom was referred to House Bill 1902 by Representative Milligan, recommended to pass. Calendar.…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING A CERTIFICATE OF MARRIAGE AND BOND; AND TO AMEND THE … Milligan Notification that HB1902 is now Act 845
HB1923 Act 838 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…o pass. Calendar. Committee on AgRite, to whom was referred House Bill 1923 by Representative Maddox, recommended to pass. Calendar. Co…”
 TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS TOURISM DEVELOPMENT ACT; AND TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING NATURAL STATE … Maddox Notification that HB1923 is now Act 838
HB1957 Act 847 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ndar. Committee on Insurance Commerce. Tune was referred to House Bill 1957 by Representative Meeks. Recommended due pass as amended nu…”
 TO AMEND THE UNSOLICITED COMMERCIAL AND SEXUALLY EXPLICIT ELECTRONIC MAIL PREVENTION ACT TO INCLUDE UNSOLICITED … S. Meeks Notification that HB1957 is now Act 847
SB121 Act 968 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB121 C. Penzo TO AMEND THE AUTOMATIC OCCUPATIONAL LICENSURE FOR…”
 TO AMEND THE AUTOMATIC OCCUPATIONAL LICENSURE FOR OUT-OF-STATE LICENSURE ACT; TO APPLY THE AUTOMATIC OCCUPATIONAL … C. Penzo Notification that SB121 is now Act 968
SB122 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB122 C. Penzo TO AMEND THE AUTOMATIC OCCUPATIONAL LICENSURE FOR…”
 TO AMEND THE AUTOMATIC OCCUPATIONAL LICENSURE FOR OUT-OF-STATE LICENSURE ACT; TO APPLY THE AUTOMATIC OCCUPATIONAL … C. Penzo Died on House Calendar at Sine Die adjournment.
SB148 Act 587 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…te Bill 123 from the House has passed. Enroll it. Return of Senate Bill 148 from the House has passed. Enroll it. Return of Senate Bill…”
 TO ESTABLISH THE CREATING AN INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD WORKERS ACT OF 2025. J. English Notification that SB148 is now Act 587
SB149 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ue and tax. Committee on engrossed bills, to whom was first Senate Bill 149 by Senator English, compare the engrossed copy of the origi…”
 TO AMEND PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING AMOUNTS UNDER THE PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING ACT OF 2003. J. English Died in House at Sine Die adjournment.
SB153 Act 588 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…te Bill 148 from the House has passed. Enroll it. Return of Senate Bill 153 from the House is passed. Enroll it. Return of Senate Bill…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF TITLE 24 OF THE ARKANSAS CODE; AND … J. Dotson Notification that SB153 is now Act 588
SB167 Act 563 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB167 #1 A. Clark Clark TO AMEND THE DATES BY WHICH CERTAIN REQUE…”
 TO AMEND THE DATES BY WHICH CERTAIN REQUESTS TO TRANSFER PUBLIC SCHOOLS OR PUBLIC SCHOOL … A. Clark Notification that SB167 is now Act 563
SB217 Act 969 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB217 C. Penzo TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES TO REQ…”
 TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES TO REQUEST A WAIVER TO EXCLUDE CANDY AND … C. Penzo Notification that SB217 is now Act 969
SB237 Act 554 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ate Bill 160 from the House is passed. Enroll it. Return of Senate Bill 237 from the House is passed. Enroll it. Return of Senate Bill…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE LICENSING AND REGULATION OF CAPTIVE INSURERS. J. Boyd Notification that SB237 is now Act 554
SB252 Act 590 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ate Bill 237 from the House is passed. Enroll it. Return of Senate Bill 252 from the House is passed. Enroll it. Return of Senate Bill…”
 TO INFORM THE PUBLIC OF HEALTH RISKS CAUSED BY VAPOR PRODUCTS AND E-LIQUID PRODUCTS; AND … J. Dismang Notification that SB252 is now Act 590
SB255 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB255 C. Penzo TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "DRUG" WITHIN THE FOOD,…”
 TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "DRUG" WITHIN THE FOOD, DRUG, AND COSMETIC ACT; AND TO … C. Penzo Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
SB257 Act 515 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…t, Symbol 130 by Joint Budget, Symbol 227 by Senator Clark, Senate Bill 257 by Senator Penzo, Senate Bill 323 by Senator Bryant, Senate…”
 TO AMEND THE MEDICAID FAIRNESS ACT; TO EXTEND THE APPEAL PERIOD FOR PROVIDERS IN THE … C. Penzo Notification that SB257 is now Act 515
SB258 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB258 C. Penzo TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS DIGITAL RESPONSIBILITY, SAF…”
 TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS DIGITAL RESPONSIBILITY, SAFETY, AND TRUST ACT. C. Penzo Died on Senate Calendar at Sine Die adjournment.
SB269 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB269 TO ALLOW AN OFFICER OF A CLOSELY HELD CORPORATION TO REPRES…”
 TO AMEND THE REQUIREMENTS REGARDING LOCATIONS FOR AND GEOGRAPHIC AREAS OF A HOSPICE AGENCY. C. Penzo Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
SB311 Act 772 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB311 C. Penzo TO CREATE THE END ORGAN AND GENOMIC HARVESTING ACT…”
 TO CREATE THE END ORGAN AND GENOMIC HARVESTING ACT; TO PROHIBIT COVERAGE OF CERTAIN HUMAN … C. Penzo Notification that SB311 is now Act 772
SB343 Act 734 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “Notice of passage of Senate Bill 343 from the House”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING STATE-OWNED MOTOR VEHICLES; TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PUBLIC PROPERTY; … Irvin Notification that SB343 is now Act 734
SB35 Act 889 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…due pass. Calendar. Committee on Joint Budget 2, Ms. Verst. Senate Bill 35, by Joint Budget, recommend due pass. Calendar. Committee o…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - DIVISION OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES … Joint Budget Committee Notification that SB35 is now Act 889
SB354 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB354 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS - DIVISION OF CORR…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS - DIVISION OF CORRECTION DEVELOPMENT AND ENHANCEMENT CAPITAL … J. Dismang Died on the Senate Budget Calendar Having Failed …
SB357 Act 572 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ate Bill 351 from the House is passed. Enroll it. Return of Senate Bill 357 from the House is passed.”
 TO AMEND THE UNIFORM ATTENDANCE AND LEAVE POLICY ACT; AND TO APPLY MILITARY SERVICE CREDIT … J. Bryant Notification that SB357 is now Act 572
SB36 Act 890 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…due pass. Calendar. Committee on Joint Budget 2, Ms. Verst. Senate Bill 36, by Joint Budget, recommend due pass. Calendar. Committee o…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - DIVISION OF AGING, ADULT, AND BEHAVIORAL … Joint Budget Committee Notification that SB36 is now Act 890
SB361 Act 576 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “Enroll it. Return of Senate Bill 361 from the House is passed. Enroll it. Return of Senate Bill…”
 TO CREATE THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITIES EXPANSION ACT; AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE CREATION OF … Dees Notification that SB361 is now Act 576
SB369 Act 778 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB369 Irvin TO REPEAL THE COMPUTER AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT RECYC…”
 TO REPEAL THE COMPUTER AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT RECYCLING GRANTS; AND TO REPEAL THE COMPUTER AND … Irvin Notification that SB369 is now Act 778
SB40 Act 891 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…due pass. Calendar. Committee on Joint Budget 2, Ms. Verst. Senate Bill 40, by Joint Budget, recommend due pass. Calendar. Committee o…”
 AN ACT FOR THE BUREAU OF LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL APPROPRIATION FOR THE … Joint Budget Committee Notification that SB40 is now Act 891
SB405 Act 555 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ate Bill 361 from the House is passed. Enroll it. Return of Senate Bill 405 from the House is passed. Enroll it. Return Ascent Bill 407…”
 TO AMEND THE ONLINE MARKETPLACE CONSUMER INFORM ACT. J. Dismang Notification that SB405 is now Act 555
SB41 Act 892 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…due pass. Calendar. Committee on Joint Budget 2, Ms. Verst. Senate Bill 41, by Joint Budget, recommend due pass.”
 AN ACT FOR THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR. Joint Budget Committee Notification that SB41 is now Act 892
SB451 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB451 Hester TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES AND THE…”
 TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES AND THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO ESTABLISH REGIONAL … Hester Died in Senate at Sine Die adjournment.
SB458 Act 988 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB458 G. Leding TO REQUIRE A COURT TO CONSIDER THE IMPACT OF FACT…”
 TO REQUIRE A COURT TO CONSIDER THE IMPACT OF FACTORS SUCH AS TRAUMA AND INVOLVEMENT … G. Leding Notification that SB458 is now Act 988
SB468 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB468 C. Penzo TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING FLUORIDATION OF A PUBL…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING FLUORIDATION OF A PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM; AND TO ALLOWS VOTERS … C. Penzo Died on Senate Calendar at Sine Die adjournment.
SB478 Act 738 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB478 Stubblefield TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS DIESEL ENGINE FREEDOM A…”
 TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS DIESEL ENGINE FREEDOM ACT OF 2025; AND TO PROHIBIT STATE ENFORCEMENT … G. Stubblefield Notification that SB478 is now Act 738
SB479 Act 593 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ent Bill 463 from the House is passed. Enroll it. Return of Senate Bill 479 from the house is passed. And roll it. Return of Senate Bil…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING VOTER ASSISTANCE; AND TO REQUIRE A PERSON ASSISTING A VOTER … K. Hammer Notification that SB479 is now Act 593
SB498 Act 581 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…e Bill 479 from the house is passed. And roll it. Return of Senate Bill 498 from the house is passed. And roll it. Return of Senate Bil…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING DISCLOSURE OF DRIVER AND VEHICLE RECORDS AND TO PROTECT DRIVER … J. Petty Notification that SB498 is now Act 581
SB500 Act 780 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB500 J. Petty TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING LEVEE DISTRICTS; AND T…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING LEVEE DISTRICTS; AND TO ALLOW A LEVEE DISTRICT CREATED BY … J. Petty Notification that SB500 is now Act 780
SB503 Act 616 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…e Bill 498 from the house is passed. And roll it. Return of Senate Bill 503 from the house is passed. And roll it. Return of Senate Bil…”
 TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES AN EMPLOYER MUST HAVE TO BE MANDATED TO FILE … Crowell Notification that SB503 is now Act 616
SB505 Act 595 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…e Bill 503 from the house is passed. And roll it. Return of Senate Bill 505 from the house is passed. And roll it. Return of Senate Bil…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING MUNICIPAL PLANNING; AND TO REQUIRE AN ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE FOR CHANGES … J. Bryant Notification that SB505 is now Act 595
SB52 Act 894 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ss. Calendar. Committee on Joint Budget to whom is referred Senate Bill 52 by Joint Budget, recommend due pass. Calendar. Committee on…”
 AN ACT FOR THE AUDITOR OF STATE - OPERATIONS AND UNCLAIMED PROPERTY PROGRAM APPROPRIATION FOR … Joint Budget Committee Notification that SB52 is now Act 894
SB527 Act 774 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB527 Irvin TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS HEALTH AND OPPORTUNITY FOR ME A…”
 TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS HEALTH AND OPPORTUNITY FOR ME ACT OF 2021; AND TO INCREASE … Irvin Notification that SB527 is now Act 774
SB535 Act 781 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB535 Hester TO CREATE A SALES AND USE TAX EXEMPTION FOR THE ARKA…”
 TO CREATE A SALES AND USE TAX EXEMPTION FOR THE ARKANSAS MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS … Hester Notification that SB535 is now Act 781
SB538 Act 782 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ass calendar committee on state agencies two moves referred Senate bill 538 a senator”
 TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS PROCUREMENT LAW. Gilmore Notification that SB538 is now Act 782
SB545 Act 564 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…e Bill 505 from the house is passed. And roll it. Return of Senate Bill 545 from the house is”
 TO AMEND THE LAW RELATED TO THE PROPERTY AND FINANCES OF STATE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER … M. Johnson Notification that SB545 is now Act 564
SB55 Act 895 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ss. Calendar. Committee on Joint Budget to whom is referred Senate Bill 55 by Joint Budget, recommend due pass. Calendar. Committee on…”
 AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS SUPREME COURT APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR. Joint Budget Committee Notification that SB55 is now Act 895
SB563 Act 741 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB563 Irvin TO AUTHORIZE THE ARKANSAS LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY COMMI…”
 TO AUTHORIZE THE ARKANSAS LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY COMMISSION TO IMPOSE A CIVIL PENALTY FOR CERTAIN … Irvin Notification that SB563 is now Act 741
SB564 Act 596 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “passed. And roll it. Return of Senate Bill 564 from the house is passed. And roll it.”
 TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "BEER" TO CHANGE THE ALLOWABLE ALCOHOLIC CONTENT AND TO INCLUDE … Flippo Notification that SB564 is now Act 596
SB598 Act 743 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB598 J. English TO AMEND VARIOUS LAWS RELATED TO THE DIVISION OF…”
 TO AMEND VARIOUS LAWS RELATED TO THE DIVISION OF WORKFORCE SERVICES; AND TO AMEND THE … J. English Notification that SB598 is now Act 743
SB599 Act 744 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB599 C. Tucker TO ELIMINATE INTERLOCUTORY DECREES OF ADOPTION; A…”
 TO ELIMINATE INTERLOCUTORY DECREES OF ADOPTION; AND TO AMEND THE REVISED UNIFORM ADOPTION ACT. C. Tucker Notification that SB599 is now Act 744
SB600 Act 771 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…tly engrossed calendar Committee on engross bills as far as Senate Bill 600 by Senator Tucker compared the engrossed copy of the ritual…”
 TO REGULATE CONTRACTS; TO MANDATE CONTRACTUAL PROVISIONS FOR CERTAIN CONTRACTS; AND TO CLARIFY PROPER JURISDICTION … C. Tucker Notification that SB600 is now Act 771
SB602 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB602 Crowell TO PROHIBIT INSURANCE COMPANIES AND APPRAISERS FROM…”
 TO PROHIBIT INSURANCE COMPANIES AND APPRAISERS FROM REQUIRING AN INSURED TO USE CERTAIN FACILITIES TO … Crowell Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
SB603 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB603 C. Tucker TO REQUIRE AN AIR AMBULANCE TO CONTACT THE ARKANS…”
 TO CREATE EMMA'S LAW; AND TO REQUIRE AN AIR AMBULANCE TO CONTACT THE ARKANSAS TRAUMA … C. Tucker Died in House at Sine Die adjournment.
SB604 Act 730 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB604 B. Davis TO AMEND PROVISIONS OF THE ARKANSAS CODE REGARDING…”
 TO AMEND PROVISIONS OF THE ARKANSAS CODE REGARDING THE COURSE CHOICE PROGRAM. B. Davis Notification that SB604 is now Act 730
SB610 Act 745 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB610 J. Dismang TO AMEND THE GENERATING ARKANSAS JOBS ACT OF 202…”
 TO AMEND THE GENERATING ARKANSAS JOBS ACT OF 2025; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY. J. Dismang Notification that SB610 is now Act 745
SB612 Act 901 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB612 Dees TO CREATE A PRIVATE RIGHT OF ACTION AGAINST A SOCIAL M…”
 TO CREATE A PRIVATE RIGHT OF ACTION AGAINST A SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM THAT CAUSES HARM; … Dees Notification that SB612 is now Act 901
SB613 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB613 C. Penzo TO CREATE AN ELECTION PROCEDURE TO DETERMINE FLUOR…”
 TO CREATE AN ELECTION PROCEDURE TO DETERMINE FLUORIDATION OF A PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM. C. Penzo Died in House at Sine Die adjournment.
SB618 Act 731 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB618 Irvin TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS STUDENT DUE PROCESS AND PROTECT…”
 TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS STUDENT DUE PROCESS AND PROTECTION ACT. Irvin Notification that SB618 is now Act 731
SB619 Act 919 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB619 Irvin CONCERNING THE FORMATION OF AN ISOLATED SCHOOL DISTRI…”
 CONCERNING THE FORMATION OF AN ISOLATED SCHOOL DISTRICT. Irvin Notification that SB619 is now Act 919
SB620 Act 1003 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB620 Irvin TO PROVIDE A SAFETY VALVE AND APPEAL RIGHT FOR A MINO…”
 TO PROVIDE A SAFETY VALVE AND APPEAL RIGHT FOR A MINOR DEFENDANT WHO IS ALSO … Irvin Notification that SB620 is now Act 1003
SB624 Act 732 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB624 B. Davis TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS OPPORTUNITY PUBLIC SCHOOL CH…”
 TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS OPPORTUNITY PUBLIC SCHOOL CHOICE ACT; TO AMEND THE PUBLIC SCHOOL CHOICE … B. Davis Notification that SB624 is now Act 732
SB627 Act 746 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB627 Irvin TO ASSIST THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE CODE ENFORCEMENT…”
 TO ASSIST THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE CODE ENFORCEMENT SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND … Irvin Notification that SB627 is now Act 746
SB71 Act 896 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “Calendar. Committee on Joint Budget to whom is referred Senate Bill 71 by Joint Budget, recommend due pass. calendar committee on…”
 AN ACT FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS - COURT PERSONNEL APPROPRIATION FOR THE … Joint Budget Committee Notification that SB71 is now Act 896
SR63 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SR63 G. Leding TO PROCLAIM APRIL AS AARP MONTH AT THE STATE CAPI…”
 TO PROCLAIM APRIL AS AARP MONTH AT THE STATE CAPITOL AND TO PROCLAIM APRIL 8, … G. Leding Sine Die adjournment

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Chair Unverified 2:30
Senate will be called to order with any requests for leave at this time. Seeing none, Madam Secretary, call the roll. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismaine, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbuffield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Thank you, Madam Secretary. Terry, if everyone in the chamber and in the galleries would please rise. We'll first be led in prayer by Senator McKee. That will be followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator McKee, you're recognized.
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Senator Matt McKee Unverified 3:32
Thank you, Governor. Let's pray together. Our God and Father in heaven, we are so grateful to be able to come together today to do the work of the people. Lord, we pray that you would bless our time here. Lord, we pray for wisdom. We pray for courage, and we pray for guidance. Lord, we want to ask blessings on all those who have been affected by the storms of late. We ask that you would protect them and guide them and help us to help them in any way that we can. Lord, we ask that you would protect our first responders and those people that rush into danger on our behalf. We pray that you would strengthen them and bring them home safely to their families this evening. We're just so grateful for all of the ways that you bless us as a state and show us that you love us. We ask that you'd forgive us of
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Speaker 1 4:19
our sins. It's in Jesus' name that we pray. Amen. I
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Speaker 20 4:23
pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
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Speaker 17 4:35
Thank you, Senator McKeith, for those uplifting words. Ladies
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Chair Unverified 4:41
and gentlemen in the galleries, welcome to your Arkansas State Senate. It is our expectation that each of you will exercise proper decorum and govern yourselves accordingly during today's proceedings. Without objection, the rules will be suspended and the Senate will dispense with the reading of the journal. The morning hour has now begun. Any announcements or introductions? Senator Dees, you are recognized to introduce our Senate pages for the day. thank you madam chair members i am excited
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Senator Tyler Dees Chair Unverified 5:27
to introduce to you three amazing individuals that i've gotten to know this morning and i want to tell you about them so as i as i introduce you go ahead just go ahead and come on down here because i want people to see you as i talk about y'all. So we have, from Hot Springs Academy, Ms. Emma Jones. Y'all can stand right here, right here. That'd be great. Ms. Emma Jones, this is Senator Clark's page. And let me tell you about Ms. Emma. She loves to read and write. She is very passionate about history. She's a ninth grader, and so we're so glad to have you, Ms. Emma. We also have Mr. Caden Razul. He's from Lisa Academy in West High School. This is Senator Fred Love's page. Let me tell you about Caden. He's a 10th grader. He loves to bowl. He loves to cook and bake, and he tells me he's once bowled a 215, which we're going to need to see the receipts on that, Mr. Caden, but that's awesome. So glad you're here today. We also have Mr. Lyric Gray, and he's a homeschooler that goes to Jonesboro High. He's Senator Wallace's page today, and let me tell you about Mr. Gray. Lyric Gray is an outstanding center fielder, okay, and pitcher. In fact, he's an eighth grader that he's ranked in the state of Arkansas as a top, in the top five in the state as a baseball player. And so we're so fortunate to have y'all here. So thankful you're here. Let's give them a round
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Chair Unverified 6:57
of applause. Thank you for being here. Appreciate it. Thank you, Senator Dees. We're so pleased to
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 7:05
have our pages with us today. Senator Irvin, you're recognized. I need to make a motion to suspend the rules to place Senate Resolution 5 on the calendar today for—oh, sorry.
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Chair Unverified 7:17
Okay, I guess I can't make a motion. We'll get back to you on that, Senator Irvin. Any other announcements or introductions? If not,
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Speaker 49 7:30
Madam Secretary, are there items at the
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Chair Unverified 7:32
desk? Mr. President, this is to inform you that on April 3, 2025, I reviewed and approved the following measure. From the Ready to Recession of the 95th General Assembly, Senate Bill 278 is now Act 438. Sincerely, Sarah Sanders, Governor. Please file it. Will your committee unenroll bills to whom is first sent Bill 64 by Joint Budget, Symbol 104 by Senator Penzo, Symbol 128 by Joint Budget, Symbol 130 by Joint Budget, Symbol 227 by Senator Clark, Senate Bill 257 by Senator Penzo, Senate Bill 323 by Senator Bryant, Senate Bill 332 by Senator Dodson, compared to the road copies with the original. Find the same
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Speaker 8 8:11
correctly enrolled and delivered to the governor at 9.33 a.m. for approval. Please file it.
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Chair Unverified 8:19
Return of Senate Bill 123 from the House has passed. Enroll it. Return of Senate Bill 148 from the House has passed. Enroll it. Return of Senate Bill 153 from the House is passed. Enroll it. Return of Senate Bill 160 from the House is passed. Enroll it. Return of Senate Bill 237 from the House is passed. Enroll it. Return of Senate Bill 252 from the House is passed. Enroll it. Return of Senate Bill 351 from the House is passed. Enroll it. Return of Senate Bill 357 from the House is passed. Enroll it. Return of Senate Bill 361 from the House is passed. Enroll it. Return of Senate Bill 405 from the House is passed. Enroll it. Return Ascent Bill 407 from the House is passed. Enroll it. Return Ascent Bill 412 from the House is passed. Enroll it. Return Ascent Bill 421 from the House is passed. Enroll it. Return Ascent Bill 422 from the House is passed. Enroll it. Return Ascent Bill 433 from the House is passed. Enroll it. Return Ascent Bill 440 from the House is passed. Enroll it. Return Ascent Bill 448 from the House is passed. Enroll it. Return Ascent Bill 463 from the House is passed. Enroll it. Return of Senate Bill 479 from the house is passed. And roll it. Return of Senate Bill 498 from the house is passed. And roll it. Return of Senate Bill 503 from the house is passed. And roll it. Return of Senate Bill 505 from the house is passed. And roll it. Return of Senate Bill 545 from the house is passed. And roll it. Return of Senate Bill 564 from the house is passed. And roll it.
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Speaker 69 9:52
Notice of passage of Senate Bill 343 from the House
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Speaker 70 9:58
as amended number one. State
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Speaker 69 10:03
agencies. State agencies. State agencies. Return of Senate Bill 371 from the House as passed as amended. Calendar. Return of Senate Bill 374 from the House as amended number one. City, county, local. Return of Senate Bill 460 from the House as amended. Number one. Calendar. For your committee on engrossed bills,
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Chair Unverified 10:30
to whom was your first Senate Bill 568 by Senator Crowell, compare the engrossed copy of the original and find the same correctly engrossed. Revenue and tax. Committee on engrossed bills, to whom was first Senate Bill 149 by Senator English, compare the engrossed copy of the original and find the same correctly engrossed. Calendar. Committee on Engrossed Bill 600 by Senator Tucker, compared the engrossed copy with the original, and find the same correctly engrossed. Calendar. Committee on Engrossed Bill 623 by Senator Scott, compared the engrossed copy with the original, and find the same correctly engrossed. Calendar. Committee on Engrossed Bill 1606 by Senator Dismayne, compared the engrossed copy with the original, and find the same correctly engrossed. Calendar. Committee on Engrossed Bills, to whom was voted House Bill 1666, by Representative Meeks and Senator Hamer, compared to the engrossed, copy of the original, and find the same correctly engrossed. Calendar. Committee on Engrossed Bills, to whom was voted House Bill 1679, by Senator Irving, compared to the engrossed, copy of the original, and find the same correctly engrossed. Calendar. Committee on Engrossed Bills, to whom was voted House Bill 1688, by Senator Irving, compared to the engrossed, copy of the original, and find the same correctly engrossed. Calendar. Committee on Engrossed Bills, to whom was voted House Bill 1695, by Senator Quirrell, compared to the engrossed copy of the original, and find the same correctly engrossed. Calendar. Committee on engrossed bills, whom is referred to House Bill 1734, by Senator Hamer, compared to the engrossed copy of the original, and find the same correctly engrossed. Calendar. Committee on engrossed bills, whom is referred to House Bill 1778, by Senator Gilmore, compared to the engrossed copy of the original, and find the same correctly engrossed. Calendar. Committee on engrossed bills, whom is referred to House Bill 1779, by Senator Gilmore, compared to the engrossed copy of the original, and find the same correctly engrossed. Calendar. Committee on Engrossed Bills to whom is referred House Bill 1810 by Senator English. Compare the engrossed copy of the original and find the same correctly
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Speaker 78 12:20
engrossed. Calendar. Committee on Engrossed Bills to whom is referred House Bill 1834 by Senator Stone. Compare the engrossed copy with the original
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Chair Unverified 12:28
and find the same correctly engrossed. Calendar. Will your Committee on Agri to whom was referred House Bill 1656 by Representative Beck recommend do pass? Calendar. Committee on Agri to whom was referred House Bill 1680 by Representative Vaught recommend do pass? Calendar. Committee on AgRite, to whom was referred House Bill 1827 by Representative Wardlaw, recommended to pass. Calendar. Committee on AgRite, to whom was referred House Bill 1855 by Representative Ennett, recommended to pass. Calendar. Committee on AgRite, to whom was referred House Bill 1923 by Representative Maddox, recommended to pass. Calendar. Committee on City, County, Local, to whom was for Senate Bill 520 by Senator Sullivan, recommended to pass as amended number one. Calendar. Committee on City County Local, to whom was referred House Bill 1416 by Representative Johnson, recommended to pass. Calendar. Committee on City County Local, to whom was referred House Bill 1476 by Representative McKenzie, recommended to pass. Calendar. Committee on City County Local, to whom was referred House Bill 1730 by Representative Brown, recommended to pass. Calendar. Committee on City County, to whom was referred House Bill 1783 by Representative Clowney, recommended to pass. Calendar. Committee on City County Local to whom was referred to House Bill 1872 by Representative Gassaway, recommended to pass. Calendar. Committee on City County Local to whom was referred to House Bill 1901 by Representative Milligan, recommended to pass. Calendar. Committee on City County Local to whom was referred to House Bill 1902 by Representative Milligan, recommended to pass. Calendar. Committee on Insurance and Commerce to whom was referred to Senate Bill 621 by Senator Irving, recommended to pass. Calendar. Committee on Insurance Commerce, who is for House Bill 1150, by Representative Moore, Mayor, recommend you pass. Calendar. Committee on Insurance Commerce, who is for House Bill 1320, by Representative Woodridge, recommend you pass. Calendar. Committee on Insurance Commerce, who is for House Bill 1572, by Representative Ladyman, recommend you pass. Calendar. Committee on Insurance Commerce, who is for House Bill 1735, by Representative Eves, recommend you pass. Calendar. Committee on Insurance Commerce, T.H. 1826, by Representative Bentley, recommend do pass. Calendar. Committee on Insurance Commerce, T.H. 1847, by Representative McAllen, do pass as amended number one. Calendar. Committee on Insurance Commerce, T.H. 1850, by Representative Johnson, recommend do pass. Calendar. Committee on Insurance Commerce, T.H. 1863, by Representative Johnson, recommend do pass. Calendar. Committee on Insurance Commerce. Tune was referred to House Bill 1957 by Representative Meeks. Recommended due pass as amended number one. Calendar. Committee on Joint Budget. Tune was referred to Scent Bill 32 by Joint Budget. Recommended due pass. Calendar. Committee on Joint Budget. Tune was referred to Scent Bill 33 by Joint Budget. Recommended due pass. Calendar. Committee on Joint Budget. Tune was referred to Scent Bill 34 by Joint Budget. Recommended due pass. Calendar. Committee on Joint Budget 2, Ms. Verst. Senate Bill 35, by Joint Budget, recommend due pass. Calendar. Committee on Joint Budget 2, Ms. Verst. Senate Bill 36, by Joint Budget, recommend due pass. Calendar. Committee on Joint Budget 2, Ms. Verst. Senate Bill 40, by Joint Budget, recommend due pass. Calendar. Committee on Joint Budget 2, Ms. Verst. Senate Bill 41, by Joint Budget, recommend due pass. Calendar. Committee on Joint Budget 2, Ms. Verst. Senate Bill 51, by Joint Budget, recommend due pass. Calendar. Committee on Joint Budget to whom is referred Senate Bill 52 by Joint Budget, recommend due pass. Calendar. Committee on Joint Budget to whom is referred Senate Bill 54 by Joint Budget, recommend due pass. Calendar. Committee on Joint Budget to whom is referred Senate Bill 55 by Joint Budget, recommend due pass. Calendar. Committee on Joint Budget to whom is referred Senate Bill 67 by Joint Budget, recommend due pass as amended number one. Calendar. Committee on Joint Budget to whom is referred Senate Bill 71 by Joint Budget, recommend due pass. calendar committee on joint budget team was referred Senate bill 81 by joint budget recommend do pass calendar committee on joint budget team was referred Senate bill 106 by joint budget recommend do pass calendar committee on joint budget team was first symbol 124 by joint budget recommend do pass calendar committee on state agencies two moves referred Senate bill 538 a senator Gilmore recommend do pass calendar committee on state agencies two moves Senate Bill 614 by Senator Tucker, recommended to pass as amended number one, calendar. Committee on State Agencies to whom is for the House Bill 1365 by Representative Brown, recommended to pass, calendar. Committee on State Agencies to whom is for the House Bill 1870 by Representative Wing, recommended to pass, calendar. Committee on State Agencies to whom is for the House Bill 1886 by Representative Pierce, Recommended due pass as amended number one. Calendar. Committee on State Agencies to whom was referred House Bill 1891 by Representative Gray. Recommended due pass. Calendar. Committee on State Agencies to whom was referred House Bill 1896 by Representative McKenzie. Recommended due pass. Calendar. Committee on State Agencies to whom was referred House Bill 1898 by Representative Painter. Recommended due pass. Calendar. Committee on State Agencies to whom was referred House Bill 1929 by Representative Almond. Recommended due pass. Calendar. Committee on State Agencies to Miss Ford House Bill 1958 by Representative Meeks recommended to pass this amended number one. Calendar. Senate Concurrent Resolution 5 by Senator Irving to continue to encourage the pursuit of National Cancer Institute designation by the Winthrop Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Senate Concurrent Resolution 5. Calendar. Senate Resolution 66 by Senator Davis to recognize Arkansas Tech University Robotics Club for winning the tournament champion and innovative awards at the 2025
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Senator Breanne Davis Chair Unverified 18:36
Texas State U tournament, Senate
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Speaker 91 18:42
Resolution 66. Calendar. Any
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Speaker 94 19:00
announcements or introductions? This is not time for motions, but any
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Senator Steve Crowell Chair Unverified 19:05
announcements or introductions? Colleagues, the national championship game was last night, and we have our tournament winner. With 169 points in first place, Mr. Phillip Treat. Ms. Jamie Scott was in second, and Mr. Alan Clark was in third.
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Chair Unverified 19:38
Any further business or introductions in the morning hour? If not, the morning hour has expired. We will now begin the business agenda. Senator Irvin, you're recognized
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 19:58
for a motion. Members, I need to make a motion to suspend the rules to put Senate Concurrent Resolution 5 on the calendar for immediate consideration. I have them here today, and it was left off the calendar by my mistake.
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Chair Unverified 20:15
All those in favor of the motion, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it. Motion carries. Senate Concurrent Resolution 5 by Senator Irving Davis in English to continue to encourage the pursuit of National Cancer Institute designation by the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Senator Irving, you're recognized.
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 20:44
Okay, thank you. Members of the Senate, I'll be brief, but I'm just so excited. We have a concurrent resolution here to continue to encourage the pursuit of the National Cancer Institute designation by the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. With us today, we have our chancellor, Dr. Cam Patterson of UAMS. We also have Dr. Michael Beer, who is the director of the cancer, the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute. And we have Jo Smith with us, who, she's such a dear, dear, dear one that has been so good at UAMS. And I don't know what your official title is, Joe, but you're just everything UAMS. How's that? Anyway, and we have so much support out there from the board of directors and the foundation board members. There have been an incredible amount of money that's been raised in pursuit of this designation. Super excited because there was an announcement that was made by Dr. Patterson earlier this year, that the committee that is reviewing this application is recommending that we proceed and that we will apply for NCI designation later this year. So this has been a long journey. I really want to shout out to this legislature about all of the different levels of support that we've done in order to get this NCI designation. And so today this resolution is just an incredible testimony to all the work that they do in order to treat our Kansans here at home that have cancer so that they don't have to travel. They can stay near their loved ones and get, you know, world-class cancer treatment here at UAMS at the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute. So members, if you will join me in passing this concurrent resolution and just applauding these amazing folks for all the work that they do in order to achieve this incredible designation that we're going to finally get across the finish line. Thank you, Senator
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Chair Unverified 22:49
Irvin. All those in favor of Senate Concurrent Resolution 5 to continue to encourage the pursuit of National Cancer Institute designation by the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it. Senate Concurrent
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Speaker 114 23:33
Resolution 5 is adopted. Oh, they need the bill.
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Chair Unverified 23:37
Sorry. Senator Irvin you're recognized for a point of personal privilege and members this is just a brief introduction but we have
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 23:53
with us today the Arkansas State Fair Queens let's give them a round of hand members I'm so excited to have these are the amazing women that put on the fair pageants. They do an incredible job. And I'm just so excited to be able to introduce today our fair queens. The first two right here, I was able to participate in this fair pageant. Emerson and Lily right here are Miss Fair Queen and Junior Miss Fair Queen. And I just have to brag on these women. They're so smart and humble and capable, and they really are just Arkansas girls and they are down to earth and their interviews were just amazing. Emerson found out that she gets a full ride if she wins this crown during the interview. She learned that she gets a full ride at SAU. Southern Arkansas University gives a full ride to the queen and she found out and she changed her life and now she's at SAU on a full ride and she's then going to pursue a law degree after that at SAU. That's incredible. Lily has got her own farm operation with cattle. She could probably school any one of us in here, honestly, about cattle. It's just unbelievable. She's a great volleyball player. But these are the best of Arkansas, and I was blown away by all the ladies that participated in our fair pageants and the cream of the crop that came out of that but it was amazing so i loved it they're amazing women um and then we have the other women here and i want you to say your names out loud because i love what they represent and do
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Speaker 121 25:50
and lillian emerson and so
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Speaker 123 25:54
anyway i just wanted to bring them onto
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 25:59
the senate floor and i'm going to take them over to the house but thank y'all for letting them be with us here today let's give
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Chair Unverified 26:14
a round of applause. Thank you, Senator Irvin, and thank you to these ladies for representing Arkansas so well. Senator Stone, you're recognized for an
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Senator Matt Stone Unverified 26:26
an introduction, and then a motion. Members, it is my pleasure to announce the doctor of the day, Dr. Shalitha Jones from Camden. Would you please stand and be recognized? I met Dr. Jones a couple of years ago down in El Dorado. Her daddy is a preacher down there at one of the local churches in El Dorado, and I went down there and attended a service and then a fellowship afterwards, and it was a great time to be there. And I also want to recognize the nurse of the day, Dr. Lee Fazio. She's been here several times. She's well-known, but thank you for your service. Senator Stone, you're recognized for a motion. I make a motion to move House Bill 1688 to the bottom of the House calendar.
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Chair Unverified 27:33
All those in favor of the motion, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed?
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Senator Matt Stone Unverified 27:41
Ayes have it. Motion carries. And then I also have a motion to move House Bill 1834 to the bottom of
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Chair Unverified 27:48
the House calendar. All those in favor of the motion, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it. Motion carries. thank you. Madam Secretary, Senator Hickey, you're recognized. Thank you, Governor. Members,
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 28:04
we have some guests in the West Gallery
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 28:07
from Legacy Academy in Locksburg, Arkansas. This is the government class, so if you
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Chair Unverified 28:23
all would, give them a hand. Madam Secretary, is there Any items at the desk? Senate resolution 67 by Senator Payton to honor University of Arkansas Fayetteville basketball scoring star Izzy Higginbotham. Senate resolution 67. Calendar. no announcement or just i'm just going to let them
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Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 29:16
know senator dismaying you're recognized members we have i think it's three bills on the calendar today we will vote those as soon as we finish and wrap up amendments here in just a little bit.
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Chair Unverified 29:24
Okay. Thanks, Senator Dismang. Senator, we will now take up Senate Resolution 63. Senate Resolution 63 by Senator Letting to proclaim April as AARP month at State Capitol and proclaim April 8, 2025 as AARP red shirt day at State Capitol. Senator Letting, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President.
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Senator Greg Leding Unverified 29:52
Colleagues, I'm honored to present this resolution today. I did so on the condition that AARP quit reminding me how close I'm getting to being eligible for their services. But we are glad to have them here today. There's no chance you haven't heard of this organization or haven't been lobbied by them. They've been around for almost 70 years, helping Arkansans age 50 and older. That's a group that makes up 36% of our state's population. This resolution makes today AARP Red Shirt Day. I'm sure you've seen them down in the rotunda. We have the guests up here in the gallery with us right now. Before
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Speaker 164 30:19
we vote, I'd like to welcome them to the Senate chamber.
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Chair Unverified 30:28
I'd ask for a good vote. Thank you, Senator Letting. All those in favor of Senate Resolution 63 to proclaim April as AARP month at the state capitol and proclaim April 8th, 2025 as AARP red shirt day at state capitol. Please signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed?
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Speaker 112 30:47
Ayes have it. Senate Resolution 63 is adopted.
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Speaker 27 30:59
Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 167
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Speaker 167 31:01
Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 167 Senator Clark Senator Clark Are you
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Chair Unverified 31:07
looking at the fire room? I don't know. Do you want it? He's gone. We're going to pass over Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 167 Next, we will take up Amendment 1 to House Bill 1131 Amendment 1 to House Bill 1131 Senator Penzo, you're recognized Thank you, Madam President What this
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 32:16
amendment does is it takes out the language without limitation. There were some folks that didn't like that language so we put a nursing task to be delegated under this section may include the following tasks and any additional tasks authorized by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing and it also clarified how the delegation would take place we also have language it states that a task that's delegated to somebody cannot be delegated by that person to somebody else and that's pretty much what the amendment does.
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Chair Unverified 32:50
All those in favor of the amendment, please signify by saying aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it. Amendment is adopted. Please send to engrossing. Amendment 1. Is Senator Gilmore here? Senator Wallace here? We will next go to Amendment 1 to House Bill 1844. Amendment 1 to House Bill 1844. Senator Wallace, you're recognized. Thank you, Governor. Members, this just adds a Senate sponsor.
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Senator Dave Wallace Unverified 33:27
All those in favor of the amendment, please signify by saying aye. Any opposed?
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Chair Unverified 33:37
Ayes have it. Amendment is adopted. Please send
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Speaker 35 33:41
to engrossing. We'll take up Amendment 1 to House Bill 1777. Amendment 1,
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Chair Unverified 33:49
House Bill 1777. Senator Gilmore, you're recognized. Thank you, Governor. My bill,
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Senator Ben Gilmore Chair Unverified 33:54
my amendment. All those in favor
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Chair Unverified 33:56
of the amendment, please signify by saying aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it. Amendment is adopted. Please send to engrossing.
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 34:08
Senator Hester, you're recognized. Members, I'd like to make a motion to recall House Bill 1555 from the House for purposes of amendment. Yep, to recall House Bill 1555 for purposes of amendment. All
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Chair Unverified 34:32
those in favor of the motion, please signify by saying aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it. Motion carries. Senator Hester, you're recognized.
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 34:40
I would like to withdraw House Bill 1685 from committee for purposes of amendment. That's the grocery tax. All those in favor
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Speaker 35 34:58
of the motion, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it.
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Chair Unverified 35:04
Amendment 1, House Bill 1685. This is just
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 35:08
a numbering error that BLR caught today, and so I needed to amend it.
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Chair Unverified 35:14
All those in favor of the amendment, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it. Amendment is adopted. Please send to engrossing. Senator
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Senator Tyler Dees Chair Unverified 35:31
Dees, you're recognized. Thank you, members. I'd like to make a motion to re-refer House Bill 1746. That's on our calendar for purposes of amendment. There was a drafting error that we've caught that's significant. We need to re-refer it back to a committee, HB 1746.
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Speaker 210 35:46
We've got to see if we've got the amendment. Do
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Chair Unverified 36:08
we have it? Sorry. Do we have it? All those in favor to refer House Bill 1746 back to committee for purposes of amendment, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it. Motion carries.
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Senator Dan Sullivan Chair Unverified 36:24
Senator Sullivan, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President. Members, I'd like to make a motion to add Senate Bill 520 to the calendar for the purposes of amendment and to add it to the bottom of the Senate calendar upon return from engrossing. What you want to do, you want to adopt the amendments, what you want
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Speaker 219 36:41
them to do. We need to adopt the amendment. You've got to adopt the amendment first.
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Senator Dan Sullivan Chair Unverified 36:48
Okay, I'd like to adopt the amendment to Senate Bill 520.
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Speaker 101 36:55
All those in favor of the motion to suspend the rules to put
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Chair Unverified 37:01
SB 520 on for second reading, signify by saying aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it. Motion carried. Amendment 1
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Speaker 53 37:11
to Senate Bill 520. Senator Sullivan. I make a
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Senator Dan Sullivan Chair Unverified 37:18
motion that we support the amendment. Thank you. All those in favor
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Speaker 101 37:26
of simply adding the amendment, please signify by saying
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Chair Unverified 37:30
aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it. Amendment is adopted, please send to Engrossi. Thank you. Senator Clark, we are going to take up Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 167.
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Speaker 167 37:49
Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 167. Senator Clark,
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Chair Unverified 37:53
you're recognized. The amendment just adds a House sponsor. All those in favor of the amendment, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it. Amendment is concurred in. Senate Bill 167 by Senator Clark to amend the dates by which certain requests to transfer public schools or public school districts shall be submitted. Senator Clark, you're recognized.
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Senator Alan Clark Unverified 38:26
SB 167 just moves the school choice application deadline from May 1st back to June 1st. Everybody agreed to it, including almost everyone in here. Appreciate
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Chair Unverified 38:38
a good vote. Any questions? Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senators closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Quirrell, Davis, Dees, Dismaine, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake, Johnson, Mark, Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbeville, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Any senator wish to change his or her vote? Senator Flowers, present. Any other senator? Seeing no other, please cast up the ballot by a vote of 34 yea, 0 nay, and 1 present. Senate Bill 167 passes as amended. Please enroll it. Senator Payton, you're recognized for a motion.
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Senator John Payton Unverified 39:58
Thank you, Madam President. Members, I need to move that we suspend the rules to place Senate Resolution 67 on today's calendar. This is to honor Arkansas Razorback basketball star Izzy Higginbotham. She's supposed to be here sometime later today. I'd appreciate it if we could get her on the calendar. All those in
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Chair Unverified 40:17
favor of the motion, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it. Motion carries. Senator Penzo, you're recognized for a motion.
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 40:28
Thank you, Madam President. I'd like to make a motion to suspend the rules and move SB2 to the end of the Senate calendar today. Fluoride. I
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Speaker 259 40:40
have the other two fluoride bills today and get it over. SB2.
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Chair Unverified 40:49
There's a motion to suspend the rules to add Senate Bill 2 to the bottom of today's Senate calendar. Can I do it today? Yes. Any questions? All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? No. Ayes have it. Any? Senator McKee, you're recognized for a motion. Thank you,
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Senator Matt McKee Unverified 41:37
Madam Governor. I'd just like to ask my colleagues for leave. My good friend, Pastor Doug Jones, is here from Hot Springs. Let him sit on the Senate floor. I appreciate that.
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Chair Unverified 41:58
Senators, we will now begin the Senate calendar. I'm sorry. Senator Petty, rather, you're recognized for a motion. Thank you, Madam President. I
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Senator Jim Petty Unverified 42:12
thought I'd join in on the fun. I make a motion to suspend the rules and add SB 574 to the bottom of the calendar if we can get to it today. It'll give one more day for the House to deal with it if we get it out of here.
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Speaker 63 42:30
Senator Irvin, do you have a question?
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 42:33
Yeah, I just need clarification. Are the House committees not going to meet to hear Senate bills, and is this why we're doing this? Because, I mean, if that's the case, then there's a whole bunch of Senate bills that we need to add to today's calendar. So can I get some clarification as to, And not that I'm against this or for this. I just need to know, is there something that I don't know? Because I have Senate bills, too, that I'd like to be heard in House committees. Can you verify that? Because if we continue to do this, then we might as well make sure that we heal every Senate bill on today's calendar. And I would support the motion to do that, but I just need clarification. Don't y'all, on your
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Chair Unverified 43:18
bills, if you have Senate bills? Senator Irvin, I believe that is a valid question. However, we are—we
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 43:28
can either wait— Can we wait and get that answer, and then if we need to, we'll just put every Senate bill on the calendar for today? Even the ones that came out of committee
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Chair Unverified 43:45
this morning? Senator Petty, if Senator Petty is willing to withdraw his motion, then we can wait on an answer. Otherwise, we
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Speaker 282 43:55
can come back to Senator Petty. I'm happy to withdraw it, and then we'll deal with it in a few minutes
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Chair Unverified 44:01
or 10 minutes or whatever. Thank you, Senator Petty. I just need verification. Absolutely, Senator Urban, that's a valid question, and we'll hope
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Speaker 285 44:09
to get that answer soon. Any other motions to take up before we begin the Senate calendar?
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Chair Unverified 44:29
Senator Dismang, I believe that we were going to do the budget calendar before we began the Senate calendar, And I apologize, Senator Penzo, for having you sitting on deck too early. All
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Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 44:47
right, we only have three bills, so we're going
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Chair Unverified 44:58
to vote these individually. House Bill 1089 by Joint Budget, an act for the Department of Commerce, Arkansas Waterways, Commission of Appropriation for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
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Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 45:09
All right, thank you. Members, do we envy questions
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Chair Unverified 45:15
on House Bill 1089? Any questions? Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator has closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismaine, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbuffield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace.
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Speaker 298 45:43
Any senator wish to change his or her
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Chair Unverified 45:47
vote? Seeing no one, please cast up the ballot. By vote of 35, yea, 0, nay. House Bill 1089 passes, and the corresponding emergency clause is adopted. Please return to the House. House Bill 1191. House Bill 1191 by Joint Budget, an act for the Department of Public Safety Appropriations for 2025-2026 fiscal year. Senator Dismayne, you're recognized. All right, thank you. Members,
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Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 46:10
do we have any questions on House Bill 1191?
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Senator Bryan King Unverified 46:14
I do. Yes. Just real quick, I mean, we know the appropriation of the RSA funding amount, we're getting into RSA. There's no substantial increase in the public safety appropriation. No, there's not. There's actually a few decreases. Yeah, it's going to be 1.8, 1.9%, probably something like that. I'm not sure on the percentage.
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Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 46:35
We do have an increase in RSA, but I don't remember the top. I think we will have an increase in RSA.
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Chair Unverified 46:45
Any other questions? Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senators closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismaine, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake, Johnson, Mark, Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbuffield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace.
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Speaker 307 47:15
Any senator wish to change his or
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Chair Unverified 47:19
her vote? Seeing no one, please cast up the ballot. By vote of 35 yeas, 0
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Speaker 129 47:25
nay. House Bill 1191 passes and the corresponding emergency clause is adopted. Please return to the
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Chair Unverified 47:33
House. Senate Bill 354. Senate Bill 354 by Senator Dismang. An act for the Department of Corrections, Division of Correction Development and Enhancement Capital Improvement Appropriation. Senator Dismang, you're recognized.
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Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 47:45
Thank you, Governor. Members, this is the Department of Corrections Capital Improvement Appropriation, $750 million to complete the construction of a prison. Any questions? Anyone wish to
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Chair Unverified 47:56
speak against? Senator King, you're recognized to speak against. So, Member, I asked Senator Dismang what
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Senator Bryan King Unverified 48:03
it's appreciated for answering the question on the public safety fund. As I've said, the reason we are in this crime problem, And I keep reminding everybody, as long as you have high crime, we will never solve it. These things with prisons, embarrassingly, we have one of the highest incarceration rates because we have high crime rates. If you don't stop the crime on the front end, you're not going to be where you're going to be in a financial death spiral. We cannot build enough prisons to get out, incarcerate enough people to get out of it. Public safety fund as a percentage is not going up substantially. The other part of it is, you know, is the part, it's two parts. It's one, the state, it's also county responsibility. And I keep talking about the counties that are not passing jail taxes on their end and responsibility for the crime committed in there. Just found a thing where Stone County, those people made extra sacrifices to pay off their jail. And these other three counties, which Sebastian, Benton, and Washington County are not passing jail taxes and our crew doing almost one out of every four inmates to incarceration. So I'd still appreciate a no vote because we are not holistically taking care of the problem. This thing of building prisons and incarceration rates, if we don't take care of the crime rate first, it's like putting out the smoke instead of putting out the fire.
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Speaker 316 49:22
Any other senator? Senator? Question for
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Senator Breanne Davis Chair Unverified 49:28
Senator King. Senator Davis, you're recognized for a question. Thank you, Madam President. Senator King, every day you come down to the well and talk about lowering crime rates. But are you aware that if people are committing crimes in our communities across the state, the local law enforcement can't do anything about it because our county jails are maxed out. They're holding state prisoners, plus their jails are full. So they're letting people who commit crimes just go, just walk the streets. So people actually know they can get away with crimes right now because there's nowhere to house prisoners, house people that are actually committing the crimes. Are you aware of that, that we have crime running rampant all through our communities? We're not safe because law enforcement can't protect us because they have nowhere to
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Senator Bryan King Unverified 50:15
put these criminals? I agree with that, and I've said this goes back to the 2011 bill, the Public Protection Act, which basically Governor Beebe got in financial trouble. Everything takes money. But if you look at the situation you just talked about, there was recently an article I'm born welcome to share with you where the backlogging prisoners in the River Valley of Franklin County, Logan County, where they have passed jail taxes, it's critical on them. But they are not having the problems of Sebastian County that is. So I'm more than happy to share the article of where they are actually taking care of problems. Stone County, for example, took measures to actually pay off theirs. Madison County stepped up. Their $16 million jail facility they're building for $150 million is extra beds. will cost them $32 million, $16 million more by the time they pay their bond off. If these other counties were doing that, and it's on the state, as I've said in the other part, we need to take $100 million out of general revenue for a dedicated revenue stream. Same thing I said back before you were here, 2017 had taken the Amazon tax, hire extra public safety officers. We have seen where studies show when you get the positive police performance actually does lower crime, Even the Obama administration, Justice Department, I'll share with you that study, showed that it actually reduced crime. If we reduce crime on the front end, we have got to have a substantial amount of money part of this, but there has to be a shared partnership in the county. The counties that have passed jail taxes and done expansions are not in the critical stage that these other ones that I've just mentioned
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Senator Breanne Davis Chair Unverified 51:45
that are not. Well, county jail is very different than prison, and our county jails are overflowing to the point that they can't house people that they need to arrest, and then they're holding state prisoners. So I believe that that would show we need a facility to house prisoners so that people that are committing crimes that deserve to be in county jail, which again is different than prison, have a place to be in county jail. Otherwise, we just have criminals roaming the streets. I've got four kids. I mean, I want to have a safe community. We've got law enforcement officers, but we have nowhere to put people who are committing crimes. So we're just turning them out, letting them go. But, you know, building jails is very different, and that's a different prison, that's a different population than your prison population. We have to have a place to house prisoners, and we have to have a place to house people who need to be in county jail. Those are two different things. They are a little bit
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Senator Bryan King Unverified 52:35
different things. I agree with that, but if you look at the Calico Rock expansion that got shut down, it's going to cost us $50 million more to put that in this mega prison. You know, my plans that we need to do that is more flexible, one of the biggest issues that I address is mental health issues that's not being addressed if we go with this mega prison route, and I can tell you that now, we need to be hiring public safety officers to be more public safety officers to be out there patrolling to keep the crime in the front end, whether that's Park Plaza Mall, whether that's making sure that probation parole, which is underfunded, so it is going to take a substantial amount of money, it's just which route you want to go. You want to go this mega prison, every Utah, for example, keep talking about the staffing issue, if you want to go this route, then smaller regional facilities will be more economical. And the biggest issue with county jails, I agree that county jails are not doing the job, but it should have been, as I said, corrections should have been 12% of the budget back in 2017. It is not going up substantially, so the amount of money going toward that and our general revenue is not keeping up. So I believe in more money for public safety, not less. And I don't believe that this mega prison will answer the questions better than a flexible plan of addressing mental health, addressing with keeping the crime more where it is originating and committed, okay? But it's also a county responsibility in my counties. My counties are not full because we did take the steps and measures. The biggest thing is we need to get these people off the streets in one way or another. The second part is what we do afterwards.
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Senator Breanne Davis Chair Unverified 54:11
So you're saying that if you see some mental health components to this prison plan that you would be on board with building a prison, because you recognize the need for one, but you just want to see that mental health is
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Senator Bryan King Unverified 54:24
addressed as well, and then you'd be on board with a prison? As I've said before, this location is not the place. I've gave multiple examples of these mega prisons, Alabama, Utah. Utah, for example, was twice the amount they originally estimated, and if you look at it, they're as critical, they're not staffing it. These mega prisons are not, we cannot staff them. So if you go in one location right now, it doesn't matter if it's Texas instruments trying to put 800 people out there. We talked about the extra cost of transporting water 30 miles. We need to build a facility. Fort Smith, Sebastian County has land for a jail that they are not going to build. You have Fort Chaffee. We need to keep these facilities closer in the places that are actually contributing the most crime, not stick the counties with it out, the rural counties out there that are doing more. Well, it's important to
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Senator Breanne Davis Chair Unverified 55:11
have a place. I think that people can go visit their family members that are in prison, and that's one of the reasons that this site was picked. But I didn't hear you exactly answer my question. You talk about mental health a lot, and if mental health and dealing with it is part of a plan, then you're saying you're on board with a prison. You understand the need and recognize it, but you would like to see more mental health as part of the plan. Is that
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Senator Bryan King Unverified 55:36
what I understand? I want a flexible plan that addresses the thing. We need to build a facility in Benton, Washington County, or do, as Mr. Proferi promised us, if the adjoining counties want it, Mr. Proferi sit there and told everybody, the same guy that shut down Calico Rock that's costing us $50 million, sit there and promised everybody that the community needs to embrace it. If that's the case, then that's not happening. So that promise didn't happen. Even if it's mental health or whatever, we need smaller regional facilities rather than going down this mega prison route. I have not been for mega prisons. I was not for them 10 years ago. I was not for them in 2017. They do not meet the flexible needs. We need mental health facilities in northwest Arkansas. That's where the population growth is. We need facilities in Benton and Washington County and have smaller regional facilities that can more flexibly take care of it than this mega prison route. So I
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Senator Breanne Davis Chair Unverified 56:27
hear you saying you support a mental health plan that maybe has flexible, has different spots around the state that can address mental health needs for prisoners, but a place that we still need to house prisoners. And we talk about the budget all
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Senator Bryan King Unverified 56:39
the time. Folks, we cannot continue. Our revenues are declining. And next year, DF&A has this that I think is a stretch, that revenues are going to go back to normal and go back up and catch back up with learns and everything else and all their spending increases. I was down here in 2009 and 10, whenever you looked at the economy and everything were going, and a few of us spoke up and said something at that time. I hope I'm wrong. I hope the economy turns around, but we are not. We have to need to have flexible facilities. We need facilities in Benton and Washington, major substantial investment facilities in Benton and Washington County where the population growth is looking, and we need more flexible things to do. This mega prison, look at Utah, look at Alabama. Every one of them is a financial disaster.
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Chair Unverified 57:26
Any other senator wish to speak for, against, or on? Senator Payton, you're recognized to speak for. Thank you, Madam President.
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Senator John Payton Unverified 57:35
Colleagues, I'll try to keep this short, but I came down the other day to question the feasibility of this project, and I did not feel like there had been enough due diligence done. I really appreciated my professional life, and down here, when you challenge somebody's position, and instead of getting mad, they actually get you some information and show you why they've gotten there. And if you keep an open mind about it, sometimes you'll find out that you might have been wrong or that there's two sides to every story. But I did meet with the executive branch. I was given a lot of reports and data that supports their decision, supports their reasoning. And so I spent several days struggling with it. If you noticed, the last couple of times we voted, I voted president instead of no because I was working my way through processing all this. To shorten it all down, I'm just going to give you a couple of examples. A few years back, most of y'all were here. We voted on whether or not to incentivize Nucor to build a steel mill over in Mississippi County that's about as rural as you can get. And we demanded that they build it far away from the bridges on the Mississippi River because we wanted them to hire Arkansans. And so I checked into that, and they currently employ over 2,000 people. Now, they have a very high pay scale, but the bottom line is you can attract employees from a long distance, and I think they've demonstrated that. The other thing was whether or not Mr. Perfury had the experience necessary or anybody else in the executive branch to build this thing for what I would consider a fraction of the going market. We've seen reports from other states that showed what they're spending on their prisons. But anyway, so yesterday I became aware. I mean, I knew we were building a new crime lab. But if you'll check into it, it's under budget. It's ahead of schedule. And I think that our governor has demonstrated a keen ability to do these projects. and that's not a small one and bring them in under budget on time I was impressed in my meetings with the people that are working on this I still can't promise you or guarantee you that it'll be a success I can't do that with my own business projects that are going on but I can say that I'm willing to trust and give them a chance because they've proven to me that they have done their homework, and I'd appreciate a good vote. Thank you. And the other thing is, I'm tickled to death to know that my vote's not the deciding vote, because so far we've only had like 19 or 20. So I wanted to do this before it became the last deciding vote.
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Chair Unverified 1:00:37
Any others wish to speak against, on, or for? Senator DeBoyd, you're recognized to speak for. Thank you,
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Senator Justin Boyd Chair Unverified 1:00:45
Madam President. There just was a lot here. I'm sorry to do this, but I'm having to juggle multiple things. So first of all, let's talk about Crawford County. It's the neighbor to Sebastian County. You might or might not know I own a business over in Crawford County, and I saw what happened. They advocated or proposed, advocated for, and adopted a one-cent sales tax in Crawford County to expand its county jail, relocate it, so that it could have misdemeanor justice. Because as a business owner in Crawford County, I was told, hey, somebody writes a hot check we have no place to to put these people so fast forward to today crawford county built a nice new jail in a new location uh it's a modernly designed jail and which creates efficiencies and advantages so that's good but right now today there's 65 state inmates in there so where are we again we're back to okay crawford county did exactly what senator king is proposing we they added a one-cent sales tax, expanded their jail, did that, but it's filled up with state inmates because if you create the space for the state, as long as the state doesn't have a place to put it, they're just going to continue to stick them there. So let's talk about Sebastian County for a minute. Sebastian County has implemented drug courts, mental health courts, crisis intervention training, a crisis stabilization unit. The Fort Smith Police Department has implemented a number of community policing concepts, including co-response crisis intervention team, Shield Our Youth, which is a youth intervention program, Food Patrol, which delivers sack lunches to high-crime, low-income areas, the criminal justice system, and it's entirely from the police force all the way through our sitting judges, and our prosecutor and everybody else involved have done multiple things to help make sure that we're locking up the people who need to be locked up and helping the other people who need other help. But yet again, the other day, 46% of the people in the jail were state inmates. So let me tell you what else happened, what doesn't happen when we put people in jail versus prison. So it all seems the same. We're all behind bars. But I tell you what, mental health, physical health, education, training. If we're serious about reducing recidivism, where does that happen? That happens in prisons where they're geared up, and the state can do its part to support and look at programs that are evidence-based that actually work in reducing recidivism. So with that said, I think that, again, the state needs to do its part. These are, again, felonies that the state has created. This body has said these are crimes. This is the punishment for the crime. By the way, you're going to have to spend at least this much time in prison. We've created that, and it's our job to fund it, so we need to build the prison. That's all I've got
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Chair Unverified 1:03:47
to say. Senator Boyd, if you will take a question. I see first Senator King and Senator Petty.
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Senator Bryan King Unverified 1:03:54
So, Senator King, you're recognized. So, as I've said, I was the only one substantially in 17. You've been down here. We could have been building safe facilities, but we didn't fund it. So it's really the people that have been here hadn't funded a major state improvement project. So the reason there. The second part is, Franklin County has spaces, but so why not in Sebastian County, with all the problems and issues, which Carroll County's institute and a lot of stuff you're doing too, why don't you just step up and say we cannot build a 30-mile waterline there? Why not build it in Sebastian County and just step up? You've got the land.
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Senator Justin Boyd Chair Unverified 1:04:33
Well, exactly. where is the land center, King? Nobody's shown that. Some people say, hey, go build it in Chaffee Crossing. There's no land there. Some people say, go build it on Fort Chaffee, which is now Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuvering Training Center. That's an active guard base. That is not where you're going to put a state prison on military property. I'm open for
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Senator Bryan King Unverified 1:04:52
Sebastian County to open up a land place. I was told by the sheriff and others.
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Chair Unverified 1:05:01
Petty, you're recognized for a
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Senator Jim Petty Unverified 1:05:04
question. Thank you, Madam President. So I know you were included in some of the correspondence that we received from Crawford County and Sebastian County, but in there, there was a number that I was actually not even aware of until today, talking about statewide how many felony warrants are unserved because of lack of prison space. Do you remember that number? Yes, sir.
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Senator Justin Boyd Chair Unverified 1:05:28
Right now, there are 40,000 unserved felony warrants. There's not place to put people, and again, putting them in county jails is not the solution because they don't get health, education, or training to adequately deal with it. The other challenge we had in Sebastian County is someone who belonged in state possession was in the county jail. Unfortunately, that person died. That person was in the wrong place, and that was an injustice, too. So, thank you.
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Chair Unverified 1:06:01
Anyone else wish to speak against, for, or on Senate Bill 354? Senator Dismang is closed. Madam Secretary, before I ask the Secretary to call the roll, I would remind members to limit talking while we are voting so we can hear you and
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Speaker 354 1:06:29
to please speak up when you are voting. With that, Madam Secretary, please
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Speaker 357 1:06:40
call the roll. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Clark, Crowell, Davis,
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Speaker 358 1:06:46
Dees, Dismain, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore,
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Speaker 356 1:06:52
Hammer. Hester. Hickey. Hill. Irvin. Blake Johnson. Mark Johnson.
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Speaker 363 1:07:11
King. Letting. Love. McKee Murdoch
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Speaker 356 1:07:19
Murdoch Peyton Penzo
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Speaker 367 1:07:24
Petty Rice Scott Stone Stubbeville Sullivan Tucker
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Speaker 368 1:07:34
Wallace Any senator wish to vote
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Chair Unverified 1:07:49
who did not vote or change your vote? Senator Murdoch, present. Any other senator? Seeing no other, please cast up the ballot by a vote of 21 yea, 9, nay, and 5 present. Senate Bill
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Speaker 371 1:08:13
354 fails. Next, we will go back
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Speaker 373 1:08:22
to the Senate calendar beginning with Senate Bill 121.
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Chair Unverified 1:08:29
Senate Bill 121 by Senator Penzo to amend the Automatic Occupational Licensure for Out-of-State Licensure Act to apply the Automatic Occupational Licensure for Out-of-State Licensure Act to Physician Star Assistants. Senator Penzo, you're
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 1:08:45
recognized. Thank you, Madam President. So, Senate Bill 121 has the words Automatic Occupational Licensure in it. That probably would be better if it said streamlined instead of automatic. This allows Physicians Assistants that are licensed in other states to apply for Arkansas licensure. We've already passed compacts for PAs and physicians. This is just another avenue for physicians assistants to acquire licenses in Arkansas. It's up to the board of the physicians assistants to determine whether or not they have to take a test or that. So all those abilities are still in there. Not every state is a member of the compact so this allows people from other states to come work in Arkansas and streamline their licensure process. I'd be happy to answer
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Chair Unverified 1:09:43
any questions. Questions for Senator Penzo? Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator, you're recognized. Close. I'm closed. Senator's closed. Any objection? Rolling the vote. Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary,
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Speaker 250 1:09:58
please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismaine, Dotson,
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Chair Unverified 1:10:03
English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbuffield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Any senator wish to change his or
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Speaker 12 1:10:18
her vote? Senator Flowers present. Any other senator?
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Chair Unverified 1:10:22
Seeing no other, please cast up the ballot by a
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Speaker 309 1:10:27
vote of 34 yea, 0 nay, 1 present. Senate Bill 121 passes. Please transmit to the House. Senate Bill
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Chair Unverified 1:10:37
122. Senate Bill 122 by Senator Penzo, to amend the Automatic Occupational Licensure for Out-of-State Licensure Act, to apply the Automatic Occupational Licensure for Out-of-State Licensure Act to Physicians. Senator Penzo, you're recognized. Thank
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 1:10:50
you, Madam President. This bill does exactly what the last one did, but it's for physicians instead of physician assistants. Any
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Speaker 377 1:11:01
questions for Senator Penzo? Anyone wish to speak against or for?
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Chair Unverified 1:11:07
Senator has closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismaine, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Ladding, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbifill, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Any senator wish to change his or her vote? Senator Flowers, Present. Any other senator? Senator Irvin, no. Any other senator? Seen no other. Please cast up the ballot by a vote
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Speaker 309 1:11:48
of 33 yay, one nay, and one present. Senate Bill 122 passes.
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Chair Unverified 1:11:54
Please transmit to the House. Senate Bill 217. Senate Bill 217 by Senator Penzo to require the Department of Human Services to request a waiver to exclude candy and soft drinks from eligible foods under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Senator Penzo, you're recognized.
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 1:12:15
Thank you, Madam President. Senate Bill 217 requires DHS to request a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to exclude candy and soft drinks from the definition of eligible foods. If the requested waiver is granted, the purchase of candy and soft drinks with SNAP benefits will be prohibited. This bill promotes accountability and will help make Arkansans healthier. SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is funded with taxpayer dollars and meant to help people get the food they need. The mission is to help families afford a more nutritious diet to fight hunger and malnutrition. I think most of our constituents, regardless of where they sit politically, can agree. If that's the purpose, then the program should reflect that. So the question isn't, should someone be allowed to buy a soda? The question is, does the program still line up with what it was created to do? If it doesn't, let's be honest about that and make some adjustments. It's not about being punitive. It's about being responsible. And it's about making sure these programs do what they say they're going to do. We owe it to the families who rely on SNAP and to the taxpayers who fund it to keep that purpose front and center. Senate Bill 217 accomplished this in a reasonable way. It's a win for health, for common sense,
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Chair Unverified 1:13:33
and for Arkansas. Questions for Senator Penzo? Seeing no one, anyone wish to speak against or for. Senator has closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Seeing no objection. Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismaine, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake, Johnson, Mark, Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Bryce, Scott, Stone, Stubbeville, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Any senator wish to change his or her vote? Senator Scott, no. Senator Tucker, present. Senator Flowers, no. Senator Letting, present. Senator English, no. Senator Murdoch, no. Any other senators? Please check the board. Seeing no other senator, please cast up the ballot by a vote of 29, yea, 4, nay, to present. Senate Bill 217 passes. Please transmit to the House. Senate Bill 255. Senate Bill 255 by Senator Penzo to amend the definition of drug within the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and declare an emergency.
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 1:14:49
Senator Penzo, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President. What this, well, I'll start out. There was an amendment made at the request of the Poultry Federation to add meat to it. I missed, after we agreed to the amendment, they came back and mentioned eggs. I've committed to making that amendment on the House side instead of sending it backwards again. I was happy to make the amendment for him. If I could have reworded the whole thing it really should have been two separate bills instead of adding plants and animals into the same bill. So this will accomplish about half of what I wanted to accomplish. So I'll be a minute on the other side to add eggs to section E at the very bottom of page one as well. I'd struck out food and put food other than meat that contains a vaccine. So what this bill does, there's what's called virus-like particles. There's emerging technology that's being created that either through genetically modifying foods or actually through using bacteria that have the genetic sequence put in it and then put in a bath, the plants are put in a bath and then grown. And what it does is it causes the plant to create, it's kind of like the mRNA vaccine that causes your cells to make spike proteins, which causes an immune response. They're doing the same thing with plants. Either, like I said, through genetically modifying the DNA of a plant or getting the genetic material into the plant through bacteria. So these virus-like particles are produced in the plant. You consume it, and then those virus-like particles get into your system and trigger an immune response. All this bill does is say that if those plants are put on the shelf, they're to be classified as a drug because the whole intent is not to feed people. It's to inoculate them with these virus-like particles. So it's just a kind of a informed consent bill that would allow, it's not meant to stifle any of the technology. This probably could be used in agriculture with food crops to grow instead of actually having to inoculate the animals to actually grow food crops and then feed them to the animals and use it to vaccinate the animals that way instead of having to individually vaccinate each animal. So there are practical applications to it. I just think when it comes to consumers, I want my constituents to know if a tomato is a tomato or if a tomato is a vaccine. And if that tomato is a vaccine, I want it to follow all the rules that drugs do.
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Chair Unverified 1:17:46
And that's what this bill does. Questions for Senator Penzo? Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator has closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please
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Speaker 8 1:18:01
roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark,
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Chair Unverified 1:18:05
Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismaine, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake, Johnson, Mark, Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubberfield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Any senator who wishes to change
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Speaker 307 1:18:23
his or her vote? Senator Flowers, present.
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Chair Unverified 1:18:31
Senator Irvin, no. Any other senator? Seeing no other, please cast up the ballot by vote of 33 yay, 1 nay, and 1 present. Senate Bill 255 passes. Please transmit to the House. Senator Penzo, if Senator Payton's ready, I believe that we have the family here for Senate Resolution 67, if you don't mind to take a break in your eight bills that you have going. Senate Resolution 67 by Senator Payton to honor University of Arkansas at Fayetteville basketball scoring star, Izzy Higginbotham. Senator
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Senator John Payton Unverified 1:19:29
Payton, you're recognized. Members, if I would request leave for Izzy and her family. Leave. Thank you. So we have a basketball star from Batesville, Arkansas, Miss Izzy Higginbotham. She's played for the Missouri Tigers, ASU, and the Razorbacks, all three. And she finished up her career playing collegiate basketball with Arkansas Razorbacks. But she has quite a list of accomplishments. And I'm ashamed to admit, I wasn't aware of all of it, but I got to meet her today. And it's just awesome what she's done. I'm going to read you a little bit of this here. She was top 10 scorer in the National NCAA. I'll shorten some of this down. Top 10 scorer in NCAA. Ever since she was a little girl, she was a huge Razorback fan. But you went and played for Missouri first, and then ASU finally got to your dream school, playing for the Razorbacks. She leads the Southeastern Conference and ranks third in the NCAA Association scoring average with 24.4 points per game. That's quite a bit. She's had 30 double-digit scoring games. which includes 12 in the southeast conference listen to this she leads is that leads anyway yeah she leads ncaa total points 780 points yeah she also leads in free shots which i could never make 242 ncaa free shots 242 can you believe that she ranks third in the southeast conference 251 field goals. She scored 40 points against Florida, which I don't know if it started or ended her three-game streak of 30-plus points in three consecutive games. So where was Florida in that? I think it began the streak. Began the streak with Florida. She's a Florida fan. Yeah. Against Texas A&M, she had 33 points, 10 rebounds. I mean, it's just an awesome list. Y'all will have to read this resolution when you get a chance. But anyway, now therefore, be it resolved by the Senate of the 95th General Assembly of the state of Arkansas that the Senate honor University of Arkansas at Fayetteville Razorbacks basketball player Izzy Higginbotham for her incredible achievements that bring renown to her team and to the state of Arkansas, be it further resolved that upon adoption, a copy of this resolution be presented to Izzy Higginbotham by the Secretary of the Senate. I'd appreciate a good vote. Thank you, Senator
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Chair Unverified 1:22:14
Payton, and thank you, Senator Payton, for carrying this bill for me. As the Senator knows, I grew up with Izzy's mom, Rachel, who's here with her, and I'm glad to see our friends from the House, Bart Schultz and Chad Pierce, over on the upper chamber. But we are so proud of Izzy, not only for being an incredible athlete, but an incredible person and a role model for young ladies and young men. I know my six-year-old and other young girls say, we want to watch Izzy play. And that's what, as a mama, that's what you want to hear, because she's a great person. And with that, Senators, all those in favor of Senate Resolution 67 to honor University of Arkansas at Fayetteville basketball scoring star, Izzy Higginbottom, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it. Senate Resolution 67 is adopted. Great job. You want to say anything? This is a copy of
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Speaker 415 1:23:08
the resolution. Thank you so much. I'm proud of you, I'm proud of you.
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Speaker 35 1:23:51
Madam Secretary, do we have any items
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Chair Unverified 1:24:05
at the desk? Yes. Your committee on revenue and taxidermy is first sent in Bill 568 by Senator Crowell. Recommended due pass. Calendar. Calendar. We are going to temporarily pass over Senate Bill 258 and stick it on the end of the Senate calendar. Senator Penzo, we will now go to Senate Bill 262, but 258 will go on the end of the Senate calendar. Senate Bill 268 by Senator Penzo to amend the corporate practice of medicine doctrine and to authorize a licensed medical professional who owns a medical corporation to maintain ownership on an inactive license on retirement. Senator Penzo, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President.
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 1:25:12
Senate Bill 262 allows physicians with an active license and good standing continue management ownership and control of the medical organization that they have spent their lives building after they retire. It encourages physicians to continue to invest and grow the organizations and communities where the entity is located. Medical board continues to regulate but the retiring physician is no longer required to comply with CE requirements and only applies to physicians in good standing when they retire. Is there any questions I'd ask for a good
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Speaker 285 1:25:52
vote. Any questions for Senator Pinzo?
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Chair Unverified 1:25:55
Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator is closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? If not, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Roy Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Disflame, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake, Johnson, Mark, Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbeville, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Any senator wish to change his or her vote? Senator Flowers, no. Any other senator? Seeing no other, please cast up the ballot. by a vote of 34 yay, 1 nay. Senate Bill 262 passes. Please transmit to the House. Senate Bill 311. Senate Bill 311 by Senator Penzo. To create the End Organ Genomic Harvesting Act, prohibit coverage of certain human organ transplant or post-transplant care and to prohibit certain genetic sequences and genetic analyst technologies. Senator Penzo, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President. Why do
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 1:27:11
we need Senate Bill 311? From the Director of the National Intelligence 2025 Annual Threat Assessment that was released in March 18th of this year, China also sees biotechnology as critical to becoming a dominant economic power and intends to grow its domestic bioeconomy to $3.3 trillion this year. Beijing is investing heavily in collecting health and genetic data both at home and abroad in pursuit of these goals and has shown it can be globally competitive in certain low-cost, high-volume commodities such as biomanufacturing and genetic sequencing. Beijing has identified genetic data as a national strategic resource and is expanding state control over the country's gene banks and other genetic repositories, positioning it to potentially lead in precision medicine and agricultural biotechnology applications. The BGI group, one of the world's largest genomics firms, is owned and controlled by the Chinese Communist Party. The Department of Defense listed BGI as an entity identified as a Chinese military company operating within the United States. A number of genetic sequencers in use in the USA are made in China by BGI or its subsidiaries. There are numerous companies that make this equipment in the U.S. and or friendly countries. This bill says that beginning on October 1st of 25, a medical facility or research facility in this state shall not put into service within the state any new or additional genetic sequencers or operational and research software used for genetic analysis produced by a foreign adversary, a state-owned enterprise of a foreign adversary, a company domiciled within a foreign adversary, or a company-owned or company-controlled subsidiary of a company domiciled with a foreign adversary for the purpose of conducting genetic analysis. We worked with UAMS, Children's Hospital, the AG's office, and the Health Department. All are neutral or supportive of the bill after we amended it to address their concerns. Tennessee, Kansas, and Idaho have all passed this or very similar legislation. It has been introduced in other states and is working its way through the process. I'd be happy to answer any questions. If not, I'd appreciate a good vote.
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Chair Unverified 1:29:40
Any questions for Senator Penzo? Anyone who wants to speak against or for? Senator has closed. Any objection rolling the vote? Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Disbane, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stebifield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace.
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Speaker 12 1:30:12
Any senator wish to change his or her
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Chair Unverified 1:30:15
vote? Senator Flowers present. Any other senator? Seeing no other, please cast up the ballot. By vote of 34, yea, 0, nay, 1 present. Senate Bill 311 passes. Please transmit to the House. Senate Bill 369, Senator Irvin. Senate Bill 369 by Senator Irvin. To repeal the Computer and Electronic Equipment Recycling Grants and repeal the Computer and Electronic Recycling Fund. Senator Irvin, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 1:30:48
President. Senate Bill 369 is with the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment. It eliminates the electronic recycling grant program component of the Arkansas Computer and Electronic Solid Waste Management Act. This act establishes how state agencies are to dispose of computer and electronic waste in the state. Currently, the program currently requires that 25% of computer and electronic state surplus sales be transferred to the Department of Energy and Environment and given out as grants. However, this program no longer yields a positive cost benefit to the department. Therefore, the department uses only a minimal amount to cover the cost of administrating the program from the funds received, but does not cover personnel costs. So the administrative burden in carrying out this program outweighs the potential benefits of the grant program. Therefore, this bill will eliminate the grant program and redirect the 25% currently going to energy and environment to MMNR, which is marketing and redistribution state surplus.
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Chair Unverified 1:31:52
Happy to answer any questions. Questions for Senator Irvin. Senator Martin Johnson, you're recognized for a question.
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Senator Mark Johnson Unverified 1:32:00
Thank you, Madam President. Senator Irvin, does this increase the percentage that M&R gets to keep out of the, with this money that's not going to the grant, how is it divided up based on the sale of the
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 1:32:16
individual item? Well, it's the 25% that's currently going to energy and environment would go to M&R. And that would allow
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Senator Mark Johnson Unverified 1:32:22
them to do their job because they are a cash agency? Yes. Okay, great. I just wanted to make sure that they were getting to keep that because at one point they were getting a little close on having enough to operate
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 1:32:35
on. Thank you for your bill. Yeah, I think it's a really
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Chair Unverified 1:32:42
good government efficiency bill. Okay, thank you. Thank you, Madam President. Any other questions? Seeing no other questions. Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator has closed. I'm closed, thank you. Any objection to rolling the vote? Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote.
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Speaker 250 1:32:59
Boyd, Bright, Caldwell, Clark, excuse me, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismaine, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers,
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Chair Unverified 1:33:06
Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbafill, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Any senator wish to change his or her vote? Seeing no one, please cast up the ballot. By vote of 35 yeas, 0 nay.
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Speaker 309 1:33:32
Senate Bill 369 passes. Please transmit to the
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Chair Unverified 1:33:37
House. Senate Bill 451. Senate Bill 451 by Senator Hester to require the Department of Human Services and the Department of Education to to establish regional behavioral health programs to amend the law concerning the education of certain students and declare an emergency. Senator Hester, you're
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 1:33:56
recognized. Thank you, Madam Governor. Members, this is a bill that deals with violent students in classrooms. This is something every one of our districts is in absolute need of. We had a lot of debate in committee yesterday with concern over students with, you know, individual education disabilities, and I'm trying to think here, I'm trying to cover some stuff that Senator Flowers wanted me to cover. Kids with IEPs, this does not disrupt that, but what this does, it sets a program for our schools to be able to take care of those students that are violent, that we take care of the teachers, we take care of the students in the classroom and the staff, but we also take care of those students and do our best to provide them the education that they need without disrupting their lives, without keeping the isolation separated from the classmates at a minimum. The goal is to create a plan that helps them. Now look, this is a very complicated issue. It's something that I wouldn't be surprised if we didn't make an amendment on the House that we're working on, but this is something that I feel like is important for every one of our school districts. I'm happy to
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Chair Unverified 1:35:10
answer any questions. Questions for Senator Hester? Senator Flowers, you're recognized.
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Senator Stephanie Flowers Unverified 1:35:20
Senator Hester, thank you. And I appreciate your concern for teachers and other students in the education facilities. But you mentioned in your presentation there about this preventing violence. You used the word violent, but your bill says behavior that is substantially likely to cause injury to the student, other students or staff. So when I read that kind of language, it doesn't suggest that something has already occurred. Some behavior has already occurred that has caused injury, but likely. So somebody's communication, words, can be subjective and people can get the wrong meaning and intent of the person who's making those statements or saying those words. And that concerns me about your bill. And so I just want you to say yay or nay. Am I right in reading your bill? And it doesn't mention that a student has engaged in a violent act, but rather substantially likely to cause an injury. Is that correct? That is correct.
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 1:37:06
They don't necessarily have had to. They could be on an escalation up to that point. But look, one of the things that we were intentional about overcoming is right now the requirement is they had to do something that could likely cause death. So they could punch a teacher, break their nose, cause a concussion, and that doesn't meet the criteria of removing them from a classroom. They could push a teacher over. They could break their arm. And because that doesn't likely cause death, that's not considered violent enough. We're changing that to say, hey, look, if this is someone violent, harming themselves, harming another student, harming staff, we have the right to create a new plan. And you're right, this doesn't immediately do something. This creates these new behavioral groups that will help make a plan. Hopefully that plan is to keep them out of the classroom as minimal as possible. That is the goal, right, for those to be able to get whatever help they need to get back in the classroom and not disrupt their, while taking care of them but just as important as their education is all the other students in the room that don't need to be constantly disrupted, constant anxiety, constant inability for them to be educated because one or two that refuse to abide
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Senator Stephanie Flowers Unverified 1:38:17
by the rules. But do you agree that your bill doesn't even use the word violent? It only says substantially likely to cause injury. You are correct. And so you want to create these behavioral schools or four walls isolating and segregating students that you may not understand, the teacher may not understand, but has no intention of causing anybody any injury or harm.
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 1:38:51
Is that correct? Well, that is correct, but the goal is for not a teacher, but for a group. this behavioral health program to work for a new behavioral health plan for them and just as important as the student safety is
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Senator Stephanie Flowers Unverified 1:39:08
the teachers and the students around them and also i wanted to you to say yay or nay uh we talked about the individuals with disability education act in the committee and that act prescribes for students with those kinds of disabilities under the act to be in the least restrictive environment. That's not what your bill does. It puts them all in a class together. Whether those, I mean, you have no delineation of how serious it is. All you say is substantially likely to cause injury. That's not even a physical kind of thing. You agree with that? You're shaking your head.
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 1:39:56
Well, no, I'm acknowledging what you were saying. And I understand the concerns. In no way does this take the place of or remove someone's IEP or the requirements or the federal requirements for that. But I would say just
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Senator Stephanie Flowers Unverified 1:40:13
as important as that student's rights or other students' rights. Well, the IDEA, you would acknowledge, also requires a manifestation determination when a student acts out or does something that is something outside of what they anticipated to be his conduct or his behavior or her behavior in that classroom setting. Is that right? That's right. I mean, I can
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 1:40:35
tell you examples, even this week in Northwest Arkansas, where students should not be in the classroom, there is nowhere else to put them. So the judge, they put them back in because they have nowhere else, And it is putting those teachers and all those other students at risk. We simply have to have a better plan because things are not getting better in society. They are getting worse. And if we don't protect the students and the teachers who are in the classrooms,
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Senator Stephanie Flowers Unverified 1:41:04
we're not going to be able to educate anyone. Well, wouldn't you agree that all children need to be protected? Yes. Even those that may have some issues communicating or what some teachers might perceive as behavior issues? that's correct okay any
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Chair Unverified 1:41:23
other questions senator hammer you're recognized for a question thank
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Senator Kim Hammer Unverified 1:41:27
you just a couple points of clarification as far as the determination of who is going to fall under this is that going to be a combination who within the school system is going to make that determination well I think it's
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 1:41:39
it's going to be a cooperation with the Department of Education and DHS that's why we're starting this program we don't know exactly how that's going to look yet what we are acknowledging is there is a massive problem that we have to have a solution to this year not in two years when we get back to session we've got to start something that's why this looks pretty broad but we're requiring DHS and ADE to get together get a plan and start moving forward look at Northwest Arkansas we've got a great School Hope Academy at our children's shelter they take kids that are in foster care have been in foster care maybe have been violent or not but they've been doing some really amazing work for some families, helping the schools with kids that, you know, have had some significant struggles and trauma in their life. We hope to be able to partner with Hope Academy and see this, you know, move in other parts of the state. Right, and I'm supportive of
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Senator Kim Hammer Unverified 1:42:26
the bill, but what I was trying to bring out or get to the point of bringing out, they're only going to be put under these services if it's been deemed by the professional that that's what's best for the child, which means that's what's best for the classroom, which means that's what's best for the teacher. Is that a fair assessment? That's correct. Okay. And one other question. You mentioned criminal behavior. I believe I heard that in your comments, criminal behavior. If that becomes part of the student's record, and let's say that that leads to where the student maybe is going to be up for expulsion, and then let's say that student decides or those parents decide, hey, you know what? We're going to move before that goes all the way up the ladder. will all those things be able to be shared with the receiving school that's going to receive that student or do you know? That's not
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 1:43:15
part of this bill but I understand there's another bill going through the legislature that would require the sharing of that information. Yeah
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Senator Kim Hammer Unverified 1:43:22
and it didn't get through so in other words a school is going to receive something they don't know that's coming so
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Speaker 285 1:43:30
I appreciate it. Thank you. Any other questions? Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator Flowers are you speaking
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Chair Unverified 1:43:39
against and then Senator Clark you'll be recognized to speak for. Senator Flowers you're
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Senator Stephanie Flowers Unverified 1:43:52
recognized. Well I'll offer my perspective as a person who's worked with kids as a lawyer in juvenile court dealing with kids that have been referred to court under the family in need of services for some, they might call it, behavior less than delinquency or criminal conduct, but something that someone might perceive as a child being out of control are just, I think Senator Hester referred to the rules and not obeying the rules. Children will be children, and they have to be taught things. Some kids learn in different ways. But this bill deals with behavior. says that is substantially likely to cause injury. And that concerns me because it's not saying that the child has done anything. Maybe the child says something. Maybe the child makes a statement and it's taken out of context. And then you you gotta deal with the kids that have disabilities, that have been evaluated with certain disabilities that are listed in the Individuals with Disability Education Act. And that's a whole set of rules that apply to those children that have those disabilities. And we're talking about whether or not they're being tested, evaluated properly. cases that I've had to deal with there were there was no evaluation and if there was an evaluation they didn't follow through the IEP or the independent education planning group was a joke and what I found in Arkansas even with the Department of Education and the person that's set up over there as a state education person that deals with disabled children in school settings, they weren't even fully implementing what the federal law said in terms of the Individuals with Disability Education Act. Arkansas has a problem and it's not just with these children, it's with these adults and these people that are running in these agencies and in these courts there's something wrong. And when we start putting these kids in these environments where they're all in one little group, all labeled bad kids, bad behavior, there's something wrong with that. And if you're a parent, you ought to understand that. And you ought to want more for your child. And if you're not a parent, you ought to want more for the children of the state of Arkansas. They ask you
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Chair Unverified 1:47:24
to vote no. Speak for Senator Clark. You're recognized.
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Senator Alan Clark Unverified 1:47:30
Thank you, Governor. Colleagues, we lose lots of teachers every single year, but a couple years ago we lost a teacher that I thought was one of our best, youngest, and brightest teachers, someone who was close to me, and she moved to a new school, was excited, had been recruited to go there and got there, and a young man there threatened to rape her. And the administration told her that there was nothing they could do because hadn't done anything violent, hadn't hit her. She was traumatized. She was scared. She ended up taking all of her leave because she had to see him every day, see him in the hallway every day. and at the end of the year she quit teaching and went into another field of work. I was angry at the administration. I was angry with the system. I couldn't imagine that we wouldn't do anything to protect that teacher. I'm glad that Senator Hester has brought a bill where we can.
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Chair Unverified 1:48:49
speak against for or on senator dismaying you're recognized to speak on i think we just
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Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 1:48:57
need to have a conversation about what this bill does and some of the things that public schools have not been willing to do i think this body i think twice now has voted through what's called ace testing for children and that's adverse childhood experiences and when we brought it up for the first time i think it was four years ago and the discussion is this before we expel a child let's find out what's going on. Because I promise you there is no five-year-old that wants to physically assault someone that doesn't have something happening on the other side. The public school said no. That's too hard. That's too difficult. They ran it in the house last time. Same exact thing happened. It was the superintendents and the school districts saying no. If you go to Oklahoma right now, they use ACE like everyone knows what it means. it is part of their vocabulary in k-12 schools so they can better understand the experiences that children are having so they can better help them our school districts are saying no and so my my the reason i'm here is it's not specifically stated in this bill but it sure should be and it doesn't have to be but i i certainly hope that if we're going to go to this extreme and we're talking about what we're going to do with these children we will first do some ACE testing and figure out what's happening so that we can do the appropriate thing for these kids. Because again, there's no five-year-old, there's no eight-year-old, there's no 10-year-old that is out and doing some of the things that you're hearing about without a reason. There is something that has happened and we need to be able to do what we can to help. And so I just hope, and my pitch here at the well is, I understand where we're going with this, but I hope that we make ACE testing part of, whatever this process looks like. Anyone else
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Chair Unverified 1:50:44
wish to speak against, for, or on the bill? Senator Irvin, you're recognized to speak for
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 1:50:53
the bill. Just to further along what Senator Disming is saying, we absolutely also should be making sure that every school district utilizes the safe school dashboard. You have the ability with the technology that some schools choose to do. We don't mandate that they use this so that they know which kids are in academic distress. But that software also has the ability, it was developed by a man that lives in Mountain Home, Arkansas, who worked for Walmart, who ran all of the numbers and created software for Walmart to do what they do best. And he developed the software based on a student who had committed suicide in a school. And when that kid had committed suicide, after they sat down, the school administration all sat down and started to review what had happened with that student, they all started realizing there were red flags that were happening, but nobody had a dashboard to look at it all at once, and nobody was talking to each other, the teachers and the administrators. And so this student, this young lady, slipped through the cracks. And so the superintendent went to this man and said, hey, you need to develop some technology so that I can keep up with all of these things that are already in every single one of our file cabinets. I need the technology to be able to see that in real time so I can flag which kids are not just in academic distress, but which kids are actually in social distress too, so that we can head this off. We can change the classrooms for some of these kids. If they're getting bullied in this classroom, they're not going to speak up. We understand and see, oh, they're skipping that class. There's a reason why that's happening. So I hope that the Department of Education, I want this bill to pass, but I want the Department of Education to take the necessary steps to ensure that every school district has to use this technology that's been made available to them and paid for by the state of Arkansas at no cost to them, that they utilize the technology to make sure that these kids don't slip through the cracks. So I agree with what Senator Desminge said and I wanted to go another step further because the state of Arkansas has paid for this technology and these schools need to use it. Thank you. Anyone else wish to
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Chair Unverified 1:53:13
speak against for or on the bill? If not, Senator Hester, you're recognized to close. Thank you, members, and I think
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 1:53:19
you've heard why this bill was written so broadly. We're just requiring them to get a game plan together and hopefully it does require the use of ace. I will start advocating on that. There will be some more debate in the House over the next few days as this moves forward. I would
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Chair Unverified 1:53:41
appreciate a good vote. Certainly we know that this is something important to all of our districts. Thank you. Senator is closed. Any
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Speaker 354 1:53:51
objection to rolling the vote? Objection noted. Madam Secretary,
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Speaker 356 1:53:56
please call the roll. Bowen? Bowen? Yes. Bryant? Caldwell? Aldwell. Clark. Crowell. Crowell.
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Speaker 357 1:54:06
Davis. Dees. Dismang. Dismang. Dotson. English.
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Speaker 358 1:54:10
aye. Flippo? Aye. Flowers? Aye. Gilmore? Yes.
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Speaker 356 1:54:21
Hammer? Yes. Hester? Yes. Hickey? Aye. Hill? Aye. Irvin? Aye. Blake Johnson? Aye. Mark
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Speaker 508 1:54:37
Johnson? Aye. King, King,
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Speaker 355 1:54:43
Letting, Letting, Love, McKee, McKee,
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Speaker 367 1:54:51
Murdoch, Peyton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbafil, Stubbafil,
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Speaker 368 1:55:03
Sullivan? Aye. Tucker? Tucker? Wallace?
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Speaker 12 1:55:10
Aye. Any senator who did not vote or
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Chair Unverified 1:55:15
who wishes to change his or her vote? Senator Letting? Yes. Senator McKee? Yes. Tucker? Yes. Senator Dismang? Present. Any other senator? Please check the board. Seeing no other, please cast up the ballot. By vote of 30 yea, 1 nay, 3 not voting, and 1 present. Senate
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Speaker 309 1:55:49
Bill 451 passes, and the corresponding emergency clause is adopted. Please transmit to the House. Madam Secretary, are there items at the desk? Yes, no, so the return of
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Speaker 51 1:55:59
House Bill 1555 is requested. We are committed on engrossed bills to whom is deferred
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Chair Unverified 1:56:07
Senate Bill 520 by Senator Sullivan, compared to the engrossed copy of the original and find the same correctly engrossed. Calendar. Committee on engrossed bills to whom is deferred House Bill 1131 by Senator Penzo, compared to the engrossed copy of the original and find the same correctly engrossed. Calendar. Committee on Engrossed Bills, to whom is for House Bill 1685 by Senator Hester, compare the engrossed copy with the original and find the same correctly engrossed. Revenue and Tax. Committee on Engrossed Bills, to whom is for House Bill 1777 by Senator Gilmore, compare the engrossed copy with the original and find the same correctly engrossed. Calendar. Committee on Engrossed Bills, to whom is for House Bill 1844 by Senator Wallace, compare the engrossed copy with the original and find the same correctly engrossed. Calendar. Will your Committee on State Agencies team was for Senate Joint Resolution 13 by Senator Dotson report the recommendation that it do
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Speaker 8 1:57:01
pass. Calendar. Thank you, Madam Secretary. Next,
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Chair Unverified 1:57:08
we will take up Senate Bill 458. Senate Bill 458 by Senator Letting, to require a court to consider the impact of factors such as trauma and involvement with the child welfare system on a person who committed a crime as a minor during a transfer or sentencing hearing. Senator Letting, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, this is just another
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Senator Greg Leding Unverified 1:57:42
of the juvenile justice reforms that I have been carrying this session. also had a couple of these. I want to thank the Senate Judiciary Committee for making this a better bill than it was when we first brought it to them. We incorporated feedback from the committee, specifically Senator McKee, also incorporated feedback from the prosecutors and a judge who approached us after we presented the bill the first time. Essentially all we're doing here is making sure that we are consistent when it comes to sentencing minors. The standard practice in juvenile court is that judges when they are sentencing these minors, they consider childhood trauma. We are just making sure that sometimes juveniles are sentenced in adult court and we just want to make sure that the same factors are considered when they are sentenced there. There was no opposition in committee. Prosecutors are fine with this bill. This is the last such of these bills I
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Speaker 164 1:58:26
will have this session or will ever have for that matter.
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Chair Unverified 1:58:30
So I would appreciate a good vote. Any questions? Anyone wish to speak against or for? Any objection to
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Speaker 250 1:58:43
rolling the vote? Seeing no objection,
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Chair Unverified 1:58:46
Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismaine, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbifill, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Any senator wish to change his or her vote? Seeing no one, please cast up the ballot. by a vote of 35 yea, zero nay, Senate Bill 458 passes. Please transmit to the House Senate Bill 468. Senate Bill 468 by Senator Penzo to amend the law concerning fluoridation of public water system and to allow voters to elect
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Speaker 518 1:59:24
for or against water fluoridation in the county. I believe this is one of the bills
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Chair Unverified 1:59:33
that we're going to put at the end of today's calendar. Madam Secretary, I apologize. So we are moving Senate Bill 468 to the end of today's Senate calendar. Next, we will take up... Senator
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Speaker 310 2:00:09
Petty, if you're ready, let's take up Senate Bill 500.
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Chair Unverified 2:00:25
Senate Bill 500 by Senator Petty. to amend the law concerning levy districts and to allow a levy district created by an act of the General Assembly to adopt procedure concerning the collection of assessments.
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Senator Jim Petty Unverified 2:00:40
Senator Petty, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President. Members, I know we don't like to be specific when we're dealing with statutes, but unfortunately in this situation, because way back in 1909, they passed Act 67 dealing with levy districts, modern day levy districts actually collect, they all have the ability, but they have the ability, the modern day have the ability to collect through the normal property tax method, through their property tax billings. Act 67 of 1909 required that our levy district in Crawford County, and there may be others, I'm not familiar with them, but there may be others across the state that fall under this, similar. But in our case, our levy district has to bill and collect themselves. And this bill is just giving them the ability to actually piggyback off of the normal property tax collection system. So with that, I'd be happy to answer any
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Chair Unverified 2:01:45
questions. Questions for Senator Petty. Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator has closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismaine, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbeville, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Any senator wish to change his or her vote? Senator Flowers present. Any other senator? Seeing no other, please cast up the ballot. By vote of 34 yeas, 0 nay, 1 present, Senate Bill 500 passes. Please transmit to the House. Senator Stubblefield, we temporarily passed over Senate Bill 478. I'm sorry. We are passing over Senate Bill 478. Next, we will take up Senate Bill 527. Senate Bill 527 by Senator Irving, to amend the Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me Act of 2021 and to increase the medical loss ratio in the Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me program. Senator Irving, you're
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 2:03:17
recognized. Thank you, Madam President. Members, the Our Home Act of 2025 aims to improve health care access and reauthorizes the Our Home program in Arkansas. And it includes the requirement for all participants without an exemption to comply with any federal or state work requirements. The program is designed to be fiscally sustainable, cost-effective, and opportunity-driven while providing comprehensive health care reforms to support low-income adults. Key goals of this legislation is to reduce state and federal health care cost growth, lower maternal and infant mortality rates, promote health care responsibility and economic independence, enhance access to care in rural Arkansas, rural areas of the state, support our small rural hospitals and critical access hospitals, maximize our pharmaceutical rebates for sustainability of the program. The eligibility, that is adults age 19 through 64 that meet the income criteria, U.S. citizens. And so making sure that you have the coverage options, you have cost sharing and premiums. Those are based on your income with incentives for maintaining health and employment. Currently, we are at a 90-10 match, so the federal government is at 90%. The state of Arkansas, the state GR, is 10%. The bill specifically, in addition to including the work requirement language, changes the medical loss ratio from 80% to 85%, meaning that now 85% or 5% more than previously would go towards the cost of the medical claims and health care coverage, whereas then 15% is capped for administrative costs for the program. And then also in the bill that's a change from the previous program is our ability as a state to capture the pharmaceutical rebate funds, which then would also be able to be shared with the federal government and the state of Arkansas, and it creates a tracking system for that to occur. I think as we have looked at this, This program has been effective at helping to keep our premiums in check and lower than every other, almost everything, every other state in the country. It has succeeded on all the fronts that we set out as goals for the program. This maintains a QHP model, and I think I would argue incredibly important, particularly for our maternal health homes. The other part of the bill is it allows for an opening up of community bridge organizations to be able to fill the need for maternal homes across the state, and those would include clinics and federally qualified health centers. Any questions for Senator
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Chair Unverified 2:06:20
Irvin? Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator, you're welcome to close. I am closed, and I'd appreciate a good vote. Thank you. Senator has closed. Any objection? Rolling the vote? Seeing none, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Desmang, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake, Johnson, Mark, Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Peyton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbeville, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Any senator wish to change his or her vote? Senator Bryant, present. Senator Tucker, present. Senator Dees, present. Penzo, present. King, not voting. Letting, present. Any other senator? Scott, present. Flowers, present. Any other senator? Seeing no other. Please cast up the ballot by a vote of 27 yeas, 0 nay, 1 not voting, 7 present. Senate Bill 527 passes. Please transmit to the House. Senate Bill 535, Senator Hester. Senator Irvin, if you're ready, we can take up your bill. Senate Bill 563, and we will come back to Senator Hesters. Senate Bill 563 by Senator Irving to authorize the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission to impose a civil penalty for certain actions against an equine and to allow a body-conditioned sore to be used for an equine under the offense of cruelty to animals.
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 2:08:17
Senator Irving, you're recognized. Thank you. Members, I appreciate the questions that people have come to me about this bill. I worked with the Department of Agriculture on this bill, as well as a lot of us that have horses, horse people. Before, there was no standard in place. Actually, this happened to me. I had an elderly horse on my property. Somebody was driving by and called and complained and reported me for abusing my horse. It's just that my horse was like 42 years old. And so I could feed that horse about five buckets of grain a day, and it still wouldn't gain weight because it was 42 years old. So this bill basically is a fair and reasonable bill to take care of really egregious issues if you own a horse and you're mistreating the horse or abusing the horse. But what it does is it creates a standard that was not in the law previously to make sure that you have a body condition score that is conducted by a licensed veterinarian. That's very, very important because it takes into consideration all the different factors as to where that horse is, what's going on with that horse. And so it's a very good scientific test that is conducted all the time on our horses. And so I think it's important that we now have the standard in place for that determination. Any questions for Senator Irvin?
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Chair Unverified 2:09:41
Senator McKee, you're recognized for a question. Thank you, Madam Governor. So,
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Senator Matt McKee Unverified 2:09:46
Senator Irvin, I appreciate you explaining some of those things to me earlier. Yeah. What is, I've got friends and neighbors who take pride in the fact that they go and they buy poorly horses and they'll nurse them back to health and get them healthy. What's to stop them from being accused? This test can take all those things into account
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 2:10:07
so they don't run the risk of this? Yes. No, absolutely. This is a test that's going to be able, that's conducted, used, taught with any veterinary, any licensed veterinarian that can conduct this. So I think it's really, this is a matter of protection for people like that, to make sure that there's a standard now in place so that they don't get accused of something just that's based on subjectivity.
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Chair Unverified 2:10:30
Senator Sullivan, you're recognized for a question. Thank you,
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Senator Dan Sullivan Chair Unverified 2:10:39
Madam Chair. Is there an appeal process in the bill?
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 2:10:44
I'm sorry, what? Is there an appeal process? No, there is not an appeal process. So the bill, so the... Not that I can see. I mean, it's up to a certain
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Senator Dan Sullivan Chair Unverified 2:10:54
amount of money. Yeah, so they can fine them up to $5,000 and you don't
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 2:10:59
have an appeal process? I don't have any answer to that question.
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Chair Unverified 2:11:03
Thank you. Any other questions? Senator Payton,
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 2:11:08
you're recognized? It could be elsewhere in state code. I'm understanding that it is in state code, but I don't know exactly
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Senator John Payton Unverified 2:11:17
where it is. Thank you, Madam President. So prior to the passage of this bill, is there anything in Arkansas code that allows
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 2:11:27
the assessment of a fine? Again, I know that I was the subject of this, and I cannot remember exactly how that process worked. And I can get that answer to you. I'm fine with pulling the bill down and getting these answers from the Secretary of Agriculture. And I'll just say, being familiar
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Senator John Payton Unverified 2:11:45
with a couple of these situations, they took the horse. Yeah. But they had no authority to impose a fine. I think you're correct in that. So this establishes the authority to impose a fine up to $5,000? Well, yes, it absolutely does
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 2:11:58
do that, yes. Okay, thank you. Are there any other questions?
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Speaker 230 2:12:08
Any other questions? Anyone wish to speak against or for? I'm
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Chair Unverified 2:12:17
closed. Senator has closed. Any objection to? Well, do
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Speaker 543 2:12:19
you want me to? I thought I answered your question.
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 2:12:28
Do you want me to? Okay. I'll tell you what. I'm going to go ahead and vote the bill. If there's questions or concerns about this, then I will make sure that there's addressed. If that's okay, Senator Payton. I thought I'd answered your question. Okay. So I'm going to ask for a good vote. If there's additional questions, I'll get the Secretary of
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Speaker 410 2:12:52
Agriculture to get with all of us
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Chair Unverified 2:12:54
on it. Thank you. Senator, has closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Seeing no objection,
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Speaker 249 2:13:04
objection noted. Madam Secretary, please call the roll. Boyd? Boyd? Bryant? Bryant.
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Speaker 357 2:13:18
Caldwell. Caldwell. Clark. Crowell. Davis. Davis. Dees. Dispain. Dotson. Dotson. English? English. Flippo? Flippo. Flowers? Flowers. Gilmore?
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Speaker 358 2:13:34
Yes. Hammer? Yes. Hester? Yes. Hickey? No. Hill?
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Speaker 356 2:13:46
Aye. Irvin? Aye. Blake Johnson? Aye. Blake Johnson? Aye. Present. Mark Johnson? Aye. King? King. Letting? Aye. Love? Love.
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Speaker 355 2:14:06
McKee? Aye. Murdoch? Murdoch. Present.
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Speaker 356 2:14:12
Payton? No. Penzo? Penzo. Petty. Yes. Rice. Scott. Yes.
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Speaker 367 2:14:22
Stone. Aye. Stebafil. Sullivan. No. Tucker. Aye. Wallace. Aye.
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Speaker 12 2:14:37
Any senator who did not vote who wishes to change your vote, Senator Dodson,
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Chair Unverified 2:14:44
present. Clark, no. Bryant, no. Love, yes. Penzo, no. Hickey, present. Any other senator, please check the board. Seeing no other, please cast up the ballot by vote of 19 yea, 5 nay, 4 not voting, 7 present. Senate Bill 563 passes. Please transmit to the House. We will now go back and take up Senate Bill 535. Senate Bill 535 by Senator Hester. To create a sales and use tax exemption for the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts and the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Foundation. Senator
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 2:15:33
Hester, you're recognized. Members, many years ago, we gave some sales tax and other tax exemptions to the Crystal Bridges Museum in Northwest Arkansas. This just brings up the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts to the same status. It's about a $20,000 a year fiscal impact, and happy to answer
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Speaker 410 2:15:55
any questions. Questions for Senator
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Chair Unverified 2:16:01
Hester? Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator has closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Black, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismaine, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Sebafield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Any senator wish to change his or her vote? Senator Clark, no. Any other senator? King, not voting. Rice, present. Penzo, present. Flowers, present. Any other senator? Senator Hickey, present. Any others? Senator Sullivan, present. Any other senator? Seeing no other, please cast up the ballot. By vote of 28 yea, 1 nay, 1 not voting, 5 present. Senate Bill 535 passes. Please transmit to the House. Senate Bill 585. And just for clarification, We are passing over Senate Bill 538. Now we are taking up Senate Bill 585. Senate Bill 585 by Senator Letting. To require certain records, be provided to an employee who is a minor. Senator Letting, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President. Last one, y'all,
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Senator Greg Leding Unverified 2:17:35
and it's super simple. Basically, we're just trying to protect kids who go out and get jobs and also teach them some financial literacy. All we're doing here is just making sure that their employer provides them a pay stub when they get their paycheck most employers already do this some don't we're just making sure that we're consistent across the board we did work with the state chamber on this they told us that if we made sure they're only applied to employers with 10 or more employees I mean sorry yes only 10 or more employees they wouldn't oppose it nobody spoke against it in committee came out of committee unanimously and
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Chair Unverified 2:18:10
I'd appreciate a good vote. Any questions for Senator Letting, anyone wish to speak against or for, to speak against Senator Clark, you're recognized. Please don't.
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Senator Alan Clark Unverified 2:18:31
The state chamber doesn't speak for small business. This is targeted, number one, if they already do a, what do you call it, pay stub, then the miners get one. This is targeted at small businesses that don't do pay stubs. Probably somebody that them or their spouse is sitting down at the end of the week and writing the checks in a checkbook. and everybody says this is, every time we bring these things up, oh, it's just this one little thing. No, it's not just this one little thing. You don't know how many things we put on the small business, man. You know, you get up bigger, you may have an HR person, but this person is the HR person. They're the main seller. They're the main buyer. And they're not even going to know this law exists. This is going to be so someone can file a claim with the labor board because they can't keep up with all this crap. And it does absolutely no good. We can, you know, if we want financial literacy, let's teach it in school. This is just putting a burden on small business, and I can tell you they will appreciate it if you don't. I appreciate a no vote. Anyone else wish to
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Chair Unverified 2:19:58
speak for, against, or on the bill? If not, Senator Letting, you're recognized to close. Thank you, Madam President.
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Senator Greg Leding Unverified 2:20:05
I would just stress again that this applies only to minors and only to employers with 10 or more
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Chair Unverified 2:20:17
employees. Most employers already do this. And yes, Senator Dotson, this is the
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Speaker 354 2:20:27
last time. Senator has closed. Objection noted to rolling the vote. Therefore, Madam Secretary, please call the
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Speaker 250 2:20:38
roll. Boyd? Bryant? Caldwell? Caldwell Clark Crowell
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Speaker 357 2:20:45
Crowell Davis Davis Dees Dees Dismang Dotson English English Flippo Flippo
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Speaker 358 2:20:58
Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey,
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Speaker 356 2:21:10
Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King King
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Speaker 103 2:21:30
Ludding Love Love McKee
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Speaker 508 2:21:36
Murdoch Payton Penzo Penzo
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Speaker 356 2:21:42
Petty Petty Rice Scott
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Speaker 367 2:21:54
Stone Stebafield
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Speaker 368 2:22:01
Sullivan Sullivan Tucker Wallace
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Chair Unverified 2:22:09
No Any senator wish to vote who did not vote or change your vote? Senator Davis, yes Senator Gilmore, yes Senator Dismang, yes Senator Irvin, yes Penzo. No. Petty. No. Hickey. No. Kroll. No. Any others? Please check the board. Seeing no others, please cast up the ballot. By a vote of 14 yea, 15 nay, 6 not voting, Senate Bill 585 fails. Senator Sullivan, you're recognized for a motion. Members, I'd like to make a motion to suspend the
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Senator Dan Sullivan Chair Unverified 2:23:00
rules and put Senate Bill 520 at the end of today's calendar. End of the Senate calendar. All those in
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Chair Unverified 2:23:13
favor of the motion, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it. Motion carries. Senator
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Speaker 353 2:23:20
Irvin, you're recognized for motion or question. Well, I had asked
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 2:23:27
a question and Senator Hester verified with the House that they are going to hear our bills in committee on Monday is our last day. So, Monday of next week would be the last day to hear Senate bills in House committees. So, I think Senator Petty has a motion because his bill will have to go to House rules and they will only meet tomorrow. So, I just want to make sure we have good information. So, I'll be supportive of that motion, but we do have
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Senator Steve Crowell Chair Unverified 2:24:04
time for everybody else. Senator Kroll. I'd like to suspend the rules and put Senate Bill 568 at the end of today's Senate calendar.
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Speaker 141 2:24:14
All those in favor of the motion, please signify by saying aye.
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Chair Unverified 2:24:18
Aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it. Motion carries.
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Senator Jim Petty Unverified 2:24:22
Senator Petty, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President. I would like to, again, try to make a motion to suspend the rules and put SB 574 to the end of
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Chair Unverified 2:24:35
the calendar today. All those in favor of the motion, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it. Motion carries. On the Senate calendar, yes. One more. Yes. What was that number again, Senator? 574. Senator Petty, you're recognized for a
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Senator Jim Petty Unverified 2:24:57
motion. I would also like to make a motion to suspend the rules and place SB 456 to the end of the Senate calendar today. All
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Speaker 141 2:25:07
those in favor of the motion, please signify
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Chair Unverified 2:25:11
by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it. Motion carries. And we will have an updated list when we get closer to that point, Senators.
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Speaker 580 2:25:26
Next, we will take up Senate Bill 591, Senator Penzo. Thank you,
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 2:25:33
Madam President. Senate Bill 591
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Chair Unverified 2:25:37
by Senator Penzo to prohibit race selection abortion in this state and to create the Race Discrimination by Abortion Prohibition Act. Senator Penzo, you're recognized. Thank
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 2:25:54
you, Madam President. Senate Bill 591 seeks to prohibit race selection abortions in the state of Arkansas. It introduces a new subchapter to the Arkansas Code that is very similar to the other non-discrimination abortion bans, such as sex selection and Down syndrome ban that are already in code. It stipulates that a physician or any individual cannot perform or attempt to perform abortion if they know that the pregnant woman is seeking the procedure solely based on the race of the unborn child. The act will only take effect if Arkansas's existing laws against abortion are struck down or repealed. Section 2 acts as the trigger for this. The bill also outlines criminal and civil penalties for violations and categorizes knowingly performing a prohibited abortion as a class a misdemeanor this bill ensures that women who receive or attempt to receive an abortion in violation of this subchapter will not be prosecuted or held liable the penalties are for the physicians who violate the law if there aren't any questions i'd ask for a good vote
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Speaker 377 2:27:08
any questions for senator penzo senator davis thank you madam president senator
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Senator Breanne Davis Chair Unverified 2:27:14
penzo i read through the bill and there's no exception for life of the mother in this bill can you
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 2:27:24
speak to that it pretty it specifically states that it's based on the race of the unborn child the race of the unborn child does not affect the life of the mother
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Senator Breanne Davis Chair Unverified 2:27:37
Well, it defines, excuse me, at the top of, yeah, at the top of page two, an act under the subdivision is not an abortion if the act is performed with the intent to save the life or preserve the health of the unborn child, remove a dead unborn child caused by spontaneous abortion, or remove an eptopic pregnancy. It says nothing about saving the life of a mother, and that is an exception that we've at least always had that. what section did
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 2:28:05
you just read at the top of page two the top of page two line one okay so it's by definition it's stating that it's to save the life or preserve the health of the unborn
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Senator Breanne Davis Chair Unverified 2:28:28
child so my question is yeah it doesn't have an exception for life of the mother it's not an abortion if the act is performed with, I would think it should say with the intent to save the life
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 2:28:42
of the mother. If you'll go to the contingent section it already is in code? Under one?
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Senator Breanne Davis Chair Unverified 2:28:54
It says it down there. It says if it's this only takes effect and it explains right there I think in one if Arkansas is enjoined from presenting a person for purposefully performing or attempting to perform an abortion except to save the life of a pregnant woman, that's when this law takes effect, and this law does not have an exception for life of the mother. Okay. I tell
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 2:29:21
you what, I will put this on the end of the agenda, get you an answer to that. I think the way I read it, it does, but we'll clarify that and I'll pull this back up on the end of the calendar if that's acceptable. Yeah, please move this to the end of the Senate calendar.
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Speaker 374 2:29:50
Thank you. We are moving SB 591 to the end of the
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Chair Unverified 2:29:55
Senate calendar. We will next take up Senate Bill 598. Senate Bill 598 by Senator English to amend various laws related to the Division of Workforce Services and to amend the definition of employee under the Workers' Compensation Law resulting from Initiated Act 4 of 1948.
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Senator Jane English Unverified 2:30:17
Senator English, you're recognized. Thank you very much. This is basically a cleanup bill for the Division of Workforce Services. make
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Speaker 605 2:30:26
some changes, and put some things under the same rules as the federal
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Chair Unverified 2:30:35
government. Any questions for Senator English? Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator has closed. Any objection rolling the vote? Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismayne, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbuffield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Any senator wish to change his or her vote? Seeing no one, please cast up the ballot. I do a motion before my bill. By vote of 35 yea, 0 nay, Senate Bill 598 passes. Please transmit to the House. Senator Tucker. Senate
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Speaker 51 2:31:29
Bill 599 by Senator Tucker to eliminate interlocutory degrees of adoption and to amend Revised Uniform Adoption
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Chair Unverified 2:31:37
Act. Senator Tucker, you're recognized. Thank you,
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Senator Clarke Tucker Unverified 2:31:43
Madam President. This bill will eliminate interlocutory decrees and adoptions. Interlocutory is a fancy lawyer word for temporary. The issue is, first of all, it's a very rarely used thing, but we want all adoption decrees for there to be a full vetting of the parents before the adoption takes place. Arkansas is one of the only states in the country that still has interlocutory decrees. There's a weird ambiguity in the law where parents may come to Arkansas, not have a full vetting of the parents, and have a final adoption, which is what we want, just get an interlocutory adoption, and then move to another state and kind of avoid some scrutiny that way. So we want there to be a full vetting by an Arkansas court of Arkansas babies before they're adopted, all the I's to be dotted and the T's to be crossed before that adoption is finalized for the parents. So, again, it's very rarely used. It's kind of a strange ambiguity, and we're just removing that tool. So all adoption decrees have
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Chair Unverified 2:32:41
to be final. Any questions for Senator Tucker? Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator has closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? No objection. Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dispain, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubblefield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Any senator wish to change his or her vote? Seeing no one, please cast up the ballot. By vote of 35, yea, zero, nay. Senate Bill 599 passes. Please transmit to the House. Senator Tucker, you're recognized for a motion. Thank you, Madam President.
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Senator Clarke Tucker Unverified 2:33:30
I move to adopt Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 1865. All the amendment does is adjust
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Speaker 616 2:33:38
sponsors. That's it. Appreciate a good vote. All those in
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Chair Unverified 2:33:45
favor of the amendment? Second reading. All those in favor of suspending the rules for second reading, please signify by saying aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it. Motion carries. Amendment 1, the House Bill 1865. All those in favor of the amendment, please signify by saying aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it. Amendment is adopted. Please send to engrossing. Senator Tucker, you're recognized for a
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Senator Clarke Tucker Unverified 2:34:07
motion. Thank you, Madam President. That bill was scheduled to be on the floor tomorrow. The amendment would conceivably push it until Thursday. I'm not asking
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Senator Ronald Caldwell Unverified 2:34:16
to add it to today's calendar. I just want to keep it on tomorrow's calendar. So I move for House Bill 1865. Do I need to suspend the rules? Okay. Just for it to be on tomorrow's calendar. Do I need to do that, Ann? Okay. Okay.
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Chair Unverified 2:34:31
All right. I'm good. Thank you. Next, we will take up Senate Bill 602. Senate Bill 602 by Senator Crowell. to prohibit insurance companies and appraisers from requiring an insured to use certain facilities to repair or replace damaged motor vehicle safety glass and to provide penalties for violations. Senator Crowell, you're recognized. Colleagues, Senate Bill
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Senator Steve Crowell Chair Unverified 2:34:58
602 is a consumer protection to ensure that you can choose your own auto glass company to repair or replace your windshields. When the third-party administrators administrate this, Sometimes they do not let the insured pick their own auto glass companies, and that's state law, just to clarify. Any
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Chair Unverified 2:35:19
questions? Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator has closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismaine, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Ludding, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stuboffill, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Any senator wish to change his or her vote? Senator Tucker, no. Senator Payton, no. Senator Bryant, present. Dees, present. Sullivan, present. letting no, flowers no, flowers no, flowers no, penzo present,
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Speaker 112 2:36:22
rice present, Dodson present Love present Filippo
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Chair Unverified 2:36:34
present Any others? Stubblefield? No Any others? Please check the board Seeing no others, please cast up the ballot by a vote of 22, yea, 5, nay, and 8, present. Senate Bill 602 passes. Please transmit to the House. Senate Bill 603. Senate Bill 603 by Senator Tucker. To require an air ambulance, contact the Arkansas trauma system for direction on the best destination to
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Senator Clarke Tucker Unverified 2:37:19
transport a person. Senator Tucker, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President. Members, this bill was brought to me by former Representative Andy Davis, who many of us know. Unfortunately, his niece and nephew were in a bad car accident on I-49. His niece needed to be airlifted, and when they were on the ground, the family and all the physicians that they had been in contact with were of the understanding that the helicopter was going to take Andy Davis' niece to Little Rock and Children's. But when they got in the air, they went to Tulsa instead. When they got to Tulsa, they determined that Andy's niece had a tear in her aorta. They don't have a trauma one hospital in Tulsa, and they needed to come to Little Rock anyway. Now, that's obviously very expensive to go to Tulsa by airlift first and then to Little Rock, but no one really cares about dollars at that point. It's all about time and treating the patient, in this case, a young child with the care that they need. The point is that the pilot of the helicopter should have called TraumaCom to see where the best location is to take that patient at that time was. And so all this bill does is add two lines of code, and it says an air ambulance shall contact the Arkansas trauma system for a recommendation on the best destination to transport a person. This is something that they should be doing anyway, and it just puts it into code to make sure that they will be doing that. So
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Chair Unverified 2:38:41
happy to take any questions. Any other questions, rather any questions for Senator Tucker? I see Senator Bryant and Senator Boyd. Senator Bryant, you're recognized. Yeah, thank
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Senator Joshua Bryant Unverified 2:38:48
you, Madam President. Can you just describe the Arkansas trauma system, like who receives those calls or how they're staffed? What time limitations does that in and of itself put on the system? I'm going to step out of the well
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Senator Clarke Tucker Unverified 2:39:02
in a moment, and Senator Urban is more capable of answering that question than I am. Senator Boyd. Thank you,
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Senator Justin Boyd Chair Unverified 2:39:13
Senator Tucker. I think this is an easy question for you, but I hope so. So, as I've looked at air ambulances in the past, there's been a lot of struggle with us being the state, being able to regulate them because they fly. Do we feel like this is constitutional, that we can actually do this? Yes,
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Senator Ronald Caldwell Unverified 2:39:30
because this only applies to patients who are picked up
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Senator Clarke Tucker Unverified 2:39:33
in Arkansas. They're not just flying over Arkansas. They're landing in Arkansas. The patient, you know, the person was injured in Arkansas. So
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Senator Justin Boyd Chair Unverified 2:39:40
the answer is it's not about the person flying it, it's actually about the patient. That's right. Okay, thank you. Yep.
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Chair Unverified 2:39:49
Other questions? Anyone wish to speak for, against, or on? Senator Urban, you're recognized
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 2:39:55
to speak. Yeah, so part of the reason why we each made an amendment to the bill was that there's a recommendation that they are given. So, but again, to your, to Senator Bryant's questions. The Arkansas trauma system was put into place really to help minimize and direct traffic when you have a trauma call that comes in so that they can get to set up the designations of critical access hospitals. And we have different levels of designation of critical access hospitals so that we can identify the injury to the patient as quickly as possible. This is housed at UAMS and it's a call center. And so we can pick up the phone and call and get that patient to the appropriate level of care as quickly as possible. So it's just kind of a quick assessment, like a triage of the patient. And then, you know, making sure that they are sent to the critical access level of hospital of care that they need to attend in order to save their lives as quickly as possible. So that's what the trauma system and the network is.
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Senator Joshua Bryant Unverified 2:41:03
Senator Bryant? Thank you. Does that include, like, third party, like, if you have a subscription, because you've got an air ambulance at your
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 2:41:10
local airport that... No, this is a state, this is, no, this is a state-run entity, basically. But,
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Senator Joshua Bryant Unverified 2:41:17
I mean, as far as the air ambulance that's going to, that you contract out with, that'll come get you in a remote area to take you. If they're closer to Springfield than, say, Rogers, will this trauma system know go to Springfield, or will they direct you inside the state whenever Springfield probably should
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 2:41:34
have been the best? Well, again, they do have that information on our border states as well, or I would say our border health care infrastructure as well. So if you have a contract with like an Aravac or something, they're going to come and get you, and they're going to take you generally where you request for you to go. But what this bill does is say, call the trauma system so that we can get you to the correct level of institution of care as quickly as possible and where that recommendation is I think it's really really important because we've had this happen where patients will get sent to St. Louis or somewhere else based on so it happens already with our ground ambulance what we're trying to do is also allow it for air ambulance but they will come if you have a subscription they will come and land, we've landed helicopters at the back door of my husband's clinic so there's great value in those in my opinion of those subscriptions this is just a bill to make sure that you have good communication with the trauma network system in the state of Arkansas so we can direct you to where there's a cardiac surgeon that's ready and on call and willing to accept you as quickly as possible if it's a cardiac event etc etc thanks others
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Chair Unverified 2:42:50
to speak against for on senator Payton you're recognized to speak for. Thank you, Madam
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Senator John Payton Unverified 2:42:56
President. Colleagues, I just want to try to get something on the record here and say a few things because future legislation may come across. I'm a pilot. The pilots know that they are in command of that ship. They have the authority to ignore the FAA's recommendations, ATC recommendations, when it's necessary. There's a lot of factors that the has to consider in which direction he's going to go. Fuel reserves, weather, wind, all kinds of different things. So we amended the bill in committee to make this a recommendation. It is important that somebody on that team contact the trauma center and find out what hospital or what trauma center is most qualified. It's important that the team on that helicopter evaluate and do the triage. But we've got to make sure that we don't take the authority away from the pilot or force the pilot into making a decision that could put the whole team at risk. So that's why we amended it in committee to say recommendation. I think it's a good bill and I think it's important information for that team on that aircraft to have. However, we've got to make sure the pilot understands they have the authority to do what they need to do in piloting the aircraft. Thank you.
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Chair Unverified 2:44:19
Any others wish to speak against, for, or on the bill? Seeing no others. Senator Tucker, your recognized clothes. Thank you, Madam President. Thank you so
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Senator Clarke Tucker Unverified 2:44:26
much, Senator Irvin and Senator Payton, for those comments. This is just, you know, not necessarily a pilot, as Senator Payton clarified, someone on the team. This is an essential part of the communication that's happening constantly. Imagine just an ambulance. You know, they're on the radio. We're approaching the hospital. They're communicating. They're having communications the whole time they're in the air. This is one piece of that communication that we're saying has to take place, where they call in and say, where is the best location to take this patient? So that's all that the bill is doing. So thank you for your questions and for your
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Chair Unverified 2:45:02
assistance, and I appreciate a good vote. Senator has closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismaine, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake, Johnson, Mark, Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbeville, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace.
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Speaker 307 2:45:32
Any senator wish to change his
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Chair Unverified 2:45:34
or her vote? Seeing no one, please cast up the ballot. By a vote of 35 yeas here or nay, Senate Bill 603 passes. Please transmit to the House. Senate Bill 604. Senate Bill 604 by Senator Davis to amend provisions of the Arkansas Code regarding the course choice program.
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Senator Breanne Davis Chair Unverified 2:45:56
Senator Davis, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President. Members, this is a bill that just clarifies the course choice program, which is something that we passed in the LEARNS Act. So it amends the definition of course provider just to distinguish between public schools and a private course provider. It also clarifies that the Arkansas School for Math, Sciences, and the Arts may participate. And it clarifies that public schools may participate if they have an A, B, or C rating. So DNF schools are not eligible to participate in offering of these courses. It also amends the definition of eligible student just to clarify that it's secondary. sixth through twelfth grade, and it also gives the Department of Ed an additional year to promulgate rules. This has been a pretty complicated process, so it's taken a lot of people a long time to figure it out and make sure that we're doing it exactly right to benefit students. I'm happy
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Chair Unverified 2:46:58
to answer any questions. Any questions for Senator Davis? Anyone wish to speak against or 4. Senator has closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary please roll the vote.
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Speaker 250 2:47:16
Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Diswang, Dotson, English, Flippo,
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Chair Unverified 2:47:21
Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbiff, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Any senator wish to change his or her vote? Senator Flowers, present. Any other senator? Seeing no other, please cast up the ballot. By a vote of 34 yea, 0 nay, 1 present. Senate Bill 604 passes. Please transmit to the House. Senate Bill 610, Senator Dismang. Senate Bill 610 by Senator Dismang. to amend the Generating Arkansas Jobs Act of 2025 and declare an emergency. Senator Dismang, you're recognized. Thank you, members.
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Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 2:48:17
There was an engrossing error and a drafting error.
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Chair Unverified 2:48:22
This fixes both. Any questions? Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator has closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dispane, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake, Johnson, Mark, Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubblefield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace.
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Speaker 12 2:48:51
Any senator wish to change his or her vote? King, not voting. Any other senator? Scott, present.
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Chair Unverified 2:49:00
Any others? Seeing no other, please cast up the ballot. By vote of 33, yay, zero, nay, one not voting, one present. Senate Bill 610 passes and the corresponding emergency clause is adopted. Please transmit to the House. Senate Bill 612. Senate Bill 612 is introduced to create a private right of action against a social media platform that causes harm and to impose a civil penalty on a social media platform that knowingly and willfully contributes to a minor suicide or suicide attempt. Senator Deese, you're
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Senator Tyler Dees Chair Unverified 2:49:36
recognized. Thank you, Madam Governor. Members, Senate Bill 612 creates a private right of action for parents and guardians to be able to bring cases when their children have been harmed online. In the interim, I was able to meet with South Carolina's state legislator, one of their state legislators that has an awful story about his own son who was involved in a sextortion case that ended up with his son, the state legislator's son, took his own life after being preyed upon with an awful situation through a social media account. and just an all-American kid who thought he was engaging with a girl from his school, and they were on a social media site together, and they became intimate. Well, what he didn't know is that those images and screen grabs and videos were not very flattering, if you can imagine, and it turns out he wasn't engaging with the girl he thought he was online. And in fact, it was being used to extort him. And so it was a sextortion case. It quickly shifted. This was a group from even out of the country, but they had manipulated and used AI and all sorts of things to prey on this young man, this high school student. And what happened was they demanded that he send this group money and gift cards and all. or they were going to expose these images and videos to all his friends on social media, to his parents. So he panicked, he didn't know what to do, and he ended up taking his own life that night. Awful story. Very, very awful and hard to hear the full description of the details. But from that, the father became elected in the South Carolina legislature and was able to pass some bills to help hold accountable these awful people who do these sex extortion cases. And so it's stories like that that are pretty compelling and hard to hear. It's stories that we also hear about the countless examples where TikTok, for example, has continued to allow suicidal content to prey on and go to our kids. And so that's what this bill does. This bill, all it does is creates a framework for if children have been harmed by a knowingly allowing social media site, then there's a framework for parents to bring case for these situations. That's all it does. The courts will be able to decide if there has been wrong being done. And so with that, we'd appreciate us Arkansas kids being protected and parents being able to have a
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Speaker 307 2:52:27
framework to help them. Questions for
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Chair Unverified 2:52:30
Senator Dees. Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator has closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismaine, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake, Johnson, Mark, Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubblefield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Any senator wish to
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Speaker 12 2:53:02
change his or her vote? Dodson, present. Any other senator? Seeing
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Chair Unverified 2:53:08
no other. King, not voting. Any other? Seeing no other, please cast up the ballot. By vote of 33, a, 0, nay, 1, not voting, 1, present. Senate Bill 612 passes. Please transmit to the House. We are, Senate Bill 613 was requested earlier to be added to the end of the calendar, which we'll
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Speaker 616 2:53:36
go over momentarily, but let's take up Senate Bill 615.
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Chair Unverified 2:53:43
Senate Bill 615 by Senator Penzo to amend the law concerning energy to regulate non-export facilities and to prohibit discrimination against non-export facilities. Senator Penzo, you're
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 2:53:56
recognized. Thank you, Madam President. Senate Bill 615 provides a simple but important clarification in Arkansas law regarding non-export energy systems. This bill allows customers, including manufacturers, farmers, schools, and other large energy users to install systems that generate electricity for their own use on their own property without sending any power back to the grid. These are not net metering systems, and the customers aren't asking for compensation or pushing power back onto the grid. They're simply reducing their own energy demand. These systems exist across the country. Other states have already implemented rules that allow these systems to move forward safely and reliably. What SB 615 does is offer clear and specific direction to our Public Service Commission here in Arkansas to make these systems, to make sure these systems are defined appropriately, evaluated under consistent standards, and integrated safely into our energy system. This bill also reflects input from the Arkansas Public Service Commission and includes an amendment made in collaboration with them. The PSC will take up rulemaking on these systems with specific guidance on what factors to consider, including power quality, safe interconnection, and methods for ensuring that these systems do not export to the grid. clarifying that this is not net metering nor does it undo net metering. Some have suggested this bill is another attempt at net metering that is simply not true. SB 615 is not a net metering bill. There is no excess energy being exported to the grid so there is nothing to net. These customers aren't asking to be paid for generation. In fact any minor unintentional export would be given to off-grid for free, so let's be clear. There is zero cost shifting with these systems. This does not remove consumer guide rails, as also mentioned. This bill explicitly preserves the Arkansas Public Service Commission's authority to regulate these systems for safety and reliability. The same way they already regulate other customer behavior that affects load, like demand response and energy efficiency and at the commission's request we added language making it crystal clear that they have authority to set size caps if needed even though their existing rulemaking power already covers it. One final clarification I'd like to make in regarding resource planning and who bears the cost when a customer installs their own energy system and reduces their usage but that concern is based on a misunderstanding of how our energy infrastructure is planned and built. Utilities are required to plan for firm power. That means electricity that customers will need at peak demand with a margin for reliability. But customers who install non-export systems are typically not asking for firm service. They're reducing their own demand, often relying on backup or interruptible power, which is different and less costly for the utility to provide. It would be like building a high school auditorium big enough for every student, parent, or family member to all be there at once, but knowing that that's not the reality of how it would be used. The school doesn't need to build a space for everyone if they're not all going to be there at one time. The utility does not need to plan full capacity for a customer who is reducing their load on purpose. The utilities are trying to argue that if a customer uses less electricity than the grid was built to serve, someone else has to pay for that, and that is the result of a cost shift. But by that logic, any customer who installs LED lights or upgrades their HVA system to reduce their energy consumption is causing a cost shift. That's not how energy planning works. The reality is utilities are already account for this kind of variation in their planning. In fact, Arkansas PSC's own resource planning guidelines, section 4.3, requires them to consider things like demand-side management, energy efficiency, and other types of energy conservation. Non-export systems fit squarely into that framework. They're not exporting. They're not creating new load. They're reducing it. So utilities don't need to build extra infrastructure for these types of systems, and no, these customers are not shifting costs. They're paying their own way and taking pressure off the grid for everyone else to help meet their
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Speaker 273 2:58:43
shortage. Questions for Senator Penzo, Senator Dismang, and Senator Gilmore. Thank
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Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 2:58:49
you. So it's interruptible customers. They have a preferred rate, a much cheaper rate than the rest of us pay, or they're a large industrial and they have a cheaper rate than the rest of us pay. Will they be able to keep their preferred rates in doing this behind the meter? Yeah, I mean they're, yes. So they get a preferred rate for the amount that they're using and the fact that they're uninterruptible and they're going to be able to combine that and your argument is that the combining of that and that preferred rate that the rest of us help subsidize doesn't get
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 2:59:25
further subsidized. If it's a preferred rate, there's a concession being made for that
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Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 2:59:33
preferred rate, correct? The concession is that they're an interruptible. Correct. And they're also a large utilizer.
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 2:59:39
So if they can be interrupted, that's a concession they're making for the discount. It's no different than anybody else that has an interruptible rate.
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Speaker 280 2:59:53
Thank you. Other questions? Senator McKee. Thank you,
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Senator Matt McKee Unverified 2:59:57
Senator. Thank you, Madam Governor. This is a fun, complex issue. And I'm trying to wrap my head around, I borrowed that from Fred Love right there. I don't know if you noticed, but, okay, utilities have to have fixed assets to provide electricity for every single one of their customers, whether their customers are generating their own electricity or they're not, right? So they've got fixed costs to provide a certain amount of electricity at peak demand. Yes, and the
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 3:00:30
rate charge. Hang on just a second. Okay. I want to walk through this because I would like everybody
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Senator Matt McKee Unverified 3:00:36
to have a better understanding of this. On these interruptible customers, they are obviously getting a discount on their rate because the utility can ask them to stop using electricity that's on the grid. And this would not change with these customers? Absolutely. Okay. So when they stop using, or when they're co-generating, when they're generating their own power that they're using, If they're a 1,000 kilowatt customer and they're generating 500, they're not putting 1,000 kilowatts back on the grid like their interruptible contract would specify. They're only putting 500 back on the grid. Well, they're not putting anything back on if they're not... I'm sorry, I'm sorry. When the interruptible contract is requested, when the utility requests that they interrupt their business and stop using electricity that's on the grid, They're not putting 1,000 kilowatts back on... They're not utilizing the 1,000 kilowatts that they would normally be utilizing. They're only utilizing 500. They're only not utilizing 500 and putting that back on the grid that the utility can then shift over to wherever they need it in their system. So my point is that there are fixed costs associated with providing them electricity that they would need if they were not co-generating. that's what their interruptible contract is based on okay but they're not they're not utilizing a thousand kilowatts they're utilizing for 500. therefore those fixed costs that are there for providing all the power that they could possibly need are borne by someone because your bill requires that utilities cannot discriminate against that in their rate making process
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 3:02:20
but i i don't understand where you're going with this because if if they're producing their own electricity. And the interruptible rate is the interruptible rate. And there's a reason why the rate is the way the rate is, because it can be interrupted by the power company. So these companies have their ability to produce, and if they're operating under a interruptible agreement, and they lose power generation themselves, and they're on an interruptible, the power company doesn't have to give them power, correct? Correct. So there is no extra demand because they are interruptible, correct? There's no extra demand, not
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Senator Matt McKee Unverified 3:03:05
because they're interruptible, but because they're generating their own power. But I'm saying if they lost power generation,
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 3:03:12
I think your argument is would that pull more off the grid But if it's interruptible, the power company does not have to deliver that power at their request if it's interruptible.
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Senator Matt McKee Unverified 3:03:24
But because of the regional transmission operators, they have to have the fixed assets to provide that power if it was needed. Yes, and right now we have a power shortage. I agree 100%. And so let me finish because I think I'm going to speak to what you're getting ready to say. I believe that there is a cost shift. I don't know what that cost shift is because utilities won't give us those numbers. I think it would be very beneficial if the utilities would give us those numbers. I wanted to make sure they got that part. My concern is that I believe that there is a cost shift, and I don't know what that is. I think that I agree with what you're doing because I think people should be able to generate behind the meter, and they shouldn't be penalized for that. I don't know that they're being penalized now, but I don't know that this is the right way to
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 3:04:13
handle it, and I feel like we're putting Band-Aids on the system. All I know is my position is I don't think there is a cost shift. We just passed a bill out of this committee that put this burden on the ratepayer with 307. This allows the free market to come in and solve the problem with an out-of-rate increase to our constituents. That's what this bill does. this bill also allows hundreds of millions of dollars to pour into this state for economic development to build private power production. That's what this bill does. I don't know about
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Senator Matt McKee Unverified 3:04:44
all that, but agree to disagree on the cost shift. I do. I appreciate you. I do. Thank you. Senator Payton,
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Senator John Payton Unverified 3:04:54
you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President. I'm trying to get my head around it, and I love the free market, but it seems to me like this bill steps in and says you can't take all of these factors into consideration in establishing the rate. We're telling the power company that they have to ignore part of the situation when they
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 3:05:15
establish the rate. - No, that's where this is being muddied. The PSC will require that they evaluate firm power production, and that's them making sure that there's adequate power for that period with enough for reliability. So let's just say
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Senator John Payton Unverified 3:05:33
that, I mean, I like to eat, and I'm a little hungry right now. Let's just say that I have 1,000 people that I need to feed daily, and I contact a caterer, and I say, I need you ramped up and ready to feed 1,000 people a day, but I'm going to feed them myself and just call you every now and then, and I need you ready to go. I mean, obviously, he wants to cater the food, but he's got to be able to establish
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 3:06:04
the value per meal. That would determine if you have an interruptible contract with this caterer or not. Because if it's an interruptible, you can say, hey, caterer, I need X number lunches, and I'm saying I can't deliver that to you right now because I'm under no obligation.
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Senator John Payton Unverified 3:06:21
Yeah, and I understand that on the ability to deliver. But a caterer that's going to give a consistent customer that needs 1,000 meals a day, they're going to get a better price per meal than somebody that says, I need you ready to provide 1,000 a day. But some days, most days, I'm just
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 3:06:41
going to get 50. And if it's not an interruptible, and you've got power no matter what, that price is higher. factored in when they're evaluating how much firm power is so they these these all these things will go into the decision-making on how much power to produce that day well it's very complicated I don't
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Senator John Payton Unverified 3:07:02
know why we need to get in the mix I think the
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 3:07:06
power company will we get in the mix because when we passed legislation a couple years ago there was comments made that any production behind the meter wouldn't be affected and it is affected so this allows people to produce what they want on their property to supply their needs but
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Senator John Payton Unverified 3:07:25
whatever rate the power company decides to charge them because of their situation they don't pay unless they use that electricity what was that again whatever rate the power company puts on the customer based on their situation i mean they're not going to pay anything until they use until they demand electricity so i don't understand how the free market doesn't
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 3:07:51
well i mean you're you're the the electric company has to provide power for you to go home and flip your switch on i know that's a smaller
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Senator John Payton Unverified 3:07:58
scale any power until i flip the switch and i'm not paying anything until
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 3:08:02
i flip the switch exactly and that's the same with them because i mean they have to figure out it's like you build a highway You're not, like I live in Springdale. They're not going to build a highway in Springdale to accommodate every car in Springdale. There's an estimate of how many cars are going to be on the road, and you build the road to carry that much traffic. That's kind of what this is like. It's not every power user has to have enough electricity on the grid at that time.
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Senator John Payton Unverified 3:08:31
It just seems to me that we're saying that you have to be given the volume discount even though you're not using the volume because you can't at times use the volume. It's not
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 3:08:43
a volume discount. If they can shut your power off at any time, you get a discount. That's what the interruptible rate is based on. It's not a volume. But
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Senator John Payton Unverified 3:08:55
we're forcing the power company to give them that rate in this
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 3:08:58
bill. But they already do give people those rates based on whether or not they're interruptible or not.
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Senator John Payton Unverified 3:09:04
Huh? If they're already giving them that rate,
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 3:09:08
then what's the problem? They can't do this on their side right now and be a non-export. I mean, there's companies that want to come into this state right now that won't to develop private power because we don't have legislation like this. Okay,
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Speaker 157 3:09:28
thank you. Any other questions? Senator Hickey.
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 3:09:35
Can y'all turn me on? I can never get this thing to work. So it seems like to me, if we were going to go down this route, that we would have additional legislation in there that would allow the, if that company wanted to do that, to allow the utility to negotiate so that they're no longer an interruptible service. Because then,
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 3:10:00
they don't have to give them the interruptible rate right now. I mean, that's a rate that's offered. These are two packages, consumer, which one do you want? So
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 3:10:10
this hasn't already been negotiated on the front end and they're getting a better rate at all times? Like right now, if they're just out there doing it, aren't they getting a better rate because they've agreed to be an interruptible customer? I don't know that there are companies
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 3:10:27
that are doing this right now because they can't. My understanding is they can't do it right now. No, that's not what I'm saying.
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 3:10:38
The utilities have went in and negotiated these with these companies already. So they're all the time are getting less kilowatts per hour, I think. Okay. Because they have agreed to be an interruptible customer. Would you agree with that? I could, maybe, yeah. I mean, I
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 3:10:57
don't know each circumstance, but yes, that could be a scenario. Well, I thought
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 3:11:03
that's the way that it was done. I thought that if you've agreed to be one of those customers, that they've negotiated that so that they're getting a lower per kilowatt charge. Okay. That's what I thought. Okay. So I'm asking, too. No, I mean, I... Okay, so, and what they did is what I thought is that they had structured a contract to say that, okay, that you're going to be an interruptible customer, you're going to get a lower kilowatt hour charge per hour. So if we're now going to allow them to produce their own, which is Senator McKee, I think, actually did a good job, you know, what they're saying is that you should be able, if we call on you so that you're interrupted and we know that you've been doing 1,000 kilowatts an hour and you've been getting paid, well, you've been getting paid. There is no payment. There's no what? There's no payment. Where's the payment come from? Well, the payment is, I'm not saying a payment. What I'm saying is because now there's not going to be a thousand that they're going to be able to draw back or to leave back on the grid.
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Senator Ben Gilmore Chair Unverified 3:12:19
Why not? Well, because they're going to now be producing, now they're going to be producing their own. You're saying that they can't?
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 3:12:34
the energy company who's i i don't see where the payment came in i'm well
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 3:12:44
i maybe we've got all got some unknowns right here but to me they've done they've done this this
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 3:12:51
isn't net metering so the non-export means they're not exporting back onto the
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 3:12:54
grid no i'm back to the contract because they were given the contract they were given the contract based on that if they were interrupted, that the utility knew that they could cut them off and then so much power is going to go back on the grid because that's what their average usage is. Okay, you're saying that if they
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Speaker 688 3:13:16
cut them off, they're not losing energy off the grid. Is that what you're trying to say?
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 3:13:22
There's not as much going to go back on the grid if they're now producing, if they're now going to start producing it because they're actually lowering their utility usage. Right. And that's the reason the contract was negotiated was always my understanding. No, no, the contract
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 3:13:38
was negotiated so those electrons didn't bleed off the grid to that business, that they could stop that. That electricity from leaving the grid to that company, they can stop it and redirect it somewhere else. So there's no flow coming back onto the grid by interrupting a service. Okay. I don't think I'm explaining myself. Maybe
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 3:13:56
I don't quite understand it either, but I think that's a problem with all of us. I don't think maybe we quite understand the whole thing.
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Chair Unverified 3:14:10
Senator Gilmore, you're recognized for a question.
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Senator Ben Gilmore Chair Unverified 3:14:13
Thank you. Thank you, Senator. So, as I understand, to be an interruptible client, you get a discount on your demand charge as an interruptible. That means that you get to be turned off, you know, if demand rises or peaking or whatever it might be. So allowing them to generate behind the meter, they're not, by definition, an interruptible client at that point, and they're still getting a discount on their demand charge, which is kind of an interesting concept.
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 3:14:43
How are they not interruptible? Because the utility can cut them off at any moment. But the reality is they can produce their own electricity. So, I mean, if it's there, if they need it, and as long as the utility company is willing to provide it at that time. So they're still interruptible. To say they're not interruptible, I don't understand that. Well, I think by definition they
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Senator Ben Gilmore Chair Unverified 3:15:03
wouldn't be, but thank you, Senator. Okay, thank you. Senator Bryant, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President.
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Senator Joshua Bryant Unverified 3:15:14
It's my understanding, I've looked at these uninterruptible power contracts, that those are typically negotiated annually. So, I mean, would you agree with that? I don't know every instance, but probably yes.
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 3:15:27
So if I'm looking at data centers
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Senator Joshua Bryant Unverified 3:15:29
that are part of the conversation about power usage, most of them work under agreement that they're going to pay the cost of the infrastructure. They're going to ask for a certain volume of power to be uninterruptible. to get that rate and every 12 months the power company is going to re-evaluate if that rate is worth giving up for uninterruptible but at the same time if they are trying to offset their power for non-export the way that 307 was wrote that if they try to do that they fall broadly under the category of net meter. That is correct. And then the power company will just say you know what we're not going to provide you with that service because we think you're net metering, even though they don't have the ability to put power back on the grid. That is correct. They're classified as net metering, even though they're not getting paid to put energy back on the grid. So if you have a facility that in two, three years wants to add non-export power to their portfolio, the power company come in and say, you know what, we're not going to enter into a non-interruptible agreement with you anymore. We're going to go to your full rate and just push power at market rate. And that's fine, but at least they can say you're not net metering because you're doing non-export power. Is that correct? That's okay. Couldn't have said it better. I'm clear. Thank you.
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Speaker 696 3:16:54
Yep. Senator Stone, do you have a question? I do. I just
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Senator Matt Stone Unverified 3:16:59
still want to make sure that I understand if someone's getting a discount to have an interruptible service, I think the assumption is that they're buying 100% of their electricity from the energy provider. I think the argument would be that they want the discount, but then they want to turn around and generate part of their power, and then the provider has to have the resources, fixed cost to be able to provide that power. If they want disruptible service and they want a discount, they need to buy all their electricity from them. If they want to generate their own electricity, then they need to generate their own electricity. Am I saying that right? What's your thoughts on that? Well, I mean,
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 3:17:43
that sounds like an opinion of how you feel it should be structured. I'm asking a question. I'm not making a statement. I mean, I don't think that, I mean, the whole basis of the discounted rate is the fact that the utility company can disrupt that service at any point they need to. So it's irrelevant what's happening on their side of the meter because, I mean, you know, if I want to, I mean, this is like saying I can't put solar panels on my roof unless I'm willing to sell back to the grid. What if I don't want to? What if I want to feed it to batteries to use later? I mean, why should I be treated as a net metering customer if I've got my own battery packs but I'm hooked up to the grid with an interruptible service that says I can use it, but if I ever lose service, I've got these battery packs, solar panels, whatever it is, natural gas generation, small modular reactors. You know, the list could go on on power generation types, but this is allowing the free market to work. I mean, it's kind of like Senator Bryant's question about, you know, if the contracts are annual, which I don't know if all of them are, but if they are, then the utility company can amend that every 12 months. it can be re-evaluated if they're not happy with the amount. So, I mean, this is agreements. I don't see why we would stifle investment in Arkansas just for the fact of we want to call it net metering and treat people as net metering clients when they're not net metering clients. They just want to generate themselves. And like I said, I've talked to a lot of people that are looking to make investments in Arkansas on they're not because of the inability to do this right here we're talking hundreds of millions if not billions of dollars that could come into this state i mean what about what about the the steel plants over on the other side of the state that could we have more if uh if we had the power i mean those things gobble up electricity i mean there's a lot of things that we don't have the electricity for in this state and we're we're relying on a bill that increases rates so the utility company can build production when the private market, the private sector wants to invest in Arkansas, and we're going to stop them from doing it? That doesn't make any sense to me. No
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Chair Unverified 3:20:19
more questions. Thank you. Any more questions for Senator Penzo? The senator has left the well. Anyone wish to speak against or for? Speak for Senator Clark. You're recognized.
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Senator Alan Clark Unverified 3:20:35
Thank you, Governor. Y'all have been having a high-level discussion here, and I'm going to talk a little bit about energy for dummies, which would include me. We have, our utilities have generally been monopolies, because that, while monopolies is not the best way to do things economically, there are some things that there's just no other way to do it. You don't want to run three or four sets of water lines in the ground or three or four sets of sewer lines in the ground for different people to compete. And that started out that way with electricity in the grid, but somebody can be in charge of the grid without being in charge of manufacturing. The largest manufacturers in my district have called me and asked me to vote for this bill. Now, I'm glad they did that because I was going to vote for it anyway. But this is a freedom bill. This bill says I can produce my own electricity if I want to. I don't have to depend on a monopoly. I don't have to depend on anybody. I can do it versus somebody telling me I can't. It's a competition bill. It says that rather than depending on an outside source, if I can do it better, if I can do it cheaper, I can do it on my own. But it's a reliability bill, and we should really be paying attention because these people, for the most part, are not looking at cost. They are looking ahead, and they are less sure than they've ever been about how reliable our grid's going to be. And they're wanting to be able to keep their plants going, what they're doing, regardless of what happens outside. It's a green bill. And you say, why is it a green bill? Many of these plants are not traditional fuel. People use tires, they use solid waste. I was at a local meeting in the last year where people who build energy plants were talking about using solid waste to power certain parts of the county. etc and the fact is we're just burying it now so it's allow somebody it's not something that maybe a huge utility can look at but somebody smaller can definitely look at it and it's a jobs bill because right now everything's fine well let me say before the jobs it's a warding off shortages bill we've got energy saying there's no problems but we've got the electric co-ops that have been saying for some time that we should be looking for brownouts and blackouts. That they're coming. That the current plan isn't going to work. And as I finally got to sit down with engineers from Entergy after trying for a long time, you know, we're betting on windmills and we're betting on solar not because we think it's the best way to go, but because economically the federal grants are there even though we're all paying for them. The federal grants are there and it doesn't make sense not to do it from an economic standpoint but that in batteries is not necessarily in fact is not only not necessarily the best way to have a reliable system it's not the most not the best way to have a reliable system so we're talking about that if we take if we have folks that are generating their own power there could be less of a shortage for the rest of us if these predictions come true and then as I started to say it's a jobs bill because these people maybe my air conditioning doesn't work and and all the you know my tv doesn't work etc unless I've got my own generator or my own solar at home when we have shortages but these people are interested in keeping those plants up and running and keeping those jobs going. There's just, there's really no negative in this bill. It's all positive. I'd appreciate a good
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Speaker 244 3:25:23
vote. Anyone else wish to speak against? Senator McKee,
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Senator Matt McKee Unverified 3:25:28
to speak against. Thank you, Madam Governor. I wasn't going to come speak against the bill, but some things were said by Senator Clark, who I appreciate very much, and I agree with a lot of what you said. The problem is we determine what the utilities get to bill for. We determine their structure. We determine all of those things. This isn't a jobs bill. This isn't economic development. This isn't a freedom bill. This is us doing our best to make sure that the rate payers don't incur costs that they're not creating. Okay, so what are those costs? As I stated a little bit to go, I don't know, and none of you know. But the question is, are we going to make those customers pay for things that they're not using, or are we going to do our best to protect them? So, I appreciate what you said, but this isn't a freedom bill. You have the ability to generate electricity behind the meter now. We're not saying you can't. We're not trying to stop people from doing that. I think energy production in all its forms behind the meter is valuable we're just trying to make sure that the psc and the utilities bill for what's appropriate and allow them to discriminate i'm going to use that word allow them to discriminate when necessary to make sure that those people incurring the cost are the ones paying for them thank you anyone else wish to speak for
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Chair Unverified 3:26:57
against or on the bill senator penzo your recognized clothes thank you madam president in in closing
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 3:27:17
this is an energy bill and we have we have a decision to make on whether we want a utility company to dictate energy policy in this state or if we want to allow the free market to fix problems for us. This bill also has to do with property rights. It allows companies to build energy generation on their own property. And I think one of the most important things is it is about economic development, too. I mean, I know Senator McKee said it's not. This isn't about jobs. Yeah, it is. I mean, we're talking about a significant flow of funds into this state if we allow companies to build their own private power. There's a property rights dynamic to this. There's an economic development component to this. And then there's also, yes, this will allow us to fix some of the grid's problems without putting that financial burden on our customers' rates. And that should be something we should probably take more serious than anything, is 307 allows rates to be increased for future power generation. This bill just allows additional power generation to happen if the free market wants to make that generation available to itself and take that burden off the grid. So I would just ask you for a good vote on this. I think it's a great bill. Thank you. Senators closed. Any objection
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Chair Unverified 3:29:14
rolling the vote? Objection noted. Madam Secretary, please call the roll. Boyd? No. Bryant? No.
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Speaker 356 3:29:30
Caldwell? No. Clark? No. Crowell? No. Davis? No. Dees? No. Dismang? No.
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Speaker 357 3:29:40
Dismang? No. Dotson? No. Dotson? No. English? No.
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Speaker 358 3:29:48
Flippo? No. Flippo? No. Flowers? No. Gilmore? No.
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Speaker 356 3:29:53
Hammer. Hammer. Hester. Hester. Hickey. Hill. Hill. Irvin. Irvin. Blake Johnson. Blake Johnson? No. Mark Johnson? Aye. King? King? Letting? Aye. Love? Love? McKee? No.
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Speaker 355 3:30:24
Murdoch? Aye. Peyton? Payton? Aye. Penzo?
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Speaker 356 3:30:30
Yes. Petty? No. Rice? No. Scott?
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Speaker 367 3:30:40
Scott Stone Stabafil Stabafil Did you
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Speaker 355 3:30:48
get him? She couldn't hear you. Stabafil Yes Tucker Sullivan Tucker Wallace Any senator who
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Speaker 233 3:31:04
wishes to change your vote
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Chair Unverified 3:31:08
or vote who did not vote. Senator Lubb, yes. Scott, yes. Any other senator? Irvin, no. Hill, no. Hammer, no. Any other senator? Please check the board. Senator Dodson, present. Any other senator? Please check the board. Seeing no other, please cast up the ballot by a vote of 12 yea, 17 nay, 2 not voting for a present. Senate Bill 615 fails. And Senators, momentarily, you will take a break. We have a motion by Senator McKee. We have items at the desk. And we're going to read the number of Senate bills that we will take up that were placed at the end of the calendar. I've got to step out. and I believe Senator Hester is going to take the chair.
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 3:32:25
Senator McKee, you're recognized for motion. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I
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Senator Matt McKee Unverified 3:32:30
make a motion to withdraw House Bill 1800 from state agencies for the purpose of amendment. Members, you've heard the motion. All those in
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 3:32:37
favor of the motion, signify by saying aye. Opposed, say no. Motion carries. Amendment 1 to House Bill 1800.
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Chair Unverified 3:32:44
Senator McKee, you're recognized. Members, I move that
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 3:32:47
we adopt this amendment. Members, you've heard the motion. All those in favor, signify by saying aye. Opposed, say no. Amendment adopted. I move
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Senator Matt McKee Unverified 3:33:00
that we re-refer House Bill 1800. Do I need to do that? We'll re-refer it when he comes
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Speaker 529 3:33:05
back. Thank you. Are there any items at the desk?
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Chair Unverified 3:33:22
We have committee on engrossed bills to move forward house bill 1865 by Representative Vaught compared to the engrossed copy of the original and
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Speaker 51 3:33:35
find the same correctly engrossed. Calendar. Calendar. We're your Committee on State Agencies to him as first Senate Joint Resolution 11 by Senator Payton. Recommend due
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Speaker 726 3:33:46
pass. Calendar. Okay. I guess that's it right now.
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Chair Unverified 3:34:00
Senator Penzo, you're recognized for motion. Thank you, Mr. President. As I
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 3:34:06
was walking back to my seat, I had several members say to me that this was a little too complicated to make a solid vote on today. So I'd like to make a motion to expunge the vote by which Senate Bill 615 failed and give me an opportunity to have some discussions with
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 3:34:23
members. Members, you've heard the motion. All those in favor, signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed, say no. Motion carries. Vote expunge. Senator Hammer, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr.
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Senator Kim Hammer Unverified 3:34:36
President. By rule, I would like to ask for leave so that when we take a break in a minute that we can have a brief efficiency committee meeting. It's going to be to take up the appropriation bill so we can go ahead and get it adopted and get it in the hopper, and we'll meet in room 309. But I have to, per Philip, I need to ask for leave so that we can have that efficiency committee meeting during the break, and so I'll ask for leave for that purpose.
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 3:35:04
Members, I do have one thing to
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 3:35:08
cover. Some of you may or may not know, some constitutional amendments came out of state agencies. And we have a process, it's Senate Rule 14.6, that says if constitutional amendments come out of state agencies, the minority leader, majority leader, and state agencies chair will determine when the floor votes on those and in which order. And whenever they determine that, they will send one at a time to the floor. Once we pass one, that process stops until the House acts on it. So at some point, we will see a constitutional amendment on our floor after the minority leader, majority leader, and state agency's chair have determined which one and when we will hear it. So, oh, Senator Johnson looks like he wants to be recognized. You are recognized. We will do this Thursday.
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Speaker 733 3:36:10
First will be Payton's
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Chair Unverified 3:36:14
SJR 11. Second will be Dodson's Partisan Judicial. Third will be Economic Development SJR 15. So they'll be voted in that order. If this Payton's SJR 11 gets the votes, comes off the floor, it has to go through the process before we can vote on the next one.
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 3:36:50
Okay, members, we have one, two, three, four, five, six, seven. We have nine Senate bills that we have voted on to add to the end of our calendar today. That will be at the end of the Senate third reading. While we're on break, we will get you all sheets that shows those, which ones those are. Are there items at the desk?
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Speaker 739 3:37:16
That's right. All right, are there any questions?
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 3:37:21
Seeing none, the Senate will stand in recess for approximately 15 minutes. I'm going to try the camel.
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Unknown speaker 3:37:59
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. 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. 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. 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. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
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Speaker 2 4:12:29
Thank you.
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Unknown speaker 4:12:59
*phone rings* Yeah, where is it? Is it over there? Right there, see that one? Yeah. You just hit that and that helps call them in. Might say it again. Yeah, I did.
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Speaker 755 4:14:29
Senator, we'll come to order. Senate Bill 618, Senator
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Chair Unverified 4:14:58
Irvin. 618, Ms. Hunter Irving, to amend the Arkansas Student Due Process and Protection Act.
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 4:15:06
Thank you, Mr. President, members of the Senate. I wrote the Arkansas Student Due Process Act and passed it, I believe, two years ago. What this bill does, working with the University of Arkansas systems and institutions of higher education, We changed the appeal dates from 25 days down to 7 days. There were some issues making sure that these cases and investigations and the appeal process could all be done within a semester. Sometimes it would bleed over to the next semester. So reducing that day for appeal down from 25 to 7 was requested. It is consistent with best standards as it relates to the organization called FIRE, which is really engaged on this issue at a national level, and I've worked with them on the creation of the Arkansas Student Due Process and Protection Act. Also, making sure that it is language that says that an institution shall advise a student who is the subject of an investigation or disciplinary proceeding under the subchapter that he or she may seek representation by an attorney. I wanted to make sure that was as strong as we possibly could put it so that if a student is brought under investigation through these student conduct offices that the institution shall advise them that they may seek attorneys and representation to help them through the process. I think that's critically important to ensure and protect their Seventh Amendment due process rights. So, I'm happy to answer any questions. You've heard the
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Senator Gary Stubblefield Chair Unverified 4:16:52
bill. Any questions from the committee? The Senate? Thank you. I'm
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Speaker 122 4:16:57
closed. I'd appreciate a good vote. All right. Senator
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Speaker 758 4:17:02
Irving is closed for the bill. All those in favor? Yeah, is there anyone who wants to
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Senator Gary Stubblefield Chair Unverified 4:17:14
speak for or against the bill? Seeing none, Madam Secretary, would you roll the vote without any objection?
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Speaker 766 4:17:33
-Roll the vote. -Roll the vote. You
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Speaker 250 4:17:45
ready? Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell,
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Chair Unverified 4:17:48
Davis, Dees, Dismaine, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Peyton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbeville, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace.
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Speaker 768 4:18:08
- All right, anybody would like to change their votes? They're on there.
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Unknown speaker 4:18:56
Thank you.
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Senator Gary Stubblefield Chair Unverified 4:19:26
Would anyone like to change your votes? Why would we get some paper?
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Speaker 774 4:19:56
It's back
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Speaker 91 4:20:02
on now.
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Senator Gary Stubblefield Chair Unverified 4:20:26
It's all in the house. All right, anyone like to change their votes? Seeing none, Madam Secretary, would you roll a vote? Yeah, yeah. Huh? by a vote of 35-0 Senate Bill 618 is passed we don't even have the number transcribed to
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Speaker 784 4:21:16
the House we don't even have the number
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Senator Gary Stubblefield Chair Unverified 4:21:23
up here Senate Bill 618 passed Let's transmit to the house.
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Chair Unverified 4:21:33
Senate Bill 619 by Senator Irving concerning the formation of an isolated
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 4:21:43
school district. Thank you, Mr. President. 619 is a bill that I worked on last week and weekend with people in my school district. This bill is permissive. It follows in the vein of everything that we as a legislature and administration has embodied through educational freedom. It has zero fiscal impact. It's about local governance and giving these isolated schools, which are designated in state code by definition, the ability to stand on their own two feet and become their own school. I worked with the Department of Education, the Secretary of Education on this bill and a lot of folks from my area but also from around the state who are supportive of the bill, particularly those in these isolated small communities. Happy to answer any questions.
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Speaker 791 4:22:48
Or against the bill? Seeing none.
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Speaker 792 4:22:50
I'm closed. I appreciate
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Senator Gary Stubblefield Chair Unverified 4:22:59
a good vote. Senator Irvin's closed for the vote. Any objection to roll and vote?
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Chair Unverified 4:23:09
Madam Secretary, roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismane, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Ervin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubblefield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace.
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Speaker 797 4:23:30
Anybody like to change the vote? Senator Letting, Flowers, is present. Anyone else
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Senator Gary Stubblefield Chair Unverified 4:23:40
like to change the vote? Seeing none, Madam Chair, Madam Secretary, cast up the votes. With a vote of 34 yes, 0 nay, no vote and 1 present, Senate Bill 619 has passed, transmitted to the House.
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Chair Unverified 4:24:05
Senator Urban, 6 Bill 620. Senate Bill 620 by Senator Irving to provide a safety vow and appeal right for the minor defendant who is also a victim of human trafficking, and to amend the Human
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 4:24:28
Trafficking Act of 2013. We recognize Senator Irving. Thank you, Mr. President. Members, you have on your desk a little bit of information about this bill. We worked with CPAC on this bill and human rights for kids. What this bill does is it creates and gives legal protections for children who are compelled to commit crimes as a direct result of being trafficked. Too often, children are exploited and forced into criminal activity because they are recruited by gangs, and that is a form of trafficking. So what this bill does is it allows for those child victims of trafficking to have legal protections and to receive a juvenile jurisdiction designation for treatment up to the age of 24. And it also criminalizes the recruitment of children to join a criminal organization or to commit a crime. Happy to answer any questions. Senator Urban has explained the
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Senator Gary Stubblefield Chair Unverified 4:25:27
bill on any questions. Anyone like to speak for or against the bill? Any more like this? Madam Chair, cast up the votes. I'm closed. I appreciate your vote. Thank you. Cast up the votes.
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Speaker 250 4:25:50
Any objection? Roll the votes. Stand
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Chair Unverified 4:25:59
down and roll the votes, Madam Chair. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dispain, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Peyton, Penzo, Petty, Bryce, Scott, Stone, Steviffel, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. All
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Senator Gary Stubblefield Chair Unverified 4:26:17
right, with a vote of 35 yes. Does anybody want to change your vote? Seeing none cast up the ballot. With a vote of 35 yay, 0 nays, 0 no vote. Senate Bill 620 is passed. Transmit to the House. Senator Davis, you are recognized to present Senate Bill
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Chair Unverified 4:26:43
624. Senate Bill 624 by Senator Davis to amend the Arkansas Opportunity Public School Choice Act, to amend the Public School Choice Act of 2015, and to allow a student to transfer to another public school within his or her
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Senator Breanne Davis Chair Unverified 4:27:02
resident district. Thank you, Mr. President. This bill deals with two things. We've heard a lot of different bills in Senate Ed on intra-district choice. So this handles intra-district choice, and it also puts in the max capacity that we had before LEARNS. LEARNS created a little bit of confusion because there were two different parts in code, one that had max capacity and one that did not. So we put that back in, that at 95%, schools can say they're at max capacity, and they don't have to take any more choice kids in. So that allows for flexibility in case they have students moving in to the school district and they can still accommodate their classroom needs. I'm happy to take any questions. All right,
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Senator Gary Stubblefield Chair Unverified 4:27:45
Senator Urban has explained her bill. Is there anyone in the audience who would like to speak forward against the bill?
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Speaker 816 4:27:55
Seeing none, Senator Davis, you're breaking out your clothes for
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Senator Gary Stubblefield Chair Unverified 4:28:05
your bill. You're closed. Any objections? Roll
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Speaker 249 4:28:15
the vote. We have one objection. Roll the vote,
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Speaker 250 4:28:23
Madam Secretary. Boyd. Bryant. Bryant. Caldwell.
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Speaker 357 4:28:29
Clark. Crowell. Davis. Dees. Dismang. Dotson.
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Speaker 368 4:28:34
English. English. Flippo. Flowers.
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Speaker 358 4:28:42
Gilmore. Gilmore. Hammer. Hammer. Hester. Hester.
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Speaker 356 4:28:55
Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, Love, McKee, McKee, Murdoch? Murdoch. Payton? Payton. Penzo? Yes.
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Speaker 367 4:29:38
Petty? Yes. Rice? Rice. Scott? Scott. Stone? Aye. Stabofill? Aye. Sullivan? Aye.
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Speaker 368 4:29:48
Tucker? Tucker? Wallace? Aye. Okay, is there anyone that
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Senator Gary Stubblefield Chair Unverified 4:30:04
Senator Hester is a no? Senator Tucker is a no? Senator Dismayne is a no? Senator Blake Johnson is a no. Senator Johnson's yes with his finger in the wrong direction. Senator King is present. Senator Letting is present. Okay. Senator - McKinney King is not voting. Okay, wait. - Senator Leading is present. - Yeah, Sykes is a yes. - No. - No, okay. Anyone like to change it? Senator Hickey, is that yes? - McKinney is present. Pekia is present. Love is present. AJ present.
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Speaker 762 4:31:08
Love is present. Love is present. All right.
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Senator Gary Stubblefield Chair Unverified 4:31:22
Check the board members. Check the board members. Anyone like to change their votes? Seeing none, cast up the ballots. With a vote of 19, yes, nay, four nays, four, seven not voting, five present, English, Senate Bill 624 is passed, transmit to the House. Senator Caldwell. Who? Okay,
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Speaker 800 4:32:03
Senator Irvin. Senate Bill 627 by
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Chair Unverified 4:32:09
Senator Irving to assist the administration of the Code Enforcement Section of the Department of Labor and Licensing in the State's Electricians, Harvac, Elevator, and Boiler Safety Laws.
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 4:32:25
Thank you, Mr. You recognize. Thank you, Mr. President. Members, this is a state agency bill to assist the administration of the code enforcement section of the Department of Labor and Licensing and the state's electrician, HVAC, R, elevator and boiler safety laws. It will benefit licensees, businesses, and consumers in multiple areas, including eliminating unnecessary licenses, improving procedures for licensing apprentice electricians, improving procedures for elevator owners and manufacturers to comply with testing requirements, reducing and standardizing education requirements and costs for approximately 320 municipal electrical inspectors statewide and HVACR licensees, Repealing obsolete statutes and implementing a standard one-year renewal cycle to complement the department's online licensing platform and reduce operational costs for all programs. Like I said, there was a question in committee in regards to multiple-year licenses, particularly for electricians. And so I will continue to work with members on that language and with the department and with the electricians themselves and make sure that those things are clarified.
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Senator Gary Stubblefield Chair Unverified 4:33:41
or changed if necessary. All right. You done, Senator Irvin? Yep. Senator Irvin, has you explained your bill? Is there anyone has any questions? Senator Dotson
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Senator Jim Dotson Chair Unverified 4:34:05
has a question. Senator Dotson, you're right. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Senator, I noticed and I may have, it's a fairly lengthy bill so I might have missed it in a couple spots but I think there's at least a couple spots that said something about the penalties they're being changed and sometimes it seems like a fairly substantial way going from sometimes $250 to not only $1,000 per violation but $1,000 per day and so I'm just wondering if you might address the reasoning behind
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 4:34:35
that. So I think in that section of the bill that you're talking about, it's actually eliminating, it shall not exceed that, and it just strikes, it strikes the language underneath that, which creates a first offense, a second offense, and a third offense. So, and each day of a continuing violation, So that per day part didn't change. It just got moved up to line 22 because it's already stated in line 27 and 28. It's just making it simplified, and actually it reduces, you know, what could be charged, basically. It's moving, it's the same amount of money. It's just moved into a simplification and not spelled out in the law. I
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Senator Jim Dotson Chair Unverified 4:35:30
don't have the bill pulled up here. It's on page 7. Page 7? Yeah. Okay, I think it was in more than one spot that I was looking at when I was looking through this here a few minutes
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 4:35:43
ago. It's just a reorganization of same money. That's
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Senator Jim Dotson Chair Unverified 4:35:47
actually not the section that I was keyed in on. I think it's
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 4:35:52
further down on the bill. I'll keep looking. Well, it's the same page, and it's page 13. It's a similar type thing. Yeah, it's also on page 13, just to be consistent. It's the same kind of reorganization of the up to $1,000. Page 13, lines 13, 33, 34, 35, 36. One, two, on the second page, on the 14, page 13, 14. That's basically consistent with the change in that first section. That's the second place that you would find
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Senator Jim Dotson Chair Unverified 4:36:31
it. But the violation previously wasn't a per-day violation, was it? It was
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 4:36:36
just per-day. Yeah, it was. If you look at the section underneath there, it was. And then we're actually simplifying and eliminating some of those on 22 and 23 as it relates to boiler inspections. We're decreasing those. All right. Most all of these are currently per-day fines. Yeah, like on page 13
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Senator Jim Dotson Chair Unverified 4:37:08
at the end there, it says, For each violation, the civil penalty shall not exceed the following. And then it says, Per offense, per offense, per offense. But it doesn't have it per day. Right, but then if
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 4:37:24
you look at lines 4 and 5 on page 14, it says each day of a continuing violation is a separate violation for purposes of penalty
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Senator Jim Dotson Chair Unverified 4:37:32
assessment. That's current law. Gotcha. Okay. I was missing the not underlying portion as I was skimming through. Thank
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 4:37:44
you. It's a good debate on the way bills are drafted, though. Okay. Happy to answer any other questions. Good questions. Any other questions? Any other questions from members?
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Senator Gary Stubblefield Chair Unverified 4:38:03
Or does anyone want to speak for or
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Speaker 849 4:38:09
against the bill? Saying none.
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Senator Gary Stubblefield Chair Unverified 4:38:12
I'm closed. I would appreciate a good vote. Anybody object to roll
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Speaker 250 4:38:19
the vote? Roll the vote, Madam Chair. Or
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Chair Unverified 4:38:23
Madam Secretary. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismaine, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake, Johnson, Mark, Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Peyton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubberfield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Anyone like to change
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Senator Gary Stubblefield Chair Unverified 4:38:40
their votes? Senator King, your no vote. Not voting. Anyone else like to change your vote? Senator Scott, your president. Anyone
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Speaker 832 4:38:56
else? Seeing none, Madam Chair, cast up the ballot.
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Senator Gary Stubblefield Chair Unverified 4:39:06
My vote of 33 yes, 0 nay, 1 no vote, 1 present. Senate Bill 627 passes. Transmit to the House. Senator Colwell
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Chair Unverified 4:39:25
Symbol 629 by Senator Colwell To allow an officer of a closely held corporation To represent the corporation in court For the purpose of eviction proceedings And unlawful detainer proceedings
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Senator Ronald Caldwell Unverified 4:39:37
You recognize, Senator Colwell Thank you, Mr. President Members, what this bill does Correct the problem we have In the cause of action in an eviction For years and years, a landlord could represent himself in court, but because of court ruling a couple years back in an eviction, we'd have to hire a lawyer. What this does allows, if you have an LLC or an S-corp that is closely held in your family, is that you can represent yourself in that cause of action.
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Senator Gary Stubblefield Chair Unverified 4:40:12
All right. Senator Caldwell is explaining this bill. Is there any questions? Seeing none, Senator Clawwell, you're closed. Anyone want to speak for or against the bill? Closed. Seeing none, are we, anyone object to rolling the
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Speaker 250 4:40:40
vote? Seeing none, Madam Chair, roll
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Chair Unverified 4:40:43
the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Coral, Davis, Dees, Dismaine, Dodson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake, Johnson, Mark, Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbafill, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace.
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Senator Gary Stubblefield Chair Unverified 4:41:00
Anyone like to change their vote? Senator Flowers present. Anyone else like to change their vote? Seeing none with a vote of 34 yes, 0 nay, 0 no. President
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Speaker 832 4:41:16
1, Senate Bill 629 is passed. Send it to the House.
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Speaker 70 4:41:31
Senator Love. We're going to pass over.
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 4:41:41
He's not here, so we're passing over. Okay, members,
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Speaker 858 4:41:50
we're going to move on to the pink sheets. Okay, and it's 478.
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 4:41:55
Members, at the bottom of your pink sheet, if you will add 478. Senator Stubblefield passed over it while he was in the chair, but we'll add it at the bottom of the pink sheet, 478 Stubblefields. So starting at the top of
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Chair Unverified 4:42:13
the pink sheet, SB 2, Senator Penzo. Senate Bill 2 by Senator Penzo to repeal the statewide fluoridation program
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Speaker 518 4:42:19
and repeal the mandate for water systems to maintain
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Chair Unverified 4:42:23
a fluoride content. Senator Penzo, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. President. We don't need to discuss all
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 4:42:29
the ins and outs of fluoride unless y'all want to. But as a reminder, this is the bill that repeals the fluoride mandate in the state. It would allow pretty much a local decision to be made. So this is, in my opinion, a good local control bill. Allows the local water districts to determine to opt out of fluoride if they choose to once the mandate's been removed. Are there any questions? Senator Deese,
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Senator Tyler Dees Chair Unverified 4:42:59
you recognize for a question? Thank you, Mr. President. Senator Penzo, if you could help me with Senate Bill 2. And I know we have Senate Bill 613 coming up. 468 and 613. Yeah. If all of those were to pass, help me understand how they gel or conflict. I don't want to pass one and
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 4:43:22
mess something up, so will you help with that? Yeah, so, and I appreciate a little bit of latitude on this one. But so SB2 is the cleanest version of the bill. It just repeals the mandate, simple. That one will go to Public Health Committee on the House side. Senate Bill 468 and 613 will go to state agencies because it sets up a voting process. So it goes to a different committee because it creates kind of an election process for the constituents to vote on how they do it. Now, there's no good way to do an election on this. We've worked on it. There's been feedback on both of those bills on issues, how it gels. My goal is to get all of these actually over to the House. Ultimately, I would like SB2 to be ran in public health and have that determination made by our House Public Health Committee. The other two I guess I would look at as backups to go through the state agencies. They're not optimal, but if the house as a body chooses one of those instead of the one we sends to public health, we don't have any control of what they do over there. So I would like to give them the option to work through those.
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Senator Tyler Dees Chair Unverified 4:44:49
That's helpful. And then the last question was just if on any of these, just help me understand the ability to vote Or if SB2 passes here today, how it actually goes to implementation when communities share water. So if a community were to want this, but then the other community doesn't, and they share a water source, I just want to make sure I'm understanding that correctly, if that's a situation that this...
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 4:45:20
There are water districts in this state that do not want to provide, and their constituents that they serve do not want fluoride or water. I think the determination's already been made by those because the boards want to represent what their constituents want. Is there a way to do it? That's why I just want to make sure. It's just done. There is no hurdles. We're just removing a mandate and allowing the people to do what they want to do.
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 4:45:54
All right, thank you. Appreciate it. Thank you. Any other questions? Seeing none, would anyone like to speak against the bill, for the bill? Senator Benzo, you're recognized to close on the bill? I'm closed for the bill, and I'd ask for a good vote. Madam
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Speaker 249 4:46:11
Secretary, please call the roll. Boyd? Boyd? Bryant? Bryant? Caldwell? Caldwell? Clark? Crowell? Aye.
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Speaker 357 4:46:25
Davis. Davis. Dees. Dismang. Dotson. He said
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Speaker 368 4:46:37
yes. English. English. Flippo. Flippo. Flowers. Flowers.
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Speaker 358 4:46:44
Gilmore? Gilmore. Hammer? Hammer. Hester? Aye. Hickey? No. Hill? Yes.
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Speaker 356 4:46:57
Irvin? No. Blake Johnson? Aye. Mark Johnson? No. King? Aye.
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Speaker 355 4:47:08
Letting? No. Love? Love. McKee? I don't know. Murdoch?
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Speaker 367 4:47:30
Murdoch. Payton? Payton. Penzo? Yes. Petty? Petty? Yes. Petty? Yes. Rice? Yes. Scott? Yes. Stone? Aye.
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Speaker 368 4:47:40
Stabbeville? Aye. Sullivan? Aye. Tucker? Aye. Tucker? Wallace?
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 4:47:51
No. Would any member like to vote that has not or change their
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 4:47:59
vote? Bryant? Aye. Hammer? No. Tucker? No. Gilmore, no.
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Speaker 882 4:48:11
Letting flowers, no. Florid. Flippo, Flippo, aye. Anyone
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Speaker 196 4:48:23
else? Anyone else? Love, no. Anyone else? Seeing none, Madam Secretary, cast up the
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 4:48:37
ballot. By a vote of 18 yeas, 12 nays, the bill passes, transmit to the House. Thank you, committee. Senate Bill 258. Senate
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Chair Unverified 4:48:50
Bill 258 by Senator Penzo to create the Arkansas Digital Responsibility, Safety, and Trust Act. Senator Penzo, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 4:49:02
258 provides Arkansans with a similar digital privacy right as the residents of 20 other states. The bill gives Arkansans control of their personal information and reduces the privacy and security risk created by platforms like TikTok and Timu by requiring that they delete Arkansans' data upon request and empowering the AG to bring actions against them when they handle Arkansans' data in a clandestine manner. It does not have a privacy right of action, so profiteering consumers and their lawyers will not be able to use this for an easy payday against Arkansas businesses. It aligns with existing U.S. state and federal privacy standards to ensure Arkansas businesses remain competitive while protecting consumers. SB 258 further balances commercial interests against consumer rights and protections by exempting appropriate businesses and data from complying. This includes small businesses, all but about 1% of nonprofits, and that's the top 1% biannual revenue, and that comes out to be like anybody, like over 15 million. State agencies, businesses that are already required to comply with federal privacy laws, and data for detecting, investigating, reporting, or preventing fraud or crime. SB 258 thoughtfully regulates our increasingly digital economy while safeguarding Arkansans' fundamental privacy needs. We made a lot of amendments on this bill. I think we shaved off 15 pages from what it was originally. I believe that we've corrected all of the issues and came to some sort of compromise except for the 60-day cure period. Some of the big tech companies wanted that, but that's like saying you stole a bag of cash and we want you to bring back the bag of cash that's empty now within 60 days. Once the data's out there, the data's out there. There can't be really a cure period, and that's something the AG didn't want in the bill. So this has been scrutinized probably heavier than any other piece of legislation I've got, and we've made a lot of amendments to this to accommodate the requests. So I'd appreciate a good vote
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 4:51:24
unless there's any questions. Senator Irvin, you're recognized for question.
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 4:51:28
Just a quick question. Who, again, did you say you worked with
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 4:51:33
on this bill? There were a lot of people. There were some data privacy attorneys, a group that I worked with on this, and they kind of were the intermediaries with all the big tech companies to work through all the information. Was
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 4:51:49
there, like, other, like, outside group or agency that you worked with that
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 4:51:54
supported the bill? Not really. This is just was kind of a constituent-led from people that are in that world. And you said the AG. You said also the AG. Yeah, I went to the AG first with this to make sure we weren't messing anything up. And there's been a lot of interaction with the AG's
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 4:52:13
office on this. Any other questions? Seeing none, would anyone like to speak against the bill, for
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Chair Unverified 4:52:18
the bill? on the bill. On the bill. Senator Hill, you're recognized. Colleagues, I'm not going to speak against
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Senator Ricky Hill Unverified 4:52:25
the bill and I'm not going to speak for the bill but I want you to think about one thing. This came through the committee that I was chairing and I've had several large industries talk to me about this with major concerns of us regulating something that we don't know where it's going yet. That we may put some issues out here that we don't know what they are and prevent some businesses from coming in. But what I want to say is, be your own judge, but we're regulating an industry that's changing daily, and we don't know what we're regulating.
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 4:52:58
Anyone else like to speak for the bill, against the bill? Senator Penzo, you're recognized to
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 4:53:06
close. Thank you, Mr. President. Initially, this bill had a lot of AI components to it, and that was a lot of the 15 pages we took out of the bill. So I believe that all, I personally believe a lot of those concerns have probably been alleviated. We didn't want to touch AI because that is a quickly evolving part of the world. But data privacy is data privacy, and we want to make sure that Arkansans' personal data is protected.
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 4:53:42
And I'd appreciate a good vote. Any objection to a rolling vote?
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Speaker 249 4:53:48
Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Please call the
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Speaker 250 4:53:58
roll. Boyd, Bryant, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark,
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Speaker 357 4:54:05
Crowell, Crowell, Davis, Davis, Dees, Dismang, Dotson, Dotson.
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Speaker 358 4:54:14
English? English. Flippo? No. Flowers? Flowers. Present. Gilmore?
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Speaker 356 4:54:31
Present. Hammer? Present. Hester? Hester. Hickey? No. Hill? Irvin? Irvin. Blake Johnson? Blake Johnson. Mark Johnson? Aye. King? King? Aye. Letting? Present.
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Speaker 355 4:54:59
Love? Present. Present for him. McKee? McKee.
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Speaker 356 4:55:05
Murdoch? Murdoch. Payton? Yes. Penzo? Yes. Petty?
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Speaker 367 4:55:15
Yes. Rice? Rice. Scott? Stone? Stone? Aye. Stabafil? Aye. Sullivan? Aye. Tucker? Tucker?
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 4:55:31
Wallace? Aye. Would any member like to
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 4:55:40
vote that has not or changed their vote? Senator Boyd, present. Senator Davis, present. Senator Hester, present. Senator Dotson, present. Senator Irvin, present. Senator Murdoch, present. Anyone else? Madam Secretary, cast up the ballot. By a vote of 11 yays and 3 nays, 14 present, the
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Chair Unverified 4:56:18
bill fails. Senate Bill 456. Senate Bill 456 by Senator Petty, to create the Home
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Senator Jim Petty Unverified 4:56:24
Opportunities Made Easier Act. Senator Petty, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. President. Members, I might speculate here that aside from maybe prison correspondence and HB 1150 that we're going to hear tomorrow, This is probably third in line from the volume of texts and calls. It was created, it was drafted based on hundreds, if not thousands, of studies that create, that reach the same conclusions. It's meant to address a very real issue that I think will affect us if we don't do something around economic development. And it's the housing, Home Opportunities Made Easy Act. Over 42 states or 42 states have passed over 400 pieces of legislation around these issues that were outlined in SB 456, 42 and 400. Doesn't mean we have to follow the path of others, but it is a very real issue. It's not an issue that I got the sense that we were really willing to address at this point. So I'm going to request that we pull this down and send it to interim study for further debate and discussion. Members,
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 4:57:41
a motion to send to the interim study. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed, say no. Motion carries. Senate Bill 468, Senator Penzo.
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Chair Unverified 4:57:55
Senate Bill 468 by Senator Penzo to amend the law concerning fluoridation of a public water
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 4:58:01
system. Senator Penzo, you're recognized. Okay, I'll make this quick since it's
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 4:58:06
another fluoride bill. This is the one Delta Dental is opposed, Association of Counties is opposed, clerks are opposed. Sets up an election process. This is my preferred of the election processes. In my opinion, it's better than 613. what this does is it says if there are three counties that are supplied by water district each county county-wide election during the general election all three counties would have to vote to remove fluoride from the water system so if two counties vote to remove it the mandate's still in place if all three counties vote they can override the the mandate to have the water fluoridated and that's what the bill does happy to answer any questions senator boyd you're
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Senator Justin Boyd Chair Unverified 4:58:57
recognized for a question thank you so in the case of sebastian county who primarily supplies the water to crawford county and other places potentially like if there's other overlap we could have logan and washington and something else get together and ultimately tell sebastian county No. Sebastian County has to vote on it, too. Okay. This
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 4:59:22
is different than what you had issues with before. That one said two, if there were three counties, two could vote to remove, and one didn't, the majority. This says all, all three counties, all four counties, all five counties supplied by a water district have to vote in a county-wide election. Okay, so all the counties would have to vote? Every county would have to vote, and it would come up during a general, and there's a petition process for each county so each county would have to jump through all those hoops to get it done so it's a difficult process it sounds better it's better than it was and i had 16 votes
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Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 5:00:04
senator dismay you're recognized yeah i'm just trying to make sure what is the difference between this and i know it's a different bill but sb13 because i'm not i'm not in the position of wanting to vote
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 5:00:15
for all of these but maybe okay okay so 613 is is the language that was put forth i'm not really sure if it originated with delta dental or the association of counties or the clerks or who who came up with it but that's why it's a 14 page bill it it sets up a process for the water district to decide um how that's done and that was their preferred way of doing it so it takes it out of like a general election and then it so i think it has to mail out like they have to reach out to the water district users specifically it's kind of like if there was a board and you voted for the board it's not like a a formal election process it'd be the way they explain it it's how levy districts do it i don't have levy districts up in my area so i don't know how they do things but some of you from other parts of the states have levy districts so that's how it's done in 613.
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Senator Steve Crowell Chair Unverified 5:01:14
Senator Kroll, you're recognized? The only concern I have with this is border states that have, on both sides of the border, I thought we had a fix on that.
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 5:01:26
I want to make sure that we do. Yeah, I looked into that in border, I know in particular I looked into Texarkana. They have an agreement, they buy their water from Texas, so they are currently exempt from from the fluoride mandate they have an agreement i think with uh texas that texarkana texas texarkana arkansas whatever the lesser is of the laws is what applies to texarkana arkansas so if if we have to fluoridate here and they don't fluoridate in texas they buy their water from texas so they don't have to have fluoride in their water so i i think i think there's those kind of agreements on municipalities that receive water from other states. I didn't check into all of them because I don't know all of them. I just know that that was brought up in the discussion.
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Senator Steve Crowell Chair Unverified 5:02:17
I guess a follow-up comment. I checked into two neighboring ones that were in my district and it is the exact same. Okay, thank you. Senator Dotson, you
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Senator Jim Dotson Chair Unverified 5:02:30
recognize? Thank you, Mr. Chair. Senator, so if we passed, if SB2 passes into law, then that removes the statewide mandate, and then this subsequently passes as well, then it would have to everyone would have to follow this process if they wanted to put fluoride in their local water.
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 5:02:51
The mandate would be gone. If SB2 passes, my co-sponsors on the House side will not be running 468 or 613. Okay, thank you. Any other
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 5:03:05
questions? Seeing none, would anyone like to speak against the bill, for the bill? Madam Secretary, please call the
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Speaker 249 5:03:15
roll. Boyd? No. Bryant? Bryant. Caldwell? Caldwell.
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Speaker 250 5:03:24
Clark? Clark. Crowell? Yes. Davis?
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Speaker 357 5:03:34
Davis. Dees? Dismang? Dotson? Dotson. English? English. Flippo?
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Speaker 358 5:03:48
Flippo. Flowers? Gilmore? Hammer. Hammer. Hester. Nestor. Hickey.
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Speaker 356 5:04:01
Hill. Hill. Irvin. Blake Johnson. Blake Johnson.
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Speaker 508 5:04:11
Mark Johnson? King? Letting? Love? McKee? McKee.
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Speaker 367 5:04:34
Murdoch? Payton? Payton. Penzo? Petty? Rice? Rice. Scott Stone
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Speaker 355 5:04:43
Stabafil Sullivan Tucker Tucker Wallace
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 5:04:53
Would a member like to vote that has not or change their vote? Bryant, aye Davis, no Kroll, present Tucker, no Alan Clark, aye Anyone else? Senator Dotson, aye Anyone else? Seeing none, Madam Secretary, cast up the ballot By a
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Speaker 196 5:05:25
vote of 9 yeas, 17 nays, and
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Chair Unverified 5:05:33
1% The bill fails Senate Bill 520 Senate Bill 520 by Senator Sullivan, to prohibit diversity, equity, and inclusion officers' policies or practices in local government.
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Senator Dan Sullivan Chair Unverified 5:05:46
Senator Sullivan, you are recognized. Thank you. Tough following Penzo's bills all the time, but here goes. So this act brings us, our bill brings us in line with what we did in DEI for higher ed, what we did with Act 116 and state agencies, what's coming down in federal government, and just applies those DEI standards, diversity, equity, inclusion to state, I'm sorry, to city and local government. The bill's pretty self-explanatory. it defines those terms just highlights of the bill it says an officer an agent will not treat people differently based on sex immutable characteristics it does list a few exceptions for example if you have to have a guard in a female prison they're allowed to have a female guard in there, or other exceptions it might be. It lists what the employees can do of local government. If someone finds a violation, they report that to local government, whether at the county or city, and the county or city has 30 days to cure that. If the citizen still is unsatisfied, then they can bring civil action against that and the courts, there's no penalty to it. They just remedy the cure or cure the remedy and you get court costs. The bill also says on the last section that this section does not prevent compliance with any state or federal civil rights laws or any agreement related to the receipt of state or federal funding so we don't risk any state or federal funding by violating those. I'd be glad to take any questions? Are there any questions? Seeing
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 5:07:39
none, would anyone like to speak against the bill? Senator Murdoch, you're recognized to speak against the bill.
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Senator Reginald Murdock Unverified 5:07:48
Thank you, sir. Colleagues, please, you know, we've dealt with this at the state level. Agencies, as Senator Sublin mentioned, now even to the local level, want to control and bring this craziness all the way to the local level. This is not necessary. It's not needed. You certainly should want to control local government as they try to impart and keep their communities together, counties and cities together. Why would we bring this all the way to that level? If those communities feel as though this body has stated, or the federal government even, then allow them to do that. But please, let's not, from here, try to impart this type of thinking on our local government and let's allow local control to make their decisions on how they want to deal with their communities in terms of inclusiveness, diversity and equity. Please, let's at least preserve the local government. I'll take any questions. Any questions? Seeing none, would
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 5:08:49
anyone like to speak for the bill, against the bill? Senator Sullivan, you're recognized to close. Again,
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Senator Dan Sullivan Chair Unverified 5:09:00
folks, we need to stand up against discrimination or preferential treatment. That's what this bill does. I'm closed
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 5:09:08
and appreciate a good vote. Madam
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Speaker 354 5:09:17
Secretary, please call the roll. Bowen?
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Speaker 250 5:09:25
Bryant? Caldwell? Caldwell? Clark? Clark?
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Speaker 356 5:09:31
Crowell? Crowell? Davis? Dees? Dees. Dismang?
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Speaker 357 5:09:37
Dismang. Dotson? Dotson. English? English. Flippo? Flippo. Flowers? No.
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Speaker 358 5:09:54
Gilmore, Hammer, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Irvin,
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Speaker 356 5:10:11
Blake Johnson, aye. Mark Johnson, aye. King, aye. Letting, no. Love, no. McKee, aye. Murdoch, no. Payton,
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Chair Unverified 5:10:36
Payton Penzo Petty Rice Scott Stone Stuboffel Sullivan
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Speaker 368 5:10:56
Tucker Wallace Would a
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 5:11:04
member like to vote that has not or change their vote.
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 5:11:11
Scott, no. Gilmore, aye. Hammer, aye. Caldwell, aye. Irvin, aye. Flippo, aye. Dotson, aye. Kroll, aye. Hester, no. Clark, aye. d's present anyone else please check the board seeing none madam secretary cast up the ballot by a vote of 22 yeas 7 nays 2 present the bill passes transmit to the house senate bill 574 senate
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Chair Unverified 5:12:01
bill 574 by senator petty to require a municipality that operates a waterworks system or sewage system to provide service to county property in certain instances. I'm sorry, I do
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 5:12:14
not see Senator Petty. We will skip over and move to Senate Bill 591.
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Chair Unverified 5:12:23
Senator Penzo. Senate Bill 591 by Senator Penzo to prohibit race selection abortion in this state and to create the Race Discrimination by Abortion Prohibitation Act. Senator Penzo, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. President. I started introducing this one earlier.
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 5:12:55
There were questions about certain sections in here. I don't remember exactly what the question was, but it had to do with this bill. The part about the life of the mother is in another section of the code. So this bill does not affect this. This bill doesn't even go into effect until other sections of code are overturned, so it's kind of like a safety net. And if anybody wants any additional clarification, I'd be happy to offer
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Chair Unverified 5:13:34
it. Any questions? Senator Davis, you're recognized? Thank you, Mr. President.
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Senator Breanne Davis Chair Unverified 5:13:40
I mean, it says that an act under this subdivision of this section is not an abortion if the act is performed with the intent to, and it does not include the life of the mother. So then we'll have two pieces of code one that says one definition of what an exception is one that says a different definition and in 10 years if if everything goes back and this is triggered then the life of the mother will not be protected in this subdivision of code which is what the
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 5:14:13
bill says but this this is only specifically for choosing an abortion based on race has nothing to do with any other type of what's an abortion. This has to do if it's chosen by race. So I don't understand where
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Senator Breanne Davis Chair Unverified 5:14:32
we're going with this. Well, then why do you need anything else in there? If it only pertains to someone choosing an abortion because of race, then you don't need there to be any, you don't need line one and two and following underneath that that says an act under this subdivision of this section is not an abortion if it's performed with the intent to. And then it lists three reasons for that. And if you don't need to put the life of the
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Speaker 933 5:14:59
mother, then why do you need to put those?
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 5:15:04
Why should they be listed at all? Because that's laying out how a pregnancy those are like the definition of how an abortion uh or not an abortion but removing like an eptoc those are procedures that are listed out in there so i mean this is written exactly like the sex selection legislation we passed this is written exactly like the down syndrome ban so i mean this is this exact lame language from from those other two it's it's not it's not addressing that because it's saying these are procedures that are done that that are to remove a pregnancy that's already uh you know if it's ectopic or if it's you know if it's the baby's already passed and it needs to be removed so i mean we're not we're not
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Senator Breanne Davis Chair Unverified 5:16:08
messing anything up with this well i can understand that on numbers two and three removing a dead unborn child basically a miscarriage or an eptopic pregnancy those could both require procedures but if it is just about a baby that's passed then why is the first thing to say to save the life or preserve the health of
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 5:16:32
the unborn child it's saying if Well, if you're doing a C-section, these are three procedures that are being done. They're saying those are not classified as an abortion. So if you're doing a C-section to save the child, that's not an abortion. Right, the baby's alive.
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Senator Breanne Davis Chair Unverified 5:16:50
If you're doing a C-section and taking a baby out. Right, but it's laying out procedures. Well, it doesn't say anything about a C-section. It says to save the life or preserve the health of the unborn child. I can understand. How
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 5:17:03
else would you get a baby out without, I mean, I don't understand where we're going with this. But this is in
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Senator Breanne Davis Chair Unverified 5:17:08
regards to what is not an abortion. A C-section, of course, is not an abortion. Okay. You're cutting a live baby out. Yeah, that's what we're clarifying. So. I don't know what to tell you. I just don't know why we don't put in the life of the mother. If this act says that this section is not an abortion if it's done with this intent and 1A is talking about all the things that abortion is, you're saying
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 5:17:41
that in this part of the code. And this only has provisions in it if the baby is terminated based on race.
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Senator Breanne Davis Chair Unverified 5:17:48
That's the only thing this does. Right? So, a mother can die. Like, no, it's saying that under 1A of this section, it's not an abortion if the act is performed with the intent to. And if you look at 1A on page 1, abortion means the act of using or prescribing an instrument, medicine, drug, any other substance, device, means used to intent to terminate the pregnancy of a woman with the knowledge. But it says, but not these reasons, to save the life or preserve the health of the unborn child, to remove a dead child caused by a miscarriage, or to remove an eptopic pregnancy. Okay, we can disagree
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 5:18:27
about what the bill says, but I mean, this has to do with race selection abortions, period. Okay? I understand that. Apparently you don't, because we're... I
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Speaker 942 5:18:40
do understand it because it says that
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Senator Breanne Davis Chair Unverified 5:18:43
it's not an abortion if. And what you're saying is there's a different part of code that has exceptions for the life of the mother. But here it does not. If you're doing a procedure because you've had an eptopic pregnancy, which I've had, and had a DNC to have it removed, and I've also had a miscarriage that just happened naturally, and I've had four C-sections. So I've had every single thing listed in here. Okay. So I do understand very clearly. If it's in one part of code that says an exception for the life of the mother is okay, but in this one it is not included, we will have two different definitions of what is an exception
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Speaker 945 5:19:27
for an abortion based on a bill that we don't even need right now. I know you have issues with who's
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 5:19:36
behind the bill. Members, let's have question, answer. Senator Davis, please finish. question? My concern and my question to you is
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Senator Breanne Davis Chair Unverified 5:19:44
in 10 years, if we pass this and we forget that there's a different definition for what an exception is, because most of us won't be here, then there's two different definitions in code, then what will happen? How are there
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 5:20:00
two different definitions in code when this is a trigger bill? This doesn't go into effect unless the other one
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Senator Breanne Davis Chair Unverified 5:20:06
does. Right. Okay. In 10 years from now,
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 5:20:10
say it goes into effect. Okay, well then, do you want to clean up the other two? That's fine.
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Speaker 815 5:20:15
If that's what they say, I don't have them in
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Speaker 603 5:20:18
front of me. Well, this is the bill. I'd appreciate
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 5:20:24
a good vote. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Senator Irving, you're recognized to speak against the bill. Yeah, I'm speaking against the
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 5:20:32
bill because Senator Davis is 100% correct. I actually think that it was supposed to say save the life or preserve the health of the mother not the unborn child because then that would be consistent with what we already have as exceptions for abortion it's an unnecessary bill because abortions are illegal in the state of Arkansas so I really think that that that was supposed to say the mother I really do and so again because this is exactly what we state and a lot of these a lot of the abortion bills this is what we state this is how we state these exceptions and it's always to save the life or preserve the health of the mother you would never do an abortion or anything like that to save the life or preserve the health of the unborn child we we don't that's not part of any of the discussion we've ever had before on any abortion law. So I'm voting no on the
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 5:21:37
bill. Would any member like to speak for the bill, against the bill? Senator Penzo, you're recognized to close. To
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 5:21:53
say we don't need this, we don't need this unless our current abortion laws are overturned like they have been in some states. We don't need this unless. So, I
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Speaker 940 5:22:09
mean... Every... I will just leave with
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 5:22:20
this. This is how we've done every other piece of legislation that looks like this. I've looked at them, and I would appreciate a good vote on this if you all want to run some additional legislation to clean up whatever
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Chair Unverified 5:22:37
concerns you have. But I think this is a good pro-life bill. I understand some people don't like some
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 5:22:47
of the supporters of this
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Speaker 249 5:22:53
bill, and I'd appreciate a good vote. Madam Secretary, please call the roll. Bowen? Bowen?
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Speaker 355 5:23:06
Bryant? Bright. Caldwell. Caldwell. Clark. Crowell. Crowell.
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Speaker 357 5:23:13
Davis. Dees. Dismang. Dismang. Dotson. Dotson English English Flippo Flippo
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Speaker 358 5:23:27
Flowers Gilmore Hammer Hester Hester Hickey Hill Irvin Blake
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Speaker 356 5:23:38
Johnson Blake Johnson Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Peyton,
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Speaker 355 5:23:57
Peyton, Enzo, Petty, Petty,
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Speaker 367 5:24:12
Rice, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stebafil, Stebafil, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace.
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Speaker 368 5:24:26
Would a member like
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 5:24:35
to vote that has not or change their vote, letting,
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 5:24:40
no, Boyd, aye. Bryant. I. Johnson. Blake. I. Dotson.
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Speaker 196 5:24:47
I. Anyone else? Senator Stubblefield. I.
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 5:24:55
Anyone else? Seeing none, Madam Secretary cast up the ballot. By vote of 15 yeas, nine nays, four present. The bill fails. Senate Bill 613, Senator Penzo. Oh, Oh, sorry, I skipped over. Senate Bill 574, Senator Petty. Senate Bill 574
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Chair Unverified 5:25:15
by Senator Petty. To require a municipality that operates a waterworks system or sewerage system to provide service to county property in certain instances.
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 5:25:27
Senator Petty, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. President. Members, as I
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Senator Jim Petty Unverified 5:25:32
stated the other day, This bill was intended, in essence, to be a companion bill to SB 571. There was no motivation behind it around a prison. In fact, for those that are opposed to the prison, this is talking about a county. And if it's a county that is opposed to a prison, they're probably going to be opposed to doing the work that we're trying to fix in this bill itself. So it's strictly a matter of practice. There has been some discussions around whether or not it's applicable or not, and so this just clarifies, but the overwhelming a matter of practice is around if the county does work and they do the improvements, they can connect to the city services. So with that, I'm happy to answer any questions. Are there any questions? Seeing none, would anyone like
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 5:26:24
to speak against the bill, for the bill? Senator Petty has closed on the bill. Any objection to rolling the vote? Seeing none, Madam Secretary,
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Chair Unverified 5:26:39
please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismaine, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Henzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbafield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Would any member
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 5:27:06
like to vote that has not or changed their vote? Senator Letting, present. Or Senator Flowers, present, sorry. Senator King, not voting. Senator Wallace, no. Senator Scott, present. Senator Penzo, present. Senator Irvin, present. Anyone else? Senator Murdoch? No. Anyone else? Seeing none, Madam Secretary, cast up the ballot. By a vote of 28 yeas, two nays, and four points, the bill passes. Transmit to the House. Senate bill, Senator Irvin, you're
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 5:27:44
recognized. Can't I just go ahead and pull the bill from the committee? Well, you
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 5:27:51
can do that, but we can't amend it. Okay. - Senate Bill 613, Senator Penzo.
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Chair Unverified 5:28:04
- Senate Bill 613, Senator Penzo, to create an election procedure to determine fluoridation of a public water system.
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 5:28:14
- Senator Penzo, you're recognized. - Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 613, that's the Delta Dental language. There's no opposition from the Association of Counties, the clerks, or Delta Dental on it, obviously. I'm not a big fan of the bill, but I told them I'd run it and do my best to get it to the other side so we'd have this option on the other end of the building for the House to look
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 5:28:42
at as well. So I'd appreciate a good vote. Any questions? Senator Mark Johnson, you're recognized
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Senator Mark Johnson Unverified 5:28:52
for question. Thank you, Mr. President. Senator Penzo, on page 3, it says it has to do with hiring and training of paid canvassers. It says a person shall not provide money or anything of value to another person for obtaining signatures on the fluoridation election petition unless the person is receiving money or item of value meets the requirements of this section. and I'm going all over this I'm not strong one way or the other on this bill but we have a constitutional amendment amendment 7 that defines clearly that someone can be paid in certain manners and we've regulated that some in the last couple of sessions but do the people that write this think that they could tweak that or carve out some exceptions to the compensation authorization in Amendment 7? Yeah, I mean, I'd be happy to do
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 5:29:57
that. If that's something we need to clean up, I'd be happy to make the amendment on the other side. I don't know if there's time to...
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Senator Mark Johnson Unverified 5:30:11
Well, I don't know either, but the thing is, You can't just write your own rules on this fluoridation petition any more than you can any initiative or referendum petition. That's in Amendment 7 to
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 5:30:26
the Constitution. I didn't write this language. Like I said, I'm carrying it for Delta
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Senator Mark Johnson Unverified 5:30:32
Dental. So the best to your knowledge, they didn't know maybe that they were coming close to violating the terms in Amendment
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 5:30:40
7. I would think that they didn't realize they were. There's some other issues that have been brought up by some folks, too, having to do with three-day requirements and the necessity to have a 10-day period for military personnel overseas. So I do understand that it does have flaws that probably could be cleaned up if we need to. Well, for that reason, I'm going to have to
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Senator Mark Johnson Unverified 5:31:05
vote no. But thank you for trying to answer my question. Okay, thank you. Are
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 5:31:10
there any other questions? Seeing none, would anyone like to speak against the bill? Senator Mark Johnson is recognized to speak against the bill.
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Senator Mark Johnson Unverified 5:31:28
Colleagues, I'll be brief. I know we've got a lot to do and not much time. This may be okay. There may be some ways to clean this up. But when we start trying to, by statute in a very narrow sense, change the outline and the way petition drives are done that are stated in Amendment 7 and laws we passed to implement that, in one narrow instance, in this case a fluoridation issue, I just think this is a direction we don't need to go. So I would encourage that we vote this bill down. Thank you, Mr. President. Would
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 5:32:02
anyone like to speak for the bill? Senator Dismania recognized to speak for the bill.
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Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 5:32:09
I haven't spoken to anyone about the bill, but just to clarify on that, I don't think this is much different than a petition process that the members of a co-op would undergo to be able to petition their utility on something they wanted to do. So I don't think it's a significantly different thing than that, and I think that's what
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 5:32:31
it's mirroring back to. Would anyone like to speak against the bill, for the bill? Seeing none, Senator Penzo, you're recognized to
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 5:32:37
close on the bill? I'll make it quick. This man made a pretty decent point there, being that this was modeled after levy districts, and maybe he said co-ops. I mean, it's not your typical thing, so it's not something I understand because it was different than the approach I had. They wanted it to be more localized, so I think he might
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Chair Unverified 5:32:56
have made a good point on that, so I'll close. Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Bowett, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismayne, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbafill, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace.
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 5:33:29
Would a member like to vote that has not or change their vote? Senator Tucker, no. Senator Scott, no. Senator Murdoch, no. Senator Clark, present. Senator Love, no. Senator Letting, no. Senator Mark Johnson, no. Senator Flowers, no. Anyone else? Seeing none, Madam Secretary cast up the ballot by a vote of 27 yays, 7 nays, and 1 present. I've already cast out the bill passes. Transmit to the House. Do we need to? Senator Hickey. Senator Hickey, you are recognized for a motion. I'm doing this
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 5:34:20
for Senator Irvin. She wants to withdraw SB 626 from Insurance and Commerce for the purpose of an amendment. members you've heard any any
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 5:34:28
all those in favor you've heard the motion all those favor signify by saying aye opposed say no motion carries amendment
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Chair Unverified 5:34:39
one to Senate bill 626. Senator Hickey
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 5:34:42
you recognized this is her her bill her amendment all you've heard the explanation the amendment all those in favor signify by saying aye all those opposed say no motion carries amendment adopted. Senator Penzo, you are recognized for a motion. Thank you, Mr. President. Senator Pryor,
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Chair Unverified 5:35:02
Bill 2, Engrossing. Senator Penzo, you're recognized.
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 5:35:06
My data privacy bill, I think, was a little complicated. I'm going to get with some folks that just said they didn't vote for it because it was a little too extensive and they had some
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 5:35:18
questions, so I'd like to expunge the vote by which Senate Bill 258 failed. Members, you've heard the motion. All
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 5:35:27
those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed, say no. Motion carries. Motion to expunge the vote by which Senate Bill 591 failed. I've been talking to a few folks. I'm happy to make an amendment on that to try to appease everybody. So that's the race selection, abortion. Members,
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 5:35:48
you've heard the motion. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed, say no. Motion carries. Senator Letting, you're
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Senator Greg Leding Unverified 5:35:56
recognized for a motion. Motion to expunge the vote by which Senate Bill 585 failed. That was the pay stub bill earlier today.
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 5:36:07
All those in favor of the motion signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed say no. Motion carries. Any other motions? We're going to move on to Senate Bill 478. It's the write-in at the bottom of your pink calendar. Senate Bill 478. Senator Stubblefield. Senator Stubblefield is on his way. Senate Bill 478.
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Chair Unverified 5:36:47
Senate Bill 478 by Senator Stubblefield to create the Arkansas Diesel Engine Freedom Act of 2025 5, and to prohibit state enforcement. Are you not doing your bill? Senator
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Speaker 51 5:37:03
Wallace is going to handle it. Members, while we're waiting for
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 5:37:13
just a moment, this will be our last bill, and we will start House bills. We have quite a few, but we've got to get through quite a
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Speaker 977 5:37:31
few of them today because they have amendments. So, buckle
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 5:37:36
up. Okay, members, we are going to pass. Oh, Senator Wallace. All
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Chair Unverified 5:37:46
right. Senate Bill 478 by Senator Stubbeffield to create the Arkansas Diesel Engine Freedom Act of 2025 and to prohibit state enforcement of federal regulation of certain types of diesel engines. Senator Wallace,
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 5:38:03
you're recognized. Thank you, sir. Members, I
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Senator Dave Wallace Unverified 5:38:10
want to start out by just talking about there's interstate commerce, transportation, and there's intra-state. And I know most of you all, probably all of you know this, but intra means that we can do in Arkansas what we want to do with our transportation as long as those vehicles don't go outside the state of Arkansas. So I just want to set the ground there. A lot of our big farm equipment and some of our bigger trucks have what we call DEF, and it's diesel engine fluid. And they have diesel engine fluid pumps. These are designed and they use non-indized water. They're designed to give a cleaner environment. However, they don't work well. And what has happened over and over and over is our farm equipment breaks down, our big trucks break down, and what this bill simply does is in the state of Arkansas, as long as you stay within the state of Arkansas, You're not required to have DEF or DEF equipment on your vehicles. ADEQ is neutral on this, as is the trucking and transportation. And with that, I stand by for your questions. Are there any questions?
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 5:39:50
Seeing none, would anyone like to speak against the bill, for the bill? Seeing none, Senator Walsh, you're recognized to close. I'm closed. He's closed. Any objection to
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Chair Unverified 5:40:02
rolling the vote? Seeing none, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismayne, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubblefield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace.
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 5:40:22
Would he ever like to vote that has not or change their vote? Seeing none, Madam Secretary, cast up the ballot by a vote of 35 yeas and zero nays. the bill passes transmit to the house okay members we are going to take a 10 minute recess madam secretary is there any items at the desk yes will your committee
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Speaker 51 5:40:48
on state agencies tune was first Senate joint resolution 15 by central dismay recommend do pass calendar calendar committee on efficiency to whom was referred to Senate Bill 346 by Efficiency Committee, recommend do pass. Calendar. Where your committee on
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Chair Unverified 5:41:05
engrossed bills to whom was referred House Bill 1800 by Senator McKee, compared to the engrossed copy of the original, find the same correctly, engrossed. State agencies. Okay. Everything off of here. Everything off of here. Anything else?
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 5:41:20
All right, members, we're going to take a break for 10 or 15 minutes for some administrative, and then we will be back. Good deal.
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Unknown speaker 5:41:57
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. 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. 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. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I mean, we're live. Be safe. 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. 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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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 6:17:57
all right members we're going to come back in from recess uh just uh if you all don't mind i'd like to have
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 6:18:07
your attention just for a minute and i may ask senator crow and uh center letting when they get back to help if you all don't mind i counted that we have 57 bills that are that we're about to uh try to begin at the top and go down if everybody will
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 6:18:21
line up over here at least one and two as it's your time if we save one minute we save an hour so if we can kind of if we can kind of do this and keep that going and everybody help somebody to be in line then i think we'll get through
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 6:18:39
it a lot quicker so the first thing we're going to do is house bill 1062 madam secretary
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Chair Unverified 6:18:47
would you read that across house bill 1062 by senator scott i'm representative have Scott and Senator Deese to create the Teacher and Student Protection
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Senator Tyler Dees Chair Unverified 6:18:56
Act of 2025. Senator Deese, you're ready now, sir. Thank you, Mr. President. Members, House Bill 1062, this aims to, this creates the Teacher and Student Protection Act of 2025. Basically, what this is, in summary, is that when there's violent students in classrooms, this bill aims to really protect the teacher. So it creates a process where the teacher can remove that student, and that student doesn't have to go back into that classroom. We're seeing repeat violence happening with a tough student to a teacher. And so this creates clarity in the law that that teacher has a process to where we
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Speaker 992 6:19:31
can remove problem students. Okay, Senator Dees has explained his bill.
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Senator Kim Hammer Unverified 6:19:35
Does anybody have any questions? Senator Hammer? You're recognized, sir. Thank you. I'm just curious, how does this cross over with Senator Hester's bill that we did earlier, or is there any crossover or do they compete or complement?
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Senator Tyler Dees Chair Unverified 6:19:49
Do you know? I've not heard of any issues with conflicting with each other. If you feel that way, I'm happy to look at it, but I don't know of any confrontation with those two bills. Okay. All right. Thank you. Thank you, Senator. Anyone else have
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 6:20:01
any questions of Senator Dees? Okay. Anyone want to speak for this bill?
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 6:20:07
Anyone want to speak against this bill? Are you
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Speaker 995 6:20:17
closed? We're closed on that. Ma'am?
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Speaker 250 6:20:22
Any objection to roll the vote? Roll the
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Chair Unverified 6:20:25
vote, please. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismaine, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbeville, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Kate, does anybody
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 6:20:46
wish to change their vote? Okay, seeing none, Madam Secretary, would you
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Senator Ben Gilmore Chair Unverified 6:20:54
cast up the ballot? Senator Wallace, you can come on forward if you want. Okay, by
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 6:20:59
a vote of 35 yea, 0 nay, House Bill 1062 is passed. Please return to the House.
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 6:21:09
Senator Wallace, you're going to present House Bill 1079. Madam Secretary, if you would, please read
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Chair Unverified 6:21:21
across. House Bill 1079 by Senator Wallace and Representative Allen to mandate coverage on genetic testing for an inherited gene mutation for certain individuals and to mandate coverage for evidence-based cancer imaging for certain individuals. Senator Wallace, you're
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Senator Dave Wallace Unverified 6:21:37
recognized, sir. Thank you, Mr. President. Members, there's no known opposition to this bill, and this bill will save lives. This bill ensures that our cancers that are at a higher risk of cancer will have access to life-saving genetic testing, and we're just going to follow the nationalized recognized medical guidelines. It's designed to catch cancer earlier and save lives. There's no cost to the state and no undue burden to our schools. And other states have passed this legislation. And the increase to private insurers has been less than 3%, which comes out to about a dollar or less per month, less than a cup of coffee. And with that, I will stand by for your questions.
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 6:22:25
Okay, does anyone have any questions of Senator Wallace? Any questions of Senator Wallace? You close, Senator Wallace? I'm
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Senator Ben Gilmore Chair Unverified 6:22:32
closed. All right, Senator Wallace is closed. Well, does anyone want to speak against the bill, for the
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 6:22:42
bill? Okay, Madam Secretary, if you would, please call the roll.
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Chair Unverified 6:22:45
Is there any objection to rolling the vote? Any objection to rolling the vote? Seeing none. Seeing none, roll the vote. Seeing none, roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismaine, Dotson, English, Flippo, Fowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Peyton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbafield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace.
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 6:23:18
Okay, does anyone wish to change their vote? Okay, seeing none, cast up the ballot. Okay, by vote of 35 yeas, zero nays, the bill is passed. House Bill 1079 is passed. Please return to the House as amended. Senator Tucker, do you have
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Senator Clarke Tucker Unverified 6:23:40
a motion, sir? Yes, sir. You're recognized. Thank you, Mr. President. This is Senate Bill 629. I visited with
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Senator Ronald Caldwell Unverified 6:23:46
Senator Caldwell about this. I was out of the chamber and the vote got rolled. I need to be a recorded no. I'm just asking that we expunge the vote, re-vote, roll it. I don't want to take any time. I just need to be a no on it. So, Senator Caldwell
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Speaker 876 6:24:01
is good with it. I have no objection
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Senator Ronald Caldwell Unverified 6:24:04
to this. Okay. Thank you very much, Senator Caldwell. So, with that, I appreciate a good vote
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 6:24:09
on the motion. Okay. What we're going to do is it's been asked that we expunge a vote on Senate Bill 629, correct? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Okay, that motion carries. Do you want to come forward, Senator
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Speaker 1020 6:24:30
Caldwell? Give us a moment, let
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Speaker 251 6:24:36
them find the bill. Senate Bill 629 by Senator Caldwell, to allow, it's already at the House, we have
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Speaker 1023 6:24:46
to recall it. Senator Tucker. It's in the house. We have
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Speaker 1024 6:24:52
to recall. You want a letter?
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Senator Ben Gilmore Chair Unverified 6:25:06
Well, we have to recall it and get it back. We'll try to
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 6:25:14
figure that out. Members, that bill had already went to the House, so of course that expungement's
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Senator Ben Gilmore Chair Unverified 6:25:22
not going to come into play. Okay, Senator
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 6:25:27
Johnson, you're going to be presenting House Bill 1072.
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Speaker 785 6:25:32
Okay, just a second. Have her do a recall letter to the House on that bill.
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 6:25:38
We'll see if we can get it. Madam Secretary, we went
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Chair Unverified 6:25:48
back to House Bill 1072. House Bill 1072 by Representative Cooper and Senator Mark Johnson to clarify the requirements for establishing eligibility for the property tax exemption for disabled veterans, surviving spouses, and minor
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Senator Mark Johnson Unverified 6:26:02
dependent children. Okay, Senator Johnson, you're recognized, sir. Thank you, Mr. President. Colleagues, there's an exemption, as all of you know, for disabled veterans and their surviving spouses from property tax. There's been an issue in a few years, for several years, the VA had to provide a letter every single year for them to maintain that exemption. And as some of these surviving spouses get older, it's hard for them to get that. So Representative Cooper and I came up with a bill to try to clean this up, make it simple both for the veterans or spouses and the collectors. Now, we had some problems with the original one. The collectors sat down with us, and we came up with some language that the collectors are comfortable with, and that is what is in House Bill 1072. So it's a clean-up bill for the property tax exemption for disabled veteran surviving spouses and their minor dependent children. I'll be happy to answer any questions. Thank you, Senator
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 6:27:13
Johnson. Anyone have any questions of Senator Johnson? Anyone want to speak for this bill? Anyone want to speak against this bill? Are you closed, Senator Johnson? I'm closed. Appreciate a good vote. Okay. Is
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Chair Unverified 6:27:34
there any objection to rolling the vote? Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis Dees, Dismane, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdock, Peyton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubberfield, Sullivan,
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 6:27:52
Tucker Wallace. Okay, do any members wish to change their vote?
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 6:28:04
Okay, Senator Flowers is present. Anyone else?
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 6:28:11
Anyone else? Madam Secretary, cast up the ballot. Okay, by a vote of 34 yeas, 0 nays, 1 present. House Bill 1072 has passed. Please return to the House as amended. Okay, next is going to be House
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Chair Unverified 6:28:30
Bill 1255. House Bill 1255 by Senator Davis and Representative Woodridge to amend the coverage of a continuous glucose monitor in the Arkansas Medicaid program. Senator Davis, you're
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Senator Breanne Davis Chair Unverified 6:28:42
recognized, ma'am. Thank you, Mr. President. Last session we ran a bill on CGM coverage, making it a pharmacy benefit. And through the rulemaking process, it was made a pharmacy benefit only. So, this bill is allowing it to be a dual benefit, both pharmacy and DME.
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 6:28:55
Happy to take any questions. Okay, she's explaining the bill. Do any of the members have any questions in regards to this? Any questions? Anyone want to speak for the bill? Anyone want to speak
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Senator Ben Gilmore Chair Unverified 6:29:15
against the bill? Are you closed, Senator Davis? She's
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Chair Unverified 6:29:20
closed. Is there any objection to rolling the vote? Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bright, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismaine, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbeville, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace.
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 6:29:39
KD, any members wish to change their vote? Anyone want to change their
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 6:29:49
vote? Madam Secretary, please cast up the ballot. Okay, by a vote of 35 yeas, 0 nays, House Bill 1255 has passed. Madam Secretary, if you would, return to the House as amended. Okay, next is going to be, we're going to pass over House Bill 1296. We're going to go to House
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Chair Unverified 6:30:16
Bill 1333. House Bill 1333, by Representative Hudson and Senator Scott, to mandate coverage
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Speaker 8 6:30:23
for breastfeeding and lactation consultation services. Senator Scott, you're recognized, ma'am. Thank
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Senator Jamie Scott Unverified 6:30:30
you, Mr. President. This bill requires that private health insurance and Medicaid plans provide coverage for breastfeeding and lactation consultant services to an enrollee. It also includes the inpatient and outpatient settings, include services by the International Board Certified Lactation Consultants and Certified Lactation Counselors, and it includes the ability to bill either their mothers or their infants. This bill complements the efforts we are making to support healthy moms and healthy babies in the state by increasing access to lactation services in the healthcare settings where moms and babies are most likely to go in in the first few months by integrating lactation support and to primary care, we can provide access to resources in every corner of the state, including rural Arkansas. I'd be happy to answer any questions if
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 6:31:19
you have them. Does anyone have any
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 6:31:23
questions of Senator Scott on this bill? Any questions of Senator Scott? Anyone want to speak for this bill? Anyone want to speak against
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Senator Ben Gilmore Chair Unverified 6:31:34
this bill? Are you closed, Senator Scott? I am
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Chair Unverified 6:31:40
closed. Okay. Does anybody object to rolling the vote? Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Quirrell, Davis, Dees, Dispain, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbafield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace.
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 6:31:58
Okay, do any of the members wish to change their
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 6:32:09
vote? Anyone want to change their vote? Madam Secretary, cast up the ballot. Okay, by a vote of 35 yeas, 0 nay. House Bill 1333 has passed. Please return to the House as amended. Okay, we're
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Chair Unverified 6:32:24
going to do House Bill 1344. House Bill 1344 by Rep. Warren and Senator Dotson concerning administration of the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System and to correct the name of the Arkansas School for the Blind and the Arkansas School for the Death under Title 24 of the Arkansas
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Senator Jim Dotson Chair Unverified 6:32:39
Code. Okay, Senator Dotson, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chair. House Bill 1344 is taking what we're doing this session with the combining of the Arkansas School for the Deaf and Arkansas School for the Blind and making sure their staff members will continue to be covered under the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System with the new name. The individual school's names will no longer be recognized. This will reference the two former schools by name as now being called the Arkansas School for the Deaf and the Blind. this will assure uninterrupted coverage for all participants in the plan currently and any new employees who wish to enroll. Anyone have any
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 6:33:15
questions to Senator Dotson? Any questions to Senator Dotson? Anyone want to speak for the bill? Anyone want to speak against the bill? You're close, Senator Dotson. Is there
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Speaker 250 6:33:31
any objection to rolling the vote? Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell,
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Chair Unverified 6:33:37
Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees. Dismaine, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Ervin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stuboffield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace.
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 6:33:50
Okay, do any members wish to change their vote? Anyone want to change their vote? Please cast up the ballot. By vote of 35 yeas, 0 nays. House Bill 1344 and its corresponding emergency clause has passed. Please return to the House. Okay, next one is going
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 6:34:10
to be House Bill 1467. House Bill
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Chair Unverified 6:34:13
1467 by Representative Anker and Senator Boyd to amend the Uniform Money Services Act. Senator Boyd, you're recognized, sir.
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Senator Justin Boyd Chair Unverified 6:34:22
Thank you, Mr. President. So, I've previously presented this bill on Thursday. Senator Hickey had a question I didn't know the answer to, so I pulled it down, and the answer to the question was, is the banking commissioner is also the securities commissioner currently, and so I tried to answer everybody else's questions. If anybody has one, I'm happy to try to answer it again right now. Okay, thank you, Senator Boyd. Anyone have any questions of Senator
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 6:34:44
Boyd? Okay, anyone want to speak for the bill? Anyone want to speak against the bill? Are you closed, Senator Boyd? I'm closed, and I appreciate a good vote. Okay, does anybody have any objection
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Chair Unverified 6:35:07
to rolling the vote? Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Come on. Bowen, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismaine, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake, Johnson, Mark, Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbeville, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace.
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 6:35:26
Okay. Do any members wish to change their vote? Senator Dotson is present. Senator Bryan is present. Anyone else? Senator Penzo
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 6:35:39
is present. Anyone else? Okay. Madam Secretary, please cast up the ballot. Okay.
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 6:35:47
By a vote of 32 yeas, zero nays, three present, House Bill 1467 is passed. Please return to the House.
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 6:35:56
Next is House Bill 1515. House
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Chair Unverified 6:36:00
Bill 1515 by Representative Painter and Senator Crowell to amend the law concerning the authority to order the Arkansas National Guard into service and to authorize the use of the Arkansas National Guard for matters related to military justice to address
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Senator Steve Crowell Chair Unverified 6:36:15
staffing shortages. Senator Crowell, you're recognized. Thank you, Senator. Members, this gives the authority for the Arkansas National Guard to have the governor approve a bill to call, to allow the adjunct general to call in personnels when there is federal proceedings and there is not federal court cases and in staff shortages to ensure readiness in active problems whether tornadoes, ice storms or other incidents. I respectfully ask you support for HB 1515. Okay, anyone have any questions of Senator Crow?
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 6:36:47
Any questions? Anyone want to speak for it? Anyone that want to speak against it? Senator Crowell, you're closed, sir.
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 6:36:58
Okay. If you would, Madam Secretary. Anybody have any objection to rolling the
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Chair Unverified 6:37:08
vote, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismayne, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Kenzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbuffill, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Any member wish to change their vote?
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 6:37:31
Senator Dodson is present. Senator Flowers is present. Anyone else? Anyone else wish to change their vote? Madam Secretary, cast up the ballot. By a vote of 33 yeas, 0 nays, 2 present. House Bill 1515 is passed. Please return to the House. Next one is going to be
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Chair Unverified 6:37:59
House Bill 1522. House Bill 1522 by Representative Womack and Senator Clark to amend the law to allow for the distribution of funds in the Municipal Aid Fund, turn back funds and county sales and use tax revenues to newly incorporated municipalities, and declare an emergency.
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Speaker 1056 6:38:16
Senator Clark, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
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Senator Alan Clark Unverified 6:38:18
This bill is really a technical correction. It scratches out a couple things and moves calculated by the Arkansas Geographic Information Systems Office from one place in the Senate to earlier in the Senate. I drew the short straw because we have a newly incorporated municipality in our district. This says that, which it already said, that they just calculate the numbers because they're not available from the last census. Be happy to take any questions.
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 6:38:47
Any questions for Senator Clark? Anyone want to speak for the bill? Anyone want to speak against the bill? You closed, Senator Clark? I'm closed.
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Chair Unverified 6:39:05
Appreciate a good vote. Okay. Any objection to rolling the vote? Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismane, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake, Johnson, Mark, Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbeville, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace.
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 6:39:23
any member wish to change their vote anyone want to change their vote madam secretary please cast up the ballot by a vote of 35 yeas 0 nays house bill 1522 is passed along with the corresponding emergency clause please return to the House.
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 6:39:52
Okay, we're going to pass over House Bill 1525. We're going to go to House Bill 1526.
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Chair Unverified 6:40:00
House Bill 1526 by Representatives Painter and Senator Quirrell to authorize the Department of the Military to enter into public-private partnerships and to amend the law concerning gifts received by
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Senator Steve Crowell Chair Unverified 6:40:15
the Department of the Military. You're recognized, Senator Crowe. Thank you, Senator. This would authorize the Department of Military to enter into public-private partnerships to support recruitment and retention. This bill allows the Department to accept voluntary services and properties from a private entity as long as it does not compromise the integrity of the program. It is also outlined clear reportings and a review threshold for partnerships, depending on the value. $10,000 to $50,000 must be reported to ALC. Any partnership over $50,000 requires a review and approval of ALC. Okay.
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 6:41:00
Okay, anyone have any questions of Senator Crowell? Okay, Senator Hill, you're recognized, sir, for
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Senator Steve Crowell Chair Unverified 6:41:11
a question. Go in a little bit of detail. What are you calling a public-private? Public-private. So in some cases, universities helping people get ready. There's physical fitness needs to get ready, and some fitness companies will do help them get ready for free, but that's part of the partnership. Partnerships to promote and taking the ASVAB. So these independent companies, private, want to help the military, And then there's, this is the oversight to make sure it's done right. Any other questions?
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 6:41:42
Anyone want to speak for the bill? Anyone want to speak against the bill? Is there any objection? Are you
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 6:41:53
close, Senator Crowell? Okay, any objection to rolling the vote? Okay, seeing none, Madam Secretary, please
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Speaker 250 6:42:00
roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismaine, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore,
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Chair Unverified 6:42:06
Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penso, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbeville, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Okay, do any members wish to change their vote?
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 6:42:19
Anyone want to change their vote? Okay, please cast
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 6:42:25
up the ballot. If I vote a 35 yea, 0 nay, House Bill 1526 is passed.
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 6:42:33
Please return to the House. We're going to try to do something different with the green. Senator Hester, is that what you're going to? Yes.
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 6:42:44
Yep. If y'all would, please listen to Senator Hester closely. We're going to try to speed up this process. Members, we talked about this before spring break, an option where if we decide we're going to roll the vote, instead of having Secretary read off all the names, we'll just light the board up all green and give everybody a chance to vote no that wants to vote no. But if we've got 40 or 50 more bills tonight, I think it's a significant change. We've never done it like this. You won't hear your name going, so we've got to pay a little bit more attention. If this becomes controversial, I'll back off. But if we want to try it for a minute, that's what, without objection, I would like to give that a go
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 6:43:24
for a while. Okay, without objection. All right, we're going to give that a try. That passes. All right. We're going to go to House Bill 1594. So this will be our new one that we'll practice with. Let her read that, though.
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Chair Unverified 6:43:38
House Bill 1594 by Representative Bolton, Senator Dees, to create a farmer sales tax identification card and to relieve a seller of sales tax remittance liability upon good faith acceptance of a farmer sales tax identification card. Senator Dees,
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Speaker 992 6:43:54
you're recognized, sir. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Members, 1594 simply creates an
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Senator Tyler Dees Chair Unverified 6:44:00
opportunity for our farmers to have a tax exemption ID. You already have their same tax paperwork. This is an efficiency thing that they can easily bring with them to stores, to retailers. This helps a lot with some of our border district states that have these same types of things. We've been losing sales because of the easability to other states. And so it's, you can see in the bill, it's outlined, but it is a net neutral on a revenue side because you have to buy the card. It's an efficiency thing. And
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Speaker 992 6:44:31
so it shouldn't be any cost to the state. Okay. Any questions to Senator Dees? Any questions?
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 6:44:38
Anyone want to speak for the bill? Anyone want to speak against the bill? You're closed, Senator Dees. Okay. Right here is where we're going to do this. So if you would, right up to board green. okay i'm being advised to say madam secretary please call the roll and the board will light up green right now is that correct all right so we've got the bill lit up i mean the the board lit up green and so i'm going to start asking if you want to change your
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 6:45:09
vote all right senator flowers is going to be present Senator Dodson is going to be present
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 6:45:21
Senator will be present you are going to speak up if you want it because you right now are voting yes anyone else want to change it anyone else want
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 6:45:39
to change Madam Secretary cast up the ballot By a vote of 32 yeas, 0 nays, House Bill 1594 is passed. There was three present on that also.
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 6:45:52
Please return to the House. Now we're going to go to
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Chair Unverified 6:46:00
House Bill 1630. House Bill 1630 by Representative Gassaway and Senator Gilmore to amend a misdemeanor controlled substance offense to the predicated offenses of capital murder, murder in the first degree, and manslaughter. Okay. Senator Gilmore,
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Senator Ben Gilmore Chair Unverified 6:46:15
you recognize, sir. Thank you, Mr. President. Members, so this is part of the prosecutor package. So basically what this does, under current law, if you commit a murder in the course of an offense under the Controlled Substance Acts, and that offense is a misdemeanor, you cannot be charged with capital murder, assuming that you meet all of the elements of that crime because the predicate offense was a misdemeanor. Under this, if you commit a murder, which is, you know, pretty serious crime, and that's under that substance, Uniform Substance Act, then basically you can be charged with capital murder. It basically just changes the word from felony to offense, and that way we need to treat a crime such as murder with the seriousness that it deserves. So that's what this is doing. I'm happy to take any questions. Senator Gilmore has
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 6:47:13
presented his bill. Anyone have any questions? Any questions of Senator Gilmore? Anyone want to speak for the bill? Anyone want to speak against the bill? Senator Gilmore, you're closed. Okay. And I'm going to say, is there any objection to rolling the vote? Which there's not, so
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 6:47:37
we'll turn it green. So at this point, does anyone want to change their vote? Senator
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Speaker 1065 6:47:46
Flowers is no. Senator Letting is no. Senator Clark Tucker is no. Senator Jamie Scott is no. Senator Stubblefield, what are you? senator stubblefield is a no cinder murdock is a no
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 6:48:12
cinder love is a no all right anyone else y'all look anyone else okay madam secretary please cast up the ballot By a vote of 28 yeas, 7 nays, House Bill 1630 is passed.
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 6:48:33
Please return to the House. Next is going to be House
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Chair Unverified 6:48:38
Bill 1641, Senator Davis. House Bill 1641 by Representative Clowney and Senator Davis to amend the law concerning harassment and to include the use of a trafficking device in the
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Senator Breanne Davis Chair Unverified 6:48:51
offense of harassment. Senator Davis, you're recognized, ma'am. Thank you, Mr. President. This bill came out of a real-life situation that happened to somebody here in Arkansas. So Arkansas's law is not caught up with current technology when it comes to methods of stalking. We don't really have anything that speaks to digital stalking or tracking. So this bill would put Arkansas with 30 other states who have updated their laws. It just says that you cannot track a person with a tracking device without consent, good cause, or legal authority. The prosecutors and defense attorneys were worked on with this bill so that they would feel comfortable with it and feel comfortable like they could prosecute based on the language provided in this bill. Happy to answer any questions.
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Chair Unverified 6:49:36
All right. Are there any questions for Senator Davis? Senator Hill, you're recognized, sir. What's
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Senator Breanne Davis Chair Unverified 6:49:46
the actual charge? What are they going to be charged with? what?
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Speaker 1078 6:49:49
It's a class A misdemeanor up to a fine of $2,500. It's just
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Senator Jim Dotson Chair Unverified 6:49:55
a misdemeanor? Okay, thank you. Yes. Senator Dodson, you're recognized, sir. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Senator, I forgot, this was a couple of nights ago when I read this. Does this include any, like, Life 360 for minors, you know, tracking of your kids. Yeah, we're sure to
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Senator Breanne Davis Chair Unverified 6:50:14
put language in there to say at the very end on page two that it's not an offense if a parent or legal guardian of a minor uses a tracking device to track the location or movement of the minor. And then if
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Senator Jim Dotson Chair Unverified 6:50:28
there happen to be an adult, but they give you permission to do so? Aging parents, other dependents, or people that you care about? No, as long as you're tracking the minor
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Senator Breanne Davis Chair Unverified 6:50:39
i mean that's not that's not stalking well i'm saying they
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Senator Jim Dotson Chair Unverified 6:50:43
may not be a minor anymore but oftentimes adults that are you know your parents or in-laws or somebody that is is uh you know familiar with that family uh making sure that you have i don't know they've been given permission but maybe they forgot i don't know and at some point in time they say hey why are you tracking me well if they were given permission that was that person giving them permission to for
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Senator Breanne Davis Chair Unverified 6:51:11
their location to be tracked you see what i mean if you right but at some point in time i can
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Senator Jim Dotson Chair Unverified 6:51:20
see this instance where somebody may not remember that they've given permission they may be an adult or an aging parent or someone like that and and then
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Senator Breanne Davis Chair Unverified 6:51:31
get upset by that well but they had to give permission for another person to be able to track them so even if they forgot that they gave permission. The fact that their location is being shared through like Life 360 with someone else, they gave permission for that. There's no other way to see someone's location through an app like Life 360. I just want to make sure
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 6:51:51
somebody doesn't get in trouble for something. Yes, that's correct. Thank you. Any other questions
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 6:52:04
to Senator Davis? Okay, seeing none, anyone want to speak for the bill? Senator Clark,
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Senator Alan Clark Unverified 6:52:14
you want to speak against the bill? You're recognized whenever you get there, sir. thank you Mr. Chair colleagues this was needed it could have been a very good bill if you look at page 2 lines 13 through 15 this is what it does and should do it says with the purpose of tracking a person without good cause or legal authority, here she uses a tracking device to determine the location or movement of a person without the consent of the person. When somebody's tracking somebody else, most cases, it has to do with a romantic relationship. And the but the 16 through 18 does away with the good that it did because it says this is not an offense under subdivision A to A of this section if a parent or legal guardian of a minor uses a tracking device to track the location or movement of the minor. In law right now, the law doesn't speak on this either way. That you can do it or you can't do it. And if the minor's always in your custody, the bill would be just fine. But the minor's not always, in many cases, in one parent's custody. There are court-ordered custody agreements, and this is a way of getting around that and tracking the other parent, which is exactly what we were trying to not do in lines 13 through 15. If we had amended it, and this is not the first time I brought it up, if we had amended it at the very end of line 18, except when the minor is in a court-ordered custody agreement and with the other parent unless the other parent given express permission. And that would have cured it. That's all we would have needed to do was say, yes, you can track your child unless your child's with the other parent. And you still could if they give you express permission. But if they don't give you express permission, you can't track what they're doing. And by tracking the child, tracking where the parent is. Because the situation that occurred, this is a much-needed bill. I never disagreed with that. It's that this language does not allow for the fact, and it not only doesn't allow for it, in every situation, it now says in the law that you can track the other parent. Never said that before, but it now says that you can track the child, and because you can track the child, you can track the parent. And all it needed to be done was amended, but in the way that it is, it's a very dangerous bill. And I would appreciate you voting no unless we can get it amended.
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 6:55:08
Okay, Senator Clark has spoken against the bill. Does anyone want
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Senator Ben Gilmore Chair Unverified 6:55:14
to speak for the bill? Anybody else want to speak against the bill? Senator Davis,
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Senator Breanne Davis Chair Unverified 6:55:22
you're recognized to close. Thank you, Mr. President. So that language was actually discussed at length. It was heavily debated in Senate Judiciary the first time. And as I said, we worked with prosecutors and defense attorneys on this, and they felt like the language as it is in this bill covers the scenario that Senator Clark's talking about. It just says, like, you can track your minor, like the location of the minor. But if you are tracking your ex-spouse through your minor, that's very clear. So we had to make the language the way that it is to give prosecutors some discretion and leave it a little open-ended because of so many different situations that could occur. So as I said, this language already covers the scenario that was being asked about for amendments. Prosecutors feel very confident in that. So we feel like that actually addresses it exactly. We have nothing on our laws right now dealing with digital tracking of another human being. And so right now it's a free-for-all. People can do whatever they want and track whoever they want digitally. It's dangerous and it's scary if you're the person being digitally tracked and stalked. So I think this bill catches us up with modern times and technology and will protect people from being digitally stalked. And I ask for a good vote. Thank you. Okay, members, I'm going to, whenever
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 6:56:51
I do this, I'm going to say, is there an objection to rolling the vote? But as you know, we're going to put it up on the screen, and then like Senator Clark, I know he'll change his vote. Okay, you object to us doing it that
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Speaker 355 6:57:18
way. Okay, Madam Secretary, if you would,
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Speaker 357 6:57:21
please call the roll. Bowen? Yes. Bryant? Caldwell? Caldwell. Clark? Crowell? Davis? Aye. Dees? Aye. Dismaine? Aye. Dotson? No. English? English. Flippo? Flippo. Flowers? Aye.
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Speaker 356 6:57:36
Gilmore? Aye. Hammer? Aye. Hester? Aye. Hickey? Aye. Hill? Aye. Irvin? Irvin. Blake Johnson? Blake Johnson. Mark Johnson? No. King? King. Letting? Aye. Love? Aye.
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Speaker 508 6:58:00
McKee? McKee. Murdoch? Aye. Payton?
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Speaker 356 6:58:12
Payton. Penzo? Penzo? He's no.
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Speaker 367 6:58:21
Petty? Aye. Rice? No. Scott? Yes. Stone? Aye. Stubbafil? No. Sullivan? Aye. Tucker? Aye. Wallace? Aye.
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 6:58:40
Okay, are there any members who desire to change their vote at this time? Senator Caldwell is yes. Senator Bryan is present. Anyone else? Senator Flippo is present. Anyone else? Anyone else? Madam Secretary, please cast up the ballot.
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 6:59:06
By vote of 20 yays, 6 nays, 5 non-voting, and 4 present, House Bill 1641 passes. Please return to
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 6:59:17
the House. Okay, we have a motion to sound the ballot. How many hands is that? I need to see five hands. I see
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Speaker 368 6:59:42
one, two, three, four, five. Okay, Madam Secretary, please call the
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Speaker 357 6:59:55
roll. Okay. Void? Yes. Caldwell, yes. Crowell, yes. Davis, yes. Dees, yes. Dismayne, yes. Flowers, scratcher.
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Speaker 367 7:00:08
Flowers are scratched. Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Ludding, Love, Scratch Love. Scratch, Love. Murdoch, Petty, Scott, Stone, Tucker, Wallace.
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 7:00:56
Okay, by a vote of 18, that bill passes. House Bill 1641 is passed. Please return to the
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 7:01:09
House. Okay, we're going to move to House Bill 1645.
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Chair Unverified 7:01:14
House Bill 1645 by Representative Brown, Senator Mark Johnson, to amend the law regarding advertising by a microbrewery, restaurant, private club. Senator Johnson,
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Senator Mark Johnson Unverified 7:01:24
you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 1645 is a one-page bill that applies only to microbrewery, restaurant, private clubs. As most of you know, there's a prohibition on advertising for microbrewery, restaurant, private clubs. This makes a very slight expansion. It would allow a microbrewery private club, of which I think there's a total of six in the state. One is in my district, and I'm going to allow them to advertise on their Facebook page or their website in an electronic means. So it lets them use social media, website, Facebook, etc. to inform their members about location, events, and menu, and that's all it does. Anyone have any questions? Senator Johnson? Anyone want to speak for the
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 7:02:12
bill? Anyone want to speak against the bill? Are you closed, Senator Johnson? I'm closed. Appreciate a good vote. Okay. Is there any objection to rolling the vote? Okay. Madam Secretary, roll the vote, which will be on the screen.
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 7:02:35
Senator Dotson will be present. Senator Dees will be present. Hold on just a minute. Dotson's present. Dees is present. Senator Love is present. let's slow down just a
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 7:02:53
smidge yep hold on just a second i'm going to do this side over here cinder hammer is present senator gilmore is no anyone else on this side
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 7:03:07
okay over on this side cinder sullivan is present cinder stubblefield is no cinder rice is present we already had cinder flowers as a present cinder crowe is a present cinder deez is a no all right anyone else cinder loves a no
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 7:03:40
anyone else Senator Clark's a present give everybody just a little extra time since we're doing it this way anyone else Senator Dodson's a no we want it to be the way you want anyone else Madam Secretary, please cast up the ballot Okay, by a vote of 24
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 7:04:14
yeas 5 nays, 6 present House Bill 1649 is passed Please return to the House Okay, the next one is going to be House Bill 1681 Senator Bryant House
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Chair Unverified 7:04:26
Bill 1681 by Representative Vought and Senator Bryant to establish the Water and Sewer Treatment Facilities Grant Program and to declare an emergency Okay,
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Senator Joshua Bryant Unverified 7:04:36
Senator Bryant, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. President. Members of House Bill 1681 addresses a need across our state. I think one of the vital roles of government is to provide oversight and regulation of our water and sewer treatment facilities. We did great strides in 2021 with Act 605 to ensure that our local authorities were attempting to address, through rate studies, their water infrastructure. And while we're attempting to make further strides, we are about $9 billion in back requirements to address some of these needs. And some of our communities just can't quite get over this hump. So what this bill does, we'll establish through the ANRC a water and sewer treatment grant program. It'll be a five-year program. They'll be reporting annually to ALC to see the status of those programs. Outlined in the bill, it's for shovel-ready projects. 80% of the funding will go towards shovel-ready projects for cities and communities above $1,200. And then the 20% will be for rural water systems, $1,200 or less. And so that is the intent of the program. I'll be glad to answer any questions. Any questions for Senator
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 7:05:56
Bryant? Senator Hammer, do you have a question? Okay, I'm sorry. Anyone want to speak for the bill? Anyone want to speak against the bill? Any objection to rolling the vote? Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Okay.
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 7:06:19
Anyone want to change their vote? Anyone want to change their vote? Hickey is no. Anyone want to change their vote? And Madam Secretary, please cast up the ballot by a vote of 34 yeas, 1
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 7:06:41
nay. House Bill 1681 along with its corresponding emergency clause is passed.
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 7:06:49
Please return to the House as amended. Okay, next is going to be House Bill
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Chair Unverified 7:06:57
1690. Senator Davis. House Bill 1690 by Wilson Pilkington and Senator Davis to transfer the Nuclear Planning and Response Program from the Department of Health to the Division of Emergency Management and declare an emergency. Your record
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Senator Breanne Davis Chair Unverified 7:07:11
now, Senator Davis. Thank you, Mr. President. This bill is actually a pretty simple bill. It takes all of the Nuclear Planning and Response Program, which impacts five counties in and around where A&O is, and it moves it from Department of Health to ADAM. When this was created decades ago, ADAM did not exist. So we had it at Department of Health. There are very few states that still house their nuclear response and planning plan at their Department of Health. It just makes a lot more sense to have it over at ADAM. So we just took the entire program and moved it over. Happy to take any questions. Any questions
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Senator Ben Gilmore Chair Unverified 7:07:46
of Senator Davis? Anyone want to speak for the bill?
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 7:07:53
against the bill senator davis is closed is there any objection to rolling the vote please roll
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 7:08:03
the vote anyone want to change their vote anyone want to change their vote okay please cast up the ballot by a vote of 35 yeas zero nays house bill 1690 along with With this corresponding emergency clause as passed, please return to the House.
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Chair Unverified 7:08:26
House Bill 1696. House Bill 1696 by Representative Melinden and Senator Dodson to establish a strengthening Arkansas Education Act and to provide a core curriculum at a state-supported institutions of higher education. Senator Dodson,
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Senator Jim Dotson Chair Unverified 7:08:40
you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chair and members. House Bill 1696 strengthens the core curriculum of all state-supported institutions of higher education beginning in the fall of 2027 by requiring a 15-hour Arkansas requisite core curriculum for both associate and bachelor degree students including a two three-hour English course of oral and written communication, one three-hour math course that cultivates critical thinking, problem solving, and logical reasoning skills, one three-hour American history course, and one three-hour American government course. This bill was developed by collaborating with the Department of Education, higher education, and representatives from nearly every two- and four-year college and university across the state to ensure this legislation works within their systems while aligning with the new ACCESS Act to guarantee course transferability and that college credits earned in high school would apply toward degree completion. Any questions, Senator Dodson? Anyone want
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 7:09:35
to speak for the bill? Against the bill? Senator Dodson is closed. any objection to rolling the vote madam secretary roll the vote all right everybody look and see if you want to change anyone want to change their
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 7:09:56
vote senator flowers is a no anyone else senator murdoch is present senator clark tucker is present senator jamie scott is present senator letting is present senator love is present anyone
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 7:10:21
else last time anyone want to change
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 7:10:28
please cast up the ballot by vote of 29 yeas one nay five present house bill 1696 is passed Please return to the House. House Bill
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Chair Unverified 7:10:42
1700. House Bill 1700, Representative Anker and Senator Boyd, to amend the Prior Authorization Transparency Act and to clarify the
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Speaker 8 7:10:52
process of an adverse determination notice under the Prior Authorization Transparency Act. You're
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Speaker 992 7:10:58
recognized, Senator Boyd. Thank you, Mr. President. So this bill shields
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Senator Justin Boyd Chair Unverified 7:11:03
the physician who does a prior authorization review from the patient but at the same time make sure that the providing physician or the providing care team has access in case there is an issue with prior authorization where they need to visit about the prior authorization.
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 7:11:19
Okay, Senator Boyd has presented his bill. Anyone have any questions of him? Anyone want to speak for the bill? Anyone want to speak against the bill? Senator Boyd, are you closed? I'm closed, thank you. Any objection to rolling the vote? Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Okay. Y'all look at the screen.
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 7:11:44
Anyone want to change their vote? Anyone want to change their vote? Please
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 7:11:55
cast up the ballot. By a vote of 35 yeas, 0 nays, House Bill 1700 is passed. Please return to
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 7:12:02
the House as amended. okay house bill 1743 house
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Chair Unverified 7:12:09
bill 1743 by rips and woldridge and central wallace to amend the arkansas feed law of 1997. senator wallace
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Senator Dave Wallace Unverified 7:12:15
you're recognized mr president members this is a bill requested by the department of agri it's a cleanup bill a couple of sessions ago we moved the plant board under Department of Agri, and so this bill simply shifts the clerical duties and administrative duties from the plant board to the Department of Agri, and with that, I stand by for your questions. Any questions to Senator Wallace?
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 7:12:44
Anyone want to speak for the bill? Anyone want to speak against the bill? Are you closed, Senator Wallace? Senator Wallace is closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Okay, y'all watch the board. Does anyone want to change their vote? Senator Dotson is a no. Anyone want to change their vote? Senator Penzo is present. Everybody look at the board. Do you want to change your vote? Okay, seeing no more, please cast up the ballot. By a vote of 33 yeas, one nay, one present. House Bill 1743 is passed. Please return to the House. We're going to go to House Bill 1789. House Bill
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Chair Unverified 7:13:31
1789 over Senator Burks and Senator Bryant to restrict a local government from providing funds for the purpose of issuing an identification card to an individual in certain circumstances. Senator Bryant, you recognize, sir. Thank you, Mr. President.
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Senator Joshua Bryant Unverified 7:13:46
Members, this bill just requires any local government, meaning our city or our county throughout the state that choose to issue a municipal ID card under the full support and faith of their local government to simply require that that ID card is issued to a lawful resident, a lawful individual of the state. They need to provide proof of lawful presence in the United States. So when you go visit another country, you have restrictions how long you could be there, 90 days up to 180 days. Some countries have longer, but our country is 90 days. Then you need to go back. If you are here lawfully, they'll issue you the appropriate credentials. and if you want to get a municipal ID card or a county ID card, you have to present those credentials before they issue it. And that's what the bill does. We've got to take any questions. Okay, Senator Bryant has
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 7:14:33
presented his bill. Is there any questions of Senator Bryant? Okay, Senator Clark Tucker, you want to speak against the bill? You're recognized when you get there. Thank you, Mr. President.
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Senator Clarke Tucker Unverified 7:14:50
Just a few things, members. Number one, this program does not cost municipalities anything because the people who get their ID cards pay for it themselves. Second of all, it's used for good purposes, like they use it to open bank accounts. You know, immigrants do pay taxes for the wages that they earn in the United States, and it's helpful when they have banks, you know, so that they can get their taxes paid. Otherwise, we're shunning them away from banks. Also, it's helpful for people to be able to report crimes with the municipal IDs that people get, you know, in the municipalities that issue these. When law enforcement comes and they see that ID, they know who they're talking to. It's helpful for law enforcement. So, you know, the big picture question is, you know, we are a nation of immigrants. We have immigrants in the United States. Most of them are law-abiding people who want to work, earn their way in this world, pay taxes, report crimes. And when we pass laws like this, it makes it more difficult for the law-abiding immigrants to do that. So, you know, again, we are a nation of immigrants. unless you're a native american uh then then we're we were all immigrants at one point and i just i just wish that we could treat the immigrants here in arkansas especially the ones who are law-abiding uh want to become tax-paying citizens you know with with compassion and i don't believe this bill does that so i'll be voting no all right senator tucker
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 7:16:07
has spoken against the bill do we have anyone speak for the bill senator bryant do you
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Senator Joshua Bryant Unverified 7:16:13
want to close thank you mr president you are closed or you want to close I have a question no so law abiding means law abiding to be lawfully present is the ask if you're going to issue a municipal ID to a law abiding resident the law abiding starts with you're here legally in the United States I appreciate a good vote okay is there
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 7:16:40
any objection to rolling the vote okay madam secretary please roll the vote okay members senator clark tucker is going to be you cast up the ballot no i'm sorry we're going to go through them senator clark tucker is a no senator clark tucker is a no senator jamie scott is a no we'll stay on this side over here senator love's a no Senator Murdoch's a no. Okay, Senator Flowers is a no. Senator Letting is a no. Anyone else wish to change their vote? Anyone else want to change their vote? Remember how we're doing this.
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 7:17:36
Everybody watching? Okay, if you'll cast up the ballot. All right, House Bill 1789 passes with 29 yeas, 6 nays, please return to the House. Okay, next is going to
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Chair Unverified 7:17:50
be House Bill 1794. House Bill 1794 by Senator Duke and Senator Penzo to amend the law concerning continuing education requirements for real estate licenses and to create continuing education exemptions for certain real estate broker licenses. Senator Penzo,
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 7:18:04
you're recognized, sir. Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 1794 creates a CE exemption for certain real estate licenses for sales persons and associate brokers. They need to be at least 72 years old, active sales or associate broker's license for the last 25 years. No disciplinary action taken against them by commission for the five years immediately preceding the renewal. And no delinquent continuing education for the five years immediately preceding renewal. There's additional requirements for executive brokers or principal brokers, no disciplinary action by them or licensees they supervise, and no delinquent education by them or the licensees they supervise. Happy to answer any questions. Any questions to Senator Penzo? Appreciate a good vote. Anyone want
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 7:19:01
to speak for the bill?
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 7:19:05
Anyone want to speak against the bill? Senator Penzo is closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Okay, members. Okay, members. Let's go through this. Senator Dotson is a present. Let's just do this side. Senator Dotson's a present. Is there anybody else on this side who wants to change their vote? Okay, how about this side? Senator Flowers is present. Anyone else? Anybody else want to change their vote? Please cast up the ballot. Okay, by a vote of 33 yeas and 0 nays and 2 present, House Bill 1794 is passed. Please return to the House. We're going to go to House Bill 1802. House
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Chair Unverified 7:19:57
Bill 1802 by Representative Warren and Senator Petty to create the Talent Recruitment grant program and to provide incentives for individuals to relocate to the state. Senator Petty, you recognize, sir. Thank
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Senator Jim Petty Unverified 7:20:10
you, Mr. President. Members, this is, as you know, we live in a state that's a great place to work and live and raise a family. This bill essentially creates the platform for which we can have a talent recruitment program. Some state, I mean, some cities are already doing this. arcana west memphis fort smith there's no state money contemplated this is just setting up the mechanism for potential future but also other private funds available the the any public funds in the future would be ran through the eight regional development districts and again i would be happy to answer any questions but in the interest of time i'm going to limit my comments to this thank
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 7:20:54
you senator petty all right do we have any questions of senator petty any questions anyone want to
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 7:21:02
speak for the bill anyone want to speak against the bill is there any objection to rolling
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 7:21:11
the vote you're objecting okay is there any objection to rolling the vote okay please roll the vote all right members look at the board i'm going to start over on this side first. Senator Dotson is a no. I'm over on this side. Anyone on this side? Anyone else? Okay, over on this side. Senator Hill is a no. Senator Flowers is present. Anyone else on this side? Senator Irvin is a no. Senator Penzo is a no. Stubblefield is a no. Senator Rice is a present. Senator Flippo is a present.
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 7:22:01
Senator Sullivan is a no. Senator Mark Johnson is a no. Senator McKee is present.
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 7:22:19
Okay, members, we're going to get everybody there. Senator Gilmore is a no. Senator Jamie Scott is present. Senator Blake Johnson is present. Senator Kroll is present. All right, let's take
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 7:22:42
a second. We're doing this different, but we won't. Anyone else? Anyone else on this side? Anyone else on this side? Cinder Stones, a no. Anyone else? Okay, Madam President, please cast up the ballot. Okay,
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 7:23:06
members, by a vote of 19 yeas, 9 nays, 7 present, House Bill 1802 passes. Please return to the House. Senator Lettinger, you're recognized, sir.
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Chair Unverified 7:23:22
Leave for Senator King. Leave for Senator King. Okay. House Bill 1803. House Bill 1803 by Representative Carr and Senator Wallace to amend the law concerning the placement of a monument on the State Capitol grounds in recognition in honor of Maurice
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Senator Dave Wallace Unverified 7:23:49
Lee Footsie Brent. Senator Wallace, you're recognized, sir. Thank you, Mr. President. Members, this bill will place a monument, it's going to be a bust, of Maurice Lee Footsie Brent. He was our lieutenant governor from 66 through 70. More importantly, he was a true American hero. I could talk about him forever. I won't make this very short. He was wounded four times in combat, lost his right arm below the elbow, he was awarded, and was the first recipient of the top four combat decorations. He was awarded the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star with valor, and he received four Purple Hearts. And with that, I stand by for your questions. Senator Wallet's on Mr. Footsie. Anyone want
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 7:24:39
to speak for the bill? Anyone
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 7:24:44
want to speak against the bill? Senator Mark Johnson, you want to speak for the bill? Okay. Maybe you can roll quick.
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Senator Mark Johnson Unverified 7:24:57
Mr. President, I could talk for hours about Footsie Britt. He was my dear friend. He was our lieutenant governor for four years. He chose not to run again. So he retired undefeated. He was a great war hero. He was the second most decorated American soldier of World War II. Only Audie Murphy had more awards than he did. He was my first choice to be our statue in Statuary Hall, but Senator Wallace kind of beat me to the punch with Johnny Cash, and I'm a huge Johnny Cash fan. But Footsie Britt retired as the head of the Small Business Administration for Arkansas. He was a truly great, wonderful person. And I wish, more than anything, I had a video of his speech to my Rotary Club on the 50th anniversary of Pearl Harbor in 1991. There was not a dry eye in the house at Little Rock Rotary Club. He was a great American. I'm honored to ask for you to vote for this bill.
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 7:26:00
Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Senator Johnson. Do you want to close? You're closed, Senator Wallace. Is there
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 7:26:08
any objection to rolling the vote? Roll the vote. All right. Anyone wish to change their vote? Anyone wish to change their vote? Please cast up the ballot. By a vote of 34 yeas, 0 nays,
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 7:26:26
House Bill 1803 is passed, along with its amendment. Please transmit to the House. I'm sorry, return to the House
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 7:26:34
as amended. House Bill 1814.
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Chair Unverified 7:26:39
House Bill 1814 by Ripson Gasway and Senator Blake Johnson to amend the law concerning municipal authority over utilities and revise the definition of public utility under Title 14, Chapter 200.
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Speaker 1131 7:26:52
Senator Blake Johnson, you're recognized, sir. Thank you, sir.
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Chair Unverified 7:26:56
This just adds a code section into what's current. There's two types of municipal utilities. There's a commission and a non-commission. And with that one code section, it blurred the lines and was considered both the same. This gives clarity to that situation. Adding that code section clarifies the definition. So the section of rules that apply to commission-governed utilities applies to them, and the rules that apply to the non-commissioned government applies to them. That's all it does. Okay. Any questions, Senator Blake Johnson? Anyone want
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 7:27:42
to speak for the bill? Anyone want to speak against the bill? Any objection to rolling the vote? Please roll
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 7:27:49
the vote. Members, look at the board. Anyone want to change their vote? flowers is present center flowers is present anyone else anyone else please cast up the ballot by a vote of 33 a zero nays one present house bill 1814 is passed please return as amended to the house next
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 7:28:20
is going to be house bill 1148 we're just going to keep right on
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Speaker 368 7:28:26
rolling with these has 1148 by representative vaught and center blake johnson to amend the arkansas privacy act and to address
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Chair Unverified 7:28:32
certain images captured by unmanned aircraft systems thank you sir uh this bill uh representative vaught asked me to run and it and it pretty much they have to ask a private landowner permission before they can fly that drone over your private land and take images and pictures and stuff like that on agriculture. I mean, not just on agriculture land, but this gives privacy to landowners. Okay, anybody have any questions?
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 7:29:11
Senator Johnson? Anyone want to speak for the bill?
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 7:29:21
Anyone want to speak against the bill? You close, Senator Johnson? Yes, sir. Any objection to rolling the
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 7:29:28
vote? Please roll the vote. Okay. We're at that point. Anyone want to change their vote? Over on the right
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 7:29:36
side. My right, anyway. Anyone over here? Anyone on this side?
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 7:29:42
Senator Dotson is present. Not voting. Senator Dodson is not voting. Anyone else? Please cast up the ballot. Okay, by a vote of 33 yeas, 0 nays, 1 not voting. House Bill 1148 is passed. Please return to the House. Next is House Bill
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Chair Unverified 7:30:06
1193. Senator Johnson. House Bill 1193, Berkson Cavanaugh and Senator Dodson to require an insurer to include a lien holder on payments made under an insurance policy you're
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Speaker 1137 7:30:17
recognized senator johnson thank you sir
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Speaker 733 7:30:20
uh this one was uh the bill that was uh a bad bill that was brought to the
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Chair Unverified 7:30:27
floor and uh amended to make the corrections that was was asked by the insurance and uh add the repair shops to this and and and make it acceptable and uh whenever i did that then uh then it give give time for for all the concerns to be to be sent to you guys and and uh but rather than run it whenever nobody knew it was a bad bill i amended it and uh and corrected it appreciate a good vote any questions to senator johnson Anyone
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 7:31:02
want to speak for the bill? Anyone want to speak against the bill? You closed, Senator Johnson? Yes, sir. Any objection to... Okay, we have an objection. We have a couple of objections.
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Speaker 249 7:31:19
So if you would, please call the
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Speaker 354 7:31:30
row. Boyd? Boyd? Bryant? Bryant? Caldwell? Caldwell. Clark? Crowell?
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Speaker 1140 7:31:44
Crowell. Davis? Dees? Dismang? Dismang. Dotson? English?
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Speaker 358 7:31:52
English. Flippo? Flowers? Gilmore? Hammer? Hester? Hester?
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Speaker 356 7:32:08
Hickey. Yes. Hill. Irving. Irvin. Blake Johnson. Blake Johnson. You voting? Yeah, I might be your record. Mark Johnson? No.
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Speaker 355 7:32:33
King? Leave. Letting? No. Love? Love. McKee? McKee. Murdoch?
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Speaker 367 7:32:39
Murdoch Payton Payton Penzo Petty Petty Rice Scott Scott Stone Stubbafil Stubbafil Sullivan
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Speaker 239 7:33:07
Sullivan Tucker wallace wallace no
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 7:33:13
all right all right we're going to start over here on this side do
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 7:33:24
you want to change your vote obviously we've got them we got senator mckee as a yes we got senator boyd as a no we got senator clark tucker as a yes we have senator petty as a yes We have Senator Murdoch as present. I'm sorry, Ms. Llewellyn. Anyone else on this side? Okay, over on this side, Senator Hester is a no. Senator Blake
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Speaker 1146 7:33:52
Johnson is a yes. I'm not going to beat
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 7:33:55
the record, so I'm going to vote for it. Senator Hill is a yes. Senator
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 7:34:02
Irvin is a no. Senator Caldwell is a present. I don't know what that is. Senator Stubblefield, is that a no? Senator Stubblefield is a no. Anyone else? Anybody else? Senator Jamie Scott wants in on
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 7:34:21
this. She's a no. Senator Blake Johnson better be a yes. Anything else? Okay, members. Madam
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 7:34:33
Secretary, please cast up the ballot. Okay. By a vote of seven yays, 15 nays, six non-voting, six present, one on leave, House Bill 1193 has failed.
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Chair Unverified 7:34:52
So, thank you, members. I could have got that off the floor before y'all would ever know it, but I didn't. House Bill 1241. Council 1241 by Rep. Mayberry and Senator Irving to ensure that the Arkansas Medicaid program reimburses for dental and anesthetic costs for the high
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 7:35:18
complexity of oral health care. Senator Irving, you recognize, ma'am. Thank you. The Department of Human Services worked with Rep. Mayberry on this bill, as well as higher ed folks at UAMS and hopefully the new dental school. to work on this issue. So I know that there are several folks that have been passionate about this. Senator Davis is one of them as well. There is a fiscal impact. The state share of that ranges between 567,000 up to 2.8 million would be the state share of this, but this is supported by DHS. What this bill does is making sure that if you have a child with special needs that needs dental care, they have to in most cases be put under local anesthesia in order to have that work done. So this just ensures that the Medicaid program will pay for that anesthesia in order to provide this critical service and need for these special needs children in our state. So that's what the bill does and I think it's a critically important service that we need to provide for our children with special needs I'll be happy to answer any questions excuse me any questions
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 7:36:34
Senator Irvin anyone will speak for the bill anyone will speak against the bill are you closed Senator Irvin I'm closed all right thank you okay any objection rolling the vote hey madam secretary roll the vote all right here we are on the screens anyone want to change their vote over on the right is there anyone on the
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 7:37:06
right my right anyone on this side a center Dodson
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 7:37:11
is non-voting anyone on this side anyone else okay please cast up the ballot
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 7:37:17
okay by vote of 33 a's one non-voting house bill 1241 is passed please return to the house okay we're going to
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 7:37:26
skip over house bill 1243 correct senator penzo okay give me just a second okay we're also going to pass over house bill 1336 okay we're going to go back
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 7:37:45
to some that we skipped earlier which one's first senator urban
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 7:37:48
1296 all right yes ma'am all right house bill 1296 We're backing up
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Chair Unverified 7:38:00
just a little bit, members. House Bill 1296 by Representative Johnson and Senator Irving to mandate coverage for health care service providers provided in mobile units. Okay, Senator
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 7:38:10
Irving, you're recognized for 1296. Thank you. The bill does exactly what the title states. It just makes sure that we are able to provide services in mobile units. I think this is critically important for areas of the state of Arkansas that are rural, that have access issues, in which case, if health care is provided in that mobile unit, then what this bill does is mandates coverage for those health care services. Happy to answer any questions. Any
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Speaker 1057 7:38:35
questions for Senator Irving on this? Senator Boyd, you
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Senator Justin Boyd Chair Unverified 7:38:38
have a question? I do. You're recognized, sir. I just, Senator Irving, thank you for bringing this bill. I think it's important, but I also think there's another side I want to make sure you thought about is brick and mortar facilities there it costs more to have a brick and mortar facility versus a mobile unit so I just want to make sure that was in your thought process yes thank you thank
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 7:39:01
you Senator Boyd any other questions anyone want to speak for the bill anyone want to speak against the bill are you closed Senator Irvin I am any objection to rolling the vote Madam Secretary please roll the vote okay over on the right anyone want to change their vote other side anybody want to
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 7:39:24
change their vote last calls anyone to change their vote cast up the ballot by vote of 34 yeas zero nays House bill 1296 is passed please return to
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 7:39:43
the house 1525 okay the next one again we're going back and picking up a couple
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Chair Unverified 7:39:51
House Bill 1525 25 Yep, 1525 House Bill 1525 by Senator Irving to amend the law concerning real property and to address agricultural impact remediation agreements. You're recognized, Senator
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 7:40:03
Irving Thank you, members. This outlines agricultural impact remediation agreements. Obviously, if you have a renewal energy project on your property and they no longer are going to operate that. What this bill does is outline in statute what those remediation agreements need to look like in order to protect the landowners.
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 7:40:25
Any questions of Senator Irvin? Anyone want to speak for this bill? Anyone want to speak against this bill? Senator Irvin is closed. Closed. Anyone object to rolling the vote? Please roll
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 7:40:45
the vote. Okay, everybody watching the board. Anyone want to change your present? Senator Dotson's present. Anyone else? Senator Flowers is present. Senator Penzo is present. Anyone else? Anyone else? Okay, please cast up the ballot. Okay, by a vote of 31 yeas, 0 nays, 3 present. House Bill 1525 is passed. Please return as amended to the House. Okay, members, we're going to go back to page 7, where we were. Okay, we had skipped over House Bill 1336, so the next one up here
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Chair Unverified 7:41:37
is going to be House Bill 1352. House Bill 1352 by Representative Beatty and Senator Blake Johnson to amend various laws concerning actions related to certain foreign entities. Senator Johnson, you're recognized. Members, this is one of our foreign adversary bills and doesn't allow the Confucius Institutes. Also, the influence on municipal governments by sister cities does not allow those sister cities. And also in investments and divesting. But it has those mechanisms that is not immediate, immediate investment. And appreciate a good vote. Any questions, Senator Black-Johnson?
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Speaker 1131 7:42:18
Anyone want to speak for this bill? Anyone
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 7:42:25
want to speak against this bill?
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Speaker 1164 7:42:33
You close, Senator Johnson? Yes, sir. Senator Johnson is closed. Any objection to rolling the vote?
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 7:42:42
please roll the vote all right senator clark tucker is a no senator jamie
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 7:42:52
scott is a no senator love is a no senator murdoch is a no senator flowers is a no Senator Letting is a no. Anyone else? Anyone else? Okay, please
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 7:43:16
cast up the ballot. Okay, by a vote of 28 yeas, 6 nays, House Bill 1352 is passed. Please return as amended to the House. Next is going to be House Bill 1424.
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Chair Unverified 7:43:31
- Senator Johnson. - House bill 1424 by Representative Johnson and Senator Blake Johnson, to amend coverage for severe obesity treatments. - Senator Johnson, you're recognized. - Members, this is a Johnson and Johnson bill. And as a disclosure, I have received none of these treatments. And it's... All right.
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 7:44:06
Anybody have any questions of Senator Johnson?
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Speaker 1169 7:44:10
Anyone want to speak for this bill? Anyone want
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 1164 7:44:25
to speak against this bill? Ben's going to speak for it. All right, members. Is there any objection
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Speaker 1005 7:44:33
to rolling the vote? Please roll the vote. Do you have any objection? All right,
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 7:44:39
we have an objection to rolling the vote. So, Madam Secretary,
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Speaker 249 7:44:49
please call the roll.
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Speaker 250 7:44:57
Boyd? Yes. Bryant?
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Speaker 357 7:45:03
Caldwell? Caldwell. Clark? Crowell? Aye. Davis?
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Speaker 358 7:45:11
Davis, Dees, Dismang, Dismang, Dotson, English, English, Flippo, flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill,
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Speaker 356 7:45:31
Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson? Aye. King,
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Speaker 355 7:45:46
leave. Letting? Aye. Love? Yes. McKee? Yes. Murdoch? Aye. Murdoch.
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Speaker 367 7:45:53
Payton, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stabafil, Stabafil, Sullivan, Tucker, Walker? Aye. Wallace?
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 7:46:20
Aye. Okay, members, anyone wish to change their vote? Senator Dismang is no. Anyone else wish to change their vote? Senator Davis
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 7:46:45
is present. Senator Stubblefield is yes. Anybody else? Senator Stone is yes.
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 7:46:53
Anyone else? Please cast up the ballot. Okay. By vote of 23 yeas, 6 nays, 4 non-voting, 1 present. House Bill 1424 is passed. Please return as amended to the House. All right, members, we're getting a little slow again, so let's Try to be ready and in the well whenever
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Chair Unverified 7:47:17
it's your turn. House Bill 1426. House Bill 1426 by Representative Johnson and Senator Irving to amend the
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 7:47:26
Health Care Contracting Simplification Act. Senator Irving, you're recognized, ma'am. Just adds language that health care insurers means entity that provides or administers a health plan so that they are also part of this piece of statute that would include third-party administrators or an entity that's acting on behalf of the self-insured health benefit plan. So it adds those entities into current existing law and just making sure that enforce a stipulation requirement or policy that has the effect of an all-products clause, whether or not an all-products clause is included in a health care contract. Just making sure that there's clear processes through the health care contractor provider network and so that things are clearly identified and that you have health insurers and third-party administrators all abiding by the same statute. Okay, any questions to Senator Irvin?
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 7:48:19
Anyone want to speak for the bill? Anyone want to speak against the bill? You closed, Senator Irvin? I'm closed. Okay, any objection to rolling the vote? Please roll the vote. Members, look at the board, please. Anyone want to change their vote? Anyone want to change their vote? last time okay please cast up the ballot okay by a vote of 34 yeas zero nays house bill 1426 is passed please return to the house we're going to
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Chair Unverified 7:48:59
house bill 1429 house bill 1429 members shepard and senator irving to increase accessibility while ensuring quality for certain facilities performing mammogram services and to amend the law concerning the the quality standards for accreditation of facilities for mammograms. Senator Irvin, you recognize? Thank you. Members, what
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 7:49:18
this bill does is it opens up access for women for mammographies, making sure that we're not having to wait or delay for a radiologist to be on site. An interpreting physician is not required to be on site, but should be immediately available via telecommunication to interpret the diagnostic of the mammogram. They always have the ability then to travel to the patients or to the area or the patients can travel to them if there's need for an ultrasound. This includes language that the patient signs a waiver acknowledging that the diagnostic evaluation is being done off-site and remotely and then that the results of the evaluation will be given to the patient before the patient leaves the facility, after the completion of the evaluation. Again, this is really to open up access so that we can provide as many mammograms as possible and utilize in technology via telecommunications with radiologists who's interpreting that mammogram on an off-site location. Any questions of Senator Irvin? Anyone want
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 7:50:25
to speak for the bill? Anyone want to speak against the bill? You closed, Senator Irvin? Yes, I'm closed. Thank you for a good vote. Okay. Any objection to rolling the vote? Please roll the vote. Anyone want to change their vote? Everybody looking at the screen. Please cast up the ballot. By a vote of 34 yeas, 0 nays, House Bill 1429 is passed. Please return as amended
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 7:51:00
to the House. Next bill is going to be House Bill 1470. House Bill 1470 by Representative
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Chair Unverified 7:51:08
Beatty and Senator Hill to repeal the law concerning the review of information technology plans. Senator Hill, you recognize, sir?
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Senator Ricky Hill Unverified 7:51:19
Thank you, Mr. President. Colleagues, all this bill does is repeal the law concerning the review of information technology plans and for other persons who repeals that will no longer be done and there is still oversight from another area.
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 7:51:30
Any questions to Senator Hill? Anyone want to speak for the bill? Against the bill? Senator Hill is closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Please roll the vote.
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 7:51:49
Okay, members look at the board. Anyone want to change their vote? Senator Flowers is present. Anyone else? Please cast up the ballot. Okay, by a vote of 33 yays, 0 nays, 1 present. House Bill 1470 passes. Please return to the House. Next is going to be
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Chair Unverified 7:52:15
House Bill 1519. House Bill 1519 by Representative Kavanaugh and Senator Gilmore. To allow the Secretary of the Department of Commerce to participate in the hiring and contracting of employees for the State Insurance Department, State Bank Department, and State Securities Department.
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Senator Ben Gilmore Chair Unverified 7:52:31
Senator Gilmore, are you recognized, sir? Thank you, Mr. President. Members, this is just clarifying in law that the Department of Commerce can participate in shared services with the Banking, Securities, Insurance Department, and that's just, again, to ensure that they're doing things efficiently and trying to save money and be cost-effective. Happy to take questions. Any questions for Senator Gilmore on this?
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 7:52:53
Any questions for Senator Gilmore? Anyone want to speak for the bill? Anyone want to speak against the bill? Senator Caldwell is going to speak against
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Senator Ronald Caldwell Unverified 7:53:07
the bill. You're recognized, Senator Caldwell. Thank you, Mr. President. When we had transformation of state government, it was very specific when we did that, that we left the insurance department, the banking department, security department, out of state government, particularly from the executive branch, because they do not participate in general revenue. And their purpose is very specific in what they do.
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 7:53:35
And I would ask you for a no vote on this. Okay,
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 7:53:43
anyone else want to speak before the bill? Do you want to take a
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Senator Mark Johnson Unverified 7:53:49
question, Senator Caldwell? Senator Mark Johnson, you're recognized. Ask Senator Caldwell a question. Thank you, Mr. President. Senator Caldwell, as I recall back during the transformation things, they said that in these consolidated departments like Commerce, That there would be one of the, in effect, the Secretary of Commerce would be like first among equals was the way the term that it was described. And I remember Mr. Preston was, he was head of ADC, but he was the first among equals. And
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Senator Ronald Caldwell Unverified 7:54:17
have we kind of wandered off the plantation from that? Are we doing it? We're doing it again. Particularly banking and securities and insurance, again, all of those departments are paid for through monies that come from sales security or the banks give money to the banking department. And none of that is tied in with general revenue. And they all, I don't want to say make their own regulations, but it's very specific in what they do. And we try to keep the politics out of those departments. And I think all we're doing right now is putting politics in those departments because the Secretary of Commerce works for the executive branch. And we're coming in now and making those all political. We don't need to make political decisions on this. We need to make good policy on this, good banking policy, good securities policy, and good insurance policy. That's why I'd ask
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Senator Mark Johnson Unverified 7:55:23
for a no vote on this bill.
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Senator Ronald Caldwell Unverified 7:55:25
And they're all special revenue agencies? They're all special revenue. All three departments are, and we were very specific. Most of you were not here when we did this, but to be honest with you, this was in 2019. That bill, if I remember correctly, was 2,636 pages long. And there were only four people in this whole building that ever read the bill. And Senator Hickey was one of them. I was one of them. Senator Sample was one of them. Senator Will Bond was one of them. And that was it. And we spent weeks and hours and days on this. And it was very specific when we reorganized state government that these three departments would be left quasi-independent. so that they could regulate their industries without political influence. And I think it's a mistake that we come back today and take these in and make them part of the executive branch as far as the hiring goes, because normally these boards would hire people within the industry that's very much of an expert at what they do. And so again, I would ask for a no vote on this bill. - Were you not in a wheelchair? - I was in a wheelchair every day And somebody up here sitting in the chair took me home with him every night. That's the only way I could come down here. But, again, 2,400, 2,600, 2,436 pages, I think is the right page. And we went through that line by line, word for word. And the big things that we found out when we did that was, is that those three industries, those three departments, needed to be left quasi-independent. They're not independent, but we try to keep the political influence away from them so that they can make good policy decisions. Again, I would ask you to vote no on this bill. Thank you, Senator Caldwell. Senator Hammer,
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Speaker 993 7:57:16
do you have a question for Senator Caldwell?
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Senator Kim Hammer Unverified 7:57:19
Yes, I have a question. Yes, sir. If this goes through, those employees would become state employees? Who
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Senator Ronald Caldwell Unverified 7:57:33
would they be employed by? They're already state employees. Yes, but the leadership and the directors are not directly influenced by the executive branch, in particular the governor, as far as being hired and fired. And they can make good policy decisions without being influenced politically. And if they make a political decision, I'm not picking on our particular government, any governor. And that's why it was set up that way, that they could
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Speaker 1178 7:58:02
make policy decisions instead of political decisions. Okay. And the part
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Senator Kim Hammer Unverified 7:58:07
of the title about participate in the hiring, that participation give them actual authority or is it recommended or do you know or maybe the bill's sponsored?
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Senator Ronald Caldwell Unverified 7:58:18
You'd ask the bill's sponsored on that. But again, the boards on these departments are appointed by the governor. So she does have some influence in this particular case. but the governor would have influence in the fact that they the governor appoints the board and and those board members serve for a particular length of time and the board hires the director of these departments so but in this case it's going to be that that the Secretary of Commerce who is hired directly by the existing governor would hire these people and now we have political influence in departments it does not need to have political influence in all right thanks
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 7:58:59
okay any other questions thank you senator colwell thank you all right senator colwell spoke against the bill does anyone else anyone else speak for
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Senator Ben Gilmore Chair Unverified 7:59:09
the bill senator gilmore you want to close for your bill thank you mr president thanks thank you senator colwell for those remarks one thing i would point out is the banking association supports this and the other thing is uh this would not change any of the policy decisions associated with that, board still in place, everything else, this is just a way for I think them to operate more efficiently, make sure that hiring decisions are being done in a way that we're maximizing our resources and so again, I don't think there's going to be very much change at all, but
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 7:59:47
with that I'm closed, I appreciate a good vote. Okay, any objection to
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Speaker 249 7:59:55
rolling the vote? Okay, we have objections. Madam Secretary, please call the roll. Boyd? Yes. Bryant?
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Speaker 250 8:00:06
Bryant. Caldwell? No. Clark? No. Crowell?
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Speaker 357 8:00:12
Crowell? Crowell. Davis? Davis? Dees? Dees. Dismang? Dismang. Dotson? English? English. Flippo? Flippo. Flowers? Gilmore?
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Speaker 358 8:00:28
Hammer? Hammer. Hester. Aye. Hickey. Hickey. Hill. No.
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Speaker 1181 8:00:45
Irvin. Irvin. Blake Johnson.
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Speaker 1180 8:00:53
No. Mark Johnson. No. Keen. Leading. Leading. Love. Love. McKee. Murdoch. Murdoch. Peyton. Peyton. Penzo. No. Petty. Rice. Scott. Stone. Stubblefield. Sullivan.
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Speaker 1157 8:01:27
Tucker? Aye. Wallace? Aye. Okay. Do any members wish to vote
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 8:01:36
or change their vote? Hickey's no. Senator McKee is yes. Senator Dees is yes. Senator Hammer is no. I'm sorry. Senator McKee was yes. Senator Deews was yes. Senator Hammer is no. Senator Flippo is no.
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 8:01:59
Senator Dismang is yes. Senator Kroll is
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 8:02:09
no. Anyone else? Everybody okay? Senator Murdoch, I'm sorry, is present. Anyone else? Speak up if I don't see you. okay please cast up the ballot okay house bill by vote of 13 yeas 13 nays six non-voting two present one on leave house bill 1519 fails yes yes sir you're recognized for a
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Senator Ben Gilmore Chair Unverified 8:02:37
motion senator i hope we all feel good because you just ruined a perfect record that's the first bill i've had fell on the floor. So congratulations to you all. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Well done, Senator Caldwell. Well done. With that, I make a motion to expunge the vote by which House Bill 1519 failed. We may do this again. All
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 8:02:59
right. We have a motion to expunge. All in favor of the motion, say aye. Aye. Any opposed? No. Oh, that motion
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Speaker 1075 8:03:05
fails that it is not expunged no i won't wait
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 8:03:19
y'all want to let's just do it again okay come back and make another motion please senator well just make the
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Senator Ben Gilmore Chair Unverified 8:03:30
motion again again yeah i'm on a streak of failure here uh make a motion to expunge the vote by which House Bill 1519
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 8:03:37
failed. All right. The motion to expunge the vote. All in favor say aye. Aye.
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Senator Justin Boyd Chair Unverified 8:03:51
Any opposed? No. No's have it. We're
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Chair Unverified 8:03:57
going to go on to House Bill 1531. House Bill 1531 by Representative of Anchor and Senator Boyd to prohibit pharmaceutical manufacturers from restricting or limiting prescription medications to a limited distribution network of out-of-state pharmacists.
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Senator Justin Boyd Chair Unverified 8:04:10
Senator Boyd, you're recognized, sir. Thank you, Mr. President. This bill has nothing to do with PBMs or reimbursements. This bill does create opportunities to participate in limited distribution networks. If a pharmacy can document and prove they have relevant experience or credentialing for the medication and who can meet all FDA-required handling, delivery, safety, and monitoring, This bill is supported by the Arkansas Hospital Association, UAMS, CARTI, Highlands Oncology Group, and Arkansas Children's Hospital. Any questions of Senator Boyd?
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 8:04:41
Anyone want to speak for the bill, against the bill? Any objection? Are you closed, Senator Boyd? I'm closed, and I appreciate a good
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 8:04:54
vote. Any objection to rolling the vote? Please roll the vote. Any member wish to change their vote? Senator Dotson is no. Senator Bryant is present. Anyone else? Anyone else? Please cast up the ballot. Okay, by a vote of 32 yeas, one nay, one present. House Bill 1531 passes. Please return to the House as amended.
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Chair Unverified 8:05:28
Next is going to be House Bill 1602. House Bill 1602 by Representative Johnson, Senator Hammer, to amend the Arkansas Pharmacy Benefits Manager Licensure Act to establish fees under the Arkansas Pharmacy Benefits Manager Licensure Act and require reporting of certain information by pharmacy benefits manager.
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Senator Kim Hammer Unverified 8:05:45
Senator Hammer, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. President. This bill does two things. It establishes a protocol whereby the insurance department can do a thorough dive into the structure of PBMs because they register in so many different numbers. It also raises the annual renewal fee up to what is average, consistent with the national averages. So far, throughout the whole process, there's been no objection from any of the PBMs. I'd be glad to answer any questions. Any questions to Senator Hammer? Anyone want to speak for this bill?
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 8:06:18
Against this bill? You closed, Senator Hammer? Closed.
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 8:06:23
Appreciate your vote. Any objection rolling the vote? Please roll the vote. any member wish to change their vote senator dodson is a no anyone else wish to change their vote last time anyone else want to change their vote senator bryant is present senator penzo is present. Senator Irvin is present. Senator
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 8:06:55
Hill is present. Anyone else? Last time again.
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 8:07:04
Anyone else? Please cast up the ballot. Okay, by a vote of 29 yeas, one nay, four present, One on leave. House Bill 1602 is passed. Please return to the House as amended. Next is going to
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Chair Unverified 8:07:22
be House Bill 1604. House Bill 1604 by Representative Anker and Senator Blake Johnson to amend the law concerning prohibited contracts by state agencies and to prohibit the use of public funds by state agencies to purchase promotional items made in China. Senator Blake Johnson, you're right now, sir. Thank you, sir. This prohibits state agencies from purchasing promotional items made in China. We don't want to use our state funds to enrich our enemies. And we have alternatives in Indonesia, more of our allies for those funds to be spent or made in the United States. Any questions to Senator Johnson?
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 8:08:08
Anyone want to speak for the bill? Anyone want to speak against the bill? Senator Johnson is closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Please roll the vote. Okay, members, look at the board. Anyone want to change their vote?
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Speaker 1075 8:08:31
Senator Flowers is a no. Anyone else? Anyone else?
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 8:08:37
Last call. Anyone else? Please cast up the ballot by a vote of 33 yeas, 1 nay. House Bill 1604 passes. Please return to the House as amended. Next is going to be House Bill 1694. House
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Chair Unverified 8:08:52
Bill 1694 by Representative Hawkins, Senator Crowell, to amend the law concerning alternatives to electronic filing for campaign finance reports. Senator Crowell, you're recognized. Thank you. Colleagues, this
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Senator Steve Crowell Chair Unverified 8:09:02
is Secretary of State wants to streamline our reports that we all do. There's only five of us that don't do it, but they wanted to give us options in case we have an issue so we can email it, fax it, or deliver it by paper within 10 days of the deadline. But we only have five that don't do it, but the new people coming in, we want them to
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Speaker 1057 8:09:28
encourage because it streamlines their process. Any questions to Senator Crowe?
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Senator Mark Johnson Unverified 8:09:34
Senator Mark Johnson, you're first. Thank you, Mr. President. Senator Kroll, I sponsored legislation, I think, four years ago to try to clean up the horrible software that the Secretary of State's office had. And what we got, although I understand it was rewritten instead of being in Excel, it was in a code, but it's almost the same. And we also allowed people like Senator Caldwell, who didn't have access to high-speed internet to file on paper. Yes. And I mean, while I would love everybody to be able to do something more streamlined, to use your term, I don't know we're there yet, and I'm really concerned that we've got a system that's flawed, and now we're forcing everybody into it. I figured it out. I've spent a lot of time working on it, but
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Speaker 1194 8:10:28
I know a lot of people haven't, And there's a lot of
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Senator Steve Crowell Chair Unverified 8:10:32
mistakes made. And I agree 100%. And I think that's why the amendment came in, where you could do it by email, email fax. I can't, I've got to find the email. But I think that's why they, Senator Payton, Senator Clark, and I think Senator Clark Tucker, in-state agencies, that's one of the main reasons we have that. And it's also incumbent upon Secretary of State to improve this software. That's part of this package. You'll see another one coming. We want to make sure that they do their due diligence because it is not
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Senator Mark Johnson Unverified 8:11:05
a great system. Totally agree with you. Senator, does the Secretary of State have the authority under this legislation to implement, shall we say, a new improved version of the online system? Because I could see where you could do a cover sheet for each quarter with an Excel file of your expenditures and an Excel file of your campaign contributions. and all that would be disclosed, it would be downloadable but it wouldn't require somebody to sit there and pound the keys and key it, would that be possible? That
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Speaker 1197 8:11:36
is what we're working on, yes
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Senator Mark Johnson Unverified 8:11:38
sir. That's what we're working towards. Thank you Senator, thank you Mr.
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Chair Unverified 8:11:44
President. Yes sir. Senator Dodson, you're recognized sir. Thank you Mr.
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Senator Jim Dotson Chair Unverified 8:11:50
Chair Senator Kroll I'm sorry, I'm starting to get confused on what I've heard in committee and what I've heard on the floor. But I don't know if you said it in your opening, but this is sort of a companion bill to another bill that has to do with requiring all municipal and county officials to use the Secretary of State's campaign finance website. So we're talking about adding thousands of people to that system. And the Secretary of State's probably, if that bill, I don't know if it's passed, I can't remember if it's passed or not. I think it passed committee. But if that goes through, then the Secretary of State will be required to collect all those forms by paper right now if this doesn't pass making them do it electronically. Correct. Okay, thank you. Any other questions? Anyone want to speak for the bill, against the bill? Senator Crowell
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 8:12:47
is closed. Any objection to roll in the vote? Please roll the vote. Okay, members, everybody look at the screen.
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 8:13:00
Anybody wish to change their vote? Senator Flowers is present. Anyone else? Last time. Anyone else? Please cast up the ballot. By a vote of 33 yays, 0 nays, 1 present. House Bill 1694 is passed. Please return to the House. Next is going to
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Chair Unverified 8:13:25
be House Bill 1701. House Bill 1701 by Representative Gonzalez and Senator Stubblefield to amend the law concerning sewer collection and sewer treatment providers and related services.
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 8:13:35
Senator Stubblefield, you're recognized.
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Senator Gary Stubblefield Chair Unverified 8:13:37
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I apologize for my voice. It's just about gone. House Member 1701 creates the wastewater version of the water bill that Senator Clark, Senator Love put together back in 2021. It's Act 605-2021. Representative Maddox also made some improvements to that bill in 2023. The overall goal of the 17101 was to keep our wastewater providers strong by requiring them to perform routine rate analysis at a minimum of every five years and to implement the results of such rate studies. As the wastewater systems perform these studies, They are required to factor in their operating and maintenance expenses and all other expenses necessary to operate their systems. Additionally, the systems will be required to deposit a minimum of five cents of their annual gross revenues in a dedicated fund for refurbishment and replacement of broken and aging equipment. By having a dedicated fund, it will help them keep the water system from running into a catastrophic situation where multiple failures could happen simultaneously. This bill was also supported by the Arkansas Water and Wastewater Managers Association. Okay,
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Speaker 1199 8:14:57
any questions to Senator Stubblefield? Senator Gilmore, you're recognized. Senator Stubblefield, will you
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Senator Ben Gilmore Chair Unverified 8:15:11
take a question? Sure. Yes, sir. Senator Gilmore, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. President. Senator Stubblefield, so you said this was similar to 605. So, just so I understand, Act 605 of, I think, 23 or 21? 21? 21. Yeah. So, to make sure I understand, this is going to make
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Speaker 1200 8:15:34
them do rate studies? Correct. Rate
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Senator Ben Gilmore Chair Unverified 8:15:37
analysis studies. Okay. And then with that, will there be a mandate for increases or no
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Senator Gary Stubblefield Chair Unverified 8:15:44
mandate for increases? No. These are not government. These are private, I mean, they're not private. They're government entities. So there's no, you know, there's no fees involved. As long as they can run these analysis and keep their equipment up so they don't have to run back to us and say, hey, we need some money. That's the purpose of this old bill, so they can keep their equipment and everything running so they don't have any major catastrophes and come back and beg for money to fix those. okay so and
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Senator Ben Gilmore Chair Unverified 8:16:15
and with that and i understand the need to look at things and make sure that they're being maintained and looked at and everything else but act 605 of 21 mandated studies be done and then increases be done to rates accordingly i'm just trying to i'm just trying to make sure that if this is doing that i just want to understand that or or unless i'm missing something
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Senator Gary Stubblefield Chair Unverified 8:16:37
please tell me one of them was a wastewater bill this deals with wastewater one of them was a water bill. Correct. This one
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Senator Ben Gilmore Chair Unverified 8:16:44
is a waste one. That's what 605 was, was a water bill that mandated rate studies that then mandated a certain amount of increases. I'm just trying to make sure I
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Senator Gary Stubblefield Chair Unverified 8:16:54
understand the bill, sir. That's all. Yeah, you're right. 605. 605 was a water bill,
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 8:17:11
not a wastewater water bill. Any other questions? Anyone want to speak for this bill? Anyone want to speak against this bill? Are you closed, Senator Stubblefield? Yes, sir. Any objection to rolling the vote? Roll the vote, please. All right. Any members wish to change their vote? Senator Gilmore is a no. Anyone else? Anyone else?
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 8:17:45
Please cast up the ballot. All right, by a vote of 33 yeas, 1 nay. House Bill 1701 is passed. Please return to the House. Okay, next is going to
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 8:17:55
be House Bill 1703. Members, y'all just keep it coming the
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Chair Unverified 8:18:01
way you're doing. House Bill 1703, by Representative Johnson-Center Irving to provide a drug reimbursement process for certain health
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 8:18:11
care providers. Okay, Senator Irving, you recognize? Bill provides for drug reimbursement process an appeal. If the appeal is upheld, then the change in reimbursement rate is defined in law. And then, clearly making sure that if the appeal is denied, then outlines that the contracting entity who is the health care insurer receives notice of this and that the health care provider may provide quarterly notice to the contracting entity of all the drugs with an acquisition cost below the contracted reimbursement rate is provided so that the information is collected. Basically what the bill is trying to do is make sure that health care providers when they are administering any kind of medication or drug that they are actually paid a reasonable reimbursement rate that is not below the acquisition cost and then sets up an appeal process for that when it occurs. Okay, thank you. Any questions for Senator Irvin?
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 8:19:16
Anyone want to speak for the bill? I'm closed. Anyone speak against the bill? Senator Irvin is closed. Anybody object to rolling the vote? Please roll the vote. Members, look at the screen,
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 8:19:30
please. Anybody wish to change their vote? Members, look at the screen. Anyone wish to change their vote? Okay, seeing none, please cast up the ballot. Okay, by a vote of 34 yeas, 0 nays, House Bill 1703 is passed. Please return to the House. Okay, members, we're on page 8. This is our last page, and some of these are gone, so let's keep rolling through them. Hopefully, we're going to try to get through these. Y'all recognize our staff, because they're doing more work than we are.
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Chair Unverified 8:20:07
So, all right, House Bill 1713. House Bill 1713, Representative Rose and Senator Mark Johnson, to require ballot titles for initiated measures to be at or under a certain reading level and to declare an emergency.
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Senator Mark Johnson Unverified 8:20:18
Senator Johnson, you're recognized, sir. Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 1713 requires that ballot titles for initiated measures be at or under a certain reading level, and that's the 8th grade reading level as determined by the Flesch-Kincaid Readability Test, which was formally adopted by the military in 1978 to ensure that training manuals were written at an appropriate reading level. Many of you have probably heard complaints from constituents that many of the ballot measures that they're required to vote on were hard to understand. I specifically remember the issue two from the last election that a lot of people had trouble figuring that out. I will say at least 21 states have enacted laws to ensure readability of ballot measures. And this includes red and blue states, Florida, California, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington all have statutes requiring ballot language to be clear and understandable. Two recent ones that were passed, in 2024, New York enacted legislation that ballot measures be written at the 8th grade level, and Governor Kathy Hochul supported the bill. Also, Rhode Island enacted legislation requiring their ballot measures with the 8th grade reading level and used the same test, the Flesch-Kincaid readability test. The ACLU of Rhode Island actually supported that law. So this is a bipartisan bill. It makes sure that our constituents have access to read and understand something that they're having to read and understand and vote on or sign a petition on in a very short period of time where we have situations where we have two houses, a committee system to revaluate these things. So it's more important probably for our constituents to be able to ascertain exactly what the purpose of these ballot titles are, and we should make it clear to them rather than try to confuse them. I'll be happy to answer any questions. Any questions of Senator Johnson? Anyone want to speak for this bill?
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 8:22:39
Anyone want to speak against this bill? Senator Tucker is going to speak against the bill. Senator Tucker,
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Senator Clarke Tucker Unverified 8:22:49
you're recognized, sir. Thank you, Mr. President. I agree with the intent of making ballot titles easier for people to read. The problem is the Flesch-Kincaid test, one of the major variables in their formula is sentence length and there I can't tell you what it is but there's something in Arkansas law that compels ballot titles to be one sentence every ballot title we've ever had in Arkansas history has been one sentence so if the bill addressed that and allowed ballot titles to be more than one sentence then it might be accomplishing what it sets out to accomplish but if ballot titles remain at one sentence only you can never write a ballot title that will qualify under the Flesh King Decay Test. And the bill only authorizes the Attorney General to reject something that doesn't meet that definition. We need to authorize the Attorney General to write a ballot title in multiple sentences or for a ballot measure sponsor to submit a ballot title with multiple sentences. Otherwise, what I think this bill is setting us up to do is a ballot measure sponsor is going to submit a ballot measure. It's going to be rejected because no single sentence ballot measure could ever pass the parameter set in the Flesch-Kincaid test. Just as an example, single parent adoption in 2008, pretty simple issue on the Flesch-Kincaid test, it scored 81.5. So until we authorize either ballot measure sponsors or the attorney general to authorize ballot titles in multiple sentences, then we shouldn't pass this because we're just
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 8:24:19
prohibiting all ballot measures. Anyone want to speak for the bill? Senator Clark, Senator Alan Clark, Senator Clark
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 8:24:28
Tucker spoke against. Senator Alan Clark, you're recognized. Thank you,
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Senator Alan Clark Unverified 8:24:32
Mr. Chair. This is a great bill. Years before I was ever in the Senate, one of the things that just bugged the life out of me about ballot measures is that people don't read them. And And there's a couple of reasons they don't read them. It's not that they don't care about their elections, don't care about their state. But one of the reasons is because they don't want to read legalese. They get two or three words in, two or three sentences in, and it's legalese, and they're done. And the second is a lot of people that are around you every day do not have the reading level that you have. Once Senator Elliott and I started working on the foundations of teaching kids to read here in Arkansas, I learned more about dyslexia and other things, and the rate of illiteracy or not being even at a third-grade reading level at our prisons is astounding. So making the ballot title where people can read it will cause more people to read it, make our elections more what they should be, And this is something that we ought to do. I would appreciate a good vote. Okay, anyone speak against the bill? For
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 8:25:45
the bill. Are you closed, Senator Johnson, or do you want to close? Thank you, Mr. President.
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Senator Mark Johnson Unverified 8:25:54
Yes, sir. This is a good bill. The readability thing is not perfect. I would have preferred a different grade level, but everyone seems to agree that eighth grade and other states that have done this says this. The more simple we make it, the better. And a lot of times this scoring is done because of the number of syllables in a word, things like that. Instead of using giant words like some of the pharmaceuticals that we have to learn the name of and things like that, keep it simple, and that way people actually know what they're voting for. So with that, I'm closed, and I appreciate a good vote. Okay, is there
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 8:26:32
any objection to roll the vote? Okay, please roll the vote. All right, I know some members are going to want to change their... All right, over on this side, Senator Clark Tucker is
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 8:26:51
a no. Anyone else? Senator Flowers is a no. Senator Letting is a no. Senator Murdoch is a no. Anyone else? Anyone else? Senator Dismang is a no. Anyone else? Please cast up the ballot. Okay, by vote of 29 yays, 5 nays, House Bill 1713 is
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 8:27:21
passed. Please return to the House. Okay, there is an emergency clause on that, and that was also adopted.
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 8:27:33
Okay, so we're going to do House Bill 1736. House Bill
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Chair Unverified 8:27:38
1736 by Representative Brown and Senator Deese to amend Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code. Senator Deese,
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Senator Tyler Dees Chair Unverified 8:27:45
you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. President. Members, 1736 was presented a committee by Representative Brown with a very non-controversial bill. Did a great job answering questions there, but this just amends Article 9 of the UCC. Any questions for Senator Deese?
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 8:28:04
Anyone want to speak against the bill or the bill? You close, Senator Deese. Any objection to rolling the vote? Please roll the vote. Anyone want to change their vote? Everybody look at the screen. Anyone want to change their vote? Senator Flowers is present. Senator Flowers is present. Anyone want to change their vote?
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 8:28:29
Please cast up the ballot. By a vote of 33 yays, 0 nays, 1 present. House Bill 1736 is passed. Please return
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 8:28:38
to the House. House Bill 1737. We're getting closer,
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Chair Unverified 8:28:42
members. House Bill 1737 by Representative Brown and Senator Dees to amend the Transmitting Utility Act and to amend the definition of transmitting utility to include fiber optic
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Senator Tyler Dees Chair Unverified 8:28:54
and broadband lines. Senator Dees, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. President. Member 1737 does exactly what the title says. This updates to include fiber optics and broadband lines into this section. And so it really just updates a lot of the technology involved. Any
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Speaker 1204 8:29:12
questions, Senator Deese? Anyone want to speak for the
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 8:29:17
bill? Against the bill? You're closed. Senator Deese is closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Please roll the vote. Everybody looking at the
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 8:29:28
board? Anybody want to change their vote? Anyone want to change their vote? please cast up the ballot by a vote of 34 yeas, 0 nays House Bill 1737 is passed please return to the House we're going to go
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Chair Unverified 8:29:48
to House Bill 1740 House Bill 1740 by Representative Moore and Senator Crowell to exempt certain agricultural information from the Freedom of Information Act
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Speaker 1066 8:29:57
of 1967 you recognize Senator Crowell there are currently two requirements for the
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Senator Steve Crowell Chair Unverified 8:30:02
USDA to move animals between states and that's a certified veterinarian's inspection and an electronic identification tag. The purpose of this bill is to protect our 4-H'ers and our FFA from people finding their home addresses and their information, and some of these animals are up to $100,000 in
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 8:30:21
value. Okay, any questions of Senator Crowell? Anyone want to speak for the bill? Against the bill, Senator Crowell is closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Please roll the vote. Members look at the board. Anyone want to change their
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 8:30:42
vote? Senator Clark Tucker is a present. Senator Penzo is present. Senator Stubblefield is a no. Members are all looking at the board. Senator Penzo is now going to go to a no. Senator Bryant is a no. Senator Dotson is present Senator Flippo is present Senator Rice is present
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 8:31:18
Senator Tucker is no All right, we're going to take our time I want to make sure this is right Anybody
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 8:31:32
else? Is everybody looking? Check the board We're about to cast it up. Is everybody okay? All right, cast up the ballot. Okay, by a vote of 27 yeas, 4 nays, 3 present, House Bill 1740 is passed. Please return to the House. Okay, we're skipping over 1746. We're going to House Bill 1771. House Bill 1771 by Representative Perry
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Chair Unverified 8:31:58
and Senator Murdoch. to amend the law concerning disclosures to policyholders and to require monthly reporting by insurers. You're recognized, Senator Murdoch. Thank you, sir. House Bill 1771
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Senator Reginald Murdock Unverified 8:32:13
allows you, if you're a policyholder in Arkansas, to get certain disclosures at the end of every month if you request them, just to know about claims, what type of claims have been filed, how much have been paid out, just a transparency bill for you as a policyholder. Any questions of Senator Murdoch? Anyone want to speak for it?
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 8:32:34
Anyone want to speak against it? Any objection to rolling the vote? Please roll the vote. All right, everybody, please check the board. Make sure you want to see if you want to change your vote. All right. You ready? Senator McKee is present. Senator Bryant is present. Anyone else? McKee
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Speaker 1164 8:33:02
is present. Senator Sullivan is present. Senator Penzo is present. Anyone else?
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 8:33:14
I don't understand some of these weird signs, but... Anyone else?
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 8:33:23
Last time. Cast up the ballot. Okay, by a vote of 30 yays, 0 nays, 4 present. House Bill 1771 is passed. Please return to the
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Chair Unverified 8:33:39
House as amended. House Bill 1774. House Bill 1774, Burressa DeBatey and Senator Blake Johnson to amend the
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Senator Ben Gilmore Chair Unverified 8:33:46
membership of the Arkansas Fair
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Speaker 1131 8:33:48
Housing Commission. Senator Blake Johnson, you're recognized. Thank you, sir. Members,
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Chair Unverified 8:33:53
this bill amends the Arkansas Fair Housing Commission membership. There is some very specific qualifications. This lowers that 13 members down to seven. Those who have unexpired terms get to finish out that term before this commission has changed over the seven members. It broadens the qualification. It makes the membership, filling those memberships easier, but also have knowledge of the area.
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 8:34:27
Any questions to Senator Johnson? Anyone want to speak for the bill? Anyone want to speak against the bill? Senator Johnson is closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Please roll the vote. All right, members, watch the board. Remember how we're doing this. Anybody want to change their vote? Senator Flowers is present. Anyone else? Everybody watching? Anybody want to change their vote?
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 8:35:01
Please cast up the ballot. By vote of 33 yeas, 0 nays, 1 present. House Bill 1774 is passed. Please return to the House. Go to House Bill 1788. House Bill 1788 by
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Chair Unverified 8:35:15
Representative Johnson and Senator Irving to amend the Arkansas Health Care Consumer Act and to reduce the time allowed for processing an application for a provider. Senator Irvin you're recognized ma'am. Make sure
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 8:35:27
this bill makes sure that your health care insurers will review the application for a health care provider in a more timely fashion to get them out there seeing patients. Reduces it from 180 days which was ridiculous down to 90 days. Which I still think is too long but that's what the bill says and I'm for the bill.
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 8:35:48
Senator Irvin, anyone have any questions? Senator Irvin. I'm leaving the law. Anyone want to speak for the bill? Anyone want to speak against the bill? Senator Irvin is closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Please roll the vote. Members, you're looking at the board. Anyone want to change the vote? Anyone want to change the vote? Last time, seeing none, please cast up the ballot.
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 8:36:21
By a vote of 34 yeas, 0 nays, House Bill 1788 is passed.
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 8:36:26
Please return to the House. And we're going to go to House Bill 1797.
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Chair Unverified 8:36:35
House Bill 1797, Representative Batty and Senator Gilmore, to amend the law concerning the Arkansas Development Finance Authority and declare an emergency. Senator Gilmore,
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Senator Ben Gilmore Chair Unverified 8:36:48
you're recognized, sir. Thank you, Mr. President. Members, proud to bring you this bill. And my House sponsor actually apparently had nothing else to do this evening, so he's on the floor back there. So please excuse him. And I ask for leave for my two House friends, Majority Leader Beatty and Representative Brown. So, members, with that House Bill 1797, so I want to give a little history really quick. Back in 1985, the ADFA, the Arkansas Development Finance Authority, was created. It was created as an independent instrumentality of the state. I think that's key to understand because what was intended was for them to be nimble, to have flexibility, to operate in such a way that they can do good things like what they're currently doing. And so what this bill does is it removes some of the burdens and it removes some of the tether as it relates to the state, lets them be the entity they were designed to be. I want to point out that there's 42 states that allow their entity, like ADFA, to operate in this way. On top of that, the Banking Association supports it, State Chamber supports it, Commerce doesn't have a problem with it. In fact, the banking association sees them as a partner, not someone that they compete with. I think there's a lot of really good reasons as to why we would let them do this, some of which is they need to be nimble. And so one of the things that came out in testimony in the committee was oftentimes when it relates to rulemaking authority under the Administrative Powers Act, when there's interest rates and things that are constantly adjusting, they're in constant violation of the Administrative Powers Act. So this would alleviate some of that, among other things. It still keeps intact oversight with the board. It still allows for the governor to appoint the members of the board as they currently do. And so with that, there's still reporting requirements if they're administrating federal or state grant dollars.
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 8:38:59
But with that, I'm happy to take any questions. All right, questions of Senator Gilmore. Any questions? Senator Rice,
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Senator Terry Rice Chair Unverified 8:39:13
you're recognized, sir. Some of the tethers and bonds that you referred to, why are those on there
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Senator Ben Gilmore Chair Unverified 8:39:23
now? Why are those on there now? Yeah. I'm not entirely sure, because in 1985, was created to be an independent entity. I would say over time as they administered federal dollars or state dollars there was probably oversight given and in this case there would still be oversight given. I would think an example would be when they administered some CARES Act money there was reporting requirements both state and federal that they had to adhere to there and that would still be in in place as well. But there's no there's no state tax dollars. There's no general revenue. There's nothing that this entity oversees or deals with. But
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Speaker 1213 8:40:01
they've had oversight since 1985? I don't know
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Senator Ben Gilmore Chair Unverified 8:40:06
exactly what it looked like in 85, but I would say that there has been from a procurement standpoint, from an Administrative Powers Act standpoint that there were some sort of, to get to your point, some sort of oversight in some form, yes. And
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Speaker 1215 8:40:24
what is the detriment to having
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Senator Ben Gilmore Chair Unverified 8:40:26
oversight? The detriment from their standpoint is it prohibits them from engaging in some philanthropic investments. It also doesn't allow them to be as nimble as they need to be. I already gave the example of when interest rates fluctuate, they're in violation of the Administrative Powers Act because they're required under that to go back and do a repromulgation of rules every time an interest rate changes that they don't do nor they nor
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Speaker 1216 8:40:59
can they do on the
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Senator Terry Rice Chair Unverified 8:41:05
page two where it says the adfa designation independent instrumentality can i ask what line center this is lines 33 through 36 but talks about the ADFA's transfer from the Department of Commerce and shall operate independently from a cabinet-level department. I don't know their history, but it is definitely taking away any oversight, and for those that don't have any problem with that, they may have reason for that. I just, this thing, from the time I looked at it, it concerned me in giving them the authority. It was set up for a particular reason, and maybe they've not had trouble in a number of years, but the legislative body set it up that way, and that's my concern that we're taking that off. my concern that we're doing a number of things that take away oversight and I don't think that's necessarily good what I'm looking for is something you're saying they're in violation of is they've been working through this since 1985 and have survived I just, there's more to this bill than I think I'm knowledgeable to know about. And maybe you don't know. I'm not accusing you of knowing, but I feel there's more to
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Senator Ben Gilmore Chair Unverified 8:42:48
it that I wish the body would know. Well, I appreciate the question. I'm not aware of any under the current activities or concerns or nefarious intent or anything like that. I think this is simply a way to streamline their operations, to streamline government, in fact, take an entity away so they can be more nimble, more flexible to do what they're called to do based on the act that created them. That's not changing. They're calling their missions not changing, and I think that the goal would be to give them flexibility and then also to maximize every option available to them. In testimony and committee, one of the things that was brought out that there's philanthropic investment they'd like to take or be a part of or that those donors would want to be a part of with ADFA that they can't really do because of a lot of the stringent requirements associated with reporting and procurement and a lot of things that just don't allow them
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Speaker 1215 8:43:52
to be flexible. An emergency clause is something they thought they had to
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Senator Ben Gilmore Chair Unverified 8:43:58
have. Yes, and I think that's, again, so they can also take advantage of whatever options come available. I
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 8:44:06
may be wrong. This concerns me. Thank you, Senator. Okay, Senator Bryant is, I believe you're
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 8:44:13
next, and then either Senator Caldwell or Hill. I don't know. Senator Hill,
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Senator Joshua Bryant Unverified 8:44:16
you'll be after that. Senator Bryant, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. President. Senator Gilmore, ADPA has the ability to issue general obligation bonds. Correct. Backed by the state. The way I read this, you're taking away, it is taking away most oversight by the General Assembly. I mean, that concerns me. Does it not concern you? No, it doesn't because, again, they're not dealing with general
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Senator Ben Gilmore Chair Unverified 8:44:36
revenue. They're not dealing with state dollars. Those bonds aren't funded or paid for by state dollars or general revenue.
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Senator Joshua Bryant Unverified 8:44:44
But it's still backed by us. No, it's not. It's not backed by the state of Arkansas. Who's it backed by? By them. By ATPA? Mm-hmm. Who gives them the ability to
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Senator Ben Gilmore Chair Unverified 8:45:04
bond and fund? Their ability was given to them by statute, but the funding, the capitalization, all that is backed by ADFA. So we're just going to let them do what they need to do? Yes. Because again, I think if we want them to stay on mission and continue doing what they're doing, I think this gives them the flexibility and allows them to be able to do that. Senator Hill, you're recognized for a
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Senator Ricky Hill Unverified 8:45:30
question? Senator Gilmore, you made a couple of comments there and used some really fancy words there, allowed them to be a little more nimble or flexible. I can get it down to
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Speaker 624 8:45:40
an eighth grade level per the last bill we passed, Senator, if that's
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Senator Ricky Hill Unverified 8:45:44
okay. I guess what I'm trying to say is what you said, putting it back to the eighth grade level, you're saying basically they can do what they want to do because we're taking all authority away from them. They need oversight. that at that point they can do what they
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Senator Ben Gilmore Chair Unverified 8:45:59
want to do. They can do what they want to do as long as their board that's appointed by the governor confirmed by this body allows them to do that and they follow all federal and state laws that would apply to them and there are quite a few.
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Senator Ricky Hill Unverified 8:46:10
Okay, if we're going to follow the federal and the state laws, why don't we not keep oversight? Thank you, sir. Thank you, Senator. Alright. Any other
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Senator Joshua Bryant Unverified 8:46:24
questions? Senator Bryant, you're recognized. Will this bill remove them from our audit abilities from BLR's audit authority? I don't think, I don't know
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Senator Ben Gilmore Chair Unverified 8:46:31
that they're audited now, Senator. I don't believe they are. I think they are. I don't think they are, but and then I see my house sponsor shaking his head no. Okay, thank you. Thank you. Any other questions? Anyone
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 8:46:49
want to speak for the bill? All right, I
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 8:46:56
should have said against the bill. Let me do that first. I think that's appropriate. I apologize. Since he's presenting, Senator Caldwell, you're against the bill, and then Senator Petty, you'll be recognized to speak for the
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Senator Ronald Caldwell Unverified 8:47:11
bill. Senator Caldwell, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. President. Again, I think the question on audit is a good question. Senator Petty and I had a discussion the other day stating that they were moving the audit away from legislative audit to a private audit firm. Now, you're shaking your head no, but that's kind of the discussion we had the other day. And if you've ever served on legislative audit, legislative audit has a better ability of auditing state agencies. So that's something that we need to look at. That's one thing I had a question with him the other day because I felt like the bill did move away from leg audit and we need to leave it there. Now, I caught this bill just a few minutes ago. The other bill I caught when he introduced it. But there's three or four things in here that causes me pause on this. And one is the fact that we're expanding state government again. We just spent a tremendous amount of time trying to consolidate state government. And here we are now splitting it out and expanding state government again, making another agency. And it's really an agency that has very little oversight. And the fact, on page 2, beginning in line 16 and 17, I'm not going to go through every word, but basically we do not have to obtain approval to issue bonds and other things, but the rules that are adopted by this authority are exempt from Arkansas Administrative Protection Act. And that gives me pause on that. I don't think we should be able to do that. And then on page 3, line 35 and 36, we are exempting ALC appropriation cash funds from this. And also, we're exempting them from posting transactions in the state financial management system. We're giving them ability to finance bonds of tens of millions, if not hundreds of millions of dollars, and they don't really have to come back and tell us what they're doing. And that really bothers me. And on page 4, line 11, it says the funds that they obtain, all monies received by this authority other than monies received by virtue of appropriation are not public funds under the Arkansas procurement law. And we're just giving them too much loose rein to come out here to have hundreds of millions of dollars without oversight from the ALC and legislature. And I'd ask for a
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Chair Unverified 8:49:33
no vote on this bill. Okay, Senator
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Senator Jim Petty Unverified 8:49:40
Petty, you're recognized to speak for the bill. Senator Petty, you're recognized, sir. Thank you, Mr. President. Members, in full disclosure, as I have done in issues regarding ADFA in the past, I deal with ADFA. This bill will not change a thing in my dealings with ADFA. The application process will not affect me, will not benefit me in any way. If I thought there was even a remote way this would undo unfair advantage for me, I wouldn't stand here today. I would stay away from that. But this is a good bill. There's a lot here that has been said. I want to talk, first of all, about the bonds. ADFA is an issuer of bonds. They issue the bonds. They don't back the bonds. They're not responsible for the bonds. They're not at risk for the bonds. ADFA, just like the issuance of the bonds, a lot of the ADFA bonds that I could have used for multifamily bonds for housing were taken and used for the steel mill in eastern Arkansas. I don't think we have any risk associated with that. It used a resource, it was a state resource that was used, but it was not putting the state at risk. That's not going to change. They issue bonds, the private sector, and in the past, the company that I used to work for, they did bonds. We were responsible for the bonds, not ADFA as the issuer. So the state is not going to be at risk for the issuance of bonds. As far as audit, I thought I was clear, and I obviously wasn't. They have had for the past, I don't know how many years, it's been as long as I know, They've had a private firm, usually a big firm, a top-tier firm, because of the complicated nature in what they do in terms of capital magnet funds and their investment funds and these bonds and all of that. They have lots of attorneys and so forth that are the top-tier in terms of their expertise. This audit firm that currently audits them is also one of those top-tier firms. They also have an internal auditor that they have an audit committee that is reported to. They also have the state banking exam because they're dealing with a lot of lending and they have examiners and they come in. So there is lots of oversight. The board itself is, as Senator Gilmore said, it's appointed by the governor. It always has been, and it will continue. That won't change. We have the approval process for that board. As far as the makeup, it's a statewide board. It's representative of the entire state. I don't think you talked about it here. I think it was Senator Gilmore's a minute ago. This is intended to, I think you called it, Senator Caldwell, eliminate or limit undue political influence as it relates to certain things. Let me tell you a story. It goes back to Senator Beebe days. I had an application in for funding. One was in Ozark, one was in Wynn, Arkansas, and I submitted the application. It was high enough to get scored, but the story is that Senator Beebe had a political buddy in Mississippi that had an application in. And so all of our deals from Arkansas were wiped off the slate so his buddy in Mississippi could get funded. Now that's a rumor. I have no proof for it. All I know is I didn't get funded. And the guy that absolutely committed the unpardonable sin got his funded. So to your point about undue influence, political influence, I think this removes it a little bit, to your point, and that it should be in that case. As far as accountability and transparency, again, their public meetings, the overwhelming majority of their funds come from the federal sources, the one that I compete in. And it has, they have very specific requirements that require public input multiple times. We talk about public input. We have it on the bonds, a TEFRA hearing. All of those things are public input. The rules that are set up before they get to beyond the APA, Those are approved by a board after public input, public meetings across the state. I could probably go on forever. I know it's late, but I think this is a good bill. I don't think it takes away transparency. I don't think it puts the state at risk. I don't think it does anything that puts Arkansas at a competitive disadvantage. What does happen is what's happened recently. There was a large bank. I don't know who it was. that had a program that ADVA couldn't respond to, and it was a loan program for small business loans, but they couldn't respond quick enough because of the notice and approval procurement process for the state. So it does affect small businesses whenever we have to do that, And that's the area that I see that they're trying to expedite and make better for the citizens of Arkansas and the small businesses of Arkansas. So I will stop and try to answer any questions since I spoke. I've seen Senator
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 8:55:38
Caldwell first, and then I'm going to go to Senator Hill. Senator Caldwell, you're recognized. Thank you,
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Senator Ronald Caldwell Unverified 8:55:45
Mr. President. Senator Petty, if the borrower of this money from this bonds are issued and they default, who's at risk? Who has to make those bonds good? Who has
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Senator Jim Petty Unverified 8:55:56
to make the bond? It depends on who the sponsor of the project, what kind of project it is. Is the state of Arkansas at risk if the borrower defaults? Is the state of Arkansas... Not for the repayment of the bonds. Now, not for the repayment of the bonds, no, sir. Okay, thank
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Senator Ricky Hill Unverified 8:56:18
you. Senator Hill? Do you recognize for a question? Mr. Petty, you alluded just then that they missed a deal working with a large bank. Large banks move real slow. They're not fast at all. If they're that slow getting with a large bank that has a program that goes on probably three, six, eight months at a time, that's on them. I totally disagree there. And I want to back up a little bit. And you alluded to a while ago that you made the comment that there's lots of oversights with accounting and everything right now, the audits and everything. If that's all working so good, why don't
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Senator Jim Petty Unverified 8:56:56
we want to change it? I'm sorry, what? To your point, I can't speak for the specific situation. I can't speak for the specific hypothetical large bank. I agree. The larger the bank, the slower it works. Hold
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 8:57:06
on just a minute. Members, there's just a lot of chatter. If y'all could just kind of keep it down just
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Speaker 965 8:57:15
a little bit. I'm sorry to interrupt.
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Senator Jim Petty Unverified 8:57:19
You can continue. I can't speak to any specifics on the deal. It's hypothetical. But I think we would all agree that government moves at a slow pace. I can tell you, again, I hate to keep going back to my own personal example. The applications are typically due for our funding the first Monday of March. Because of the Administrative Procedures Act approval process, we're sometime around November or December in some years getting the final rules that we then have to go out across the state and decide what the ADFA board has decided is a priority for housing. And then in a matter of a month and a half, we have to have environmentals, we have to have market studies, we have to have appraisals, we have to have surveys, all of that because of the timing. Now, is that them? I don't think so. I participate in the meetings. I've attended a lot of ADPA meetings. I don't think it's all on them. Could they do better? I think if they were honest with you, they would admit that they could always do better. But I don't think the onus is on them any more than
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Senator Ricky Hill Unverified 8:58:23
it is on the state. Right. Well, everything you just mentioned just then is required on any type of
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 8:58:29
banking situation on that stuff you just mentioned. I
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Senator Terry Rice Chair Unverified 8:58:34
would agree. Senator Rice, you're recognized, sir. Senator Petty, can state agencies borrow
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Senator Jim Petty Unverified 8:58:39
from ADPA? Can state agencies borrow from ADA? That's a question I don't know. I don't know the answer to that. I know that the state has utilized ADFA in the past for the issuance of bonds, but have they borrowed money? I don't know. Well, let's
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Senator Terry Rice Chair Unverified 8:58:58
say until we find out different state agencies can borrow from ADFA, we're going to take away oversight. from what we have over ADPA right now, does that not
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Senator Jim Petty Unverified 8:59:13
cause you some concern? I don't think we're taking away oversight. What oversight are we taking away?
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Senator Terry Rice Chair Unverified 8:59:22
You read through the bill, it leads me to believe we're giving up some oversight and giving them independencies. And there is some reason that this is here now, and my gut feeling says it's for agencies to be able to borrow
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Senator Jim Petty Unverified 8:59:43
from it. I can tell you from my personal firsthand experience, and I've been working in this industry for 35-plus years, they have talked about it off and on for the entire time because when they were, I mean, the program that I participated in came into existence in 1987, The tax-exempt bonds and tax credits all came in in 85. And other states were slow to come on in the past, but at this point, 42 states have done it because of the benefits that it yields to the state. I don't think, and I know at this point everybody's suspicion is up, but I don't think there is anything to do with this bill related to the prison. There is absolutely nothing... I didn't say prison,
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Speaker 1214 9:00:38
I said state agency. I understand. Maybe
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Senator Jim Petty Unverified 9:00:41
someone else can answer that. I understand, but I think that's where the suspicions arise. And I get that. But my firsthand knowledge, having worked with ADFA, this is not anything to do with any of that kind of stuff.
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 9:00:58
Okay. Seeing no more questions. Okay, you were speaking for it. I'm going to go one step further. You want to speak against it? You want to speak for it? All right, you're recognized, Senator Tucker. Thank you,
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Speaker 682 9:01:15
Madam President. Members, I believe this is a good bill. Oh, Mr. President. At
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 9:01:21
this point, I don't care. I just want to roll. Whatever you want to
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Senator Clarke Tucker Unverified 9:01:28
call me. Mr. President, this is a good bill. Well, just to reiterate a couple points that Senator Gilmore and Senator Petty made, ATFA administers no regular state funding. It gets no general revenue. It gets no special revenue. There's no tax dollars that it regularly administers. So that's the first piece. The second piece is, ATFA has no regulatory authority over people's lives. If someone is regulating people's lives, then we should directly oversee everything they do. ATFA's not doing that. There's no risk to the state of Arkansas for the bonds that ATFA issues. it's really difficult for me to see the risk to the state at all for anything that this bill is doing. The other point that I want to make is if there's a theme that I can pick up in bills that the legislature is hesitant to pass, it's when the legislature believes that the legislature is giving up power, right? And so I think that's what maybe some of the source of the hesitation on this bill is. But I want to address that momentarily. You know, Senator Rice, you raised the question, what if a state agency borrows from ADVA? Even if you believe that this bill gives the legislature less oversight over ADFA, it doesn't lessen our oversight at all over the state agency that would be doing the borrowing. So we could oversee directly everything that the state agency other than ADFA is doing if they borrow something from ADFA in the whole course of dealing with that situation. There's been a question about whether this bill would create another Game and Fish Commission or RDOT. That is not the case at all. Those are separated entirely by the Constitution. This is a creature of statute. So this would give ADFA more statutory independence for the time being. But the legislature giveth and the legislature taketh away. And right now we have great people at ADFA doing great work. What they're doing is creating economic opportunities for the people of Arkansas. And this would just enable them to create more economic opportunities for the people of Arkansas. In the unlikely event they ever mess up, we can snatch the authority right back anytime we please. We aren't giving this up permanently. Right now, we're making a decision based on the people that we have there now that are doing good work to give them more independence, to do more of that good work. And if and when that changes, we will take that authority right back. So I think this is a good bill. It will help create more economic opportunity for the people of Arkansas. I appreciate
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Senator Ben Gilmore Chair Unverified 9:03:45
a good vote. Anyone else? Senator Gilmore, you recognize to close? If you want. Thank you, Mr. President. Appreciate that. Look, members, I appreciate the discussion. I think it's important. I think this is an important issue. I think what we're doing here, I think, will mean a lot for the state. It'll give us the ability to do some things that we are not doing. I want to reiterate something that Senator Tucker said. If there is anything going on with bonding or borrowing for a state entity, that'll be subject to the reporting of that entity that'll come back through. The normal process would be at ALC or whatever. And then the other thing, just texting with the president of ADFA a second ago, the audits that they do, the private audits, will still be included in the consolidated audits that are given to legislative audit. I think that's important. So we're not losing oversight there. And then, so at the end of the day, any general obligation bonds that are done through this entity will still have the discretion of this legislative body and of the governor. So again, I don't think we're losing any authority or oversight there. I think what we're doing is we're allowing an agency to do business for the state and for businessmen like Jim Petty and others across the state that are trying to meet housing demand, that are trying to meet the issue of the housing crisis that we're seeing. That was one of the things that spurred this bill. It's in the legislative intent of this bill on the first page. And so with that, I think this is a very good bill. I would ask for a very good vote on this bill, and with that, I'm closed. Okay, members, is there an
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 9:05:23
objection roll in the vote? Okay, see objections. Madam President, please call the roll. Boyd. Madam Secretary. Bryant. Bryant. Caldwell. No. Clark. Clark.
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Speaker 357 9:05:40
Crowell. Crowell. Davis. Aye. Dees. Aye. Dismang. Dotson.
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Speaker 358 9:05:53
Dotson. English. English. Flippo. Present. Flowers. Present. Gilmore.
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Speaker 356 9:06:04
Hammer. Hester. Hickey. Hill. Irvin. Blake Johnson. Mark
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Speaker 508 9:06:14
Johnson. King. Leave. Letting. Letting. Love. McKee. Murdoch.
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Speaker 367 9:06:27
Payton? Payton. Penzo? No. Petty? Yes. Rice? No. Scott? Scott. Stone? Aye. Stubbefield? No. Sullivan?
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Speaker 239 9:06:47
Sullivan. Tucker? Aye. Wallace? Aye. Okay.
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 9:06:54
Are there any members who wish to vote or change their vote? Hickey's no. Senator Dodson is present. Senator Irvin, did you want to do something? Senator Irvin's a yes. Anyone else? Anyone want to vote or change their vote? Senator Scott is a
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 9:07:22
yes. Anyone else wish to vote or change
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 9:07:33
their vote? Senator Sullivan's a yes. Anyone else? All right. Everybody finished? All right. Cast up the ballot. Okay, by a vote of 19 yeas, 6
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 9:07:47
nays, 6 non-voting, 3 present, 1 on leave, House Bill 1797 passes, but the corresponding emergency clause fails. Okay, we got a motion to sound the ballot. Do I see five hands? One, two, three, four, five. We do. All right, please call the yeses whenever you're ready. Members,
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Speaker 556 9:08:17
everyone needs to take their seats. Of course, I'm
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Speaker 357 9:08:21
up here. Bowed? Yes. Davis? Yes. Dees? Yes.
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Speaker 1232 9:08:26
Dismaine? Yes. Gilmore? Yes. Hammer? Yes. Hester? Yes. Irving? Yes.
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Speaker 508 9:08:37
Blake Johnson, yes. Mark Johnson, yes. Love, strike Love. McKee, yes. Murdoch, strike Murdoch.
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 9:08:58
17, it failed. Okay, because of that, it failed. Okay, we have a motion for the clincher. That's non-debatable, if I remember correctly. Hold on just a minute. I want to talk
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 9:09:14
to council to make sure I do this right. Okay, it's a voice vote.
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 9:09:30
Is everybody ready? Okay, it'll be for the clincher. All in favor of the clinchers, say aye. Aye. Any opposed? No. Noes have it. Motion to expunge the vote by which it failed. Okay. We have a motion to expunge the vote by which it failed. All in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed? No. Ayes have it. Okay.
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 9:10:03
All right, members, the last bill on here has been scratched, so we only got five more. So let's roll on through these and just get finished so
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 9:10:12
we can get all these off our calendar. All right, we're on House Bill 1808. Everybody remember to line up so that we can go with these. Madam Secretary,
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Chair Unverified 9:10:22
would you read the title? House Bill 1808 by Senator Collins. I'm Representative Collins and Senator Tucker to amend the law concerning municipal fire departments and to create the Bill of Rights for Firefighters.
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Senator Clarke Tucker Unverified 9:10:33
senator tucker you recognize sir thank you mr president this is a bill for our firefighters two points to note at the start it's entirely discretionary for municipalities it's not a mandate on any municipality the other point is this already exists for police we're just adding it for firefighters basically what it does is just a basic things like due process if there's a disciplinary proceeding it you don't vacate your first amendment rights when you're off the clock, that sort of thing. It just, you know, helps establish and maintain and establish a policy for firefighters' constitutional rights. Again, it's discretionary for municipalities to adopt the policy. The Municipal League is good with it. It helps support our firefighters. Happy to take any questions. Any questions for Senator Tucker on this bill? Anyone want to speak
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 9:11:16
for the bill? Anyone want to speak against the bill? Are you closed, Senator Tucker? I'm closed. Appreciate a good vote. Any objection to rolling the vote? Please roll the vote. All right, members, we're back
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 9:11:37
to our new thing that we're doing today. Everybody check the board. Anyone want to change their vote? Anyone want to change their vote? Senator Scott, are you wanting to do something, or You just, oh, I'm going to get there. All right, we're going to cast up the ballot. Cast up the ballot. Okay, by a vote of 34 yeas, 0 nays, House Bill 1808 has passed. Please return to the House as amended. Okay, House Bill 1820. House
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Speaker 356 9:12:18
Bill 1820 by Representative Brown and Senator McKee. to regulate automatic renewal and continuous service offers. Senator
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Senator Matt McKee Unverified 9:12:26
McKee, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. President. Members, this is a simple bill. It basically codifies a Federal Trade Commission click-to-cancel rule in state law and provides for that if you sign up for a subscription service, you have to be able to cancel the service the same way you signed up. Happy to take any questions.
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 9:12:46
Any questions for Senator McKee? Anyone want to speak for the bill? Anyone want to speak against the bill? Senator McKee is closed, it appears like. Any objection to rolling the vote? Please roll the vote. All right, members, look at the board. Anyone want to change their
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 9:13:06
vote? Anyone want to change their vote? Last time, please cast up the ballot. By a vote of 34 yeas, 0 nays, House Bill 1820 is passed. Please return to the House. We're going to go to House Bill 1821. Senator Gilmore.
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 9:13:24
House Bill 1820. Senator Gilmore, this is you. House Bill 1821 by Representative Wardle and Senator Gilmore to create a
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Chair Unverified 9:13:33
more sustainable system of property insurance for public schools. Senator Gilmore, you recognize, sir. Thank you, Mr. President. Now, members, I'm going to say
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Senator Ben Gilmore Chair Unverified 9:13:41
this. If you vote against this one, I'm going to take it personal because I'm going to think it's me. Because this one you've already passed, and you passed the Senate version. This is concurring the companion bill for the captive insurance. So with that, I would appreciate a good vote. Okay. Anybody
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 9:14:00
have any questions on this? Anyone want to speak for the bill, against the bill? You're closed, I assume. Yes, sir, he's closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Please roll the vote. all right anyone want to change their vote senator scott is present senator scott is you got her senator murdoch is present anyone else last time anyone else
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 9:14:40
please cast up the ballot house bill 1821 excuse me by vote of 32 yeas 0 nays, 2 present, House Bill 1821, and its corresponding emergency clause passes. Please return to the House. All right. Members, we've got two more bills plus two more that were added. I'm just doing the one. I'm skipping 1889. All right. We just got lucky. So we're going to skip over 1859? 1889. Which one are you doing? I'm doing 1859. All right. Members,
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Chair Unverified 9:15:19
we're doing House Bill 1859. House Bill 1859, by Representative Rosen, Senator Bryant.
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Senator Joshua Bryant Unverified 9:15:24
To amend the law concerning misstep permits. You're recognized, Senator Bryant. Thank you, Mr. President. Members, House Bill 1889 adds two procedures into an existing statute. Hold on. You said 1889. It's 1859. 1859. House Bill 1859. All right. We've got it. So we already have a statute that covers mandatory requirements for mastectomies. However, it was wrote in a time when they didn't have two available procedures. One is using mesh, whether synthetic or natural, and the other was doing nerve grafting. So this adds those two procedures into an already existing statute. There is a sunset clause attached to this just so we can monitor how it's going with our insurance providers. With that, I'm glad to take any questions. Any questions, Senator Bryant?
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 9:16:07
Anyone want to speak for the bill, against the bill? Senator Bryan is closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Please roll the vote. Anyone want to change their vote?
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 9:16:18
Does anybody want to change their vote? Last time. Please cast up the ballot. By a vote of 34 yeas, 0 nays, House Bill 1859 is passed. Please return to the House. Okay, 1889, we're skipping over. Senator Irvin, you're recognized for a motion. Members, House Bill
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified 9:16:46
1679, we have it engrossed. It's my bill. I need to send it back to committee for tomorrow morning to put another amendment on it. So the motion would be to re-refer House Bill 1679 back to Public Health Committee for purpose of amendment.
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 9:17:02
Okay, we're going to refer House Bill 1679 back to committee. All in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed? That motion carries. Okay, members, we've got two more on the bottom here that have been added. House Bill 1688 is first, and then there's going to be House Bill 1834 after that. I don't know whose they are, so House Bill 1688. Senator Stone, let us read the title, and you'll be recognized.
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Speaker 356 9:17:32
House Bill 1688 for Senator Kavanaugh and Senator Stone to amend Arkansas law concerning the use of a dealer's extra license
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Senator Matt Stone Unverified 9:17:45
plate. All right, Senator Stone, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. President. Members, these two bills kind of go together, but obviously I'm going to run them one at a time. House Bill 1688 clarifies how a car dealer can use their tags. And they're very specific, and they're listed out in the bill. And if they violate the use of those tags, they can be penalized. The companion bill to this is the next bill up, and it sets out the penalties. But with that, I'm open to any questions on the one at hand, 1688. Okay, members,
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 9:18:17
does anybody have any questions? Senator Stone on House Bill 1688. Any questions?
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 9:18:24
Anyone want to speak for the bill? Anyone want to speak against the bill? You close, Senator Stone. I'm closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Please roll the vote.
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 9:18:40
All right. Anyone want to change their vote? Everybody looking at the screen? A lot of talking. Everybody looking at the screen? Okay. Cast up the ballot. By a vote of 34 yeas, 0 nays, House Bill 1688 is passed. Please return to the House as amended. Is House Bill, is House Bill,
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Speaker 988 9:19:06
is the next one amended too? Okay, I understand.
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 9:19:13
Okay, the next one is House Bill, I believe it's 1834.
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Chair Unverified 9:19:19
House Bill 1834 by Representative Holcomb and Senator Stone to amend Arkansas law concerning licensing and regulation of motor
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Senator Matt Stone Unverified 9:19:28
vehicles. Senator Stone, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. President. Members, this is the companion bill I mentioned a while ago. House Bill 1834 lays out the penalties if a car dealer misuses their tags in statute. And depending on how they break it, they could be liable up to a $5,000 to $10,000 fine and even have their dealer's license revoked. With that, I'm open to any questions. Any questions for
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 9:19:50
Senator Stone on House Bill 1834? Anyone want to speak for the bill? against the bill you close center stone i'm closed thank you i appreciate a good vote any objection to rolling the vote
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 9:20:12
please roll the vote anyone want to change their vote is everybody watching
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 9:20:23
last time please cast up the ballot okay members
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 9:20:31
by a vote of 34 yeas zero nays house bill 1834 is passed please return to the house as amended is there anything else send okay we're going to read some stuff senator
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 9:20:41
hester you're recognized sir well i was just going to say i think maybe one of the best decisions today was to put jimmy hickey in the chair thank you senator hickey And, but I thought that as I was walking down here, but I wanted to come and just say thank you for all the staff who've sat here for nine consecutive hours. In the back rooms, in engrossing, thank you all. It was a big day. Now we get to start tomorrow with a
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Chair Unverified 9:21:22
clean slate. Thank you. Notice the passage of Senate Bill 523 by the House as amended.
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Speaker 976 9:21:28
Refer to City, County, and Local. Refer to City, County,
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Chair Unverified 9:21:32
and Local. Notice the passage of Senate Bill 241 by the House as amended. State agencies. Refer to state agencies. Were you a committee on engrossed bills to whom was referred to Senate Bill 626 by Senator Irving? Compared to the engrossed copy of the original, find the same correctly, engrossed. Insurance and Commerce. Senate Bill 634 by Senator Mark Johnson to create the division of interscholastic activities within the division of elementary and secondary education Senate Bill 634 Education I'll do it for you Senator
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Senator Steve Crowell Chair Unverified 9:22:15
Crowe, you're recognized Hey, colleagues, I'd also like to recognize there's men in blue in the back that stand there to protect us, and they've been standing there on their feet all day. I'd love to give them a round of applause, please.
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Chair Unverified 9:22:40
House concurrent resolution 1008 by Senator Dodson and and Representative McAldown to celebrate and commend Northwest Arkansas Community Colleges nationally leading in industry transforming bicycle assembly and repair technician and trail technician programs, House concurrent resolution 1008. Calendar. House Bill 1003, House Management, an act for the Arkansas House of Representatives staff appropriation for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, House Bill 1003.
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Speaker 1247 9:23:17
Hold on there, out of
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Chair Unverified 9:23:23
order. Calendar. House Bill 1265, by Joint Budget and Act for the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Appropriation for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. House Bill 1265. Calendar. House Bill 1433 by Representative Moore and Senator Irving 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. House Bill 1433. Judiciary. House Bill 1485 by Representative Brown and Senator Wallace to create a sales and use tax exemption for sales to certain organizations that support veterans facilities, House Bill 1485. We're having tax. House Bill 1529 by Representative Meeks and Senator Penzo, 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. House Bill 1529. Judiciary. House Bill 1627. By Representative Burnett, 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, House Bill 1627. Reverend Tacks. House of 1620, 1672 by Representative McCollum and Senator Boyd to amend provisions of the Arkansas Code to create a more efficient system for public schools of innovation in Arkansas. House of 1672. Education. House of 1732, where it's been involved in Senator Letting to increase the amount of the income tax deduction allowed for a teacher's classroom investment. House Bill 1732. Revan tax. House Bill 1807 by Senator Eves and Senator Payton to amend the sales tax exemption for aircraft held for resale and use for rental or charter and to clarify the persons eligible for the sales tax exemption for aircraft held for resale and use for rental or charter. House Bill 1807. Revan tax. House Bill 1866, by Representative Brooks, to create Ellie'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, House Bill 1866. Education. House Bill 1869 by Representative Johnson, Senator Irving, to create the material outcomes management system within the Department of Health and to organize material health resources, House Bill 1869. Public Health. House Bill 1876 by Representative Scott and Senator Brant, regarding the ownership of model training and content generated by a generative artificial intelligent tool, House Bill 1876. Transportation. House Bill 1063 by Representative Mayberry and Senator Crowell 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 26 to 46. House Bill 1064. Rev. Tax House Bill 1877 by Representative Meeks and Senator Bryant 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. House Bill 1877 Judiciary House Bill 1918 by Representative McClendon and Senator Dotson 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, House Bill 1918. Insurance, Commerce. House Bill 1922 by Representative Maddox and Senator Dismang to amend the Consolidated Incentive Act of 2003 to create an income tax credit for relocating corporate headquarters to the state and to encourage corporations to relocate to Arkansas, House Bill 1922. Reverend Tex. House Bill 1931, Burbson Hibati and Senator Gilmore, to create the recidivism reduction system within the Department of Corrections and declare an emergency, House Bill 1931. Judiciary. House Bill 1938, Burbson Hibati and Senator English, 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, House Bill 1938. Education. House Bill 1939, Vice President Carr and Senator English, to amend the 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, House Bill 1939. Education. House Bill 1941, Vice President Carr and Senator English, concerning Department of Education, boards, and commissions, and to protect Arkansas students by ensuring the efficient deposition of ethics, complaints against teachers, House Bill 1941. Education. House Bill 1944, by Representative Bolton, Senator Bullitt, to authorize the issuance and renewal of special license plates to promote and support the Arkansas M's Foundation and to repeal the Grand Lodge of Arkansas Special License Plate, House Bill 1944. Transportation. House Bill 1946, by Representative Bentley and Senator Penzo, to require human growth and development instruction in public schools. House Bill 1946. Education. House Bill 1949, by Representative Schulz and Senator Hammer, to add medical, emergency medical, and ambulance services to the list of professional services for purposes of procurement. House Bill 1949. State agencies. House Bill 1951 by Representative Collins, Senator Bryant, set forth authorized domain extensions for higher education and government websites. House Bill 1951. State agencies. House Bill 1952 by Representative Hawkins, Senator Dismane, 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. House Bill 1952. State Agencies. House Bill 1964 by Representative Brooks and Senator Clark to move the Child Welfare Ombudsman Division and the Juvenile Ombudsman Division to the Department of Inspector General and Care and Emergency. House Bill 1964. Judiciary. House Bill 1976 by Representative Narcosot, Nazarki, and Senator Dotson concerning verter ports and to create the open access to open use to public use verter ports act house bill 1976. City county local. House bill 1981 by representatives and senator hester to amend the definitions of outdoor recreation operator and tramway operator under the new under the law concerning recreational tramways house bill 1981. Agra. House bill 1983 by representative eubanks and Senator Steberfield to amend Acts 1973, No. 167, Section 4, concerning the sale of certain property to the West Ark Area Council, Inc.,
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Speaker 1251 9:31:30
Boy Scouts of America, House Bill 1983. City, county, local. And we missed
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Speaker 1111 9:31:50
this one. I don't... Yep. You didn't read. It was out of order in here. I didn't know. Senator
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Senator Kim Hammer Unverified 9:31:57
Hammer, you're recognized, sir. All right, members of Senator Hammer. All right, here's announcements. Eight o'clock, education for Senate. Eight o'clock, JBC peer review at eight o'clock, followed by budget at nine. Thank you, Senator Hammer. We have any
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Speaker 630 9:32:38
other announcements? I think we have about 75 to 80. Notice of return of Senate Bill 25 by the House is
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Speaker 1263 9:32:46
passed. Enroll it. Notice of Senate Bill 37, return from the House is passed. Enroll it. Notice of return of Senate Bill 39 from the House is passed. Enroll it. Notice of return of Senate Bill 88 from the House is passed. Enroll it. Notice of return of Senate Bill 125 from the House is passed. Enroll it. Notice of return of Senate Bill 127 from the House is passed. Enroll it. Notice of return of Senate Bill 322 from the House is passed. Enroll it. Notice of return of Senate Bill
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Speaker 355 9:33:21
348 from the House is passed. Enroll it. Notice of return of Senate Bill 359 from the House is passed. Enroll it. Notice of return of Senate Bill 510 from the House is passed. Enroll it. Notice of return of
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Speaker 1268 9:33:32
Senate Bill 529 from the House is passed. Enroll
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Senator Ben Gilmore Chair Unverified 9:33:45
it. You want me to just say adjourn until we end?
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Speaker 1270 9:33:48
I don't know. Where is it? Senator Hester. Where is it? Senator
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 9:34:15
Hester? We're coming in at one. I don't know. One. Okay, y'all, we're going to be adjourned to 1 o'clock tomorrow.
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Agenda

Call to Order

2:51
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Roll Call

3:01
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Prayer

3:31
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Pledge of Allegiance

4:19
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Introductions of Senate Pages

5:15
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Doctor of the Day

26:42
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Items to be Read Across the Desk

7:43
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SR63 G. Leding TO PROCLAIM APRIL AS AARP MONTH AT THE STATE CAPITOL AND TO PROCLAIM APRIL 8, 2025, AS AARP RED SHIRT DAY AT THE STATE CAPITOL.

29:39
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SCR5 M. Irvin TO CONTINUE TO ENCOURAGE THE PURSUIT OF NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE DESIGNATION BY THE WINTHROP P. ROCKEFELLER CANCER INSTITUTE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS FOR MEDICAL SCIENCES.

20:25
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Motion to add SCR5 to today's agenda

20:06
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Motion to move HB1688 to the bottom of the calendar

27:28
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Motion to move HB1844 to the bottom of the calendar

27:46
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SB2 - Motion to move SB2 to the bottom of Today's Calendar

40:37
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SB574 - Motion to move SB574 to the bottom of the Today's calendar

42:20
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SENATE BILLS TO CONCUR IN HOUSE AMENDMENTS

37:55
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SB167 #1 A. Clark Clark TO AMEND THE DATES BY WHICH CERTAIN REQUESTS TO TRANSFER PUBLIC SCHOOLS OR PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS SHALL BE SUBMITTED.

37:56
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HOUSE BILLS WITH SENATE AMENDMENTS

32:13
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HB1131 #1 Pilkington Penzo TO AUTHORIZE AN ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSE TO DELEGATE CERTAIN TASKS TO MEDICAL ASSISTANTS AND OTHER UNLICENSED STAFF.

32:14
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HB1777 #1 Gazaway Gilmore TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE OFFENSE OF SEXUALLY GROOMING A CHILD; AND TO INCLUDE BRIBING OR ATTEMPTING TO BRIBE A CHILD IN THE OFFENSE OF SEXUALLY GROOMING A CHILD.

33:48
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HB1844 #1 Tosh Wallace TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE OFFENSE OF FLEEING BY MEANS OF A VEHICLE OR CONVEYANCE; AND TO INCREASE THE PENALTY FOR A PERSON WHO JUMPS FROM A MOVING VEHICLE OR CONVEYANCE WHILE FLEEING.

33:20
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HB1555 - Motion to recall from the House HB1555 for purpose of amendment

34:19
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HB1685 to withdraw from committee for purpose of amendment

34:46
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HB1746 - Motion to re-refer HB1746 from committee

35:36
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SB520 - Motion to add amendment to SB520 and to add to Today's Calendar

36:30
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SB121 C. Penzo TO AMEND THE AUTOMATIC OCCUPATIONAL LICENSURE FOR OUT-OF-STATE LICENSURE ACT; TO APPLY THE AUTOMATIC OCCUPATIONAL LICENSURE FOR OUT-OF-STATE LICENSURE ACT TO PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS.

1:08:45
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SB122 C. Penzo TO AMEND THE AUTOMATIC OCCUPATIONAL LICENSURE FOR OUT-OFSTATE LICENSURE ACT; TO APPLY THE AUTOMATIC OCCUPATIONAL LICENSURE FOR OUT-OF-STATE LICENSURE ACT TO PHYSICIANS.

1:10:37
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SB217 C. Penzo TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES TO REQUEST A WAIVER TO EXCLUDE CANDY AND SOFT DRINKS FROM ELIGIBLE FOODS UNDER THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

1:12:00
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SB255 C. Penzo TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "DRUG" WITHIN THE FOOD, DRUG, AND COSMETIC ACT; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

1:14:40
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SB258 C. Penzo TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS DIGITAL RESPONSIBILITY, SAFETY, AND TRUST ACT.

4:48:50
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SB262 C. Penzo TO AMEND THE CORPORATE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE DOCTRINE; AND TO AUTHORIZE A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WHO OWNS A MEDICAL CORPORATION TO MAINTAIN OWNERSHIP UPON AN INACTIVE LICENSE OR RETIREMENT.

1:24:52
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SB311 C. Penzo TO CREATE THE END ORGAN AND GENOMIC HARVESTING ACT; TO PROHIBIT COVERAGE OF CERTAIN HUMAN ORGAN TRANSPLANT OR POST-TRANSPLANT CARE; AND TO PROHIBIT CERTAIN GENETIC SEQUENCERS AND GENETIC ANALYSIS TECHNOLOGIES.

1:26:47
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SB369 Irvin TO REPEAL THE COMPUTER AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT RECYCLING GRANTS; AND TO REPEAL THE COMPUTER AND ELECTRONIC RECYCLING FUND.

1:30:29
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SB451 Hester TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES AND THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO ESTABLISH REGIONAL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROGRAMS; TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE EDUCATION OF CERTAIN STUDENTS; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

1:33:41
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SB458 G. Leding TO REQUIRE A COURT TO CONSIDER THE IMPACT OF FACTORS SUCH AS TRAUMA AND INVOLVEMENT WITH THE CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM ON A PERSON WHO COMMITTED A CRIME AS A MINOR DURING A TRANSFER OR SENTENCING HEARING.

1:57:17
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SB468 C. Penzo TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING FLUORIDATION OF A PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM; AND TO ALLOWS VOTERS TO ELECT "FOR" OR "AGAINST" WATER FLUORIDATION IN THE COUNTY.

4:58:47
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SB500 J. Petty TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING LEVEE DISTRICTS; AND TO ALLOW A LEVEE DISTRICT CREATED BY AN ACT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO ADOPT PROCEDURE CONCERNING THE COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS.

2:00:19
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SB527 Irvin TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS HEALTH AND OPPORTUNITY FOR ME ACT OF 2021; AND TO INCREASE THE MEDICAL-LOSS RATIO IN THE ARKANSAS HEALTH AND OPPORTUNITY FOR ME PROGRAM.

2:03:02
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SB535 Hester TO CREATE A SALES AND USE TAX EXEMPTION FOR THE ARKANSAS MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS AND THE ARKANSAS MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS FOUNDATION.

2:15:27
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SB563 Irvin TO AUTHORIZE THE ARKANSAS LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY COMMISSION TO IMPOSE A CIVIL PENALTY FOR CERTAIN ACTIONS AGAINST AN EQUINE; AND TO ALLOW A BODY CONDITION SCORE TO BE USED FOR AN EQUINE UNDER THE OFFENSE OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS.

2:08:04
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SB585 G. Leding TO REQUIRE CERTAIN RECORDS BE PROVIDED TO AN EMPLOYEE WHO IS A MINOR.

2:17:19
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SB591 C. Penzo TO PROHIBIT RACE-SELECTION ABORTION IN THIS STATE; AND TO CREATE THE RACE DISCRIMINATION BY ABORTION PROHIBITION ACT.

5:13:04
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SB598 J. English TO AMEND VARIOUS LAWS RELATED TO THE DIVISION OF WORKFORCE SERVICES; AND TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "EMPLOYEE" UNDER THE WORKERS' COMPENSATION LAW RESULTING FROM INITIATED ACT 4 OF 1948.

2:30:04
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SR67 Motion to put SB67 on Today's Calendar

40:20
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SB599 C. Tucker TO ELIMINATE INTERLOCUTORY DECREES OF ADOPTION; AND TO AMEND THE REVISED UNIFORM ADOPTION ACT.

2:31:33
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Motion to suspend rules to adopt amendment to HB1865 by Sen. Tucker

2:33:35
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SB602 Crowell TO PROHIBIT INSURANCE COMPANIES AND APPRAISERS FROM REQUIRING AN INSURED TO USE CERTAIN FACILITIES TO REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY GLASS; AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS.

2:34:50
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SB603 C. Tucker TO REQUIRE AN AIR AMBULANCE TO CONTACT THE ARKANSAS TRAUMA SYSTEM FOR DIRECTION ON THE BEST DESTINATION TO TRANSPORT A PERSON.

2:37:04
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SB604 B. Davis TO AMEND PROVISIONS OF THE ARKANSAS CODE REGARDING THE COURSE CHOICE PROGRAM.

2:45:46
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SB610 J. Dismang TO AMEND THE GENERATING ARKANSAS JOBS ACT OF 2025; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

2:47:55
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SB612 Dees TO CREATE A PRIVATE RIGHT OF ACTION AGAINST A SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM THAT CAUSES HARM; AND TO IMPOSE A CIVIL PENALTY ON A SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM THAT KNOWINGLY AND WILLFULLY CONTRIBUTES TO A MINOR'S SUICIDE OR SUICIDE ATTEMPT.

2:49:16
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SB613 C. Penzo TO CREATE AN ELECTION PROCEDURE TO DETERMINE FLUORIDATION OF A PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM.

5:27:56
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SB478 Stubblefield TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS DIESEL ENGINE FREEDOM ACT OF 2025; AND TO PROHIBIT STATE ENFORCEMENT OF FEDERAL REGULATION OF CERTAIN TYPES OF DIESEL ENGINES.

5:36:21
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SB615 C. Penzo TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING ENERGY; TO REGULATE NONEXPORT FACILITIES; AND TO PROHIBIT DISCRIMINATION AGAINST NONEXPORT FACILITIES.

2:53:44
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Sen. Hammer asks for leave to have Efficiency Meeting during break. Leave Granted.

3:35:09
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Senator Blake Johnson: Announcement on SJR's.

3:36:28
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RECESS

3:37:18
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RECONVENE

4:14:40
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SB618 Irvin TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS STUDENT DUE PROCESS AND PROTECTION ACT.

4:14:55
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SB619 Irvin CONCERNING THE FORMATION OF AN ISOLATED SCHOOL DISTRICT.

4:21:36
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SB620 Irvin TO PROVIDE A SAFETY VALVE AND APPEAL RIGHT FOR A MINOR DEFENDANT WHO IS ALSO A VICTIM OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING; AND TO AMEND THE HUMAN TRAFFICKING ACT OF 2013.

4:24:10
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SR67 TO HONOR UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT FAYETTEVILLE BASKETBALL SCORING STAR IZZY HIGGINBOTTOM.

1:19:41
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SB624 B. Davis TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS OPPORTUNITY PUBLIC SCHOOL CHOICE ACT; TO AMEND THE PUBLIC SCHOOL CHOICE ACT OF 2015; AND TO ALLOW A STUDENT TO TRANSFER TO ANOTHER PUBLIC SCHOOL WITHIN HIS OR HER RESIDENT DISTRICT.

4:26:48
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SB627 Irvin TO ASSIST THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE CODE ENFORCEMENT SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND LICENSING AND THE STATE'S ELECTRICIAN, HVACR, ELEVATOR, AND BOILER SAFETY LAWS.

4:32:08
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SB629 Caldwell TO ALLOW AN OFFICER OF A CLOSELY HELD CORPORATION TO REPRESENT THE CORPORATION IN COURT FOR THE PURPOSE OF EVICTION PROCEEDINGS AND UNLAWFUL DETAINER PROCEEDINGS.

4:39:25
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SB2 Penzo TO REPEAL THE STATEWIDE FLUORIDATION PROGRAM; AND TO REMOVE THE MANDATE FOR WATER SYSTEMS TO MAINTAIN A FLUORIDE CONTENT.

4:42:16
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SB456 Petty TO CREATE THE HOME OPPORTUNITIES MADE EASIER ACT.

4:56:19
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SB520 Sullivan TO PROHIBIT DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION OFFICES, OFFICERS, POLICIES, OR PRACTICES IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT.

5:05:32
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SB574 Petty TO REQUIRE A MUNICIPALITY THAT OPERATES A WATERWORKS SYSTEM OR SEWAGE SYSTEM TO PROVIDE SERVICE TO COUNTY PROPERTY IN CERTAIN INSTANCES.

5:26:45
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Recess

5:41:31
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Reconvene

6:18:01
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HB1062 R. Scott Richardson Dees TO CREATE THE TEACHER AND STUDENT PROTECTION ACT OF 2025.

6:18:43
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HB1072 C. Cooper M. Johnson TO CLARIFY THE REQUIREMENTS FOR ESTABLISHING ELIGIBILITY FOR THE PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR DISABLED VETERANS, SURVIVING SPOUSES, AND MINOR DEPENDENT CHILDREN.

6:25:39
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HB1079 F. Allen Wallace TO MANDATE COVERAGE FOR GENETIC TESTING FOR AN INHERITED GENE MUTATION FOR CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS; AND TO MANDATE COVERAGE FOR EVIDENCE-BASED CANCER IMAGING FOR CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS.

6:21:15
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SB269 TO ALLOW AN OFFICER OF A CLOSELY HELD CORPORATION TO REPRESENT THE CORPORATION IN COURT FOR THE PURPOSE OF EVICTION PROCEEDINGS AND UNLAWFUL DETAINER PROCEEDINGS.

6:25:18
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HB1255 Wooldridge Davis TO AMEND THE COVERAGE OF A CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITOR IN THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM.

6:28:29
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HB1296 L. Johnson Irvin TO MANDATE COVERAGE FOR HEALTHCARE SERVICES PROVIDED IN MOBILE UNITS.

7:38:24
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HB1333 Hudson Scott TO MANDATE COVERAGE FOR BREASTFEEDING AND LACTATION CONSULTANT SERVICES.

6:30:13
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SB520 - Motion to suspend the rule and put SB520 on Today's Calendar

2:23:01
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HB1344 Warren Dotson CONCERNING ADMINISTRATION OF THE ARKANSAS TEACHER RETIREMENT SYSTEM; AND TO CORRECT THE NAME OF THE ARKANSAS SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND AND THE ARKANSAS SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF UNDER TITLE 24 OF THE ARKANSAS CODE.

6:32:23
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SB568 - Motion to suspend the rule and to put SB568 on Today's Calendar

2:24:09
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HB1467 Achor Boyd TO AMEND THE UNIFORM MONEY SERVICES ACT.

6:34:13
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SB574 - Motion to suspend the rule and put SB574 at the end of Today's Calendar

2:24:30
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HB1515 Painter Crowell TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE AUTHORITY TO ORDER THE ARKANSAS NATIONAL GUARD INTO SERVICE; AND TO AUTHORIZE THE USE OF THE ARKANSAS NATIONAL GUARD FOR MATTERS RELATED TO MILITARY JUSTICE AND TO ADDRESS STAFFING SHORTAGES.

6:35:59
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SB456 - Motion to suspend the rule and put SB456 at the end of Today's Calendar

2:25:01
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HB1522 Womack Clark TO AMEND THE LAW TO ALLOW FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS IN THE MUNICIPAL AID FUND, TURNBACK FUNDS, AND COUNTY SALES AND USE TAX REVENUES TO NEWLY INCORPORATED MUNICIPALITIES; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

6:37:55
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HB1525 Steimel Irvin TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING REAL PROPERTY; AND TO ADDRESS AGRICULTURAL IMPACT REMEDIATION AGREEMENTS.

7:39:54
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HB1526 Painter Crowell TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF THE MILITARY TO ENTER INTO PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS; AND TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING GIFTS RECEIVED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF THE MILITARY.

6:39:58
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HB1594 Vaught Dees TO CREATE A FARMER SALES TAX IDENTIFICATION CARD; AND TO RELIEVE A SELLER OF SALES TAX REMITTANCE LIABILITY UPON GOOD FAITH ACCEPTANCE OF A FARMER SALES TAX IDENTIFICATION CARD.

6:43:38
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HB1630 Gazaway Gilmore TO ADD A MISDEMEANOR CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE OFFENSE TO THE PREDICATE OFFENSES FOR CAPITAL MURDER, MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE, AND MANSLAUGHTER.

6:45:57
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HB1641 Clowney Davis TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING HARASSMENT; AND TO INCLUDE THE USE OF A TRACKING DEVICE IN THE OFFENSE OF HARASSMENT.

6:48:37
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HB1645 M. Brown M. Johnson TO AMEND THE LAW REGARDING ADVERTISING BY A MICROBREWERYRESTAURANT PRIVATE CLUB.

7:01:13
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HB1681 Vaught Bryant TO ESTABLISH THE WATER AND SEWER TREATMENT FACILITIES GRANT PROGRAM; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

7:04:25
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HB1690 Pilkington Davis TO TRANSFER THE NUCLEAR PLANNING AND RESPONSE PROGRAM FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO THE DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

7:06:55
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HB1696 McAlindon Dotson TO ESTABLISH THE STRENGTHENING ARKANSAS EDUCATION ACT; AND TO PROVIDE A CORE CURRICULUM AT STATE-SUPPORTED INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION.

7:08:31
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HB1700 Achor Boyd TO AMEND THE PRIOR AUTHORIZATION TRANSPARENCY ACT; AND TO CLARIFY THE PROCESS OF AN ADVERSE DETERMINATION NOTICE UNDER THE PRIOR AUTHORIZATION TRANSPARENCY ACT.

7:10:42
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HB1800 - Motion by Sen. McKee to withdraw HB1800 from Committee for purpose of amendment

3:32:57
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HB1743 Wooldridge Wallace TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS FEED LAW OF 1997.

7:12:08
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SB615 - Senator Clint Penzo - Motion to expunge vote on SB615 - Motion Carried

3:34:12
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HB1789 R. Burkes Bryant TO RESTRICT A LOCAL GOVERNMENT FROM PROVIDING FUNDS FOR THE PURPOSE OF ISSUING AN IDENTIFICATION CARD TO AN INDIVIDUAL IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.

7:13:31
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HB1794 Duke Penzo TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS FOR REAL ESTATE LICENSEES; AND TO CREATE CONTINUING EDUCATION EXEMPTIONS FOR CERTAIN REAL ESTATE BROKER LICENSEES.

7:17:49
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HB1802 Warren Petty TO CREATE THE TALENT RECRUITMENT GRANT PROGRAM; AND TO PROVIDE INCENTIVES FOR INDIVIDUALS TO RELOCATE TO THE STATE.

7:19:56
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HB1803 Joey Carr Wallace TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE PLACEMENT OF A MONUMENT ON THE STATE CAPITOL GROUNDS IN RECOGNITION AND HONOR OF MAURICE LEE “FOOTSIE” BRITT.

7:23:35
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HB1814 Gazaway B. Johnson TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY OVER UTILITIES; AND TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF "PUBLIC UTILITY" UNDER TITLE 14, CHAPTER 200.

7:26:40
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HB1148 Vaught B. Johnson TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS PRIVACY ACT; AND TO ADDRESS CERTAIN IMAGES CAPTURED BY UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS.

7:28:28
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HB1193 Cavenaugh B. Johnson TO REQUIRE AN INSURER TO INCLUDE A LIENHOLDER ON PAYMENTS MADE UNDER AN INSURANCE POLICY.

7:30:05
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HB1241 J. Mayberry Irvin TO ENSURE THAT THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM REIMBURSES FOR DENTAL AND ANESTHESIA COSTS FOR HIGH COMPLEXITY ORAL HEALTH CARE.

7:35:01
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HB1352 Beaty Jr. B. Johnson TO AMEND VARIOUS LAWS CONCERNING ACTIONS RELATED TO CERTAIN FOREIGN ENTITIES.

7:41:38
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HB1424 L. Johnson B. Johnson TO MANDATE COVERAGE FOR SEVERE OBESITY TREATMENTS.

7:43:31
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HB1426 L. Johnson Irvin TO AMEND THE HEALTHCARE CONTRACTING SIMPLIFICATION ACT.

7:47:20
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HB1429 M. Shepherd Irvin TO INCREASE ACCESSIBILITY WHILE ENSURING QUALITY FOR CERTAIN FACILITIES PERFORMING MAMMOGRAPHY SERVICES; AND TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE QUALITY STANDARDS FOR ACCREDITATION OF FACILITIES FOR MAMMOGRAPHY.

7:48:54
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HB1470 Beaty Jr. Hill TO REPEAL THE LAW CONCERNING THE REVIEW OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PLANS.

7:51:06
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HB1519 Cavenaugh Gilmore TO ALLOW THE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE HIRING AND CONTRACTING OF EMPLOYEES FOR THE STATE INSURANCE DEPARTMENT, STATE BANK DEPARTMENT, AND STATE SECURITIES DEPARTMENT.

7:52:13
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HB1531 Achor Boyd TO PROHIBIT PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURERS FROM RESTRICTING OR LIMITING PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS TO A LIMITED DISTRIBUTION NETWORK OF OUT-OF-STATE PHARMACIES.

8:03:54
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HB1602 L. Johnson Hammer TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS PHARMACY BENEFITS MANAGER LICENSURE ACT; TO ESTABLISH FEES UNDER THE ARKANSAS PHARMACY BENEFITS MANAGER LICENSURE ACT; AND TO REQUIRE REPORTING OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY A PHARMACY BENEFITS MANAGER.

8:05:28
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SB262 - Senator Jimmy Hickey Jr.: Motion to withdraw bill SB262 on behalf of Sen. Irvin

5:34:31
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HB1604 McAlindon B. Johnson TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PROHIBITED CONTRACTS BY STATE AGENCIES; AND TO PROHIBIT THE USE OF PUBLIC FUNDS BY STATE AGENCIES TO PURCHASE PROMOTIONAL ITEMS MADE IN CHINA.

8:07:23
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SB591 - Senator Penzo - Motion to Expunge vote on SB591

5:35:36
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HB1694 Hawk Crowell TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING ALTERNATIVES TO ELECTRONIC FILING FOR CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORTS.

8:09:21
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SB 585 - Senator Leding - Motion to Expunge the vote by which SB 585 failed

5:36:03
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HB1701 Gonzales Stubblefield TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING SEWER COLLECTION AND SEWER TREATMENT PROVIDERS AND RELATED SERVICES.

8:13:24
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HB1703 L. Johnson Irvin TO PROVIDE A DRUG REIMBURSEMENT PROCESS FOR CERTAIN HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS.

8:17:57
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HB1713 Rose M. Johnson TO REQUIRE BALLOT TITLES FOR INITIATED MEASURES TO BE AT OR UNDER A CERTAIN READING LEVEL; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

8:20:06
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HB1736 M. Brown Dees TO AMEND ARTICLE 9 OF THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE.

8:27:42
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HB1737 M. Brown Dees TO AMEND THE TRANSMITTING UTILITY ACT; AND TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "TRANSMITTING UTILITY" TO INCLUDE FIBER OPTIC AND BROADBAND LINES.

8:28:41
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HB1740 K. Moore Crowell TO EXEMPT CERTAIN AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION FROM THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT OF 1967.

8:29:48
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SB629 - Motion to expunge the vote on SB629

6:23:44
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HB1771 Perry Murdock TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING DISCLOSURES TO POLICYHOLDERS; AND TO REQUIRE MONTHLY REPORTING BY INSURERS.

8:31:58
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HB1774 Beaty Jr. B. Johnson TO AMEND THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE ARKANSAS FAIR HOUSING COMMISSION.

8:33:39
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HB1788 L. Johnson Irvin TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS HEALTH CARE CONSUMER ACT; AND TO REDUCE THE TIME ALLOWED FOR PROCESSING AN APPLICATION OF A PROVIDER.

8:35:22
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HB1797 Beaty Jr. Gilmore TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE ARKANSAS DEVELOPMENT FINANCE AUTHORITY; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

8:36:34
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Budget Bills and their Emergency Clauses to be considered which have been introduced by Joint Budget Committee

45:08
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HB1089 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - ARKANSAS WATERWAYS COMMISSION APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.

45:00
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HB1191 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.

45:59
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SB354 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS - DIVISION OF CORRECTION DEVELOPMENT AND ENHANCEMENT CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT APPROPRIATION.

47:34
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HB1808 A. Collins Tucker TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING MUNICIPAL FIRE DEPARTMENTS; AND TO CREATE THE BILL OF RIGHTS FOR FIREFIGHTERS.

9:10:33
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HB1820 M. Brown McKee TO REGULATE AUTOMATIC RENEWAL AND CONTINUOUS SERVICE OFFERS.

9:12:18
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HB1821 Wardlaw Gilmore TO CREATE A MORE SUSTAINABLE SYSTEM OF PROPERTY INSURANCE FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS, INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION, AND STATE-OWNED PROPERTY; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

9:13:27
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HB1859 Rose Bryant TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING MASTECTOMIES.

9:15:15
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Motion 1679 rereferred to Public Health

9:16:58
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HB1688 Stone

9:17:23
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HB1834 Stone

9:19:16
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Items to be read across the desk

9:21:23
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Announcements

9:32:08
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Adjourn

9:34:19
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Documents

No documents posted.

Speakers

Speaker 1
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Chair Unverified
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Senator Matt McKee Unverified
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Senator Tyler Dees Chair Unverified
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Senator Missy Irvin Chair Unverified
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Senator Breanne Davis Chair Unverified
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Senator Steve Crowell Chair Unverified
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Senator Matt Stone Unverified
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified
220 segments
Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified
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Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified
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Senator Greg Leding Unverified
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified
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Senator Dave Wallace Unverified
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Senator Ben Gilmore Chair Unverified
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified
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Senator Stephanie Flowers Unverified
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Senator Kim Hammer Unverified
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Senator Gary Stubblefield Chair Unverified
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Senator Ricky Hill Unverified
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Senator Reginald Murdock Unverified
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Senator Jamie Scott Unverified
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Senator Terry Rice Chair Unverified
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