Senate Convenes
Video
Transcript
Bills discussed (130)
| Bill | Title | Sponsor | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
|
SB104
Act 514
· 7 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “SB104 #1 & 2 C. Penzo Penzo TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS PHARMACY BENEFI…”
|
TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS PHARMACY BENEFITS MANAGER LICENSURE ACT; TO PROTECT PATIENTS' RIGHTS AND ACCESS … | C. Penzo | Notification that SB104 is now Act 514 |
|
SR62
· 7 mentions in transcript, chapter
Matched: “to Senate Resolution 62. Senate Resolution 62 by Senator Petty to recognize”
|
TO RECOGNIZE THE VAN BUREN HIGH SCHOOL POINTERS WRESTLING TEAM AS THE 2024-2025 CLASS 5A … | J. Petty | Sine Die adjournment |
|
SB257
Act 515
· 5 mentions in transcript, chapter
Matched: “bill and go. Temporarily and go to Senate Bill 257 Amendment 1, Senator Penzo. Amendment 1, the Senate Bill 25…”
|
TO AMEND THE MEDICAID FAIRNESS ACT; TO EXTEND THE APPEAL PERIOD FOR PROVIDERS IN THE … | C. Penzo | Notification that SB257 is now Act 515 |
|
SB596
Act 940
· 4 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “SB596 TO AMEND THE LAW REGARDING ENERGY; TO ESTABLISH A STATE ENE…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW REGARDING ENERGY; TO ESTABLISH A STATE ENERGY POLICY; TO REGULATE RETIREMENT … | M. McKee | Notification that SB596 is now Act 940 |
|
HB1695
· 3 mentions in transcript
Matched: “Senator Dimay on House Bill 1695. Calendar When you're on gross spills, to”
|
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. |
|
SB323
Act 516
· 3 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “SB323 #1 J. Bryant Bryant TO AMEND THE HORIZONTAL PROPERTY ACT.”
|
TO AMEND THE HORIZONTAL PROPERTY ACT. | J. Bryant | Notification that SB323 is now Act 516 |
|
SB406
Act 752
· 3 mentions in chapter
Matched: “Motion to hear SB406 on today's calendar”
|
TO REQUIRE A COUNTY RECORDER TO VERIFY CERTAIN INFORMATION BEFORE RECORDING A DEED TO REAL … | A. Clark | Notification that SB406 is now Act 752 |
|
SB451
· 3 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…ed. Agriculture Committee on Education to whom was referred Senate Bill 451 by Senator Hester, recommend to pass, calendarittee on Educ…”
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TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES AND THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO ESTABLISH REGIONAL … | Hester | Died in Senate at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB605
· 3 mentions in transcript, chapter
Matched: “…ossed? Calendar. Committee on Engrossed Bills whom is first Senate Bill 605 by Senator Discmung, compare the engrossed copy with the or…”
|
TO CREATE THE DELTA TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL EXCISE TAX ACT; AND TO TAX DELTA TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL PRODUCTS. | J. Dismang | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB619
Act 919
· 3 mentions in transcript, chapter
Matched: “…umber one. calendar Committee on Education and was referred Senate Bill 619 by Senator Irving recommended pass as amended number 1 cale…”
|
CONCERNING THE FORMATION OF AN ISOLATED SCHOOL DISTRICT. | Irvin | Notification that SB619 is now Act 919 |
|
SB628
· 3 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…irt day at the State Capitol Senate Resolution 63 calendar, Senate Bill 628 by Central Gilmore to amend the law concerning court transc…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING COURT TRANSCRIPT FEES; AND TO INCREASE THE TRANSCRIPT FEES TO … | Gilmore | Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB632
Act 964
· 3 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…ng labels for hair relaxers that contain certain chemicals. Senate Bill 632. Public health.”
|
TO AMEND THE FOOD, DRUG, AND COSMETIC ACT; AND TO REQUIRE WARNING LABELS FOR HAIR … | F. Love | Notification that SB632 is now Act 964 |
|
SR63
· 3 mentions in transcript
Matched: “do passes aitted number one calendar. Senate Resolution 63 by Senator Lading. came April as AARP month at the state ca…”
|
TO PROCLAIM APRIL AS AARP MONTH AT THE STATE CAPITOL AND TO PROCLAIM APRIL 8, … | G. Leding | Sine Die adjournment |
|
HB1290
· 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…orrectly and gross calendar Committee on the Gross bills to House Bill 1290 by Representative Johnson, Senator Boyd compared the gross.…”
|
TO MANDATE COVERAGE FOR MENTAL HEALTH WELLNESS EXAMINATIONS; AND TO ESTABLISH THE ARKANSAS SUPPORT OF … | L. Johnson | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1589
Act 676
· 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…recommend Du pass. calendar Committee on Revenue and tax is House Bill 1589. Schultz recommended new pass calendar Committee on Revenue…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE FINANCIAL OPERATIONS OF A COUNTY; AND TO AMEND THE … | Schulz | Notification that HB1589 is now Act 676 |
|
HB1602
Act 633
· 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…ly engrossed. Calendar Committee on Grossils, who was fired House Bill 1602 by Representative Johnson compared the engrossed copy with…”
|
TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS PHARMACY BENEFITS MANAGER LICENSURE ACT; TO ESTABLISH FEES UNDER THE ARKANSAS … | L. Johnson | Notification that HB1602 is now Act 633 |
|
HB1657
Act 709
· 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…new pass calendar Committee on Revenue and taxed him as for House Bill 1657 by Representative Beck recommend Du calendar Committee on R…”
|
TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS WOOD ENERGY PRODUCTS AND FOREST MAINTENANCE INCOME TAX CREDIT. | Beck | Notification that HB1657 is now Act 709 |
|
HB1694
Act 996
· 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…d I'm correctly engrossed calendar on gross bills to is for house bill 1694 by Representative Politan Center Cro compared the ross copy…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING ALTERNATIVES TO ELECTRONIC FILING FOR CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORTS. | Hawk | Notification that HB1694 is now Act 996 |
|
HB1808
Act 686
· 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “whom Murred House Bill 1808 by Representative Collins and Senator Tucker compared the”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING MUNICIPAL FIRE DEPARTMENTS; AND TO CREATE THE BILL OF RIGHTS … | A. Collins | Notification that HB1808 is now Act 686 |
|
HB1810
Act 796
· 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…number 1 calendar Committee on Education who was referred a house bill 1810 by central English recommend DuP pass to concur,”
|
TO AMEND PROVISIONS OF THE ARKANSAS CODE CONCERNING THE ARKANSAS SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND AND … | Joey Carr | Notification that HB1810 is now Act 796 |
|
SB118
Act 517
· 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…lease file it. Committee on roll bills to for the following Senate Bill 118, but”
|
TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "AUDIOLOGY" RELATING TO THE PRACTICE OF AUDIOLOGISTS. | C. Penzo | Notification that SB118 is now Act 517 |
|
SB535
Act 781
· 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…ue pass calendar Committee on Revenue and Tax who was first Senate bill 535 by Central Hester recommend Du pass. calendar Committee on…”
|
TO CREATE A SALES AND USE TAX EXEMPTION FOR THE ARKANSAS MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS … | Hester | Notification that SB535 is now Act 781 |
|
SB615
· 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…he same correctly engrossed calendar on Gross who his first Senate Bill 615 by”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING ENERGY; AND TO REGULATE NONEXPORT FACILITIES. | C. Penzo | Died on Senate Calendar at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB624
Act 732
· 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “Calendar Committee on Education who was first Senate Bill 624 by Senator Davis recommend due pass calendar Committee on R…”
|
TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS OPPORTUNITY PUBLIC SCHOOL CHOICE ACT; TO AMEND THE PUBLIC SCHOOL CHOICE … | B. Davis | Notification that SB624 is now Act 732 |
|
SB630
· 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “defendant for a charge that results in a conviction. Senate Bill 630. Judiciary Senate Bill 631 by Central Davis. to amend Arkan…”
|
TO REQUIRE ONLY A COURT TO FIX PUNISHMENT IF A DEFENDANT IS CHARGED WITH A … | B. Davis | Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB631
· 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…ge that results in a conviction. Senate Bill 630. Judiciary Senate Bill 631 by Central Davis. to amend Arkansas law concerning hearings…”
|
TO AMEND ARKANSAS LAW CONCERNING HEARINGS ON THE REVOCATION OF PROBATION OR SUSPENSION. | B. Davis | Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB83
Act 424
· 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…from regular session of the ninety-fifth General Assembly, Senate Bill 83 Act 424, 103 at”
|
TO MANDATE COVERAGE FOR BREAST RECONSTRUCTION SURGERIES; TO REQUIRE PRIOR AUTHORIZATION FOR BREAST RECONSTRUCTION SURGERIES; … | J. Bryant | Notification that SB83 is now Act 424 |
|
SR59
· 2 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “SR59 K. Hammer TO RECOGNIZE APRIL AS CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT PRE…”
|
TO RECOGNIZE APRIL AS CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT PREVENTION MONTH. | K. Hammer | Sine Die adjournment |
|
HB1077
Act 506
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1077 Hudson Tucker CONCERNING THE INCARCERATION OF A VETERAN OF…”
|
CONCERNING THE INCARCERATION OF A VETERAN OF THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES; AND TO PROVIDE … | Hudson | Notification that HB1077 is now Act 506 |
|
HB1090
Act 537
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1090 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - ARKANSAS DEVELOPMEN…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - ARKANSAS DEVELOPMENT FINANCE AUTHORITY APPROPRIATION FOR THE … | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that HB1090 is now Act 537 |
|
HB1091
Act 538
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1091 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR. | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that HB1091 is now Act 538 |
|
HB1095
Act 539
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1095 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - STATE BANK DEPARTME…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - STATE BANK DEPARTMENT AND STATE SECURITIES DEPARTMENT … | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that HB1095 is now Act 539 |
|
HB1097
Act 540
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1097 AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION APPROPRIA…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR. | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that HB1097 is now Act 540 |
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HB1102
Act 541
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1102 AN ACT TO MAKE AN APPROPRIATION FOR STATE TURNBACK FOR COUN…”
|
AN ACT TO MAKE AN APPROPRIATION FOR STATE TURNBACK FOR COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES BY THE … | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that HB1102 is now Act 541 |
|
HB1124
Act 542
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1124 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION APP…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR. | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that HB1124 is now Act 542 |
|
HB1127
Act 543
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1127 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - ARKANSAS STATE LIB…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - ARKANSAS STATE LIBRARY APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 … | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that HB1127 is now Act 543 |
|
HB1152
Act 544
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1152 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - DIVISION OF PUBLIC…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - DIVISION OF PUBLIC SCHOOL ACADEMIC FACILITIES AND … | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that HB1152 is now Act 544 |
|
HB1176
Act 545
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1176 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY - DIVISION OF EM…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY - DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT APPROPRIATION FOR … | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that HB1176 is now Act 545 |
|
HB1272
Act 520
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1272 Warren Penzo TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PROPERTY VACATED B…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PROPERTY VACATED BY A MUNICIPALITY; AND TO REQUIRE VESTED ABANDONED … | Warren | Notification that HB1272 is now Act 520 |
|
HB1274
Act 521
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1274 Warren Penzo TO ALLOW A TITLE INSURANCE AGENT, TITLE INSURE…”
|
TO ALLOW A TITLE INSURANCE AGENT, TITLE INSURER, OR TITLE COMPANY TO PAY REAL PROPERTY … | Warren | Notification that HB1274 is now Act 521 |
|
HB1314
Act 512
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1314 L. Johnson Irvin TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING CERTAIN AUDITS…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING CERTAIN AUDITS OF HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS; AND TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS … | Irvin | Notification that HB1314 is now Act 512 |
|
HB1321
Act 513
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1321 Wooldridge Wallace TO REGULATE STEP THERAPY AND FAIL FIRST…”
|
TO REGULATE STEP THERAPY AND FAIL FIRST PROTOCOLS CONCERNING CERTAIN PRESCRIBED VENTILATORS. | Wooldridge | Notification that HB1321 is now Act 513 |
|
HB1341
Act 522
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1341 Warren Dotson TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING BENEFITS UNDER TH…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING BENEFITS UNDER THE ARKANSAS LOCAL POLICE AND FIRE RETIREMENT SYSTEM; … | Warren | Notification that HB1341 is now Act 522 |
|
HB1352
Act 937
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “Bill 13. House Bill 1352 by Representative Beaty compared the engrossed copy the rit…”
|
TO AMEND VARIOUS LAWS CONCERNING ACTIONS RELATED TO CERTAIN FOREIGN ENTITIES. | Beaty Jr. | Notification that HB1352 is now Act 937 |
|
HB1389
Act 547
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1389 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - DIVISION OF D…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - DIVISION OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES SERVICES - … | Ladyman | Notification that HB1389 is now Act 547 |
|
HB1429
Act 854
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…d. Calendar. Committee on Engrossed Bills, who was deferred House Bill 1429 by Representative Sheppard and Senator Irving, compared to…”
|
TO INCREASE ACCESSIBILITY WHILE ENSURING QUALITY FOR CERTAIN FACILITIES PERFORMING MAMMOGRAPHY SERVICES; AND TO AMEND … | M. Shepherd | Notification that HB1429 is now Act 854 |
|
HB1498
Act 507
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1498 Painter Crowell TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING MILITARY-TYPE C…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING MILITARY-TYPE CANTEENS AND EXCHANGES. | Painter | Notification that HB1498 is now Act 507 |
|
HB1545
Act 501
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1545 K. Brown English TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS MILITARY CHILD SCHOO…”
|
TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS MILITARY CHILD SCHOOL TRANSITIONS ACT OF 2021. | K. Brown | Notification that HB1545 is now Act 501 |
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HB1571
Act 502
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1571 Ray Davis TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS ADULT DIPLOMA PROGRAM ACT.”
|
TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS ADULT DIPLOMA PROGRAM ACT. | Ray | Notification that HB1571 is now Act 502 |
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HB1618
Act 523
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1618 Hawk Crowell TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE ELECTION, APPO…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE ELECTION, APPOINTMENT, AND CONTRACTING OF A MUNICIPAL ATTORNEY. | Hawk | Notification that HB1618 is now Act 523 |
|
HB1638
Act 508
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1638 Painter Crowell TO MODERNIZE REFERENCES TO THE UNITED STATE…”
|
TO MODERNIZE REFERENCES TO THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES; AND TO AMEND ARMED FORCES AND … | Painter | Notification that HB1638 is now Act 508 |
|
HB1639
Act 549
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1639 AN ACT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS FOR MEDICAL SCIENCES…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS FOR MEDICAL SCIENCES - SEXUAL ASSAULT NURSE EXAMINER … | Lundstrum | Notification that HB1639 is now Act 549 |
|
HB1658
Act 550
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1658 Nazarenko Wallace TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE PAYMENT O…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE PAYMENT OF PROPERTY TAXES; AND TO DEFINE "DEPLOYMENT" FOR … | Nazarenko | Notification that HB1658 is now Act 550 |
|
HB1741
Act 526
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1741 Wooldridge Wallace TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS AGRICULTURAL LIMIN…”
|
TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS AGRICULTURAL LIMING MATERIALS ACT. | Wooldridge | Notification that HB1741 is now Act 526 |
|
HB1742
Act 527
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1742 Wooldridge Wallace TO AMEND THE LAW RELATED TO SEED CERTIFI…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW RELATED TO SEED CERTIFICATION. | Wooldridge | Notification that HB1742 is now Act 527 |
|
HB1744
Act 530
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1744 Wooldridge Wallace TO AMEND THE LAW RELATED TO FERTILIZER.”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW RELATED TO FERTILIZER. | Wooldridge | Notification that HB1744 is now Act 530 |
|
HB1759
Act 551
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1759 Milligan Boyd TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF TIME A TAXPAYER HAS…”
|
TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF TIME A TAXPAYER HAS TO ASSESS TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY ACQUIRED … | Milligan | Notification that HB1759 is now Act 551 |
|
HB1771
Act 651
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1771 #1 Perry Murdock TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING DISCLOSURES TO…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING DISCLOSURES TO POLICYHOLDERS; AND TO REQUIRE MONTHLY REPORTING BY INSURERS. | R. Murdock | Notification that HB1771 is now Act 651 |
|
HB1772
Act 529
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1772 Vaught Davis CONCERNING VEGETABLE GARDEN PROTECTION.”
|
CONCERNING VEGETABLE GARDEN PROTECTION. | Vaught | Notification that HB1772 is now Act 529 |
|
HB1785
Act 525
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1785 J. Moore Hill TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE MEMBERS OF A…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE MEMBERS OF A COUNTY DEPOSITORY BOARD. | J. Moore | Notification that HB1785 is now Act 525 |
|
HB1798
Act 531
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1798 Nazarenko Penzo TO ESTABLISH A GREEN ENVELOPE PROGRAM.”
|
TO ESTABLISH A GREEN ENVELOPE PROGRAM. | Nazarenko | Notification that HB1798 is now Act 531 |
|
HB1820
Act 652
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “House Bill 1820. 7 by Representative Wardo compared the gross copy of the R…”
|
TO REGULATE AUTOMATIC RENEWAL AND CONTINUOUS SERVICE OFFERS. | M. Brown | Notification that HB1820 is now Act 652 |
|
HB1851
Act 714
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…o pass. Calendar. Committee on Revenue and Tax, whom is for House Bill 1851, by Representative Jean, recommend do pass. Calendar. Commi…”
|
TO AMEND THE SALES TAX EXEMPTION FOR FOOD, FOOD INGREDIENTS, AND PREPARED FOOD SOLD IN … | Jean | Notification that HB1851 is now Act 714 |
|
HB1927
Act 552
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1927 TO AMEND A PROVISION OF ACTS 2025, NO. 408, CONCERNING THE…”
|
TO AMEND A PROVISION OF ACTS 2025, NO. 408, CONCERNING THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF ACTS … | Jean | Notification that HB1927 is now Act 552 |
|
HCR1009
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HCR1009 Ladyman Penzo TO COMPLY WITH ARKANSAS ACTS 2023, NO. 259; T…”
|
TO COMPLY WITH ARKANSAS ACTS 2023, NO. 259; TO REQUEST FEDERAL FUNDING FOR THE NEXT … | Ladyman | Approved by the Governor |
|
SB120
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB120 C. Penzo TO REQUIRE LICENSURE FOR ALL PRIVATE CARE AGENCIES…”
|
TO REQUIRE LICENSURE FOR ALL PRIVATE CARE AGENCIES IN THIS STATE; AND TO ENSURE CONSUMER … | C. Penzo | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB132
Act 535
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “Senate Bill 118 by Senator Penzo, Senate Bill 132 by”
|
AN ACT TO MAKE AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE PAYMENT OF APPROVED CLAIMS. | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB132 is now Act 535 |
|
SB149
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…do pass. Calendar. Committee on Education, who was deferred Senate Bill 149 by Senator English, recommended to pass as amended number o…”
|
TO AMEND PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING AMOUNTS UNDER THE PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING ACT OF 2003. | J. English | Died in House at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB227
Act 505
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB227 #1 C. Tucker Tucker TO AMEND THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT…”
|
TO AMEND THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT OF 1967; AND TO AMEND THE PROVISIONS OF … | C. Tucker | Notification that SB227 is now Act 505 |
|
SB25
Act 607
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB25 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - STATE INSURANCE DEP…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - STATE INSURANCE DEPARTMENT APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 … | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB25 is now Act 607 |
|
SB255
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB255 - Motion SB 255 to allow to be amend and on Tuesday's calen…”
|
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. |
|
SB311
Act 772
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB311 - Motion SB311 to allow to be amend and on Tuesday's calend…”
|
TO CREATE THE END ORGAN AND GENOMIC HARVESTING ACT; TO PROHIBIT COVERAGE OF CERTAIN HUMAN … | C. Penzo | Notification that SB311 is now Act 772 |
|
SB320
Act 518
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “Joint Budget, Senate Bill 320 by Senator Irving, Senate Bill 324 by Senator Mark Johnson,…”
|
TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS JUVENILE CODE OF 1989. | Irvin | Notification that SB320 is now Act 518 |
|
SB324
Act 519
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “Joint Budget, Senate Bill 320 by Senator Irving, Senate Bill 324 by Senator Mark Johnson, Senate Concurrent Resolution 6 by…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE MEMBERSHIP OF A COUNTY PLANNING BOARD. | M. Johnson | Notification that SB324 is now Act 519 |
|
SB347
Act 1025
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB347 C. Penzo TO REQUIRE THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM TO INCREA…”
|
TO REQUIRE THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM TO INCREASE REIMBURSEMENT RATES FOR CERTAIN DENTAL SERVICES AND … | C. Penzo | Notification that SB347 is now Act 1025 |
|
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 … |
|
SB359
Act 613
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB359 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - DIVISION OF ELEMEN…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - DIVISION OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION OUT-OF-SCHOOL … | J. Petty | Notification that SB359 is now Act 613 |
|
SB366
Act 427
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “Senate Bill 366, Act 427, Senate Bill 432, Act 428, Senate Bill 232, Act 42…”
|
TO CREATE THE STRENGTHEN ARKANSAS HOMES ACT; AND TO CREATE THE STRENGTHEN ARKANSAS HOMES PROGRAM … | J. Boyd | Notification that SB366 is now Act 427 |
|
SB368
Act 445
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “Senate Bill 368, Act 445, Senate Bill”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING MINERAL, TIMBER, AND OTHER RESOURCES ON STATE LANDS; TO REDUCE … | Irvin | Notification that SB368 is now Act 445 |
|
SB37
Act 608
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB37 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE APPROPRIATION FOR THE…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR. | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB37 is now Act 608 |
|
SB379
Act 464
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “Senate Bill 379, Act 464,”
|
TO REPEAL THE LAW REQUIRING THE TAX ADVISORY COUNCIL TO SUBMIT A REPORT. | Crowell | Notification that SB379 is now Act 464 |
|
SB3803
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ct 463 379 Act 464. Senate Bill 381 Act 465 symbol 382. 466 Senate Bill 3803 at 467 sym 384 Act 468, Senate Bill 385 Act 469 Senate Bill…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
|
SB381
Act 465
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “Senate Bill 381, Act 465, Senate Bill 382, Act 466, Senate Bill 383, Act 46…”
|
TO REPEAL THE LAW REQUIRING THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION TO SUBMIT A REPORT … | Crowell | Notification that SB381 is now Act 465 |
|
SB39
Act 609
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB39 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - DIVISION OF WORKFOR…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - DIVISION OF WORKFORCE SERVICES APPROPRIATION FOR THE … | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB39 is now Act 609 |
|
SB40
Act 891
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB40 #1 AN ACT FOR THE BUREAU OF LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH AND THE LE…”
|
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 |
|
SB401
Act 448
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “447, Senate Bill 401, Act 448, Senate Bill 403, Act 449, Senate Bill 91, Act 459…”
|
TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS UNDERGROUND FACILITIES DAMAGE PREVENTION ACT. | J. Boyd | Notification that SB401 is now Act 448 |
|
SB41
Act 892
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB41 #1 AN ACT FOR THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR APPROPRIATION FOR…”
|
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 |
|
SB437
Act 945
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB437 Hester TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT ACT.”
|
TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT ACT. | Hester | Notification that SB437 is now Act 945 |
|
SB439
Act 737
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB439 Irvin TO AMEND THE DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMEN…”
|
TO AMEND THE DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND LICENSING; AND … | Irvin | Notification that SB439 is now Act 737 |
|
SB4451
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…, recommend to pass, calendarittee on Education who was for Senate Bill 4451 by Senator Hester recommend to pass. Calendar, on education…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
|
SB447
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB447 J. Petty TO REQUIRE PERMITTED COMMON CARRIERS TO SUBMIT REP…”
|
TO REQUIRE PERMITTED COMMON CARRIERS TO SUBMIT REPORTS DETAILING SHIPMENTS OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES INTO THE … | J. Petty | Died on House Calendar at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB475
Act 773
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB475 J. Dismang TO ESTABLISH THE PHARMACY SERVICES ADMINISTRATIV…”
|
TO ESTABLISH THE PHARMACY SERVICES ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION ACT; AND TO REGULATE PHARMACY SERVICES ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATIONS. | J. Dismang | Notification that SB475 is now Act 773 |
|
SB485
Act 670
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB485 C. Tucker TO REDUCE RECIDIVISM; AND TO AMEND THE LAW CONCER…”
|
TO REDUCE RECIDIVISM; AND TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE SUSPENDED IMPOSITION OF A SENTENCE, … | C. Tucker | Notification that SB485 is now Act 670 |
|
SB488
Act 755
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB488 Irvin TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING WHEN A JUVENILE IS CONSID…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING WHEN A JUVENILE IS CONSIDERED TO BE ADJUDICATED DELINQUENT. | Irvin | Notification that SB488 is now Act 755 |
|
SB492
Act 699
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB492 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE RELOCATION OF UTILITY FACIL…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE RELOCATION OF UTILITY FACILITIES; AND TO AMEND THE LAW … | J. Bryant | Notification that SB492 is now Act 699 |
|
SB496
Act 700
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB496 Caldwell TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PERMITS FOR SPECIAL CA…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PERMITS FOR SPECIAL CARGOES; AND TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING … | Caldwell | Notification that SB496 is now Act 700 |
|
SB497
Act 655
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB497 D. Wallace TO REQUIRE THE CREATION OF A POSTER REGARDING VE…”
|
TO REQUIRE THE CREATION OF A POSTER REGARDING VETERANS' BENEFITS AND SERVICES; AND TO REQUIRE … | D. Wallace | Notification that SB497 is now Act 655 |
|
SB516
Act 761
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB516 Gilmore TO ALLOW A PERSON FILING AS A CANDIDATE FOR THE OFF…”
|
TO ALLOW A PERSON FILING AS A CANDIDATE FOR THE OFFICE OF JUSTICE OF THE … | Gilmore | Notification that SB516 is now Act 761 |
|
SB52
Act 894
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB52 #1 AN ACT FOR THE AUDITOR OF STATE - OPERATIONS AND UNCLAIM…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE AUDITOR OF STATE - OPERATIONS AND UNCLAIMED PROPERTY PROGRAM APPROPRIATION FOR … | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB52 is now Act 894 |
|
SB534
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB534 G. Leding TO ESTABLISH THE ARKANSAS KRATOM CONSUMER PROTECT…”
|
TO ESTABLISH THE ARKANSAS KRATOM CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT; AND TO REMOVE MITRAGYNINE AND 7-HYDROXYMITRAGYNINE, ALSO … | G. Leding | Died in House at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB538
Act 782
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “Motion to withdrawal SB538 or purpose of amendment.”
|
TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS PROCUREMENT LAW. | Gilmore | Notification that SB538 is now Act 782 |
|
SB54
Act 1015
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB54 #1 AN ACT FOR THE AUDITOR OF STATE - DEPUTY PROSECUTING ATT…”
|
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 |
|
SB540
Act 702
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB540 M. Johnson TO LIMIT THE SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF A DRIVE…”
|
TO LIMIT THE SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF A DRIVER'S LICENSE OR IMPOSITION OF RESTRICTIONS ON … | M. Johnson | Notification that SB540 is now Act 702 |
|
SB55
Act 895
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB55 #1 AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS SUPREME COURT APPROPRIATION FOR…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS SUPREME COURT APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR. | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB55 is now Act 895 |
|
SB562
Act 704
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB562 Hill TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE OFFICE OF INTERNAL AUD…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE OFFICE OF INTERNAL AUDIT; AND TO REPEAL THE REQUIREMENT … | Hill | Notification that SB562 is now Act 704 |
|
SB565
Act 936
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB565 Flippo TO ALLOW PROCUREMENT CERTIFICATIONS TO BE COMBINED;…”
|
TO ALLOW PROCUREMENT CERTIFICATIONS TO BE COMBINED; TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE REPRESENTATION IN … | Flippo | Notification that SB565 is now Act 936 |
|
SB567
Act 719
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB567 Crowell TO AMEND AND MODERNIZE THE LAW CONCERNING THE APPOR…”
|
TO AMEND AND MODERNIZE THE LAW CONCERNING THE APPORTIONMENT OF INCOME DERIVED FROM MULTISTATE OPERATIONS; … | Crowell | Notification that SB567 is now Act 719 |
|
SB573
Act 783
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB573 J. Petty TO AMEND THE METHOD OF VALUATION UNDER ARKANSAS CO…”
|
TO AMEND THE METHOD OF VALUATION UNDER ARKANSAS CONSTITUTION, ARTICLE 16, § 5, BY DEFINING … | J. Petty | Notification that SB573 is now Act 783 |
|
SB575
Act 989
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB575 C. Tucker TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING INSTALLMENT FEES COLL…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING INSTALLMENT FEES COLLECTED IN CIRCUIT AND DISTRICT COURTS; TO AMEND … | C. Tucker | Notification that SB575 is now Act 989 |
|
SB576
Act 623
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB576 B. Davis TO AMEND THE COVERAGE OF CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITO…”
|
TO AMEND THE COVERAGE OF CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITORS WITHIN THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM. | B. Davis | Notification that SB576 is now Act 623 |
|
SB577
Act 720
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB577 J. Petty TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING LOCAL SALES AND USE TA…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING LOCAL SALES AND USE TAXES; AND TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT … | J. Petty | Notification that SB577 is now Act 720 |
|
SB578
Act 766
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB578 Hester TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING EARLY VOTING; AND TO ALL…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING EARLY VOTING; AND TO ALLOW A COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTION … | Hester | Notification that SB578 is now Act 766 |
|
SB580
Act 767
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB580 K. Hammer TO EXTEND FINANCING FOR PURCHASES OF VEHICLES AND…”
|
TO EXTEND FINANCING FOR PURCHASES OF VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT FOR A RURAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT. | K. Hammer | Notification that SB580 is now Act 767 |
|
SB583
Act 990
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB583 C. Tucker TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE COS…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE COST LISTS RELATING TO PHARMACY SERVICES. | C. Tucker | Notification that SB583 is now Act 990 |
|
SB590
Act 769
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB590 TO CREATE THE RECIDIVISM REDUCTION SYSTEM WITHIN THE DEPART…”
|
TO CREATE THE RECIDIVISM REDUCTION SYSTEM WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS; AND TO DECLARE AN … | Gilmore | Notification that SB590 is now Act 769 |
|
SB593
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB593 J. Boyd TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS PHARMACY BENEFITS MANAGER LIC…”
|
TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS PHARMACY BENEFITS MANAGER LICENSURE ACT; AND TO CREATE THE PHARMACY SERVICES … | J. Boyd | Sine Die adjournment |
|
SB597
Act 770
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB597 B. Johnson TO CREATE THE CRIMINAL OFFENSE OF THREAT OF HARM…”
|
TO CREATE THE CRIMINAL OFFENSE OF THREAT OF HARM UPON A FINANCIAL INSTITUTION EMPLOYEE. | B. Johnson | Notification that SB597 is now Act 770 |
|
SB600
Act 771
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB600 - Motion to Re-refer SB600 to Judiciary for Amendment”
|
TO REGULATE CONTRACTS; TO MANDATE CONTRACTUAL PROVISIONS FOR CERTAIN CONTRACTS; AND TO CLARIFY PROPER JURISDICTION … | C. Tucker | Notification that SB600 is now Act 771 |
|
SB601
Act 971
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB601 Hester TO CREATE A PATHWAY FOR A GRADUATE OF A FOREIGN MEDI…”
|
TO CREATE A PATHWAY FOR A GRADUATE OF A FOREIGN MEDICAL SCHOOL TO BE LICENSED … | Hester | Notification that SB601 is now Act 971 |
|
SB602
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “Calendar. Committee on Engrossed Bills whom is first Senate Bill 602 by Senator Coral, compare the engrossed copy with the origi…”
|
TO PROHIBIT INSURANCE COMPANIES AND APPRAISERS FROM REQUIRING AN INSURED TO USE CERTAIN FACILITIES TO … | Crowell | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB610
Act 745
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB610 #1 J. Dismang McKee TO AMEND THE GENERATING ARKANSAS JOBS A…”
|
TO AMEND THE GENERATING ARKANSAS JOBS ACT OF 2025; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY. | J. Dismang | Notification that SB610 is now Act 745 |
|
SB611
Act 900
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB611 Dees TO AMEND THE SOCIAL MEDIA SAFETY ACT.”
|
TO AMEND THE SOCIAL MEDIA SAFETY ACT. | Dees | Notification that SB611 is now Act 900 |
|
SB618
Act 731
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…mend do pass. Calendar. Committee on Education, whom is for Senate Bill 618, by Senator Irving, recommend do pass. Calendar. Committee…”
|
TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS STUDENT DUE PROCESS AND PROTECTION ACT. | Irvin | Notification that SB618 is now Act 731 |
|
SB627
Act 746
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB627 - Motion SB 627 to allow to be amend and on Tuesday's calen…”
|
TO ASSIST THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE CODE ENFORCEMENT SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND … | Irvin | Notification that SB627 is now Act 746 |
|
SB629
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…h a court reporter is entitled. Senate Bill 628. Judiciary. Senate Bill 629 by Senator Caldwell to amend an officer of a closely held c…”
|
TO ALLOW AN OFFICER OF A CLOSELY HELD CORPORATION TO REPRESENT THE CORPORATION IN COURT … | Caldwell | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB71
Act 896
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB71 #1 AN ACT FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS - COU…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS - COURT PERSONNEL APPROPRIATION FOR THE … | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB71 is now Act 896 |
|
SB72
Act 776
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB72 #1 AN ACT FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS APPRO…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR. | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB72 is now Act 776 |
|
SB82
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “Motion to withdrawal SB82 extract from committee.”
|
TO INCREASE THE SALES AND USE TAX EXEMPTION FOR USED MOTOR VEHICLES; AND TO AMEND … | J. Payton | Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB88
Act 610
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB88 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - DIVISION OF HIGHER…”
|
AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - DIVISION OF HIGHER EDUCATION APPROPRIATION FOR THE … | Joint Budget Committee | Notification that SB88 is now Act 610 |
|
SCR6
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…by Senator Irving, Senate Bill 324 by Senator Mark Johnson, Senate Concurrent Resolution 6 by Senator Scott. Compare the enrolled copies with the orig…”
|
TO RECOGNIZE THE NORTH LITTLE ROCK HIGH SCHOOL CHARGING WILDCATS VARSITY CHEER TEAM FOR WINNING … | J. Scott | Approved by the Governor. |
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Transcription by CastingWords
Senate will be called to order. Are there any requests for leave at this time? Madam Secretary, please call the roll.
Thank you, Madam Secretary. If everyone in the chamber and in the galleries would please rise, we'll first be led in prayer by Senator Mark Johnson, and that will be followed by the Pledge
of Allegiance. Senator Mark Johnson, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President. Heavenly Father, please bless this body as we continue our work, And please watch over us and make sure that we treat each other with the respect and dignity
that each one of your children deserves. Help us to minimize our differences and maximize our commonality. Please watch over the first responders and the linemen who are helping people recover from the recent storms and to keep them safe and secure. Bless all of us in the name of your son, Jesus Christ. Amen. I pledge allegiance
Speaker 24
6:59
to the flag of the United States of America
Chair
Unverified
7:03
and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, invisible, with liberty and justice. Thanks,
Senator Johnson, for those encouraging and uplifting words. Ladies 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. I would like to call on
Senator Stone, who will introduce our Senate pages of the day. Senator Stone, you're
Senator Matt Stone
Unverified
7:51
recognized. thank you governor members i would like to recognize our senate pages joining us today when i call your name please come to the front and be recognized sierra holmes sierra is a lehigh school student in senator murdoch's district
lawton ferris from lehigh school also in senator murdoch's district Aaron Brandon from Lehigh School, Senator Murdoch's district Eliana Edwards, Lehigh School, Senator Murdoch's district Taylor Holyfield, Lehigh School, Senator Murdoch's district
And Sage Stressler by Berryville High School, Senator King's district Please help
me welcome them, and thank you, Madam President. Thank you, Senator Stone,
and thank you to our pages for being here today. We're glad to have each and every one of you here, as well as any family or school administrators who
have joined them in the galleries.
Any other announcements or introductions? Senator Hester, you're recognized. Hey,
members, as I announced Thursday, I intend to ask us to batch House bills when we get to those on the calendar today. Anything that had an amendment at some point or as emergency clause won't be able to be batched. But if you have anything you do not want in a batch, hopefully you're able to review that this weekend. Anything you do not want in a batch, please see
Sabrina at some point during the Senate bills.
Thanks. Any other announcements or introductions? Senator Murdoch, you're recognized.
Senator Reginald Murdock
Unverified
9:50
Thank you, Madam Governor. I want to take this opportunity, colleagues, to recognize the wonderful, beautiful ladies of Delta Sigma Theta sorority. If you'll stand in the gallery, welcome them to the Arkansas Senate, please. It's Delta Day at the Capitol, and we're so happy to have them there.
see those beautiful ladies in red and white be sure to make sure that
give them a warm welcome. Thank you so much. Thanks Senator Murdoch and welcome ladies. Any other
Chair
Unverified
10:29
announcements or introductions? If not, Madam Secretary, are there items at the desk?
Speaker 14
10:34
Yes, this is to inform you on April 3, 2025. I received the following and approved measures from the regular session of the 95th General Assembly, Senate Bill 83, Act 424, Senate Bill 103, Act 425, Senate Bill 329, Act 426,
Senate Bill 366, Act 427, Senate Bill 432, Act 428, Senate Bill 232, Act 429, Senate Bill 454, Act 430, Senate Bill 99 Act 437, Senate Bill 380 Act 439, Senate Bill 218 Act 440, Senate Bill 275 Act 441, Senate Bill 280 Act 442, Senate Bill 327 Act 443, Senate Bill 344 Act 444,
Senate Bill 368, Act 445, Senate Bill
Chair
Unverified
11:24
378, Act 446, Senate Bill 388, Act
Speaker 14
11:31
447, Senate Bill 401, Act 448, Senate Bill 403, Act 449, Senate Bill 91, Act 459, Senate Bill 271, Act 460, Senate Bill 319, Act 461, Senate Bill 370, Act 462, Senate Bill 414, Act 463,
Chair
Unverified
11:53
Senate Bill 379, Act 464,
Senate Bill 381, Act 465, Senate Bill 382, Act 466, Senate Bill 383, Act 467, Senate Bill 384, Act 468, Senate Bill 385, Act 469, Senate Bill 387, Act 470, Senate Bill 380, Act 471. Sincerely, Sarah Huckabee, Governor. Please
Speaker 55
12:13
file it. I'm just not putting that number. Will your committee on enrolled bills
Speaker 59
12:25
to whom is for the following?
Senate Bill 118 by Senator Penzo, Senate Bill 132 by
Chair
Unverified
12:31
Joint Budget, Senate Bill 320 by Senator Irving, Senate Bill 324 by Senator Mark Johnson, Senate Concurrent Resolution 6 by Senator Scott. Compare the enrolled copies with the original and find the same correctly enrolled and at 9.40 a.m. delivered to the governor for her approval. Please file it. Will your Committee on Engrossed Bills whom is first Senate Bill 596 by Senator McKee, compare the engrossed copy with the original and find the same correctly engrossed?
Calendar. Committee on Engrossed Bills whom is first Senate Bill 602 by Senator Coral, compare the engrossed copy with the original and find the same correctly engrossed? Calendar. Committee on Engrossed Bills whom is first Senate Bill 605 by Senator Discmung, compare the engrossed copy with the original and find the same correctly engrossed? Calendar. Committee on Engrossed Bills whom is first Senate Bill 615 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 deferred House Bill 1290 by Representative Johnson and Senator Boyd, compared to the engrossed copy of the original and find the same correctly engrossed.
Insurance and Commerce. Committee on Engrossed Bills to whom is deferred House
Chair
Unverified
13:38
Bill 1352 by Representative Beatty, compared to the engrossed copy of the original and find the same correctly engrossed. Calendar. Committee on Engrossed Bills, who was deferred House Bill 1429 by Representative Sheppard and Senator Irving, compared to the engrossed copy of the original and find the same correctly engrossed. Calendar. Committee on Engrossed Bills, who was deferred House Bill 1602 by Representative Johnson,
compared to the engrossed copy of the original and find the same correctly engrossed. Calendar. Committee on Engrossed Bills, who was deferred House Bill 1694 by Representative Houghton and Senator Quirrell, compared to the engrossed copy of the original and find the
Speaker 59
14:22
same correctly engrossed. Calendar. Committee on Engrossed Bills, to whom was inferred House
Chair
Unverified
14:28
Bill 1827, by Representative Wardlaw, compared to the engrossed copy of the original and find the same correctly engrossed. Agriculture Committee on Education, to whom was inferred Senate Bill 451 by Senator Hester,
recommended to pass. Calendar Committee on Education, to whom was inferred Senate Bill 451 by Senator Hester, recommend do pass. Calendar. Committee on Education, whom is for Senate Bill 618, by Senator Irving, recommend do pass. Calendar. Committee on Education, whom is for Senate Bill 624, by Senator Davis, recommend do pass. Calendar. Committee on Revenue and Tax, whom is for Senate Bill 535, by Senator Hester, recommend do pass. Calendar. Committee
Committee on Revenue and Tax, whom is for House Bill 1589, by Representative Schultz, recommend do pass. Calendar. Committee on Revenue and Tax, whom is for House Bill 1657, by Representative Beck, recommend do pass. Calendar. Committee on Revenue and Tax, whom is for House Bill 1851, by Representative Jean, recommend do pass. Calendar. Committee on Education, who was deferred Senate Bill 149 by Senator English, recommended to pass as amended number one, Calendar.
Committee on Education, who was deferred Senate Bill 619 by Senator Irving, recommended to pass as amended number one, Calendar. Committee on Education, who was deferred House Bill 1810 by Senator English, recommended do pass to
Speaker 75
15:58
concur. Do pass as amended number one. Calendar.
Chair
Unverified
16:06
Senate Resolution 63 by Senator Letting to proclaim April as AARP month at the State Capitol and proclaim April 8, 2025
as AARP red shirt day at State Capitol Senate Resolution 63. Calendar. Senate Bill 628 by Senator Gilmore, to amend the law concerning court transcript fees and to increase the transcript fees to which a court reporter is entitled. Senate Bill 628. Judiciary. Senate Bill 629 by Senator Caldwell to amend an officer of a closely held corporation to represent the corporation in court for the purpose of eviction proceedings and unlawful detainer proceedings, Senate Bill 629.
Judiciary. Senate Bill 630 by Senator Davis to require only a court to fix punishment if a defendant is charged with felony or misdemeanor and to require only a judge to sentence a defendant for a charge that results in a conviction. Senate Bill 630. Judiciary. Senate Bill 631 by Senator Davis to amend the Arkansas law concerning hearings on the revocation of probation or suspension. Senate Bill 631. Judiciary.
Senate Bill 632 by Senator Love to amend the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and to require warning labels for hair relaxers that contain certain
Speaker 83
17:38
chemicals. Senate Bill 632. Public Health. Committee on
Chair
Unverified
17:43
Revenue and Tax to whom is deferred House Bill 1695 by Representative Richardson, recommended to pass as amended number one, also has
Speaker 75
17:53
a disclosure notice from Senator Dismang on House Bill 1695.
Chair
Unverified
17:59
Calendar. Will your Committee on Engrossed Bills to whom is deferred House Bill 1808 by Representative Collins and Senator Tucker compare the engrossed copy
Speaker 86
18:15
of the original and find the same correctly engrossed? Calendar.
Speaker 90
18:35
Calendar. Any other announcements or introductions?
Any other business to come for the body in the morning hour? If not, the morning hour has expired. We will now begin the business agenda. We will begin
Speaker 94
19:08
with Senator Hammer. We will pass over Senate Resolution 59 and we will go to Senate Resolution 62.
Chair
Unverified
19:14
Senate Resolution 62 by Senator Petty. To recognize the Van Buren
Speaker 14
19:23
High School Porters Wrestling Team as the 2024-2025 Class 5A State Champions and the Lady Porters Wrestling Team as the 2024-2025 Class
Chair
Unverified
19:32
5A State Runners-Up. Senator Petty, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam
Senator Jim Petty
Unverified
19:42
President. Members, I know this seems like deja vu all over again, now four times.
But we have our Van Buren wrestling team here for the fourth time as state champions. And a new addition, I might add quite an improvement to the look here. We have our ladies wrestling team here who finished runner-up. And so I will not read through all of the information. We've taken pictures before, but I did want to recognize these young men and women for their hard work, and I'll read just a few of these things. So, obviously, we're here to recognize the Van Buren High School Pointer Wrestling Team
as the 2024-2025 Class 5A State Champions and the Lady Pointers Wrestling Team as the 2024-2025 Class 5A State Runners-Up. So just be forewarned, these guys I'm expecting down here for the fifth year in a row, and these ladies are going to move up on the list to the champions next year. I'm confident in that. Right, ladies? But a lot of work, a lot of discipline, a lot of effort, as well as a coach building a dynasty here.
But, again, fourth year in a row as state champions, as state wrestling champions, and more things to come for the ladies as state runners up this year. And with that, I would make a motion for a good vote and for approval. Thank you,
Senator Petty. All those in favor of Senate Resolution 62 to recognize the Van Buren High School Pointers Wrestling Team is a 2024-2025 Class 5A State Champions. And the Lady Pointers Wrestling Team is a 2024-2025 Class 5A State.
Runners-up, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed, ayes have it.
Speaker 108
21:48
adopted. Congratulations. Thank you guys. See you next year.
Next, we will move to Senate Bills to Concur and House Amendments, beginning with Amendments 1 and 2, with Senate Bill 104, Senator Penzo. Amendment 1, Senate
to voice vote these amendments separately, and then we will vote the bill separately. Senator Penzo. Thank
Senator Clint Penzo
Unverified
22:35
you, Madam President. There were a couple of amendments that were requested over on the House side.
One was put forth by the University of Arkansas, the other by Walmart. Now everything's agreed to. We had 27 votes on this when it came through. Now a lot of the opposition has been removed from it, so appreciate a good
vote. All in favor to concur in Amendment 1, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it.
Chair
Unverified
23:09
Amendment is concurred then. Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 104.
Motion to concur in Amendment 2.
All those in favor to concur in Amendment 2, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it.
Chair
Unverified
23:34
Amendment 2 is concurred in. Senate Bill 104 by Senator Penzo. To amend the Arkansas Pharmacy Benefits Manager Licensure Act to protect patients'
rights and access to medications and declare an emergency. Senator Penzo, you're recognized. As
Senator Clint Penzo
Unverified
23:48
for a good vote, closed. Thank you.
With no questions, anyone wish to speak against or for, Senator has
closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Seen
Speaker 14
24:04
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 Dodson, present. Any other senator? Murdoch, present. Any other senator? Scott, present.
Seeing no other, please cast up the ballot. My vote of 32 yeas, 0 nay, 3 present. Senate
Bill 104 passes, and the corresponding emergency clause is adopted. Please enroll it.
Amendment 1, is Senator Tucker here?
We're going to pass over Senator Tucker's bill and
go temporarily and go to Senate Bill 257, Amendment 1, Senator Penzo. Amendment 1,
Chair
Unverified
25:23
Senate Bill 257. Senator Penzo, you're recognized.
Senator Clint Penzo
Unverified
25:31
Thank you, Madam President. We just had some more cleanup. This was another bill. This was the bill that changed the days from 35 to 65 days where you could contest a rejection, industry standards, 90 days. There was just some cleanup that was requested on it. And I think we had 35 yay votes on it before
it was amended. So, motion to concur in the House Amendment.
Speaker 94
26:04
All those in favor of the motion to concur in the House Amendment 1, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Ayes have
Chair
Unverified
26:15
it. Amendment is concurred in. Senate Bill 257 by Senator Penzo to amend the Medicaid Fairness Act to extend the appeal period for providers in the Arkansas Medicaid program and require
comprehensive information and notices of adverse decisions. Senator Penzo, you're recognized. Appreciate a good vote, and I'm closed.
Senator, no questions. Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator has closed. Any objection rolling the vote?
Seeing no objection. Madam
Speaker 14
26:46
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, Stubbafield, 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, 0 nay. Senate Bill 257 passes. Please enroll it. next we'll take
up amendment 1 senate bill 323 amendment 1
Speaker 149
27:31
to senate bill 323 senator bryant you're recognized thank you
Senator Joshua Bryant
Unverified
27:37
madam president amendment 1 just a minor verbiage change
i got with senator payton he had his constituent with a very unique situation in one of his communities so the attorneys and the constituent
worked hours and finally nailed some language so it's just an amendment to change a little bit
Speaker 153
27:55
of language. All those in favor of the amendment please signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it.
Chair
Unverified
28:05
Amendment is concurred in. Senate Bill 323 by Senator Bryant to amend the Horizontal Property Act. Senator Bryant you're
Senator Joshua Bryant
Unverified
28:10
recognized. Thank you Madam President. Again this bill passed unanimously out of here and and no opposition down in the house. This just the amendment and the
bill just redefines horizontal property. Thank you. No questions. Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senators closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Seeing no objection,
Speaker 14
28:35
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. Any senator wish to change his or
her vote? King not voting. Any other senator? Seeing no other,
please cast up the ballot. By vote of 34, yay, zero, nay. One not voting. Senate Bill 323 passes, please, and roll it.
Senator Tucker is here, so we will now go back to Amendment 1. Senate Bill 227. Amendment 1, Senate Bill
Speaker 75
29:22
227. Just concurring. Thank you, Madam President. This
Senator Clarke Tucker
Unverified
29:30
is a concurring in a House amendment. The only purpose of the amendment was to add co-sponsors. I'd appreciate a good
Speaker 153
29:38
vote. All those in favor of the amendment, please signify by saying aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it.
Chair
Unverified
29:44
amendment is concurred in. Senate Bill 227 by Senator Tucker. I'm sorry,
I have a motion after that. Don't you want to vote this bill? Yes, I do. Well, that's what I thought. Senator Tucker,
Speaker 14
29:56
you're recognized. To amend the Freedom of Information Act of 1967 and to amend the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act of 1967 concerning public meetings. Senator Tucker, you're recognized. This is the
Senator Clarke Tucker
Unverified
30:09
bill with the addition of co-sponsors. Appreciate a good vote. Thank you.
Any questions? Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator has closed.
Any objection to rolling the vote? Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please
Speaker 14
30:27
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 Payton? No. Any other senator? Seeing no other, please
cast up the ballot. By vote of 34 yay, 1 nay, Senate bill 227 passes. Please enroll it. Senator Tucker, you are recognized. Thank you, Madam President. I have a motion to re-refer
Senator Clarke Tucker
Unverified
31:10
senate bill 600 to judiciary for the purposes of amendment. All those in favor of the
Speaker 94
31:18
motion to re-refer senate bill 600 to judiciary for purposes of amendment, please signify by saying aye.
Aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it. Motion carries. Senator Gilmore, you had a motion. You
Speaker 179
31:31
are recognized. Thank you, Madam President. Members, I'm going to ask
that we suspend the rules to place SB 590 on the end of the calendar, Senate calendar for the day. It was on the calendar for Thursday. I made a motion to send it back
to committee to have an amendment adopted on it. What I meant to say was to have amendment aggrossed, so I misspoke, but I'd like to just place it on the end of the calendar. There's no opposition to this that I'm aware of. Happy to take questions. What bill? SB 590. What's the title? It's the recidivism framework. Thank you. Thank you. We've heard it now in committee twice. Again, no issues other than having an amendment adopted, and I misspoke when I made my motion the other day. So with that, I'd make a motion.
rules for purposes of placing Senate Bill 590 on today's calendar, please
signify by saying aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it.
Speaker 190
32:32
Motion carries. Senator Clark, did you have a motion? Not yet. Not yet. Okay. All right, if not, we
Speaker 195
32:51
will move forward with today's calendar.
Hammer, we passed over your resolution for today, but if you are ready, we would like to go to the beginning of the calendar
Chair
Unverified
33:19
and take up Senate Resolution 59. Senate Resolution 59 by Senator Hammer to recognize April as Child Abuse and Neglect
Prevention Month. Senator Hammer, you're recognized.
Senator Kim Hammer
Unverified
33:35
Thank you, Madam Governor. This is a resolution. I'm not sure that anyone is in the gallery, but I would like to recognize that April is Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month.
One of the things that we need to always be mindful of down here with all the legislation that we pass is that there are children that are victims of child abuse and neglect, and I believe that our DHS and our other state agencies do an excellent job in trying to provide protection. And in all the laws that we pass down here, I know that everybody has the best intent and also puts forth the best effort but did want to just pause and ask that this month being recognized April as Child Abuse and Neglect
Prevention Month that we as a Senate would pause to just take time to put a lot of extra focus on this and so with that Madam Governor I would just ask and I will not read the resolution in its entirety but I will ask the Senators to do this if you would. If you would just stand for a moment and if we have a moment of silence and in that moment of silence pray for those that are of our most vulnerable population as a state and that would be the children that have been subjected to abuse and also
to neglect and let's just pray that their family lives can be straightened out to where they can be returned to their homes and to a safe environment or that the good Lord above would put them in a home and an environment where they wouldn't have to grow up living with that fear any longer. So instead of reading the resolution Madam Governor I'm just going to ask for a moment of silence that we might all lift up these children that are experiencing abuse or have experienced abuse and neglect that God just put his hand of grace on them. If you would please, a moment of silence.
Thank you, Madam Governor, members of the Senate. With that, I'd move for a good vote for Senate Resolution 59 to recognize April as Child Abuse and Neglect
Prevention Month, Madam Governor. Thanks, Senator Hammer. All those in favor of Senate Resolution 59 to recognize April as Child Abuse and Neglected
Prevention Month, please signify by saying aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it. Senate Resolution 59 is adopted. Next, we will return to the Senate calendar, or rather to the calendar on page two for Senate Bill 610, Amendment
1, but I believe, Senator Clark, you are now ready with a motion.
Senator Clark, you're recognized. Senate Bill 406 was sent back to city, county, local for purpose of
amendment. We amended it Thursday. Somehow we—and it was passed out due pass. Didn't make it somehow on the calendar today. I would like to make a motion that first that we adopt the amendment. Or do I have to do something else before I make that motion?
Yeah, it came out. Do pass as amended. I would, it somehow didn't make the calendar today, but I would like to make a motion to adopt the amendment. The amendment was to satisfy the senators that had questions about it on the floor.
Speaker 219
37:26
Okay, we're going to put it at the bottom of the amendment
Speaker 223
37:49
calendar. All right, thank you. All right. Senators, we're now
Speaker 122
37:54
going to go back to the calendar in front of us.
And that will be Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 610. Senator McKee.
Chair
Unverified
38:03
Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 610. Senator McKee, you're recognized. Thank you, members. This
Senator Matt McKee
Unverified
38:10
was a drafting and engrossing error. Just seeking to get that fixed. All those
Speaker 153
38:16
in favor of the amendment, please signify
by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it. Amendment is adopted. Please send
to engrossing. We will next take up Amendment 1 to House Bill 1771, Senator Murdoch.
Chair
Unverified
38:40
Amendment 1 to House Bill 1771. Senator Murdoch? Thank you, colleagues. Madam Chair, pass over this for a second.
Senator Reginald Murdock
Unverified
39:16
Let me check on something. Colleagues, we adopt Amendment 1 to Hospital 1771,
Speaker 153
39:39
please. 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.
Thank you. Next, we will take up House concurrent
resolutions, beginning with House concurrent resolution 10-09. House concurrent
Chair
Unverified
40:04
resolution 10-09 by Senator Penzo, to comply with Arkansas Acts 2023 number 259, to request federal funding for the next study phase, and to petition the Arkansas congressional delegation to
introduce federal legislation to rectify certain
energy issues. Senator Penzo, you're recognized. Thank
Senator Clint Penzo
Unverified
40:24
you, Madam President. House Concurrent Resolution 1009 asks our federal delegation to introduce legislation requesting a 10 million dollar funding to the Department of Higher Ed in the state to complete the economic study analysis in Act 259 of 2023. Appreciate a good vote. All those
in favor of House concurrent resolution
10-09, please signify by saying aye. Any opposed? I have it. House concurrent
Speaker 245
41:13
reach the House as concurred in we are
going to pass over Senate bill
120 and Senate bill 347 and put
it at the bottom of the Senate calendar for today behind Senator Penzo's Senate bill 613 and so
Senate bill 120 and Senate bill 347 will be at the bottom of the Senate
calendar today Senator Clark, we're still not.
Speaker 160
42:01
Is Senator Hester? Senate Bill 437. Senate
Chair
Unverified
42:20
Bill 437 by Senator Hester to create the Arkansas Wind Energy Development Act. Senator Hester you're recognized. Thank you Madam Governor. Members
this is a bill that we've had a lot of wind bills this session this is
one that you know we worked on we've amended several times but it just it brings some regulation into an industry that is not currently regulated. I think that one of the most important parts about this is what we're calling the the 300 elevation line that these regulations would be in effect basically protects the Ozarks, but other parts of the state like Senator Caldwell's so interested in their continuing to allow to operate without these same type of regulations. Anything that's currently under construction
is grandfathered in and is not encumbered by these regulations. I'm happy to give a lot more detail if somebody wants to ask
some questions. Any questions for Senator Hester? Anyone wish to speak against
or for? Senator has closed. Oh, Senator Caldwell, you're recognized to speak on, you're recognized to
Senator Ronald Caldwell
Unverified
43:31
speak for the bill. Thank you, Governor. Again, I want to reiterate what Senator Hester said. This is agreed to amendment, and I would appreciate a good vote
on his behalf. Thanks, Senator Caldwell. Senator Hester has closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Seeing
Speaker 14
43:55
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, Seberfield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Any senator
wish to change his or her vote? Senator Flowers, present. Senator Penzo,
present. Senator Murdoch I'm sorry Senator Flowers present Senator Penzo present Senator Murdoch no Any other senator Senator Dodson
present. Any other senator Senator Love present Senator Blake Johnson present Any other senator Seeing no other Please cast up the ballot by a vote
of 29 yea, 1 nay, 5 present. Senate Bill 437 passes. Please transmit to the House. Senator Clark, you're
you. Senate Bill 406, I've been working on since before January. It was originally SB 69.
We just passed the amendment for it to be engrossed. I would like to make a motion to suspend the rules and place it at the end of SB 406 at the
end of the Senate calendar today. All those in
favor of the motion to suspend the rules to place SB 406? 406. 406, I apologize. SB 406 at the bottom of the Senate calendar today.
Speaker 178
45:47
All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it. Thank you. Motion carries.
Madam Secretary, are there items at the
Chair
Unverified
46:08
desk? Yes. We, your Committee on Public Health, to whom is first Senate Bill 255 by Centro Penzo, recommended to pass as amended number one. Calendar. Committee on Public Health, to whom is first Senate Bill 311 by Centro Penzo,
recommended to pass as amended number one. Calendar. Committee on Public Health, to whom was referred Senate Bill 627 by Senator Irving, recommended to pass as amended No. 1. Calendar. Committee on Public Health, to whom was referred House Bill 1131 by Ripson Pilkington, recommended to pass as amended No. 1. Calendar. Committee on Public Health, to whom was referred House Bill 1734 by Ripson Childress, recommended to pass as amended No. 1. Calendar.
Committee on Public Health, whom is for House Bill 1844, by Representative Tosh, recommended to pass as amended number one. Calendar. Committee on Public Health, whom is for Senate Bill 591, by Senator Penzo, recommended to pass. Calendar. Committee on Public Health, whom is for House Bill 1241, by Representative Mayberry, recommended to pass. Calendar. Committee on Public Health, whom is for House Bill 1653, by Representative Kavanaugh, recommended to pass. Calendar. Committee on Judiciary, to whom is referred Senate Bill 590 by Senator Gilmore, recommended to pass.
Calendar. Committee on Judiciary, to whom is referred Senate Bill 612 by Senator Deese, recommended to pass. Calendar. Committee on Judiciary, to whom is referred Senate Bill 620 by Senator Irving, recommended to pass. Calendar. Committee on Judiciary, to whom is referred Senate Bill 623 by Senator Scott, recommended to pass as amended number one. Calendar. Committee on Judiciary, to whom is referred House Bill 1148 by Representative Vaught, recommended to pass. Calendar. Committee on Judiciary to whom is 4th House Bill 1615 by Rep. Lundstrom, recommend do pass. Calendar.
Committee on Judiciary to whom is 4th House Bill 1729 by Rep. Burks, recommend do pass. Calendar. Committee on Judiciary to whom is 4th House Bill 1752 by Rep. Maddox, recommend do pass. Calendar. Okay, now we're at... The Committee on Judiciary to whom is referred to House Bill 1777 by Representative Gassaway
recommended to pass this amendment number one. Calendar. Committee on Judiciary to whom is referred to House Bill 1799 by Representative Vaught recommended to pass. Calendar. Committee on Judiciary to whom is referred to House Bill 1815 by Representative Perry recommended to pass. Calendar. Committee on Judiciary to whom is referred to House Bill 1824 by Representative Duffield recommended to pass. Calendar. Committee on Judiciary, to whom was Verde House Bill 1835, by Representative Dalby, recommended you pass. Calendar. Committee on Judiciary, to whom was Verde House Bill 1838, by Representative Dalby, recommended
you pass. Calendar. Committee on Judiciary, to whom was Verde House Bill 1839, by Representative Dalby, recommended you pass. Calendar. Committee on Judiciary, to whom was Verde House Bill 1865, by Representative Vaught, recommended you pass. Calendar. Committee on Judiciary, to whom was Verde House Bill 1887, by Representative Pierce, recommended you pass. Calendar.
Speaker 264
49:40
Next, we will go back to Senate bills. We will have Senate Bill 439.
Chair
Unverified
49:52
Senate Bill 439 must enter Irving to amend the duties of the Secretary of the Department of Labor and Licensing and to
amend portions of Arkansas Code, which resulted in initiated Act 1 of 1914. Senator Irving,
Senator Missy Irvin
Unverified
50:05
you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President. Members the main purpose of this proposal is to
clarify the duties of the Secretary
of the Department of Labor and Licensing regarding the two different areas, Division of labor including labor disputes and wage and hour claims and the authority of the secretary for personnel related matters including hiring and firing of board, commission, section or division personnel. The proposal also replaces all references to the director of the division of labor and replaces it with a reference of with either the secretary of the department of labor and licensing or his or her designee and then simply the department of labor and licensing
depending on which phrase was most applicable. This was the bill that came to the floor. We sent it back to the committee because I think our staff at the Bureau wanted to make sure we had some clarifying language, which is engrossed in the bill at the very back page of the bill. And then basically that they have authority that it's the secretary, not the director, but to clean up that language has the authority of ultimate hiring and firing authority over the personnel in the Department of Labor and Licensing.
So that was just cleanup language. Happy to take any
questions. Any questions for Senator Irvin? Seeing no questions, anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator, you're recognized to close. I'm closed for my bill. I appreciate a good vote.
Thank you. Senator has closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Seeing no objection,
Speaker 14
51:41
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? Seen no one, please cast up the ballot by a vote
of 35 yea, 0 nay. Senate Bill 439 passes. Please transmit it to the House.
Senator Clark, we will now take up Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 406. Amendment 3
Chair
Unverified
52:27
to Senate Bill 406. Senator Clark, you're recognized. Yes, we had
done a great deal of work
on SB 406, but as often happens, Senator Hickey and Senator Dismang, Senator Tucker, found some problems on the floor, and this amendment was to address that. 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. Next, we will take
Chair
Unverified
53:03
up Senate Bill 447. Senate Bill 447 by Senator Petty to require permitted common carriers
to submit reports detailing shipments of alcoholic beverages into the state. Senator Petty,
Senator Jim Petty
Unverified
53:16
you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President. Members, with few exceptions, it's currently illegal to ship alcohol into the state, but it's obviously happening daily.
The purpose of this bill is to simply give the state a two-year gauge on the volume of alcohol being shipped into Arkansas. As it stands now, we really don't know. It requires that common carrier shippers like FedEx, UPS, DHL file quarterly reports with DF&A that documents the amount and volume that they're bringing into the state who shipped it. This does not create a sting. It's not looking out for my Baptist brothers or anything like that.
It's just a report to evaluate potentially the amount of volume. For example, in Kansas, after they adopted a similar bill, they identified almost 200,000 alcohol shipments. After seven months in Tennessee, they had about 185,000 shipments identified. And then our friends in Texas do always do it big. They had about 1.2 million shipments. And so with that, all we're trying to do is identify that. And at that point, we can decide what we want to do after two years.
Any questions for Senator Petty? Senator Payton, you're recognized. Thank you,
Speaker 288
54:35
Madam President. Why do we need to know?
Senator Jim Petty
Unverified
54:39
It's currently illegal to ship, and we have no idea how much is currently being shipped into Arkansas. With very few exceptions.
Senator John Payton
Unverified
54:46
I thought you said it was legal in certain circumstances. It is
Senator Jim Petty
Unverified
54:50
legal in certain circumstances. That's correct. But it is illegal in most circumstances. So would we expect those illegal shipments to be reported?
Well, the common carriers that are delivering it are going to report the information to DF&A. Okay, thank you. Good question, though. Senator Bryant, you're
recognized for a question. Thank you, Madam
Senator Joshua Bryant
Unverified
55:19
President. Senator Petty, what did those three states that acquired that data, do you know how they reacted to that, what their result was?
Senator Jim Petty
Unverified
55:26
Some of them are fairly new. I do not know the answer to that. Some of them are fairly new. For example, Texas, they adopted theirs in 2022,
but I do not know what they have done. And my expectation would be that we decide what we do with that data at the point in time in a couple years from now. What
Senator Joshua Bryant
Unverified
55:46
would be, like one of those would be just to end all shipments or to go to the end user and force tax compliance or what do you propose that would be?
Senator Jim Petty
Unverified
55:56
I'm not proposing anything at this point, but those would be items that could be considered. Okay, thank you. Senator Sullivan, you're recognized.
Speaker 303
56:12
Thank you, Madam President. Is there an enforcement mechanism
Senator Jim Petty
Unverified
56:16
if people don't report? What happens? So there is a reporting requirement. Let me get to the page there. But no, it is very loose. We actually had conversations with FedEx. They had some concerns, but they already have the software in place that captures this data. If they don't comply, what happens? If they don't comply, there is, I'm looking for it here, the penalties starts on the bottom of page 2, and then it goes to page 3.
So the penalties, which I don't have them here, but the penalties are under Section 23, 13, 234, if they fail to report. Okay.
Chair
Unverified
57:07
Any other questions? Senator Payton with a follow-up.
Senator John Payton
Unverified
57:10
Thank you, Madam President. So can you tell us what the penalty is? I mean, that's just a code section. And are
the carriers always aware of what's in the package? That's another good question.
Senator Jim Petty
Unverified
57:26
I'll come back to the code section. I'll look it up in just a second. But the information is, it doesn't include any information about the recipient. It just gives a zip code. It does not include, because they don't know if it's bourbon or legal wine being shipped into the state. And so the details of that are not, it's just where the
Speaker 299
57:52
shipper was and what zip code it was shipped to.
Senator John Payton
Unverified
57:57
Okay. Well, maybe if you could tell us what the penalty was, I'd appreciate it.
Other questions? Senator Mark Johnson, then Senator Hammer. Thank you,
Madam President. Senator Petty, this is primarily a data collection bill, is it not? I mean, we
may or may not in the future do something that would address the volume. If it's minuscule, maybe we don't want to do anything. And if it's a lot and a lot of tax dollars being evaded, we might want to do something.
Senator Jim Petty
Unverified
58:30
Is that basically what it is? That is correct. We're just trying to gather the data to determine if we do have a
substantial problem or a minor problem. Okay. Thank you, Senator. Thank
Chair
Unverified
58:46
you, Madam President. I see Senator Hammer. Any other senators? Senator Hammer, you
Senator Kim Hammer
Unverified
58:49
recognize her question. Thank you, Madam Governor. Is part of the intent and what the other states have done with this is determine if there's bootlegging or illegal alcohol coming into the state and without this, there's really no measurable way to determine that?
That is correct, yes. Okay, thank you.
Speaker 317
59:05
Any other questions for Senator Petty?
Senator Jim Petty
Unverified
59:08
I'm happy to push the pause button and try to look in that other counter section. You're okay going forward? Okay. all right
either way all right senator any no other questions oh sorry Senator Flowers, you're recognized for a question.
Senator Stephanie Flowers
Unverified
59:36
You may have already covered this, but a
common carrier that is simply delivering and transporting a package from a private individual, how are they supposed to know? Does this apply to alcoholic beverages that are in that package sent from a private individual?
Senator Jim Petty
Unverified
1:00:08
No, this is a common carrier reporting requirement. If Uncle Joe wants
to ship a bottle of wine or something, that is not contemplated
Senator Stephanie Flowers
Unverified
1:00:21
being tracked here. Well, exactly what is being contemplated, just alcohol from liquor stores or from beer
Senator Jim Petty
Unverified
1:00:29
distilleries? From the distributor end and from the distilleries, from the wineries and so forth.
Senator Stephanie Flowers
Unverified
1:00:39
So if Budweiser, are you talking about beer and stuff too coming out
Speaker 108
1:00:49
of state to Arkansas? We're talking, right now
Senator Jim Petty
Unverified
1:00:55
we don't know what all is coming in. Would that be included? If there was an alcohol, or a beer, I mean, that was being shipped from some, you know, small microbrewery somewhere, then yes, that
Senator Stephanie Flowers
Unverified
1:01:09
could be captured. So Anheuser-Busch Coors beer that's shipped into the state?
Senator Jim Petty
Unverified
1:01:14
You saying that's illegal now? No, I'm not. That is coming
through the distributors, through the normal chains. This is from the suppliers that are going to individual homes, not through the normal channels for the
Speaker 101
1:01:33
beer distributorships. Any other questions?
Anyone wish to speak
against or for? Senator, you're recognized closed. I'm closed. Senator has closed. Any objection rolling the vote?
Speaker 13
1:02:00
Objection noted. Madam Secretary, please call the roll. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Clark, Crowell, Crowell, Davis, Bees, Dismang,
Speaker 342
1:02:18
Dotson, Dotson, English, English, Flippo, Flippo, Flowers,
Speaker 318
1:02:42
Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin,
Speaker 17
1:02:47
Blake Johnson, Mark
Johnson King King Letting Letting Love Love McKee McKee Murdock Payton? Penzo? Petty?
Speaker 17
1:03:22
Stone? Stubbuffill? Stubbuffill? Sullivan? Tucker? Wallace?
Any senator who did not vote or who
Speaker 60
1:03:43
wishes to change your vote? Senator Dodson, no. Clark is a yes. Clark, yes. Crow, yes. Love, yes. Bledding, yes. Rice, yes. King, no. McKee, no.
Any other senator? Please check the board. Seeing no other. Please cast up the ballot by a vote of 20 yay, 12 nay, 2 not voting, 1 present. Senate Bill 447 passes. Please transmit to the House. Senate Bill 475. Senator
Senator Jonathan Dismang
Unverified
1:04:26
Dismang, you're recognized for an announcement. Then we will go to Senate Bill 475. Thank you, Governor
members. I'd like to welcome our Doctor of the Day, Dr. Singh from Searcy.
Let's welcome him to the chamber. And always, as part of our
family, we have Lee Fazio here, so let's welcome
Chair
Unverified
1:05:01
her again. Now we will take up Senate Bill 475. Senate Bill 475 by Senator Dismane to
establish the Pharmacy Services Administrative Organization Act and to regulate pharmacy services administrative organizations.
Senator Jonathan Dismang
Unverified
1:05:12
Senator Dismane, you're recognized. Members, last week we had a brief conversation about PSAOs on the floor. We kind of talked about what their role is as kind of the in-between between PBMs and pharmacies. Currently in the state of Arkansas, they are not licensed or regulated or registered. So all this bill does is create that regulation, oversight, and licensure with the state insurance department. It will be helpful, I believe, which we move through the process, not with just PBMs, but also making sure that we're taking care of our patients and doing and acting in their best interest.
With that, I'd be happy to
take any questions. Any questions for Senator Dismang? Senator Boyd, you're recognized.
Senator Jonathan Dismang
Unverified
1:05:56
Thank you. Senator Dismanck, thank you for bringing this bill. I think it brings oversight that wasn't there or hasn't been there previously. I've had some concerns expressed to me that if a pharmacy hired a consultant to help remodel the pharmacy, that somehow that would fit into there. Could you just give me some certainty that you don't believe that is applicable?
No, and I don't believe that's the case. And there will be some promulgation that goes along with this. And I think just the fact that we're mentioning on the floor will help with that. But no, that is not the intent of the bill and should not
be the ultimate outcome of the bill. Thank you, sir. Thank you. Any other questions? Senator King, you're recognized. Oh, you're standing. Okay. Sorry. Any other, Senator? Any other questions? Seeing no other questions. Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator has closed. Any objection rolling the vote? Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote.
Speaker 14
1:06:51
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, Steppenfield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Any Senator wish to change his or her vote, King not voting.
Any other Senator? Seeing no other, please cast up
the ballot by a vote of 34, yea, 0, nay, 1, not voting.
Senate Bill 475 passes. Please transmit to the House. Senate Bill 485.
Chair
Unverified
1:07:34
Senate Bill 485 by Senator Tucker to reduce
recidivism and to amend the law concerning the suspended imposition of a sentence, probation, parole, and post-release supervision.
Senator Tucker, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President. I'd just like to
Senator Clarke Tucker
Unverified
1:07:51
start by thanking Senator Gilmore for his outstanding work and leadership in this area.
This bill came about as a result of a task force that was created in the Protect Act. The task force focused for the last two years on figuring out ways to reduce recidivism in Arkansas. Senator Gilmore served as the chair of that task force, but it included, you know, prosecutor, public defender, judges, a victim of crime, someone who had been incarcerated, people from the Corrections Department, from the Attorney General's office, and everyone in the entire criminal justice system. And we worked diligently for two years to identify where we could make changes to code to help reduce recidivism in Arkansas.
This is really a consensus bill as a product of that work. We filed it a couple of weeks ago. We sent it around to everyone who had had input through the task force. Everyone, except for the prosecutors in the Corrections Department, just gave it a thumbs up as it was originally. The prosecutors had a couple of concerns. We addressed both of those with an amendment. The Department of Corrections had, I don't know, about a page and a half of notes. We incorporated 100% of their notes into the bill through an amendment. At this point, as I said, it is a consensus bill. I'm not aware of anybody who
has any opposition to the bill. I'm happy to go into, you know, there's a good bit of ways in here that we're seeking to reduce recidivism. I'm happy to go into as much of that as anybody would like for me to through questions. But generally, again, it's a product of two years of work and policy changes
that we're making to help reduce recidivism in Arkansas. Any questions for Senator
Senator Stephanie Flowers
Unverified
1:09:31
Tucker? Senator Flowers, you're recognized for a question. So I see this phrase, evidence-based practices and quality assurance unit.
And we've seen that before, evidence-based ideas or whatever to come up with solutions to fix problems with crime. So how is this supposed to be different? And I don't know. It seems to me like every five years or so,
the law changes. But we always talk about these evidence-based practices.
Are evidence-based practices changing that much? And what result does this task force think? What result, I'm sorry? What is the result that this task force thinks is going to happen as a result of this? I don't know what they probably hope for, but have they come up with some hard numbers? What could possibly be the result?
Senator Clarke Tucker
Unverified
1:10:40
So I'll take your questions in order. The first one is actually one of the more alarming things that at least I learned during the course of our task force is that there really aren't any evidence-based practices being used for people incarceration in Arkansas right now. And I was surprised and alarmed when I heard that. There was testimony in a task force meeting to that effect. And this is an effort to make sure that, because we do want to be making decisions based on evidence, not based on a lack of evidence for, you know, helping people overcome substance abuse, mental health, getting education, getting job treatment, getting the types of things that they need so that they can turn their lives around when they do reenter society and not resort to committing another crime.
So this is establishing a unit within the Department of Corrections to actually incorporate those evidence-based practices and just help, you know, run the department better in terms of
the inmates who are incarcerated to give them that better chance.
Senator Stephanie Flowers
Unverified
1:11:47
But it seems like I've heard
that before and the department has adopted, or they claim they did when they speak in front of committees, these evidence-based practices.
I remember Sheila Sharp, and even before she was the director, they were talking about evidence-based practices. Went all the way out to California to San Francisco to look at evidence-based practices. I mean, it seems like we're writing all these laws and having all these tasks for us. And to what end? I don't understand this. If
Speaker 384
1:12:23
that's true, then I don't believe it's
Senator Clarke Tucker
Unverified
1:12:27
been in code. I think that was maybe a practice by some people, either in the Department of Corrections or the Department of Community Corrections,
which used to be its own separate state agency, as you remember. I don't believe it's ever been in code. But we did have testimony. Nod your head if you agree, Senator Moore. if your recollection is the same, we had testimony in the task force meeting from the Department of Corrections that they do not currently have evidence-based practices using for those who are currently incarcerated in state prison. Minimal, but it's not in code. So this is putting
it in code to make sure that we have that moving forward.
Senator Stephanie Flowers
Unverified
1:13:06
So when the task force was speaking about evidence-based practices, did they have some examples of evidence-based practices that they want to see put in use? Yes, ma'am. And, you know, I can't recall all
Senator Clarke Tucker
Unverified
1:13:21
of them off the top of my head. I can recall one example.
You know, when someone is admitted into state prison, there's a risk assessment test that states administer. In Arkansas, it's not a validated risk assessment.
It had four questions. I can't remember what all four questions were, but one of the questions was, how old were you when you first consumed alcohol? One of the questions was, have you ever had suicidal ideation? And it was four questions long. In other words, it's not sufficient for the information that we need in order to provide a person with either the mental health or the substance use treatment or the education and job training that we hope to provide them while they're incarcerated so that they have a best chance of success when they are ultimately released from prison and
reenter society. So, you know, one of the examples would be to replace that test with a validated risk assessment test so that the department is more informed about the inmates and their care and custody when they come into state prison. So
Senator Stephanie Flowers
Unverified
1:14:25
they're going to be relying on the responses of the prisoner. It seems like they ought to have
a record, a history of the person. I guess they'd use that, too.
Senator Clarke Tucker
Unverified
1:14:40
Well, another section of the bill is creating a
pilot program with the administrative office of the courts to produce a pre-sentence report for an offender, not after adjudication, but at the time of sentencing, so that they are developing that information, so that judges and prosecutors, in the context of a plea agreement, can make a more informed decision about a person's sentence. And then that information will transfer over, assuming that person is sentenced to prison. That'll transfer over to the Department of Corrections so that they
do have that background information that you're talking about.
Senator Stephanie Flowers
Unverified
1:15:15
So it sounds like a lot of it is going to be
dependent on the inmate providing truthful answers. because, I mean, if you're looking at going to the pen and making your time easier, you're going to figure out how to say the right things so that your sentence might be a little leaner. I'm not sure. How many people were on that task force? I was about 18 or 20, I would say.
Senator Clarke Tucker
Unverified
1:15:46
And there were, you know, prosecutors and judges on the task force. From all over the state of Arkansas? It was Dan Shue, who's currently the president of the Prosecuting Attorneys Association. So he was there, you know, representing the prosecutors. And when we met, when we amended the bill last week in judiciary, I probably had a conversation with seven elected, I don't know, five to eight, somewhere in that range, elected prosecutors on the bill, including with Mr. McMahon and Ms. Comperis, who are the head of the Prosecuting
Attorneys Coordinators Association and deputy of the association.
Senator Stephanie Flowers
Unverified
1:16:17
And the task force looked at all types of crimes, so this was written in view of less serious crimes and more serious crimes, say somebody's in there for criminal failure to pay child support. Right. Really, the bulk of the
Senator Clarke Tucker
Unverified
1:16:39
bill deals with usually, most often
with people on probation and parole, not with people who are actually incarcerated.
But yes, we looked at all types of crime,
Senator Stephanie Flowers
Unverified
1:16:52
yes. So this would apply to people on parole or probation? In different sections of
Senator Clarke Tucker
Unverified
1:16:57
the bill. The section of the bill, section 5 that you asked about, the Evidence-Based Practices and Quality Assurance Unit, that's going to be for people who are incarcerated and stay in prison. But there's other sections of the bill. For example, we have a sentencing grid for how long someone's going to be in prison. We don't have a sentencing grid for how long someone's going to be on probation. And we think it will lead to better outcomes if we have guidelines for sentencing on probation.
You know, that's another example of a
change in the bill. Thank you. Any other questions for Senator Tucker?
Senator Clarke Tucker
Unverified
1:17:36
Senator Payton, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President. This criminogenic that we're defining, can you tell me, I mean, I see we're creating a definition, I guess, for it, but I don't
Senator John Payton
Unverified
1:17:51
understand the definition any more than I do the word, and there's not any context as to, other than just being part of the definitions, how
is it going to be used?
Senator Clarke Tucker
Unverified
1:18:03
So, that was one of the changes that the Department of Corrections requested to be amended into the bill. There was a definition in there originally. We struck the original definition and replaced it with a definition suggested by Dr. Bratton at the department. So, she's going to be the one really making use of that definition. And essentially what it means is, you know, boiled down into layman's terms, is something that makes it more likely
Senator John Payton
Unverified
1:18:32
for a person to re-offend. So are we talking about genetics or characteristics or geosocial status?
No, it's more personal characteristics. It's not about genetics, no. What about economic status? That may be one of the factors. Okay. Okay. I
Senator Clarke Tucker
Unverified
1:18:50
don't believe that's one of the factors. No, I don't believe that's one of the factors. Okay, thank you. I know for
Speaker 317
1:19:01
certain genetics it's not. Any other questions for Senator Tucker? Anyone wish to speak against or
for? Senator, you are recognized to close.
Senator Clarke Tucker
Unverified
1:19:10
Thank you, Madam President. Again, this is a product of two years' work with every sector of the justice system. Been working on it with Senator Gilmore and then Representatives Gassaway and Dalby. There's no known opposition to the bill. We accommodated all the concerns of the prosecutors and the Department of
Corrections. This will help reduce recidivism in Arkansas, and I appreciate a good vote. Senator
Speaker 14
1:19:40
is closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boett, 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 a vote of 34, yea, 0. Nay, 1 present. Senate Bill 485 passes. Please transmit to the House. Senate Bill
Chair
Unverified
1:20:20
488. Senate Bill 488 by Senator Irving to amend the law concerning when juvenile is considered to be adjudicated delinquent. Senator Irvin, you're recognized.
Senator Missy Irvin
Unverified
1:20:32
Thank you, Madam President. This amends the law when a juvenile is considered to be adjudicated as a delinquent, defining that as 10 years of age or older at the time the juvenile committed the act. And then also the second part of the bill, Make sure that if somebody is committing a crime, it's juvenile from birth to 18 years of age.
But if they were under the age of 18 at the time the delinquent offense occurred but has since reached the age of majority, they're still adjudicated as delinquent, as juvenile. Happy to answer any questions. Any
questions for us in Urban? Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator, you're recognized. Close. I'm
closed. Appreciate a good vote. Senator is closed. Any objection? Rolling the vote. Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote.
Speaker 14
1:21:34
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, Ryan. Scott, Stone, Stubbeville, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Any senator wish to
change his or her vote? Senator Flowers, present. Any other senator? Senator Murdoch, present.
Senator Love, present. Any other? Seeing no other, please cast up the ballot. By vote of 32, yea, zero, nay, three, present. Senate
Bill 488 passes. Please transmit to the House. Senator Irvin, you're recognized for motions. Thank
Senator Missy Irvin
Unverified
1:22:22
you, Madam President. Members, we had three Senate bills that came out of Senate Public Health that have amendments on them. I want to go ahead and just suspend the rules and get those amendments engrossed today so that we can move them because they may need
amendments on the House end. So we just need to do that. Two of them are mine and two of them are Senator Penzo's. So I'm just going to handle that with his permission.
Senate Bill 311. motion to Senate Bill 311, Amendment 1 so motion would be to suspend the
rules to allow for Senate Bill 311 to be amended and then engrossed and it would then be on the calendar tomorrow that's the motion
Speaker 406
1:23:07
all those in favor, please signify by saying aye, aye, any opposed, ayes have
Senator Missy Irvin
Unverified
1:23:14
it Amendment 1 Senate Bill 311 this is Senator Penza's amendment and his bill, we should have
Speaker 178
1:23:21
given up All those in favor of the amendment, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed?
Speaker 190
1:23:27
Ayes have it. Amendment is adopted. Please send to
Senator Missy Irvin
Unverified
1:23:31
engrossing. Thank you. 255. 255. Senate Bill 255, motion to suspend the rules to amend Senate Bill 255.
It came out of committee this morning with the amendment, again, trying to adopt the amendment to send it to engrossing, so it's ready to
be on the calendar for tomorrow. All those in favor of the motion to suspend the rules to allow for a vote on the amendment to Senate Bill 255. Please signify
Speaker 84
1:23:55
by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Ayes
have it. Motion carries. Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 255. This is Senator Penzo and committee's amendment. All those in favor of
Speaker 154
1:24:03
the amendment, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it. Amendment is adopted. Please send to engrossing. Senate
Senator Missy Irvin
Unverified
1:24:10
Bill 619 is my bill that came out of Education
Committee this morning. The motion to suspend the rules to adopt the
amendment that was passed in committee this morning. Send to engrossing. All those in favor of the motion, please
Speaker 178
1:24:22
signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it. Motion carries. Amendment 1, Senate Bill 619. My bill, my amendment. 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. Senate
Senator Missy Irvin
Unverified
1:24:39
Bill 627 is the last one. Same. Motion to suspend the rules to adopt the amendment that
was passed in committee this morning so we can send it to engrossing. All those in favor of the
Speaker 178
1:24:52
motion, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it. Motion carries.
Speaker 413
1:24:56
Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 627. My bill, my amendment. Appreciate a good vote. 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. Thank you. Thank you. Thanks, Senator Urban.
I believe that we are not taking up Senate Bill 494. That is actually still in the House. So we will move now
Chair
Unverified
1:25:23
to Senate Bill 496. Senate Bill 496 by Senator Caldwell to amend the law concerning permits for special cargoes and to amend the law concerning the issuance of a permit for special cargo transported by a farm machinery equipment hauler. Senator Caldwell, you're recognized. Thank you
Senator Ronald Caldwell
Unverified
1:25:45
Madam President. Members, all this does is we have a lot of farm equipment dealers out here that haul their own equipment. Some
of their trucking companies are set up in LLCs. This changes the the term from farm equipment dealer to farm equipment hauler to allow them to buy an annual permit, which is already on the books, instead of buying a permit every time
they haul that piece of equipment. Any questions? Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator, you're free to close. Senator's closed. Any objection? Rolling the vote. Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary,
Speaker 14
1:26:20
please roll the vote. Roy 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, Stubbafield, 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,
zero nays. Senate Bill 496
passes. Please transmit to the House. Senate Bill 497. Senate Bill 497
Chair
Unverified
1:26:52
by Senator Wallace. To require the creation of a poster
regarding veterans' benefits and services and require certain employers to display the poster. Senator Wallace,
you're recognized. Governor, members, this is
a bill that will help our veterans. It creates a poster that will be printed off and placed on the bulletin boards of companies with 50 or more employees. And specifically, this poster will give the contact and website information for the Department
of Veteran Affairs, substance abuse and mental health treatment for our veterans, educational workforce training and tax benefits for our veterans, the suicide and crisis hotline, and eligibility for unemployment. And with that, I stand by for your questions. Any questions for
Senator Wallace? 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.
Speaker 14
1:28:02
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, Any senator wish to change his or her vote? Seeing no one,
by a vote of 35 yeas, 0 nays. Senate Bill 497 passes. Please transmit to the
House. Senate Bill 516. Senate Bill 516
Speaker 84
1:28:38
by Senator Gilmore to allow a person filing as a candidate for the Office
Chair
Unverified
1:28:43
of Justice of the Supreme Court or judge of the Court of Appeals who is an appointee in
that position to use the title of that position as a prefix when filing as a candidate. Senator Gilmore, you're
recognized. Thank you, Madam President. So, members, this bill is a cleanup bill from one we already passed this session just to
prove that I'm not perfect. We missed the code section, and all this does is
go back and clean that up. This is related to judicial ballot titles. Happy
to take questions. Questions for Senator Gilmour.
Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator has closed. Any objection? Rolling the
Speaker 14
1:29:26
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, Enzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone,
Stubbafill Sullivan Tucker Wallace. Any senator was
to change his or her vote Senator Flowers present. Any other Senator King not voting. Any other senator?
Seeing no other please cast up the ballot by a vote of 33 yay, 0 nay, 1
not voting, 1 present. Senate Bill 516 passes. Please transmit to the House. Senator McKee you're recognized for a
Chair
Unverified
1:30:08
motion. Members I'd like to move
Senator Matt McKee
Unverified
1:30:11
that we suspend the rules and place SB 596 on the end of today's Senate calendar.
Motion to suspend the rules to add SB 596 to the end of today's Senate calendar. All those in favor, please signify by saying aye.
Aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it. Motion carries. Senator Payton, you're recognized for
Senator John Payton
Unverified
1:30:49
a motion. Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, I'd like to move that we withdraw Senate Bill 82 from committee and put it on the calendar at the first opportunity here so we can discuss it.
I can present it and we can vote on it on the Senate floor. This is the used car sales tax exemption
Speaker 434
1:31:35
increase. Any questions? Senator Hickey. Thank you.
Senator John Payton
Unverified
1:31:47
Not for purposes of amendment. This is the
Speaker 94
1:32:04
real deal. Senator Payton, is your motion to suspend the rules, to put it on as soon as possible, or is it to extract and wait
Senator John Payton
Unverified
1:32:12
the two days? The motion is to extract from committee and put on the first normal calendar that it could go on.
To put it on the calendar at the... Correct. Extract from committee. Okay. If I get enough votes, then I'm going to make a motion
to suspend the rules, right? All right. We have a motion to extract Senate Bill 82
from committee to be put on the calendar.
However, this is debatable, and Senator Hickey is recognized to speak against. Members, I don't blame Senator
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
Unverified
1:33:10
Payton for doing this. I'll tell you this. I wouldn't have gave two cents with him whenever he was representing Payton. And the truth is, is I consider him a friend of mine as a senator now, and you all know me. If I didn't, I wouldn't say that. But this is what I'm going to say for you all. Now, you all know how revenue tax operates.
And I'm going to tell you right now, what we do if there's a fiscal impact on a bill, we move it to defer. because actually there is all type of noble bills that are on there right now on the deferred. From exemptions for battered women to children's programs to exemptions for inputs for farmers and just a ton of other things. I mean, they are on there. But what I'm going to say is this. Is this body for the last two governors
and especially this governor, I'm going to go ahead and say it. What we have said is that we want to make income tax cuts our priority. And that's what we've done. Now, I'm going to tell you right now, I'm not advocating to do that right now either because I would personally want to say that we put that on pause, let everything bake, see where we're at with stuff, let this economy kind of subside and see what's going to go on there before we'd even do that. So what I'm asking you all is that you do not do this
Because if we're going to do this, we might as well extract every one of them and hear them on the floor. And what you're going to have is you're going to probably have, I've not added them up, it wouldn't surprise me if you're going to have a half a billion dollars in cuts that then are going to take priority over something else and also affect our cash flow. So, not saying it's not a good bill at all. It is a good bill. But there are probably multiple good bills on there. But in revenue tax, we have to prioritize, and that's just the way it is.
So I'd ask you for a no vote. Anyone else wish to speak
Senator John Payton
Unverified
1:35:22
for or against the motion to extract? Senator, your recognized close. Thank you again, Madam President. I thought you all should know that the estimated revenue impact for this next fiscal year would be 11.27. And then the first full fiscal year would be 17.15. It's likely this is the only tax reduction as a body that we get to vote for.
But I'm told by Mr. Anderson over at VLR we have 384 million surplus sitting there now. I know that we've dedicated a lot of what we've had in the past to the prison thing and the highways. and a lot of our current surplus is going to be dedicated to that type of thing, we've had $100 million income tax cuts. And I really appreciate that because it's helped me. But the bottom line is, surely we can find $12 million to cut
for the most vulnerable, hardworking, low-income Arkansans that need transportation. Arkansas is a rural state that can't get back and forth to a good job without a good car. We need the opportunity to debate this bill, and it's not a big fiscal impact. So all we do by extracting it is give ourselves an opportunity to consider it. And I appreciate a good vote. Senators closed.
All those in favor of a motion to extract, please signify by saying aye.
Aye. All those opposed? No. Noes have it.
Chair
Unverified
1:37:08
Motion fails. We will move next. Back to the Senate calendar. Senate Bill 534. Senate Bill 534 by Senator Letting to
Speaker 59
1:37:15
establish the Arkansas K-Trom Consumer Protection Act and to remove K-Trom from the controlled substance list in Arkansas. Senator Letting, you're recognized.
Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, I'm going to take just an extra minute more than I normally would because I know there are questions and I want you all to feel good about this when you vote for it here in a few minutes. We are here to regulate Kratom, protect consumers, and give Arkansas one more tool in the fight against opioids. This issue was first brought to Representative Eubanks and I some years ago by former Republican State Senator Kurt Bramble from Utah. He championed the passage of this legislation out there. We've talked about taking the step in Arkansas for the last four years. Senator Boyd filed an interim study in 2023 to look at legalizing this.
And today we are here with the Kratom Consumer Protection Act. Because several of you have asked, Kratom is an extract from the Mitragyna speciosa tree. It's an evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. It has been used as a pain reliever for centuries. In 2015, under President Obama's administration, the FDA told Arkansas and a handful of other states that it was going to schedule this substance as a drug and it encouraged these states to get ahead of the curve by banning it. So that's what Arkansas did. Our Department of Health held a public comment window that was just seven hours long before it took action.
So again, only six states moved to ban kratom. In 2016, the last year of President Obama's administration, the FDA moved forward with that plan, but it halted immediately in the face of intent public opposition. There were hundreds of thousands of letters that were sent to the White House. Among the members of the U.S. House that opposed the FDA's plan, a majority of those were Republicans. Among the U.S. senators that opposed the FDA's plan was Senator Orrin Hatch. And I will note that even the DEA rejected the FDA's plan to schedule this substance. So it never happened under President Obama's administration.
We get to 2018, under President Trump's first administration, the FDA completely withdrew its plan to schedule this substance. So now, again, only six states moved forward with this plan because we got bad advice from President Obama's administration. President Trump's administration reversed that course. We're just trying to undo that right now. Five of the six states are looking at undoing their ban on this substance. Fourteen states have passed the legislation before you today. Those include Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, West Virginia, and just two weeks ago, Missouri.
The main reason to do this is, again, we got some bad advice, but also this substance is helpful to opioid addicts. It can help them deal with their withdrawal symptoms. So this is a substance that opioid addicts can use to break away from that addiction. I'd appreciate a good vote.
Questions for Senator Letting? Any questions? Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator Blake Johnson, you're recognized to speak for.
Speaker 451
1:40:02
Members, my brother, God love him. He hadn't worked nearly as hard as I have, but he's got a lot of health issues, and he has motion issues, and he has migraines, and he takes this product. And it's better than the opioid alternatives. And I'd appreciate a good vote. Anyone else
wish to speak against or for? Seeing no other. Senator Letting, your recognized close.
I would just thank the Senate Majority Leader for his comments there. This is something that could be good for opioid addicts in Arkansas. We know how serious that problem is. And whatever your thoughts about the fact that I might be carrying this bill, I
would ask you to consider that Representative Eubanks also put his name on this bill. I would appreciate a good
Speaker 13
1:40:57
vote. Thank you. Senator has closed. Any objection to rolling the vote?
Speaker 342
1:41:05
Objection noted. Madam Secretary, please call the roll. Boyd? Boyd. Bryant? Caldwell? Caldwell. Clark? Crowell? Crowell. Davis? Dees? Dismang? Dismang.
Dotson? English? English? Flippo?
Senator Stephanie Flowers
Unverified
1:41:31
Flowers? Gilmore? Hammer? Hester? Hickey? Hickey? Hill? Irvin? Blake
Speaker 17
1:41:44
Johnson. Mark Johnson. King. Letting. Love. McKee. Murdoch. Payton. Payton. Penzo. Penzo.
Patty? Yes. Rice? Aye. Scott? Yes. Stone? No. Stabbeville? No. Sullivan? No. Sullivan? Sullivan? Tucker? Tucker? Aye. Wallace? Aye. Any senator wish
to vote who did not vote or change your vote. Senator Boyd, yes. Senator Kroll, yes. Any other senators? Senator Hickey,
present. Senator Sullivan, present. Any other senators? Seeing no other. Check the board.
Seeing no other. Please cast up the ballot. Buy a vote of 24, yay, 5, nay,
3, not voting, 3 present. Senate Bill 534 passes. Please transmit to the House. Senate Bill 540. Senate Bill
Chair
Unverified
1:43:06
540 by Senator Mark Johnson to limit the suspension or revocation of a driver's
license or imposition of restriction on driver's license
of a person who has suffered a seizure. Senator Mark
Johnson, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President. Senate Bill 540 addresses the restriction on driver's license for persons who've experienced a seizure. The American Academy of Neurology has come up with some new recommendations in March of 2025 on balancing public safety with the rights of individuals to drive.
Currently, Arkansas is joined by four states in the District of Columbia, New Hampshire, New York, and Rhode Island, who require the 12-month suspension restriction. Senate Bill 540 will bring us in line with the recommendations of the neurologists. I might say we had a lady who was doctor of the day about a month or so ago and I talked to her about this and she said it was a great idea that we should do this. We had excellent testimony in committee from people
who have suffered a seizure but are well under control and one of the things that was brought out which I hadn't thought about was that it keeps people, it encourages people to state that they've had a seizure and then get the medication as opposed to being scared that they might lose their right to drive and in many cases lose their job. So it's a good bill and I'd be happy to answer any questions.
Any questions for Senator Mark Johnson?
Senator Blake Johnson, you're recognized for a
Speaker 462
1:44:48
question. Senator, right now you can get a provisional or a waiver after three months without a seizure. Is that correct?
Well, actually, Senator, in the research on this, I found out that we don't really have a firm law on this. This has all been done by rule, by DFNA. And we're trying to clarify that where it is that it can't be more than six months. It could be less, and it could be not at all
based on the waiver and what the doctor's report is. Thank you, Senator.
Thank you. Any other questions? Anyone wish to speak against
Chair
Unverified
1:45:29
or for? Senator Mark Johnson, you're recognized closed. I'm closed. I
appreciate a good vote. Senator has closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Seeing no objection,
Speaker 14
1:45:40
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, Stubbafield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Any senator wish to change his
or her vote? Senator Dodson, present. Any other senator? Senator Penzo, present. Senator Flowers, present. Any other senator?
Seeing no other, please cast up the ballot by a vote of 32, yea, 0, nay, 3, present. Senate Bill 540 passes. Please transmit to the House.
Chair
Unverified
1:46:32
Senate Bill 562. Senate Bill 562 by Senator Hill. To amend the law concerning the Office of Internal Audit and to repeal the requirement of an
annual project review and efficiency study of the Arkansas Department of Transportation. Senator Hill, you're recognized.
Senator Ricky Hill
Unverified
1:46:47
Colleagues, all this does is produce some paperwork for the Department of
Transportation on a report that no one looks at anymore. With that,
I'll take any questions. Questions for Senator Hill? 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.
Speaker 14
1:47:19
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, Stubbuffield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Any senator wish to change his or her vote, seeing no one,
vote of 35, yea, zero, nay. Senate Bill 562 passes.
Please transmit to the House. Senate Bill 565. Senate
Chair
Unverified
1:47:53
Bill 565 by Senator Filippo to allow procurement certifications to be combined, to amend the law concerning
the representation to state contracts regarding contingents fees, and to amend the cooperative purchasing reporting deadline. Senator Filippo, you're recognized. All right, members, this is just
Senator Scott Flippo
Unverified
1:48:10
a streamlined procurement bill. And what this bill does is there are currently several different laws scattered throughout Arkansas Code that require state agencies and higher education institutions to get contractors to provide different certifications
that kick in at different monetary thresholds. For example, they don't boycott Israel or certification stating that they do and do believe the 2020 presidential election was stolen. And so what that does is it just takes that and comes into one single certification instead of multiple certifications. It doesn't change anything in its current statute or law. It just streams like our procurement process. The 2020 election was a joke. Ha ha. Happy to take any
questions. Any questions for Senator Filippo?
Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator has closed. Any objection to rolling the
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
Unverified
1:49:01
vote? He needs to correct his statement before we vote on this about the presidential
election, being part of it. I think he was making that funny. That was a very
Speaker 477
1:49:14
awesome attempt at humor that maybe not
Speaker 56
1:49:20
everybody picked up on. I've discouraged jokes before, so.
Any objection to rolling the vote? Seeing none, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Roy, Bryant, Caldwell,
Speaker 14
1:49:37
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. Any senator wish to change his
or her vote? Senator Flowers
not voting. Senator Flowers voting no.
Is that correct? Tucker present. Scott present. Love present. Any other senator? Murdoch present. Letting present. Any other senator? Seeing no other, please cast up the ballot by vote of 20.
nine yay one nay five present senate bill 565 passes just now please transmit please transmit to the
house senator hester you're recognized hey members just just a reminder like i said
at the start of the day when we
get to house calendar we're going to try to start batching those uh so if you have any you do not want batch please let uh sabrina know thank you Senator Flowers.
Senator Stephanie Flowers
Unverified
1:50:58
So it doesn't appear based on messages that I'm receiving that all of the bills are listed on our agenda that we have presently
on our desk. Are we going to get an updated agenda here? I'm having, you know, and with all the motions being made to add things at the end of the calendar and all this and that. I'd like to know exactly what it is
that we can expect to be voting on.
That's a very reasonable request. I will work on a supplemental calendar for the motions that we've agreed to today to
add to the end of the calendar. Or do we know how many that has
been? We did move Senate Bill 120 and Senate Bill 347 from the top of the Senate calendar to the bottom of the Senate calendar. We are Senate Bill 590
will also be at the bottom of the Senate calendar. Okay.
Hey, yeah. I see what you're saying, Senator Flowers. Clearly, it's a bunch. I will get those. I will get something printed out and handed out to all of us with everything that will be that we've agreed
to either move to the end of the calendar or add to the end of the Senate calendar today. Thank
you. Correct. Just Senate bills. Just Senate bills. Nothing's been added to the House calendar.
Senator Stephanie Flowers
Unverified
1:52:41
Bill is going to be voted on or something. I'd just like to have a
clean sheet with what we are supposed to be looking to vote on. So the clean
sheet will be the yellow sheet that you currently have, and then we will get out a secondary sheet for the things that we voted today to
Speaker 136
1:53:05
hear today. And for planning purposes, Senators, Senate Bill 593, which will be on the next page,
But it is, that bill is going to interim study, and then we are passing over Senate Bill 613 today. So just for planning purposes in the next half hour or so. And what I would like to do, Senators, for also planning purposes, depending on the length
Speaker 448
1:53:33
of discussion of these next seven or eight bills, is to get through the Senate bills that
are listed, as well as Senate Bill 120, Senate Bill 347, and I believe it's Senate Bill 590,
Senate Bill 492, and 596. Well, we'll get those listed, but by the end of what's in front of you, By the end of
Speaker 448
1:54:02
Senate Bill 611, we will have a list of what will be voted on after that.
By the end of that time, if not before. We will shoot to get it to you all before to allow plenty of time. But if you have any other questions, please let a member of the team know.
With that, we are going to move forward with Senate
Chair
Unverified
1:54:35
Bill 567. Senate Bill 567 by Senator Crowell to amend
and modernize the law concerning the apportionment of income derived from multi-state operations and to
change the method for sourcing of receipts for services intangibles. Senator Crowell, you're recognized.
Senator Steve Crowell
Unverified
1:54:50
Colleagues, this is Arkansas General Assembly adopted the multi-state compact in the 60s.
This is cleanup language to incorporate us in with the other states. 34 states have done this cleanup language, and that's what it is. There is
no known opposition, and the chamber supports this. Any questions
for Senator Kroll? Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator has closed. Any objection to
Speaker 14
1:55:22
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, Stuboffel, 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, 0 nays. Senate Bill 567 passes. Please transmit to the House. Senate Bill
Chair
Unverified
1:55:59
573. Senate Bill 573 by Senator Petty to amend the method of valuation under Arkansas Constitution, Article
16, Section 5, by defining the terms used in the established methods of
valuation for purposes of property tax.
Senator Jim Petty
Unverified
1:56:13
Senator Petty, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President. Members, if you have ever spent any time dealing with assessments or challenging assessments, then you probably have experienced what brought this bill on. All this bill is doing is putting the definitions for purposes of assessment in one location. For example, if you look at the very first page, they were talking about cost approach. That's a term that's in there. In order to find that, you would have to go to a certain section that deals with the PSC
because at one point in time, the ACD was under the PSC, and it talks about cost approach and public utilities. But that's the only definition for cost approach in using assessments. And so basically, this will hopefully clarify any inconsistencies and put it all in one location. The ACD is neutral on this. We met with them to discuss it, and with that, I'm happy to try to answer any questions.
Any questions for Senator Petty? Anyone wish to speak against or for?
Senator Jim Petty
Unverified
1:57:24
Senator, you're recognized to close. I
am closed, but I would appreciate a good vote. Senator has closed. Any objection
Speaker 14
1:57:40
to rolling the vote? Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dysmayne, 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? Senator Flowers present. Any other senator? Senator King, not voting. Any other senator? Seeing no other, please cast up the ballot by a vote of 33, yay, zero, nay, one not voting, one present. Senate Bill 573 passes. Please transmit to the House. Senate Bill 575. Senate Bill 575
Chair
Unverified
1:58:30
by Senator Tucker to amend the law concerning installment fees collected in circuit and district courts.
amend the law concerning driver's license and reinstatement fees and to create the justice
system task force. Senator Tucker, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President. Members, this bill would be
Senator Clarke Tucker
Unverified
1:58:49
a step one in reforming the fees that we have in the criminal justice system
in Arkansas. I think everyone who, especially those of us who have served on judiciary and have really taken a look at these, knows that we're in need of fee reform. This is a small step one. Originally, I would have loved to address a lot more fees in this legislative session but it's a very complicated
thing to do so this really just addresses two fees which are really the two most harmful and at least in my view in the justice system that being the installment fee which adds ten dollars per month to your principal balance depending on how much you owe or not depending on how much you owe if you owe a dollar it adds ten dollars per month until you get everything paid off and then secondly is the driver's license reinstatement fee. This is an idea that I have stolen from the governor of Oklahoma, Kevin Stitt, which is to make these fees. They're all special. They're
pretty much all special revenue right now. The problem with that is there's two problems with that. Number one is that if you try to reform the fees ever at any point and you can't really do that, it makes it much more difficult when the recipient of the revenue from the special revenue fees depends on that revenue. And so if you make it general revenue instead of special revenue, then you can make an attempt at reforming the fees without garnering an opponent or the recipient of that revenue. The second reason is a lot of the agencies are funded
by the imposition of these fees, and it creates an inherent conflict of interest. The more of these fees I impose, the more revenue my agency generates. And so we remove that conflict of interest by making this general revenue rather than special revenue. But we do this in a way without costing these agencies a single dollar because however much money they've been getting out of these special revenue fees, we put that into GR and then we're taking this exact same amount out of GR and sending it to the agency. So no agency is losing a dollar by passing this. We're not actually ultimately really changing the law by this bill other than just making those
two special revenues into general revenues. And then it creates a task force to study the rest of the fees in the interim. There's really only two agencies that are affected by this bill, the Administrative Office of the Courts and DF&A. We've been working extensively with both of those agencies and with the governor's office on this. We're almost to a resolution. Representative Dalby is the House sponsor of this bill. She's going to hold it until we reach a final resolution with AOC, but as of this point, everyone who I've been working on this with, including the agencies,
is comfortable with this moving forward off the Senate floor and we're going to get that last I dotted and T crossed before Representative Dalby runs it in the House. But that's where we are right now.
I'd be happy to take any questions. Questions for Senator Tucker? Seeing no questions. Anyone wish to speak
Chair
Unverified
2:01:41
against or for? Senator, you're recognized to close. Thank you, Madam President. I appreciate
a good vote. Senator is closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote.
Speaker 14
2:01:53
Royd, 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, Stubbafield, 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 yeas, 0 nays. Senate Bill 575 passes.
Speaker 264
2:02:25
Please transmit to the House Senate Bill
Chair
Unverified
2:02:30
576. Senate Bill 576 by Senator Davis to amend the coverage of continuous glucose monitors
within the Arkansas Medicaid program. Senator Davis, you're
Senator Breanne Davis
Unverified
2:02:40
recognized. Thank you, Madam President. Members, this bill just deals with someone being qualified to receive a CGM, their requirements, and right now the law says two or more times daily, and I'm striking that just to say that
it has to be in accordance with Medicare policy. We passed the language two or more times back, I think, four years ago, and that is what Medicare policy was at the time. It has changed since then. So instead of trying to change the law every couple years to keep up with what Medicare standards are, we just put in there in accordance with Medicare policy so that Arkansas will be in line with what the feds are doing in regard to continuous glucose monitors. Happy to take any questions. Any questions for Senator Davis?
Anyone wish to speak against
or for? Senator, you're recognized closed. Senator has closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary,
Speaker 14
2:03:38
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, Stubbofill, 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 yeas, zero nay. Senate Bill 576 passes. Please transmit to the House.
Chair
Unverified
2:04:13
Senate Bill 577. Senate Bill 577 by Senator Petty. To amend the law concerning local
sales and use taxes and require the Department of Finance Administration to notify local governments concerning sales and use taxes
that are set to expire. Senator
Senator Jim Petty
Unverified
2:04:26
Petty, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President. Members, this bill is just an attempt to put in one place
all of the reporting requirements and the procedures that need to be followed in order for an extension of an existing sales tax. In Crawford County last year, and then through that process, we discovered that it had happened in several other locations as well throughout the years. But we had a sales tax that was passed. It was a countywide sales tax that was passed a long time ago. it was extended, but there are at least four different state office notifications and requirements
that you have to follow. They missed one of them, and so because of that, they, we had to let the sales tax that was approved by the citizens expire for 90 days, so they could go through the process of notifying the proper state offices for the extension. Again, it's not changing anything. It just requires DF&A to notify the current administration of the requirements for extending a sales tax.
That has been previously passed. And with that, I'm happy to answer any 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
Speaker 14
2:05:59
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, Stubbafill, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace.
Any Senator wish to change his or
her vote? King, not voting. Any other senator? Seeing no other, please cast up the ballot. By vote of 34 yea, 0 nay, 1 not voting. Senate Bill 577 passes. Please transmit to the House. Senate Bill
Chair
Unverified
2:06:34
578. Senate Bill 578 by Senator Hester to amend the law concerning early voting and to allow County Board
of Election Commissioners to close certain early voting locations during inclement weather. Senator Hester, you're recognized. Thank you, Governor.
This bill allows for a county board of elections to close down some early voting locations. Not all of them have to keep the county seat open. In an event of like an example would be inclement weather or a tornado or something like that, they have to vote unanimously, which would mean there's clearly something going on. We know that those boards are bipartisan. So in the event that something happens and they vote
unanimously, they can shut down some of the early voting sites early or for the day.
Questions for Senator Hester. Anyone wish to question? Senator Flowers, you're recognized. So
Senator Stephanie Flowers
Unverified
2:07:30
this bill anticipates inclement weather as a reason for closing the voting location. I'm trying, what are you basing it on, a weatherman's report? What is this, a forecast? If you get a forecast that we're going to have snow tomorrow, then they're going to
meet and say the voting booths are closed or the location is shut down?
Well, I would hope that's not the case. But this would allow, I mean, we all know that our board of election commissioners are bipartisan. It would allow them, I don't know, if a tornado came through or if they were, you know, if there was sleet and rain coming to be able to close early or close for the day at that time. But that's for each individual county board of elections to be able to make that decision
Senator Stephanie Flowers
Unverified
2:08:24
for themselves. So could this be on the day of voting that something would happen, some bad weather come in,
and all of a sudden they meet and say, we're going to close it, and people are
standing in line to vote? Well, I would hope that is not what they
would choose to do. Could that happen here? it could happen. I think a lot of the concerns, many of our poll workers are elderly, and sometimes it's a concern. Like, it may never be a concern. You know, this was brought to me by the Association of Counties. It was something they felt like was important. I
agree that they just need to have that option
Senator Stephanie Flowers
Unverified
2:09:07
in the time of an emergency. I just don't understand how practical this is. I mean, we got reports from weather forecasters last week that we were going to have rain and floods, but how advanced is this emergency meeting supposed to happen? I mean, based on what?
Is it based on some information they get from Noah of what? You know, that's why we have
these elected election commissioners to make these decisions, and at that time they're in each county, and they have the ability to make those decisions at the time for that county. But they're not weathermen or women,
Senator Stephanie Flowers
Unverified
2:09:51
are they? Well, no, I'm not a weatherman, but I
can walk outside and see if it's safe to drive or not.
Senator Stephanie Flowers
Unverified
2:10:01
Right in front of you, but I guess about 10 miles down the
road, you wouldn't know. That's true. Okay. Senator
Clark, you're recognized for a question. Senator Hester, this is for early
voting, not Election Day, correct? That's correct. Only early voting. And they have to at least keep one, the county seat, open regardless of
conditions. And the members of the Election Commission are either two Republicans, one Democrat currently,
or two Democrats, one Republican, as we've seen it in the past. That's correct, bipartisan. And this is mainly because that the primary, if it's going to be in March, early voting is reaching into February where we have snow and ice, correct? That is a response to that bill, yes. And the law right now, even if you've got 10 inches of snow or two or three inches of ice, is poles have to be open. Is that correct? That's correct. Thank
you. Senator Hammer, you're recognized for a question.
Senator Kim Hammer
Unverified
2:11:08
Senator Hester, I noticed in the bill you got the phrase in clement weather. Is that not a definition that we use to determine whether
schools get closed or not? It is, but we allow each individual school to make that decision, just like
Senator Kim Hammer
Unverified
2:11:22
we're going to allow each individual county. Exactly. An inclement weather is a long-standing definition that would have to rise to a certain level in order to be able to defend the position that a unanimous vote would have to be given. Is that correct?
That's correct. And I think, as many of us know, in any situation, it is very difficult to reach a unanimous decision.
Thank you. Any other questions for Senator Hester? Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator
has closed. Any objection? Rolling the vote. Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote.
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 yeas, 0 nays, 1 present. Senate Bill 578 passes. Please transmit
Speaker 161
2:12:38
to the House. Senate Bill 580. Senate
Chair
Unverified
2:12:43
Bill 580 by Senator Hammer. To extend financing for
purchases of vehicles and equipment for a rural fire protection district.
Senator Kim Hammer
Unverified
2:12:53
Senator Hammer, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam Governor. The bill's pretty simple. Fire departments can purchase equipment from the Forestry Commission. Currently, they're limited to be able to finance it for just three years. This would allow them to extend it to five years. Forestry Commission is okay with this. The other method of finance involves a constitutional change where currently they can only go up to 12 years because it's a constitutional issue. A little higher bar to get to given all the other constitutional amendments out there.
So this will give specifically our volunteer fire departments some relief to be able to finance it out a little bit longer and just help their cash flow and get
the equipment they need. Be glad to answer any questions. Any questions for Senator Hammer? Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator has closed. Closed. Appreciate a good vote. Any
Speaker 14
2:13:53
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,
Stuboffield 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, 0 nay. Senate Bill 580 passes. Please transmit to the House. Senate Bill 583. Senate Bill 583 by Senator
Chair
Unverified
2:14:28
Tucker to amend the law concerning maximum allowable cost list relating to pharmacy services. Senator Tucker, you're recognized. Thank
Senator Clarke Tucker
Unverified
2:14:41
you, Madam President. Members, we're all familiar with the situation
with independent pharmacies or individual pharmacies and PBMs. We have a code section that if a PBM violates the code section by not providing the MAC list or by providing a drug at one cost to one pharmacy that they're affiliated with and then another cost to another pharmacy, then the insurance department can pursue the PBM for a violation of that statute and subject them to a fine. That's all well and good. I support that. That money goes to the insurance department. It does not go to the pharmacist who was harmed by the violation of that section.
What Senate Bill 583 does is it creates a private right of action for the pharmacist to run in parallel with what the insurance department does. The insurance department is public enforcement. This is private enforcement, that if a pharmacy is harmed by PBM in violation of that
code section, then a pharmacy can pursue a private right of action against the PBM
to recover their harm. Questions for Senator Tucker? Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator, your recognized close.
Senator Clarke Tucker
Unverified
2:15:48
I'm closed, Madam President. I
appreciate a good vote. Senator has closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Seeing
Speaker 14
2:16:03
no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. 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? Seeing no one, please cast up the ballot. By
a vote of 35 yeas, 0 nays. Senate Bill 583 passes. Please transmit to the House. Again, Senate Bill 593 is being sent to interim study. He needs to make a
Speaker 534
2:16:45
motion. Senator Boyd, would you mind to come make a motion? I apologize. Withdraw
Speaker 411
2:16:54
from the calendar and send to interim study.
Just withdraw from the calendar and send to interim
Senator Jonathan Dismang
Unverified
2:17:00
study. I'd make a motion we withdraw from the calendar and send Senate Bill 593
Speaker 178
2:17:06
to interim study. Thank you. All those in favor of the motion, please signify by
saying aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it. Motion carries. Senator Blake Johnson. Let me see if Senator Blake Johnson is right there. Senate Bill
Chair
Unverified
2:17:25
597. Senate Bill 597 by Senator Blake Johnson to create the criminal offense of threat of harm
upon a financial institution employee.
Senator Blake Johnson, you're
Speaker 451
2:17:41
recognized. Sorry about that, Governor. Thank you very much. Members, this creates the offense for criminal threat whenever it's a lending institution. an act is against lending institution and it creates a class B misdemeanor and a class B misdemeanor
Questions for Senator Blake Johnson. Anyone wish to speak
against or for? Senator has closed. Any objection rolling the vote? Seeing no
Speaker 14
2:18:20
objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Desmaine, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irving, 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? Senator
McKee, no. Senator Scott, no. Senator Payton, no. Senator Sullivan, no. Senator Flowers, no. Senator King, not voting. Senator Penzo,
present. Any other senator? Seeing no other senator, please cast a ballot by vote of 28, yay, 5, no.
one not voting, one present. Senate Bill 597 passes. Please transmit to the House. Senate Bill 601. Senate Bill 601 by Senator Hester. Create
Chair
Unverified
2:19:19
a pathway for a graduate of a foreign medical school to be licensed in this state if he or she is offered
full-time employment as a physician from a health care provider. Senator Hester, you're recognized. Hey, members, this provides a
pathway for a doctor that's currently, you know, operating license with a clean license in another state to be able to come and operate in the state
of Arkansas in a rural setting only in a health care provider area like a hospital where they have supervision for up to two years and at that point it would have to be reviewed. This is a very similar process that UAMS is currently allowed to do as a teaching hospital. We're going to open this up to our underserved communities as an option should they choose to as well. Any
questions for Senator hester anyone wish to speak against or for rather senator clark you're recognized for a question
senator when you say that's one of the best ideas we've had for our underserved communities and doctors
in a long time i i absolutely believe it is it's critical to uh to continue to add doctors we all know
that thank you for bringing the bill any
Senator Stephanie Flowers
Unverified
2:20:33
other questions senator flowers you're recognized. You don't think this violates your prohibition against DEI, do
you? No, we're happy to take any doctors.
Senator Stephanie Flowers
Unverified
2:20:45
But these are foreign doctors, so that's a particular type of doctor.
Yeah, we are not going to exclude them. We are not
Senator Stephanie Flowers
Unverified
2:20:57
going to exclude them. Oh. So you don't see any kind of
inconsistency with bans on DEI and
Chinese and other foreign groups that you, the government may or may not like? Maybe they think they are terrorists or something?
No, these are operating doctors in other countries operating under good standards.
Senator Stephanie Flowers
Unverified
2:21:23
And it doesn't depend on what country they come from. They can come from any country that we're at war with or something at
any point. As long as they are certified through the Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates and an Arkansas hospital seeks them out and hires
them in. They can't just come here. They've got to be sought out and hired by an Arkansas
Senator Stephanie Flowers
Unverified
2:21:48
hospital. And that wouldn't violate the bans on DEI? No, it would not.
Hmm, interesting. Any other questions about this bill?
Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator has closed. Any objection to rolling the vote?
Speaker 14
2:22:11
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 change his or her vote? King, not voting. Any other senator? Seen, I'm sorry, Flowers, present. Any other senator? Seen no other. Please cast up the ballot
by vote of 33, yea, 0, nay, 1, not voting. Senate Bill 601 passes. Please transmit to the House. Senate Bill 611. Senate Bill 611 by
Speaker 75
2:22:57
Senator Deese to amend the Social Media Safety Act.
Senator Tyler Dees
Unverified
2:23:19
Senator Dees, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam Governor. Members, Jonathan Haidt, the author of Anxious Generation, has a quote where he says that the great irony of social media is that the more you immerse yourself in it, the more lonely and depressed you become. As a reminder, last session, we passed the first in the country, we introduced the first in the country's Social Media Safety Act in 2023, and we were leaders across the country by doing that. And today, this bill looks to amend that law that we passed.
We've learned a lot being first across the country. Many states have passed their versions of our bill. And we've been able to take what other states have done mixed with what we did last session. And I believe we have a better product today with this bill. So that's what this aims to do is an amendment to the Social Media Safety Act. We know that 54% of teens tell us, self-report, tell us that it's hard for them to get off of social media. We know it's a very addictive and created an addictive product that especially attacks our young minds.
The psychology behind it is actually very addicting. And so what this bill does, it really aims to help with those issues. We've seen an increase in anxiety and depression, suicidal thoughts, all related to our youngest consumers of social media products. And so for that reason, this bill, the amendment, really addresses some of the things that were held up in federal court. And it removes some of those. And then it also adds concepts that help protect our children. And so, for example, if you look at page 7 in the bill, this will address things like saying that social media platforms shall not use addictive algorithms, doomsday scrolling, if you remember some of those terminologies.
It removes notifications for minors between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. when they need rest and growth. It also outlaws targeted advertising to minors and then really addresses the contemporary understanding of addiction and compulsory behavior to make sure that those are being addressed. And so that's what this bill does. I would appreciate any consideration of this bill moving forward.
Questions? Senator Tucker, you're recognized for a question. Thank
Senator Clarke Tucker
Unverified
2:25:42
you, Madam President. Center. You know, I appreciate what you're doing here. I'm curious if
Senator Tyler Dees
Unverified
2:25:49
there are people who oppose the bill. The only feedback I've gotten for requests for amendments have been from
big tech companies who have asked for clarification or definitional changes. I would say it this way, most companies want to be extracted from this. They don't want to be held accountable. And we
are entertaining amendments. I'm meeting with different organizations to review that. I'm still open to amendments, frankly. But I can tell you, I don't have much cause to stop some of these large billions and billions of dollars companies that have really neglected, I believe, our youth, especially. And so, yes, I'm happy to continue to look at amendments. Thank you, Senator. Any other questions?
Senator Ricky Hill
Unverified
2:26:39
Senator Hill, you're recognized. Who's going to determine addictive feed? Well, we do have definitions that call it out. I mean, who determines that it's addictive or not? Well, we have definitions that outline what addictive feeds are. So we're going to get that in their algorithm or definition? So in the bill, it outlines what we're talking about to be addictive algorithms. And
Senator Tyler Dees
Unverified
2:27:08
then I would also add, too, that we have, one, a follow-up bill, companion bill, that could create private right of action for parents to sue if there's been harm done.
And also in this bill that the Attorney General's office has the ability to address those issues. Now, what age group does this cover?
Senator Ricky Hill
Unverified
2:27:25
So we outline the minors being 16 and under. 16 and under? Yes, sir. So you do realize that when they hit the age of 18, they can sign up for the
military, and at that point, they have the right to fight
Senator Tyler Dees
Unverified
2:27:37
for freedom of speech? which we're trying to limit? Yes, sir. And we're addressing 16 and under. Yes, sir. Thank you.
Senator Irvin, you're recognized. Thank you. Could you just briefly
Senator Missy Irvin
Unverified
2:27:54
go through what you've changed? So I'm looking at what you're striking and so I'm assuming that what you're striking is what was in the original bill. Is that correct? Yes, ma'am. Okay. So if you can just So I see that you're changing basically what a social media company is, and you've removed a lot of language there on page three, and then I think also on page five. So could you just kind of go through your mindset as to, like,
how you're trying to, quote, fine-tune
the legislation from when it passed
Senator Tyler Dees
Unverified
2:28:28
to where it is today? Absolutely. So some of the things that were struck and added really have to do taking away a lot of the age verification side. There still is reasonable age verification language, but it puts more emphasis on the social media company to make sure that they're not preying on the youth and the minors. And it asks more responsibility of the company to do that,
to take ownership there, versus on the front end some, I believe we had some age verification side that we removed. And
Senator Missy Irvin
Unverified
2:29:05
you said that something about some of the changes were made because of some court cases. Is that
Senator Tyler Dees
Unverified
2:29:16
correct? Yes. Could you tell me a little bit about that? Well, so federal court put an injunction when NetChoice, the industry, sued on this topic. And all hinged around the age verification process. And so we've tried to address some of those concerns.
and then mimic what other states have done. We've learned from other states, states have learned from us, and so a lot of this language comes from other states
Senator Missy Irvin
Unverified
2:29:37
that have paved the ground here. Okay, and so I assume that the Attorney General has been involved with helping with the language of this
Senator Tyler Dees
Unverified
2:29:45
based on those challenges? Yes, ma'am. So we've worked with the Attorney General's office and the Governor's office
Senator Missy Irvin
Unverified
2:29:50
on these bills. Okay, I appreciate your work on
Speaker 505
2:29:54
it. Thank you. Thank you. Other questions? Any other questions? Any other questions? anyone wish to speak
against or for? Senator Hill, you are recognized to speak against.
Senator Ricky Hill
Unverified
2:30:12
Thank you, Governor. Colleagues, I know I'm not going to change any
of y'all's minds, but I do want you to think about a slippery slope we're walking on. This is a freedom of speech issue. We have young men and women fighting every day, risking their lives for our country to have freedom of speech. If we're going to do away with it, just do away with it. This is a freedom of speech bill, any way you look at it. I spoke against it two years ago. I'm going to speak it again today. If you want to limit the freedom of speech, go ahead and continue to vote for this, and the next thing is going to happen in the newspaper and everywhere
else. Well, thank you. Anyone wish to speak for, against? Senator Dees, you're recognized to close.
Senator Tyler Dees
Unverified
2:30:57
Thank you, Members. I appreciate Senator Hill's comments.
There is no content that's being withheld. All this is doing is trying to protect our most vulnerable. And so that's what we're trying to do. We're trying to make sure that the profits of these social media companies don't come before the protection of our children. And so with that, I appreciate a good vote.
Senator has closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Seeing no objection. Madam Secretary, please roll the
vote. Did you have an objection? No objection?
Speaker 406
2:31:32
No objection. Okay. Oh, we do have an
Speaker 13
2:31:38
objection. Madam Secretary, please call the roll. Boyd, Bright,
Speaker 342
2:31:47
Bright, Caldwell, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Crowell, Davies, Dees, Dismang, Dismang,
Dotson? No. English? English? Flippo?
Senator Stephanie Flowers
Unverified
2:32:05
Flippo? Flowers? No. Gilmore? Yes. Hammer? No. Hester? Aye. Hickey?
Speaker 17
2:32:17
Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, King, Letting, Letting,
Love? Love. McKee? Murdoch? Murdoch.
Speaker 14
2:32:42
Payton? Payton. Penzo? Penzo. Petty? Yes. Rice?
Speaker 13
2:32:53
Rice. Scott? Yes. Stone? No. Stubbafill? Yes. Sullivan? No.
Speaker 94
2:33:10
Senators who wish to vote, who do not vote,
who wish to change your vote? Senator Payton? Yes. Any
other Senator? Please check the board. Senator Murdoch? Yes. Senator Love? Yes. Senator Kroll? Present.
Senator Bryant, present Senator Tucker, yes Penzo, present Irvin, yes Any other
senator, please check the board Seeing no other senator, please cast
up the ballot by vote of 21, yea, 3, nay, 7, not voting for present Senate Bill 611 passes Please transmit to the House and senators again we are passing over senate bill 613 however
now uh let me give you a quick
rundown we are going to now move to the budget calendar senator dees a
very quick point of personal privilege thank you madam governor
Senator Tyler Dees
Unverified
2:34:24
hey members we've got um uh folks from john brown university today some poli sci majors as well as a city Director from Silent Springs. If we could give them a warm welcome from here today.
Speaker 36
2:34:43
Thank you, Senator Dees. Again, members, we're going
to do the entire budget calendar. Then we will take an administrative break. When we come back from a 10-minute or so break after the budget calendar, we will take up the supplemental calendar, and then we will take up
Speaker 448
2:35:02
individual house bills, and then we will vote the batch house bills. I will give you all a list of the individual house
bills after the budget calendar, before the break, so that way you all can
make note of which individual house bills we'll be voting on. Now we will take up the budget calendar. Senator Dismaying, you're recognized. Thank you, members. I'm going to walk
Senator Jonathan Dismang
Unverified
2:35:23
through the process just real quick so we're all on the same page and then you know talk to you about what we're going to batch what we're not but the first set here we have a bunch of Senate amendments that need to be made. I'm not going to explain each one of them because they can all be explained at the same time. These relate back to the change in the pay plan and adjustments that have been made so each one of these amendments with the exception of the unclaimed property appropriation which also
has a pay plan issue or change but that there's one small change there to bump that up to a million dollars worth of appropriation. But other than that, they all relate back to the state pay plan implementation. All right. So the bills that we would batch would be all of the House bills that's on page one and two, with the exception of House Bill 1927. That requires just a 24 vote to pass because it's changing an emergency clause. So we will vote it separately. So that's 1927 will already be pulled out of the batch vote for the House bills.
We will also go ahead and pull out Senate Bill 354. That's the Department of Corrections prison funding. We'll pull that out for a separate vote. And so we'll vote all the House bills. I'll read through those quickly. Just let me know if you need to pull one out. We'll vote all of the Senate bills with the exception of Senate Bill 34, unless you would like to pull any others from the batch. So I'm going to read through those right now.
But we'll come back and we'll do the amendments, and then we'll start voting our
Chair
Unverified
2:36:52
batches. Let's do the amendments first, Senator Disming.
Speaker 448
2:36:56
Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 40. All those in favor
of the amendment, please signify by saying aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it. Amendment is adopted. Please send to
Speaker 448
2:37:06
engrossing. Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 41. 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 to Senate Bill 52. 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. Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 54. 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. Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 55. 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. Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 71. 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.
Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 72. All those
Speaker 178
2:38:01
in favor of the amendment, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it. Amendment is adopted. Please send to engrossing.
Senator Jonathan Dismang
Unverified
2:38:09
Senator Dismayne. All right, I'm going to read through the House bills and the Senate
bills. If there's any you would like to pull out from the batch, let me know. We will vote those that we pull out first. So we've already mentioned two, that's going to be Senate Bill 354 and then House Bill 1927, but I'm going to read through the rest of the list. House Bill 1090. 1091. 1095. 1097. 1102. 1124. 1127. 1152. 1176.
Senate Bill 25, Senate Bill 37, Senate Bill 39, Senate Bill 88, Senate Bill 359, House Bill 1389, House Bill 1639. All right, so we're going to move to Senate Bill. Senator, I don't know if you
Speaker 179
2:39:11
stated Senate Bill 25, or maybe I just didn't hear it, but I just want to make sure.
Senator Jonathan Dismang
Unverified
2:39:17
Senate Bill 25. Okay. Okay. So we'll start with, do you want to start with Senate Bill 354? Okay. We'll start with Senate Bill 354. This is the $750 million appropriation for Department of Corrections capital
Speaker 75
2:39:36
improvement project for the prison project. Senate Bill 354 by
Chair
Unverified
2:39:40
Senator Dismang, an act for the Department of Corrections, Division of Correction Development and Enhancement
Speaker 448
2:39:49
Capital Improvement Appropriation. Senator Dismang, any questions?
Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator King, you're speaking on, against or for? Against. Senator King, you're recognized to speak against.
Senator Bryan King
Unverified
2:40:04
Thank you, Madam President. doing everything. Recently, the Board of Corrections, when this consultant out of California was saying that they're probably going to have to go 30 miles away to Fort Smith to get the water, that is exactly what we've talked about. You build a facility, you should have already known about this on the front end. This is inconceivable that we should come in here and all of a sudden be
trying to figure out where you're going to get water. Also, the staffing, also one other thing about trust in this, they kept saying that we're visiting with the local folks. The Franklin County judge, folks, just put out a Facebook post that nobody is communicating with him. So if you can't tell the truth on the front end, then how can you keep trusting people going down this process? We should still expand the Calico Rock expansion. This route will go, will cost taxpayers at least 50 million more dollars for 525 beds than we should have done the Calico Rock expansion.
no vote on this, folks, for the better Arkansas. Anyone else
wish to speak for, on, or against? Seeing no other, Senator Dismayne, Senator has closed. Madam Secretary,
Speaker 13
2:41:21
please call the roll. Boyd? Yes. Bryant? No. Caldwell? No. Clark? Clark?
Speaker 342
2:41:28
Crowell? No. Davis? Aye. Dees, Dees, Dismang,
Senator Stephanie Flowers
Unverified
2:41:41
Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin,
Speaker 17
2:41:51
Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch,
Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbofill, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Any senator
who wish to change your vote? Senator Dees, yes.
Any other senator? Murdoch, present. Any other senator? Seeing no other, please cast up the ballot. By vote of 19, yay, 10, nay, and 6, present. Senate Bill 354 fails. Senator Dismang? All
Chair
Unverified
2:43:16
right. House bill 1927 are of St. Virginia and Senator Dismang to
Speaker 14
2:43:22
amend a provision of Acts 20-25
number 408 concerning the effective date of Acts 20-25 number 408 and declare an
emergency. Senator Dismang, you're recognized.
Senator Jonathan Dismang
Unverified
2:43:34
Thank you. Members, this is to correct the
date and emergency clause. Any questions, anyone wish to speak against or for, Senator has closed. Any objection to rolling the
Speaker 134
2:43:52
vote? Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote.
Speaker 14
2:43:57
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? King, not voting. Any other senator? Seeing no other, cast
up the ballot by a vote
of 34 yea, 0 nay, 1 not voting. House Bill 1927 passes, and the corresponding emergency clause is adopted. Please return to the House.
Speaker 264
2:44:41
Now we will take up the batch of House bills.
Speaker 14
2:44:45
House Bill 1090 by Joint Budget and Act for the Department of Commerce, Arkansas Development Finance Authority Appropriation for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. House Bill 1091 by Joint Budget and Act for the Department of Health Appropriation for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. House Bill 1095 by Joint Budget and Act for the Department of Commerce, State Bank, Department of State Securities Department Appropriation for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
House Bill 1097 by Joint Budget, an act for the Arkansas Public Service Commission appropriation for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. House Bill 1102 by Joint Budget, an act
Chair
Unverified
2:45:25
to make an appropriation for state turnback for counties and municipalities by the Office of the Treasurer of State for the fiscal year ending June 30,
Speaker 14
2:45:37
2026. House Bill 1124 by Joint Budget, an act for the Department of Finance Administration appropriation for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
House Bill 11-27 by Joint Budget, an act for the Department of Education, Arkansas State Library
Chair
Unverified
2:45:51
Appropriation for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. House Bill 11-52 by Joint Budget, an act for the Department of Education, Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation Appropriation for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
Speaker 14
2:46:06
House Bill 1176 by joint budget, an act for the Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management
Chair
Unverified
2:46:13
Appropriation for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
House Bill, Senate Bill 25.
Speaker 14
2:46:19
Okay. Okay, I know, I got you. Okay. House Bill
Chair
Unverified
2:46:27
1389 by joint budget, an act for the Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disability Services, Jonesburg Human Development Center, appropriation for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. House Bill 1639, by joint budget and act for the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program,
appropriation for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Thank you, Madam Secretary. Anyone wish to
speak against or for? Seeing none, Budget Chairman has closed. Any objection to rolling the vote on the batch? Seeing no
Speaker 14
2:47:06
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? Seeing no one, please cast up the ballot. By a vote of 35, yay,
zero name, the batch of House budget bills passed, and the corresponding emergency clauses are adopted. Please return to the House. Next, we will take up the batch of Senate budget bills.
Chair
Unverified
2:47:50
Senate Bill 25, a joint budget, an act for the Department of Commerce, State Insurance Department Appropriation for the 2025-2026 fiscal
Speaker 14
2:47:58
year. Senate Bill 37 by Joint Budget, an act for the Department of Commerce Appropriation for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Senate Bill 39 by Joint Budget, an act for the Department of Commerce Division of Workforce Services Appropriation
Chair
Unverified
2:48:11
for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Senate Bill 88 by Joint Budget, an act for the Department of Education Division of Higher Education Appropriation for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
Speaker 14
2:48:28
Senate Bill 359, by Joint Budget and Act for the Department
Chair
Unverified
2:48:35
of Education, Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, Out-of-School Program Grants, Appropriation for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year.
No one wishes to speak against or for. The Senate Budget Chairman has closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Seeing
Speaker 14
2:48:58
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 King, not voting. Any
other senator? Seeing no other, please cast up the ballot by a
vote of 34 yay, zero nay. One not voting, the batch of Senate budget bills passed and the corresponding emergency clauses are adopted. Please transmit to the House.
And we do have a few items across the desk, but before we read those,
I want members, when we come back from break momentarily, we're first going to take up this pink supplemental calendar. Following the supplemental calendar, we are going to take up individual House bills that either they have to be voted on because they have an amendment or because they have an emergency clause or because someone objected to them being in the batch. I'm going to read those now if you would like to mark your agenda so that way you can see which ones we'll be voting on individually.
Then we will read items across the desk. Then we are going to take an administrative break before we begin this afternoon marathon. So here we go. The House bills that I have listed that we'll be voting on separately are House Bill 1062, House Bill 1079, House Bill 1467, House Bill 1525.
House Bill 1645, House Bill
Speaker 606
2:51:04
1690, House Bill 1700, 1743, 1794, 1802, 1814,
Speaker 534
2:52:29
Are there any that I missed? Senator Wallace. House Bill 1803. I have
18.02 had been requested to be out of the batch, and then 18.03 has to be out of the batch because it has an amendment.
So both of those. Other questions, Senator Petty? Clarification on
Senator Jim Petty
Unverified
2:53:11
18.02, is it out of the batch because of the amendment on members' own? It was, I have
Speaker 539
2:53:17
a note of ones that had been objected to
for batching and 1802 is listed as one. Okay, just wanted clarification. Thank you. Senator Clark, did you have a question?
Did you say 1526? I did. Do you know which page it's on? It's next
Speaker 448
2:53:54
to the last page. it is currently part of the match would you like to object to it I
Speaker 497
2:54:00
would like to object to it House bill 1526 will also be voted on individually Senator Payton House bill 1272
Senator John Payton
Unverified
2:54:09
on the first page Out of the batch. House bill
Speaker 192
2:54:22
1296. House bill 1272 has been pulled from the batch as
Senator John Payton
Unverified
2:54:29
well as what number? House bill
1296. 1296 which is located on the top of the next to last page.
Speaker 16
2:54:44
any others? Senator Flowers, yes ma'am. I'm sorry,
Senator Stephanie Flowers
Unverified
2:55:01
Senator Flowers, your microphone went off. House Bill 1272, I don't think all of these bills are on my yellow agenda sheet. I don't see a House Bill 1272. And obviously they're not in any kind of order
because I'm not following this. Are these supposed to be on the House bills for third reading and passage and then add the ones that
were amended earlier? I don't, I'm
Speaker 16
2:55:31
not. Yes. Senator Flowers, that's on page seven, and so
I will read the numbers again if members would find that helpful, because I'd rather there be clarity going into break than any confusion.
Senator Stephanie Flowers
Unverified
2:55:49
Was there any way we could just get a printout? Because it's one thing to get the bill number, but trying to figure out the title, unless I just go back and forth on the laptop, I guess I could do that, but I need more time than, I'm not following this sheet. It doesn't seem to be in order.
Well, let me, well, And the page that finishes the Senate bills and that begins the House bills for third reading, that's page six.
Speaker 448
2:56:30
And the bottom of page six, we have House Bill 1062 that is being
Speaker 539
2:56:35
pulled out. The next page, page seven, 1079. I
don't know you all's method, but I circle, asterisk, do something, so that way you'll note that I circle these because I'm the ones that
Speaker 539
2:56:53
we're pulling out. So on page 7, 1079, I'm sorry.
Again, top of page
Speaker 606
2:57:10
7, 1079, 1272, 1467, 1525, 1645, and 1690.
Speaker 406
2:57:34
Some have just been added, so if you all will bear with me, I'm going to add these quickly.
Speaker 606
2:58:24
top of page 8. 1696 has been added. 1700.
1743, 1789. That is all I have on
page 8. Top of the next
10-72, and 12-55.
Top of page 10, which begins with
House Bill 1296. That one, as well as House Bill 1333, House Bill 1344. House
Speaker 543
2:59:33
Bill 1515, 1522, and 1526 on page 10.
And finally, on the
Any that I have missed? Did anyone request 1798 out? Well, that is the current list.
Madam Secretary, do you have any items across the desk before
Chair
Unverified
3:00:56
we go to recess? With your Committee on Engrossed Bills to whom is referred Senate Bill 255 by
Senator Penzo, compare the engrossed copy of the original and find the same correctly engrossed. Calendar. Committee on Engrossed Bills to whom is referred Senate Bill 311 by Senator Penzo, compare the engrossed copy of the original and find the same correctly engrossed.
Calendar. Committee on Engrossed Bills to whom was first Senate Bill 406 by Senator Clark, compared to the engrossed copy of the original and find the same correctly engrossed. Calendar. Committee on Engrossed Bills to whom was first Senate Bill 492 by Senator Brant, compared to the engrossed copy of the original and find the same correctly engrossed. Calendar. Committee on Engrossed Bills to whom was first Senate Bill 563 by Senator Irving, compared to the engrossed copy of the original and find the same correctly engrossed. Calendar. Committee on Gross Bills to whom is for Senate Bill 599 by Senator Tuffer, compare the engrossed copy of the original and find the same correctly engrossed.
Speaker 59
3:01:53
Calendar. Just a minute. Committee on Engrossed Bills to whom is for Senate Bill 627 by Senator
Chair
Unverified
3:02:04
Irving, compare the engrossed copy of the original and find the same correctly engrossed. Calendar. Committee on Engrossed Bills to whom is for House Bill 1531 by Representative Anchor and Senator Boyd, compare the engrossed copy of the original and find the same correctly engrossed. engrossed. Calendar. Committee on engrossed bills to whom is referred House Bill 1735 by Representative Eves, compared to the engrossed copy of the original and find the same correctly
engrossed. Insurance and Commerce. Committee on engrossed bills to whom is referred Senate Bill 122 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 referred to Senate Bill 600 by Senator Tucker, compared to the engrossed copy of the original and find the same correctly engrossed. And then he made
Speaker 481
3:02:51
a motion to have it re-referred to Judici. Then Senator Tucker made a motion to have it re-referred to Judici.
Senator Tucker made a motion earlier to re-refer it to
Judici. Earlier, Senator Tucker had made a motion to re-refer Senate Bill 600 to Judici. What? Okay. Will you committee
Chair
Unverified
3:03:12
on gross bills to whom is for at House Bill 1717 for Representative Grammler and Senator Boyd,
compare the engrossed, copy the original, find the same correctly, engrossed. Judiciary. Committee on gross bills to whom is for at House Bill 1701 for Senator Gonzales and Senator Soberfield, compare the engrossed, copy the original, find the same correctly, engrossed.
Calendar. Okay. Senate Resolution 64 by Senator Blake Johnson: To urge the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness to take certain actions, Senate Resolution 64. Calendar. Senators, reminder, when we
come back from our administrative break, we will take up
the pink supplemental calendar first, in order. Next, we will go to the individual House bills in order, unless there's extenuating circumstances. We would like to keep these in order. Then we will batch the bills not pulled out individually for vote, and we will batch them by page. Senator Murdoch?
Speaker 497
3:04:22
Are we stopping at 5:00 today? Because I know there are committee meetings.
I'm hearing there are committee meetings. I will have an answer from Senator Hester on how we want to proceed because I realize this is a very lengthy calendar and you all have very full committee meetings and so let's get an answer after a if you'll give us a 10-minute administrator break then we'll have an answer to that we'll get through Senator Hester do you want to address the question whether or not we're going to try to end at five ish
today or at least get through the supplemental Senate and some of the house roughly five o'clock but not not a
hard stop we'll see how it goes I mean I really like to get to the batching to get a bunch of stuff off our calendar so we'll just see how quickly it goes but the house bills went really fast last week senator hill senator
Senator Ricky Hill
Unverified
3:05:33
hester which you you know as well as i do we have a have committee meetings that are have pretty full agendas tonight and there is also a major basketball game on tonight i
don't know if you're aware of that or not that that that is a great point i i didn't uh if if we'll
We'll go for roughly a five o'clock stop
then. I forgot about, no one cares about the national championship game. I know we have committees to go to, Senator Hill. So roughly five o'clock we'll
be done. All right, thanks. And Senators, one more bill that we had pulled out, 1733 on page eight. And
Speaker 22
3:06:13
Senators, the time is coming to pass on that. Senator Tucker.
Senator Clarke Tucker
Unverified
3:06:19
Thank you, Madam President. My calendar, in terms of the pages, is different than my neighbor's. And I wasn't going to let that go until I heard you say that we're going to start batching by page. And my paging is different. So I just want to make sure we're all on the same page as a figure of speech and literally. Sure. Yes. We are going to
Speaker 179
3:06:49
stand in recess and we'll. We're going to stand in recess for at least 10 minutes, maybe 15.
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3:07:16
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Speaker 199
3:45:16
Senate will come back to order. Again, Senators, we are
going to vote the supplemental calendar. We will take up rather the supplemental calendar first and then we are going to do the batch.
We will do the individual bills tomorrow, time permitting, but we've got a couple
of items to read across the desk. Will
Speaker 58
3:46:16
your committee on engrossed bills, well it's already been read.
Senator Gilmore. Senator Gilmore, you're recognized for a motion.
Thank you. Madam Governor, members, I'd like to
make a motion to withdraw Senate Bill 538 for purposes of amendment. All those
Chair
Unverified
3:46:54
Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries. Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 538. Senator Gilmore,
Speaker 505
3:47:04
you're recognized. My bill, by my amendment. Thank you. All those in favor of the amendment,
signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it. Amendment is adopted. Send to engrossing.
Chair
Unverified
3:47:13
Will your Committee on Engrossed Bills, whom is first, Senate Bill 369 by Senator Irving, compared to the engrossed copy of the original
and find the same correctly engrossed. Calendar. Committee on Engrossed Bills, whom is first, Senate Bill 468 by Senator Penzo, compared to the engrossed copy of the original and find the same correctly engrossed.
Calendar. Committee on Engrossed Bills, whom is first, Senate Bill 585, I mean 585 by Senator Letting, compared to the engrossed copy of the original and find the same correctly engrossed. Calendar. Committee on Engrossed Bills, to whom is first, Senate Bill 527 by Senator Irving, compare the engrossed copy of the original and find the same correctly engrossed. Calendar. Committee on Engrossed Bills, to whom is first, Senate Bill 610 by Senator Dismayne, compare the engrossed copy of the original and find the same correctly engrossed. Calendar.
Speaker 629
3:47:55
We can just read it. We will now take up.
Senator Jonathan Dismang
Unverified
3:48:03
Senator Dismayne has a motion. All right, members, Senate Bill 605, we passed that out of revenue and tax last Wednesday. There was an amendment to add a co-sponsor, and it is still yet to be on our floor just because of the timing. The House Rules Committee, which is where this bill will go, will not meet after Wednesday of this week. And so I'm making a motion to spin
the rules to add Senate Bill 605 to the end of the supplemental calendar.
Speaker 94
3:48:34
All those in favor of the motion, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? No. Ayes
have it. Senate Bill 605 is added to the bottom of today's supplemental calendar, which is the pink
Speaker 161
3:48:50
calendar. And we did have, before we take up the pink calendar, two bills that had been pulled individually
are now back in the batch. So those two bills are House Bill 1272 is back in the batch.
And House Bill 1733 is back in the batch. The
individuals who objected no longer have an objection. So this is after the supplemental.
We will now go to the supplemental, beginning with Senate Bill 120. Senate Bill
Chair
Unverified
3:49:20
120 by Senator Penzo to acquire licensure for all private care agencies in this state and to ensure consumer protection
for vulnerable aging adults. Senator Penzo, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President.
Senator Clint Penzo
Unverified
3:49:34
Just as a quick reminder, this bill was at the top of the counter. I pushed it then. It wasn't something we suspended the rules to hear today. I started to present this. We got it out of committee. It was asked to be sent back to committee for amendments, so we had sent it back. The last amendment just brought a background check section in line with the current Medicaid standards and added Senator Irvin as a co-sponsor. Senate Bill 120 establishes licensure requirements for all private care agencies operating in our state
and puts in place essential consumer protection safeguards for some of our most vulnerable Arkansans, our aging adults. We know that personal care services providers are a vital part of the care continuum, especially for individuals recovering from illness, managing chronic conditions, or choosing to age in place. These providers offer critical day-to-day support, but what happens when there is no uniform standard to ensure that these agencies are delivering safe, high-quality care?
SB 120 addresses this gap. It ensures that all private care agencies, regardless of whether they serve Medicaid or private pay patients, are held to a consistent statewide licensure standards. This is about protecting the dignity and safety of our seniors and ensuring that families can have peace of mind when they bring care providers into their homes. If there aren't any questions, I'll ask
for a good vote. Any questions? Anyone wish to speak
against or for? Senator has closed. Senator Urban is recognized to speak for.
Senator Missy Irvin
Unverified
3:51:17
Thank you. I just want to say thank you to David Cook with the Alzheimer's Association who worked on this bill with Senator Penzo. He actually traveled to Mountain View and met with some folks, and so I appreciate so much the work that y'all did on amendment of the bill.
And it's a really, really good bill. Thank you. Anyone else wish to speak against or for? If not, the senator has closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Seeing no
Speaker 14
3:51:47
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? Seeing no one, please, oh, I'm sorry. Senator Dodson, present. Any others? Senator McKee, present. Any others? Seeing no others, please cast up the ballot. By a vote of 33 yea, 0 nay,
2 present, Senate Bill 120 passes. Please transmit to the House.
Chair
Unverified
3:52:38
Senate Bill 347. Senate Bill 347 by Senator Penzo to require the Arkansas Medicaid program to increase reimbursement rates for certain dental services and to set an annual reimbursement cap for adult dental services. Senator
Senator Clint Penzo
Unverified
3:52:56
Penzo, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President. You know, things kind of get strange the last week or so of session. You know, I've got Senator Hickey voting for my bills and Senator Irvin speaking for them. So things are getting interesting around here.
So Senate Bill 347 increases dental reimbursement rates for Medicaid patients. Currently in Arkansas, the dentists are getting reimbursed at 36% of the average rate. I was a little confused when they were excited about increasing that to 60% of the 50th percentile. So in the first year, well, let me start with we kind of tailored this back to just being pediatric dental patients and adults with special needs.
In the first year, it will increase the reimbursement rate to 60% of the 50th percentile. Second year goes to 80% of the 50th percentile, and the third year it's at the 50th percentile as a benchmark. adults with special needs. It raises the cap in the first year from 500 to 1,000. Second year it goes to 1,250. And then the third year it moves the cap to 1,500. You know, there's a lot
of if a lot of the dentists I've spoke to have either quit seeing Medicaid patients or they've decreased the amount of Medicaid patients they can see. They've got to keep the business running, and some of them are breaking even or losing money. So they say every year they reduce the number of Medicaid patients are able to see. In 2011, 81,000-plus ER visits were billed to Medicaid for dental issues in Arkansas.
So people are going to the emergency rooms instead of going to the dentist because they don't have Medicaid coverage or there's not access to dentists in Arkansas that actually accept Medicaid. So we have a big issue. You know, there's no telling what it's costing our ER billing. I haven't been able to get good numbers on that, but I know that we are spending a ton of money on ER visits in Arkansas.
I'd be happy to ask any questions about the bill
Speaker 652
3:55:30
if there are any questions anyone wish to speak against or
for appreciate a good vote senator is closed any of senator caldwell did
Senator Ronald Caldwell
Unverified
3:55:43
you have a present i have a statement to make is that my before i vote i want to disclose my
Senator Missy Irvin
Unverified
3:55:52
daughter is a dentist thanks senator caldwell senator urban Same, I have disclosure on this bill as it relates to the codes that are addressed in the rates that my husband actually
applies the fluoride varnishes for, and it's directly related to the fiscal impact of that, and then my son is a dentist, so I'll be abstaining from the vote.
All right. Any others?
Any objections
Speaker 14
3:56:24
to rolling the vote? Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Any senator wish to change his
or her vote.
Senator Irvin not voting. Senator Irvin present. Senator Caldwell, present. Any other senator? Seeing no other, please cast up the ballot. By a vote
of 33 yea, 0 nay, 2 present. Senate Bill 347 passes. Please transmit to the House.
Speaker 655
3:57:09
Senate Bill 406. Senate Bill 406 by Senator
Chair
Unverified
3:57:16
Clark to require a county recorder to verify certain information before recording a deed to real estate.
Senator Clark, you're recognized. Thank
you, Madam Governor. Colleagues, we've worked
on this bill all session. It was actually originally a lower number, and since we gutted it and started over, it became SB 406. And when I say we, the circuit clerks, especially Selene County circuit clerk, Micah Sample, the title folks, and the realtors have helped.
And we got it on the floor back before spring break, and we had a couple of things here that senators on the floor noticed we needed to fix. Hopefully we have got them fixed. We've come back through committee with an amendment. Title fraud is very real. That's one of the things that was brought out in committee. It's really happening. It's especially happening to the elderly, and it's not just because they're elderly. It's because they have their homes paid for.
People don't try to steal houses where you've got to make payments. They try to steal houses where there's no money owed. And we know of here in Arkansas of people having to pay up to $30,000 to get their title back. And that was this couple's entire savings to get their title back. So I'll be happy to take—I'll try to answer your questions. This is not a bill that I know a lot about technically that I've had other people work on,
Speaker 655
3:59:00
but I'll do my best to answer your questions.
Questions for Senator Clark? Anyone wish to speak against or for?
Senator, you're free to close. Folks, this is something badly needed. It's just a start. These people will continue where there's value. They will continue to try to steal. We've already got some good ideas in the hopper for next session on how to close this down even more. That the circuit clerks have been working on this a lot.
I'd appreciate a good vote. Senator has closed. Any objections to rolling the vote? Objection noted. Madam Secretary, please
Senator Stephanie Flowers
Unverified
3:59:42
call the roll. Boyd? Yes. Bryant? Aye. Caldwell? Aye. Clark? Aye. Crowell? Aye. Davis?
Speaker 342
3:59:51
Aye. Davis? Aye. Dees? Aye. Dismaine? Aye. Dismaine? Dismaine? Dotson? Yes. English? Aye. Flippo? Aye.
Senator Stephanie Flowers
Unverified
4:00:03
Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake
Speaker 17
4:00:13
Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, King Letting Love Love McKee Murdoch Peyton Penzo
Penzo Petty Petty Rice Scott Stone Stuboffel? Sullivan?
Tucker? Wallace? Any senator wish to vote who did not vote or change your
Speaker 60
4:01:05
vote? Senator Scott? Yes. Love? Yes. Murdoch? Yes. Letting? Yes. Petty? Yes. Dismaying? Yes.
Speaker 505
4:01:15
Any others? Seeing no others. Webb King, not voting. Seeing no others. Please cast up the ballot. By a vote of
33 yea, 1 nay, 1 not voting. Senate Bill 406 passes. Please transmit to the House. Senate Bill
Chair
Unverified
4:01:40
492. Senate Bill 492 by Senator Bryant. to amend, to require a county recorder to verify certain information before recording a deed to real estate.
Oh, I'm sorry. No, wrong. That cap was stuck on this one.
That goes with that other bill. Senate Bill 492 by Senator Bryant to amend the law concerning the
relocation of utility facilities and to amend the law concerning the acquisition, condemnation, and deposition of
real property by State Highway Commission. Senator Bryant, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam
Senator Joshua Bryant
Unverified
4:02:12
President. Members, at the end of the 94th general session, or about towards the end of it, I had several contractors reach out to me about some severe delays in some of our state highway projects
due to utility relocation concerns. As I attempted to address that, I learned that Representative Fite down in the House was also trying to address the same issues with some issues going on here in Saline County. Two years later, at the start of this session, we've sat down RDOT and basically most or if not all of our utility providers and presented out a bill of which the utility company was not fond of. And so in that process of working together with utility companies, they presented a bill back that RDOT was not fond of.
So with everybody sitting in a room, what we have here is a product of agreed-upon language. It took a couple committees to get there because I wanted to make sure we were on the right path. But this bill is agreed upon language that lays out communication, communication, communication. The original utility rules were wrote in the 70s, only recently amended in the 2010 time frame, and really just needed to refresh and need to put old feelings aside. We need to get new eyes on these projects.
RDOT has utility coordinators, which will obviously assist in the programming of how they deal with this. We've got that CMCG legislation that recently passed another tool in the toolbox to get them through this. The result of this bill should be decreased costs, less delays, and a better product for our taxpayers and our commuters. With
that, I'm glad to answer any questions.
Speaker 653
4:03:53
Questions for Senator Bryant. Senator
Senator Kim Hammer
Unverified
4:03:56
Hamer. Thank you, Madam Governor. Senator, in the bill, does it remove the requirement that the utilities must be moved prior to construction beginning?
Because that was one of the original problems when
we had all those issues down in Saline County was that the utilities were not moved prior to construction. It just got
Senator Joshua Bryant
Unverified
4:04:14
off rail. There is outline expected. So on the front end of the projects, you know, projects aren't just figured out and let, you know, within a year. They were figured out a decade ago, depending on the complexity of the project. There's timelines outlaid as far as when the utilities have to be moved before the RDOT can let the contract to the construction. And if they don't meet the end of that game, there are civil penalties agreed upon by utilities that they should pay in order to adhere to compliance.
All right. Thank you. Other questions? Seeing no others. Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator has closed. Any objection to rolling the vote?
Speaker 14
4:04:58
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 change his or her vote King, not voting. Any other senator? Seeing no other, please cast up the ballot by a vote of 33, yay,
zero, nay. One not voting, one present. Senate Bill 492 passes. Please transmit to the
Chair
Unverified
4:05:41
House. Senate Bill 590. Senate Bill 590 by Senator Gilmore to create the recidivism
reduction system within the Department of Corrections and declare an emergency.
Senator Gilmore, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam Governor. Members, in the same vein of Senator Tucker's bill that you heard earlier,
this bill creates a recidivism reduction subchapter within code. It addresses a lot of things related to risk needs assessment, as he discussed. We spent a lot of time working on this. I want to say to Senator Tucker and others that worked on this, I appreciate their efforts and his hard work on this, on these issues related to recidivism.
One of the things that I think is important to note, that this bill asked Department of Corrections to do a feasibility study related to year-round school. Right now, we have a corrections school that is not year-round. And I would appreciate any questions you may
have, but that's a quick summary of what the bill does. Any questions?
Any questions? Seeing no questions, anyone wish to, oh yes, Senator Urban, you're recognized. Thank
Senator Missy Irvin
Unverified
4:06:51
you. At one time, because they operate their own school
district, but we had run legislation to make sure that they were following the science of reading and all those types of curriculum that we're trying to get in place for everybody. So is that
still intact? This does not address that. It just specifically asked them to look at a, do a feasibility study to look at going to year-round. Again, if we're going to maximize our dollars, and I mean, I would say that at the end of the day, we want them to be active and busy and learning as much as they can so they're successful and they get out. That's what this does among, you know, other things related
to programming. Any other questions? Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator, your recognized close. Members, again,
I'll just state we have a problem with recidivism. We're about 48% with recidivism that's costing us per csg numbers about 140 million dollars annually this is an issue we need to address and again we spent some work over the last two years working on that uh this is another step in the right direction appreciate
a good vote senators closed any objection to rolling the vote seeing no objection please roll the vote
Speaker 14
4:08:04
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, Stubberfield, 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, yea, 0, nay, 1, present. Senate Bill 590 passes. Please transmit to the House. Senate Bill 596.
Speaker 14
4:08:41
Senate Bill 596 by Senator McKee to amend the law regarding energy to
Chair
Unverified
4:08:47
establish a state energy policy to regulate retirement of
dispatchable electric generation facilities and declare an emergency. Senator McKee, you're recognized. Thank
Senator Matt McKee
Unverified
4:08:57
you, Madam Governor. Members, we've been going down a path in the United
States for the last several decades, and that path is not a wise one. with respect to retiring electrical generation assets that are the workhorses of our grid.
This bill simply seeks to set a state energy policy and give the PSC a little bit of authority to make sure that our grid is reliable and we're giving the customers
of Arkansas the best price that they can get. I'd be happy to answer
Speaker 655
4:09:35
any questions. Questions for Senator McKee? Seeing no questions,
anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator has closed. Any objection or rolling the vote? Seeing none, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote.
Speaker 14
4:09:48
Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismang, 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? Seeing no one, please cast up the ballot by a vote
of 34, yay, 0, nay, 1, present.
Senate Bill 596 passes. Please transmit to the House. Senate Bill 605. Symbol 605 by
Speaker 14
4:10:27
Senator Dismang to create the Delta Cannibal Excise Tax Act and to tax Delta cannibal products. Senator Dismang, you're recognized. Say it
Senator Jonathan Dismang
Unverified
4:10:44
puts a 50% excise tax on Delta 8, 9, or their variants,
including those that have a chemical compound that isn't even in excess of what you would think of as a hemp. derived product. What we found out in testimony in the Ag Committee was that there's really no way to regulate these products because of various court cases, even though we've banned them in the state, and the chemical altered versions are actually illegal, and they are being sold right now, but this district creates an excise tax. For comparison, tobacco products have
approximately a 64% tax on those. Happy to take any questions.
Speaker 317
4:11:25
Any questions for Senator Desmang? Senator Hill? Senator Desmang,
Senator Ricky Hill
Unverified
4:11:30
you said this ran through ag. Is this a tax on our ag products of hemp by 50%? Let
Senator Jonathan Dismang
Unverified
4:11:37
me back up. We had an extensive conversation about this product in ag and its regulation and the court cases that were happening and the enforcement that was not happening, even though it could. That was in the ag committee. This particular bill, since it
does have a tax, runs through the Revenue and Tax Committee,
Senator John Payton
Unverified
4:11:56
and it did go through Revenue and Tax. Senator Payton, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President. Does this dedicated revenue stream go to
Speaker 665
4:12:08
any particular project or thing or what? No one knows how much it
Senator Jonathan Dismang
Unverified
4:12:12
is because no one knows how much of this stuff is being sold. All I can tell you is you see some neon flashing lights and LED lights. Chances are that product is there and that color that's being flashed indicates whatever kind of particular product they're trying to sell to miners and everyone else. But it is an undeterminable amount of revenue and it will just go to DR as it stands right now.
However, I will say because it will require its own line on an excise tax form. And we would hope that these individuals, even though they're doing something they shouldn't be doing, would remit the taxes. We'll be able to gauge pretty quickly how much is being sold and how much revenue will
be collected in the state. Thank you. Any other questions for Senator Dismayne? Senator Stubblefield,
Speaker 666
4:12:54
you're recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair. Senator Dismayne, this does include Delta 8? Delta 8, 9, and its variance. Good.
Any other questions? Seeing no other questions, anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator has closed. Any objection rolling the vote?
Senator Stephanie Flowers
Unverified
4:13:23
Objection noted. Madam Secretary, please call the roll. Boett, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell,
Speaker 342
4:13:31
Davis, Dees, Dismain, Dismain, Dotson, Dotson,
Senator Stephanie Flowers
Unverified
4:13:38
English, Flippo, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey,
Speaker 17
4:13:54
Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson. Mark Johnson. King. King. Letting. Love. Love. McKee. Murdoch. Peyton. Peyton. Penzo.
Senators, if we can limit talking during voting, it will help
Speaker 13
4:14:32
us tremendously. Petty? Yes. Rice? Rice? Scott?
Speaker 17
4:14:41
Stavofill? Yes. Stavofill? Harris. Sullivan? Aye. Tucker? Tucker? Tucker? Wallace?
Any senator who wished to vote who did not vote or change your vote, Senator McKee, present. Dotson, no. Stubblefield, yes. Rice, yes. Any others, please check the board. Seeing no others, please cast up
the ballot by a vote of 27 yea, 6 nay, 1 not voting, 1 present. Senate Bill 605 passes. Please transmit to the House.
Senators, that concludes the supplemental calendar. We
Speaker 448
4:15:32
will now move to—we are going to vote
batches of House bills. These are bills that were not pulled out. We are going to vote them by page. I will read which ones we will be
voting on, And then, of course, the Secretary of the Senate, Ms. Cornwell, will do so. From page 7, the first batch is House Bill 1272, 1321, 1545, 1571, and 1618.
That is our first batch. Madam Secretary.
Chair
Unverified
4:16:15
House Bill 1272 by Representative Warren Centropenzo. to amend the law concerning property vacated
Speaker 14
4:16:22
by a municipality and to require vested abandoned property be conveyed with abetting
Chair
Unverified
4:16:29
real estate. House Bill 1321 by Rep. Woodridge and Central Wallace to regulate step therapy and fail-first protocols concerning certain prescribed ventilators.
House Bill 1545 by Rep. Brown and Central English to amend the Arkansas Military Child School Transitions Act of 2021, House Bill 1571 by Representative Ray and Senator Davis to amend the Arkansas Adult Diploma Program Act, House Bill 1618 by Representative Hawk and Senator Crowell to amend the law concerning the election appointment and contracting of a municipal attorney.
Thank you, Madam Secretary. Any objection to rolling the vote?
Chair
Unverified
4:17:23
Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees,
Speaker 14
4:17:30
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? King not voting. Any other senator? Seeing no
other, please cast up the ballot by vote of 34 yea, 0 nay, 1 not voting. Batch of House bills from page 7 pass. Please return to
the House. Now we will go to page 8, where we have 1733, 1741, 1742, 1744, 1772, and 1785.
Chair
Unverified
4:18:24
Madam Secretary. House Bill 1733, Representative Carr and Senator Caldwell, to amend various provisions of the Arkansas Code concerning the Arkansas Better Chance Program, Act, House Bill 1741 by Representative Woodridge and Senator Wallace to amend the Arkansas Agriculture Liming Materials Act, House Bill 1742 by Representative Woodridge and Senator
Wallace to amend the law related to seed certification, House Bill 1744 by Representative Woodridge and Senator Wallace to amend the law related to fertilizer, House Bill 1772 by Representative Vaught and Senator Davis concerning vegetable garden protection. House Bill 1785 by Representative Moore and Senator Hill to amend the law concerning the members of a county dispensary
board. Any opposition to rolling the vote? Seeing none, Madam Secretary, please roll
Speaker 14
4:19:30
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. Any senator wish to change his or her vote?
Senator King not voting. Any other senator? Seeing no other, please cast up the ballot
by vote of 34, yay, zero, nay, one not
voting the batch of house bills from page eight pass please return to
the house now we will take up the two bills from
Speaker 505
4:20:18
as a batch from page nine that's house bill 10-077 and 12-74 House
Speaker 14
4:20:30
bill 1077 by Representative Hudson and Senator Tucker concerning the incarceration of
Chair
Unverified
4:20:36
a veteran of the United States Armed Forces and to provide for notification to the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs of the incarceration of a veteran. House bill 1274 by Representative Warren and Senator Penzo to allow a title insurance agent, title insurer, or title company to pay real property taxes in conjunction with the issuance of a title.
Any opposition to rolling the vote? Seeing none, please roll the vote, Madam Secretary.
Speaker 14
4:21:15
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, Stutherfield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Any senator wish to change his or her vote? Seeing none.
Please cast up the ballot by a vote of 35, yay, zero, nay. House Bills 1077 and
1274 pass. Please return to the House. We will now take up the three bills on page 10 as
Speaker 534
4:22:03
a batch. That's 1314, 1341, and 1498.
Chair
Unverified
4:22:15
Hustle 1314 by Representative Johnson-Central Irving to amend the law concerning certain audits of health care providers
and to create the Arkansas Medical Audit Bill of Rights Act. House Bill 1341 by Representative Warren and Senator Dotson to amend the law concerning benefits under the Arkansas Local Police and Fire Retirement System
and to amend the definition of pay under the Arkansas Local Police and Fire Retirement System. House Bill 1498 by Representative Painter and Senator Crowell to amend the law concerning military-type canteens
and exchanges. Any objection to rolling the vote? Seeing no
Speaker 14
4:23:17
objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismaine, Dotson, English, Lippo, Fowers, 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 King not voting. Any other senator? Seeing no one, please cast up the ballot by a
vote of 34 yea, 0 nay, 1 not voting. House Bills 13, 14, 1341, and 1498 all pass. Please return to the House. Next, we will take up four bills on page 11 as a
Speaker 539
4:24:06
batch. That's 1638, 1658, 1759, and 1798.
Speaker 14
4:24:12
House Bill 1638 by Representative Painter and Senator Crowell to modernize references to
Chair
Unverified
4:24:25
the United States Armed Forces and to amend Armed Forces and Uniformed Services listings to include the United States Space Force. House Bill 1658 by Representative Mazzarco and Senator Wallace to amend the law concerning the payment of property taxes and to defend deployment for purposes of the exception to the assessment of penalties related to property taxes.
House Bill 1759 by Representative Milligan and Senator Boyd to increase the amount of time a taxpayer has to assess tangible personal property acquired during a certain time period. House Bill 1798 by Representative Licorzo and Senator Penzo to establish a green envelope
program. Any objection to rolling the vote for the batch? Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please
Speaker 14
4:25:20
roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismang, Dotson, English, Filippo, 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 Senator King not voting. Any
other Senator? Seeing no other, please cast up the ballot. By vote of 34 yea, 0 nay, 1 not voting.
House Bills 1638, 1658, 1759, and 1798 all pass. Please return to the House. Madam Secretary, are there items at the desk? Will your committee on engrossed bills
to move first sent Bill 217 by
Chair
Unverified
4:26:15
Senator Penzo compare the engrossed copy of the original and find the name correctly engrossed? Calendar. Committee on Engrossed Bills to whom is referred to Senate Bill 458 by Senator Ludding compared to the engrossed copy of the original and find the same correctly engrossed.
Calendar. Committee on Engrossed Bills to whom is referred to Senate Bill 500 by Senator Petty compared to the engrossed copy of the original and find the same correctly engrossed. Calendar. Senate Resolution 65 by Senator Tucker, to support Arkansas's engaging the justice counts metrics and to urge policymakers throughout state and local government entities to implement and utilize the justice counts metrics in Resolution 65. Judiciary. Senate Bill 633 by Senator Bryant to provide funding for the correctional facilities set aside
to provide for the transfer of funds from the Securities Reserve Fund and clear an emergency,
Speaker 22
4:27:15
Senate Bill 633. Joint budget. Any announcements?
Senator Hester, any announcements other than time? The
Senate will stand in adjournment
Chair
Unverified
4:27:33
the desk until Senator Hester, you're
recognized. Hey, we all recognize what type of session is, but I wanted us just to give a little appreciation. Our engrossing team did 54 amendments today already and probably still going. one o'clock tomorrow. Senator Irvin, you're recognized
Senator Missy Irvin
Unverified
4:28:00
for an announcement. Public health is going to meet upon adjournment. We're going to stay there for about an hour to try to
get it through a few bills, but we will be adjourned by probably 645 or 630. Any
other announcements? Senator Davis? Senator Clark? Senate
Judiciary is meeting in 171, 15 minutes upon adjournment. We will be hearing any bill
Senator Breanne Davis
Unverified
4:28:35
that comes until we stop. Thank you. Senator Davis. Thank you. Rules committee is meeting upon adjournment in 309. Thank you. Senator Dismang.
Senator Jonathan Dismang
Unverified
4:28:45
Special language will meet tomorrow at 830. Budget will meet at nine. Senator
Speaker 676
4:28:55
Hill. transportation will meet immediately after
any other senders seeing no other announcements and it will stand an adjournment subject to the clearing of the desk until 1:00 p.m. April 8th 2025
Agenda
Call to Order
Roll Call
Prayer
Pledge of Allegiance
Introductions of Senate Pages
Announcements
Doctor of the Day
Items to be Read Across the Desk
RESOLUTIONS FOR THIRD READING AND ADOPTION
SR59 K. Hammer TO RECOGNIZE APRIL AS CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT PREVENTION MONTH.
SR62 J. Petty TO RECOGNIZE THE VAN BUREN HIGH SCHOOL POINTERS WRESTLING TEAM AS THE 2024-2025 CLASS 5A STATE CHAMPIONS AND THE LADY POINTERS WRESTLING TEAM AS THE 2024-2025 CLASS 5A STATE RUNNERS-UP.
SENATE BILLS TO CONCUR IN HOUSE AMENDMENTS
SB104 #1 & 2 C. Penzo Penzo TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS PHARMACY BENEFITS MANAGER LICENSURE ACT; TO PROTECT PATIENTS' RIGHTS AND ACCESS TO MEDICATIONS; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.
SB227 #1 C. Tucker Tucker TO AMEND THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT OF 1967; AND TO AMEND THE PROVISIONS OF THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT OF 1967 CONCERNING PUBLIC MEETINGS.
SB600 - Motion to Re-refer SB600 to Judiciary for Amendment
SB257 #1 C. Penzo Penzo TO AMEND THE MEDICAID FAIRNESS ACT; TO EXTEND THE APPEAL PERIOD FOR PROVIDERS IN THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM; AND TO REQUIRE COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION IN NOTICES OF ADVERSE DECISIONS.
SB323 #1 J. Bryant Bryant TO AMEND THE HORIZONTAL PROPERTY ACT.
Motion to hear SB406 on today's calendar
MH - SENATE BILLS WITH SENATE AMENDMENTS
SB610 #1 J. Dismang McKee TO AMEND THE GENERATING ARKANSAS JOBS ACT OF 2025; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.
HOUSE BILLS WITH SENATE AMENDMENTS
HB1771 #1 Perry Murdock TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING DISCLOSURES TO POLICYHOLDERS; AND TO REQUIRE MONTHLY REPORTING BY INSURERS.
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTIONS FOR THIRD READING AND CONCURRENCE
HCR1009 Ladyman Penzo TO COMPLY WITH ARKANSAS ACTS 2023, NO. 259; TO REQUEST FEDERAL FUNDING FOR THE NEXT STUDY PHASE; AND TO PETITION THE ARKANSAS CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO INTRODUCE FEDERAL LEGISLATION TO RECTIFY CERTAIN ENERGY ISSUES.
SENATE BILLS FOR THIRD READING AND PASSAGE
Reconvene
Motion to withdrawal SB538 or purpose of amendment.
Motion to add SB605 to today's calendar.
SB120 C. Penzo TO REQUIRE LICENSURE FOR ALL PRIVATE CARE AGENCIES IN THIS STATE; AND TO ENSURE CONSUMER PROTECTION FOR VULNERABLE AGING ADULTS.
SB347 C. Penzo TO REQUIRE THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM TO INCREASE REIMBURSEMENT RATES FOR CERTAIN DENTAL SERVICES AND TO SET AN ANNUAL REIMBURSEMENT CAP FOR ADULT DENTAL SERVICES.
SB406 TO REQUIRE A COUNTY RECORDER TO VERIFY CERTAIN INFORMATION BEFORE RECORDING A DEED TO REAL ESTATE.
SB492 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE RELOCATION OF UTILITY FACILITIES; AND TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE ACQUISITION, CONDEMNATION, AND DISPOSITION OF REAL PROPERTY BY THE STATE HIGHWAY COMMISSION.
SB590 TO CREATE THE RECIDIVISM REDUCTION SYSTEM WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.
SB596 TO AMEND THE LAW REGARDING ENERGY; TO ESTABLISH A STATE ENERGY POLICY; TO REGULATE RETIREMENT OF DISPATCHABLE ELECTRIC GENERATION FACILITIES; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.
SB605 TO CREATE THE DELTA TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL EXCISE TAX ACT; AND TO TAX DELTA TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL PRODUCTS.
SB437 Hester TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT ACT.
SB439 Irvin TO AMEND THE DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND LICENSING; AND TO AMEND PORTIONS OF ARKANSAS CODE WHICH RESULTED FROM INITIATED ACT 1 OF 1914.
SB406 # 3 TO REQUIRE A COUNTY RECORDER TO VERIFY CERTAIN INFORMATION BEFORE RECORDING A DEED TO REAL ESTATE.
SB447 J. Petty TO REQUIRE PERMITTED COMMON CARRIERS TO SUBMIT REPORTS DETAILING SHIPMENTS OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES INTO THE STATE.
SB475 J. Dismang TO ESTABLISH THE PHARMACY SERVICES ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION ACT; AND TO REGULATE PHARMACY SERVICES ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATIONS.
SB485 C. Tucker TO REDUCE RECIDIVISM; AND TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE SUSPENDED IMPOSITION OF A SENTENCE, PROBATION, PAROLE, AND POST RELEASE SUPERVISION.
SB488 Irvin TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING WHEN A JUVENILE IS CONSIDERED TO BE ADJUDICATED DELINQUENT.
SB311 - Motion SB311 to allow to be amend and on Tuesday's calendar.
SB255 - Motion SB 255 to allow to be amend and on Tuesday's calendar.
SB619 - Motion SB 619 to allow to be amend and on Tuesday's calendar.
SB627 - Motion SB 627 to allow to be amend and on Tuesday's calendar.
SB496 Caldwell TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PERMITS FOR SPECIAL CARGOES; AND TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE ISSUANCE OF A PERMIT FOR SPECIAL CARGO TRANSPORTED BY A FARM MACHINERY EQUIPMENT HAULER.
SB497 D. Wallace TO REQUIRE THE CREATION OF A POSTER REGARDING VETERANS' BENEFITS AND SERVICES; AND TO REQUIRE CERTAIN EMPLOYERS TO DISPLAY THE POSTER.
SB516 Gilmore TO ALLOW A PERSON FILING AS A CANDIDATE FOR THE OFFICE OF JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT OR JUDGE OF THE COURT OF APPEALS WHO IS AN APPOINTEE IN THAT POSITION TO USE THE TITLE OF THAT POSITION AS A PREFIX WHEN FILING AS A CANDIDATE.
SB596 - Motion to ad SB596 to end of Today's calendar.
Motion to withdrawal SB82 extract from committee.
SB534 G. Leding TO ESTABLISH THE ARKANSAS KRATOM CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT; AND TO REMOVE MITRAGYNINE AND 7-HYDROXYMITRAGYNINE, ALSO KNOWN AS KRATOM, FROM THE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES LIST IN ARKANSAS.
SB540 M. Johnson TO LIMIT THE SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF A DRIVER'S LICENSE OR IMPOSITION OF RESTRICTIONS ON A DRIVER'S LICENSE OF A PERSON WHO HAS SUFFERED A SEIZURE.
SB562 Hill TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE OFFICE OF INTERNAL AUDIT; AND TO REPEAL THE REQUIREMENT FOR AN ANNUAL PROJECT REVIEW AND EFFICIENCY STUDY OF THE ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION.
SB565 Flippo TO ALLOW PROCUREMENT CERTIFICATIONS TO BE COMBINED; TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE REPRESENTATION IN STATE CONTRACTS REGARDING CONTINGENT FEES; AND TO AMEND THE COOPERATIVE PURCHASING REPORTING DEADLINE.
SB567 Crowell TO AMEND AND MODERNIZE THE LAW CONCERNING THE APPORTIONMENT OF INCOME DERIVED FROM MULTISTATE OPERATIONS; AND TO CHANGE THE METHOD FOR SOURCING OF RECEIPTS FOR SERVICES AND INTANGIBLES.
SB573 J. Petty TO AMEND THE METHOD OF VALUATION UNDER ARKANSAS CONSTITUTION, ARTICLE 16, § 5, BY DEFINING THE TERMS USED IN THE ESTABLISHED METHODS OF VALUATION FOR PURPOSES OF PROPERTY TAX.
SB575 C. Tucker TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING INSTALLMENT FEES COLLECTED IN CIRCUIT AND DISTRICT COURTS; TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING DRIVER'S LICENSE REINSTATEMENT FEES; AND TO CREATE THE JUSTICE SYSTEM TASK FORCE.
SB576 B. Davis TO AMEND THE COVERAGE OF CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITORS WITHIN THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM.
SB577 J. Petty TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING LOCAL SALES AND USE TAXES; AND TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION TO NOTIFY LOCAL GOVERNMENTS CONCERNING SALES AND USE TAXES THAT ARE SET TO EXPIRE.
SB578 Hester TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING EARLY VOTING; AND TO ALLOW A COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTION COMMISSIONERS TO CLOSE CERTAIN EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER.
SB580 K. Hammer TO EXTEND FINANCING FOR PURCHASES OF VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT FOR A RURAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT.
SB583 C. Tucker TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE COST LISTS RELATING TO PHARMACY SERVICES.
SB593 J. Boyd TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS PHARMACY BENEFITS MANAGER LICENSURE ACT; AND TO CREATE THE PHARMACY SERVICES ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION ACT.
SB597 B. Johnson TO CREATE THE CRIMINAL OFFENSE OF THREAT OF HARM UPON A FINANCIAL INSTITUTION EMPLOYEE.
SB601 Hester TO CREATE A PATHWAY FOR A GRADUATE OF A FOREIGN MEDICAL SCHOOL TO BE LICENSED IN THIS STATE IF HE OR SHE IS OFFERED FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT AS A PHYSICIAN FROM A HEALTHCARE PROVIDER.
SB611 Dees TO AMEND THE SOCIAL MEDIA SAFETY ACT.
HOUSE BILLS FOR THIRD READING AND PASSAGE II
HB1272 Warren Penzo TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PROPERTY VACATED BY A MUNICIPALITY; AND TO REQUIRE VESTED ABANDONED PROPERTY BE CONVEYED WITH THE ABUTTING REAL ESTATE.
HB1321 Wooldridge Wallace TO REGULATE STEP THERAPY AND FAIL FIRST PROTOCOLS CONCERNING CERTAIN PRESCRIBED VENTILATORS.
HB1545 K. Brown English TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS MILITARY CHILD SCHOOL TRANSITIONS ACT OF 2021.
HB1571 Ray Davis TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS ADULT DIPLOMA PROGRAM ACT.
HB1618 Hawk Crowell TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE ELECTION, APPOINTMENT, AND CONTRACTING OF A MUNICIPAL ATTORNEY.
First batch of House bills to be Voted on
HB1741 Wooldridge Wallace TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS AGRICULTURAL LIMING MATERIALS ACT.
HB1742 Wooldridge Wallace TO AMEND THE LAW RELATED TO SEED CERTIFICATION.
HB1744 Wooldridge Wallace TO AMEND THE LAW RELATED TO FERTILIZER.
HB1772 Vaught Davis CONCERNING VEGETABLE GARDEN PROTECTION.
HB1785 J. Moore Hill TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE MEMBERS OF A COUNTY DEPOSITORY BOARD.
Second batch of House bills to be Voted on
HB1077 Hudson Tucker CONCERNING THE INCARCERATION OF A VETERAN OF THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES; AND TO PROVIDE FOR NOTIFICATION TO THE ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS OF THE INCARCERATION OF A VETERAN.
HB1274 Warren Penzo TO ALLOW A TITLE INSURANCE AGENT, TITLE INSURER, OR TITLE COMPANY TO PAY REAL PROPERTY TAXES IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE ISSUANCE OF A TITLE.
Third batch of House bills to be Voted on
HB1314 L. Johnson Irvin TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING CERTAIN AUDITS OF HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS; AND TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS MEDICAL AUDIT BILL OF RIGHTS ACT.
HB1341 Warren Dotson TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING BENEFITS UNDER THE ARKANSAS LOCAL POLICE AND FIRE RETIREMENT SYSTEM; AND TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "PAY" UNDER THE ARKANSAS LOCAL POLICE AND FIRE RETIREMENT SYSTEM.
HB1498 Painter Crowell TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING MILITARY-TYPE CANTEENS AND EXCHANGES.
Fourth batch of House bills to be Voted on
HB1638 Painter Crowell TO MODERNIZE REFERENCES TO THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES; AND TO AMEND ARMED FORCES AND UNIFORMED SERVICES LISTINGS TO INCLUDE THE UNITED STATES SPACE FORCE.
HB1658 Nazarenko Wallace TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE PAYMENT OF PROPERTY TAXES; AND TO DEFINE "DEPLOYMENT" FOR PURPOSES OF THE EXCEPTION TO THE ASSESSMENT OF PENALTIES RELATED TO PROPERTY TAXES.
HB1759 Milligan Boyd TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF TIME A TAXPAYER HAS TO ASSESS TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY ACQUIRED DURING A CERTAIN TIME PERIOD.
HB1798 Nazarenko Penzo TO ESTABLISH A GREEN ENVELOPE PROGRAM.
Fifth batch of House bills to be Voted on
Budget Bills to be Amended and Re-referred to Joint Budget Committee
SB40 #1 AN ACT FOR THE BUREAU OF LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.
SB41 #1 AN ACT FOR THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.
SB52 #1 AN ACT FOR THE AUDITOR OF STATE - OPERATIONS AND UNCLAIMED PROPERTY PROGRAM APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.
SB54 #1 AN ACT FOR THE AUDITOR OF STATE - DEPUTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.
SB55 #1 AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS SUPREME COURT APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.
SB71 #1 AN ACT FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS - COURT PERSONNEL APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.
SB72 #1 AN ACT FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.
HB1090 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - ARKANSAS DEVELOPMENT FINANCE AUTHORITY APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.
HB1091 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.
HB1095 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - STATE BANK DEPARTMENT AND STATE SECURITIES DEPARTMENT APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.
HB1097 AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.
HB1102 AN ACT TO MAKE AN APPROPRIATION FOR STATE TURNBACK FOR COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES BY THE OFFICE OF THE TREASURER OF STATE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2026; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
HB1124 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.
HB1127 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - ARKANSAS STATE LIBRARY APPROPRIATION FOR THE 20252026 FISCAL YEAR.
HB1152 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - DIVISION OF PUBLIC SCHOOL ACADEMIC FACILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.
HB1176 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY - DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.
Batch Vote of House Budget Bills
SB25 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - STATE INSURANCE DEPARTMENT APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.
SB37 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.
SB39 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - DIVISION OF WORKFORCE SERVICES APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.
SB88 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - DIVISION OF HIGHER EDUCATION APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.
Batch Vote of Senate Budget Bills
Recess
SB354 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS - DIVISION OF CORRECTION DEVELOPMENT AND ENHANCEMENT CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT APPROPRIATION
SB359 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - DIVISION OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION OUT-OF-SCHOOL TIME PROGRAM GRANTS APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.
HB1389 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - DIVISION OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES SERVICES - JONESBORO HUMAN DEVELOPMENT CENTER APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.
HB1639 AN ACT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS FOR MEDICAL SCIENCES - SEXUAL ASSAULT NURSE EXAMINER PROGRAM APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.
HB1927 TO AMEND A PROVISION OF ACTS 2025, NO. 408, CONCERNING THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF ACTS 2025, NO. 408; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.
Items to be read across the desk
Announcements
Adjourn
Documents
No documents posted.
Speakers
Senator Ben Gilmore Chair
Unverified
Senator Mark Johnson Chair
Unverified
Speaker 24
Chair
Unverified
Senator Matt Stone
Unverified
Senator Bart Hester Chair
Unverified
Senator Reginald Murdock
Unverified
Speaker 14
Speaker 55
Speaker 59
Speaker 75
Speaker 83
Speaker 86
Speaker 90
Speaker 94
Senator Jim Petty
Unverified
Speaker 105
Speaker 108
Speaker 115
Senator Clint Penzo
Unverified
Speaker 149
Senator Joshua Bryant
Unverified
Speaker 153
Senator Clarke Tucker
Unverified
Speaker 179
Speaker 190
Speaker 195
Senator Kim Hammer
Unverified
Senator Alan Clark Chair
Unverified
Speaker 219
Speaker 223
Speaker 122
Senator Matt McKee
Unverified
Speaker 11
Speaker 245
Speaker 160
Senator Ronald Caldwell
Unverified
Speaker 202
Speaker 178
Speaker 264
Senator Missy Irvin
Unverified
Speaker 288
Senator John Payton
Unverified
Speaker 303
Speaker 299
Speaker 317
Senator Stephanie Flowers
Unverified
Speaker 101
Speaker 13
Speaker 342
Speaker 346
Speaker 318
Speaker 17
Speaker 355
Speaker 60
Senator Jonathan Dismang
Unverified
Speaker 384
Speaker 406
Speaker 84
Speaker 154
Speaker 413
Senator Dave Wallace Chair
Unverified
Speaker 36
Speaker 434
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
Unverified
Senator Greg Leding Chair
Unverified
Speaker 451
Speaker 462
Senator Ricky Hill
Unverified
Senator Scott Flippo
Unverified
Speaker 477
Speaker 56
Speaker 136
Speaker 448
Senator Steve Crowell
Unverified
Senator Breanne Davis
Unverified
Speaker 161
Speaker 534
Speaker 411
Speaker 540
Senator Tyler Dees
Unverified
Speaker 505
Senator Bryan King
Unverified
Speaker 592
Speaker 134
Speaker 606
Speaker 251
Speaker 543
Speaker 539
Speaker 497
Speaker 192
Speaker 16
Speaker 481
Speaker 22
Speaker 640
Speaker 199
Speaker 58
Speaker 629
Speaker 652
Speaker 655
Speaker 653
Speaker 97
Speaker 665
Speaker 666
Speaker 670
Speaker 233
Speaker 676