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Senate Convenes

April 3, 2025 ·1:00 PM ·Senate Chamber ·4:11:26
Video Transcript

Bills discussed (131)
Bill Title Sponsor Status
SR61 · 8 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “SR61 Hester TO HONOR WARREN A. STEPHENS OF ARKANSAS AND TO SUPPO…”
 TO HONOR WARREN A. STEPHENS OF ARKANSAS AND TO SUPPORT HIS NOMINATION AS THE AMBASSADOR … Hester Sine Die adjournment
SR62 · 4 mentions in transcript
Matched: “Calendar Senate Resolution 62 by Senator Petty. Recognize the”
 TO RECOGNIZE THE VAN BUREN HIGH SCHOOL POINTERS WRESTLING TEAM AS THE 2024-2025 CLASS 5A … J. Petty Sine Die adjournment
SB118 Act 517 · 3 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “SB118 #1 C. Penzo Penzo TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "AUDIOLOGY" RE…”
 TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "AUDIOLOGY" RELATING TO THE PRACTICE OF AUDIOLOGISTS. C. Penzo Notification that SB118 is now Act 517
HB1255 Act 857 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “the Gross bills who was referred House Bill 1255 or Waldridge compared the gross capital with the original a…”
 TO AMEND THE COVERAGE OF A CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITOR IN THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM. Wooldridge Notification that HB1255 is now Act 857
HB1429 Act 854 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…ne, calendar Committee on Public Health and was referred to House Bill 1429. Shepherd recommended pass is submitted number one. calenda…”
 TO INCREASE ACCESSIBILITY WHILE ENSURING QUALITY FOR CERTAIN FACILITIES PERFORMING MAMMOGRAPHY SERVICES; AND TO AMEND … M. Shepherd Notification that HB1429 is now Act 854
HB1531 Act 630 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…s calendar Committee on Insurance Commerce, who is referred House Bill 1531 by Representative Archer recommended passes amend number on…”
 TO PROHIBIT PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURERS FROM RESTRICTING OR LIMITING PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS TO A LIMITED DISTRIBUTION NETWORK … Achor Notification that HB1531 is now Act 630
HB1681 Act 812 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…d pass as Amendment number one calendar coming down who for House Bill 1681 by Devolt recommend due pass. calendar City County, local,…”
 TO ESTABLISH THE WATER AND SEWER TREATMENT FACILITIES GRANT PROGRAM; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY. Vaught Notification that HB1681 is now Act 812
HB1701 Act 925 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…mer recommended pass calendar of City County Lo who was for House Bill 1701 by Representative Gonzalez,”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING SEWER COLLECTION AND SEWER TREATMENT PROVIDERS AND RELATED SERVICES. Gonzales Notification that HB1701 is now Act 925
HB1703 Act 570 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “number one. calendar on insurance commerce to his first House Bill 1703 by Representative Johnson recommended pass calendar on insu…”
 TO PROVIDE A DRUG REIMBURSEMENT PROCESS FOR CERTAIN HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS. L. Johnson Notification that HB1703 is now Act 570
HB1737 Act 584 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…own recommended pass. calendar on insurance commerce to for House Bill 1737 by Representative Brown recommend their pass. calendar. Com…”
 TO AMEND THE TRANSMITTING UTILITY ACT; AND TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "TRANSMITTING UTILITY" TO … M. Brown Notification that HB1737 is now Act 584
HB1845 Act 926 · 2 mentions in chapter
Matched: “Motion to withdrawn HB1845”
 TO ALLOW THE ELECTRONIC ADMINISTRATION OF DOCUMENTS RELATED TO THE OWNERSHIP OF MOTOR VEHICLES; TO … Holcomb Notification that HB1845 is now Act 926
SB100 Act 482 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…mittee on enroll bills to whom we've referred the following Senate Bill 100 by Senator Penzo, Senate Bill 264 by Senator Irving. 293 by…”
 TO AUTHORIZE THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM TO RECOGNIZE A PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT AS A PRIMARY CARE … C. Penzo Notification that SB100 is now Act 482
SB128 Act 533 · 2 mentions in chapter
Matched: “SB128 AN ACT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS FOR MEDICAL SCIENCES…”
 AN ACT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS FOR MEDICAL SCIENCES APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL … Joint Budget Committee Notification that SB128 is now Act 533
SB130 Act 534 · 2 mentions in chapter
Matched: “SB130 AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY APPROPRIATION FOR…”
 AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR. Joint Budget Committee Notification that SB130 is now Act 534
SB264 Act 483 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…ve referred the following Senate Bill 100 by Senator Penzo, Senate Bill 264 by Senator Irving. 293 by Senator Hammer, Senate Bill 305 b…”
 TO ESTABLISH THE ARKANSAS PRIMARY CARE PAYMENT IMPROVEMENT WORKING GROUP. Irvin Notification that SB264 is now Act 483
SB305 Act 491 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…, Senate Bill 264 by Senator Irving. 293 by Senator Hammer, Senate Bill 305 by Central Pennzo, symbol 365 by Senator Bryanty by 391 by…”
 TO REQUIRE CERTAIN TESTING OF PROCESSED MARIJUANA PRODUCTS SOLD AS MEDICAL MARIJUANA. C. Penzo Notification that SB305 is now Act 491
SB332 Act 536 · 2 mentions in chapter
Matched: “…atch Budget Bills to be Voted On#SB93, SB128, and SB130 and SB332”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - DIVISION OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION SEXUAL … J. Dotson Notification that SB332 is now Act 536
SB400 Act 933 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…nded pass is submitted number one. calendar, on Ari who was Senate bill 400 by Irving recommended new pass as amended number 3. Calenda…”
 TO AMEND THE FAIR-FUNDING PROGRAM. Irvin Notification that SB400 is now Act 933
SB406 Act 752 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…pass. calendar City County, local, to whom was referred to Senate Bill 406 by Senator Clark recommended new passes aitted number 3. Ca…”
 TO REQUIRE A COUNTY RECORDER TO VERIFY CERTAIN INFORMATION BEFORE RECORDING A DEED TO REAL … A. Clark Notification that SB406 is now Act 752
SB520 Act 747 · 2 mentions in chapter
Matched: “SB520 D. Sullivan TO PROHIBIT DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION OF…”
 TO PROHIBIT DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION OFFICES, OFFICERS, POLICIES, OR PRACTICES IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT. D. Sullivan Notification that SB520 is now Act 747
SB527 Act 774 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “calendar.com on interest commerce and his first Senate bill 527 by Senator Irving recommend new pass this amendment number…”
 TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS HEALTH AND OPPORTUNITY FOR ME ACT OF 2021; AND TO INCREASE … Irvin Notification that SB527 is now Act 774
SB563 Act 741 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “whom his first Senate Bill 563 by Senator Irving recommended pass as Amendment number one…”
 TO AUTHORIZE THE ARKANSAS LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY COMMISSION TO IMPOSE A CIVIL PENALTY FOR CERTAIN … Irvin Notification that SB563 is now Act 741
SB575 Act 989 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…lendar. Committee on Engrossed Bills to whom is referred to Senate Bill 575 by Sen. Tucker, compare the engrossed copy with the origina…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING INSTALLMENT FEES COLLECTED IN CIRCUIT AND DISTRICT COURTS; TO AMEND … C. Tucker Notification that SB575 is now Act 989
SB580 Act 767 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…3. Calendarit committee on City County Local who was first Senate Bill 580 by Senator Hammer recommended pass calendar of City County…”
 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 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…rectly engrossed calendar coming down to Gross to his first Senate Bill 583 by Senator Tucker compared the engrossed copy of the ritual…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE COST LISTS RELATING TO PHARMACY SERVICES. C. Tucker Notification that SB583 is now Act 990
SB603 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…recommended pass calendar Committee on Public Health to his Senate Bill 603 by Senator Tucker recommend do passes submitted number one,…”
 TO CREATE EMMA'S LAW; AND TO REQUIRE AN AIR AMBULANCE TO CONTACT THE ARKANSAS TRAUMA … C. Tucker Died in House at Sine Die adjournment.
SB611 Act 900 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “on Insurance Commerce, who was first Senate Bill 611 by central recommended pass? Calendar on insurance commerce…”
 TO AMEND THE SOCIAL MEDIA SAFETY ACT. Dees Notification that SB611 is now Act 900
SB616 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…Class 5A state runners-up. Calendar. Senate Resolution 62. Senate Bill 616”
 TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS LONG-TERM CARE FACILITY RESIDENT MONITORING AND COMMUNICATIONS ACT; AND TO ESTABLISH … C. Penzo Sine Die adjournment
SB617 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “Senate Bill 617 by Senator Mark Johnson, to amend the law concerning Capita…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE CAPITOL ZONING DISTRICT; AND TO AMEND THE ZONING AUTHORITY … M. Johnson Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
SB93 Act 1010 · 2 mentions in chapter
Matched: “SB93 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION APPROPRIATION FOR TH…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR. Joint Budget Committee Notification that SB93 is now Act 1010
HB1072 Act 876 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…Calendar. Committee on Engrossed Bills to whom was referred House Bill 1072 by Representative Cooper and Senator Mark Johnson, compared…”
 TO CLARIFY THE REQUIREMENTS FOR ESTABLISHING ELIGIBILITY FOR THE PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR DISABLED VETERANS, … C. Cooper Notification that HB1072 is now Act 876
HB1193 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1193 Cavenaugh B. Johnson TO REQUIRE AN INSURER TO INCLUDE A LIE…”
 TO REQUIRE AN INSURER TO INCLUDE A LIENHOLDER ON PAYMENTS MADE UNDER AN INSURANCE POLICY. Cavenaugh Died in House at Sine Die adjournment.
HB1243 Act 994 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…commend DuP pass Committee on State agencies to who was for House Bill 1243 by Representative. would recommend DuP pass to submitted nu…”
 TO INCREASE TRANSPARENCY REGARDING CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXPENDITURES; TO AMEND CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORTING AND PROTECT … Underwood Notification that HB1243 is now Act 994
HB1296 Act 556 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “Committee on Insurance Commerce, who is for House Bill 1296, by Rep. Johnson, recommend do pass. Calendar. Committee on…”
 TO MANDATE COVERAGE FOR HEALTHCARE SERVICES PROVIDED IN MOBILE UNITS. L. Johnson Notification that HB1296 is now Act 556
HB13 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…. Calendar. Committee on Insurance Commerce to move forward House Bill 13-14 by Representative Johnson recommended to pass. Calendar.…”
 Pre-2017 bill
HB1300 Act 510 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1300 L. Johnson Irvin TO AMEND THE PRIOR AUTHORIZATION TRANSPARE…”
 TO AMEND THE PRIOR AUTHORIZATION TRANSPARENCY ACT. L. Johnson Notification that HB1300 is now Act 510
HB1301 Act 511 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1301 L. Johnson Irvin TO AMEND THE PRIOR AUTHORIZATION TRANSPARE…”
 TO AMEND THE PRIOR AUTHORIZATION TRANSPARENCY ACT. L. Johnson Notification that HB1301 is now Act 511
HB1303 Act 546 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1303 Jean Stone TO CREATE THE SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL INCENTIV…”
 TO CREATE THE SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL INCENTIVE ACT; AND TO CREATE AN INCOME TAX CREDIT … Jean Notification that HB1303 is now Act 546
HB1314 Act 512 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…pass. Calendar Committee on Insurance Commerce who was for House Bill 1314 by Representative Johnson recommended a pass. You counter C…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING CERTAIN AUDITS OF HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS; AND TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS … Irvin Notification that HB1314 is now Act 512
HB14 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…. Calendar. Committee on Insurance Commerce to move forward House Bill 14-24 by Representative Johnson recommended to pass. Calendar.…”
 Pre-2017 bill
HB1424 Act 628 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ommended pass calendar on Insurance commerce and we started House Bill 1424 by Representative Johnson recommended pass. Calendar Commit…”
 TO MANDATE COVERAGE FOR SEVERE OBESITY TREATMENTS. L. Johnson Notification that HB1424 is now Act 628
HB1426 Act 569 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…Calendar Committee on Interest and Commerce who we started House Bill 1426 by Representative Johnson recommended pass calendar Committ…”
 TO AMEND THE HEALTHCARE CONTRACTING SIMPLIFICATION ACT. L. Johnson Notification that HB1426 is now Act 569
HB1454 Act 674 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1454 - Motion to withdraw HB1454 from Senate Public Health Commi…”
 TO AMEND THE LAWS CONCERNING CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORDS CHECKS FOR EMPLOYEES OF SERVICE PROVIDERS; TO … Bentley Notification that HB1454 is now Act 674
HB1455 Act 500 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1455 Pilkington Bryant TO AUTHORIZE CERTAIN PRIVATE CLUBS TO PUR…”
 TO AUTHORIZE CERTAIN PRIVATE CLUBS TO PURCHASE CERTAIN PRODUCTS DIRECTLY FROM A SMALL BREWERY PERMIT … Pilkington Notification that HB1455 is now Act 500
HB1467 Act 557 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1467 Achor Boyd TO AMEND THE UNIFORM MONEY SERVICES ACT.”
 TO AMEND THE UNIFORM MONEY SERVICES ACT. J. Boyd Notification that HB1467 is now Act 557
HB1468 Act 558 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1468 Cozart Petty TO AMEND ARKANSAS LAW CONCERNING CLAIMS AGAINS…”
 TO AMEND ARKANSAS LAW CONCERNING CLAIMS AGAINST HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTORS, RESIDENTIAL BUILDING CONTRACTORS, AND SUPPLIERS. Cozart Notification that HB1468 is now Act 558
HB1470 Act 582 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “State agencies to them as for House Bill 1470 by Representative Bayview recommend Du pass calendar Commit…”
 TO REPEAL THE LAW CONCERNING THE REVIEW OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PLANS. Beaty Jr. Notification that HB1470 is now Act 582
HB1519 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…s calendar Committee on state agencies to whom was referred House Bill 1519 by Representative Kavanaugh recommended new pass. on state…”
 TO ALLOW THE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE HIRING AND … Cavenaugh Died in House at Sine Die adjournment.
HB1602 Act 633 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…Calendar. Committee on Insurance and Commerce, whom is for House Bill 1602, by Representative Johnson, recommended to pass as amended…”
 TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS PHARMACY BENEFITS MANAGER LICENSURE ACT; TO ESTABLISH FEES UNDER THE ARKANSAS … L. Johnson Notification that HB1602 is now Act 633
HB1669 Act 509 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1669 Bentley Clark TO CREATE THE KEEP KIDS FIRST ACT; AND TO PRO…”
 TO CREATE THE KEEP KIDS FIRST ACT; AND TO PROVIDE FOR PROTECTIONS FROM DISCRIMINATION FOR … Bentley Notification that HB1669 is now Act 509
HB1707 Act 524 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1707 Hawk Hammer TO REQUIRE CERTAIN CANDIDATES TO FILE REPORTS W…”
 TO REQUIRE CERTAIN CANDIDATES TO FILE REPORTS WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE; TO AMEND PORTIONS … Hawk Notification that HB1707 is now Act 524
HB1724 Act 503 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1724 B. McKenzie English TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING LOCAL SCHOO…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING LOCAL SCHOOL BOARDS OF DIRECTORS AND SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS; AND … B. McKenzie Notification that HB1724 is now Act 503
HB1736 Act 603 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…Calendar. Committee on Insurance and Commerce, whom is for House Bill 1736, by Representative Brown, recommended to pass. Calendar. Ca…”
 TO AMEND ARTICLE 9 OF THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE. M. Brown Notification that HB1736 is now Act 603
HB1740 Act 585 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…e Rose recommended pass on State agencies team was referred House Bill 1740 by Representative Moore recommend Du pass state agencies. T…”
 TO EXEMPT CERTAIN AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION FROM THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT OF 1967. K. Moore Notification that HB1740 is now Act 585
HB1745 Act 604 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1745 Hawk Hammer TO REQUIRE CERTAIN COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSE HO…”
 TO REQUIRE CERTAIN COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSE HOLDERS TO POSSESS A UNITED STATES WORK AUTHORIZATION; TO … Hawk Notification that HB1745 is now Act 604
HB1746 Act 997 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ar. Committee on Insurance Commerce to whom was referred to House Bill 1746 by Representative Brown, recommended to pass. Calendar. Com…”
 TO AMEND THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE. M. Brown Notification that HB1746 is now Act 997
HB1757 Act 528 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1757 Joey Carr Bryant TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING RAILROADS; AND…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING RAILROADS; AND TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF TAMPERING WITH RAIL … Joey Carr Notification that HB1757 is now Act 528
HB1771 Act 651 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ar. Committee on Insurance Commerce to whom was referred to House Bill 1771 by Representative Perry, recommended to pass as amended num…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING DISCLOSURES TO POLICYHOLDERS; AND TO REQUIRE MONTHLY REPORTING BY INSURERS. R. Murdock Notification that HB1771 is now Act 651
HB1788 Act 571 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ar. Committee on Insurance Commerce to whom was referred to House Bill 1788 by Representative Johnson, recommended to pass. Calendar. C…”
 TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS HEALTH CARE CONSUMER ACT; AND TO REDUCE THE TIME ALLOWED FOR … L. Johnson Notification that HB1788 is now Act 571
HB1808 Act 686 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…Calendar. Committee on City, County, Local, to whom is for House Bill 1808. Representative Collins,”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING MUNICIPAL FIRE DEPARTMENTS; AND TO CREATE THE BILL OF RIGHTS … A. Collins Notification that HB1808 is now Act 686
HB1820 Act 652 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “Commerce to whom was referred House Bill 1820 by Representative Brown recommended to pass as amended numb…”
 TO REGULATE AUTOMATIC RENEWAL AND CONTINUOUS SERVICE OFFERS. M. Brown Notification that HB1820 is now Act 652
HB1840 Act 967 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1840 - Motion to withdraw HB1840 from Senate Public Health Commi…”
 TO AMEND THE MEDICAID PROVIDER-LED ORGANIZED CARE ACT TO ENSURE THAT SEDATION DENTISTRY IS COVERED … L. Johnson Notification that HB1840 is now Act 967
HB1842 Act 953 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “on State agencies to House Bill 1842 by Representative Tos recommended pass state agencies”
 TO AMEND THE LAW REGARDING THE OFFICE OF CRIMINAL DETENTION FACILITIES REVIEW COORDINATOR; AND TO … Tosh Notification that HB1842 is now Act 953
HB1843 Act 954 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “team was for House Bill 1843 by Representative Tosh recommend do pass calendar. Right. S…”
 CONCERNING RECORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHS KEPT BY THE STATE CRIME LABORATORY. Tosh Notification that HB1843 is now Act 954
HB1859 Act 561 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…endar. Committee on Insurance Commerce to whom was referred House Bill 1859 by Representative Rose recommended to pass. Calendar. Senat…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING MASTECTOMIES. Rose Notification that HB1859 is now Act 561
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
SB121 Act 968 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…For your Committee on Public Health, to whom was referred, Senate Bill 121 by Senator Penzo, recommended due pass as amended No. 1. Ca…”
 TO AMEND THE AUTOMATIC OCCUPATIONAL LICENSURE FOR OUT-OF-STATE LICENSURE ACT; TO APPLY THE AUTOMATIC OCCUPATIONAL … C. Penzo Notification that SB121 is now Act 968
SB122 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…Calendar. Committee on Public Health, to whom was referred, Senate Bill 122 by Senator Penzo, recommended due pass as amended No. 1. Ca…”
 TO AMEND THE AUTOMATIC OCCUPATIONAL LICENSURE FOR OUT-OF-STATE LICENSURE ACT; TO APPLY THE AUTOMATIC OCCUPATIONAL … C. Penzo Died on House Calendar at Sine Die adjournment.
SB132 Act 535 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB132 AN ACT TO MAKE AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE PAYMENT OF APPROVED…”
 AN ACT TO MAKE AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE PAYMENT OF APPROVED CLAIMS. Joint Budget Committee Notification that SB132 is now Act 535
SB157 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB157 J. Dotson TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING BENEFITS UNDER THE AR…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING BENEFITS UNDER THE STATE PUBLIC EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT SYSTEMS. J. Dotson Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
SB2 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB2 - Motion to extract SB2 from Senate Public Health Committee”
 TO REPEAL THE STATEWIDE FLUORIDATION PROGRAM; AND TO REMOVE THE MANDATE FOR WATER SYSTEMS TO … C. Penzo Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
SB217 Act 969 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…Calendar. Committee on Public Health, to whom was referred, Senate Bill 217 by Senator Penzo, recommended due pass as amended No. 1. Ca…”
 TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES TO REQUEST A WAIVER TO EXCLUDE CANDY AND … C. Penzo Notification that SB217 is now Act 969
SB25 Act 607 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB25 #1 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - STATE INSURANCE…”
 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
SB257 Act 515 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…r one. Committee on Insurance Commerce, who was referred to Senate Bill 257 by Senator Penzo recommend Du past concur House Amendment n…”
 TO AMEND THE MEDICAID FAIRNESS ACT; TO EXTEND THE APPEAL PERIOD FOR PROVIDERS IN THE … C. Penzo Notification that SB257 is now Act 515
SB262 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…Calendar. Committee on Public Health, to whom was referred, Senate Bill 262 by Senator Penzo, recommended due pass as amended No. 1.”
 TO AMEND THE CORPORATE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE DOCTRINE; AND TO AUTHORIZE A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL … C. Penzo Died on House Calendar at Sine Die adjournment.
SB290 Act 921 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB290 B. Johnson TO PROHIBIT A MORATORIUM ON THE ISSUANCE OF PERM…”
 TO PROHIBIT A MORATORIUM ON THE ISSUANCE OF PERMITS IN WATERSHEDS AND OTHER BODIES OF … B. Johnson Notification that SB290 is now Act 921
SB293 Act 487 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ll 100 by Senator Penzo, Senate Bill 264 by Senator Irving, Senate Bill 293 by Senator Hammer, Senate Bill 305 by Senator Penzo, Senate…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE REQUIRED POSTINGS AT A POLLING SITE; AND TO AMEND … K. Hammer Notification that SB293 is now Act 487
SB320 Act 518 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB320 #1 Irvin Irvin TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS JUVENILE CODE OF 1989.”
 TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS JUVENILE CODE OF 1989. Irvin Notification that SB320 is now Act 518
SB324 Act 519 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB324 - Motion to concur House amendment on SB324”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE MEMBERSHIP OF A COUNTY PLANNING BOARD. M. Johnson Notification that SB324 is now Act 519
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 #1 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - DIVISION OF ELE…”
 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
SB36 Act 890 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB36 #2 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - DIVISION O…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - DIVISION OF AGING, ADULT, AND BEHAVIORAL … Joint Budget Committee Notification that SB36 is now Act 890
SB362 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB362 #1 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - DIVISION OF ELE…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - DIVISION OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION YOUTH … K. Hammer Died on House Calendar at Sine Die adjournment.
SB365 Act 488 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ll 293 by Senator Hammer, Senate Bill 305 by Senator Penzo, Senate Bill 365 by Senator Brunt, Senate Senate Bill 391 by Senator Dismanc…”
 TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS SMALL BREWERY ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE OPERATION OF THREE SMALL BREWERY … J. Bryant Notification that SB365 is now Act 488
SB37 Act 608 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB37 #1 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE APPROPRIATION FOR…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR. Joint Budget Committee Notification that SB37 is now Act 608
SB39 Act 609 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB39 #2 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - DIVISION OF WORK…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - DIVISION OF WORKFORCE SERVICES APPROPRIATION FOR THE … Joint Budget Committee Notification that SB39 is now Act 609
SB391 Act 472 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…by Senator Penzo, Senate Bill 365 by Senator Brunt, Senate Senate Bill 391 by Senator Dismanck, Senate Bill 392 by Senator Davis, Sena…”
 TO CREATE THE ROBOTICS COMPETITION GRANT PROGRAM FOR ELIGIBLE ROBOTICS TEAMS IN PUBLIC OR PRIVATE … J. Dismang Notification that SB391 is now Act 472
SB392 Act 499 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…Senator Brunt, Senate Senate Bill 391 by Senator Dismanck, Senate Bill 392 by Senator Davis, Senate Bill 411 by Senator Crowell, Senat…”
 TO AMEND ARKANSAS LAW CONCERNING THE CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION OF STATE EMPLOYEES; AND TO DECLARE … B. Davis Notification that SB392 is now Act 499
SB4 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “first Senate Bill 4, 37 but has to recommend to pass calendar can be on insuran…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMS; AND TO ALLOW VOTERS TO ELECT "FOR" … C. Penzo Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
SB408 Act 696 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB408 B. Johnson TO PROVIDE AN INCOME TAX EXEMPTION FOR CERTAIN P…”
 TO PROVIDE AN INCOME TAX EXEMPTION FOR CERTAIN PAYMENTS BY THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF … B. Johnson Notification that SB408 is now Act 696
SB411 Act 492 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…391 by Senator Dismanck, Senate Bill 392 by Senator Davis, Senate Bill 411 by Senator Crowell, Senate Bill 416 by Senator Irving, comp…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE HEIGHT OF VEHICLES; AND TO CREATE AN OFFENSE FOR … Crowell Notification that SB411 is now Act 492
SB416 Act 493 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…l 392 by Senator Davis, Senate Bill 411 by Senator Crowell, Senate Bill 416 by Senator Irving, compare the enrolled copies of the origi…”
 TO REPEAL THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT PROGRAM; AND TO REPEAL THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE INFRASTRUCTURE … Irvin Notification that SB416 is now Act 493
SB437 Act 945 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “your Committee on Insurance and Commerce, to whom is for Senate Bill 437 by Senator Hester, recommended to pass. Calendar. Committee…”
 TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT ACT. Hester Notification that SB437 is now Act 945
SB444 Act 970 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB444 K. Hammer TO AMEND THE MEDICAL ETHICS AND DIVERSITY ACT.”
 TO AMEND THE MEDICAL ETHICS AND DIVERSITY ACT. K. Hammer Notification that SB444 is now Act 970
SB451 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB451 - Motion to withdraw SB451 from committee for purpose of Am…”
 TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES AND THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO ESTABLISH REGIONAL … Hester Died in Senate at Sine Die adjournment.
SB484 Act 726 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB484 Irvin TO ESTABLISH A PROCESS WHEREBY A VACANCY IS FILLED ON…”
 TO ESTABLISH A PROCESS WHEREBY A VACANCY IS FILLED ON A SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF … Irvin Notification that SB484 is now Act 726
SB485 Act 670 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ll your Committee on Engrossed Bills to whom is referred to Senate Bill 485 by Sen. Tucker and Gilmour, compare the engrossed copy with…”
 TO REDUCE RECIDIVISM; AND TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE SUSPENDED IMPOSITION OF A SENTENCE, … C. Tucker Notification that SB485 is now Act 670
SB494 Act 717 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB494 J. Bryant TO REDUCE THE NUMBER AND TYPES OF PERMITS ISSUED…”
 TO REDUCE THE NUMBER AND TYPES OF PERMITS ISSUED BY ARKANSAS TOBACCO CONTROL; AND TO … J. Bryant Notification that SB494 is now Act 717
SB495 Act 718 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB495 J. Bryant TO AMEND DEFINITIONS USED UNDER THE ARKANSAS TOBA…”
 TO AMEND DEFINITIONS USED UNDER THE ARKANSAS TOBACCO PRODUCTS TAX ACT OF 1977; AND TO … J. Bryant Notification that SB495 is now Act 718
SB497 Act 655 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “Calendar. Committee on Public Health to members for Senate Bill 497 by Senator Wallace, recommended do pass. Calendar. Committe…”
 TO REQUIRE THE CREATION OF A POSTER REGARDING VETERANS' BENEFITS AND SERVICES; AND TO REQUIRE … D. Wallace Notification that SB497 is now Act 655
SB504 Act 727 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB504 Irvin TO ESTABLISH THE ARKANSAS RURAL PRECEPTORSHIP PROGRAM…”
 TO ESTABLISH THE ARKANSAS RURAL PRECEPTORSHIP PROGRAM ACT. Irvin Notification that SB504 is now Act 727
SB507 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB507 G. Leding TO REQUIRE THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM TO COVER…”
 TO REQUIRE THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM TO COVER APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS SERVICES FOR CERTAIN BENEFICIARIES. G. Leding Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
SB525 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB525 M. Johnson TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING INCORPORATION AND OR…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING INCORPORATION AND ORGANIZATION OF MUNICIPALITIES; AND TO TRANSFER INCORPORATION DUTIES … M. Johnson Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
SB529 Act 617 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB529 B. Johnson TO AMEND THE INDEPENDENT TAX APPEALS COMMISSION…”
 TO AMEND THE INDEPENDENT TAX APPEALS COMMISSION ACT. B. Johnson Notification that SB529 is now Act 617
SB530 Act 701 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB530 B. Davis TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS WOOD ENERGY PRODUCTS AND FOR…”
 TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS WOOD ENERGY PRODUCTS AND FOREST MAINTENANCE INCOME TAX CREDIT. B. Davis Notification that SB530 is now Act 701
SB533 Act 934 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB533 Dees TO PROVIDE FOR THE REGULATION OF CONSUMABLE HEMP PRODU…”
 TO PROVIDE FOR THE REGULATION OF CONSUMABLE HEMP PRODUCTS BY THE ARKANSAS TOBACCO CONTROL BOARD; … Dees Notification that SB533 is now Act 934
SB546 Act 935 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB546 K. Hammer TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE TRUST FUND CONTRI…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE TRUST FUND CONTRIBUTION FEE FOR WATER PERMITS RELATED TO … K. Hammer Notification that SB546 is now Act 935
SB551 Act 764 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB551 K. Hammer TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING CANVASSING FOR A PETI…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING CANVASSING FOR A PETITION FOR A LOCAL OPTION ELECTION. K. Hammer Notification that SB551 is now Act 764
SB552 Act 650 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB552 K. Hammer TO CLARIFY THE DEFINITION OF "PRINCIPAL OFFICE" U…”
 TO CLARIFY THE DEFINITION OF "PRINCIPAL OFFICE" USED UNDER THE ARKANSAS BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT OF … K. Hammer Notification that SB552 is now Act 650
SB553 Act 671 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB553 K. Hammer TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS MUNICIPAL ACCOUNTING LAW; T…”
 TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS MUNICIPAL ACCOUNTING LAW; TO AMEND THE DUTIES OF A MUNICIPAL TREASURER; … K. Hammer Notification that SB553 is now Act 671
SB554 Act 1022 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB554 C. Tucker TO CREATE THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH LOAN FORGIVENESS…”
 TO CREATE THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH LOAN FORGIVENESS PROGRAM. C. Tucker Notification that SB554 is now Act 1022
SB555 Act 765 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB555 J. Scott TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE OFFENSE OF VIDEO V…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE OFFENSE OF VIDEO VOYEURISM; TO EXTEND THE STATUTE OF … J. Scott Notification that SB555 is now Act 765
SB559 Act 729 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB559 J. English TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS MILITARY CHILD SCHOOL TRAN…”
 TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS MILITARY CHILD SCHOOL TRANSITIONS ACT OF 2021. J. English Notification that SB559 is now Act 729
SB560 Act 740 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB560 J. English TO DECREASE THE BASE CONTRIBUTION RATE; TO INCRE…”
 TO DECREASE THE BASE CONTRIBUTION RATE; TO INCREASE THE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSESSMENT RATE; TO INCREASE FUNDING … J. English Notification that SB560 is now Act 740
SB561 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…Will your committee on engrossed bills to whom was deferred Senate Bill 561 by Senator Mark Johnson, compare the engrossed copy of the…”
 TO ALLOW FOR THE ISSUANCE OF AN ADDITIONAL TEMPORARY PREPRINTED PAPER BUYER'S TAG IN CERTAIN … M. Johnson Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
SB572 Act 649 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB572 J. Dotson TO CREATE THE PUBLIC SCHOOL ACCESS AND TRANSPAREN…”
 TO CREATE THE PUBLIC SCHOOL ACCESS AND TRANSPARENCY ACT; AND TO REQUIRE PUBLIC ACCESS TO … J. Dotson Notification that SB572 is now Act 649
SB574 Act 742 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB 574 - Motion to put SB574 on Second Reading for Purpose of Amen…”
 TO REQUIRE A MUNICIPALITY THAT OPERATES A WATERWORKS SYSTEM OR SEWAGE SYSTEM TO PROVIDE SERVICE … J. Petty Notification that SB574 is now Act 742
SB576 Act 623 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…o pass. Calendar. Committee on Public Health to members for Senate Bill 576 by”
 TO AMEND THE COVERAGE OF CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITORS WITHIN THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM. B. Davis Notification that SB576 is now Act 623
SB584 Act 768 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB584 K. Hammer TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING LOCAL INITIATIVE AND…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING LOCAL INITIATIVE AND REFERENDUM PETITIONS. K. Hammer Notification that SB584 is now Act 768
SB585 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…o pass. Calendar. Committee on Public Health to members for Senate Bill 585 by Senator Letting, recommended do pass as amended number o…”
 TO REQUIRE CERTAIN RECORDS BE PROVIDED TO AN EMPLOYEE WHO IS A MINOR. G. Leding Died on House Calendar at Sine Die adjournment.
SB588 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…lendar. Committee on Engrossed Bills to whom is referred to Senate Bill 588 by Sen. Irving, compare the engrossed copy with the origina…”
 TO ESTABLISH A WINERY PRIVATE CLUB PERMIT. C. Penzo Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
SB590 Act 769 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB590 Gilmore TO CREATE THE RECIDIVISM REDUCTION SYSTEM WITHIN TH…”
 TO CREATE THE RECIDIVISM REDUCTION SYSTEM WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS; AND TO DECLARE AN … Gilmore Notification that SB590 is now Act 769
SB596 Act 940 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…r. Committee on Insurance Commerce, to whom it was deferred Senate Bill 596 by Senator McKee, recommended”
 TO AMEND THE LAW REGARDING ENERGY; TO ESTABLISH A STATE ENERGY POLICY; TO REGULATE RETIREMENT … M. McKee Notification that SB596 is now Act 940
SB601 Act 971 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “for Senate Bill 601 by Senator Hester, recommended do pass. Calendar. Committee…”
 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: “…r. Committee on Insurance Commerce, to whom it was deferred Senate Bill 602 by Senator Quirrell, recommended to pass as amended number…”
 TO PROHIBIT INSURANCE COMPANIES AND APPRAISERS FROM REQUIRING AN INSURED TO USE CERTAIN FACILITIES TO … Crowell Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
SB606 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “Motion to withdraw SB606 from committee”
 TO AMEND THE USED TIRE RECYCLING AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT; TO CREATE THE TIRE MANAGEMENT AND … B. Davis Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
SB610 Act 745 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ndar. Committee Committee on Insurance Commerce, who is for Senate Bill 610, by Senator Dismayne, recommend do pass as amended No. 1, C…”
 TO AMEND THE GENERATING ARKANSAS JOBS ACT OF 2025; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY. J. Dismang Notification that SB610 is now Act 745
SB615 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…pass. Calendar. Committee on Insurance Commerce, who is for Senate Bill 615, by Senator Penzo, recommend do pass as amended No. 1, Cale…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING ENERGY; AND TO REGULATE NONEXPORT FACILITIES. C. Penzo Died on Senate Calendar at Sine Die adjournment.
SB618 Act 731 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “Senate Bill 617. State Agencies. Senate Bill 618 by Senator Irving to amend the Arkansas”
 TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS STUDENT DUE PROCESS AND PROTECTION ACT. Irvin Notification that SB618 is now Act 731
SB88 Act 610 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB88 #2 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - DIVISION OF HIG…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - DIVISION OF HIGHER EDUCATION APPROPRIATION FOR THE … Joint Budget Committee Notification that SB88 is now Act 610
SB92 Act 777 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB92 #3 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSFORMATION AND SHARED S…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSFORMATION AND SHARED SERVICES APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL … Joint Budget Committee Notification that SB92 is now Act 777

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Unknown speaker 0:00
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
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Chair Unverified 4:30
The Senate will be called to order. Are there any requests for leave at this time? Senator Tucker, you're recognized.
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Senator Clarke Tucker Unverified 5:01
Yes, Madam President. Leave for Senators
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Chair Unverified 5:06
Flower and Wallace. Thanks, Senator Tucker. Madam
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Speaker 9 5:10
Secretary, please call the roll. Boyd, Bryant,
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 5:13
Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismang, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Leave, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting,
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Speaker 12 5:23
Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbeville, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace, Lee. Thank you, Madam Secretary.
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Chair Unverified 5:34
If everyone in the chamber and in the galleries would please rise, we'll first be led in prayer by individual introduced by Senator Tucker, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Tucker, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President. As
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Senator Clarke Tucker Unverified 5:48
many of y'all know, I'm Episcopalian, and we're very honored to have the Episcopal Bishop of Arkansas, Bishop John Harmon, here with us today. He's got a fascinating life story, born in Liberia, and you'll hear his accent sounds regal to me, but his thoughtfulness matches his accent. In the Episcopal Church, we elect our bishops, so they're elected by the clergy and by the people who go to church here in Arkansas, and the people of Arkansas elected Bishop Harmon to be the bishop and the leader of our church. He's a tremendous man, has started two programs in the Episcopal Church. One is the Episcopal Service Corps, involving young people and getting them involved in service, and then another program to help people lift themselves up out of poverty. So we've been very blessed to have him as our bishop, and I know you will hear how thoughtful and prayerful he is when he leads us in prayer. So with that, I just spotted my mom on the Senate floor, so I'll ask for leave for her. And now you know the bishop is wise because he went to greet my mom before he came down to the well. So, Bishop, come join us, please. Good morning, or good
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Speaker 19 7:08
afternoon, as well. Glory to God, whose power working in us can do more than we can ask or imagine. Let us pray. A mighty God, whose image and purpose is light and wisdom, whose will is always good and gracious, whose laws are justice and truth, We pray now that you will bless and guide our senators and endow them with courage, wisdom, and insight to provide for the needs of our people and to fulfill their obligations to this state. May there also be endowed to enact laws that please and glorify your name and protect the well-being of all the people of Arkansas. We pray this in your holy
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Speaker 23 8:30
name. Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for
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Chair Unverified 8:46
all. Thank you so much, Bishop, for those wise words and for your prayers and for, as Senator Tucker noted, for giving us a much more interesting accent than the senators have to hear from me every
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Speaker 31 9:04
day. Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen in the galleries, welcome to
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Chair Unverified 9:09
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 Kroll to introduce our Senate pages for
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Senator Steve Crowell Unverified 9:34
the day. Senator Kroll, you're recognized. Hello, colleagues. We have three pages today. We have Aaron Bradford from Hope. He is my constituent. We have Koa Rockwell from Pulaski Academy and he's Senator Tucker's constituent. And we have Kason Smith from Pulaski Academy, Senator Tucker's constituent. Let's all welcome them and thank them for being here today.
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Chair Unverified 10:06
Thank you so much, Senator Crowell. We are delighted to have our senate pages with us today. Any announcements or introductions at this time? Senator Dees, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam Governor.
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Senator Tyler Dees Unverified 10:23
Members, I just want to take a personal point of privilege just to pause for a second and say thank you to our staff. We came out, we got out of committee last night, and we were extremely tired, all of us. I think we finished one committee about 7.30, public health finished about 8.30, and our entire staff was here long after we were. And in fact, I thought I came in a little early, and they were in the exact same seats they were when I left them about 10 o'clock last night, it seemed like. So can we pause and please say thank you so very much for all that your team does to help us function. Thank you, staff.
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Chair Unverified 11:08
Thank you very much, Senator Deese, for that. Any other announcements or introductions? Madam Secretary, are there items
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 11:22
at the desk? Yes, dear Madam President, will your committee on enrolled bills to whom we refer the following: Senate Bill 100 by Senator Penzo, Senate Bill 264 by Senator Irving, Senate Bill 293 by Senator Hammer, Senate Bill 305 by Senator Penzo, Senate Bill 365 by Senator Brunt, Senate Senate Bill 391 by Senator Dismanck, Senate Bill 392 by Senator Davis, Senate Bill 411 by Senator Crowell, Senate Bill 416 by Senator Irving, compare the enrolled copies of the original and find the same correctly enrolled and delivered to the governor at 9.09 a.m. for her approval. Please file it. Will your committee on engrossed bills to whom was deferred Senate Bill 561 by Senator Mark Johnson, compare the engrossed copy of the original and find the same correctly engrossed. Transportation. Will your Committee on Engrossed Bills to whom is referred to Senate Bill 485 by Sen. Tucker and Gilmour, compare the engrossed copy with the original and find the same correctly engrossed? Calendar. Committee on Engrossed Bills to whom is referred to Senate Bill 588 by Sen. Irving, compare the engrossed copy with the original and find the same correctly engrossed? Calendar. Committee on Engrossed Bills to whom is referred to Senate Bill 575 by Sen. Tucker, compare the engrossed copy with the original and find the same correctly engrossed? Calendar. Committee on Engrossed Bills to whom was referred to Senate Bill 583 by Senator Tucker, compared the engrossed copy of the original and find the same correctly engrossed. Calendar. Committee on Engrossed Bills to whom was referred House Bill 1072 by Representative Cooper and Senator Mark Johnson, compared the engrossed copy of the original and find the same correctly engrossed. Calendar. Committee on Engrossed Bills to whom was referred House Bill 1255 by Representative Woldridge, compared the engrossed copy of the original and find the same correctly engrossed. Calendar. For your Committee on Public Health, to whom was referred, Senate Bill 121 by Senator Penzo, recommended due pass as amended No. 1. Calendar. Committee on Public Health, to whom was referred, Senate Bill 122 by Senator Penzo, recommended due pass as amended No. 1. Calendar. Committee on Public Health, to whom was referred, Senate Bill 217 by Senator Penzo, recommended due pass as amended No. 1. Calendar. Committee on Public Health, to whom was referred, Senate Bill 262 by Senator Penzo, recommended due pass as amended No. 1. Calendar. Committee on Public Health to members for Senate Bill 497 by Senator Wallace, recommended do pass. Calendar. Committee on Public Health to members for Senate Bill 576 by Senator Davis, recommended do pass. Calendar. Committee on Public Health to members for Senate Bill 585 by Senator Letting, recommended do pass as amended number one. Calendar. Committee on Public Health to members for Senate Bill 601 by Senator Hester, recommended do pass. Calendar. Committee on Public Health, whom was referred to Senate Bill 603 by Senator Tucker, recommended due pass as amended No. 1. Calendar Committee on Public Health, whom was referred to House Bill 1429 by Representative Shepard, recommended due pass as amended No. 1. Calendar Committee on Agra, to whom was referred to Senate Bill 400 by Senator Irving, recommended due pass as amended No. 3. Calendar Committee on Agra, to whom was referred to Senate Bill 563 by Senator Irving, recommended to pass as amended number one. Calendar. Committee on Agrada, whom was referred to House Bill 1681 by Representative Vaught, recommended to pass. Calendar. Committee on City, County, Local, to whom was referred to Senate Bill 406 by Senator Clark, recommended to pass as amended number three. Calendar. Committee on City, County, Local, to whom was referred to Senate Bill 580 by Senator Hammer, recommended to pass. Calendar. Committee on City, County, Local, to whom was referred to House Bill 1701 by Representative Gonzalez, recommended to pass as amended number one. Calendar. Committee on City, County, Local, to whom is for House Bill 1808. Representative Collins, recommended to pass as amended number one. Calendar. Will your Committee on Insurance and Commerce, to whom is for Senate Bill 437 by Senator Hester, recommended to pass. Calendar. Committee on Insurance and Commerce, to whom it was deferred Senate Bill 575, 475 by Senator Dismayne, recommended to pass. Calendar. Committee on Insurance Commerce, to whom it was deferred Senate Bill 527 by Senator Irving, recommended to pass as amended number 1. Calendar. Committee on Insurance Commerce, to whom it was deferred Senate Bill 596 by Senator McKee, recommended to pass as amended number 1. Calendar. Committee on Insurance Commerce, to whom it was deferred Senate Bill 602 by Senator Quirrell, recommended to pass as amended number 1. Calendar. Committee Committee on Insurance Commerce, who is for Senate Bill 610, by Senator Dismayne, recommend do pass as amended No. 1, Calendar. Committee on Insurance Commerce, who is for Senate Bill 611, by Senator D's, recommend do pass. Calendar. Committee on Insurance Commerce, who is for Senate Bill 615, by Senator Penzo, recommend do pass as amended No. 1, Calendar. Committee on Insurance Commerce, who is for House Bill 1296, by Rep. Johnson, recommend do pass. Calendar. Committee on Insurance Commerce to move forward House Bill 13-14 by Representative Johnson recommended to pass. Calendar. Committee on Insurance Commerce to move forward House Bill 13-33 by Representative Hudson recommended to pass. Calendar. Committee on Insurance Commerce to move forward House Bill 14-24 by Representative Johnson recommended to pass. Calendar. Committee on Insurance Commerce to move forward House Bill 14-26 by Representative Johnson recommended to pass. Calendar. Committee on Insurance and Commerce, whom is for House Bill 1531, by Representative Archer, recommended to pass as amended No. 1. Calendar. Committee on Insurance and Commerce, whom is for House Bill 1602, by Representative Johnson, recommended to pass as amended No. 1. Calendar. Committee on Insurance and Commerce, whom is for House Bill 1703, by Representative Johnson, recommended to pass. Calendar. Committee on Insurance and Commerce, whom is for House Bill 1736, by Representative Brown, recommended to pass. Calendar. Calendar. Committee on Insurance Commerce to whom was referred to House Bill 1737 by Representative Brown, recommended to pass. Calendar. Committee on Insurance Commerce to whom was referred to House Bill 1746 by Representative Brown, recommended to pass. Calendar. Committee on Insurance Commerce to whom was referred to House Bill 1771 by Representative Perry, recommended to pass as amended number one. Calendar. Committee on Insurance Commerce to whom was referred to House Bill 1788 by Representative Johnson, recommended to pass. Calendar. Committee on Insurance Commerce to whom was referred to House Bill 1788 by Representative Johnson, recommended to pass. Calendar. Committee on Insurance Commerce to whom was referred to House Bill 1788 by Representative Johnson, recommended to pass. Calendar. Committee on Insurance Commerce to whom was referred to House Bill 1788 by Representative Johnson, recommended to pass. Calendar. Calendar. Committee on Insurance Commerce to whom was referred to House Bill 1788 by Representative Johnson, recommended to pass. Calendar. Calendar. Committee on Insurance Commerce to whom was referred to House Bill 1788 by Representative Johnson, recommended to pass. Calendar. Calendar. Commerce to whom was referred House Bill 1820 by Representative Brown recommended to pass as amended number one. Calendar. Committee on Insurance Commerce to whom was referred House Bill 1859 by Representative Rose recommended to pass. Calendar. Senate Resolution 62 by Senator Petty to recognize the Van Buren High School Porner's wrestling team as the 2024-2025 Class 5A state champions and the Lady Porner's wrestling team as the 2024-2025 Class 5A state runners-up. Calendar. Senate Resolution 62. Senate Bill 616 by Senator Penzo to create the Arkansas Long-Term Care Facility Resident Monitoring and Communications Act, and to establish resident rights for electronic monitoring and communication in long-term care facilities, Senate Bill 616. Public Health. Senate Bill 617 by Senator Mark Johnson, to amend the law concerning Capital Zoning District, and to amend the zoning authority of the Capital Zoning District Commission, Senate Bill 617. State Agencies. Senate Bill 618 by Senator Irving to amend the Arkansas Student Due Process and Protection Act, Senate Bill 618. Education.
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Chair Unverified 19:34
All right, any other announcements or introductions? Senator English, you're recognized for an announcement.
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Senator Jane English Unverified 19:54
Thank you very much. I would like to introduce our doctor of the day, Dr. Manuel Kelly. His family medicine in Sherwood, in my place. Thank you, we're glad to have you here. And then our faithful servant, Lee Fazio, our RN for the day. Thank you very much for both of you being
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Chair Unverified 20:22
here. Thank you, Senator English. Any further introductions? If not, no further business to come before the body in the morning hour. The morning hour has expired. We will now begin the business agenda, beginning with Senate Resolution 61.
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 20:45
Senate Resolution 61 by Senator Hester to honor Warren A. Stevens of Arkansas and to support its nomination as the Ambassador to the Court of St.
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Chair Unverified 20:57
James. Senator Hester, you are recognized.
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 21:05
Thank you, Madam Governor. Members, thank you for your attention. I'd like to read this resolution. Whereas Warren A. Stevens, a distinguished businessman, philanthropist and native of Arkansan, has been nominated by the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, to serve as the ambassador to the court of St. James. Whereas Warren A. Stevens demonstrated exemplary leadership as Chairman, President, and CEO of Stevens, Inc., one of the nation's largest privately held investment banking firms, which has played a significant role in the economic development of Arkansas and the nation. Whereas Warren Stevens and his wife Harriet were instrumental in the founding of Episcopal Collegiate School in Little Rock, where he serves as the chairman of the Episcopal Collegiate School Foundation, demonstrating his commitment to providing high-quality education for the future generations of Arkansas. Whereas Warren A. Stevens has played a pivotal role in the renovation of the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, serving as a chairman of the board and co-chairing his capital campaign alongside his wife, Harriet, ensuring the museum's expansion and long-term success as a cultural cornerstone in Arkansas. Members, I've got page after page after page of the things that they have done that's amazing. But here's what I would like to say about the Stevens family. Everything they do, they do humbly, they do quiet, and they do it with absolute first class. You know, they could live anywhere in the country they want to. They could relocate. We've heard about their business success. They could go somewhere where they're not paying income tax. But they choose to stay here because they care deeply about Arkansas. They're Arkansans first. They demonstrate that every single day. Whereas Warren A. Stevens' nomination as the ambassador to the Court of St. James is a testament to his outstanding contributions to both the business community in the state of Arkansas, as well as his ability to represent the interests of the United States on a global stage. The Arkansas Senate recognizes and commends Warren A. Stevens for his prestigious appointment and expresses confidence that he will serve with distinction and integrity. Be it resolved by the Senate of the 95th General Assembly of the state of Arkansas that the Senate honor Warren A. Stevens for his nomination as the Ambassador to the Court of St. James, commend his remarkable achievements, and express its best wishes for the success in the important diplomatic role. Be it further resolved that the Senate support the nomination of Warren A. Stevens as the ambassador to the Court of St. James and urge his swift confirmation to advance the enduring partnership between the United States and the United Kingdoms. Governor,
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Chair Unverified 23:54
I'd appreciate a good vote. Thank you, Senator Hester. And as a point of personal privilege, as the presiding officer and knowing the Stevens family, I would like to also add in support of this resolution that Mr. Warren Stevens is a business leader who knows how to get things done. He has brought jobs and growth to the state of Arkansas. He and his wife Harriet have given back where it counts in supporting everything from classrooms to hospitals, and their generosity has made a real difference in the lives of countless Arkansans. He believes in teaching the next generation. They champion the arts. Just look down the road at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts. They believe in preserving our history and restoring the Capitol Hotel. He certainly knows his way around the global economy. Warren Stevens is ready to represent America on the world stage. He is a respected leader, and he is a true public servant. Arkansas is blessed to have Mr. Stevens and his family in Arkansas, and we look forward to his leadership on the world stage. With that, Senators, I would ask for all those in favor of Senate Resolution 61 to honor Warren A. Stevens of Arkansas and to support his nomination as the ambassador to the Court of St. James. All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed, ayes have it. Senate Resolution 61 is adopted.
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 25:36
Madam Governor, if you would, I would like to give the microphone over to Mr. Stevens for some brief remarks.
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Speaker 90 25:42
We would be honored. Thank you, Senator.
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Speaker 93 25:51
Well, President, Hester, Lieutenant Governor Rutledge, members of the Arkansas State Senate, thank you for this recognition. I truly appreciate your kind and humbling words. Before I begin my remarks, I want to take a minute to say to our fellow citizens affected by this weather and tornadoes that our family are praying for you and you will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. I know, Governor Sanders, everyone in this room is trying to assess the situation and provide every resource possible to assist you and your families in this time of need. I take great pride in being in Arkansan, where my Arkansas heritage is a badge of honor, which makes being recognized by my state's elected officials so special and meaningful. As the resolution referenced, I count my family as my greatest blessing in life. I want to thank my family for their steadfast support and love throughout this process, and i'd like to introduce them to this honorable body now my wife harriet and i have been married for 43 years throughout which she has given me her unwavering support she is the backbone of our family i love her dearly and am grateful that she is with me today and every day harriet and i have three adult children, Miles, John, and Laura. All three of our children are married to wonderful people that Harriet and I consider our own, Katie, Mary Olive, and Cliff. Our children have blessed us with six grandchildren, Harvey, Rollins, Lillian, Parker, Caroline, and Warren, who's not here today. With me today are our son Miles, his wife Katie, and their four children, Harvey, Rollins, Lillian, and Parker, as well as our son John and his daughter Caroline. It is an honor to appear before you today as President Trump's nominee to be the ambassador to the Court of St. James'. I'm grateful to President Trump for placing his confidence in me to fulfill the important duties and responsibilities of this storied position. Arkansas has given my family and me so much, so much. It has been a wonderful place to raise a family. We have an incredible atmosphere to own and run a business and beautiful outdoors to enjoy with our loved ones. When asked what is Arkansas's greatest strength, Harriet and I always say, our people. We truly have made wonderful, lifelong friends, and there is no other place we'd rather call home. Particular to our elected officials, I cannot tell you how many times I've heard from my counterparts from different states about their decisions to relocate their businesses due to the terrible economic conditions and strangling regulations that make it challenging for their businesses to grow and thrive. They did not want to leave their home states, but the unfriendly business regulations forced them to do so. There is no joy in hearing their troubles, but it is a sense of pride when I tell them my family has never thought once about leaving Arkansas. Honestly, we could not ask for a better place for our family business. This is all because of your steadfast dedication to implementing laws that reward hard work, which in turn encourage our citizens to remain in Arkansas and attract others. For that, you are to be commended. And although we will be moving to London upon confirmation, Harriet and I will always keep Arkansas's success in the forefront of our minds, particularly since our children and grandchildren will remain here and have no doubt that I will be cheering on the Razorbacks and UALR Trojans from the UK. I just hope my hog calls in London don't startle our British friends and neighbors. Thank you again for this recognition. God bless you all. God bless our great
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Speaker 95 30:41
state of Arkansas. And may God bless the United States of America. Thank you.
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Chair Unverified 31:01
Thank you, Mr. Stevens. The Senate will stand in recess for approximately 5 or 10 minutes to allow senators to shake the hands of our next ambassador to the Court of St. James's and say congratulations in person. The Senate is in recess.
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Unknown speaker 31:33
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 39:33
The Senate is back in session. Are there any items to read across
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 40:03
the desk? Yes, sir. We hear Committee on Insurance and Commerce to whom is referred to Senate Bill 104 by Senator Penzo, recommended to pass as amended No. 1. Calendar. Committee on Insurance and Commerce to whom is referred to Senate Bill 257 by Senator Penzo, recommended to pass to concur in House Amendment No. 1. Calendar. Committee on Insurance and Commerce to his first Senate Bill 323 by Senator Penzo, recommended to pass to concur in House Amendment No. 3, I believe. Let me make sure.
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Speaker 106 40:40
323? The Amendment No, it's Amendment 1, I guess.
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 40:49
Will your Committee on State Agencies to whom was first Senate Bill 439 by Senator Irving recommended due pass? Calendar. Committee on State Agencies to whom was first Senate Bill 516 by Senator Gilmore recommended due pass? Calendar. Committee on State Agencies to whom was first Senate Bill 565 by Senator Filippo recommended due pass? Calendar. Committee on State Agencies to whom was first Senate Bill 578 by Senator Hesher recommended due pass? Calendar. Committee on State Agencies, to whom was referred House Bill 1243, by Representative Underwood, recommended due pass as amended number 1. Committee on State Agencies, to whom was referred House Bill 1470, by Representative Beatty, recommended due pass. Committee on State Agencies, to whom was referred House Bill 1519, by Representative Kavanaugh, recommended due pass. Committee on State Agencies to whom is Ferd House Bill 1713 by Representative Rose recommend due pass. Calendar. Committee on State Agencies to whom is Ferd House Bill 1740 by Representative Moore recommend due pass. Calendar. Committee on State Agencies to whom is Ferd House Bill 1803 by Representative Carr recommend due pass. Calendar. Committee on State Agencies to whom is Ferd House Bill 1842 by Representative
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Speaker 12 42:06
Tosh recommend due pass. Calendar. Committee on State Agencies to whom is Ferd House Bill
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 42:22
1843 by Representative Tosh recommend due pass. Calendar. So Senate
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 42:29
Bill 118, Senator Penzo. Amendment 1, Senate Bill 118.
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 42:33
Senator Penzo, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. President. We're occurring in a
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 42:38
House amendment on this. The Medical Society had some, they didn't, Hickey didn't have his fingerprints on this one, so they decided they want theirs on it, so they asked for a few amendments. Audiologists agreed to it, and so just some clean-up language that they requested. Members, you heard an
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 42:58
explanation in the amendment. All those in favor of the amendment saying aye. Aye. Opposed, say no. Amendment adopted.
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 43:12
Amendment concurred. Senate Bill 118 by Senator Penzo to amend the definition of audiology relating to the practice of
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 43:19
audiologists. Senator Penzo, you're recognized to present the bill as amended.
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 43:34
We've already gone over the bill, but this pretty much just took, they changed up some language on the auditory canal and had to do with some interpreting cultures and blood work. They wanted that to be left up to the docks. And that's about it. Appreciate a good vote. Members, you now heard an explanation
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 43:58
of the bill. Any questions? Anyone would like to speak against the bill? for the bill. Seeing none, any objection to rolling the vote? Seeing none, Madam
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Speaker 9 44:10
Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismaine, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Leave, Gilmore, Hammer,
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 44:18
Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton,
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Speaker 12 44:24
Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbeville, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace, Leave. Would a member
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 44:30
like to vote that has not or change their vote. Senator Kroll, present. Anyone else? Seeing none, Madam Secretary, please cast up the ballot by a vote of 32 yays, zero nays, and one present. The bill is passed. Enroll it. Senate Bill 320. Amendment 1,
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 44:51
Senate Bill 320. Senator Irvin, you're recognized. Thank
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Senator Missy Irvin Unverified 44:57
you, Mr. President. This is the amendment. It's my amendment. Just asking for us to concur. It was just some cleanup in the language. Members, you've heard an explanation of
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 45:09
the amendment. All those in favor of adopting the amendment signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed say no. Motion carries. Senate Bill 320. Senate Bill 320 by
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Speaker 142 45:19
Senator Irving to amend the Arkansas Juvenile Code of 1989. Senator Irving, you're recognized. Thank you again,
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Senator Missy Irvin Unverified 45:27
members, just reminding you that this is the rewrite of the juvenile code that took a lot of folks, a lot of time and stakeholders just to reorganize that it's a little bit easier to navigate for families and judges and anybody that's accessing the juvenile courts. I appreciate a good vote.
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 45:47
Members, you've heard an explanation of the bill. Any questions? Seeing none, would anyone like to speak against the bill, for the bill? Seeing none. Senator Irvin is closed on the bill. Any objection
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Speaker 9 46:04
to rolling the vote? Seeing none, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismaine, Dotson, English, Flippo,
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 46:12
Flowers, Leave, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson,
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Speaker 12 46:16
Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbeville, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace, Leave. Would any member
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 46:27
like to vote that has not or change their vote? Seeing none, Madam Secretary, cast up the ballot. By a vote of 33 yeas, 0 nays, the bill passes and roll it. House Concurrent Resolution 1009, Senator Penzo. House Concurrent. Oh, Passover. Oh, Passover. Passover. We will move on to House Bills for the third reading in passage. Okay, Senator Davis, if you're in the room, you're recognized for a motion to 606. Thank you, Mr.
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Senator Breanne Davis Chair Unverified 47:24
President. I'd like to make a motion to withdraw Senate Bill 606 from committee for purpose of amendment.
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 47:32
All those in favor signify by saying aye. Opposed say no.
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 47:37
Motion carries. Amendment 1 to Senate Bill
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 47:40
606. Senator Davis, you're recognized to present
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Senator Breanne Davis Chair Unverified 47:43
your amendment. I'd like to make a motion to adopt Amendment 1 on Senate
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 47:48
Bill 606. Members, you've heard an explanation of the amendment. All those in favor signify by saying aye. aye. Opposed, say no. Motion carries. Amendment adopted. Senator Hill. Oh, send it to engrossing. Senator Hill, you are recognized
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Senator Ricky Hill Unverified 48:03
for motion. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I need to withdraw House Bill 1845 for purpose of amendment. Members, you've heard
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 48:10
the motion. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Opposed, say no. Motion carries. And I need
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Senator Ricky Hill Unverified 48:18
to re-refer it back to transportation. We're good. I'm close. Thank you.
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 48:32
Bill was withdrawn and sent to transportation. We referred. Yep. House bill 1-3-0-3. Senator Stone. Hang on, Senator Stone. House Bill 1-3-0-3. House
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 49:05
Bill 13-0-3 by Senator Stone to create the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Incentive Act and to create an income tax credit related to sustainable aviation fuel. Senator Stone, you
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Senator Matt Stone Unverified 49:25
are recognized. Thank you, Mr. President. Members, this is a bill designed to provide incentives that will enable the construction of a sustainable aviation fuel facility in Arkansas. The project will represent a major investment in Arkansas and a significant opportunity for economic growth and job creation. The facility will have over a $3 billion capital investment and create approximately 200 permanent jobs with an average salary of $100,000 a year. It will generate over 1,500 construction jobs during the facility's build-out. It will benefit landowners, loggers, existing mills, and a host of businesses just across the board. And it will also be a long-term economic benefit for the state. Now, when I talk about sustainable aviation fuel, that is fuel, jet fuel, that is made from low-grade wood products. It can come from sawdust, oversized chips, leaves, pine needles, tops, or wood from a first thinning pine plantation can be used. Instead of just being left to waste or rot or put out, it can be turned into money for the state. The bill will provide an incentive that also rises tax credits valued at up to 30% of the cost of machinery and economic equipment and equipment to be used in the manufacture of sustainable aviation fuel. Any tax credits approved by the state are subject to a positive cost-benefit analysis by the state and an incentive agreement with performance metrics and a callback provision. The project will require between $50 million and $100 million a year in fiber to make the facility operate. And that's money that will be paid to the landowners, loggers, trucking industry, and everybody else that touches the feedstock from the point of origin until it hits the facility. The project will only move forward if it makes financial sense for Arkansas, and the bill ensures that the overall economic benefit of the project must outweigh the value of tax credits and any other incentives provided by the state. This bill is revenue neutral and has been approved by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, the Department of Finance and Administration. It has the approval of the governor, and it also has some support in the timber industry. And with that, I'm open to any questions.
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 52:07
Members, you've heard an explanation of the bill. Are there any questions? Seeing none, would anyone like to speak against the bill, for the
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 52:15
bill? Senator Stone, Senator Hickey, you're recognized? You don't see me come down here and do this very often, if ever. I do want to say on this company right here that this is not in my district. I don't have anything to do with it other than it's a positive for the state. We dealt with this in revenue tax, And I will have to say that the officials with that company went over and above, this is revenue neutral, but actually they even agreed to something so that we don't do the buybacks, which even makes it better. They were very good to work with, better than most. So I just want to say that publicly. Anyone
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 52:51
like to speak against the bill, for the bill? Senator Stone, you're recognized to close.
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Senator Matt Stone Unverified 52:58
Thank you, Senator Hickey, for your comment. members prior to Arkansas being known as the natural state it was known as the land of opportunity and I believe this is an opportunity for the state of Arkansas with that I'm closed and I'd appreciate a good vote
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 53:18
are there is there any objection to rolling the vote
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Speaker 9 53:28
seeing them madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismaine, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Lee, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey,
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 53:38
Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson,
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Speaker 12 53:41
Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Tenzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubblefield, Sullivan, Tucker,
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 53:48
Wallace, Lee. Would any member like to vote that has not or change their vote? Senator Dotson, no. Anyone else? Seeing none, Madam Secretary, cast up the ballot. By a vote of 32 yeas, 1 nays, the bill passes as amended to return to the House. House
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 54:16
Bill 1669. House Bill 1669 serves into Bentley and Senator Clark to create the Keep Kids First Act and to provide for protections from discrimination for adoption and foster care providers acting in accordance with sincerely held religious beliefs.
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Senator Alan Clark Unverified 54:34
Senator Clark, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. President, colleagues. We went over House Bill 1669 in detail Monday, so I'm not going to go back over it. It provides that you cannot discriminate against adoption agencies and you cannot discriminate against foster parents or adoptive parents for sincerely held religious beliefs. After our discussion here, I went to the governor's office, or I shouldn't say went, talked to the governor's office on Tuesday morning. They were good with the bill. DHS was good with the bill. Tuesday night, the governor's office chased me down about 7 p.m. and had a small amendment. I accepted the amendment. I cannot tell you what the amendment said, it was late and I was tired on the condition that they handled it. They texted me back the next morning and said they were good without the amendment. So we did try to take care of any problems. The things that were brought up here, concerns that you have had, I can tell you that I will get with the head of DCFS and ask them to monitor any problems that they should have. And I will be on top of getting it corrected in the next session.
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 56:01
I'll be happy to take any questions. Are there any questions for Senator Clark? Seeing none, would anyone like to speak against the bill, for the bill? Senator Clark, you're recognized to close? I'm closed. I'd appreciate a good vote. Any objection? Madam Secretary, please call the roll. Bowett? Yes. Bryant? Bryant? Caldwell? Aye.
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Speaker 9 56:31
Clark? Aye. Crowell? Aye. Davis? Davis?
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Speaker 124 56:38
Dees? Aye. Dismang? Dismang. Dotson? Yes. English? Yes.
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 56:47
Flippo? Flipo. Flowers leave. Gilmore. Gilmore. Hammer. Hester. Hickey. Hill. Irvin. Blake
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Speaker 124 57:05
Johnson. Mark Johnson. King. Letting. Love. McKee. Murdoch. Payton. Payton. Penzo. Penzo.
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Speaker 198 57:29
Petty? Petty? Rice? Scott?
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Speaker 200 57:36
No. Stone? No. Stuboffel? Aye. Sullivan?
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 57:50
Aye. Tucker? No. Wallace Lee? Would any member like to vote that has not or change their vote? Senator Flippo, aye. Senator Bryant, aye. Anyone else? Senator Penzo, aye. Anyone else? Senator Davis, present. Anyone else? Senator Gilmore, present. Anyone else? Senator Irvin, present. Anyone else? Seeing none, Madam Secretary, cast up the ballot. By a vote of 23 yeas, 5 nays, 3 present, the bill passes. Return to the House. House Bill 1707. House Bill
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 58:37
1707 by Representative Hawke and Senator Hammer to require certain candidates to file reports with the Secretary of State to amend portions of the initiated Act 1 of 1996 and declare an emergency. Senator Hammer, you're recognized.
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Senator Kim Hammer Chair Unverified 58:52
Thank you. Right now in the state, all your local races are filed. The same election financial report with their county clerks. This is supported by the County Clerks Association. What this bill would do is it would require that every elected official in the state file their election reports on the Secretary of State website, much like what we have to do. and what this will do is just create easier accessibility for the public to see the reports and house it all in one location.
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 59:23
Take any questions. Are there any questions for Senator Hammer? Seeing none, would anyone like to speak against the bill? For the bill. Seeing none,
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Speaker 9 59:42
any objection to rolling the vote? Seeing none, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismane, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Lee, Gilmore,
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Speaker 12 59:54
Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubblefield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace, Lee.
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 1:00:03
Would any member like to vote that has not or change their vote? Senator Love, present. Senator McKee, present. Senator Dotson, present. Anyone else? Seeing none, Madam Senator Penzo present. Anyone else? Seeing none, Madam Secretary cast up the ballot. By vote of 29 yeas, 0 nays, and 4 present. The bill passes. Return to the House. Emergency clause adopted. Return to the House. House Bill 1724.
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 1:00:38
House Bill 1724, by Representative McKenzie and Senator English, to amend the law concerning local school boards of directors and school board elections, and to amend the date on which an election of a school district board of directors is held.
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Senator Jane English Unverified 1:00:57
Senator English, you are recognized. Thank you very much. Members, what this bill does is it establishes and sets up school board elections to be held every two years in the even years during the primary. At the same time that we all go out and vote in general elections, it makes it much easier and we have a much better turnout for school board elections when they're held at the same time as a bigger election. Are there
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 1:01:24
any questions for Senator English? Seeing none, you would like to speak against the bill, for the bill. Okay, if Senator English is okay, I will reverse a little bit. Would you take a question? Yep. Senator Tucker, you are recognized for a question. Thank you, Mr. President. Senator English, is there anything
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Senator Jane English Unverified 1:01:48
about term limits in this for school board members? No, it's just that they will have two
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 1:01:58
and four-year terms. Okay, but they can run for as many terms as they want. Okay, thank you. Any other questions? Seeing none. Anyone like to speak against the bill? For
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Speaker 9 1:02:10
the bill. Seeing none. Any? Senator English has closed on the bill. Any objection to rolling the vote? Seeing none.
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 1:02:16
Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Bees, Dismaine, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Lee, Gilmore, Hammer,
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Speaker 12 1:02:23
Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penso, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbuffield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace, Lee.
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 1:02:32
Would any member like to vote that has not or change their vote? Senator Caldwell, present. Senator Petty? Present. Senator Love? Present. Anyone else? Seeing none, Madam Secretary, cast up the ballot. By a vote of 30 yeas, 0 nays, and 3 present, the bill passes. Return to the House. House
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 1:03:00
Bill 1745. House bill 1745, Board of Senator Hawkins, Senator Hammer, to require certain commercial driver license holders to possess a United States work authorization, to require the operator of a commercial motor vehicle to have English proficiency, and to create related offenses.
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Senator Kim Hammer Chair Unverified 1:03:18
Senator Hammer, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. President. This bill is being brought by the Arkansas Truckers Association. The trucking industry is concerned with upholding the standards and privileges of 40 commercial truck drivers. Bill is modeled after legislation was passed in Texas in 2023 after Texas Park public safety found many drivers to be in possession of fraudulent Mexican CDLs. House Bill 1745 will require any commercial truck driver who presents a foreign CDL to also possess a valid U.S. work permit or U.S. work visa to validate their identity and driving privileges. NAFTA and USMCA authorizes Canadian and Mexican commercial driver's license holders to transport international freight within the U.S., and requiring the second form of idea, work permit or work visa, will help law enforcement on the road to verify the identity of those foreign CDL holders. We amended in committee to include English proficiency requirement verbatim as it appears in the Federal Regulation for Operations of Commercial Truck Vehicles. In committee, it was heard from individuals that wanted to go further. However, the issues they raised were either prohibited because of the Federal Regulation establishing a framework for interstate commerce or protected within the Interstate Commerce Clause or they dealt with reciprocity with the other states and their CDL licensing processes. I'll be glad to take questions. Are
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 1:04:48
there any questions? Senator Rice, you're recognized for question. Thank you. Senator Hammer, I've had a question
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Senator Terry Rice Unverified 1:04:55
come to me since I've been in the chamber. On Amendment 1, it says, document our valid work visa. Would a B-1 tourist visa then be excluded because it's not a work visa? A work 1. would a B1 tourist visa then be excluded because it is not a work visa. Okay. Let me do this Senator Rice.
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Senator Kim Hammer Chair Unverified 1:05:22
Let me see if there's any other questions and then I've got a proposed solution to get the answer to your question. Okay. Is there another one or is
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Senator Terry Rice Unverified 1:05:32
that the only one? I will. Did we get I know there was opposition in Judiciary Committee from American Truckers Association and And like a lot of bills, there's good in them and there's something that's not good. Their opposition was, seemingly this is going to let more foreign Canadian and Mexican truck drivers on the road. Would that be a fair statement? I'd say that's
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Senator Kim Hammer Chair Unverified 1:06:01
their perception, but I don't think perception is always reality.
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Speaker 219 1:06:06
Okay. But it allows them on the
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Senator Kim Hammer Chair Unverified 1:06:14
road as long as they meet the criteria. I would answer yes. However, I would also add to that that this bill takes us as far as we can go and adds additional safeguards to make sure that at least they are, if stopped, I mean, the reality is until they're stopped, but the reality is when they are stopped, then this would give us the assurance of knowing that they're here legally and that they are complying with what is at least the federal minimum requirement.
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Senator Terry Rice Unverified 1:06:41
Okay. If you can get me an answer to that,
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Chair Unverified 1:06:46
I'd appreciate it. Thank you. Okay. Senator Payton, you're recognized? Thank you,
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Senator John Payton Unverified 1:06:52
Mr. Chair. I'm sorry I'm not into the details on this bill. I'm going to have a pretty general question. I mean, I used to hold a CDL. My son has a CDL. We transport automobiles. I have lots of employees that are CDLs. We get stopped on the side of the road with trailer running lights out. This was two weeks ago. In broad daylight, middle of the afternoon, the running lights on the trailer are not working. We are locked down and sidelined and have to send somebody to the truck to repair. My understanding of what is currently happening with these foreign drivers is that when they're stopped, they can't communicate for one thing. And when they're found in violation, they're let go because they're a foreign driver. And so what's currently happening has nothing to do with your bill, but I'm wanting to know how your bill addresses this. We have higher standards for American citizens that have to get a CDL, and we have higher standards for them performing on that CDL on a daily basis than what we do on these Mexican and Canadian and other foreign truck drivers. So what does this bill do to bring them under the same standards if we're allowing them to operate on a foreign driver's license? I think my answer to
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Senator Kim Hammer Chair Unverified 1:08:15
that question is probably going to be in the comments that I made in that it was amended in a committee to include the English proficiency requirement verbatim as it appears in the federal regulation. So we are at least getting up to the federal regulation and whether that addresses your concern or
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Senator John Payton Unverified 1:08:34
not. Well, no, you're right, and so what I was told a couple years ago, the federal regulation was set aside by executive order, and then our Arkansas law enforcement, state police, were told if they can't speak English, you're just going to have to let them go, that we couldn't lock down the vehicle, stop the truck for that violation.
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Senator Kim Hammer Chair Unverified 1:09:03
Okay. And I would probably respond this way. There's, for us as a state, there is only so much we can do until the Fed, until the federal government moves. At least, I think this is a step in the right direction. And to the dissatisfaction of some that spoke against it, doesn't go far enough. But until, until the Feds move the, the line or the goalpost, I think this is going to get us up to where they are and it's going to be on them to move it
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Senator John Payton Unverified 1:09:32
further. I think you're right. And to be fair, that was the Biden administration, not not the Trump administration. But I co-sponsored a bill that's in the House that would put Arkansas contradictory to that executive order, which would force the feds to address it. And if this bill is just being brought into harmony with the Fed, the executive order that Biden had, then I can't vote for it because I want to be out of harmony with it to force them to address it.
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Senator Kim Hammer Chair Unverified 1:10:04
I would agree, but I also am where we are. And I'm going to try to get what I can
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 1:10:14
get at least to move it closer. Are there any other questions? Senator Caldwell, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. At one point
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Senator Ronald Caldwell Unverified 1:10:21
in time, RDOT opposed a bill centered this because it was going to cost funding from the federal government. Does this bill, in any form or fashion, reduce our income from the federal government because of conflicting with some of their
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Senator Kim Hammer Chair Unverified 1:10:35
programs? No, in fact, I was going to say that for my closing comments, but I'll get to the point that the Arkansas Highway Police, RDOT, Arkansas State Police, and Arkansas Attorney General are all in support of this bill. Thank you, Senator. Thank you. And may I go ahead? I'll answer your question there. I got it. Did you get it? Okay. Go ahead and answer if you will. A tourist visa is not a work visa, and there is no language in the bill that expands who is already allowed to legally drive on the interstate.
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Chair Unverified 1:11:11
Thank you. Senator Blake Johnson, you're recognized for question. Senator, there is an interstate commercial driver's license agreement. reciprocity agreement between canada mexico and united states this is what this falls under but there has been a problem with the mexican cdls being duplicated and false cdls driver's license and this is to help remedy those false cdl driver's license with a secondary documentation that you can only get through the process is that correct senator Yes, thanks for bringing that up.
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Senator Kim Hammer Chair Unverified 1:11:48
And that's part of what the bill is intended to do, or will do, is require that second form of ID that is not able to be duplicated, unlike what the fake or fraudulent CDLs are now. So that's one reason why this bill is really important. Even though it may not take us as far as some want to go, it sure is going to be better than where we are, and we don't want to stay where we are. We want to get better. So thanks for
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Speaker 228 1:12:10
bringing that out. That would have been a very good end of presentation. Thank you, Senator.
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Senator Kim Hammer Chair Unverified 1:12:15
Thank you. I'll try to improve on my next 20 bills. Thank you.
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 1:12:19
Are there any other questions? Seeing none, would anyone like to speak against the bill? On the bill, Senator Clark, you are recognized to speak on
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Senator Alan Clark Unverified 1:12:36
the bill. We spent a lot of time on this bill in judiciary. I appreciate Senator Hammer bringing it, getting the best that he could get. For that reason, I'll be voting for it. However, I'm more in agreement with Senator Payton. The frustration that I learned that we have with a lot of our trucking companies and trucking truckers because of the inequities that I had no idea about, and one, I'll just bring up one of them, is that if you're hiring a CDL driver, if you're hiring an American CDL driver, You can send in, and they will send you their record, every violation, everything that's there. If it's Mexican or Canadian, all you will get is whether their CDL is valid or not. We definitely need to cure those inequities, whether it be in Washington or it be here. And I'm with Senator Payton for not being afraid of being in conflict. Senator Payton and I didn't do the work on this bill, and Senator Hammer did. and they've moved the ball forward. So I will be voting for it. - Questions? - Anybody wish to speak against you?
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Senator Justin Boyd Unverified 1:13:57
- Does anyone want to speak for or against the bill? Seeing no one,
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Senator Kim Hammer Chair Unverified 1:14:03
Senator Hammer, are you ready to close for your bill? - Thank you, and I appreciate your observations, Senator Payton, thank you, Senator Clark, for that. One thing I would be mindful of, that this will take us further than where we are. Is it as far as some want to go? No. But also, there's a new sheriff in town in D.C., and I think there's a lot of changes that are going to be able to correct the previous administration's missteps or misguidings. And I think when we come back two years from now, you'll be here. I won't, but it will give you that opportunity to lay the groundwork in order to be able to prepare and push the needle further the next time around. So until the meantime,
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Speaker 246 1:14:47
I'd appreciate a good vote. The sitter has closed
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Speaker 9 1:14:54
for his bill. Any objection to rolling the vote? Hearing none, seeing none, roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis,
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 1:15:00
Dees, Dismane, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Leave, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch,
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Speaker 12 1:15:09
Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbeville, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace, Lee. Check the board.
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Senator Justin Boyd Unverified 1:15:17
Would anyone like to change his or her vote? Seeing none, please cast up the ballot. Or with 33... Oh, sorry. With 33 yeas, 0 nay, and 0 non-voting, the House Bill 1745 passes. Transmit to the House as amended. Senator Bryant, you're recognized. House Bill 1745, er, sorry. House Bill 1757 by Representative Carr
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 1:15:59
and Senator Bryant to amend the law concerning railroads and to create the offensive tampering with rail
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Speaker 49 1:16:05
infrastructure. I ask for your bill. Thank you, Mr. President.
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Speaker 254 1:16:09
Thank you, members. Members, I live right over here by Grand Central Station.
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 1:16:17
If you didn't know, that's where you can board a train up to Chicago, I think as far down south as San Antonio. But something I didn't know when I bought it is there's a lot of trains that run through Arkansas, a lot of trains. And thankfully, I've gotten used to the noise and the brakes and all the things that go on right across the river over here in the rail yard. This bill is brought to us on behalf of the railway companies and their employees because they need extra assistance in protecting a vital piece of infrastructure for our state. Arkansas is the 18th, I believe it says the 18th largest coal-consuming state, delivering nearly 12.1 million tons of coal to keep our lights on across Arkansas. They deal with a lot of our industries and manufacturing to ensure they get the products available to manufacture. However, they have had to take on their own activities to ensure that their cabs are designed for specially reinforced noses because people are putting stuff on the railway. They have to arm or line their windows to ensure that 22s don't penetrate it and kill their employees. So the ask is to amend our Title 23, Public Utilities and Regulated Industries, to add a provision for those that recklessly interfere with our railways can be charged up to six years and a $10,000 fine or a Class D felony. That will keep our railways operating and their employees safe. And with that, I'll be glad to take any questions. Seeing none.
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Senator Justin Boyd Unverified 1:17:50
Senator Bryant has presented his bill. Are there any questions? Seeing none, is there anyone who would like to speak against the bill? for the bill seeing none senator bryant you're closed for your bill the senator has closed say that one more any
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Speaker 265 1:18:15
objection to rolling the vote seeing no objection please roll the vote
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Speaker 9 1:18:21
Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Discmang, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Lee, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 1:18:30
Johnson, King, Letting, Love,
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Speaker 12 1:18:33
McKee, Murdoch, Peyton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbeville, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace, Lee. Would anyone like to change their
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Senator Justin Boyd Unverified 1:18:42
vote? Penzo present, or no, not voting. Penzo not voting. Anyone else? Oh, Penzo, a yes. Any other changes? Seeing none, please cast up the ballot. The vote of 33 yeas, 0 nays, and 0 not voting. House Bill 1757 has passed. Please transmit to the House. Return. Return. Sorry, return to the House. Senator Hester, you're recognized for a motion. Well, first, I'd like to make an announcement,
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 1:19:17
if that's okay. Members, I just want to go through some of the things that I'm thinking through and happy to take all your feedback throughout the day. The goal is to finish all the Senate bills today. I don't know what time that is. If you're a chairman and you've got a time certain this afternoon, please come see me. But the goal is to finish the Senate bills today. Then two things I'm thinking through after feedback from members, maybe coming in on Monday at like 10 a.m. And having plenty of time to work through because our calendar is just getting longer. Another thing to think about Monday, especially because some of these House bills have been on our calendar several days, batching some House bills on Monday. So it gives us plenty of time over the weekend to look through what's been there on the House side. So considering for Monday coming in at 10 a.m. and batching House bills, maybe don't have to do both. We'll talk about it, but the goal today is to finish all the Senate bills for sure. Okay, now with that, if you've got any thoughts on any of that, please come see me as we're here for the next several hours. With that, I would ask to withdraw Senate Bill 451 from committee for purposes of amendment.
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Speaker 250 1:20:30
We've heard the motion. All in favor. We've heard
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Senator Justin Boyd Unverified 1:20:34
the motion. All in favor. All in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Hearing none, the motion passes. Amendment 1,
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 1:20:39
Senate Bill 451. Members, my bill, my amendment. All in
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Senator Justin Boyd Unverified 1:20:48
favor, say aye. Any opposed? Amendment passes. I
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Speaker 274 1:20:55
have a question. Amendments adopted, please send to engrossing. Do you know when we're doing budget bills?
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 1:21:01
I do not. They've been waiting on me for 45 minutes in the back to talk about it. I haven't got there yet. Okay. Thanks. But as soon as I know, I'll come down
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Senator Ricky Hill Unverified 1:21:23
and let members know. Senator Hill, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'd like to withdraw House Bill 1845 for purpose of amendment. Everyone's heard the motion.
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Senator Justin Boyd Unverified 1:21:32
All in favor, say aye. Any opposed? Motion adopted. Amendment 1, House
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 1:21:37
Bill 1845. Mr. Chair, I'd like to refer House Bill
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Senator Ricky Hill Unverified 1:21:42
1845. You want to adopt the amendment? Adopt the amendment first, sorry. All in favor of the amendment, say aye. All in favor of
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Senator Justin Boyd Unverified 1:21:51
the amendment, say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Hearing none, motion to adopt the amendment has passed. Please send to engrossing. You're back.
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Speaker 292 1:22:07
He's wanting to make sure all the Senate bills, which goes to here. Do you want
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Speaker 296 1:22:30
to do a budget here? Well, we can, if
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Speaker 295 1:22:34
you're ready, if you want to tie a deal.
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Speaker 301 1:22:39
You want to do that? We can. Do you want to block the floor and then we'll be able to make it up? Okay, thank you. We'll do a single vote first and then we'll
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Speaker 302 1:22:53
do the back. We have got to the amendments. Now, these are the amendments. I've just got to find that payer I've got for you. It's $4.54.
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Senator Jonathan Dismang Chair Unverified 1:23:34
Senator Dismayne, you're recognized. Members, we're going to go ahead and try to hear the budget bills before we get into the Senate bills. That way we can let our staff, BLR staff, get out of here without having to wait for us to get to the end of the Senate calendar. So it's going to take them just a couple of minutes to get things set up to be able to run the budget bills. We've got a number of amendments that we need to adopt. Um, while I'm here and while they're working to get through things, I want to talk about some of that with you so there's not some confusion. Most of y'all know that Senate Bill 362, uh, did not pass as amended in committee, but it is here. That is because we adopted the amendment and all we would be doing is adopting the amendment here on the floor. That's for Senate Bill 362 by Senator Hammer. So when it comes up, it's not to vote on the bill, but it's to adopt the
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Speaker 310 1:24:42
amendment just because we adopted the
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 1:24:45
report in committee amendment one Senate bill 132
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Senator Jonathan Dismang Chair Unverified 1:24:49
means 300,000 appropriations section 7 of the Department of Veterans Affairs to change the funding source for from general revenue to cash funds the Senate Bill 132, we need a motion to adopt the amendment. Archie, concur. All those in
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Speaker 2 1:25:03
favor of the motion, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it.
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Senator Jonathan Dismang Chair Unverified 1:25:10
Members, we're going to work through a list of amendments that we have here. We're going to do these one by one. Senate Bill 25, Department of Commerce.
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Speaker 319 1:25:21
There's a amendment for regular salaries, operations program.
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Speaker 320 1:25:26
Senator Dismang, I believe that we need to vote. We're going to go ahead and vote Senate Bill
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 1:25:32
132. Senate Bill 132, by joint budget, an act to make an appropriation for the payment
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Speaker 324 1:25:41
of approved claims. Any opposition to rolling the vote? Seeing none, Madam Secretary,
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Speaker 9 1:25:49
please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismaine, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Lee, Gilmore, Hammer,
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 1:25:57
Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice,
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Speaker 12 1:26:03
Scott, Stone, Stubblefield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace, Leave. Any senator wish to change his or
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Chair Unverified 1:26:11
her vote? King, not voting. Any other senator? Seeing no other, please cast up the ballot. By vote of 32, yea, 0, nay, 1, not voting. Senate Bill 132 passes. Corresponding emergency clause is adopted. Please enroll it.
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Speaker 329 1:26:31
Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 25. Transfers
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Speaker 330 1:26:34
5 administrative support positions to the Department of Commerce's shared services appropriation. All those in favor of
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Chair Unverified 1:26:42
the amendment, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it. Amendment is adopted. Send to
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 1:26:51
engrossing. Amendment 1 to Senate Bill
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Senator Jonathan Dismang Chair Unverified 1:26:53
37. This bill transfers 32 appropriations, 5 from the State Insurance Department, 12 from the Division of Rehabilitation Services, 4 from Economic Development Commission, and 11 from the Division of Workforce Services.
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Speaker 2 1:27:05
All those in favor of the amendment, please signify by
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Chair Unverified 1:27:09
saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it. Amendment is adopted. Please send to
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Speaker 332 1:27:13
engrossing. Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 39.
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Senator Jonathan Dismang Chair Unverified 1:27:18
This provides for a realignment of appropriation, position, and programs under workforce services. all those in favor of the amendment
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Chair Unverified 1:27:25
please signify by saying aye any opposed ayes have it amendment is adopted please send to engrossing amendment 2 the senate bill 88
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Senator Jonathan Dismang Chair Unverified 1:27:35
this reflects the request made in governor's letter 28 all those
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Chair Unverified 1:27:40
in favor of the amendment please signify by saying aye any opposed ayes have it amendment is adopted please send to engrossing amendment
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 1:27:50
1 the senate bill 359 This is
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Senator Jonathan Dismang Chair Unverified 1:27:52
an amendment to Senator Petty's bill 359 increases the appropriation grants from 3.9 or to 3.9 million All those in favor of the
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Chair Unverified 1:28:00
amendment please signify by saying aye Any opposed? Ayes have it. Amendment is adopted. Please send to engrossing.
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Speaker 332 1:28:10
Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 36 Adds
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Senator Jonathan Dismang Chair Unverified 1:28:13
$400,000 appropriation to fight senior hunger community grant match program All those in favor of the amendment
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Chair Unverified 1:28:18
please signify by saying aye Any opposed, ayes have it, amendment is adopted, please send to engrossing. Amendment 3 to Senate Bill
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Senator Jonathan Dismang Chair Unverified 1:28:29
92. This amendment is related to the captive insurance plan, new positions. All those in
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Chair Unverified 1:28:34
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
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Senator Jonathan Dismang Chair Unverified 1:28:45
Bill 362. But this is the amendment that we talked about earlier. It was adopted by a committee on Senate Bill
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Chair Unverified 1:28:52
362. 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.
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Senator Jonathan Dismang Chair Unverified 1:29:15
we'll just we'll just see what happens i'm just kidding all right members so you have senate bill 93 senate bill 128 senate bill 130 senate bill 332 and senate bill 534 i'm assuming that y'all would like to vote senate bill 5 uh 354 separately okay so that's what i would assume all right so what we're going to do we're going to take up senate bill 354 first and then we will batch vote the remaining unless you would like to pull one of those out for a separate vote so would anyone like to pull out senate bill 93 128 130 or 332 all right and so with that now we'll consider senate bill 534
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 1:30:11
or 354 That one, 354. Senate Bill 354 by Senator Dismang, an act for the Department of Corrections, Division of Correction Development and Enhancement, Capital Improvement Appropriation.
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Senator Jonathan Dismang Chair Unverified 1:30:22
Senator Dismang, you're recognized. All right, thank you. This is the $750 million capital improvement appropriation for the construction of
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Chair Unverified 1:30:33
the prison. Questions for Senator Dismang? Anyone wish to speak against?
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Speaker 324 1:30:42
anyone wish to speak for the senator has closed madam secretary please call the
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Speaker 46 1:31:10
roll. Okay. We have a pair at the desk. Senator Wallace, yes. Senator Letting, no.
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Speaker 131 1:31:16
Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Caldwell, Clark, Clark,
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Speaker 124 1:31:38
Crowell, Davis, Dease, Dismang, Dotson, English
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 1:31:47
Flippo Flippo Flowers, yes Gilmore Hammer Hester Hickey Hill
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Speaker 124 1:32:08
Irvin Irvin Blake Johnson Martin. Mark Johnson. King. No. Letting. No. Love. Love. McKee. Murdoch. Murdoch. Peyton.
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Speaker 9 1:32:23
Penzo. No. Petty. Yes. Rice.
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Speaker 198 1:32:39
Scott. Present. Stone. Stubbafil. No. Sullivan. No. Tucker. No. Wallace.
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Speaker 62 1:32:57
Yes. Yes. No, Wallace wasn't prepared for this. Yeah, Letting and Flowers.
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Speaker 369 1:33:12
Letting and Wallace were the pair at the desk earlier. Senators who did not vote, who wished to vote. Senator
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Chair Unverified 1:33:29
Love, present. Senator Murdoch, present. Senator Irvin, yes. Any other senators? Senator Clark, yes. Any other senators? Scene. Lieutenant, we need to
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Speaker 134 1:33:39
repeat what she said. She was talking to me. Who was the last one?
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Speaker 10 1:33:43
Clark, yes. Please check the board. Repeat the pair.
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Speaker 134 1:33:48
I need her to check the camera. Here's the pair. Okay. The
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Speaker 49 1:33:52
pair is Flowers, yes. Letting no. No, the pair was Wallace, yes. Oh, I'm sorry. Letting no. Flowers is
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Speaker 348 1:33:59
on leave. Okay. Okay. Please check the board. Please check the board.
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Speaker 325 1:34:14
Flippo is a yes. Any
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Chair Unverified 1:34:32
others? And Senators, I'm happy to take that question, Senator Hickey, on every vote moving forward. So just be careful, Senators. Please check the board. All right, cast up the ballot by a vote of 19 yea, 11 nay, for present, Senate Bill 354
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Speaker 378 1:35:07
fails. We will now take up the
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 1:35:16
batch. Senate Bill 93 by Joint Budget, an act for the Department of Education Appropriation for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Senate Bill 128 by Joint Budget, an act for the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Appropriation for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Symbol 130 by Joint Budget, an act for the Arkansas State University Appropriation for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Symbol 332 by Senator Dodson, an act for the Department of Education, Division of Elementary and Secondary
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Speaker 49 1:35:50
Education, Sexual Risk Avoidance Education Program Appropriation for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
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Chair Unverified 1:36:00
this is the batch of budget bills any objection to rolling the vote seeing no objection madam secretary please roll the
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 1:36:17
vote boyd bright caldwell clark crow davis dees dismayne dotson english flippo flowers leave gilmore hammer hester hickey hill ervin blake johnson mark johnson King,
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Speaker 12 1:36:28
Letting Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stuboffield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace, Lee. Any
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Chair Unverified 1:36:39
senator wish to change his or her vote? Seeing no one, please cast up the ballot. By a vote of 33 yea, 0 nay, The batch of Senate budget bills pass and the corresponding emergency clauses are adopted.
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Speaker 70 1:37:24
Madam Secretary, are there items at the desk? Yes, we are
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 1:37:39
committed on engrossed bills to whom is first sent Bill 606 by Senator Davis to compare the engrossed copy of the original and find the same correctly engrossed. Public Health. We are committed on insurance and commerce to whom is first House Bill 1821 versus Senator Wardlaw and Senator Gilmore.
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Speaker 12 1:37:55
Compared to Engross Copp, recommend do pass. Calendar. Symbol 619
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 1:37:59
by Senator Irving concerning the formation of an isolated school district, Symbol 619. Education. Symbol 620 by Senator Irving to provide a safety valve and appeal right for a minor defendant who is also a victim of human trafficking and to amend the Human Trafficking Act of 2013, Senate Bill 620. Judiciary. Senate Bill 621 by Senator Irving to clarify the enforcement provisions against a health care insurer to retroactively apply to a health care contract for the benefit of a temporary hospital facility and declare an emergency, Senate Bill 621. Insurance and Commerce. For your committee on engrossed bills to move forward House Bill 1845, by Representative Holcomb and Senator Hill, compare the engrossed copy of the original and find the same correctly engrossed. Transportation.
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Chair Unverified 1:39:14
Senate will stand in recess for approximately five or so minutes to address administrative matters.
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Unknown speaker 1:40:11
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
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Chair Unverified 1:53:11
Senator Penzo: Senate will come back to order. Senator Penzo, you're recognized
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Speaker 219 1:53:27
for a motion. Senator Penzo: Thank you, Madam President.
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 1:53:32
I'd like to make a motion to extract SB2 from Public
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Speaker 390 1:53:36
Health. What is that? Fluoride. That's the fluoride mandate.
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Chair Unverified 1:53:49
Any questions for Senator Penzo on the motion to extract Senate Bill 2? This is a debatable motion. No questions. Anyone wish to speak extracting the motion to extract Senate Bill 2? Senator Irvin, you're recognized to
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Senator Missy Irvin Unverified 1:54:10
speak against the motion. Thank you, members. I'm speaking against a vote to extract a bill from Public Health Committee. We did our due diligence on this bill, heard the bill, heard lots of hours of testimony on the bill. Senator Wallace is not here today, and he wanted to speak against this motion. As you know, his area got hit by a tornado yesterday and last night. And I think it's very unfortunate that Senator Wallace is not here to be able to speak against this motion because he told me he wanted to speak against this motion to extract this bill. Members, this is on the motion of extraction. The reason I'm opposed to it, again, is we heard the testimony in the committee. It was defeated in the committee. And I personally believe that it's very important for us to continue what we're doing to have good quality water with the fluoride in it. If you, I have personally seen these children that have mouths full of silver caps because their teeth are rotted and decayed because you have bad water. I lived that when I moved to Stone County. We changed the water, and the situation for these children greatly improved. And so I will be speaking. I hope you will vote against extraction of this bill from the Public Health Committee. I also do not feel like this is appropriate for all the work that we've been doing in our committees and all of our members. I do not want to start extracting tons of bills from all these committees just because we didn't get our way. I hope you'll appreciate a no vote in extraction of Senate Bill 2 from
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Chair Unverified 1:55:59
public health. Anyone else wish to speak for the motion to extract, against the motion, for the motion to extract from public health? Senator King, you're recognized.
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Senator Bryan King Unverified 1:56:09
Thank you, Madam President. Sometimes four votes upholds what 35 members should do. And I understand the committee process, but this issue needs to be voted because many of you had the bills that you had legitimate questions on the voting. and it gets convoluted this is just a state issue when the state makes a mandate like this then you know what everybody has to comply to that you have water associations out there that want that are paying the fine to not do this because that's what their citizens want that's why we need to extract this and just have a vote on the floor up and down instead of having four members at times hold things up that every 35 members should vote
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Chair Unverified 1:56:55
on Any other member wish to speak for, against, or on the motion to extract SB 2? Senator Blake Johnson, you're recognized to speak. Senator Johnson, are you speaking for, against, or on the bill? Speak, motion. I don't like fluoride, and I agree with Senator Pinzo's position, but also I'm the leader of the majority party, and I agree with our process, and I would appreciate you voting present if you can't vote no.
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Speaker 2 1:57:50
Any other senator wish to speak
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Chair Unverified 1:57:53
against, for, or on? This is the motion only, not the bill itself. Senator Clark, you're recognized to speak for the motion to extract. This is part of the process. We
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Senator Alan Clark Unverified 1:58:06
have the committee process, which I very much respect, but we also have in the rules as part of the process that if you think something really needs to come out, that you go to the floor and you ask to extract it. So it's not that it's not part of the
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Speaker 406 1:58:30
process, it is part of the process. Anyone wish to speak against, on, or
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Chair Unverified 1:58:35
for? Well, I see Senator Payton for, Senator Clark just spoke for, so I'll recognize Senator Tucker to speak against. And then we'll go back to you, Senator Payton. Senator Tucker, you're recognized to speak against. I just have really a question
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Senator Clarke Tucker Unverified 1:58:47
that maybe y'all can address when you come back up. First of all, I agree with everything Senator Johnson said about the process. I'm not going to speak to that. We have one fluoride bill from a week or two ago that's still on the floor. We passed two fluoride bills out of state agencies this morning that are coming to the floor. That's three. So this would be a fourth fluoride bill on the floor. My question is just how many fluoride bills do we need? So that's my question.
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Chair Unverified 1:59:15
Senator Payton, you're recognized to speak for. Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues,
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Senator John Payton Unverified 1:59:20
I just want you to think for a minute. Have you ever voted no on a bill that came out of a committee with a recommendation do pass? Were you disrespecting the committee process when you voted no? Because, I mean, the committee did their process and recommended that we do pass. And then you sat here and voted no. It's not disrespecting the committee process for us to say we want to vote on this. And to tell you the truth, the health committee has been hung four to four. It's not six to two or five to three. It's four to four. It's a deadlock tile in this bill. Every time we voted on it in health committee. I don't think you're disrespecting the committee process anymore when you extract. than when you vote no. I'd appreciate you to, a good vote on this
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Chair Unverified 2:00:23
motion. Any other senator wish to speak against or on? Senator Mark Johnson, you're recognized to speak on the motion.
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Senator Mark Johnson Unverified 2:00:30
Thank you, Madam President. We recently had another similar motion, and it was stated that someone had spoken to our former chief counsel, Mr. Cook, And they mentioned a situation when it was used like that's the only time it ever happened, and it was over a former chair of judiciary bottling up legislation. I have to tell you, I was involved in an issue, I hate to say this, but it was in 19, it was in 2001. And there was a bill that a particular industry wanted out of committee, and the committee didn't want it out. And it was an extensive thing. It had to do with nursing homes, and the committee wouldn't let it out, and the nursing home industry wanted it out. And there was an extraction motion, and it passed. And the bill came out, and it passed the Senate. It had been amended in the House, We adjourned, the legislature adjourned, signed he died before it happened. I only want to say that it's been used, that the Nick Wilson thing was not the only time it's been used. It's been used other times because I wasn't around with that and watched it happen. It is part of our rules. It's there for a reason, and it's, whether it's a good rule or a bad rule, we can debate that when we rewrite the rules. But as of right now, it is a rule. And so, actually, I'm going to vote against the bill if it's extracted, but I'm going to vote for the extraction because I think that the Senate has an opportunity to vote on bills if enough members feel strong enough to do so. Thank you, Madam
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Speaker 415 2:02:23
President. Senator Johnson, I believe Senator Tucker has a question. I'm
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Speaker 416 2:02:27
not going to take any questions. Okay. Sorry, Senator Tucker.
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Chair Unverified 2:02:31
Senator Mark Johnson has left the well. Any other senator wish to speak on, against, or for? Seeing no other senator, Senator Pinzo, you're recognized to close on your motion to
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Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 2:02:45
extract. Thank you, Madam President. Mask mandates, vaccine mandates, fluoride mandates. I think we need to move past mandates when it comes to our health care. You know, Senator Tucker asked, how many bills do we need? we just need one but uh you know like like public health it was tied four to four and it continues to be tied four to four uh state agencies keeps passing out stuff but like i said before there's one good bill there's one clean bill and that's sb2 that was the second bill of the session that was filed it's it's the it's the cleanest it just repeals the the mandate the fluoride mandate and I think that's the cleanest thing. And, you know, like I said, the committee process is functioning through state agencies. The majority of this body, I think, wants to see this passed, and I'd appreciate a good vote.
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Chair Unverified 2:03:43
Thanks. Senator has closed. All those in favor of the motion to extract, please signify by saying aye. Aye. All those opposed? No. Ayes have it. Motion carries. I see one hand. Two,
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Speaker 420 2:04:03
three, four, five. Madam Secretary, please call the roll. Boyd? Yes. Bryant?
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Speaker 9 2:04:09
Aye. Caldwell? Clark? Aye. Crowell? Aye.
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Speaker 124 2:04:14
Davis? Yes. Dees? Aye. Dismang? No. Dotson? Yes. English? No. Flippo?
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Speaker 9 2:04:23
Yes. Flowers to leave. Gilmore? No. Hammer? No. Hester? Yes. Hickey? No. Hill? Yes.
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Speaker 124 2:04:38
Irvin? No. Blake Johnson? No. Mark Johnson? Aye. King? Aye. Letting? No. Love? Aye. McKee? Aye. Murdoch? Aye. Peyton? Yes.
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Speaker 198 2:05:00
Penzo? Yes. Petty? Yes. Rice? Aye. Scott? No. Stone? No. Stubbeville? Yes. Sullivan? Aye. Tucker? No.
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Chair Unverified 2:05:21
Wallace is leave. Any senator wish to change his or her vote? Hester, no. Any other senator wish to change your vote? Any other senator? Seen? Are y'all seen? Okay. Please check the board. Seeing no other senator. Please cast up the ballot by a vote of 19, yay, 12, nay, and 2 present. The motion to extract Senate Bill 2 passes or carries. We are passing over Senate Bill 120. Next, we will take up Senate Bill 157.
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 2:06:07
Senate Bill 157 by Senator Dotson to amend the law concerning benefits under the Arkansas Public Employees State Public Employee
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Chair Unverified 2:06:18
Retirement System. Senator Dotson, you're
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Senator Jim Dotson Unverified 2:06:26
recognized. Thank you, Madam President. Senate Bill 157 is a retirement bill that basically what it does is it allows the various pension systems that we have to own a life insurance policy for the members of the retirement systems. Each individual one gives them the option to do that. So each state retirement system, you can see in the legislative intent section number one, the first section there, that each retirement system has the ability to offer life insurance as a survivor's benefit to each member. No state retirement system is required to offer this benefit. And if life insurance is offered as a survivor benefit to the members of the state retirement system, the life insurance payment shall be a set amount paid to the member's beneficiary, lessen any overpayments with the remaining balances to be used to lessen the system's unfunded liabilities. Sections 2 through 7 of the bill just go through each individual retirement system and set up the process in code to allow them to do this and then to promulgate rules, their board of trustees, to promulgate rules to accomplish this.
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Chair Unverified 2:07:44
More than happy to try to answer any questions. Any questions for Senator Dotson? Seeing no questions, anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator has closed. Any objection
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Speaker 9 2:08:02
to rolling the vote? Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismaine, Dotson, English,
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 2:08:09
Flippo, Flowers, Lee, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting,
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Speaker 12 2:08:16
Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubblefield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace, Lee. Any senator wish to change his or
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Chair Unverified 2:08:26
her vote? Senator McKee, no. Any other senator? Seeing no other senator, please cast up the ballot by a vote of 32 yea, 1 nay. Senate Bill 157 passes. Please transmit to the House. Senate Bill 290.
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 2:08:48
Senate Bill 290 by Senator Blake Johnson to prohibit a moratorium on the issuance of permits in watersheds and other bodies of water. Senators,
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Chair Unverified 2:08:58
I would ask that any extra conversations be done very quietly, if at all. And if it can't be done quietly, please step out into the hall. Senator
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Speaker 446 2:09:11
Blake Johnson, you're recognized. members uh there's been a lot of convoluted statements and
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Chair Unverified 2:09:17
i'm sure you've got a number of emails on this uh this bill uh this bill sets up a administrative rules process uh and oversight from the legislative body uh through alc and budget whenever we're in session The first paragraph in this allows us to, it says is not required in line 26, the first page, is not required to state the grounds under subdivision F1 if this section, when not approving the rule. That's different than the rulemaking process that we have now. If it's not against state law or federal law or the Constitution, we have to approve. This is a one-off situation, these moratoriums, and they affect agriculture. And I think it should have legislative oversight, and this will give us better legislative oversight if this is ever done in the future or if the federal government ever tries to impose these on our bureaucracy. And I'd appreciate a good vote.
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Speaker 415 2:10:28
Any questions for Senator Blake Johnson? Anyone wish to speak
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Chair Unverified 2:10:36
against or for? Senator, you're recognized close. Senator has closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Objection noted. Madam Secretary, please call the roll. Boyd. Yes.
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Speaker 131 2:10:53
Bryant. Aye. Caldwell. Aye. Clark. Clark.
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Speaker 124 2:11:00
Crowell. Yes. Crowell. Davis. Aye. Dees. Aye. Dismang. No. Dotson. Dotson.
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 2:11:16
Aye. English. Aye. Flippo. Flippo. Aye. Flowers lead. Gilmore? No. Hammer? Aye. Hester? Aye. Hickey? Aye. Hill? Irvin?
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Speaker 124 2:11:33
Irvin? Blake Johnson? Aye. Mark Johnson? No. King? Aye. Ledding? No. Love? No. McKee? Aye.
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Speaker 198 2:11:49
Murdoch? Murdoch? Payton? Yes. Penzo? No. Petty? Yes. Rice? Aye. Scott? No. Stone?
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Speaker 124 2:12:12
Stone? Stubbefield? Stone was out. Stubbefield? Aye. Sullivan? Aye. Tucker?
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Speaker 415 2:12:19
any senator wish to vote who is not voted or wish to change your vote Senator Boyd,
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Chair Unverified 2:12:32
no Senator Clark, yes Senator Stubblefield, yes Senator Irvin, present any other senator, please check the board any other senator I just want to make sure I'm not missing anybody. Please cast up the ballot by a vote of 22 yay, 9 nay, 1 not voting, 1 present. Senate Bill 290 passes. Please transmit to the House. Senate Bill 408. Senate Bill 408 by
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 2:13:10
Senator Blake Johnson to provide an income tax exemption for certain payments by the United States Department of Agriculture. Senator Blake Johnson, you're recognized.
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Chair Unverified 2:13:26
Members, you don't hear me complain very much, but I'll tell you for your real crop agriculture, last year was a hard year and I'll tell you right now with the prices, the commodity prices as they are now it's worse this year but the federal government has given an economic aid package and a disaster package and this bill will exempt the income tax in the state of Arkansas for those two payments. Economic aid payments will probably happen in 2025 and the disaster payments may not hit until 2026. These payments will not have a, this income tax relief will not have an impact on our general revenue and budgeting. We appreciate a good vote. Any questions for Senator
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Speaker 415 2:14:26
Blake Johnson? Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator has
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Chair Unverified 2:14:32
closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please
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Speaker 9 2:14:38
roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismaine,
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 2:14:42
Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Leave, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake, Johnson, Mark, Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty,
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Speaker 12 2:14:52
Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubberfield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace, Leave. Any senator wish to change his or her
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Chair Unverified 2:15:01
vote, seeing no one, please cast up the ballot by a vote of 33 yea, 0 nay. Senate Bill 408 passes. Please transmit to the House.
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Speaker 73 2:15:13
Senate Bill 444. I don't see Senator Hammer. Senate Bill
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 2:15:29
444 by Senator Hammer to amend the Medical Ethics and Diversity Act.
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Senator Kim Hammer Chair Unverified 2:15:41
Senator Hammer, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam Governor. A couple sessions ago, we passed a bill that would give protection to medical care workers that if they were put in a position to do something that violated their conscience, that they would have the ability to be able to deny having to do that. What this bill does is a little bit of a clean-up language, but it also adds some protection as far as whistleblower is concerned with regards that if they are forced to do something, they would have an avenue to do that. But also it allows for others to have that same protection as we gave a couple sessions ago.
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Chair Unverified 2:16:14
That's what the bill does. Appreciate a good vote. Any questions for Senator Hammer? Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator, you recognize closed. Closed. Appreciate a good vote. Senators closed.
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Speaker 9 2:16:31
Any objection? Rolling the vote. Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis,
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 2:16:39
Dees, Disvane, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Leave, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark
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Speaker 12 2:16:45
Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stuboffield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace, Leave.
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Speaker 435 2:16:53
Any senator wish to change his or her vote? Senator Tucker, no. Senator Love, no. Senator Letting, not voting. Senator Murdoch, no. Senator Scott, no. Senator Letting, no. Any other senator? Seeing no
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Chair Unverified 2:17:15
other senator, please cast up the ballot. By vote of 28, yay, 5, nay. Senate Bill 444 passes. Please transmit to the House. Senate Bill 484. Senate Bill 484 by Senator
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 2:17:32
Irving to establish a process whereby a vacancy is filled on the School District Board of Directors. Senator Irving, you're recognized.
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Senator Missy Irvin Unverified 2:17:42
Thank you, Madam President. Members of the Senate, I appreciate the good work from the Senate Education Committee that got me to this point. What this does is it establishes a process whereby a vacancy is filled on a school district board of directors by making sure that there is a disclosure, that there is a vacancy, and outlines a process for those that may be interested in filling that vacancy. If the school board, it would be the majority of the remaining directors that would vote on it. However, it will be done in public, and then if they do not do it, then it would go to the county quorum court just to ensure local choice. And it really just is about providing a level of transparency to ensure that the public is fully aware of the vacancy and that the process is public and accountable to the electors. So I'll be happy to answer any questions. Again, appreciate the good work from the Senate Education Committee that got me to an
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Chair Unverified 2:18:58
amended bill. Any questions for Senator Irvin? Anyone wish to speak against or for Senator?
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Senator Missy Irvin Unverified 2:19:04
Yeah, and I also want to thank some folks in my district that helped on this bill, both people that are on the school district and people in the county. It's very important to them, and I've had a lot of people reach out and thank me for this bill. And I just appreciate that very much that they're paying attention. I'm closed. Senator is closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Seeing
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Chair Unverified 2:19:24
no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Curl, Davis, Dees,
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 2:19:35
Dismaine, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Lee, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake, Johnson, Mark, Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Peyton,
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Speaker 12 2:19:44
Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbeville, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace, Lee. Any senator wish to change his or her
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Chair Unverified 2:19:54
vote? King not voting. Any other senator? Seeing no other, please cast up the ballot by a vote of 32 yeas, 0 nay, 1 not voting. Senate Bill 484 passes. Please transmit to the House. Senate Bill 494. Senate Bill
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 2:20:12
494 by Senator Bryant. to reduce the number and types of permits issued by Arkansas Tobacco Control and to consolidate several permits into a single permit under the Arkansas Tobacco Products Tax Act of 1977. Senator Bryant, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President. Members, Senate Bill 494 is an agency bill looking to combine three manufacturer's permits into one. That's the simplicity of the bill. Glad to answer any questions.
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Chair Unverified 2:20:39
Any questions for Senator Bryant? Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator Bryant has closed. Any objection? Rolling the vote. Seeing no
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Speaker 9 2:20:50
objection, Madam Secretary, please
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 2:20:53
roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismaine, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Leave, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake, Johnson, Mark,
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Speaker 12 2:21:03
Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbeville, Sullivan,
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Chair Unverified 2:21:10
Tucker-Wallace Lee. 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 32 yeas, 0 nay, 1 not voting. Senate Bill 494 passes. Please transmit to the House.
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 2:21:30
Senate Bill 495. Senate Bill 495 by Senator Bryant to amend definitions used under the Arkansas Tobacco Products Tax Act of 1977, and to amend the definition of invoice and the definition of invoice price used under the Arkansas Tobacco Products Tax Act of 1977. Senator Bryant, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President. Members, Senate Bill 495 is also an agency bill. It does two things. It requires the buyer and the seller to have their ATC permit number and the associated address placed onto the invoice during that transaction, and then it allows the agency to use local comparable pricing as an avenue for whenever they seize illegal items and they look at the invoice. If the invoice does not have it and they can't find any comparable sales or can't find the information on the invoice, they can use comparable sales for those like items in the area to derive at that price to set for the taxes to be collected on those items. So with that,
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Chair Unverified 2:22:31
I'd be glad to answer any questions. Any questions for Senator Bryant? anyone
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 2:22:35
wish to speak? Oh, I'm sorry. I apologize. Let me close on this. Senator McKee pointed out on the bottom of page two, lines 30 to 35, there was an error in drafting of a duplicative language. I've confirmed with VLR because it's duplicative in nature. They have the administrative ability through statute to just correct that during the process. So I just wanted to point that
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Chair Unverified 2:23:00
out to members in case they caught that. Thanks, Senator Bryant. Anyone wish to speak against or for Senator has closed. Any objection?
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Speaker 9 2:23:10
Rolling the vote. Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell,
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 2:23:15
Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Disvane, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Lee, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson,
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Speaker 12 2:23:22
Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbuffield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace, Lee.
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Chair Unverified 2:23:29
Any senator wish to change his or her vote, King not voting. Any of the senators? Seeing no other, please cast up the ballot by a vote of 32 yeas, 0 nay, 1 not voting. Senate Bill 495 passes. Please transmit to the House. We'll
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Speaker 59 2:23:52
now take up Senate Bill 504. Senate Bill 504 by Senator Irving to establish the Arkansas Rural Preceptorship Program Act. Senator Irving, you're recognized.
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Senator Missy Irvin Unverified 2:24:02
Thank you, Madam President. Members, this is to establish and create Arkansas Rural Preceptorship Program. Currently, UAMS does offer this. What this does is create a statewide initiative that can utilize both private funding and public funding. Spoken with the Department of Commerce that's very interested in this, as well as the Department of Education, Higher Ed. And it would be to work with all four of our medical schools that we have. UAMS, College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Smith, NYI, in New York Institute of Technology, College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University, and the Alice Walton School of Medicine. so that all of those medical students can go and do preceptorships in the rural parts of the state of Arkansas. This, if funded, this only just sets up the program, but if it gets funding, then they would be able to receive a stipend to stay in a community and work with a clinic, with a doctor, with a hospital, any healthcare situation, to introduce them to the rural parts of the state of Arkansas. This is a highly effective program and aimed towards trying to get our doctors out into rural Arkansas where they are desperately needed. So I will just say from a personal perspective, this is how my husband and I got to Mountain View, was by doing a preceptorship program. And we loved the community, fell in love with it, and moved there to practice so it works. I appreciate a good vote.
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Chair Unverified 2:25:43
Any questions for Senator Irvin? Anyone wish to
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Speaker 324 2:25:47
speak against or for? Senator has closed. Any objection? Rolling the vote. Seeing no
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Speaker 9 2:25:55
objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Quirrell, Davis, Dees, Dismaine, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Lee, Gilmore,
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 2:26:03
Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbuffell,
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Speaker 12 2:26:14
Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace, Sleeve. Any senator
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Chair Unverified 2:26:17
wish to change his or her vote? Seeing no one, please cast up the ballot. By a vote of 33 a, 0 nays, Senate Bill 504 passes. Please transmit to the House. Senate Bill
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 2:26:32
507. Senate Bill 507 by Senator Letting to require the Arkansas Medicaid program to cover applied Behavior Analysis Services for Certain Beneficiaries. Senator Letting, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President.
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Senator Greg Leding Unverified 2:26:44
Colleagues, Mr. Ron Cook, who is with us today in the East Gallery, brought this issue to my attention about two years ago. He is a constituent of Senator English, who was a co-sponsor on this bill, but his son is a constituent of mine back in Fayetteville. For Arkansans with autism, applied behavioral analysis therapy, or ABA therapy, is a very important resource. It can help them improve their communication skills, their social skills. their focus, and it can help eliminate problem behaviors. Here in Arkansas, though, once you turn 21 years of age, Medicaid no longer covers that treatment. In 42 states, there is no age restriction, so all we're trying to do today is to eliminate that age restriction. I want to commend Mr. Cook on his work on this legislation. I think everyone in this room has read from him at least once. No one spoke against this measure in committee yesterday. It came out of committee unanimously. I would like to thank Senator English for co-sponsoring this and Representative Brooks for carrying this legislation
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Chair Unverified 2:27:38
in the House. I'd appreciate a good vote. Any questions for Senator Letting? Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator has closed. Yes, ma'am. Senator Irvin is recognized to speak on the bill.
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Senator Missy Irvin Unverified 2:27:56
Thank you, members. I'm speaking on the bill. I think it's an excellent bill. I applaud the information. I applaud the effort behind it. I just want to call your attention to the fiscal impact of what it is, and you can find it on your computer, but it would range depending on the number of people that would take advantage of this new ability anywhere between state share 3.6 million up to 23 million for the state share for the Medicaid. Thank you.
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Chair Unverified 2:28:32
anyone else wish to speak against for or on the bill senator letting your
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Senator Greg Leding Unverified 2:28:44
recognized clothes thank you madam president uh dhs did present those numbers in committee yesterday i do think it's important though we asked them later how they came to that calculation they based it on the cost for providing this therapy to children and then extrapolated that going forward aba therapy for children is much more intensive and therefore often much more expensive because you're also dealing with children and there is less to teach an adult and so this therapy for adults is typically much less expensive so we do believe that that estimate is high and I would point out that the low end of this estimate that we believe is high could be as
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Speaker 324 2:29:18
low as $3 million I'd appreciate a good vote. Thank you. Senator is closed. Any objection
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Speaker 9 2:29:26
to rolling the vote? Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell,
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 2:29:31
Clark, Crowell, Davis Dees, Dismaine Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Lee, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake
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Speaker 12 2:29:37
Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stevifield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace,
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Chair Unverified 2:29:48
Lee. Any senator wish to change his or her vote? Senator McKee, present. Hickey, no. Any other senator? Senator Dodson, present. Any other senator? Seeing no other, please cast up the ballot. By a vote of 30 yea, 1 nay, and 2 present, Senate Bill 507 passes. Please
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 2:30:18
transmit to the House. Senate Bill 520. Senate Bill 520 by Senator Sullivan to prohibit diversity equity and inclusion officers policies or practices in local government. Senator Sullivan you're recognized. Thank
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Senator Dan Sullivan Chair Unverified 2:30:36
you madam president. Folks this morning I was made aware of a technical issue on the bill and i'd like to refer or refer it re-refer it back to committee
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Chair Unverified 2:30:58
we're referring bill senate bill 520 back to city county local all those in favor aye any opposed motion carries Senate
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 2:31:15
Bill 525. Senate Bill 525 by Senator Mark Johnson to amend the law concerning incorporation and organization of municipalities and to transfer incorporated duties to the Secretary of State. Senator Mark Johnson, you're recognized.
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Senator Mark Johnson Unverified 2:31:28
Thank you, Madam President. Senate Bill 525 is a bill that Representative Brooks and I are working on for area in our districts. This will change the number of petition signatures for an incorporated town. It used to be 75. It was raised to 200. This will return it back to 75. It will also transfer the approval and the hearing and the approval to the Secretary of State. And it will verify that the county clerk will still verify the signatures, the petition, but then they will send that to the Secretary of State. We specifically are clarifying that you cannot deny a petition because the boundaries of the municipality fall in more than one county. And we have a situation in our district where the area that wants to petition this, part of it is in Pulaski County, part of it is in Perry County. So it also requires that they have a business plan that sufficiently addresses continuation of services, including, without limitation, police services, fire services, utilities, and trash services. And it allows the Secretary of State to promulgate the rules on that. uh i'll be happy to try to answer any questions any questions for senator mark johnson anyone
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Chair Unverified 2:32:59
wish to speak against or for senator you're recognized close i'm closed appreciate a good
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Speaker 324 2:33:08
vote senator is closed any objection to rolling the vote seeing no objection madam secretary
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Speaker 9 2:33:15
please roll the vote boyd bryant caldwell clark crow davis dees dismaying dotson english flippo flowers lee gilmore hammer hester
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 2:33:22
hickey hill ervin blake johnson mark johnson King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton,
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Speaker 12 2:33:27
Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbeville, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace, Leave. Any senator wish to change his or her vote?
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Speaker 415 2:33:38
Senator Love, no. Senator McKee, no. Any
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Chair Unverified 2:33:42
other senator? Senator Davis, present. Senator Bryant, present. Senator Clark, present. Senator Penzo, present. Any other senator? Seeing no other, please cast up the ballot. By vote of 27 yea, 2 nay, 4 present. Senate Bill 525 passes. Please transmit to the House.
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 2:34:11
Senate Bill 529. Senate Bill 529 by Senator Blake Johnson to amend the
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Chair Unverified 2:34:19
Independent Tax Appeals Commission Act. Senator Blake Johnson, you're recognized. Members, the Independent Tax Bills Commission was created a couple of sessions ago. This is a cleanup bill from Inspector General, and it creates a small claims division, and it gives some flexibility for the governor because it's very hard to get folks that can qualify to sit on that. But it also lends itself to experts in the field, but I'd appreciate a good vote. any
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Speaker 415 2:34:55
questions for senator blake johnson anyone wish to speak against
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Speaker 324 2:35:00
or for senator has closed any objection rolling the vote see no objection madam secretary
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Speaker 9 2:35:08
please roll the vote boyd bright caldwell clark crow davis dees dismayne dotson english
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 2:35:13
flippo flowers lee gilmore hammer hester hickey hill ervin blake johnson mark johnson king letting love mckee
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Speaker 12 2:35:22
Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubberfield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace, Lee. Any senator wish to
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Chair Unverified 2:35:30
change his or her vote, seeing no one, please cast up the ballot. By vote of 33 a 0 nays, Senate Bill 529 passes. Please transmit to the House, Senate Bill 530. Senate Bill
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 2:35:42
530 by Senator Davis, to amend the Arkansas Wood Energy Products and Forest Maintenance Income Tax Credit. Senator Davis, you're recognized.
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Senator Breanne Davis Chair Unverified 2:35:52
Thank you, Madam President. Members, this bill is just a more stringent version of a bill that we passed in 2021 for a wood pellet facility. Some of the changes include requiring the project to be over $1 billion instead of $50 million. We also decreased the tax incentive percentage from 30% to 20% and said that they have to have job creation and retention of 400 jobs rather than 100. This is really specific to Green Bay packaging. They're doing, in phase one alone, over a billion-dollar investment in Conway County to a 60-year-old mill. They're going to retain 700 jobs in the area and also create an additional 40 jobs with an average salary of $100,000. They currently manage and help provide free management assistance to over 500,000 acres of property in our state. impact 32 counties and over 900 landowners. Again, this is neutral, revenue neutral, and I'm happy to answer
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Chair Unverified 2:37:02
any questions. Any questions for Senator Davis? Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator has closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Seeing
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Speaker 9 2:37:13
no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dispain, Dotson, English, Flippo,
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 2:37:20
Flowers, Lee, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Ludding, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty,
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Speaker 12 2:37:28
Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbafill, Sullivan,
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 2:37:31
Tucker, Wallace, Lee. Any senator wish to
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Chair Unverified 2:37:35
change his or her vote? Senator Dodson present. Any other senator? Seeing no other. Senator King not voting. Any other senators? aye. King is a yes. Any other senator? Seeing no other, please cast up the ballot. By a vote of 32 yea, 0 nay, 1 present. Senate Bill 530 passes. Please transmit to the House. Senate Bill 533.
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 2:38:05
Senate Bill 533 by Senator Deese to provide for the regulation of consumable hemp products by the Arkansas Tobacco Control Board and to amend the Arkansas law to allow regulation and purchase of consumable hemp products. Senator
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Senator Tyler Dees Unverified 2:38:22
Dees, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam Governor. Members, Senate Bill 533 is related to our hemp laws, similar to last session when we banned these products. This is kind of a cleanup or companion to what we did last year. What this did, we had some amendments in committee that really brought technical corrections to the chemical compounds and to the science, if you will, from the Department of Health all throughout to make sure that was clear. And it also brought some dates related to removing the emergency clause and had trigger language that ties to what's going on with federal court on some of these topics and also with the farm bill within Congress. And so that's what this does is a commandment to what we've already passed. It still focuses on the mission of protecting our children from these harmful products, the products that are being marketed to and sold over the counter in a lot of cases across the country and across our state. And so it still fits that mission. It also fits the mission of what the voters have said. We don't want recreational marijuana. That's what the voters have said. And these items have very similar principles to recreational marijuana. So that's what this bill does. It brings clarity to definitions. It creates the right framework to protect our kids. It aligns with the voters' demands. And it does not prohibit any industrial hemp, any rope making, any siding for homes. It brings clarity there. It doesn't prohibit CBD products that don't have THC in it. It brings clarity there. And it really just reinstates that we're going to restrict the harmful, intoxicating products from our kids. So with that, I would appreciate us voting this into
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Chair Unverified 2:40:07
law. Any questions for Senator Dees? Anyone? Question? Senator Petty? Senator Dees? Senator Petty, you're recognized for a question. Thank you,
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Senator Jim Petty Unverified 2:40:16
Madam President. I just want to be asked for clarification when you're dealing with hemp. We're not talking about some natural food stores that have a version of hemp that do not have anything to do with THC
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Speaker 500 2:40:27
or any of that that's basically a heavy protein. You're exactly correct. All right. Thank
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Chair Unverified 2:40:35
you. Any other questions for anyone wish to speak against or for?
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Speaker 344 2:40:40
Senator Dease is closed. Any objection rolling the boat? Seeing no objection,
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Speaker 9 2:40:49
Madam Secretary, please roll the boat. Bowed, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dease, Dismaine, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Lee, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester,
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 2:40:58
Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake
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Speaker 12 2:41:01
Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbafill, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace, Lee.
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Chair Unverified 2:41:10
Any senator wish to change his or her vote? Senator Bryant, present. King, not voting. Flowers, letting, present. Dotson, present. McKee, present. Correct. Penzo, present. Tucker, present. Any other senator? Seeing no other, please cast up the ballot by a vote of 26 yea, 0 nay, 1 not voting, 6 present. Senate Bill 533 passes. Please transmit to the House. We are passing over. Senate Bill 534, next. Senate Bill 546, Senator Hammer. Senate Bill 546 by Senator
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 2:42:07
Hammer to amend the law concerning the trust fund contribution fee for water permits related to non-municipal domestic sewage treatment works.
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Senator Kim Hammer Chair Unverified 2:42:19
Senator Hammer, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair. I've worked with ADQ for the last two months to get this to a place where they are not in opposition. Actually, they helped craft it and draft it. The premise of the bill is when this was originally set up by then-Representant Andy Davis, since that time, there's been some practical application to it. This is going to align with the current situation. I'll draw your attention to page four. What it does is reduces it to an 8% and not to cede $100,000 investment by those that are putting in the domestic sewage treatment plants. Currently, the cap is at $2.5 million. I believe that's specified in the bill. It did not adjust that cap. And the reality is that there's a lot of money going in that, and there's been very little money going out of it. And those that are developing these and using these domestic sewage treatment plants have only been a few, and they are uploading it, plus the account continues to earn interest that is being deposited into it. And so this is bringing it in line after this has been in place for about eight years now. And as I get, I said I worked with the ADQ and they
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Speaker 415 2:43:34
are in agreement with the bill. I'm glad to take any questions. Any questions
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Chair Unverified 2:43:41
for Senator Hammer? Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator? Closed. Appreciate a good
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Speaker 9 2:43:47
vote. Senator has closed. Any objection rolling the vote? Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Steeves, Dismaine, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Lee, Gilmore,
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Speaker 12 2:43:58
Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbiff, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace, Lee.
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Chair Unverified 2:44:07
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 32, yea, 0, nay, 1, not voting. Senate Bill 546 passes. Please transmit to the House. Senate Bill 551. Senate Bill 551 of Senator Hamer to
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 2:44:27
amend the law concerning canvassing for a petition for a local option election. Senator Hamer, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam Governor.
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Senator Kim Hammer Chair Unverified 2:44:38
We passed this session rules regarding the petition process. What this does is takes those laws and put it in place when it comes to the law concerning canvassing for a petition at the local option election. Be glad to answer any questions. Questions for Senator Hammer?
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Chair Unverified 2:44:59
Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator Tucker, you're recognized to speak against.
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Senator Clarke Tucker Unverified 2:45:12
Senator Hammer said this, and I'm not going to re-litigate the arguments we had at the beginning of session. I just want to make sure everybody's aware we passed the bill earlier in the session, which, in my opinion, makes it virtually impossible to get any signature for a statewide ballot measure. And this is just applying that to local ballot measures. So if you want to prevent local ballot measures as well as statewide ballot measures, then this is it. I know that's not his intent. I shouldn't be sarcastic, and my apologies. But I do think the practical effect of this is that it's going to prevent people from getting signatures on local measures as well as statewide measures for all the same reasons I said earlier in the session.
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Chair Unverified 2:45:51
Anyone else wish to speak for, against, or on the bill? Seeing no other. Senator Hammer, your recognized close.
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Senator Kim Hammer Chair Unverified 2:45:59
Thank you. This helps to eliminate potential confusion, whether it's a statewide initiative or a local initiative like a liquor bill or something like that. And what this will do is require all canvassers to seek signatures for ballot initiatives by the same practices that we already passed this session.
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Chair Unverified 2:46:17
Appreciate a good vote. Senator is closed. Any objection rolling the vote? Objection noted. Madam Secretary, please call the roll.
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Speaker 152 2:46:24
Bowen, Bryant, Caldwell. We're calling the roll. Oh, I'm sorry. Bowen? Bryant? Caldwell? Caldwell. Clark? Clark.
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Speaker 124 2:46:45
Crowell? Crowell. Davis? Davis. Aye. Dees? Aye. Dismang? Aye. Dotson? Yes. English? English. Flippo? Flippo? Flowers leave. Gilmore?
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Speaker 512 2:47:05
Gilmore Yes Hammer Yes Hester Yes
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Speaker 124 2:47:15
Hickey No Hill Yes Irvin Irvin Blake Johnson Mike Mark Johnson Mark Johnson King King Ladding No Love No McKee No Murdoch?
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Speaker 198 2:47:37
Murdoch. No. Payton? Yes. Penzo? No. Petty? Yes. Rice? No. Rice. Scott?
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Speaker 124 2:47:53
No. Stone? Aye. Stubbafield? Stubbafield. Sullivan? Sullivan. Tucker? No. Wallace, leave.
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Speaker 435 2:48:09
Any senator wish to vote who did not vote or wish to change your vote? Senator Clark, yes. Senator Kroll, yes. Rice, yes. Any other senator? Senator Irvin, no. Any other
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Chair Unverified 2:48:29
senator? Seeing no other, please cast up the ballot by vote of 18 yea, 9 nay. Six, not voting. Senate Bill 551 passes. Please transmit to the House.
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 2:48:42
Senate Bill 552. Senate Bill 552 by Senator Hammer. To clarify the definition of principal office used under the Arkansas Business Corporation Act of 1987 and the Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. Senator Hammer, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam Governor. Senate Bill
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Senator Kim Hammer Chair Unverified 2:48:59
552 reflects modern commerce in which many businesses are operating out of people's homes rather than traditional storefronts. When a business entity registers with the Secretary of State, the entity must provide both the principal office address and a registered agent address where the business will accept delivery of legal documents. This bill says that when a business does not have a principal office, that business may designate the registered agent's address as its principal office. The business must still give the Secretary of State resident address for an officer or director so the Secretary of State has information it needs. The bill promotes safety and reflects today's business environment, and the bill was drafted with the assistance of the Secretary of State, and there's been no option to it. I'd be glad to
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Chair Unverified 2:49:45
take questions. Any questions for Senator Hammer? Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator, you're recognized
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Speaker 324 2:49:56
closed. Closed for the bill. Appreciate a good vote. Tenders closed. Any objection
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Speaker 9 2:50:02
rolling the vote? Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismaine, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Leave, Gilmore, Hammer,
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 2:50:13
Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake
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Speaker 12 2:50:16
Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbuffield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace, Leave.
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Chair Unverified 2:50:26
Any senator wish to change his or her vote? King, not voting. Any other senator? Seeing no other, please cast up the ballot. My vote of 32, yea, 0, nay. One, not voting. Senate Bill 552 passes. Please transmit to the House. Senate Bill 553.
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 2:50:46
Senate Bill 553 by Senator Hammer to amend the Arkansas Municipal Accounting Law to amend the duties of the municipal treasurer and require training for an individual charged with duties under the Arkansas Municipal Accounting Law. Senator Hamer, you're recognized. Thank
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Senator Kim Hammer Chair Unverified 2:51:01
you, Madam Governor. I think ever since I've been down here, I've chaired on the house side leg audit or have sat on leg audit as a member the whole time I've been down here. And one of the things that's consistent on cities that comes up almost every time is that the treasurer will say I did not know or I did not understand and as a result of it we've had multiple findings against cities some of which you know have led to legal consequences others multiple findings so I've worked with the municipal league and they are full agreement with this and the city treasurers association in agreement with this that this is a bill that's going to require treasurers to go through mandatory training when they're elected to make sure that they understand and have the comprehension of what their duties are in order to prevent anybody incidentally from accidentally getting into trouble or just make them in a better educated manner to know what their duties are and what's expected of them. And so this is preventive in order to be able to help them. It will be able to be done online as well as in person so for our smaller cities where the treasurer might be pulling double duties or working another job, it's been with flexibility and Municipal League will be providing the training and so I'll be glad to answer any questions again Municipal League is supportive of this as well as the treasurer's there and be glad to answer any questions. Any
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Chair Unverified 2:52:27
questions for Senator Hamer? Senator Love you're recognized for a question. Thank
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Senator Fredrick J. Love Unverified 2:52:30
you Governor and Senator Hamer thank you for this bill because I've been on those set the same committee but let me ask you is is is there a cost to the training or is the Municipal League providing the training?
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Senator Kim Hammer Chair Unverified 2:52:42
Municipal League is going to absorb the cost to provide the training.
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Chair Unverified 2:52:47
Okay, thank you. Senator Dotson, you're recognized
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Senator Jim Dotson Unverified 2:52:51
for a question. Thank you, Madam President. Senator, this is mandatory training by... It will
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Senator Kim Hammer Chair Unverified 2:52:58
be mandatory once we pass this bill, and then the Municipal League is going to provide the training and make it available either in their in-person seminars,
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Senator Jim Dotson Unverified 2:53:06
and there will be some online training available as well. So is this similar to, like, school board members going through the state school board association for required
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Senator Kim Hammer Chair Unverified 2:53:15
training by law? I think it aligns with the intent of the same thing, yes, sir. Thank you. Thank you. Any
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Chair Unverified 2:53:24
other questions for Senator Hammer? Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator, you're recognized closed. Closed. I've already
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Senator Kim Hammer Chair Unverified 2:53:30
said it, but I'll say it again. I think this will help our treasurers be able to do their job more effectively and keep them out from in
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Speaker 344 2:53:42
front of leg audit, which will be a good thing. Thank you, Senator. Any
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Speaker 9 2:53:47
objection to rolling the vote? Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismang, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Lee, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester,
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Speaker 12 2:53:58
Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbafield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace, Leaf.
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Chair Unverified 2:54:08
Any senator wish to change his or her vote? Senator King, not voting. Any other senator? Senator Dotson, no. Any other senator? Senator Penzo, present. Any other senator? Seeing no other senator, please cast up the ballot by vote of 30-ay, one nay, one not voting, one present. Senate Bill 553 passes. Please transmit to the House. Senate Bill 554.
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 2:54:34
Senate Bill 554 by Senator Tucker to create the Behavioral Health Loan Forgiveness Program.
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Senator Clarke Tucker Unverified 2:54:40
Senator Tucker, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President. Members, I don't think I have to convey to y'all the need we have in Arkansas for mental health counselors and substance abuse counselors. And this would be a program to put them in underserved areas. Before I explain it, I just want to start by saying there's zero dollars attached to this. So just to put your minds at ease on that, this really creates a program where the secretary of DHS would identify areas of need in Arkansas. It's defined as behaviorally underserved communities in the bill. And then you can have some of your student loans forgiven if you sign a contract to work for three years in a behaviorally underserved area. This is really the start of the conversation on this. It sets up the infrastructure for the program. We'll work to get money later. Representative Wildridge, who I'm sure you all know, who works in this field, is the House sponsor on this. I communicated with Secretary Putnam about this. She agrees it's the start of the conversation. It's an area of need in Arkansas, and it hopefully gets the ball moving in the right direction. There's no commitment of funding. It just sets up the infrastructure for the program for us to try to get more mental health and substance abuse counselors out into areas of need
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Chair Unverified 2:55:57
in the state. And I'm happy to take any questions. Questions for Senator Tucker? Anyone wish to speak against or
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Senator Clarke Tucker Unverified 2:56:04
for? Senator Tucker, you're recognized closed.
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Speaker 324 2:56:06
Thank you, Madam President. I'm closed. I appreciate a good vote. Senators closed. Any objection?
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Speaker 9 2:56:11
Rolling the vote. Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismane, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Lee, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake, Johnson,
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Speaker 12 2:56:22
Mark Johnson, King, Letting Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Seba Phil Sullivan, Tucker,
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Chair Unverified 2:56:33
Wallace, Leaf. Senator, any senator wish to change his or her vote? I see Dotson present, Bryant present, McKee, no, Dees present, Penzo present, Payton present. Any other senator? Clark present. Any other senator? Seeing no other, please cast up the ballot. By a vote of 26 A, one name, six present. Senate Bill 554 passes. Please transmit to the House. Senate Bill 555. Senate
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 2:57:16
Bill 555 by Senator Scott, to amend the law concerning the offense of video voyeurism, to extend the statute of limitations for the offense of video voyeurism, and to make an offer, an order of protection available to a victim. Senator Scott, you're recognized. Thank you,
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Senator Jamie Scott Unverified 2:57:36
Madam President. Good evening, colleagues. Afternoon. Thank you for the opportunity to present this important legislation, which seeks to strengthen the Arkansas laws against video voyeurism and provide greater protections for victims here in Arkansas. Today, I stand before you to introduce and advocate for an amendment to the Arkansas video voyeurism law, which will accomplish three critical objectives. One, to extend the statute of limitations of video voyeurism offenses. Video voyeurism is deeply invasive and a traumatic violation of a person's privacy. In many cases, victims do not become aware of the crime until a much later date, sometimes years after the illegal recording or distribution of intimate images. Currently, the statute of limitations does not allow significant time for victims to seek justice. This amendment will extend the statutes of limitations, ensuring that individuals who commit these acts can be held accountable even if the evidence comes to light at a later date. The second thing it does is it allows victims to obtain an order of protection. Under the Arkansas current law, order of protections are typically only granted in cases of domestic violence or stalking. However, victims of video voyeurism often face online threats, ongoing threats, harassment, and emotional distress after their privacy has been violated. This bill will expand the eligibility for orders of protection to include the victims of video voyeurism, providing them with legal recourse for a greater security against their offenders. And I'm almost finished. The third thing it will do is enhance the legal protections and close the loopholes. As technology evolves, so does the methods used to commit video voyeurism. This amendment ensures that Arkansas laws keep pace with the modern digital threats and close the loopholes that offenders exploit. Whether through a hidden camera or hacked devices or an unauthorized distribution of intimate images, this bill strengthens the enforcement of those mechanisms to protect individuals from any form of digital exploitation. Any questions for Senator Scott? Anyone wish to speak against or for?
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Chair Unverified 2:59:56
Senator, you're recognized to close. Thank you, colleagues. Thank you for the opportunity to present this bill, and I appreciate a good vote. Senator has closed. Any objection? Rolling the vote. Seeing no objection, Madam
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Speaker 9 3:00:14
Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismaine, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Lee, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson,
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Speaker 12 3:00:25
Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbuffield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace, Lee. Any senator wish to
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Chair Unverified 3:00:34
change his or her vote, seeing no one, please cast up the ballot. By a vote of 33 yea, zero nay. Senate Bill 555 passes. Please transmit to the House. Senate
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 3:00:50
Bill 559. Senate Bill 559 by Senator English to amend the Arkansas Military Child School Transitions Act of
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Senator Jane English Unverified 3:00:59
2021. Senator English, you're recognized. Thank you very much. members, basically this is some technical corrections for the Arkansas Military Child School Transition Act of 2021. One is to replace a sentence that was taken out, and the other is to add shall instead of
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Chair Unverified 3:01:21
may. Any questions for Senator English? Anyone wish to
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Speaker 324 3:01:26
speak against or for? Senator has closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Seeing no
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Speaker 9 3:01:32
objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismang, Dotson, English, Flippo,
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 3:01:40
Flowers, Lee, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake, Johnson, Mark, Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton,
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Speaker 12 3:01:48
Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone,
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 3:01:51
Stubbuffield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace, Lee. Any senator wish to change his or
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Chair Unverified 3:01:56
her vote? Seeing no one, please cast up the ballot by a vote of 33, yay, zero, nay. Senate Bill 559 passes. Please transmit to the House. Senate Bill 560. Senate Bill
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 3:02:08
560 by Senator English to decrease base contribution rate, to increase the administrative assessment rate, to increase funding for the skilled workforce in the state, and to amend the Division of Workforce Services Training Trust Fund. Senator English, you're recognized.
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Senator Jane English Unverified 3:02:24
Thank you very much. Members, this bill has to do with the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund and the Training Trust Fund that goes along with it. At present, we have about a billion dollars in the Unemployment Industry Trust Fund. And next to that is the Training Trust Fund. So what we're proposing is to reduce the amount that goes into the unemployment insurance trust fund and increase a little bit the money that goes into, or the percentage that goes into the training trust fund. So that would be up to $6 million. It would mean nothing to the employers. It
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Chair Unverified 3:03:14
doesn't change a thing. Questions for Senator English. Senator
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Senator John Payton Unverified 3:03:17
Payton, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President. So does every employer get assessed for this
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Senator Jane English Unverified 3:03:24
training trust fund? No, it's part of the unemployment insurance that you pay. Right. And what happened years ago is that some of those dollars were taken off and put into a training trust fund. So it provides some of the training for industry. And that's exactly what this would do, is increase the amount of money that's
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Senator John Payton Unverified 3:03:45
available. And I know this is not part of what you're doing, but it looks, you're reducing it, but it looks like this is in addition to the unemployment rate that is charged. So I'm just wondering if this is only employers above a certain size?
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Senator Jane English Unverified 3:04:00
No, it's just, it's every employer puts in, and right now it's, let's see, I can't, It basically decreases the assessment percentage, that's the amount that goes into the trust fund, by 0.01%. And moving that, you have an offsetting decrease in the base unemployment rate by 0.01%. So it just kind of evens out. Okay, so... But every employer, I can think it is, I may be wrong, but over three employees has to
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Senator John Payton Unverified 3:04:43
pay unemployment insurance. Well, obviously we pay unemployment insurance, but I wasn't aware of this extra 1.9%. So existing law, not what you're doing with your bill, but they're on page one, line 31. It looks like this program only existed since January 1st of 24. Do you know how long this program has existed?
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Senator Jane English Unverified 3:05:05
That was when money, 24, no, that's not right. This has been around for, oh, 15, 20 years, this trust fund, training trust fund. And right now it's $2.5 million, which is what it's been for probably 20 years. Okay, well, it's
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Senator John Payton Unverified 3:05:26
probably not relative to your bill, but I'm just questioning why smaller employers would have to pay into this training fund. They're not
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Senator Jane English Unverified 3:05:35
paying. They put into a pot of the industry, I mean the unemployment insurance pot. Out of that pot comes a small amount of money to be used for industry training.
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Senator John Payton Unverified 3:05:50
Well, it says each employer's rate shall be. So it's like it's a rate on the employer, not a percentage coming out of the trust fund. But thank you. Thank
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Chair Unverified 3:06:03
you, Madam Chair. Any other questions for Senator English? anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator, your recognized close.
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Speaker 324 3:06:09
Senator has closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote.
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Speaker 472 3:06:17
Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Kroll, Davis, Dees, Dismaine, Dotson, English,
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Chair Unverified 3:06:21
Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, Keene, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubblefield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Any senator wish to change his or her vote? Seeing no one, please cast up the ballot by a vote of 33 yay, zero nay. Senate Bill 560 passes. Please transmit to the House. Senate Bill 572. Senate Bill 572 by Senator Dotson to create the Public School Access and Transparency Act and to acquire public access to learning materials. Senator Dotson, you're recognized.
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Senator Jim Dotson Unverified 3:07:13
Thank you, Madam President. Members, Senate Bill 572, the Public School Access and Transparency Act is a step toward protecting the openness of our public education system in Arkansas. It ensures that learning materials, curricula, lesson plans, and instructional content are treated as public records. and that school districts cannot use copyright claims to block access to them. These provisions continue to reinforce transparency and accessibility of learning materials by parents without violating any copyright provisions. Happy to take any questions. Questions
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Chair Unverified 3:07:48
for Senator Dotson. Anyone wish to
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Speaker 324 3:07:51
speak against or for? Senator has closed. Any objection or rolling the vote? Seeing no objection, Madam
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Chair Unverified 3:07:59
Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Kroll, Davis, Deese, Dismaine, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, Keene, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice,
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Speaker 472 3:08:19
Scott, Stone, Stubblefield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Any senator wish
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Chair Unverified 3:08:24
to change his or her vote, King not voting, Tucker present, Letting present, Love present, Scott present, Davis present, any others, seeing no others, Murdoch present, any others, seeing no others, please cast up the ballot. By a vote of 26, yay, 0, nay, 1, not voting, 6 present, Senate Bill 572 passes. Please transmit to the House Senate Bill 584.
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 3:08:59
Senate Bill 584 by Senator Hammer to amend the law concerning local initiated and referendum petitions. Senator Hammer, you're recognized. Thank you. A minute ago, we passed a
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Senator Kim Hammer Chair Unverified 3:09:09
bill that dealt with wet-dry issues. What this bill does is captures everything else, and it makes everything that's done at a county level or local level in the way of referendum petitions to align with state laws we've passed earlier. Before anybody asks the question, why is it that the county clerk is the one that would be determining it? It's because it's in the Constitution that they shall be the one that shall be determining and reviewing that. This is part of the Arkansas Association County Clerk's Package. They would like it so that there can be consistency across the line between state and what is done at the county level. Appreciate a
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Chair Unverified 3:09:49
good vote. Any questions for Senator Hammer? Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator has closed.
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Speaker 324 3:09:54
Any objection to railing the vote? Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary,
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Speaker 9 3:09:59
please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismang, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Lee, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin,
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 3:10:08
Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbafield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace, Lee. Any senator wish to change his
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Chair Unverified 3:10:20
or her vote, King not voting. Any other senator? Seeing no other, please cast up the ballot by a vote of 32, yea, 0, nay, 1, not voting. Senate Bill 584 passes. Please transmit to the House. Senate Bill 590. thank you governor members i'd like to make a motion
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Senator Ben Gilmore Unverified 3:10:50
to put this on second reading for purposes of amendment all those in favor of
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Chair Unverified 3:10:55
the motion please signify by saying aye aye any opposed eyes have it motion carries amendment one to senate bill 590 senator gilmore you're recognized members this is a
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Senator Ben Gilmore Unverified 3:11:06
very simple amendment that alleviates some concerns the Board of Corrections and correct Department Corrections had just basically a few word change that says they'll do a study instead of implement a year-round school that's all it does is very simple so with that I'd appreciate a good vote all those in favor of
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Chair Unverified 3:11:23
the amendment please signify by saying aye any opposed Opposed? Ayes have it. Amendment is adopted. Please send to engrossing.
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Speaker 470 3:11:35
We will now take up Senate Bill 593. Senator Boyd.
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Chair Unverified 3:11:50
We are passing over Senate Bill 593. Senator Irvin, you're recognized for a motion, and then I will recognize Senator Hester. What's the bill numbers?
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Senator Missy Irvin Unverified 3:12:07
1840? Okay. Members, there are some House bills that have come over that I need to add myself as a Senate sponsor. I want to go ahead and try to get that done now. so my motion is to withdraw House Bill 1840 from Public Health in order to put me as Senate sponsor. So it's ready to run on Monday morning. Motion to withdraw
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Chair Unverified 3:12:27
House Bill 1840 from Public Health for purposes of amendment. All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it. Amendment 1 to House Bill 1840.
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Speaker 144 3:12:40
An amendment just adds me as Senate sponsor, so we're ready to roll on Monday morning.
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Chair Unverified 3:12:45
All those in favor of the amendment please signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it. Amendment is
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Senator Missy Irvin Unverified 3:12:54
adopted. Please send to engrossing. Motion to withdraw House Bill 1454. 1454 for purpose of amendment from public health. All those in favor of
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Chair Unverified 3:13:02
the motion to withdraw House Bill 1454 from public health for purposes of amendment please signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it. Motion carries.
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 3:13:13
Amendment 1, House Bill 1454. Again, ASME
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Senator Missy Irvin Unverified 3:13:17
is the Senate sponsor, so we're ready to roll Monday morning. All those in
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Chair Unverified 3:13:21
favor of the amendment, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it. Amendment is adopted. Please send to engrossing. Senator Hester, Senator Petty, I'm going to recognize you next.
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Senator Jim Petty Unverified 3:13:43
All right. Members, yesterday SB 574 failed, and I would like to put it back on for the second reading for purposes of amendment, and all the amendment is doing is adding the House sponsor to this. All those in favor of the motion,
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Chair Unverified 3:14:04
please signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it. Motion carries. Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 574. All those in favor of the amendment, please signify by saying aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it. Amendment is adopted. Please send to engrossing. Senator Hester, you're recognized. Thank you,
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 3:14:23
members. It's like we've been doing all week. We're going to go till five o'clock, so we're going to hear House bills as many as we can hear. And the point is, they're just stacking up. I mean, I think we got 70 on for Monday. Now, we'll probably start batching Monday. That's my point number two. Plan to start batching house bills Monday after we've had all weekend to review them. That way there's no surprise by anyone. If there's one that you're going to want removed or heard individually, be prepared to pull that on Monday. But we are going to go till 5. Next Monday, 1 o'clock. We're not going to start in here at 10 o'clock. I got a lot of really bad feedback about a 10 a.m. start on Monday. So it sounds like 1 o'clock on Monday. Next Friday, I'm not saying we are. I'm not saying we're not. But the goal is, the goal, well, April 16th is our last day. So if we need to work Friday to make 16th work, we will. I hope we don't have to do that. We're doing, I mean, we're really, we're getting through a lot of stuff. But just know it is still on the table. And then I don't know if we need to take a break up here for administrative stuff or not. For five minutes, if we do, before we start house. Yep. Oh, need to read across first? Okay. Senator Mark Johnson,
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Chair Unverified 3:15:42
you're recognized, you're not recognized for a motion on.
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Senator Mark Johnson Unverified 3:16:05
Thank you, Madam President. I move that we concur in House Amendment on Senate Bill 324. All those in favor of
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Speaker 2 3:16:18
the motion, please signify by saying aye. Aye.
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Speaker 561 3:16:22
Any opposed? Thank you. Motion carries. I've got it. Senate
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 3:16:29
Bill 324 by Senator Johnson. to amend the law concerning the membership of the County Planning Board.
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Senator Mark Johnson Unverified 3:16:36
Senator Johnson, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President. This was simply an amendment that added
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Speaker 464 3:16:46
Representative Brooks as the House sponsor. Appreciate
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Chair Unverified 3:16:51
a good vote. Senator has closed. Anyone wish to speak against or
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Speaker 9 3:17:01
for? Any objection rolling the vote? Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Thank you. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis,
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 3:17:10
Dees, Dismaine, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Lee, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill,
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Speaker 12 3:17:15
Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbeville, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace, Lee.
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Speaker 435 3:17:24
Any senator wish to change his or her vote? Senator Tucker, no. Letting, no. Love, no. Scott, no. Any other senator? Seeing no other, please cast up the ballot
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Chair Unverified 3:17:40
by a vote of 29. Yay, 4, nay. Senate Bill 324 passes as concurred in. Please unroll it. Senator Hester, you're recognized again. One more announcement.
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Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified 3:17:55
You know, we've talked quite a few times recently about the goal was to hear all the Senate bills this week and Senate committees. But after some discussion, some discussion with Majority Leader Johnson, because we plan to be here Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, the 14th, 15th, and 16th, we do think if the chairman want to, that we'll hear Senate bills and Senate committees Monday and Tuesday of next week. We don't have a rule against it or for it. We've just been trying to work along on the same guidelines. But if chairmen still want to hear Senate bills and Senate committees Monday or Tuesday, what that is saying is the revenue stable RSA week, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, we'll still be hearing bills on the floor, not just RSA. And I think that's perfectly fine. Again, we're trying to keep April 16th as our date. So, that being said, if the chairman in the committee wants to hear Senate bills Monday or Tuesday of next week, I think it's fine. It's up to you.
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Chair Unverified 3:18:55
All right, thanks. Senators, we are going to recess for, oh,
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Speaker 70 3:19:05
after Ann reads a few items across the desk, then we will recess. May I'm Secretary, items at the desk. Were
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 3:19:12
your Committee on Engrossed Bills to whom was deferred Senate Bill 25 by joint budget compared to the engrossed copy of the original and find the same correctly engrossed? Calendar. Committee on Engrossed Bills to whom was deferred Senate Bill 36 by joint budget compared to the engrossed copy of the original and find the same correctly engrossed? Joint Budget. Committee on Engrossed Bills to whom was deferred Senate Bill 37 by joint budget compared to the engrossed copy of the original and find the same correctly engrossed? Calendar. Committee on Engrossed Bills to whom was deferred Senate Bill 39 by Joint Budget, compared to the engrossed copy of the original and find the same correctly engrossed. Calendar. Committee on Engrossed Bills to whom was deferred Senate Bill 88 by Joint Budget, compared to the engrossed copy of the original and find the same correctly engrossed. Calendar. Committee on Engrossed Bills to whom was deferred Senate Bill 359 by Senator Petty, compared to the engrossed copy of the original and find the same correctly engrossed. Calendar. Committee on Joint Budget, whom is referred Senate Bill 92 by Joint Budget, compared the engrossed copy with the original and find the same correctly engrossed. Joint Budget. Committee on Engrossed Bills, whom is referred Senate Bill 451 by Senator Hester, compared
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Speaker 62 3:20:21
the engrossed copy with the original and find the same correctly engrossed.
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Speaker 46 3:20:26
Joint Budget. Joint Budget. No, no. No, 451 goes for Education. Education. Committee on Engrossed bills.
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 3:20:31
Senate Bill 362 by Senator Hammer. Compare the engrossed cup of the original. Find the same correctly. Engrossed. Joint budget. Committee on Agri. To whom was referred House Bill 1889 by Representative Wilkington. Recommended due pass. Calendar. Senate Bill 622 by Senator Davis to remove the prohibition on a tire retailer for charging other fees to a person who purchases the service of removal of a tire from a rim. Senate Bill 622. Public Health. Symbol 623, by Senator Scott, concerning the treatment of female inmates and detainees in correctional or detention facilities, and to amend the law regarding the treatment of an inmate or detainee who is pregnant or has recently delivered a child. Symbol 623, Judiciary. Symbol 624, by Senator Davis, to amend the Arkansas Opportunity Public School Choice Act, to amend the Public School Choice Act of 2015 and to allow a student transfer to another public school within his or her resident district, symbol 624. - Education. Any other items
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Chair Unverified 3:21:46
at the desk? If not, Senate will stand in recess for five to seven minutes.
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Unknown speaker 3:22:03
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. and I just need Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
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Speaker 70 3:41:03
Senate will come back to order. Madam Secretary, are there items at the
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 3:41:08
desk? Yes, we are committed on engrossed bills to whom it was referred to Senate Bill 590, compared the
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Speaker 46 3:41:14
engrossed copy with the original and found the same correctly engrossed. Judiciary. We are committed on engrossed bills to whom it was referred to
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 3:41:22
House Bill 1840 by Senator Irving, compared the engrossed copy with the original and found the same correctly engrossed. Public Health.
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Chair Unverified 3:41:33
We are passing over House Bill 1062 as well as House Bill 1079. We will next, Senator Blake Johnson. Senator Blake Johnson, you're recognized, House Bill 1193. House Bill 1193 by
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 3:42:17
Senator Blake Johnson, Representative Kavanaugh, to require an insurer to include a lien holder on payments made under an insurance policy. Members,
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Chair Unverified 3:42:27
I really don't want you to have to vote on this. I just want to know, I want you to know that this bill has been changed since a lot of your, the repair shops, the insurance agents contacted you. I brought a bad bill to the floor that came from the house. I brought it back to committee, amended it, and allowed that payment to be made to the repair shop. And I want you to look at that and check with your agents and the folks that have contacted you, and I ask that you consider that next week. But it's not the bill that would have put the individual car owners, but these are perfected liens which have to be filed at the courthouse. And it's not a beautifully written thing, but it protects the lien holder. And I would appreciate you considering running that off and getting with the agent that contacted you and reconsider that. And I'm not very good at shopping my own bills around and asking folks, but I would appreciate you doing that with folks that have contacted you previously. and consider that later, okay? Thank you very much, members. We are pulling down, Senator Blake Johnson is pulling down House Bill 1193 for the time being. Next, we'll take up House Bill 1272. Senator Penzo. Are you passing over? That's right. I apologize, Senator Penzo, I have those notes.
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 3:44:30
House Bill 1300. House Bill 1300 by Representative Johnson, Senator Irving, to amend the Prior Authorization Transparency Act.
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Chair Unverified 3:44:42
Senator Irvin, you're recognized. Thank
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Senator Missy Irvin Unverified 3:44:56
you, Madam President, members of the Senate. House Bill 1300 amends the existing language in the Prior Authorization Transparency Act. All the language in this bill was negotiated with input from the insurance companies, insurance department, and health care providers. It strengthens the enforcement provisions and creates a fund in which fines can be deposited for use in further enforcement activities. Clarifies the definition of prior authorization so insurance companies cannot skirt the law by calling it by another name. Greater transparency for providers and patients about what services require prior authorization, as well as the ability for providers to receive an electronic data file with this information. It also ensures continuity of care when patients change health insurance plans so that their current treatment is not interrupted. It ensures that the entire course of treatment up to one year is covered by the authorization. Providers currently may order a drug that has to be given for a year, and an insurance company can require them to get a new authorization every month. So we want to prevent that from happening so they have no break in their treatment or care. And this would also ensure the authorization is valid for the recommended duration of the treatment within the medical guidelines. Any
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Chair Unverified 3:46:16
questions for Senator Irvin? Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator Irvin, you're recognized closed. I'm closed. Appreciate a good vote. Senator
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Speaker 324 3:46:26
is closed. Any objection rolling the vote? Seeing no
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Speaker 9 3:46:30
objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismayne, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Lee, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin,
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Speaker 12 3:46:40
Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbefield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace, Lee. Any senator wish to
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Chair Unverified 3:46:52
change his or her vote? King not voting. Any other senator? Seeing no other, please cast up the ballot. 5 voted 32, yay, 0, nay. 1 not voting. House Bill 1300 passes. Please return to
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Speaker 320 3:47:07
the House. House Bill 1301, Senator Irvin.
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 3:47:12
House Bill 1301 by Senator Irving and Representative Johnson to amend the Prior Authorization Transparency Act. Senator Urban, you're
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Senator Missy Irvin Unverified 3:47:20
recognized. Thank you, members. This is continuing work on the gold card program. Gold card program is a program that rewards doctors who comply with the plan guidelines by reducing the pro-authorization burden for these doctors. So if they meet a certain criteria, then they basically issued a gold card status to where a lot of these pro-authorizations then just become automatic and it reduces their burden, administrative burden. We passed this in 2023. Much of the existing language was intended to establish the new program, and most of the changes in this bill are to eliminate language that's obsolete now that the program has been established and replace it with the language addressing the ongoing operation of the program, which was expected at the time. It includes some clarifications of how a pass plan or our home plan can be exempt from the gold car requirement. However, they have their own plans that they put in place. It clarifies how the gold card program applies to drugs and changes the appeal process for a health insurance company seeking exclusion of a drug from the gold card program. Happy to answer any questions. All the language in the bill is negotiated with the input from health care providers, insurance companies, and the insurance department as
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Chair Unverified 3:48:40
well. Happy for Senator Urban. Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator, you're recognized, closed.
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Speaker 324 3:48:47
I am closed. I appreciate a good vote. Senator's closed. Any objections to rolling the
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Speaker 9 3:48:59
vote? Seeing none, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismaine, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Lee, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester,
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 3:49:07
Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark
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Speaker 12 3:49:10
Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Any senator wish to change his or her vote? King not voting. Any
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Chair Unverified 3:49:22
other senator? Seeing no other, please cast up the ballot by a vote of 32 yea, 0 nay, 1 not voting. House Bill 1301 passes. Please return to the House. We are passing over House Bill 1321. Next, we will take up House Bill 1455.
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 3:49:38
House Bill 1455 by Representative Pilkington and Senator Bryant to authorize certain private clubs to purchase certain products directly from a small brewery permit holder under an exclusive agreement. Senator Bryant, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President. Members, Representative Pilkington brought this on behalf of a constituent. So currently in Arkansas, if you are a private club, you can, as an ownership group of a private club, they can go to a local retailer and purchase alcoholic beverages to bring to their premises. and sell to their patrons, closely monitored by the ATC, and that is the restriction of what they can do. They also had the ability to bring their own products into the club and put them in a pool, but that is not a common practice. So one of the provisions of the bill kind of strips that language and just puts it as a lawful purpose because it is closely monitored by ATC. But the main purpose of the bill is to allow, under an exclusive agreement and only one, for that private club to enter into an exclusive agreement with a small brewery in order for them to sell that product to their patrons. Additionally, that brewery can't be located in the same county, but it can be located in an adjacent county. That way it helps a small brewery with that exclusive agreement to that private club sell that product to its members. There was no opposition in committee. I believe Representative Pilkington had all that worked out with the industry. And so with that. I'll be glad to take any questions. Any questions for Senator Bryant? Senator
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Chair Unverified 3:51:05
Mark Johnson, you're recognized for a question. Thank you, Madam President. Senator Bryant,
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Senator Mark Johnson Unverified 3:51:14
I have a similar situation that was brought up with, and I've got a bill related to that in just a little bit, but are you saying, let me give you an example and you tell me this would apply, you have a private club, in this case, in a dry county, and they wanted to buy a, I'm going to say a keg of beer, but beer, not like in packages, but, you know, draft beer, from a brewery restaurant nearby, actually only like a block away. But that was prohibited under the three-tier thing. They could do it, but it had to go through a distributor. Does this change that?
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 3:52:06
So since a brewery restaurant is a separate permit, it doesn't change that. This is specifically for those that have a small brewery permit, but not a brewery restaurant permit.
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Speaker 575 3:52:17
Okay, I understand the difference, but to me it's nitpicking, but it is a difference.
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 3:52:23
It is a difference. We're just trying to take small steps to encourage the small brewery relationship with a private. Is this a slippery slope, Senator? I'm not going to say slippery. It was just a
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Speaker 575 3:52:36
very delicate balance that Representative Pilkington worked on for
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Speaker 470 3:52:40
a constituent issue. All right. I'll vote for yours. You vote for mine. Yes, sir. Thank you, Senator. Any other questions for
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Chair Unverified 3:52:47
Senator Bryant? Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator is closed. Any objection to
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Speaker 9 3:52:53
rolling the vote? Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boad, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismaine, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Lee, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey,
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 3:53:03
Hill, Irvin, Blake, Johnson,
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Speaker 12 3:53:05
Mark, Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbafill, Sullivan,
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Speaker 435 3:53:15
Tucker, Wallace, Lee. Any senator which change your vote, Senator Dees, no. Love, no. Petty, present. Dotson, no. King, not voting. Stubblefield, no. Rice, present.
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Chair Unverified 3:53:33
Boyd, no. Any others? Payton, present. Any others? Seeing no others, please cast up the ballot. By a vote of 24, yay. 5, nay. 1, not voting. 3, present. House Bill 1455 passes. please return to the House. House Bill 1467. House Bill
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Speaker 489 3:53:56
1467 by Representative Anker and Senator Boyd to
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 3:54:00
amend the Uniform Money Services Act.
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Senator Justin Boyd Unverified 3:54:04
Senator Boyd, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 1467 updates the Uniform Money Services Act to introduce requirements for virtual currency and enhanced data security standards for all money transmitter licensees These updates put us in line with other states. As far as virtual currency kiosk, it has mandatory disclosure of risk, transaction limits, customer identification procedures, and special protections for elderly, which is why we're doing it. There's a lot of fraud where people are convincing elderly to deposit money in these, and they get taken advantage of. Data security, it leverages the FTC safeguard rule because nobody really oversees the FTC safeguard rule. This gives the states the ability to review that. This is
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Speaker 265 3:54:50
a solid consumer protection bill. Questions for Senator Boyd?
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Chair Unverified 3:54:56
Seeing no questions. Oh, I'm sorry, Senator Dodson, you're recognized for a question. Thank you, Madam President.
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Senator Jim Dotson Unverified 3:55:06
Senator Boyd, I'm sorry, but this is an unfamiliar term. What is a virtual currency? Are we talking about cryptocurrency? Are we talking about digital currency that is like CDBC type stuff? It is absolutely not central bank digital currency. We don't have that in the
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Senator Justin Boyd Unverified 3:55:22
United States, and we're going to keep that out of the United States if you and I have anything to do with it, right? So it is, they really do not like to use this term, but it's kind of like a cryptocurrency, or a digital currency, I mean a cryptocurrency ATM. So, like if you have Bitcoin, for instance. You can convince an elderly person to go to this kiosk and deposit $20,000 and get their $20,000 from them. Well, probably couldn't buy a Bitcoin for $20,000, but
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Senator Jim Dotson Unverified 3:55:53
conceivably buy a currency that way, and then you have online digital currency that you could use. Right, and so we want the
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Senator Justin Boyd Unverified 3:56:02
market to happen. We want that available, but we want reasonable limits so that it helps protect the elderly who have been sucked into scams on this issue.
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Senator Jim Dotson Unverified 3:56:13
And since other states have passed this, is it just in the states that have passed it, or is there some sort of a, I don't know, federal framework that
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Senator Justin Boyd Unverified 3:56:31
is interstate commerce? Right. So our security department is able to regulate the kiosk. California, Connecticut, Minnesota, Vermont, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and Washington all have similar bills. American Association of Retired Persons support this. Okay, thank you. And it is negotiated with the industry. Other
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Chair Unverified 3:57:01
questions? I see Senator Payton, then Senator Hill. Thank
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Senator John Payton Unverified 3:57:06
you, Madam President. So this kiosk is converting real currency to crypto currency? Yes. Thank you. Senator Hill, you're recognized for a question.
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Senator Ricky Hill Unverified 3:57:21
Senator Boyle, can you just go into a little more detail on the entire
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Senator Justin Boyd Unverified 3:57:27
bill, not just that we can kind of give us... I will go as much detail as you would like, Senator. I can start with Section 1. Just give me a little more detail if you would. So, Section 1 provides definitions. Section 2 is a technical change to clarify that kiosk locations must be disclosed. Section 3 on surety bonds modifies the surety bond provisions to grant the commissioner the authority to file a surety bond claim on behalf of consumers. Section 5 is a technical change to clarify that policies and procedures must be updated on a reasonably pertinent basis. Section 6 is a technical change to clarify that contracts between a license and authorized delegate shall be made available upon request. Section 7, a new requirement that authorized delegate provide training materials on how to recognize financial abuse and financial exploitation of an elder adult and how to respond if the authorized delegate suspects that authorized delegate is being asked to engage in money transmission in which an elder is a victim of financial abuse. And that's the crux of what that aspect of the bill does. Section 9 is a new requirement to add fraud warning for consumers regarding money transmission and how to report fraud or suspected fraud. Section 10, virtual kiosk requirements, new requirements for owners or operators of a virtual currency kiosk that would require certain disclosures and requirements. Fee cap, daily transaction limit, refunds for new customers, and fraud prevention requirements. And then I can go into all the disclosures if you would like me to. Daily transaction limits prohibits operators from accepting transactions of more than $7,500 per day in connection with an existing customer or $2,000 per day in connection with a new customer. Again, that's the consumer protection because elderly people, somebody's calling them on the phone and convincing them to do this and saying take $20,000 or $40,000 or whatever. And so the industry has agreed those are reasonable caps. Again, fee caps, refunds for new fraud prevention. Section 11 is the data security. And again, this uses the Federal Trade Commission safeguard rule. But right now, no one oversees the Federal Trade Commission safeguard rule. It's just a federal rule that's out there. This would give the Securities Department the ability to oversee that. Senator Payton, you're recognized for a follow-up.
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Chair Unverified 3:59:48
Thank you, Madam President. So this virtual
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Senator John Payton Unverified 3:59:50
currency kiosk, is it already legal for them to have those kiosks and we're just putting some protections in place, or is this establishing the availability of the kiosk?
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Chair Unverified 4:00:02
The first part. Okay, thank you. Any other questions for Senator Boyd? Senator
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 4:00:12
Hickey, you're recognized for a question. I'm asking something I should know. So if I put you on the spot, it's something I should already know. We did something with the Securities Commissioner. I don't remember if we combined that or under another bill. So the
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Senator Justin Boyd Unverified 4:00:28
thing is, as I see, it has to be... The banking commissioner now oversees the security and the banking department, so that's all one area in state code. Okay. That's my
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Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified 4:00:39
question, is that we have that it's going to be satisfactory to the securities commissioner. And I didn't think we
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 4:00:46
had a securities commissioner anymore. So what I will say, it's her bill. So we actually have a securities commissioner or we have the banking commissioner that's just overseeing that. Do we know?
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Senator Justin Boyd Unverified 4:01:04
I don't know if it's an issue. So can we get an answer to Senator Hickey's question and me bring this up later in the day or Monday or something? Is that
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Chair Unverified 4:01:18
all right? Yeah, let's pull it down. All right, thank you. Thank you, Senator Boyd. We're pulling down House Bill 1467.
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Speaker 489 4:01:31
Next, we will take up House Bill 1468. House
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 4:01:34
Bill 1468 by Representative Cozart and Senator Petty to amend the Arkansas law concerning claims against home improvement contractors, residential building contractors, and suppliers. And Senator Petty, before you start,
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Chair Unverified 4:01:46
I would ask senators, if you can, keep talking down to very minimum, because with the additional weather, it makes it difficult for us to hear and others to hear in the chamber. So please keep talking to a minimum. And when you do speak up for a question or to rise, please speak up and speak clearly so the team and I can hear
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Senator Jim Petty Unverified 4:02:11
you. Senator Petty, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President. Members, HB 1468 is, some have referred to it as a right to cure bill. HB 1468 helps ensure fairness for home builders and homeowners in the event that a homeowner discovers a defect in their project. This spells out specifically the process for notifying the home builder first to give them an opportunity to fix the problem. And it ensures that the home builder has a good faith opportunity to assess the problem and to remedy the defect if possible. This bill doesn't take away any of the owner's rights to file a claim against the contractor. It just says that before this happens, and with all due respect to my friend, Senator Clark Tucker, who's an attorney, we want to keep the attorneys out of it as much as possible and work it out with the parties. And so this just says before you take it to the next level in litigation, the homeowner is going to notify the contractor that, hey, I've got a problem. I mean, I can't fix a problem if I don't know about it. And it gives them the opportunity to fix that problem. This project is going to make problem solving more efficient and ultimately cut back on costs for both sides. Specifically for a defect that's discovered within one year, which is typically the warranty period on a new home, the homeowner must give the contractor written notice and at least 28 days before they file an action, a legal action. The contractor must respond within 14 days by either offering to remedy it or disputing the claim or asking to do an inspection. After the inspection, they can offer to remedy it or dispute the claim. And if the contractor disputes the claim or doesn't respond to the homeowner or their notice or fails to fulfill an offer that they maybe had made, then the homeowner can move forward with their claim. More than 25 other states, including Texas, Tennessee, Missouri, all have this right to cure law. And so this bill specifically applies to residential contractors, home improvement contractors, suppliers of residential projects. A residential contractor manages construction, just so you know, of single-family to four-unit developments or residences. This does not apply to commercial products. So with that I'd be happy to answer any questions. Questions for Senator Petty.
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Chair Unverified 4:04:54
Senator Tucker you're recognized for a question. Thank you Madam President.
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Senator Clarke Tucker Unverified 4:04:59
On behalf of myself and the lieutenant governor why are we trying to keep the lawyers out of this senator hey we
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Senator Jim Petty Unverified 4:05:05
love you but sometimes it's just more efficient if we leave you out
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Chair Unverified 4:05:10
all right fair enough thank you senator other questions for senator petty seeing no questions anyone wish to speak against or for senator you're recognized closed i am closed
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Speaker 324 4:05:25
and i would appreciate a good vote senator has closed any
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Speaker 9 4:05:34
objection to rolling the vote Seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismaine,
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 4:05:42
Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Lee, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake
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Speaker 12 4:05:47
Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Stone, Stubbeville, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace, Lee.
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Speaker 415 4:05:56
Any senator wish to change his or her vote? King not
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Chair Unverified 4:06:01
voting. Any other senator? Seen, no others. House Bill 1468. Rather, seen, no others. Please cast up the ballot. 32 yay, 0 nay, 1 not voting. House Bill 1468 passes. Please return to the House as amended.
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Speaker 70 4:06:27
Okay. Madam Secretary, are there items at the desk? Do
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Speaker 141 4:06:30
you want me to go ahead and do these now?
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Speaker 46 4:06:46
Yeah. Okay. Okay. Madam Secretary, there are items at the desk. We are your committee on engrossed bills to whom is ford Symbil 574 by Senator Petty.
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Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified 4:06:52
Compare the engrossed copy of the original and find the same correctly engrossed. Calendar. We are your committee on engrossed bills to whom is ford House Bill 1454 by Representative Bentley and Senator Irving. Compare the engrossed copy of the original and find the same correctly engrossed.
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Speaker 597 4:07:09
Public Health. Are there any announcements? We'll just read a couple
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Chair Unverified 4:07:12
things out. no Senator Irvin you're recognized for an announcement folks public health
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Senator Missy Irvin Unverified 4:07:20
will meet Monday at 10 o'clock not today or not tomorrow morning but Monday at 10 o'clock and and I have yes yeah I want to do them right now
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Speaker 599 4:07:35
yes Senator Irvin you're gonna you are recognized for a motion
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Senator Missy Irvin Unverified 4:07:40
yes I'm gonna to be with members these are to add me as senate sponsor so these bills are ready to roll because they don't have senate sponsors and they're in my committee house bill 1252 motion to withdraw house bill 1252 from public health for purpose of amendment to add me as a senate sponsor is my motion all those in favor of the motion signify by saying aye
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Chair Unverified 4:08:03
aye any opposed Ayes have it. Motion carries.
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Speaker 369 4:08:06
Amendment 1 to House Bill 1252. Adds me as Senate
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Chair Unverified 4:08:15
sponsor. All those in favor of the amendment, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it. Amendment
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Senator Missy Irvin Unverified 4:08:24
is adopted. Please send to engrossing. 1543. 1543. Motion to withdraw 1543 from public health for purpose of amendment. All
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Chair Unverified 4:08:31
those senators, we are still in session. All those in favor of the motion, please signify by saying aye.
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Speaker 144 4:08:38
Aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it. Motion carries. Amendment 1 to House Bill 1543. Adds me
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Speaker 369 4:08:47
a Senate sponsor only. All those in favor of the amendment, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it. Amendment
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Senator Missy Irvin Unverified 4:08:58
is adopted. Please send to engrossing. 1784. Motion to withdraw House
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Speaker 599 4:09:04
Bill 1784 from committee for purpose of amendment. All those in favor of the motion signify by
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Speaker 318 4:09:11
saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it. Motion carries.
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Speaker 144 4:09:14
Amendment 1 to House Bill 1784. My amendment to add me as Senate sponsor for the bill.
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Chair Unverified 4:09:20
All those in favor of the amendment signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Ayes have it.
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Speaker 599 4:09:25
Amendment is adopted. Please send to engrossing. Is that it? Is that all, Ann? Is
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Chair Unverified 4:09:32
that it? Okay. Thank you. Other announcements. Senator English, you're recognized for an announcement. Thank
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Senator Jane English Unverified 4:09:37
you very much, members. Education will meet Monday morning at 8 o'clock in room 207.
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Chair Unverified 4:09:42
Thank you. Senator Flippo, you're recognized. Thank
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Senator Scott Flippo Unverified 4:09:47
you, Governor. Members, state agencies meeting in the old Supreme Court, 15 minutes
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Chair Unverified 4:09:54
upon adjournment. Senator Clark, you're
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Senator Alan Clark Unverified 4:09:57
recognized. Thank you, Governor. Senate Judiciary will meet Monday morning at 10 in our normal meeting room, 171. We will hear Senate bills first, and we will hear House bills also anywhere that we can fit them in. On Monday. That was Monday at 10.
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Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 4:10:21
Senator Hickey, you're recognized. Yes, rev and tax will be Monday. We're
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Chair Unverified 4:10:29
going to do 10.30, same room. Senator Blake Johnson, you're recognized. Without objection, a motion to batch the last 20 or 21 House bills. Hammer! Any other announcements? If no further announcements, the Senate will stand in adjournment until 1 p.m. on April 7th, subject to the clearing of the desk.
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Unknown speaker 4:11:24
You all be safe in this way.
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Agenda

Call to Order

4:52
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Roll Call

5:14
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Prayer

5:47
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Pledge of Allegiance

8:30
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Introductions of Senate Pages

9:32
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Announcements

10:19
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Doctor of the Day

20:04
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Items to be Read Across the Desk

11:25
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RESOLUTIONS FOR THIRD READING AND ADOPTION

20:41
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SR61 Hester TO HONOR WARREN A. STEPHENS OF ARKANSAS AND TO SUPPORT HIS NOMINATION AS THE AMBASSADOR TO THE COURT OF ST. JAMES'S.

20:42
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Recess

31:30
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Reconvene

39:58
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SENATE BILLS TO CONCUR IN HOUSE AMENDMENTS

42:26
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SB118 #1 C. Penzo Penzo TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "AUDIOLOGY" RELATING TO THE PRACTICE OF AUDIOLOGISTS.

42:27
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SB320 #1 Irvin Irvin TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS JUVENILE CODE OF 1989.

44:52
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HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTIONS FOR THIRD READING AND CONCURRENCE

46:44
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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.

46:45
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Motion to withdraw SB606 from committee

47:25
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Motion to adopt

47:47
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Motion to withdrawn HB1845

48:10
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HB1303 Jean Stone TO CREATE THE SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL INCENTIVE ACT; AND TO CREATE AN INCOME TAX CREDIT RELATED TO SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL.

48:52
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HB1669 Bentley Clark TO CREATE THE KEEP KIDS FIRST ACT; AND TO PROVIDE FOR PROTECTIONS FROM DISCRIMINATION FOR ADOPTION AND FOSTER CARE PROVIDERS ACTING IN ACCORDANCE WITH SINCERELY HELD RELIGIOUS BELIEFS.

54:16
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HB1707 Hawk Hammer TO REQUIRE CERTAIN CANDIDATES TO FILE REPORTS WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE; TO AMEND PORTIONS OF INITIATED ACT 1 OF 1996; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

58:41
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HB1724 B. McKenzie English TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING LOCAL SCHOOL BOARDS OF DIRECTORS AND SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS; AND TO AMEND THE DATE ON WHICH AN ELECTION OF A SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS IS HELD.

1:00:40
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HB1745 Hawk Hammer TO REQUIRE CERTAIN COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSE HOLDERS TO POSSESS A UNITED STATES WORK AUTHORIZATION; TO REQUIRE THE OPERATOR OF A COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE TO HAVE ENGLISH PROFICIENCY; AND TO CREATE RELATED OFFENSES.

1:02:59
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HB1757 Joey Carr Bryant TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING RAILROADS; AND TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF TAMPERING WITH RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE.

1:16:07
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SB451 - Motion to withdraw SB451 from committee for purpose of Amendment

1:20:31
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HB1845 - Motion to withdraw HB1845 from committee for purpose of Amendment

1:21:28
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Recess

1:40:07
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Reconvene

1:53:16
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SB2 - Motion to extract SB2 from Senate Public Health Committee

1:53:29
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SENATE BILLS FOR THIRD READING AND PASSAGE

2:06:07
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SB157 J. Dotson TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING BENEFITS UNDER THE ARKANSAS PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' STATE PUBLIC EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT SYSTEMS.

2:06:08
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SB290 B. Johnson TO PROHIBIT A MORATORIUM ON THE ISSUANCE OF PERMITS IN WATERSHEDS AND OTHER BODIES OF WATER.

2:08:49
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SB408 B. Johnson TO PROVIDE AN INCOME TAX EXEMPTION FOR CERTAIN PAYMENTS BY THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

2:13:14
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SB444 K. Hammer TO AMEND THE MEDICAL ETHICS AND DIVERSITY ACT.

2:15:17
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SB484 Irvin TO ESTABLISH A PROCESS WHEREBY A VACANCY IS FILLED ON A SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

2:17:31
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SB494 J. Bryant TO REDUCE THE NUMBER AND TYPES OF PERMITS ISSUED BY ARKANSAS TOBACCO CONTROL; AND TO CONSOLIDATE SEVERAL PERMITS INTO A SINGLE PERMIT UNDER THE ARKANSAS TOBACCO PRODUCTS TAX ACT OF 1977.

2:20:18
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SB495 J. Bryant TO AMEND DEFINITIONS USED UNDER THE ARKANSAS TOBACCO PRODUCTS TAX ACT OF 1977; AND TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "INVOICE" AND THE DEFINITION OF "INVOICE PRICE" USED UNDER THE ARKANSAS TOBACCO PRODUCTS TAX ACT OF 1977.

2:21:29
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SB504 Irvin TO ESTABLISH THE ARKANSAS RURAL PRECEPTORSHIP PROGRAM ACT.

2:23:53
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SB507 G. Leding TO REQUIRE THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM TO COVER APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS SERVICES FOR CERTAIN BENEFICIARIES.

2:26:32
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SB520 D. Sullivan TO PROHIBIT DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION OFFICES, OFFICERS, POLICIES, OR PRACTICES IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT.

2:30:24
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SB520 - Re-refer back to Committee

2:30:35
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SB525 M. Johnson TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING INCORPORATION AND ORGANIZATION OF MUNICIPALITIES; AND TO TRANSFER INCORPORATION DUTIES TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE.

2:31:16
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SB529 B. Johnson TO AMEND THE INDEPENDENT TAX APPEALS COMMISSION ACT.

2:34:14
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SB530 B. Davis TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS WOOD ENERGY PRODUCTS AND FOREST MAINTENANCE INCOME TAX CREDIT.

2:35:42
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SB533 Dees TO PROVIDE FOR THE REGULATION OF CONSUMABLE HEMP PRODUCTS BY THE ARKANSAS TOBACCO CONTROL BOARD; AND TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS LAW TO ALLOW REGULATION AND PURCHASE OF CONSUMABLE HEMP PRODUCTS.

2:38:06
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SB546 K. Hammer TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE TRUST FUND CONTRIBUTION FEE FOR WATER PERMITS RELATED TO NONMUNICIPAL DOMESTIC SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS.

2:42:04
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SB551 K. Hammer TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING CANVASSING FOR A PETITION FOR A LOCAL OPTION ELECTION.

2:44:29
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SB552 K. Hammer TO CLARIFY THE DEFINITION OF "PRINCIPAL OFFICE" USED UNDER THE ARKANSAS BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT OF 1987 AND THE UNIFORM LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY ACT.

2:48:46
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SB553 K. Hammer TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS MUNICIPAL ACCOUNTING LAW; TO AMEND THE DUTIES OF A MUNICIPAL TREASURER; AND TO REQUIRE TRAINING FOR AN INDIVIDUAL CHARGED WITH DUTIES UNDER THE ARKANSAS MUNICIPAL ACCOUNTING LAW.

2:50:45
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SB554 C. Tucker TO CREATE THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH LOAN FORGIVENESS PROGRAM.

2:54:36
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SB555 J. Scott TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE OFFENSE OF VIDEO VOYEURISM; TO EXTEND THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR THE OFFENSE OF VIDEO VOYEURISM; AND TO MAKE AN ORDER OF PROTECTION AVAILABLE TO A VICTIM OF VIDEO VOYEURISM.

2:57:10
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SB559 J. English TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS MILITARY CHILD SCHOOL TRANSITIONS ACT OF 2021.

3:00:52
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SB560 J. English TO DECREASE THE BASE CONTRIBUTION RATE; TO INCREASE THE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSESSMENT RATE; TO INCREASE FUNDING FOR THE SKILLED WORKFORCE IN THIS STATE; AND TO AMEND THE DIVISION OF WORKFORCE SERVICES TRAINING TRUST FUND.

3:02:07
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SB572 J. Dotson TO CREATE THE PUBLIC SCHOOL ACCESS AND TRANSPARENCY ACT; AND TO REQUIRE PUBLIC ACCESS TO LEARNING MATERIALS.

3:07:02
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SB584 K. Hammer TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING LOCAL INITIATIVE AND REFERENDUM PETITIONS.

3:08:57
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SB590 Gilmore TO CREATE THE RECIDIVISM REDUCTION SYSTEM WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

3:10:37
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HB1840 - Motion to withdraw HB1840 from Senate Public Health Committee

3:12:09
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HB1454 - Motion to withdraw HB1454 from Senate Public Health Committee

3:12:59
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SB 574 - Motion to put SB574 on Second Reading for Purpose of Amendment

3:13:50
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SB324 - Motion to concur House amendment on SB324

3:15:54
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Recess

3:21:50
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Reconvene

3:41:20
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HOUSE BILLS FOR THIRD READING AND PASSAGE

3:42:01
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HB1193 Cavenaugh B. Johnson TO REQUIRE AN INSURER TO INCLUDE A LIENHOLDER ON PAYMENTS MADE UNDER AN INSURANCE POLICY.

3:42:02
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HB1300 L. Johnson Irvin TO AMEND THE PRIOR AUTHORIZATION TRANSPARENCY ACT.

3:44:42
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HB1301 L. Johnson Irvin TO AMEND THE PRIOR AUTHORIZATION TRANSPARENCY ACT.

3:47:11
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HB1455 Pilkington Bryant TO AUTHORIZE CERTAIN PRIVATE CLUBS TO PURCHASE CERTAIN PRODUCTS DIRECTLY FROM A SMALL BREWERY PERMIT HOLDER UNDER AN EXCLUSIVE AGREEMENT.

3:49:41
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HB1467 Achor Boyd TO AMEND THE UNIFORM MONEY SERVICES ACT.

3:53:58
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HB1468 Cozart Petty TO AMEND ARKANSAS LAW CONCERNING CLAIMS AGAINST HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTORS, RESIDENTIAL BUILDING CONTRACTORS, AND SUPPLIERS.

4:01:31
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Budget Bills and their Emergency Clauses which have House Amendments to be considered for Concurrence

1:24:52
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SB132 AN ACT TO MAKE AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE PAYMENT OF APPROVED CLAIMS.

1:24:53
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Budget Bills to be Amended

1:25:18
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SB25 #1 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - STATE INSURANCE DEPARTMENT APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.

1:25:19
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SB37 #1 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.

1:26:53
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SB39 #2 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - DIVISION OF WORKFORCE SERVICES APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.

1:27:16
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SB88 #2 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - DIVISION OF HIGHER EDUCATION APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.

1:27:34
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SB359 #1 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.

1:27:51
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Budget Bills to be Amended and Re-referred to Joint Budget Committee

1:28:12
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SB36 #2 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - DIVISION OF AGING, ADULT, AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.

1:28:13
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SB92 #3 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSFORMATION AND SHARED SERVICES APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.

1:28:28
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SB362 #1 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - DIVISION OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION YOUTH ORGANIZATION GRANTS APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.

1:28:43
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Budget Bills and their Emergency Clauses to be considered which have been introduced by Joint Budget Committee

1:35:36
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SB93 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.

1:35:37
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SB128 AN ACT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS FOR MEDICAL SCIENCES APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.

1:35:42
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SB130 AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.

1:35:43
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Batch Budget Bills to be Voted On#SB93, SB128, and SB130 and SB332

1:36:13
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Budget Bills and their Emergency Clauses to be considered which have been introduced by Senators

1:35:48
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SB332 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - DIVISION OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION SEXUAL RISK AVOIDANCE EDUCATION PROGRAM APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.

1:35:49
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SB354 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS - DIVISION OF CORRECTION DEVELOPMENT AND ENHANCEMENT CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT APPROPRIATION

1:30:06
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Items to be read across the desk

4:06:54
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Announcements

4:07:11
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Adjourn

4:11:11
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Documents

No documents posted.

Speakers

Chair Unverified
244 segments
Senator Clarke Tucker Unverified
15 segments
Speaker 9
37 segments
Senator Joshua Bryant Chair Unverified
177 segments
Speaker 12
38 segments
Speaker 19
4 segments
Speaker 23
1 segment
Speaker 31
1 segment
Senator Steve Crowell Unverified
1 segment
Senator Tyler Dees Unverified
6 segments
Senator Jane English Unverified
22 segments
Senator Bart Hester Chair Unverified
72 segments
Speaker 90
1 segment
Speaker 93
9 segments
Speaker 95
1 segment
Speaker 106
1 segment
Senator Clint Penzo Unverified
5 segments
Senator Missy Irvin Unverified
41 segments
Speaker 142
1 segment
Senator Breanne Davis Chair Unverified
5 segments
Senator Ricky Hill Unverified
6 segments
Senator Matt Stone Unverified
8 segments
Chair (Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr) Unverified
4 segments
Senator Alan Clark Unverified
11 segments
Speaker 124
12 segments
Speaker 198
5 segments
Speaker 200
1 segment
Senator Kim Hammer Chair Unverified
43 segments
Senator Terry Rice Unverified
5 segments
Speaker 219
2 segments
Senator John Payton Unverified
19 segments
Senator Ronald Caldwell Unverified
1 segment
Speaker 228
1 segment
Senator Justin Boyd Unverified
33 segments
Speaker 246
1 segment
Speaker 49
3 segments
Speaker 254
1 segment
Speaker 265
2 segments
Speaker 250
1 segment
Speaker 274
1 segment
Speaker 292
1 segment
Speaker 296
1 segment
Speaker 295
1 segment
Speaker 301
1 segment
Speaker 302
1 segment
Senator Jonathan Dismang Chair Unverified
20 segments
Speaker 310
1 segment
Speaker 2
4 segments
Speaker 319
1 segment
Speaker 320
2 segments
Speaker 324
16 segments
Speaker 329
1 segment
Speaker 330
1 segment
Speaker 332
2 segments
Speaker 46
4 segments
Speaker 131
2 segments
Speaker 62
2 segments
Speaker 369
3 segments
Speaker 134
2 segments
Speaker 10
1 segment
Speaker 348
1 segment
Speaker 325
1 segment
Speaker 378
1 segment
Speaker 70
4 segments
Speaker 390
1 segment
Senator Bryan King Unverified
2 segments
Speaker 406
1 segment
Senator Mark Johnson Unverified
11 segments
Speaker 415
8 segments
Speaker 416
1 segment
Speaker 420
1 segment
Senator Jim Dotson Unverified
11 segments
Speaker 446
1 segment
Speaker 73
1 segment
Speaker 435
4 segments
Speaker 59
1 segment
Senator Greg Leding Unverified
4 segments
Senator Dan Sullivan Chair Unverified
1 segment
Senator Jim Petty Unverified
10 segments
Speaker 500
1 segment
Speaker 344
2 segments
Speaker 152
1 segment
Speaker 512
1 segment
Senator Fredrick J. Love Unverified
2 segments
Senator Jamie Scott Unverified
5 segments
Speaker 472
2 segments
Senator Ben Gilmore Unverified
2 segments
Speaker 470
2 segments
Speaker 144
3 segments
Speaker 561
1 segment
Speaker 464
1 segment
Speaker 575
2 segments
Speaker 489
2 segments
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified
2 segments
Speaker 141
1 segment
Speaker 597
1 segment
Speaker 599
4 segments
Speaker 318
1 segment
Senator Scott Flippo Unverified
1 segment