Insurance & Commerce- House
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Bills discussed (35)
| Bill | Title | Sponsor | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
|
HB1853
Act 835
· 6 mentions in agenda, chapter, transcript
Matched: “…FOR GROUND AMBULANCE SERVICES; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY. HB1853 J. Moore TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING AGENCY RELATIONSHIP AN…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING AGENCY RELATIONSHIP AND DUTIES RELATED TO REAL ESTATE LICENSES; AND … | J. Moore | Notification that HB1853 is now Act 835 |
|
SB123
Act 553
· 6 mentions in agenda, chapter, transcript
Matched: “…ND TO ALLOW FOR A PRECIOUS METALS-BACKED ELECTRONIC SYSTEM. SB123 G. Leding TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING COVERAGE FOR MAMMOGRA…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING COVERAGE FOR MAMMOGRAMS AND BREAST ULTRASOUNDS. | G. Leding | Notification that SB123 is now Act 553 |
|
SB463
Act 580
· 6 mentions in transcript, agenda, chapter
Matched: “…de 463. It's a good bill and it don't do much. OK, members, Senate Bill 463. Take a moment, um.”
|
TO REQUIRE THE ARKANSAS PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TO APPROVE OR DENY SETTLEMENT AGREEMENTS CONCERNING CLOSING … | M. McKee | Notification that SB463 is now Act 580 |
|
HB1813
· 4 mentions in chapter, agenda, transcript
Matched: “HB1813 Gramlich TO ADOPT THE FAIR AND EFFICIENT TRANSMISSION COMPA…”
|
TO ADOPT THE FAIR AND EFFICIENT TRANSMISSION COMPACT. | Gramlich | Recommended for study in the Interim by the … |
|
SB405
Act 555
· 3 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “SB405 J. Dismang TO AMEND THE ONLINE MARKETPLACE CONSUMER INFORM…”
|
TO AMEND THE ONLINE MARKETPLACE CONSUMER INFORM ACT. | J. Dismang | Notification that SB405 is now Act 555 |
|
HB1009
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…AND ENTITLEMENT HOLDERS UNDER THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE. HB1009 A. Collins TO ALLOW PREGNANCY TO BE A QUALIFYING EVENT FOR…”
|
TO ALLOW PREGNANCY TO BE A QUALIFYING EVENT FOR ENROLLMENT IN CERTAIN HEALTH BENEFIT PLANS. | A. Collins | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1014
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1014 A. Collins TO REQUIRE COVERAGE OF IN VITRO FERTILIZATION UN…”
|
TO REQUIRE COVERAGE OF IN VITRO FERTILIZATION UNDER THE STATE AND PUBLIC SCHOOL LIFE AND … | A. Collins | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1159
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…NDATE MINIMUM REIMBURSEMENT LEVELS FOR HEALTHCARE SERVICES. HB1159 J. Richardson TO CREATE THE RETAIL CONVENIENCE STORE SECURI…”
|
TO CREATE THE RETAIL CONVENIENCE STORE SECURITY ACT; AND TO REGULATE SECURITY MEASURES AT RETAIL … | J. Richardson | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1177
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1177 M. Brown TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS FRANCHISE PRACTICES ACT; AND…”
|
TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS FRANCHISE PRACTICES ACT; AND TO CLARIFY THE APPLICABILITY OF THE ARKANSAS … | M. Brown | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1295
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…ONCERNING THE LICENSING AND REGULATION OF CAPTIVE INSURERS. HB1295 L. Johnson TO CREATE THE HEALTHCARE COST-SHARING COLLECTION…”
|
TO CREATE THE HEALTHCARE COST-SHARING COLLECTIONS TRANSPARENCY ACT. | L. Johnson | Died in House at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1354
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…Tosh Rep. Jim Wooten REGULAR AGENDA Number Sponsor Subtitle HB1354 Lundstrum TO REGULATE PHARMACY BENEFITS MANAGERS; TO AMEND…”
|
TO REGULATE PHARMACY BENEFITS MANAGERS; TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE STATE AND PUBLIC SCHOOL … | Lundstrum | Recommended for study in the Interim by the … |
|
HB1409
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1409 Long TO AMEND THE LAW REGARDING ENERGY; AND TO CREATE THE E…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW REGARDING ENERGY; AND TO CREATE THE ELECTRIC RELIABILITY ACT. | Long | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1533
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…NSURANCE DEPARTMENT. DEFERRED BILLS Number Sponsor Subtitle HB1533 Gramlich TO CREATE THE DECENTRALIZED UNINCORPORATED NONPROF…”
|
TO CREATE THE DECENTRALIZED UNINCORPORATED NONPROFIT ASSOCIATION ACT. | Gramlich | Recommended for study in the Interim by the … |
|
HB1625
Act 974
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…NG A FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT OR A HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT. HB1625 Barnett TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSED HOME INSPECTORS. | Barnett | Notification that HB1625 is now Act 974 |
|
HB1659
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…AL SERVICES WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE. Page 2 of 3 HB1659 S. Meeks TO AMEND THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE; AND TO CLARI…”
|
TO AMEND THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE; AND TO CLARIFY THE PRIORITY AMONG SECURITY INTERESTS AND … | S. Meeks | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1863
Act 836
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…HE USES OF THE CONSTRUCTION ASSISTANCE REVOLVING LOAN FUND. HB1863 L. Johnson TO AMEND THE TRANSPORTATION BENEFIT MANAGER ACT;…”
|
TO AMEND THE TRANSPORTATION BENEFIT MANAGER ACT; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY. | L. Johnson | Notification that HB1863 is now Act 836 |
|
HB1868
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…PORTATION BENEFIT MANAGER ACT; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY. HB1868 L. Johnson TO REQUIRE AN INSURER TO PAY A FAIR AND REASONAB…”
|
TO REQUIRE AN INSURER TO PAY A FAIR AND REASONABLE SERVICE FEE DIRECTLY TO A … | L. Johnson | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1905
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…Y- BASED SERVICES WITHIN RISK-BASED PROVIDER ORGANIZATIONS. HB1905 Lundstrum TO CREATE THE BUYER BEWARE ACT; AND TO REQUIRE A…”
|
TO CREATE THE BUYER BEWARE ACT; AND TO REQUIRE A REAL ESTATE LICENSEE REPRESENTING A … | Lundstrum | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1917
Act 839
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “HB1917 M. Shepherd TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS STUDENT-ATHLETE PUBLICITY…”
|
TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS STUDENT-ATHLETE PUBLICITY RIGHTS ACT; AND TO AMEND THE LAW RELATED TO … | M. Shepherd | Notification that HB1917 is now Act 839 |
|
HB1918
Act 810
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…; AND TO AMEND THE LAW RELATED TO ATHLETIC PROGRAM FUNDING. HB1918 McAlindon TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING SPECIE OR LEGAL TENDE…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING SPECIE OR LEGAL TENDER; TO AUTHORIZE THE USE OF A … | McAlindon | Notification that HB1918 is now Act 810 |
|
HB1930
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…RRENT ASSESSED VALUE OF A RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE PROPERTY. HB1930 Wardlaw TO MANDATE MINIMUM REIMBURSEMENT LEVELS FOR HEALTHC…”
|
TO MANDATE MINIMUM REIMBURSEMENT LEVELS FOR HEALTHCARE SERVICES. | Wardlaw | Died on House Calendar at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1942
Act 1023
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…RY PRACTICES; AND TO PROVIDE FOR ENFORCEMENT OF VIOLATIONS. HB1942 L. Johnson TO REQUIRE CERTAIN REIMBURSEMENT RATES FOR HOME-…”
|
TO REQUIRE CERTAIN REIMBURSEMENT RATES FOR HOME- AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES WITHIN RISK-BASED PROVIDER ORGANIZATIONS. | L. Johnson | Notification that HB1942 is now Act 1023 |
|
SB229
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…ERNING INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSED HOME INSPECTORS. SB229 J. Boyd TO CREATE THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES WITH…”
|
TO CREATE THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE. | J. Boyd | Sine Die adjournment |
|
SB237
Act 554
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…D TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING CERTAIN HEALTH BENEFIT PLANS. SB237 J. Boyd TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE LICENSING AND REGUL…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE LICENSING AND REGULATION OF CAPTIVE INSURERS. | J. Boyd | Notification that SB237 is now Act 554 |
|
SB331
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE INVESTMENT OF STATE FUNDS. SB331 G. Leding CONCERNING COVERAGE FOR GENETIC TESTING FOR INHER…”
|
CONCERNING COVERAGE FOR GENETIC TESTING FOR INHERITED CANCER MUTATIONS; AND TO CREATE THE GENETIC TESTING … | G. Leding | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB420
Act 736
· 2 mentions in agenda, chapter
Matched: “…TE LICENSES; AND TO CLARIFY THE OBLIGATIONS OF DUAL AGENCY. SB420 Hester TO EXPAND ELIGIBILITY FOR WATER DEVELOPMENT STATE PR…”
|
TO EXPAND ELIGIBILITY FOR WATER DEVELOPMENT STATE PROGRAMS; TO AMEND THE WATER AUTHORITY ACT; AND … | Hester | Notification that SB420 is now Act 736 |
|
SB480
Act 739
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “SB480 K. Hammer TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE INVESTMENT OF STA…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE INVESTMENT OF STATE FUNDS. | K. Hammer | Notification that SB480 is now Act 739 |
|
SB483
Act 957
· 2 mentions in chapter, agenda
Matched: “SB483 Irvin TO REPEAL CERTAIN REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE STAT…”
|
TO REPEAL CERTAIN REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE STATE INSURANCE DEPARTMENT AND THE STATE SECURITIES DEPARTMENT; … | Irvin | Notification that SB483 is now Act 957 |
|
HB1308
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1308 Steimel CONCERNING UNFAIR PRACTICES RELATED TO RESIDENTIAL…”
|
CONCERNING UNFAIR PRACTICES RELATED TO RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE REPAIR CONTRACTS; AND TO REGULATE SOLICITING RESIDENTIAL … | Steimel | Recommended for study in the Interim by the … |
|
HB1408
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1408 Pilkington TO ALLOW QUALIFYING PATIENTS OR DESIGNATED CAREG…”
|
TO ALLOW QUALIFYING PATIENTS OR DESIGNATED CAREGIVERS TO PURCHASE MEDICAL MARIJUANA USING A FLEXIBLE SPENDING … | Pilkington | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1443
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1443 Pilkington TO CREATE THE SECOND AMENDMENT FINANCIAL PRIVACY…”
|
TO CREATE THE SECOND AMENDMENT FINANCIAL PRIVACY ACT; TO PROHIBIT FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND PAYMENT NETWORKS … | Pilkington | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1811
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1811 Steimel TO AMEND PROPERTY AND CASUALTY LAW; AND TO REQUIRE…”
|
TO AMEND PROPERTY AND CASUALTY LAW; AND TO REQUIRE REASONABLE PROOF OF PAYMENT OF A … | Steimel | Recommended for study in the Interim by the … |
|
HB1850
Act 867
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1850 L. Johnson TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING GROUND AMBULANCE SER…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING GROUND AMBULANCE SERVICES; TO CLARIFY THE MINIMUM ALLOWABLE REIMBURSEMENT FOR … | L. Johnson | Notification that HB1850 is now Act 867 |
|
SB307
Act 373
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ines throughout the state. A couple weeks ago, we worked on Senate Bill 307, which was dealing the generating of the power. Now we're w…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PUBLIC UTILITIES; TO CREATE THE GENERATING ARKANSAS JOBS ACT OF … | J. Dismang | Notification that SB307 is now Act 373 |
|
SB448
Act 579
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB448 J. Petty TO AUTHORIZE THE FINANCING OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY IM…”
|
TO AUTHORIZE THE FINANCING OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS, ALTERNATIVE ENERGY IMPROVEMENTS, BUILDING RESILIENCY IMPROVEMENTS, AND … | J. Petty | Notification that SB448 is now Act 579 |
Machine transcript
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Speaker 1
0:02
Representative Maddox, if you would please identify yourself and have your guest identify herself and you may proceed. Thank you, Mr. Chairman John Maddox,
Speaker 3
0:13
state representative District 86. Yeah Mr. Chairman Michael Lindsay, director of government relations
Speaker 5
0:20
for Walmart. Thank you, members. This is very brief.
I'm gonna give just a very quick overview and Mr. Lindsay's here to ask any or answer any specific questions. So, in 2021, we passed the Inform Act, which placed requirements on the internet
marketplaces like Amazon, Walmart, eBay, Etsy, Facebook, etc. to verify the identity of third-party sellers and post contact information for those sellers on any product listing. Walmart, Home Depot, other retailers supported this legislation to help identify organized retail crime groups in Arkansas was the very first state to pass this informed legislation. Over a dozen states have followed our lead over the next few years, which prompted the United States Congress to pass a slightly different version in 2023. So with the
passage of the federal inform Act, we are merely updating our Arkansas statute, which started the process to conform with the federal law. So that is all that this build us. Be
Speaker 6
1:11
glad to take any questions. All right, we're going to give members just
a second. I think they're still trying to look for Senate Bill 405 on their, on their agenda. So while we're uh waiting briefly, are there any questions from the committee?
Everyone had a chance to look over the bill. Representative Richardson. recognized the
Representative R. Scott Richardson
Unverified
1:43
question. Thank you. Hey, uh, Representative Maddox, I was just
curious. It, it strikes the language of going from 24 hours online 24 hours to 10 days.
Speaker 3
1:53
What drove that change? So what we found is that it can be very difficult to verify a seller within 24 hours and so the federal law allows the marketplace 10 days, which is a
more realistic, doable sort of time frame to verify that seller, OK, and is that
Representative R. Scott Richardson
Unverified
2:11
10 calendar days or business days? It's calendar days. OK, thank you. All right. Any other questions from committee? See none. Is there
Speaker 15
2:18
anyone here to speak for or against the bill
or this bill? See none. Representative Max, you recognize close for your bill. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um, close for
Speaker 18
2:31
my bill. I'd appreciate, appreciate a good vote and make a motion to pass. That's a proper motion.
All those, uh, any discussion on the motion? All in favor say aye. All polls
Speaker 1
2:45
say no. Congratulations, Represent Madox, your bill's passed. Thank you committee. Without objection,
we're gonna hear House Bill 1853, Representative Murphy, we go to the end of the table.
Identify yourself, may present your bill. Thank
Representative Kendra Moore
Unverified
3:13
you, Mr. Chair, members of the committee, uh, Jeremiah Moore, yet again, District 61, I promise this will be much briefer than
the last bill. Um House Bill 1853 is very simple. It does one thing. It enshrines dual agency for real estate agents in state law. This is already in rule and this practice happens and occurs every day, and with that, I will be open for questions.
Representative Robin Lundstrum
Unverified
3:41
Questions from the committee. Seeing no questions, is there anyone in the I'd like to speak against this bill. Anyone else who like
speak for this bill. Say no one, you recognize the clothes for your bill. I'm close for my bill, and I would appreciate a good vote. Thank you, Representative Moore. Repentative Lundstrom, you are recognized. We have a motion to pass all in favor say aye. Any post say no. Congratulations, you've passed
Speaker 5
4:11
your bill. Representative Brown. Would you refresh my memory on what What you're here, what bill you're here on. We Mr. Chair, I'd actually have to look
Representative Robin Lundstrum
Unverified
4:37
at the the bill number because I don't remember if it was Senate bill on the PSC.
commission on the settlements. What That I don't know y'all. All the numbers have run together by this point Senator McKee on the Senate side 463. It's a good bill and it don't do much. OK, members, Senate Bill 463. Take a moment, um.
Obviously it's the Senate bill. Reverent Brown's here. Um, go ahead and introduce yourself for the record and proceed with
Representative Robin Lundstrum
Unverified
5:20
your testimony. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Matt Brown, District 55, uh, members, we have Senate Bill 463. Please don't hold it against them because it's a Senate bill. Uh, this is a small bill. It came out of the Senate with no opposition, which I think is probably a remarkable feat this time of the session based on what's going on down there. Uh, this bill simply provides that in the event that a utility company subject to the PSC jurisdiction decides to enter into a consent decree regarding the closure of a electrical power plant.
They have to let PSC know and talk to PSC beforehand, as many of you all may know, the issue that has arisen with the power plants that are subject to consent decrees up in the north part of the state and are going to be shut down is actually going to leave us shorthand in electricity in a few years, the PSC actually did not have any say in that process. The AG had filed some litigation trying to let the state come in and have a say in the process, and the federal court said, You have no standing, you have no ability to come into this. So this bill simply provides that you got to get the PSC involved when you decide to shut down a plant. To be quite honest, I already thought this was the
law, but apparently it wasn't. And so that's what this bill does. Uh, I'm not wear any opposition. Like I said, it came out of the uh came out of the Senate
Speaker 37
6:31
unopposed. I'd be glad to answer any questions. English and Brown, we do
Representative Dwight Tosh
Unverified
6:36
have a couple of questions. Tosh. I, Mr. Chair. Representative, you said they had to uh notify PSC does PSC have to approve? Yeah, the PSC or they just have
to make them aware of it. We have to
Representative Robin Lundstrum
Unverified
6:47
make the PSC would be able to step in and say, no, you can't shut
Representative Dwight Tosh
Unverified
6:50
down. So they have the final authority over that whether they would they be allowed to do that or not. Yeah, that's correct. Yeah, I'm
Speaker 43
7:00
sorry. Good. Any other questions? OK. We have no other
Representative Robin Lundstrum
Unverified
7:05
questions, um, You know when like speak against this bill. Excuse me. Anyone else I speak for this bill? Represent brown, you recognize
the clothes for your bill. I'm closing that I appreciate a good vote. President Brown has closed for his bill where you banks, makes a motion do pass. All in favor say aye. Can you say no. Thank you Pastor Bill. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you. Thank you.
Speaker 5
7:57
Members, we're going to allow Representative Vau to run Senate Bill 123. She has numerous places to be this evening, so we're going to try
Speaker 43
8:05
and accommodate her. She says that it's very brief, so thank
Speaker 52
8:09
you, Mr. Chair. I appreciate your lenience and letting me uh do this now so I can get to the Senate. I've got 4 committees down there I got to be in. Um, Senator Leding and I have passed numerous bills, uh, aimed at giving Arkansas better access to the tools needed to diagnose
and treat cancer, and that's what we're doing here with Senate Bill 123. Uh, sometimes, depending on a person's family history or other factors that increase the risk of breast cancer. A doctor will recommend a supplemental screening, uh, defined in the bill as medical necessary and appropriate examinations, uh, with Senate Bill 123, we're removing the cost share equip equipment to ensure there's no reason a woman in Arkansas who has a high risk
might avoid having uh this examination. Um, I actually had to, I have to go every 6 months, uh, because I'm a high risk, uh, for breast cancer. I had my MRI, uh, just a few weeks ago, um, and it is, it is something that is a cost to the person if they do not, um, If they don't approve it. I, I think this is something they should be doing anyway. I think it's something that we shouldn't have to fight for, uh, if, if
somebody needs the tools to keep them uh from waiting for cancer to get too far gone. Um, I think we should be providing those tools if, if possible. Uh there's no cost, uh, the note pegs the estimate, uh, to be around or there is a cost, I'm sorry. Uh, the note, uh, pegs that estimate to be about 700,000, but when, but when they calculated that number, they didn't factor in the fact that these supplement examinations are only recommended for a very small
percentage of the population who are at high risk. They based it on the general population, so we know that that number is way higher than what it should be. Uh, we also know that, uh, an investment upfront. It is worth it. The earlier we're able to detect cancer, the more lives we're able to save and the less expensive it is to treat. Uh, so there are a downstream savings. No one spoke against this bill in the Senate, uh, Insurance and commerce, and
it was recommended unanimously and the bill cleared the Senate for 3, 34 to 0. And
Speaker 54
10:35
with that, I'm closed. Thank you, Representative. Questions by the committee. Good saying
Representative Robin Lundstrum
Unverified
10:40
no. Is there anyone who'd like to speak against this bill. Anyone likes week for this bill. Anyone else like to speak for this bill? OK, saying
no one involved, what do you like to close for your bill? I'm closed. I would appreciate a good vote. President has closed for a bill. Representative Darby makes a motion to pass, all in favor say
aye, and they both say no. Congratulations to you, Pastor. Thank
you. Thank you, Represent. Represent Graham like, are you ready to proceed on your bill? OK, go to the end of the table. I believe you are going to present HB 1813. Yes, sir, there, there is an amendment, so members, um, staff will be passing out the amendment, rep of Graham like just introduce yourself and your guest and
then they first start with explaining the amendment,
Representative Zack Gramlich
Unverified
11:33
please. Uh, thank you Zach Gramlich, State Representative, District 50 Fort Smith.
Speaker 61
11:44
Mica Day, external affairs for American Power Play.
Representative Zack Gramlich
Unverified
11:47
All right, so first off, uh, we'll talk about this amendment. um, this amendment was made with feedback given to us by a utility companies. Wait until everyone. All right, so Just kind of going through the bill along with the amendments.
A lot of the stuff is deleting uh definitions that were asked to, so uh first one we we deleted uh 228 to 31, that's going to be the definition for dynamic line reading. We deleted the definition for what Urquhartt was. We changed the definition from low growth to what load is in as much as electricity, you know, different different uh things have a load that is required for. to go through a specific
process, um, so like a factory would have a load, etc. Um, we also, uh, changed some words from long-term transmission to long term, long range transmission on page 3. A couple of small changes rather and cost effective, deleted another definition, and where are we at connected transmit a lot of deleting and definitions like was asked page 5. Um, has a little bit more significant definition on how um
the members to the council would be chosen. one would be appointed by the governor and one member from each chamber that will be chosen by the presiding officer of each chamber or whatever manner the General Assembly may provide which will allow for differentiation between different states, how they might want to do it. And then also page 6, lines 4 through 7, essentially. We changed it. Let me get to that page in my actual, uh, Here we go. Um,
We changed it so that the council will prepare a report for the governor of the Arkansas Public Service Commission, the General Assembly of each party state. This report will cover the activities of the council report will also provide guidance to the party states by recommending changes, if any, to the rules and laws regulating deciding permitting certificate certification and construction of new or existing high voltage transmission infrastructure according to the principles of the compact. Um, so a lot of deletion, couple minor changes, and then a change to how we will choose members of the council and what kind of report will be generated. The
So Representative Graham has explained the amendment. We have a motion to pass an amendment. We have a motion to adopt the amendment. All in favor say aye. Any post say no. Grab some graham like
Representative Zack Gramlich
Unverified
14:22
you may present the bill as amended. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Thank you very much, committee. When I was
going through the process of, you know, trying to understand how I would explain this bill. Um, really what this does is if you read Article One, that, that's what we're trying to do here. And just to read that first,
that first stanza. The intent of this compact is to lower the cost of construction, new high voltage transmission infrastructure and facilitate the expansion of transmission capacity. Through cost effective transmission planning and siding and construction. The reality is, guys, ladies and gentlemen, is that, you know, we are experiencing huge growth in this part of the country. Arkansas is no exception to the rest, the rest of this part of our region, and there's gonna be a lot of times that we're going to have to work with the different states around us to move power
to where we need it to meet the needs of our state, um, and so what this allows us to do is it allows us to form a compact that will Have 4 states in it if they choose to enter it, um, that will allow us to have better conversations so that we can have better transmission, high voltage transmission lines throughout the state. Uh, a couple weeks ago we worked on Cent Bill 307, which was dealing the generating of the power. Now we're working on how do we get it to where it needs to be in the most cost effective way for the consumer. Um.
That's broadly what we're trying to, trying to, trying to accomplish here. I could get into the details of like how the council and stuff would work, um, but one thing I would like to say with all this is that right now at this point, like if, if this, if we choose to go forward with this bill, I mean we really aren't doing anything yet because we have to have 2 more states decide that hey, we want to be a part of this as well, so we are setting up the structure for a compact so that the other states listed in the bill, if they choose so, can come in and work with us and hopefully we can provide better things for our consumers.
For, um, you know, just our state economy as a whole, um. A couple other pieces, you know, when conversations with miso and they have no position on this bill. They're not for or against it. They don't see it to be, you know, detrimental from my understanding. We're trying to get conversations with the SPP but I haven't heard from them yet, um. Would you like to add anything. Now thank you very much to the chairman and
Speaker 67
16:39
members of the committee. There's one serious problem that we're trying to address here, and that is the United States as
Speaker 68
16:46
a whole, we are falling behind rapidly and energy electricity is the way that we fuel an economy. We have this incredible blessing of an administration that is helping bring home manufacturing jobs from overseas. We have growth that's happening in new sectors and new ways that 15 years ago we never would have imagined. However, we have a massive shortfall and not both the of energy and getting energy to where it needs to go, and we are facing a cliff already right now the 20 most powerful and capable
long range power lines in the world that are all in China and they were all built in the last 12 years. There are 4 major categories in which we evaluate a nation's capability to transmit energy. 3 of those 4 categories are led by China, and we are falling behind them further every single year in India is now nipping at our heels. In order to have meaningful conversations and by the way, full disclosure, I'm a conservative. I'm a federalist.
I support leading from the states and not from Washington DC. The way that we are going to be able to find regional solutions to national problems is through working with neighboring and partnering states to generate meaningful policy conversations that lead later to changes so that we can speed up the process and we can build baby build. Yeah, I would add one thing when we talk about seeing out the process, it seems
Representative Zack Gramlich
Unverified
18:11
to me right now from what I understand, like it's at least 3 years if we wanted to right now to start building transmission lines
that could, that could be too long if we're trying to get factories started up over here, so um this is truly effort. We want to shrink that time. We want to be able to act effectively and act quickly to meet the demands of business and and consumers as a whole. And with that We'll take some questions. Thank
Speaker 37
18:35
you. We do have some questions. Representative Ladyman, you were first with a question. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Well, I think
Representative Jack Ladyman
Unverified
18:44
the idea is great here and, and I agree we need to do this.
But can you give me a little information on how this is going to be done. I mean, how is this really going to help understand what we need to do and how we need to coordinate, but, you know, we talk about myso and Southwest Power Pool and the power companies. There's a lot of players in this game already. And how, I just don't understand how a group that's made up of state legislators from four states. is going to help the situation. I mean, how does that help?
Speaker 72
19:21
I think to the representative to the chairman. First of all,
Speaker 68
19:26
I I want to answer one thing very quickly, and that is this legislation is not a silver bullet. There's no piece of legislation, silver bullet addressing our energy needs, so you know we'll be clear about that from the get-go. I, it's very important to understand that there is nothing about this compact that duplicates or reinvents the wheel of what RTOs or ISOs do at all. This is completely separate. There's very one important thing that the regional planners and
essentially I mean that is what an RTO is. They're regionally planning for the projects themselves and by the way, mySo does a phenomenal job at that. I'm a huge fan of their, of their work. I, this is in no way looking to take away any of that. What Mysore does not have though, that this legislative body does and between the combination of you and the PSC who also receives the reports and the recommendations out of out of this compact. What you have that they do not is you have the
electorate's approval to make changes to laws and regulation. And so what this combat does is it creates a directional and aspirational goal of we want to reduce the cost of building transmission. We want to make it faster and easier and cut red tape so that companies can get to work building faster and better. With that aspiration and that directional goal, it calls the states together in a formal conversation of OK, what are the
best practices from each of our states that we can borrow from and we can make the recommendation back to our home states and the policymakers, the ones with the authority to actually make change. At the end of the day this should absolutely complement the work of Mao and SPP. So I mean, my concern
Representative Jack Ladyman
Unverified
21:10
is, you know, that we're adding more government and in most cases when you do that, you slow down the process instead of speeding it up. So I don't know, maybe you've got some things in here
that would prevent that. But I mean, we, we got to be careful about going the wrong direction here and getting more people involved and slowing the process down instead of speeding it up. If you're talking about just a planning process and then recommendations, but no. Authority to shut down what companies, producers, and grid operators in in power companies, retail power companies, don't slow them down, then I can be
for it. Are there guidelines in here that would prevent that slowdown. Representative, thank you for the question to
Speaker 68
22:01
the chairman. I darn. And let me tell you why not. This the committee out of this compact has no authority to create any regulation or do anything to slow down the process, the utilities don't have to go to this committee to ask for permission for anything. I would encourage the utilities to engage the members to share what are the best practices in our home state that helps us here that maybe we run into
problems in Louisiana or in any other state for that matter, being able to bring forth those best practices, this committee doesn't have the authority to create any more red tape at all. If you were to pass just this bill and nothing else were to happen, no other state joins the compact. Nothing has happened. We spent time on a, on a muggy Wednesday night with storms rolling through, talking about how much we'd like to see costs come down, and that's all we've done. If other states do join, And they meet and they make recommendations and this legislative body doesn't take
any of those recommendations. We still have changed nothing. More conversations were had about how much we would like to bring down the cost of building transmission. this is really the first step in in really a statement of aspiration for, for the legislative body that we have the intent of we want to make it easier to build in our state. Uh,
Representative Jack Ladyman
Unverified
23:19
just one other Question. Um, so other, when we talked about other compacts in other committees we've talked
about the state having oversight like counsel having oversight on what's come up in those committees. Is that addressed in this bill very last
Representative Zack Gramlich
Unverified
23:35
line of the bill, and I, I made sure when we were
drafting it that we had the Arkansas Legislative Council stamp of approval, um, you know, it says for purposes of the member state's ability to reject a rule under Article 4 of the Compact, a state delegated its authority to the provision to its legislators. Legislature, general assembly are duly authorized recognized legislative council or committee thereof. So at the end of the day when when the when this
council, the we'll call it transmission council or come together and meet and provide provide recommendations to the state. At the end of the day, we will still say, yeah, we're going to do that or no we're not, so we still. It really, really, in my opinion, it gives the legislature a little bit more of the reins and how we do electric electrical policy in our region and not just utilities coming to us saying hey we need this. We can actually begin to be in the conversation, begin to drive the way, uh, way we, we, we could do a better job working together with utilities and just, you
know, being led and saying, hey, this is what we need
Mike Haderi
Unverified
24:38
to do. All right, thank you. Representative Walton, right for a question. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Would you state again who you're with. I, I missed that. No, no, absolutely. My name's Mica Day. I'm with American Powerplay. OK.
Representative Jim Wooten
Unverified
24:51
My, my question follows along the line of representative Leman. Are you going to be in conflict with uh
The current transmission process relative to
Speaker 67
25:05
the southwest Power pool. No, sir. No, sir. I This is, this is
Speaker 68
25:11
a purely a vehicle for communication, formal communication between the states to reach recommendations for a desired end of reducing red tape to building. It does not come into conflict at all with the activity of, of mySo
Representative Zack Gramlich
Unverified
25:27
just to make a comment, one of the
principals of the compact is a waiver for existing transmission infrastructure, so it's not we're going to be coming in. destroying stuff and doing anything like that, like, you know, we're respecting what's already been put in place
Representative Jim Wooten
Unverified
25:44
and we're just trying to build upon it to make it better. OK. Do, does your company build power lines or I'm, I'm trying to get the involvement of where we are relative to creating another compact. The number one, if I understood what you said, it doesn't have any authority other than communicating
with one state to another state relative to the transmission. of electricity. Is that,
Speaker 68
26:09
is that? Well, and, and just by way of further explanation of who I represent, American Power play is a 501c4. It's an advocacy group. We are a conservative group, unabashedly. We support limited government intrusion, and we support a free market forces. Now we also understand when we're talking about electricity, we have as a society, we have opted for a route that makes it very difficult for, for utilities or
power companies to operate in a through open market, and that means we have to really find ways that we can apply the principles of limited government as responsibly as possible to that marketplace. So that's a little bit about the organization itself and if they would like to learn more, our website is americanpowerplay.org. Feel free to to check us out. but the but I on the on the same token to your point, sir, you're right, and, and I, and I don't want to, I, I don't want to make light of
the In and of itself, this bill does not accomplish a lot. It is the first step though in being able to to it's truthfully it is preparation for the states to be able to take much more meaningful steps to reduce those regulatory barriers to entry, and I
Representative Zack Gramlich
Unverified
27:26
because I could see your intent, the company coming in, they're just wanting to
sell more power lines. It makes very clear in principle 6 of the compact that
um it's going to be an open bid. selection process for the construction of certain transmission projects, so it's, it's still gonna be a very open process, very clear, very transparent. We're still trying to find the best rate for the taxpayer. So even if this guy was with me and he's here and he represents a specific transmission line company. We still may not go with
him because he may not provide the best product for the best price. Well, follow up. If Wonder if we
Representative Jim Wooten
Unverified
28:02
get in conflict as a state relative to what the
other three want to do. We're, where are we going to be then? What they say the compact decides that they want to have a power transmission line that runs through them bypasses Arkansas means nothing to us, and they support that, then where are we as a state? Can we just say we won't participate, I mean, I don't understand exactly what we're trying to do. here. I understand Represent to the chairman, The committee that is created
Speaker 68
28:39
under this compact should other states join. Does not planning transmission projects. They are evaluating what is the regulatory process in each of our states what is the permitting time period. What do we require permits to be pulled for. What is the window of time for public comment, what and and I mean, the list is lengthy and, and anyone who's general counsel that has had to deal with the construction progress, I'm sure it could bore all of us to tears and going through the full list of all the boxes they have to check. This
is for the committee to look at those, compare. them across the member states and then to make recommendations about how they can make those guidelines, those those rules and laws more uniform and make it easier for companies to be able to plan as they cross state lines in their projects. This committee is not planning those projects though. They are only looking at the regulatory portion but you didn't, you didn't answer my
Representative Jim Wooten
Unverified
29:32
question. I'm so sorry. The question was, I wonder if we get in conflicts,
it's not in the best interest of the Ratepayers in Arkansas to pursue something in the compact says they support that effort, where do we stand then? What
Mike Haderi
Unverified
29:48
can we do? I would say two things. Article
Representative Zack Gramlich
Unverified
29:52
4, it talks about um the council shall not be construed to displace any regulatory responsibilities of the existing relevant electric rate regulatory authority. So, you know, current regulatory authorities will still be in place, and then second goes to the end, um, it's got the um called the AL ALC stamp, but
We can, we have the ability to reject a rule under Article 4 of this compact. So if the compact were to come together and say, hey, we want this and this Arkansas is like, yeah, no, we're not, we're not gonna do that, we're not going to. Um,
we still have the ability to reject um anything the compact says because of, you know, how we do things. Thank you. Thank you for your question.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Representative Doby recognize for your question. Thank you, Mr. Chair, and I appreciate, uh, your comments,
Representative Carol Dalby
Unverified
30:43
uh, representative, but I'm reading this a little bit different maybe than what you are that last paragraph that you're uh reference that we could reject anything, that's an Article 4, but if you move over to page 7. And it's article. 5 Um, it's, there's a mandatory clause that says states shall allow and shall streamline
regulatory review, um, and so there's some shells in there that we're not, there's no opt out on it. When you look at that, and then when you look at, uh, hang on, she's looking at page 7 on, I'll, I'll tell you, page 7 number. 5. It says the council, uh. I think it's number 5. yeah. Thank you. I couldn't find the lines on there.
Uh You know, there's so during all through that section I was quickly reading it and it talks about uh what the states will do. The states shall, the states adopting the compact shall allow and streamline permitting and regulatory review. And so it there but that's not being opted out in that last paragraph, because that's Article 5. So the last paragraphs Article 4 and
then my other question, just quickly looking at this. Because I'm not seeing it as a panacea that you're telling us that it is, but on page 8. Uh, articles, well, page A, which should be Paragraph 7. I'm not sure, I guess it's Article 5 again. Yes, ma'am. Existing transmission infrastructure has previously been permitted by states, particularly shall not be required to be any
new permits, but it's, let's see, state's producing shall take action to remove permitting barriers or applicable state agencies and regional bodies shall to me says we have to. It's not a May, it's not an opting out and so there's a little more to this compact that in my reading of it that it appears that you know, We're going down that path and then you talk at the very first, and I know I'm
Saying a lot more than just one question at a time, but there's some troubling language in here to me, that you get up there and on the, the cost sharing. So I don't know, there are 5 states in it and 3 of them vote that we're gonna pay this and we're going to pay it and we're, we can't opt out of it. And so, I, I mean, I understand what you're trying to do. I don't think I really am against.
The concept, but I think the way it's written right now, it's a little too draconian for me to go with, but could you address those? I know I, I rambled around, but I had at least 4 paragraphs that I found very troubling that I cannot support at this time. Thank you.
Representative Zack Gramlich
Unverified
34:02
I would I would say a couple things. First off, Article 5, and all the things that you listed are all in Article 5. that I that I gathered. Article 5, it talks, to be clear, says these are all principles of the fair and efficient transmission constructions, um, basically, Yeah, if we enter this compact, we're going to agree to
recognize the following principles and pursue policies that allow for competitive, fair and efficient transmission market to flourish in the mid-South region, and it lists, you know, 7 of them. Uh, one of the parts you talked about and I mean, I would have to say you said it was 5, I, I mean, it does say the council shall recognize, which I don't, I mean, recognize, I don't know if there's what we'd actually do recognizing but and value that the stated benefits
of using GETs for improvement of transmission facilities enhancement of grid performance and expansion of existing transmission line capacity. I hear, I hear what you're saying, and you know, when I hear Xiao we always need to be a concern, but that shall does is really mandating us to do anything except recognize and value something,
you know what I mean? Can you and I understand
Representative Carol Dalby
Unverified
35:09
that give me some of your other examples, I mean, you know, to me shall is shall, and, and so, um, uh, you
know, I, I'm concerned, you get a, a big state like Texas and, and
they've got a, you know, something that they want to build out and all of a sudden we're stuck with a Big part of it, you know, and, and there's the Shao language in there, so uh It just seems like to me that we need to step back and look at this a little more carefully before we get ourselves into something that we might not be able to opt out on some of those things, but it's just my thoughts. Thank you. I may,
Representative Matt Brown
Unverified
35:46
representative to the chairman, I One important thing to remember,
Speaker 68
35:52
and that is the only authority that the committee has for this compact is to make recommendations. They are not a legislative or regulatory body. And all they can do is make a recommendation to you as legislators what you should do about your state laws. And, and again, you're represented on that, you know, perhaps you're one of the representatives on that compact committee. However, at the end of the day, they do not have the authority to actually change. anything. Oh, I understand that and I
Representative Carol Dalby
Unverified
36:23
appreciate that, but once again, there's language in there that says we shall pay this and we shall do that and I am worried and would like, like uh the representative to, um, Explain to me it appears that that this is an end around the PSC but maybe I'm reading that too much. Thank you. Thank you, Reverend. Go ahead. I'm sorry.
Representative Zack Gramlich
Unverified
36:44
OK, um, you know, I, I forget where I said it earlier, but you know, it does say in Article
4 that this is not going to displace regulatory responsibil as
anything else. And if the PSC is regulatory rate, rate regulatory stuff like this compact does not do that, so I mean that's, that's an Article 4, which is separate from Article 5. And again, our Article 5 is just the principles that we'll agree that we're going to try to follow and
Representative Carol Dalby
Unverified
37:08
and one more quick question and I'll get out of the queue and be quiet, um, you can speak as much as you want. I don't think you want me to because then I'll start going line by line and, you know, the old saying, slowly we turn, um,
how much is this gonna cost? We're talking about millions of dollars, hundreds of thousands of dollars that we don't know. And so we're, you're asking us if I'm correct, Representative, for us to enter into a compact with an unknown, uh, cost to be a member of the compact because this is a relatively new concept. Correct? I mean, we don't know, correct, and to be clear, this is a
Representative Zack Gramlich
Unverified
37:48
first compact of its kind if I'm this would be the first in right now 3 in work. We would
be one of the first ones that we would be controlling a lot of that,
Speaker 67
38:00
but if you'd like to add the stuff with the cost, you know, Thank you, Representative. No, for
Speaker 68
38:07
me as a fiscal conservative, this one matters. I again due to the lack of any kind of regulatory authority that comes with this. I, this utilizes I existing employees and appointees of the state. I and existing staff. This does not create any new office functions. The one cost that could arise in
addition that I would encourage against in the first place, and that is if in-person meetings were selected. I would encourage the utilization of streaming technologies such as Zoom. I'm partial to that as opposed to
Speaker 72
38:38
say, Microsoft Teams. I my encouragement would be to utilize that that technology which would keep cost non-existent. Thank you. Thank you. Resent Tosh
Representative Robin Lundstrum
Unverified
38:49
recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chair. And I was trying to
Representative Dwight Tosh
Unverified
38:53
jot this down. I believe that you
referenced like M ISO and an SPP. I'm just curious, does, does any other state in those two groups that they have such a compact now and if you covered that, I'm sorry I missed you. No,
Speaker 67
39:13
I, no, at this time there is there is not any active compact. There are currently
Speaker 68
39:18
8 states that are in varying levels and at different stages of progress in discussing joining compacts across 3
Speaker 106
39:25
different regions. One of those others is within the
Representative Dwight Tosh
Unverified
39:31
Myso region. OK, just follow up. I have it. I'm just curious, have you, have you filed a a bill or legislation in any of these other states or is this the first? Thank you for that
Speaker 68
39:43
question. This is the only active compact bill, there is a study bill in Montana right now. They're going to spend the summer working with North Dakota and South Dakota in pursuing the language because they want to get it right over time, which, and given their structure for study bills, it
works well there as of right now, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky are in the drafting process, but it has not
Speaker 107
40:06
gone through the legislative process yet. and I would say something too, I mean, like one thing that's
Representative Zack Gramlich
Unverified
40:13
nice about like this kind of compact is like myo is a very large territory, you know, the, the needs of Southern Canada aren't the needs of Arkansas or Texas, and so we can do a lot together, but the needs in our region are going to be a little bit different and so it probably is more effective for us to have more regional conversations, um,
then, you know, larger Like myo conversations. A follow up and
Representative Dwight Tosh
Unverified
40:39
I may be getting uh obviously a little confused here. You talk about these transmission lines coming across the state of Arkansas, I'm assuming that's what we're talking about and tying in with the other states and maybe I'm misunderstanding, but Uh like everybody in this community, I've seen those lines come across Arkansas how wide are those, how much land,
how much, you know, territory do they take up? I mean, is that something that's been considered in all this and the the what you, what's You're going to have to confront as far as coming across the state. It seemed like we fought this battle with something similar to this several years ago, but I can't remember exactly, but it's on my mind that we did and maybe, maybe we did or maybe we didn't, so, uh. Just kind of, can you just talk about that for a second? Absolutely, no, I'd love to. And in fact, you're, you're hitting
Speaker 68
41:36
on one of my favorite topics. I, and the reason is because I, and I promise I'm not gonna, I'm not going down siloy here, but the very, the very fact that we have the grid that we do as aged as it is, as rusting and falling apart at the corners as it is sometimes. I, the fact that we have it is a marvel along with our interstate system, you know, if you go back a little bit further, it's as much of a marvel as the way we were able to build railroad lines across the entire country across a completely unsettled land. It's amazing. It's a
logistical challenge that that the utilities and the RTOs and the ISOs have done a wonderful job of meeting. It's getting old. And it cannot keep up with demands. Now one of the really important things that's already happened in so many cases though is the right of way battles have already been fought. What's there is there. Now, many of the aged lines that we have in place right now. They can be replaced. They can be upgraded and carry far more load across them than what they can with the current technology
that is currently in place. Newer technology exists, more capable lines exist. One of the principles that are in this compact is talking about making it easier to do those upgrades so we don't have to build new lines, so we don't have to take up more land. That's one of the very intentional things that we're that this compact would be directing the member states to look at how can we utilize what's in place more effectively and upgrade the technology and I would make a point too. I mean, like if, if there
Representative Zack Gramlich
Unverified
43:05
is a company that's going to come in that
requires a large load, you know, if there has to be new transmission lines to, you know, go to that company like that's going to happen either way. So this compacts goal is just to make that a
Representative Dwight Tosh
Unverified
43:21
much quicker process. I probably shouldn't ask this question, but I have to because I've heard it for years after those transmission lines went in. I don't know I represent an area where uh it's a, it's a lot of duck hunting and uh myth or fact to those transmission lines changed the flight or the pattern of those ducks, or do you know?
represented by unaware. OK, you've heard that, correct? Representative, I, I don't get to
Speaker 67
43:46
say this a whole lot in this line of work, but you're the first. Well, maybe
Representative Dwight Tosh
Unverified
43:50
I've seen about something. I was hoping you'd agree with me. Well,
Representative Zack Gramlich
Unverified
43:53
I know this. I see a ton of Dove on top of lines when I'm driving down the highway. OK. Represent Wooton, you're ready to ask
Representative Jim Wooten
Unverified
44:02
for a question. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. You, I still don't understand, and it's not hard for me to get confused and not understand, you
know, but You keep talking about cost and this and the regulation and where they're located and all that. That sounds like regulatory control to me. I mean, we have, we have, we have sufficient uh work with the public service commission. Is that, is that Is that what you're after here, to be able to tell where a company can build a line or the cost involved in that.
Who's going to give us the information or you going to give us that information relative to what, what the cost should be
Speaker 68
44:52
or what you think it should be. Um, thank you, Representative, for the question to the chairman. The intent of the committee is to each review and this is the review portion of what I, Madam Representative, was speaking to earlier. I is to review what are the regulations that are on the books
to compare those state by state of the member states and to identify as a committee to identify what is the more desirable permitting process timelines, regulation. What's desirable? To present a report to the governor, to the legislature, and to the PSC making recommendations of what those each what each authority and body can do themselves to better meet the goals of the compact, and those are the principles portion that that we
discussed earlier. Um, the intent and and not only the intent, there is no ability or power of the committee to actually make any of those changes on their own. Well, I
Representative Jim Wooten
Unverified
45:57
don't waste my time with anything that I don't have power. Well, you know, you didn't answer my question. Where's the information going to come from? Who's going to provide us with it. We have the Bureau of Legislative Research. We have the Public Service commission, the Bureau of Legislative Research is a non-polished group.
Representative Zack Gramlich
Unverified
46:21
And so what, what are we talking about here? Well, I, I, I would say in
the most recent amendment, and I'll read the line it said, so the council I know prepare a report for the governor of Arkansas Public Service Commission and the General Assembly of each party state. The report will cover the activities of the council. The report will also provide guidance to parties, states by recommending changes, if any, to the rules and laws regulating deciding, permitting, certification, and construction of new or existing high voltage transmission infrastructure according to the principles of the compact. So the council will be creating and
disseminating that information party states so
Representative Jim Wooten
Unverified
46:55
we're going to have another long payroll of course it's going to be to the state of Arkansas for our pro rata share of having these additional people employed somewhere in some other state perhaps rather than Little Rock. So We, we're just creating another layer of bureaucracy and another layer of government. Let me ask you one more question. Who's, who's your membership?
What's what's your membership role? Can you give us some names of some companies that participated
Speaker 68
47:31
in this. So that would be a 5016 that is a chamber that has actual members. We do not have that. We represent an ideology. We are an abbasy group that represents an ideology within the energy industry. I, as far as our, our financial supporters. We have a diverse range of support that comes everything from foundations to philanthropies.
Including also some industry as well across the energy sectors. I, we are not we are not required under IRS law to to release the names or disclose the names, and without any specific agreement with them. We don't put their names out there. What we prefer to stand on is these are the principles and the ideals that we stand by. But one more question. So If I understand what you just
Representative Jim Wooten
Unverified
48:25
said. They say that the 4 states. See something that's happening by a regulatory agencies in that state that they don't agree with, then the compact can come back and disagree with them and, and, and then, and, and that has uh Priority and not priority, but has superior knowledge. That we have to pay for as a state. Is that, is that what the compact's going to do? Representative, thank you for the question. I, they can only
Speaker 68
48:55
make a recommendation for a change. That's all they have the authority
Representative Jim Wooten
Unverified
48:59
to do. Oh, but if they disagree with what a company or or several companies are doing. That's not in the mold of what you see as the efforts of the industry, energy industry, then they can object to that. So that's the essence of the compact. I'm I'm not sure that I follow the representative. I'm sorry.
Speaker 82
49:22
Who is they? They can reject. Is
that the state can reject or
Representative Jim Wooten
Unverified
49:31
they The group, the compact, if they see something that they don't agree with the entire industry or something like that, then they can supersede the decision made or trying to supersede the decisions that's being made by the those who have authority. Or, or even if a company has
decided to construct a line. They can take a position that relatively might influence the decision of whoever the ruling body is. I, I mean, I, I, yes,
Mike Haderi
Unverified
50:05
if they had looks like just uh
Representative Zack Gramlich
Unverified
50:09
I wanna make sure I understand correctly. I would say yes, but just because they have an opinion doesn't mean that like if 3/4 of the compact, let's say the other three states have an opinion that this is the best policy and you know, we think you should be doing it. At
the end of the day, Arkansas can agree or disagree with that statement, and let's say you are the, um, you're the member of the compact, and you come to us, you say, I think this is the best thing to do. Texas said this is good. Everyone said this is good. At the end of the day, we start to choose to adopt the rule or not, um, and so we can still reject the rule even if the other states think we're crazy, you know what I mean? But we can still choose to do what we think is right for our
Speaker 114
50:55
state and our consumers. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Representative Richardson,
Representative R. Scott Richardson
Unverified
50:59
a question. Thank you, Mr. Chairman Um So I, I lost my place, but so going back, I, I think Representative Dalby really got me to thinking about some things and based on the conversation you're just having with. Representative Wooton,
if you look at on page 7. Line 34 through 36. Wait a minute, is that the right one?
Representative Zack Gramlich
Unverified
51:33
Yeah. I mean, there, there is a sharp portion there. Well, but I, I apologize because
Representative R. Scott Richardson
Unverified
51:49
I, I don't think that's the I've lost my place that I had marked, uh. That. Yeah, uh, The states participate in the compact shall design and adopt into this compact the process
for the administration and oversight of the bid participates may choose. OK, here it is. I'm sorry, I'm at the wrong spot. So Line 8, I mean, page 8, line 27. If this compact shall be held contrary to the Constitution of any state participating there in the compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the state affected as to all servable matters. When I read that, it sounds like the compact.
Supersedes whatever the state is doing. I would To
Representative Zack Gramlich
Unverified
52:44
me, it makes sense that the compact as the four states still has, you know, whatever just because Arkansas has a constitution separate than the other three states. The other, the compact's decision can still be applicable in other three states, um, and not necessarily affect Arkansas. But if this is a, if this is a bill which potentially could become law in the state of
Representative R. Scott Richardson
Unverified
53:07
Arkansas. Would that not mean that the compact would supersede Arkansas law. I would say we can't do anything that would supersede the
Representative Zack Gramlich
Unverified
53:16
Constitution. That's not what that sentence says
Representative R. Scott Richardson
Unverified
53:19
then, is that what you're telling me? You wouldn't like to
Speaker 68
53:23
answer. I representative for the disclaimer to the committee, I am not an attorney, and this is not constitute legal direction, I the the line is supposed to be speaking to that if a member, you know, again, let's let's use
the example and say that we have 4 member states. If one of those states it is found that they do not have the authority to be in the combat or something about the compact violated their their constitution, their withdrawal and the fact they entered into that. Compact without the authority or in something that conflicted their constitution that it does not require, it does not make the compact as a whole null and void, and the other member states are still able to participate. Yeah, I would, I would say
Representative Zack Gramlich
Unverified
54:04
if you go up higher in that Article 6, you know, it says the provision of this
compact shall be severable, and if any phrase clause, sentence, or provision of this compact is declared to be contrary to the Constitution of any state or the United States or the application thereof to any government. ency person or circumstance is held invalid, uh, the validity of the remainder of this compact and the applicability thereof to any government agency or person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. So kind of reiterating if I would say if uh if Arkansas was found like this is unconstitutional in Arkansas,
then if the other three states are already in the whole compact doesn't dissolve. They would still be able to be in and exist even though Arkansas would
Representative R. Scott Richardson
Unverified
54:50
no longer participate, OK, and sir, I'm sorry, I I. got your name. Would you mind? Mica, Mica dairy. Mr. Derick, so I'm looking at your website, so it looks like you guys are, are really focused on implementing wind and solar energy. Um, no, thank you for, for, uh, your statement. The Hm Put put it this way.
Speaker 68
55:14
We currently have the United States 2.6 terawatts of already approved renewable energy projects 2.6 terawatts. That are waiting for that last level of permitting and construction and transmission to be able to be connected to the grid. Our position is if it creates sparks, we ought to be building it right now. If it creates electricity or if it moves electricity. We need to be building it right now. Our position is that we are
deeply concerned about the energy shortfall that we are facing as a nation. We favor anything that is going to help fill that gap. Decommissioning plants, in our opinion is a bad
Speaker 107
55:55
idea right now. We ought to be doing anything we can to bring more energy online. OK. Representative
Chair
Unverified
56:03
Dolby you recognize. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'm, I'm
Speaker 83
56:08
interested in this and I'm fascinated by this, but
Representative Carol Dalby
Unverified
56:11
I would ask the representative would he consider putting this
in interim study so that we could have a detailed look as to how something like this is going to look and what all it's going to involve and potential costs because I think At this point, I can't get on board until I know those things and so I'm just wondering what an interim study really be the best way to handle this because this is new and you're asking us to be first in something that's not. tried out, we don't know how it's really going to affect us
or hold us to it, and it just seems like that we're at a good point to be able to do that and um that's my request. I would like to see it go, not to die. I had interim studies come through my committees all the time that we had very significant legislation come out of it this time around, and it just seems like to me that that it it would be a great way for us to get on, get our heads around.
Just Just question or a suggestion. I'm not opposed. I'd like to answer any more questions and
Representative Zack Gramlich
Unverified
57:18
then um as a joke talk with counsel here before, before I make a
Speaker 64
57:22
decision like that. So, OK. Thank you, Representative. So we still have numerous members
wanting to ask questions. Let's do try to move this along if we can though. We're gonna try to run through as many bills as we can. Resent McGrew, you're recognized. You're good. OK. Well, you can ask. Uh, Ros Allen. Thank you Mr. Chair. When
Representative Richard McGrew
Unverified
57:41
you talk about, let's talk about your board. Can you tell us what is the makeup of your boo? And I'm
Speaker 68
57:49
sorry, the board of my 51C4 yes, I make up my board. I consist of Larry Ward, who's from Michigan, consists of Mike Franklin, who's out of Minnesota, and I also consist of John Keriouakiss, who
Speaker 72
58:00
is out of Colorado. Amy you utilities. None of them are utilities, no. OK. What
Speaker 110
58:11
about transmission owners? Uh, no. OK. Thank you. Thank you, Baker.
Representative Sonia Eubanks Barker
Unverified
58:19
Uh, thank you, thank you guys for all the information you're sharing, and I don't want to speak for the committee, but I do think that maybe some of the confusion may just be. What's the return on investment here, whether it's financially, whether it's policy or whether it's just operationally. So can you give some real world examples of why two states would need to coordinate under this compact and what the return on that is because I mean, again, there there may be costs, there may be some discussions that we have, but I think it would be helpful just to hear some real
world examples of what the benefit of this would
Speaker 67
58:53
be. Thank you, Representative, and through the chairman, the To
Speaker 68
59:00
take a step back, you know, or how, how much I much of the um regulatory environment has been handled federally historically through both FERC and when change has been needed it either need to be handled through a FERC rule. I or it needed to be handled through legislation from Congress, and there was an attempt last year,
last Congress, there was a bipartisan bill in the Manchin Barrasso bill. many of the same principles that are in this compact we're in that. legislation, but ultimately didn't move because I don't think it's any surprise to this legislative body that Congress has a hard time passing anything. And so with, with the difficulties of making meaningful permitting reform at the federal level, it begins to leave only a few options either states can adopt changes unilaterally by themselves and have 50 different solutions for
the same national problem they can attempt to make a change collectively still all 50. states apart from Congress, and you know, in the process for that is, I mean that is an undertaking of decades. I mean, think of the different US Constitutional Amendment resolutions that have come your way over the years of your time as a legislator. It doesn't lead anywhere fruitful. I, but we have the tool through the US Constitution. We have the tool of being able to enter into these multi-state agreements, compacts for formal relations in agreement with other states. You
asked a very good question about what is the return and and what is that real world application. immediate return. I is that by the time this committee returns to the next session. They have better information and side by side comparison of what other states are doing that have shared interests as a region for their energy needs and how they can again how we can speed up and make more affordable to process to be able to get energy from A to B. That's the immediate return. I
should this legislative body act on those recommendations in that report. The return can be immense. It can allow for faster planning and construction and again planning not done by the by the compact, not done by this body, done by the existing entities that do so. I, but it allows for the regulatory side, the government side, to not have as much red tape and you know and I I really again I appreciated the point that the representative brought up earlier about what
about these giant lines in all the room they take up. Part of it is we want to make it easier to be able to use existing right of ways, existing infrastructure and improve it, bringing it up to date without having to go through a redundant permitting and red tape process, so I can't, I wish I could give you an economic impact, but we are at the early stages of a national reawakening on the value of cutting red tape and permitting reform, and this is happening at the federal level, and I am so pleased that it is happening across multiple
sectors and states in multiple different forms of legislation. This is true to that theme and that trend. Thank
you. Thank you for your testimonying no further questions, um, again, thank you for your testimony. We do have some sign up to speak against the bill. Um, John Bethel. Let's come to the end of the table.
Introduce yourself, who you're with, and You can proceed with your testimony.
Speaker 141
1:02:34
Uh, good evening, Mr. Chairman and members of the committee. I'm John Bethel. I'm the director of public public affairs for Energy Arkansas, and we're, we're opposed to the bill for for several reasons, substantially because it it does overlap a lot with things that already happened in myso myso already has and the Southwest Power pool, midcontinent independent systems operator and Southwest Power Pool, so before I speak in alphabets, I'll define those. Both of those organizations have
offices in Little Rock that are accessible, uh, both of those organizations have regional committees. They have committees that enable coordination between the states of Arkansas, Texas, Mississippi, and Louisiana, uh, currently and have their regulators actively involved and so those opportunities exist and uh additionally, uh, in the Senate Bill 307, we significantly streamlined the approval process for
transmission lines as well as generation and so that, that really helped make that process easier and more efficient and uh the the potential conflicts between this and Myso and SPP. We, we have concerns about that. We certainly support uh coordination and work between the states and and want to be helpful in that regard, and I'll I'll stop talking now and take any questions. Thank you for your testimony. Questions from We. President McGurk. So do you think this would
Representative Richard McGrew
Unverified
1:04:07
create more bureaucracy and make it harder. Potentially the
Speaker 141
1:04:10
way it's drafted, there is some overlap with what mySo and SPP do, and so I think that uh that that potential exists. Yes, sir. Before we continue with questions, some grandma. Would you, would
you like to be recognized? Uh, thank you very much committee. Um, after, uh, speaking
Representative Zack Gramlich
Unverified
1:04:28
with counsel, I think what we're going to do is we're going to pull this bill and we're going to submit it as an ISP and come back to this in the future. Oh
That's what I, OK, I appreciate that but just for um just for some clarification, reps Laman still like to
Speaker 86
1:04:48
ask a question. Absolutely, please do. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate that. Uh, John, I want to ask you this question.
Representative Jack Ladyman
Unverified
1:04:54
Uh, do, do providers or generators, uh, in, in these different states coordinate in any way. Do you all talk to Texas and other, you know, I, I know you crossed state lines, your company does, and others do too as well. But is there coordination between providers and
Speaker 141
1:05:12
in these states, yes, mySo and SPP both provide a forum for the, the, the transmission owners as well as customers of transmission and other interested stakeholders, they have a lot of committees that enable all of those uh interested individuals and groups to participate and ask questions and learn and and they function in a, in a process that includes a lot of uh collaboration and work together. Thank you, Representative Leiderman. Thank you,
Speaker 37
1:05:38
Reverend Grandma. Thank you for your testimony.
Thank you, Chair. Thank you committee. I was going to have Representative McAleon Ron a bill, but I think she stepped out, so Lustrom, what do you like to go next? S 3
Speaker 146
1:06:16
Representative, you have a couple on the agenda. Let us, which one do you want to proceed with? Which one do you want to start with? Since the
Representative Robin Lundstrum
Unverified
1:06:22
assessors have been so patient. I'd like to have them come to the table and let's do them first and that way they can get out. Yeah Uh, 1905. Just Both of you introduce yourselves
Speaker 153
1:06:46
and proceed with your testimony when you're
Representative Robin Lundstrum
Unverified
1:06:49
ready. State Representative Robin Lundstrom, District 18, Washington
Speaker 155
1:06:52
County Assessor Russell Hill and also president of the Arkansas Assessors Association. Colleagues, I don't think it's
Representative Robin Lundstrum
Unverified
1:06:59
any secret that there's been a real estate uptick in Arkansas, and one of the problems that has been faced by the customers is when they go to buy a property, you take a property that's 30 years old and the poor realtors out there trying to sell that property at the bottom, it says
what the taxes are, but that's for that 30 year old property. It is not what the current taxes are going to be after the sale. What needs to happen is that needs to be removed and put call your assessor. And because a real estate agent is a real estate agent. Assessors are assessors, um, we shouldn't be giving out tax information and we should let realtors be realtors. I'm sure they've all gotten some pretty nasty phone calls when they found out that their taxes went from 1200 to 5000. So this
should make everybody happy and basically buyer beware, you need to do your
Speaker 158
1:07:54
homework. That all. Uh, if I could add, uh, just in my experience that I've had over, well, I've been the assessor for 10 years recently. Over the past 8 years we've seen the markets increased dramatically, especially in Northwest Arkansas, but it has been reflected all across the state, uh, reappraisals, um, or, you know, counties are seeing 23, 30%, 40 and 50%. Washington
County, we've seen 120% in our last two reappraisal cycles combined. When a property Amendment 79 is a great friend to the property owner. Um, it's very difficult for a new property buyer. When that property changes hands, it goes to the full value the following year. The problem is, is when that prop that new buyer is sitting there at closing. They are pro rating with the property taxes are for the remainder of that year. That's
the, that's the seller's property tax bill. And when we've had a market increase like we've seen across the entire state, the following year, sometimes the year after that, the mortgage company contacts that new owner and says, we're going to have to increase your monthly mortgage by 345 $600 per month, uh, to simply cover the increase of the property taxes for that new homeowner. It was actually last Thursday I spoke with a gentleman. I was at a chamber
event. He was 63 years old. He said, uh, can you help me out? I just bought in 202023, and I just recently got a letter from my mortgage company, they're raising my monthly mortgage $300 a month. And I explained to him that, you know, this is because the previous owner had a cap applied from Amendment 79, which again, is a wonderful benefit for property owners, but he was a new buyer. The cap comes off, it goes to the full assessed
amount. This guy was blindsided, and he has to make up that that wasn't something that they, so when they're at closing, they're told that their tax bill is this much or that's their assumption. What we, and when they come in and I've had last reappraisal had over 200 Board of Equalization appointments, approximately 80 of those were property owners, not arguing their value. They just wanted to know why they saw such a significant increase in their property tax bill. And when they came in, they were mad at 2 people.
They were mad at their realtor for not warning them, and they were mad at me for doing it. And that's who they were mad at. What I want to do is I want to work with realtors to educate people who are in the market to purchase and, you know, go here's, I mean, it's a real simple mathematical equation, many assessors have websites where you can go on and look at the property. It's going to tell you, here's the market value, here's the, the full assessed value, you do a little multiplication, multiply that by
the military. This is what your tax bill is going to be, not what we have over here. So we would really like to Create a solution, a simple solution that would help educate property owners in Arkansas, so they are not blindsided when they buy, buy a property. I think that pretty much explains the bill.
Representative Robin Lundstrum
Unverified
1:11:16
We just want the realtors to be realtors and do a
great job and the assessors to give the property tax information and that will happen when you list a property and not
listing the property tax information. With that, I'd appreciate a good vote. Thank
you for your testimony. I do have at least one question Representative McGrew, you recognized? Thank you. I
Representative Richard McGrew
Unverified
1:11:35
think this is a great bill for that. I've bought a lot of property and had, although I think we need to have something to keep them from going drastically up as soon as you buy it, but that's another I'm working on that. I'm working on that. But in this I was reading it, but in it, tell me when this happens. I think it would be important that the person buying the parton knows it before he
Representative Robin Lundstrum
Unverified
1:11:58
signs a contract. That's the point of when it should happen, it's them To contact that
Representative Richard McGrew
Unverified
1:12:01
sister and get that or just to tell them to go just tell them you can't you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make them
Representative Robin Lundstrum
Unverified
1:12:07
drink. OK. Thank you. Thank you, Represent McGre. Any other questions? Same, ma'am. Thank you for your
testimony. We do have someone son, is there anyone who would like to speak against this bill? OK, we do have someone sign up to speak for this bill, this French you come to the table, introduce yourself.
Lindsay Bailey
Unverified
1:12:29
Who you're with and you can testify. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Lindsay French Association of Arkansas Counties. Um, I just wanted to come down here and support Representative Lundstrom on this bill, uh, for her efforts in addressing this issue, because I think the sticker shock is an issue, and if people know ahead of time they can plan, they can prepare, they can do what they need to do, um, so I, I really think this is the best bill of the session in addressing the problem that exists. And I thank
her for bringing it. Glad I got that on video. I was gonna say, I don't know if it's the
Representative Robin Lundstrum
Unverified
1:13:15
best session. The best bill on this topic of the session. Thank, thank you for your testimony. Anyone else likes speak either for or against this
bill. I think Representativestro recognized the close. I'd appreciate a good vote. Thank you. And I move to pass. We
have a motion to pass by on one term all in favor say aye. And you say no. Congratulations, you've passed your bill.
And you have I have Senator Petty's bill, Senate Bill 448. You may
You may proceed with your presentation with your indulgent, I know Senator Petty is probably on the way if he comes in.
I'd like him to join me. Um, this bill actually
was started in 2013, and what it is is when people buy a large facility like a hotel or an apartment complex or an older building, one of the first things you have to do is update the energy system, whether it's HVAC, the whole nine yards, um, insulation. So this is a financing vehicle for those big huge projects. I wish I could show you a huge graph, but imagine a 30-story apartment complex.
The 1st 15 or 20 levels of that is our banker finance, that type of thing. The last pace, the last part of it would be C pace, which means they would pay it out over 30 years and they would add it to their property tax assessment. The assessors are fine with it. This is a way to, it's creative financing as far as being able to do a large project and retrofit those buildings. What this allows for is 42 other states have since done this same type of legislation over the last 10 years, but they've updated. ours. Ours is antiquated and needs to be updated and this
brings those updates into line. Um, Oklahoma and Texas have done this and seen over 900 million in project investments and with that I will endeavor to answer any questions. Thank you, Representativestrom. Questions from the committee. OK.
Say no. Does anyone like speak against this bill? Anyone else
Representative Robin Lundstrum
Unverified
1:15:28
likes it for this bill? Do you want to wait for for Senator Petty or do
you want it first, let's keep going we've got places to go, things to do, things to
to close. I would appreciate a good vote and I move to pass. We have a motion do pass. All in favor say aye. Any posts say no. Congratulations, Pastor Bill. Thank you, colleagues. Uh let's see you back here. No. Representative
Representative Johnson. Really You know, we always have
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
1:16:21
EA Johnson time. Just this, I'm getting close to the end. I appreciate y'all's patience. Uh, if I could this representative Lee Johnson, District 47. If I could hear 1863 1st. I think that makes more sense when I hear 1850. friend Thank you.
Speaker 19
1:16:36
You may proceed with 1863. members' last session, Representative Schultz ran a
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
1:16:45
bill to put some agreed to rates in statute around ambulance transport for out of network services. They inadvertently put it in the wrong place in the code. This is just striking it from that place in the code and then referencing the right section of code, and I'd be happy to answer any questions on that bill. Questions from the committee. I see none. There's no one
signed up. There's no one that I speak against this bill. Anyone else who likes for this
bill. You recognize the clothes for your bill. Cloth from bill. Make a motion to pass. Motion to pass by President Johnson. All in favor say aye. And he say no, you've passed your bill. If I
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
1:17:28
can present um House Bill 1850. Yes sir, you can proceed with that. This now puts the right in the correct section code and you'll notice that it's got two rates now. One is an in-network, one is an out of network rate.
Those are negotiated rates. I don't know of any opposition. I'd be happy to answer any question. Questions from the committee. OK.
Say no to anyone like speak against this bill. Anyone else pick for this bill? You recognized to close. Close are will make a motion to pass. We have a motion to pass. All in favor, say aye. Any say no. You've passed your bill. One more. House Bill 1942.
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
1:18:20
HB 1942, yes, you may proceed. Members, this bill, uh, Kemps from a conversation with DD providers and DHS in the passes. There's not been a rape review for waiver workers within the passes since the passages inception in 2021. DHS has already agreed to write a review. This is just holding them accountable to that agreement through some statute and then requiring them to pay up to the rates After the right reviews done again, this is around direct
service providers, which are what we, what we think of as the folks that work with our individuals with disabilities that are on the waiver. Uh, it also has an allowance so that if the rate comes back too high, it allows DHS to come in and phase in that rate increase as opposed to moving it up directly since it has been a while since the rate was changed. There's a chance that the rate would come in too high, and so we're trying to soften that um I think there was someone here, Melissa still here? Had someone with DHS here as well, but again this is
something we worked on with them and everyone's in agreement with the plan and there's no opposition. Have it answering questions about the bill itself. Thank you. Thank you, Johnson. Um, questions? Representative
Wandstrom, you. What's the financial impact? We won't know until we know what the rate is, right? And so
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
1:19:37
they have to do the rate study first. There's a chance to do the right setting and it comes back and it's low. They're committed to the race rate study ever
Representative Robin Lundstrum
Unverified
1:19:46
comes back. I'll buy steak and wine for everybody in this committee, staff and all, you've got on witness here,
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
1:19:53
never seen anything go down. No, correct, and, and I don't know for sure the right the impact because we don't know
what the rate's going to come back. We don't know until the rate. Um, reviews back what it will be if it's over a certain percentage, we're going to phase it in over 2 years. I think DHS expects the rates to come back up. I think they know that these folks need a raise. A lot of these direct service providers are working at about 1350 an hour and so that's hard to get good people to come sometimes and work for those rates with some of these challenging folks that are out
there on the waiver, but the short answer is we don't know the
Representative Jack Ladyman
Unverified
1:20:33
fiscal impact yet. OK. All right, thank you. Thank you. Other questions? Resent Weyman, you're working. So Representative Johnson, the, the, this group was not included in the rape studies that we approved back some time
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
1:20:44
for doctors, nurses, and so forth. They were not included. That's my understanding. My understanding is there hasn't been a rate review for these direct service providers since the pass has started. OK, all right, thanks.
Thank you and any other, any other questions from the committee? Yeah, you said
Representative Robin Lundstrum
Unverified
1:21:01
something that made me think, which right now in the late day, who knows, but you
said that the passes haven't been paying these people, they haven't raised them. They haven't raised
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
1:21:11
the rates haven't gone up, so we, the rates agreed to through the capitated agreement with the passes. Those haven't changed since the inception of the passes. The passes negotiate directly with the DD providers for rates that's also tied into the capitated.
that's contracted with DHS, and so this is going to look at what is the right we currently have if it goes up, that'll be rolled into a contract with the passes, and then we're saying in the bill, he passes whatever rate we agreed to in this capitated model, you have to, you have to meet that right. You have to meet that right and you actually have to pay these people. Yes. All right, thank you. I'll
Representative Robin Lundstrum
Unverified
1:21:43
talk to you. Any other questions? No other questions from the committee.
OK. Is there anyone who in the audience likes to speak against this bill?
Anyone else pick for this bill? You to close from our
Representative Robin Lundstrum
Unverified
1:22:07
bill. Make a motion to pass. I have a motion to pass. All in favor say aye. I know. Congratulations to you
Speaker 1
1:22:25
past your bill. Representative Stael, you recognized? Thank you, Mr. Chair, uh, committee, I'll try to be brief here. This is an Arkansas Insurance Department bill and
this is a, a captive insurers, it has no effect whatsoever on the bill we just passed out of here to create a captive agency for the state of Arkansas. There is no link. Is this Senate Bill 237. Apologies. Senate Bill 237, and like I said, it has no impact on the captive agency bill we just passed out the other day. And I'll start off by saying, uh, briefly that this captive bill is to update our existing laws and bring it more in line with other states. So Arkansas can be
more competitive for, uh, captive companies to domicile in Arkansas. This will likely create more jobs and bring a more competitive business structure to uh our insurance sector, and with that, I'll take any questions. Thank you, Representative Steiner. Questions from the committee saying no.
Speaker 1
1:23:16
Is there anyone like to speak against this bill? So anyone out
there who'd like to speak for this bill. You are recognize the close, Rosensteinel. Thank you
Speaker 1
1:23:31
for your patience. Uh, I am closed for my bill.
OK. we have a motion to pass by Darby, all
in favor, say I. Any of say no? Congratulations, you have passed your bill. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, Reg Stamo. Representative McAloon has made it back, so you are, if you would go to the
end of the table. Introduce yourself and you may proceed with Is that HB 1918? Yes sir.
Representative Mindy McAlindon
Unverified
1:24:06
It's that time of session running back and forth. Representative Mindy McAlin in House District 10. So the bill that you have in front
of you um looks a little bit daunting, but let me just kind of explain what it is. So the primary objective of House Bill 1918 is to provide our cans and with a secure and efficient means to store and use precious metals as a form of payment. Um, it does two things. The first thing that it does is it authorizes the option for the state of Arkansas to create a state-run depository in the
future. It does not create our mandate the creation of a depository. It just gives the option of it if for some reason we decide I would like to do that. There are depositories around us. There's one in Texas that's been there for almost 10 years now, um, Tennessee is working on one, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Florida are also contemplating those creations. The second thing that this does is gold and silver are already recognized as legal tender in Arkansas, but there is no mechanism to allow people to use that legal tender. So the next logical step is a system that enables its
practical use. By implementing a precious metals backed electronic transaction system, we can modernize commerce and allow for seamless asset-backed exchanges for those who use who wish to use gold and silver, and the best way to think of it is to think of it like a credit card. And so if I have my gold down in Texas. Um, and I live here in Arkansas. I can go to the store and I can use my credit card and buy something. That credit card, that company will then go down to, I mean, you know, digitally, we'll go down to Texas, they will take
out that gold out of my account. They will exchange it into dollars and send dollars to the merchant. So the merchant is not getting gold. The merchant is getting dollars just like they currently do. But instead of me paying with dollars, I'm paying with gold because that's how I wanted to hold my money, no one is forced to do anything. No one is required, but it gives people who want to participate in that system, the opportunity to participate in that system. Um, I worked really closely with the treasurer's office. Uh, they wrote this bow with me and I think the responsibility to
promulgate any rules will lie with the CFO. take any
questions. Repe Mclin, thank you for your testimony. Um, it appears that unfortunately, we're not going to be able to take any further action on your bill today. It was my understanding from staff just was notified there was actually on members own today. So OK, so it was just a preview for what's to come
Representative Mindy McAlindon
Unverified
1:26:31
next time you meet that's what I was
gonna say that's just a preview for Monday. You're welcome to come back. I apologize for that, but
Representative Mindy McAlindon
Unverified
1:26:39
it worries. It will be a rerun, however so thank you, thank you. Appreciate your time,
y'all. Members, is there anyone else that has any business with the committee today? OK, thank you. We are adjourned.
Agenda
REGULAR AGENDA
Number Sponsor Subtitle
HB1354 Lundstrum TO REGULATE PHARMACY BENEFITS MANAGERS; TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE STATE AND PUBLIC SCHOOL LIFE AND HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM; AND TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING CERTAIN HEALTH BENEFIT PLANS.
SB237 J. Boyd TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE LICENSING AND REGULATION OF CAPTIVE INSURERS.
HB1295 L. Johnson TO CREATE THE HEALTHCARE COST-SHARING COLLECTIONS ACT.
HB1308 Steimel CONCERNING UNFAIR PRACTICES RELATED TO RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE REPAIR CONTRACTS; AND TO REGULATE SOLICITING RESIDENTIAL CONTRACTORS AND TREE CONTRACTORS.
HB1811 Steimel TO AMEND PROPERTY AND CASUALTY LAW; AND TO REQUIRE REASONABLE PROOF OF PAYMENT OF A DEDUCTIBLE TO RECOUP RECOVERABLE DEPRECIATION UNDER PROPERTY AND CASUALTY LAW.
HB1813 Gramlich TO ADOPT THE FAIR AND EFFICIENT TRANSMISSION COMPACT.
SB405 J. Dismang TO AMEND THE ONLINE MARKETPLACE CONSUMER INFORM ACT.
HB1850 L. Johnson TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING GROUND AMBULANCE SERVICES; TO CLARIFY THE MINIMUM ALLOWABLE REIMBURSEMENT FOR GROUND AMBULANCE SERVICES; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.
HB1853 J. Moore TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING AGENCY RELATIONSHIP AND DUTIES RELATED TO REAL ESTATE LICENSES; AND TO CLARIFY THE OBLIGATIONS OF DUAL AGENCY.
SB420 Hester TO EXPAND ELIGIBILITY FOR WATER DEVELOPMENT STATE PROGRAMS; TO AMEND THE WATER AUTHORITY ACT; AND TO AMEND THE USES OF THE CONSTRUCTION ASSISTANCE REVOLVING LOAN FUND.
HB1863 L. Johnson TO AMEND THE TRANSPORTATION BENEFIT MANAGER ACT; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.
HB1868 L. Johnson TO REQUIRE AN INSURER TO PAY A FAIR AND REASONABLE SERVICE FEE
DIRECTLY TO A FIRE DEPARTMENT FOR FIREFIGHTING SERVICES BASED ON TIME ON SCENE.
HB1409 Long TO AMEND THE LAW REGARDING ENERGY; AND TO CREATE THE ELECTRIC RELIABILITY ACT.
HB1177 M. Brown TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS FRANCHISE PRACTICES ACT; AND TO CLARIFY THE APPLICABILITY OF THE ARKANSAS FRANCHISE PRACTICES ACT.
HB1443 Pilkington TO CREATE THE SECOND AMENDMENT FINANCIAL PRIVACY ACT; TO PROHIBIT FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND PAYMENT NETWORKS FROM USING CERTAIN DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICES; AND TO PROVIDE FOR ENFORCEMENT OF VIOLATIONS.
HB1942 L. Johnson TO REQUIRE CERTAIN REIMBURSEMENT RATES FOR HOME- AND COMMUNITY- BASED SERVICES WITHIN RISK-BASED PROVIDER ORGANIZATIONS.
HB1905 Lundstrum TO CREATE THE BUYER BEWARE ACT; AND TO REQUIRE A REAL ESTATE LICENSEE REPRESENTING A SELLER TO DIRECT THE SELLER TO THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY ASSESSOR FOR THE CURRENT ASSESSED VALUE OF A RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE PROPERTY.
HB1930 Wardlaw TO MANDATE MINIMUM REIMBURSEMENT LEVELS FOR HEALTHCARE SERVICES.
HB1159 J. Richardson TO CREATE THE RETAIL CONVENIENCE STORE SECURITY ACT; AND TO REGULATE SECURITY MEASURES AT RETAIL CONVENIENCE STORES.
HB1917 M. Shepherd TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS STUDENT-ATHLETE PUBLICITY RIGHTS ACT; AND TO AMEND THE LAW RELATED TO ATHLETIC PROGRAM FUNDING.
HB1918 McAlindon TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING SPECIE OR LEGAL TENDER; TO AUTHORIZE THE USE OF A BULLION DEPOSITORY; AND TO ALLOW FOR A PRECIOUS METALS-BACKED ELECTRONIC SYSTEM.
SB123 G. Leding TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING COVERAGE FOR MAMMOGRAMS AND BREAST ULTRASOUNDS.
SB463 M. McKee TO REQUIRE THE ARKANSAS PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TO APPROVE OR DENY SETTLEMENT AGREEMENTS CONCERNING CLOSING OR ELIMINATING ELECTRIC GENERATION UNITS OR TRANSMISSION ASSETS.
SB480 K. Hammer TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE INVESTMENT OF STATE FUNDS.
SB331 G. Leding CONCERNING COVERAGE FOR GENETIC TESTING FOR INHERITED CANCER MUTATIONS; AND TO CREATE THE GENETIC TESTING ACT.
SB448 J. Petty TO AUTHORIZE THE FINANCING OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS, ALTERNATIVE ENERGY IMPROVEMENTS, BUILDING RESILIENCY IMPROVEMENTS, AND WATER CONSERVATION IMPROVEMENTS.
SB483 Irvin TO REPEAL CERTAIN REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE STATE INSURANCE DEPARTMENT AND THE STATE SECURITIES DEPARTMENT; AND TO REVISE CERTAIN REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE STATE INSURANCE DEPARTMENT.
DEFERRED BILLS
Number Sponsor Subtitle
HB1533 Gramlich TO CREATE THE DECENTRALIZED UNINCORPORATED NONPROFIT ASSOCIATION ACT.
HB1408 Pilkington TO ALLOW QUALIFYING PATIENTS OR DESIGNATED CAREGIVERS TO PURCHASE MEDICAL MARIJUANA USING A FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT OR A HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT.
HB1625 Barnett TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSED HOME INSPECTORS.
SB229 J. Boyd TO CREATE THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE.
HB1659 S. Meeks TO AMEND THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE; AND TO CLARIFY THE PRIORITY AMONG SECURITY INTERESTS AND ENTITLEMENT HOLDERS UNDER THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE.
HB1009 A. Collins TO ALLOW PREGNANCY TO BE A QUALIFYING EVENT FOR ENROLLMENT IN CERTAIN HEALTH BENEFIT PLANS.
HB1014 A. Collins TO REQUIRE COVERAGE OF IN VITRO FERTILIZATION UNDER THE STATE AND PUBLIC SCHOOL LIFE AND HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM.
Documents
| Title | Type | Pages | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agenda — INSURANCE & COMMERCE- HOUSE, Apr 2, 2025 | Agenda | 3 | Official source ↗ |
Speakers
Speaker 1
Speaker 3
Speaker 5
Representative John Maddox Chair
Unverified
Speaker 6
Representative Trey Steimel Chair
Unverified
Representative R. Scott Richardson
Unverified
Speaker 15
Speaker 18
Representative Kendra Moore
Unverified
Representative Robin Lundstrum
Unverified
Speaker 37
Representative Dwight Tosh
Unverified
Speaker 43
Speaker 52
Speaker 54
Representative Zack Gramlich
Unverified
Speaker 61
Speaker 67
Speaker 68
Representative Jack Ladyman
Unverified
Speaker 72
Mike Haderi
Unverified
Representative Jim Wooten
Unverified
Representative Carol Dalby
Unverified
Representative Matt Brown
Unverified
Speaker 106
Speaker 107
Speaker 82
Speaker 114
Chair
Unverified
Speaker 83
Speaker 64
Representative Richard McGrew
Unverified
Speaker 110
Representative Sonia Eubanks Barker
Unverified
Speaker 141
Speaker 86
Speaker 146
Speaker 153
Speaker 155
Speaker 158
Lindsay Bailey
Unverified
Representative Lee Johnson
Unverified
Speaker 19
Representative Mindy McAlindon
Unverified