Said in CommitteeBeta

Exactly as spoken.

Joint Budget Committee

April 2, 2025 ·9:00 AM ·Room A, MAC ·43:27
Video Transcript 8 documents

Bills discussed (19)
Bill Title Sponsor Status
SB362 · 10 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…and secondary education out of school time program grants, SB 362 Department of Education Division of elementary and secondar…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - DIVISION OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION YOUTH … K. Hammer Died on House Calendar at Sine Die adjournment.
SB88 Act 610 · 8 mentions in transcript
Matched: “Senate Bill 88. That's a, uh, division of higher education. I'm sorry. I,…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - DIVISION OF HIGHER EDUCATION APPROPRIATION FOR THE … Joint Budget Committee Notification that SB88 is now Act 610
HB1577 · 6 mentions in transcript, agenda
Matched: “…tive Ladyman here today. Uh, we're gonna pass over, uh, C5, House Bill 1577 by Representative Crawford, page 14,”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - STATE INSURANCE DEPARTMENT - GRANTS FOR PERPETUAL … Crawford Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
SB359 Act 613 · 5 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…B 39, Department of Commerce Division of Workforce Services SB 359, Department of Education. Division of Elementary and second…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - DIVISION OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION OUT-OF-SCHOOL … J. Petty Notification that SB359 is now Act 613
SB92 Act 777 · 5 mentions in agenda, transcript
Matched: “…condary Education 3. Amendment JAP032 by Senator Gilmore to SB92 – Department of Transformation and Shared Services 4. HB138…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSFORMATION AND SHARED SERVICES APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL … Joint Budget Committee Notification that SB92 is now Act 777
SB332 Act 536 · 4 mentions in agenda, transcript
Matched: “…rictions designating areas as 'Members and Staff Only'. 2. SB332 by Senator Dotson – Department of Education-Division of Ele…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - DIVISION OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION SEXUAL … J. Dotson Notification that SB332 is now Act 536
HB1089 Act 618 · 3 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…wrong port. B1 and B1 we have two that are ready to go, so House Bill 1089. is ready for a due pass as amended. In discussion on house…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - ARKANSAS WATERWAYS COMMISSION APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 … Joint Budget Committee Notification that HB1089 is now Act 618
SB39 Act 609 · 3 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…signified by saying aye. All those opposed? Motion carries. Senate Bill 39, Department of Commerce is ready for a due pass as amended…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - DIVISION OF WORKFORCE SERVICES APPROPRIATION FOR THE … Joint Budget Committee Notification that SB39 is now Act 609
HB1191 Act 619 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…signified by saying aye. All those opposed? Motion carries. House Bill 1191 is also ready for a due pass as amended. Do you have any qu…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR. Joint Budget Committee Notification that HB1191 is now Act 619
HB1389 Act 547 · 2 mentions in agenda, transcript
Matched: “…SB92 – Department of Transformation and Shared Services 4. HB1389 by Representative Ladyman – Department of Human Services-Di…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - DIVISION OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES SERVICES - … Ladyman Notification that HB1389 is now Act 547
HB1635 · 2 mentions in transcript, agenda
Matched: “All right, thank you members. Do we have any questions on House Bill 1635. Senator Payton. Uh Thank you,”
 AN ACT FOR A GRANT FOR AN ARKANSAS TEACHING VETERINARIAN HOSPITAL AT THE LITTLE ROCK … McCullough Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
SB3332 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “Senate Bill 3332. Hey, Mr. Chair, Senate Bill 332 is, um, an appropriation o…”
 Pre-2017 bill
SB36 Act 890 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…he following actions. Subcommittee adopted 6 amendments for SB 36, Department of Human Services Division of Aging, Adult and…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - DIVISION OF AGING, ADULT, AND BEHAVIORAL … Joint Budget Committee Notification that SB36 is now Act 890
SB37 Act 608 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…gnified with saying aye. All those opposed, motion carries. Senate Bill 37. Department of Commerce is also ready for a motion to pass…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR. Joint Budget Committee Notification that SB37 is now Act 608
SB392 Act 499 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…oint budget committee and not released until the passage of Senate Bill 392, which is a pay plan by Beau Chambers. All right, thank you…”
 TO AMEND ARKANSAS LAW CONCERNING THE CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION OF STATE EMPLOYEES; AND TO DECLARE … B. Davis Notification that SB392 is now Act 499
HB1105 Act 1004 · 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…ndments 1. Amendment LCW050 by Representative Beaty, Jr. to HB1105 – Department of Human Services- Secretary’s Office Note: Al…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - SECRETARY'S OFFICE APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 … Joint Budget Committee Notification that HB1105 is now Act 1004
HB1163 Act 1005 · 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…ing effective date 9. Amendment KMW047 by Senator Bryant to HB1163 – Department of Labor and Licensing-Boards and Commissions…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND LICENSING - BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS APPROPRIATION FOR … Joint Budget Committee Notification that HB1163 is now Act 1005
HB1639 Act 549 · 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…ing Officer-Teaching Veterinarian Hospital at the LR Zoo 7. HB1639 by Representative Lundstrum – University of Arkansas for Me…”
 AN ACT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS FOR MEDICAL SCIENCES - SEXUAL ASSAULT NURSE EXAMINER … Lundstrum Notification that HB1639 is now Act 549
HB1927 Act 552 · 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…ansas for Medical Sciences-Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner 8. HB1927 by Representative Jean/Senator Dismang to Amend Provision o…”
 TO AMEND A PROVISION OF ACTS 2025, NO. 408, CONCERNING THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF ACTS … Jean Notification that HB1927 is now Act 552

Official video page ↗

Transcript

Transcript available SliQ live captions ✓ Whisper ✓ Download .txt
Machine transcript

May contain errors. Verify important quotations against the official video.

About transcript accuracy
Source
SliQ live captions
Model
SliQ live ASR
Processing date
October 2, 2026
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 0:57
Members, if we can go ahead and take our seats, we're gonna get started, clock's slow on the back wall again. About 3 minutes. All right, with that chair sees a quorum, uh, Senator Bryant, you're recognized to present the personnel subcommittee report. Thank
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Joshua Bryant Unverified 1:59
you, Mr. Chairman. JBC Personnel Subcommittee met yesterday, April 1st, and reviewed the items listed in constitutional officer letters 1A through 1K and governors the letters listed 2 A through E. I moved the adoption of the report and that items listed as 1A through K be held in joint budget committee and not released until the passage of Senate Bill 392, which is a pay plan by Beau Chambers. All right, thank you, members, if we have any
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 2:22
questions on the report. Seeing no questions on the report, we've got a motion to adopt. We've got a second in discussion, see no discussion. All those in favor signified by saying aye. All those opposed? Motion carries, members, there are 5 bills in that report that are ready. Uh, the first is Senate Bill 88. That's a, uh, division of higher education. I'm sorry. I, I've flipped to the wrong port. B1 and B1 we have two that are ready to go, so House Bill 1089. is ready for a due pass as amended. In discussion on house bill. 1089. All right, seeing none, we've got a motion to adopt House Bill or a motion do pass as amended House Bill 1089. We've got a second. All those in favor signified by saying aye. All those opposed? Motion carries. House Bill 1191 is also ready for a due pass as amended. Do you have any questions on House Bill 1191. As amended Seeing no questions, we got a motion to pass as amended for House Bill 1191. We've got a second in discussion on the motion. Seeing none, all those in favor signified by saying aye. All those opposed? Motion carries, uh, Senator Bryant, you're recognized to present the special language report. All right, Senator McKee, if you hit your button, you're ready to
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Joshua Bryant Unverified 3:56
go. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Special language subcommittee met on Tuesday, April 1st, and reports the following actions. Subcommittee adopted 6 amendments for SB 36, Department of Human Services Division of Aging, Adult and Behavioral Services, Governor's letter number 28 to SB 88, Department of Education, Division of Higher Education, Governor's letter 32 to SB 37, Department of Commerce, Governor's letter 33 to SB 39, Department of Commerce Division of Workforce Services SB 359, Department of Education. Division of Elementary and secondary education out of school time program grants, SB 362 Department of Education Division of elementary and secondary education, youth organization branch, pages 2 through 27 of the pack and include all the attachments adopted by the subcommittee, I move for adoption of the report.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 4:45
Alright, thank you, members for the report. We have any questions on the report. Seeing none, we've got a motion to adopt. We've got a second. All those in favor signify by saying aye. All those opposed motion carries. There are 5 bills. Now I'll go back to that. 5 bills that are ready, uh, to be passed out, uh, from that special language report. The first is Senate Bill 88, Division of Higher Education. Do you have any questions? Aren't seeing none. We've got a motion to uh do pass as amended for Senate Bill 88. We've got a second in discussion on the motion, seeing none, all those in favor signified with saying aye. All those opposed, motion carries. Senate Bill 37. Department of Commerce is also ready for a motion to pass as amended. Do you have any questions? Seeing none, we've got a motion to do pass is amended for Senate Bill 37. We've got a second in discussion on the motion, seeing none. All those in favor signified by saying aye. All those opposed? Motion carries. Senate Bill 39, Department of Commerce is ready for a due pass as amended workforce services. Do we have any questions on Senate Bill 39. Seeing none, we've got a motion due pass is amended for Senate Bill 39. We've got a second in discussion on the motion, seeing none. All those in favor signified by saying aye. All those opposed. Motion carries. Senate Bill 359. This is out of school time program grants by Senator Petty. It is ready for a due pass as amended. Do we have any questions on Senate Bill 359 as amended. Seeing none, we've got a motion do pass as amended. We've got a second in discussion, seeing none, all those in favor signified by saying aye. All those opposed. Motion carries Senate Bill 362. Uh, youth organization grants by Senator Hammer. We have a, uh, it's ready for a due pass as amended. Do we have any questions on Senate Bill 362? Seeing no questions on Senate Bill 362, we have a motion to do pass as amended. We've got a second in discussion on the motion. Senator Representative Collins ready for a a discussion. Senate Bill 362. Yeah, I just uh wanted to
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Representative Andrew Collins Unverified 6:51
discuss this one, we've got one that just, uh, we passed out here 359 for out of school time programs by Senator Petty and, uh, those are grants which I believe can go to the Boys and Girls Club, um, this one, my understanding is that it's written in a way that is targeting, uh, the boys and girls club so that these funds cannot be directed there specifically, um, it also contains language. regarding, you know, DEI and all that sort of thing, and I understand there's different views about DEI, but I think either way, whatever your views are there targeting an organization, uh, with, with these funds that we expend is is not the way we should go, so, uh, I'm a no on that. Thanks. Alright thank you. Uh, Senator Hammer, you recognized for
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 7:40
discussion on the bill. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um, I think characterizing as
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Kim Hammer Unverified 7:46
targeting is a misrepresentation of what it does. What it does is establish the parameters that if you want to be able to utilize these grants, uh, we have taken the language that is out of the Learns Act also has been upheld in the Supreme Court and if incorporated it into the bill. And if you are an organization that would like to access the money, uh, it's very simple. Just comply with the existing law, comply with the existing standards that are set forth in the Learns Act, and Also, if you are affiliated with the national organization, it has a capacity in there that you can have a memorandum of understanding that that national organization will not violate the law by forcing you as a local entity to, um, be required to subject your participants or the distribution of other materials. So I think it's an unfair characterization. It also establishes a matching grant so that there's some skin in the game for all the local organizations, and it is weighted heavily to give those that are new start grants or new start youth out of school programs, uh, a 2575 match versus those that are 5 years or older. So there's some very practical components in the bill as well. And so members, I would appreciate a good vote on this bill. All right. Thank you, members. Do we have any
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 9:03
more discussion, uh. Representative Collins. Would it be possible to get a roll call on this by chamber. Yeah, if the
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Representative Andrew Collins Unverified 9:08
hands are there. OK. We're gonna vote by Which you move for division of
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 9:26
the chamber or what did you division in the chamber. Alright. I'm gonna back up just one second. I accidentally passed over. Representative Shepard, so he had a Question. Ah, wrong button.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Representative Matthew J. Shepherd Unverified 9:57
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I do have a question for the sponsor, um, with regard to, uh, these national organizations, I think you mentioned that they could enter into some kind of memorandum of understanding what that national organization, does that, is that required even if the local entity in the state of Arkansas is maybe not following any directive from the national organization. If they, if they, it's written
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Kim Hammer Unverified 10:29
in there and the rules will be promulgated by the Department of Ved that as long as they can produce evidence that they are not allowing those things that would violate the laws written into, into it, that they would not have to have that memorandum of understanding. However, the memorandum of understanding would be a good safety just to protect the local entity in the event that that, uh, things began to be pushed down that would violate, but I believe that the way the laws written as long as they can produce evidence and the Department of Ed would be the, the gatekeeper of that determination, and it is promulgated in the rules that it could be such, uh, then I, I think there would be that safety net wouldn't be required. All right,
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 11:17
thank you, uh, all right, do we have any other questions? Repent Shepherd, you're good, turn your mic off. Members, uh, one thing I'll remind you, there's several of these that we have. This is appropriation only and with that we'll start with the. House.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 40 11:39
Yes sir, quoting on Du pass as amended the Senate Bill 362 and the special language report on page 19, starting with a house. Representative Matthew Shepard? No. Representative Holcomb. here. No, not saying Representative Hokin represent in it. No. Representative Richmond, yes. Representative Pilkington. No. Representative Warren. No. Pilkington said no Representative Kavanaugh. No. Representative Lynch. Not seeing Representative Lynch, Representative McGruder. No. Representative Evans. Representative Barnett. Representative Milligan, yes. Representative Walker? Yes, Representative Moore, yes, Representative McGee. No, Representative Wootton. Representative Shep Tara Shepherd. No. Representative Collins? No. Representative McAuliffe. No. Representative Springer. Now, Representative Hudson. No, Representative Garner, no, Representative Lee Johnson. Yes, Representative Clowney. Now, Representative Gramlich. Yes, Representative Scott Richardson. Yes, Representative Nick Burks. Yes, Representative Eaves. No, Representative Wardlaw. Representative Lundstrom. Yes, Representative Gazaway. Alright, uh, Bill failed.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 45 13:51
All right, up next we have House Bill
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 13:57
1389 by Representative Ladyman. I'm sorry, I'm on the wrong. Yeah, I went to the wrong page when we were talking. All right. Uh, that was 362. Now we've got a report on Department of Human Services reimbursement rates under Li Choices Assisted Living waiver. Do we have any questions on? B 3 I see no questions. That report is reviewed, uh, see one. That is Representative Beatty, that special language. All right. C2, Senator Dodson, Department of Education Division of Elementary and Secondary Education. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, yes, sir, you recognize present
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jim Dotson Unverified 15:03
Senate Bill 3332. Hey, Mr. Chair, Senate Bill 332 is, um, an appropriation only for the Department of Education, uh, we had during the interim some committees that discussed uh some, some good programs in the state that are very limited in their scope, um, they only are in certain areas of the state and are not statewide. Because they don't have funding to take their program statewide but have very good results for, for youth in in schools with their health programs, uh, particularly identifying and they're called uh um sexual risk avoidance in education programs. And so, um, there is no funding tied to this at the moment, but in order to begin to start that conversation, you have to have an appropriation available for the department to look into it and see if there might be um opportunities or funding available, uh, to begin to expand those programs which right now are funded primarily through federal grants and so this would um help to identify areas of the state, hopefully that, um, uh, are not being served currently and expand these. programs in into those areas and that I'll take any questions. All members, you've heard an explanation of
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 16:16
Senate Bill 332. Do we have any questions? Alright, seeing no questions that is ready for a motion to pass. We've got a motion to pass Representative Lunstroom. OK. We got a motion to pass and I'll have a second by a representative lunchroom. Uh, do we have any discussion on the motion, seeing none, all in favor signified by saying aye. All those opposed? Motion carries. We're ready for that. All right, motion carries. Thank you. All right, Amendment, uh, let's see, we have an amendment to Senate Bill 92, Department of Transformation Shared Services. That's on page 7. Senator Gilmore. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, members, this is creating the
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Ben Gilmore Unverified 17:03
positions for the Office of Property risk to house the, uh, captive insurance program that we are creating. Bill's already passed the House, uh, we'll be hearing it on the floor, uh, today as well. So this is, this is doing that, um, happy to take any questions. Our members, do we have any questions uh about is
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 17:22
Amendment one? Amendment one on Senate Bill 92. Seeing no questions, we've got a motion to adopt. We've got a second in discussion on the motion, seeing none, all those in favor signified by saying aye. All those opposed, motion carries. C4 Representative Ladyman. It's page 12 in your packet. Representative Ladyman here today. Uh, we're gonna pass over, uh, C5, House Bill 1577 by Representative Crawford, page 14, Representative Crawford, are you here today? Alright. House Bill 1577
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Representative Cindy Crawford Unverified 18:07
thank you. House Bill 1577 is an act to make an appropriation for grants so that perpetual care cemeteries experiencing financial hardships may apply for funds to pay for infrastructure repairs. Uh, the funds are derived from cemetery sales including space, sales, graves, openings and closings. But the money has dried up over the past several decades due to cremations leading to fewer funerals and cemetery burials. Uh, they were also able to get money off of their maintenance funds, but some of those range from $250 to a million dollars and they can only get 20% from a grant, uh, from a bill that was passed in 2021. If the cemeteries do not comply with maintenance regulations of the states that could be fined up to $10,000 for noncompliance with state laws and rules. If we don't make a plan. Uh, some of the cemeteries could wind up in receivership, which is causing the city, county and state more money. So I'm asking for appropriation for, uh, cemeteries, uh, perpetual cemeteries in the state of Arkansas. All right, thank you for that explanation. One thing I want to say, if you're not a member of the committee and you've got a, a
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 19:25
bill that you're trying to present, then we need to go up front. I didn't realize what was happening there just to make it easier for members to be able to see and have a conversation about a bill. Uh, if you're a member of the committee, I give you latitude to stay in the chair. I've got one question that I know of so far, Senator Payton, you recognize her question. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Is
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator John Payton Unverified 19:46
the mic on? OK, uh, thank you. I'm just, do we know how many of these cemeteries there are, uh, do we have a list or where they're located? I mean. Well, they're all across the state. There are 104 perpetual care cemeteries. 104, right, and, uh, one thing I'd like to point out just to
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Representative Cindy Crawford Unverified 20:11
Moe, the lawns on one cemetery is close to $100,000 per season in many of the 104
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator John Payton Unverified 20:19
in fiscal distress. Pardon. Do we know how many of the 104 are in fiscal distress? Uh, no, I can answer that in Fort Smith
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Representative Cindy Crawford Unverified 20:27
that we have 3 that are in physical distress. OK, thank you. All right, thank you, uh, Senator
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 20:38
Hickey. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, just a
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 20:42
question from the sponsor, I guess, the, uh, And I understand fully, this is just the appropriation, but is this anything we've ever funded in the past? To
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Representative Cindy Crawford Unverified 20:53
my knowledge, no. And the reason this is being asked, I had a constituent come to me. Because uh the cemeteries are close to being put in receivership with this, with the city or state, we'll have to take it over. Yes, ma'am. Well, I appreciate the, uh, discussion. So let me
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 21:09
ask you this, not that it would matter, but have we ever even tried to appropriate money? For this, I've just never seen this before was the reason I was asking that question. To my knowledge, no. OK. Thank you, ma'am. No Senator Blake
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Representative Lane Jean Chair Unverified 21:29
Johnson, you're recognized for a question. I get you on. All right. So,
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 74 21:40
I think you've already kind of answered it with Senator Hickey. These are not state-owned at this time. No, these are
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Representative Cindy Crawford Unverified 21:50
perpetual care cemeteries that are regulated by the state. Um, But they are not owned by the state at this time, but if we do not, they have got to have relief if we do not help them, they may be owned by the state because the state would have to come in and take them over. Is
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 74 22:16
I don't know. Who do I ask that question if that's true. How many state, I mean, how many cemeteries have we ever taken over in the past. Anybody here to answer that? Uh, may I? Respond to that? Yeah Yeah, you're welcome to respond to that
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 22:43
as a sponsor. OK, I don't know that any have been
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Representative Cindy Crawford Unverified 22:47
taken over by the state, but the thing that you've got to realize is this is new. This is a new problem because of cremations that are happening across our state and across our nation. It's not something that has been going on for many, many years. So I
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 78 23:03
don't believe any have been taken over. Yeah.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 23:20
I remember it sounds like we have a few questions, Representative Crawford, if you don't mind, uh. Can we put this on Tuesday's agenda so you can get some of those answered for members that have questions, and I would encourage members with questions to ask those in the meantime. Yes, could the members get with
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Representative Cindy Crawford Unverified 23:38
me, if they would, please? Thank you. Members, if you have questions. On
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 23:43
this bill, if you don't mind touching base with, uh, Representative Crawford and, and try to work through those or or get to a resolution of what your position is, uh, with that, we're gonna move to C6. Page 16 page 16 House Bill 1635. Representative you are
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Representative Tippi McCullough Unverified 24:05
recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, this bill is an appropriation for $5 million to help build an Arkansas veterinary hospital at the zoo. The idea for the hospital came first with the, uh, news for the addition of the two vet schools here in Arkansas, one at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, and of course, the other with Lyon College, which would be in Cabot. The idea was further explored because of a, uh, knowledge of a partnership in Alabama with the Alabama state legislature for the Alabama State Teaching Hospital that is at the Birmingham Zoo. Um, the Little Rock Zoo has established a partnership with Lion and with Arkansas State University, but the zoo's facilities are grossly inadequate and would only be able to probably take one, student, um, and, uh, during rotations instead of the 5 to 10 that could be done with a different facility. Um, there is a, uh, the project is supported by both of the universities, and this would add, um, 5 to 10 additional internship. externship clinics that could be offered for the students every 6 weeks. There's going to be a huge need for these opportunities for students so that they can have hands-on training with animals, where they can learn practical skills for their veterinary medicine and especially the internship in the large hoof stock and equine animals is a much needed field of veterinary medicine that our state needs support for. The hospital would also provide an opportunity to inspire the next generation of veterinarians and STEM learners here in Arkansas, because it would be a place that inspires K through 12 students as well. The zoo has about 300,000 people come through on any, uh, given year, and this would be built in a way where there would be a viewing window where guests to the zoo would be able to go, come through and actually watch this work happen by taking tours through the hospital. So hopefully, this would inspire our next generation of veterinarians, biologists, and researchers and would also help to keep these students here in Arkansas, in Arkansas instead of going to other states. So the ask is for the $5 million appropriation, but this would be done through a public-private partnership, the total cost would be expected to be 8 to 10 million, which the zoo would be willing to, to work to raise the rest of that.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 26:26
All right, thank you members. Do we have any questions on House Bill 1635. Senator Payton. Uh Thank you,
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator John Payton Unverified 26:37
Mr. Chair. So we have a couple of colleges that are starting veterinarian schools and classes are they associated with this in any way? Have they asked for it or are they aware that you're doing this? Yes, sir. Both, both have been asked for it to,
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Representative Tippi McCullough Unverified 26:50
uh, Shane Broadway has been in on all the discussions and everything and, um, both, both schools are supportive of this, um, venture. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair. All right,
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 27:03
Senator Caldwell, you're recognized for questions, uh. I had a conversation with the, uh, uh, professor of veterinarian
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Ronald Caldwell Unverified 27:08
at Arkansas State University, and, and one of the issues they had on trying to get them a hospital up there is that, uh, there's not enough, uh, animal usage to justify the expenditure. And, uh, I would suggest the same thing here is that we're looking at a $10 million expenditure. Uh, for the zoo, and, uh, we've got a limited number of animals that's going to be serviced, uh, so I, I'll be a no vote on this. Thank you. Thank Senator, uh, do you
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 27:39
have a question? All right, Senator Hill, recognize for a question. Like you, you mentioned that, uh, both, both the colleges
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Ricky Hill Unverified 27:50
are supporting this 100%, you know, but they're behind this, and I can see where they would be if the state's going to pay for this whenever they should be doing this themselves. So Can you tell me what, what benefit we're actually gonna receive from this for the state. Um, well, yes, sir.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Representative Tippi McCullough Unverified 28:07
I think that our students, um, right now we have, um, the places that our students are going to have to go, uh, would be probably Oak Lawn, the prisons, um, And, uh, maybe some private places, and we just believe with the number of students that are gonna be coming through with all of these, uh, with both of these schools doing the vet schools that we need, we're gonna need places for them to do their internships and externships and once again, um, we have a lot of, uh, big, big hoof, um, from what I understand, animals here in Arkansas, especially horses, and that this is going to help, um, provide that help. For people in state. Thank you. Alright thank you members do we have any more questions on House
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 28:48
Bill 1635, Senator Tucker. Sorry, Mr. I was just in the back room, so I may have missed.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Clarke Tucker Unverified 28:56
I just wanna, I just wanna clarify this is appropriation only, this is authority only, not funding, correct? Absolutely. Yeah, thank you.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 29:08
All right, thank you, members, if we have any other questions. House Bill 1635. All right, see you no further questions. We've got a motion to pass. We've got a second in discussion on the motion. Seeing none, all those in favor signified by saying aye, all those opposed. Eyes have it All right, we're good to go. Let's do 3 hands and let's make sure that whoever's calling for the roll call says they want a roll call by division and not multiple people saying that, OK? All right, so we've got a motion for roll call by division.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 40 30:00
We will start with the Senate. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This is where due pass on House Bill 1635, that's on page 16 in your packet. OK. Senator English. Senator Scott. Senator Mark Johnson. Senator Hammer. No, Senator Tucker. Yes, Senator Peyton. No, Senator Irvin. Senator Caldwell. No, Senator Flippo. No, Senator Blake Johnson. No, Senator Hill, no, Senator Sullivan. all over here. Uh, Senator Murdoch. So Senator Hester. Yes, Senator Leadding. Not seeing Senator, Senator Boyd. Senator King. Senator Penzo. Senator Bryant. Yes, Senator Dees. No. Senator Flowers. Senator Crow. Senator Clark, Senator Stubenfield. Senator Hickey. No, Senator Davis. Senator McKee. No, Senator Gilmore? No, Senator Rice. No, Senator Petty. No, Senator Wallace. No.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 31:44
All right, Motion fails. All right, it's gonna move us to House Bill 1639, Representative Lunch. Representative Lustrom, you are recognized. No, you're not. Now you are. Thank you, Chairman. This bill is to cover
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Representative Robin Lundstrum Unverified 32:01
the sexual assault nurse examiners program that covers a variety of our hospitals in the state when a victim comes into the hospital, there's a specific thing, there are specific things that need to be done. For to help those rape victims and with that, I would appreciate a good vote.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 32:22
All right, thank you, members. Do we have any questions on Senate Bill 39, 1639, sorry, House Bill 1639. All right, seeing no questions. We've got a motion to pass. We've got a second. Any discussion on the motion, seeing none, all those in favor signified by saying aye. All those opposed motion carries. House Bill 1927. Members, there was a date that was incorrect on appropriation that we passed previously. This corrects that date, um, With that, do we have any questions on House Bill 1927. 2. All right, seeing none, we've got a motion to pass. We've got a second in discussion on the motion, seeing none of us in favor signified saying aye. All those opposed? Motion carries. All right, we are going to pass over C9, and then we're gonna go back up for Representative Ladyman, and this is on find it
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 104 33:28
here. C4, page 12. You're Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um, Well, committee, I,
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Representative Jack Ladyman Unverified 33:38
I, I didn't know this was on the agenda. I don't have my notes with me. Uh, I had a senator tell me the other day, just talk from your heart, not from your paper, so that's what I'm doing this morning, so this bill, uh, you might recall we had a uh 10 year plan to basically reconstruct the human development centers. We spent over $20 million at Boonville to do that, took a couple 3 years, uh, Warren is in good shape. Uh, we had 8, we have $8 million allocated to Jonesboro to redo that. Development Center. We need $20 million more. I know that's a lot of money, and I know money is getting tighter. But these folks in these human development centers, and I've said this many times, but we treat them worse than we do people in our prisons. There are 4 people sleeping in a room. If you've ever been in a hospital where they had 4 beds in a room and you're in there for surgery or whatever, that's what it's like, but these people aren't there for surgery. They're, they're there for life. This is their life. This is where they live. Many of them don't have parents. Uh Some of them have nobody that comes to see them. They need this. And I know money's tight, I know it's hard to get. But this is one of the needs that we really, really need to meet. Um, I spent a lot of time there. I visited all the human development centers. These people work hard. Uh, they, they don't care how much money they make. Excuse me, how much money they make is what they care about is getting the check. And, and feeling like they're contributing to to their community, so. That's why I'm asking for this. We need it, we need to find this money somewhere, and I think if we dig far enough, we can do that. So Mr. Chairman, with that, I'd take any questions. All right, thank you. Members, do we have any questions on House Bill 1389.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 35:34
All right, seeing no questions, we've got a motion to pass. We've got a second. Do we have any discussion on House Bill 1389. In question, seeing none, all those in favor signify by saying aye, all those opposed, motion carries, members, we have a handout that's coming around right now. It's a piece of special language. It is not on our agenda today. We will not be taking it up today, but we do need to make a motion to suspend the rules to add it to our calendars so that we can send it to special language. And so that's coming around, uh, right now, uh, while we're waiting on that handout, I'm gonna go ahead and announce next week's schedule and if you have a standing committee. Please do not cover up our budget subcommittee so that we can have attendance in those and that you can have attendance in your regular committees, so please, if you, you are a chair of a standing committee, do not double up the meetings with our, uh budget committee meetings. So on Tuesday, April 8th, personnel is going to meet at 8. Special language is going to meet at 8:30 and we will come back in here at 9. On Wednesday, Pierre will meet at 8, and we will come back here at 9 on Thursday we will be in here again at 9, so plan on being in joint budget, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of next week, uh, again, I think we're still handing things out, so I'll go ahead and say this and I'll probably say it again before we leave. If you have a hold on a budget, please reconcile whatever it is you have going on, uh, with the agency. If you cannot get it reconciled by Tuesday, we will ask you. To state the reason for your hold. So just be prepared if you have a hold and it is not and you can't get, you know you're at an impasse, you will be asked on Tuesday in joint budget to state why you have a hold. If you are not here. And you have a hold, we will release your hold if you're not here to state your reason on Tuesday, we will release your hold. Is everybody clear, have questions on that? All right, thank you. I think we've got the handout here, so I need motion to spin to add uh this amendment to the calendar. We've got a motion. We've got a second in discussion on the motion, seeing none, all those in favor signified by saying aye, althoughposed, motion carries special language. All right, so now we're gonna go to uh. No, OK. Uh which I'm hearing it on uh Personnel chairs. Y'all may not have any business, uh, at 8 o'clock. We, we will have you pigeonholed there at 8. If nothing comes up between now and then, which it should not, then we will not meet at 8. All right, that'll work. Alright, thank you. All right, we're gonna go to our bills at this point we're gonna start with our Senate bills. We have a few that are ready to go. Uh, Senate Bill 93, Department of Education, that's on page 10 in your packet. I'll give you a chance to get there. All members may have any questions on Senate Bill 93. Seeing none, we need a motion to pass. We've got a motion to do pass. We've got a second in discussion on the motion, seeing none, all those in favor signified by saying aye, all those opposed, motion carries. Senate Bill 128. That is UAMS. What's the page? Do we have any questions on Senate Bill 128? Seeing no questions, we have a motion to pass. We have a second in discussion on the motion, seeing none, all those in favor of signified saying aye. All those opposed? Motion carries Senate Bill 130. ASU Jonesboro. Page 13 that's on page 13 members, do we have any questions on Senate Bill 130, seeing none, we've got a motion to pass. We've got a second in discussion on the motion, seeing none, all those in favor signified by saying aye, all those opposed, motion carries. We're gonna go back to Senate Bill 25. That is ready. That is, uh, insurance department. And that is on page one. Do we have any questions on Senate Bill 25? Seeing no questions, we've got a motion to pass. We've got a second in discussion on the motion. Seeing none of those in favor signified by saying aye. All those opposed motion carries. We're gonna go to our house bills. First up, page one, House Bill 1090. Commerce Department, Development Finance Authority. Do we have any questions on House Bill 1090? Seeing no questions, we've got a motion do pass. We've got a second in discussion on the motion, seeing none, all those in favor signified by saying aye. All those opposed. Motion carries House Bill 1091, also on page one health department. Do we have questions on House Bill 1091. Seeing no questions, we've got a motion to pass. We've got a second in discussion on the motion, seeing none, all those in favor signified by saying aye. All those opposed, motion carries House Bill 1095 on page two, Bank and Securities department. Do we have any questions on House Bill 1095, seeing no questions on House Bill 1095. We've got a motion to pass. We've got a second in discussion on the motion, seeing none. All those in favor signified by saying aye. All those opposed. Motion carries House Bill 1097 Public Service Commission. Do we have any questions on House Bill 1097. Seeing no questions, we've got a motion to pass. We've got a second. All those in favor signify by saying aye. All those opposed motion carries. House Bill 1102, treasurer of State County aide. And municipal aid members, do we have any questions on House Bill 1102. Seeing no questions, we've got a motion to pass. We've got a second in discussion on the motion, seeing none. All those in favor signified by saying aye. All those opposed, motion carries page 5, House Bill 1124, page 5. DFA Management Services and revenue Revenue division. Do we have any questions on House Bill 1124. Seeing no questions, we've got a motion to pass. We've got a second in discussion on the motion, seeing none, all those in favor signify by saying aye. All those opposed, motion carries. House Bill 1127. Department, uh, education department, state library. Do we have any questions on House Bill 1127. Seeing no questions, we've got a motion to pass. We've got a second. Do we have any questions or any discussion on House Bill 1127, Department of Education, state library. All right, seeing no discussion, all those in favor signified to saying aye. All those opposed motion carries. House Bill 1152 on page 7. Department of Public school. Academic facilities fund. Do we have any questions on House Bill 1152. Seeing no questions, we've got a motion to pass. We've got a second in discussion on the motion, seeing none. All those in favor signified by saying aye. All those opposed. Motion carries. House Bill 1176, page 9. Public safety department emergency management. Do we have any questions? Seeing none, we've got a motion to pass. We've got a second in discussion on the motion, seeing none, I was in favor signified by saying aye, all those opposed motion carries, and I believe that wraps up. We've not missed any members. Thank you for your time this morning and we are adjourned until 9 o'clock on Tuesday.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error

Agenda

A. Call to Order

1:40
▶ Play chapter

B. Reports and Communications

1:41
▶ Play chapter

C. Consideration of Member Bills and Amendments

14:30
▶ Play chapter

D. Consideration of Bills Referred to Joint Budget Committee

38:36
▶ Play chapter

E. Other Business

36:13
▶ Play chapter

F. Adjournment

43:16
▶ Play chapter

Speakers

Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified
73 segments
Senator Joshua Bryant Unverified
4 segments
Representative Andrew Collins Unverified
4 segments
Senator Kim Hammer Unverified
6 segments
Representative Matthew J. Shepherd Unverified
1 segment
Speaker 40
9 segments
Speaker 45
1 segment
Senator Jim Dotson Unverified
3 segments
Senator Ben Gilmore Unverified
1 segment
Representative Cindy Crawford Unverified
9 segments
Senator John Payton Unverified
4 segments
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified
4 segments
Representative Lane Jean Chair Unverified
1 segment
Speaker 74
3 segments
Speaker 78
1 segment
Representative Tippi McCullough Unverified
9 segments
Chair Unverified
1 segment
Senator Ronald Caldwell Unverified
2 segments
Senator Ricky Hill Unverified
2 segments
Senator Clarke Tucker Unverified
2 segments
Representative Robin Lundstrum Unverified
2 segments
Speaker 104
1 segment
Representative Jack Ladyman Unverified
4 segments