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House Convenes

March 19, 2025 ·1:30 PM ·House Chamber ·1:51:37
Video Transcript

Bills discussed (45)

Bill Title Sponsor Status
HR1076 · 2 mentions in transcript, chapter
Matched: “36 of them. Madam Clerk, please read House Resolution 1076.6 by”
TO RECOGNIZE THE HONORABLE STACEY ZIMMERMAN UPON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT FOR HER SERVICE … K. Moore READ AND ADOPTED.
HR1078 · 2 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “HR1078 J. Richardson TO COMMEND ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC.,…”
TO COMMEND ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC., FOR ONE HUNDRED EIGHTEEN (118) YEARS OF OUTSTANDING … J. Richardson READ AND ADOPTED.
HR1081 · 2 mentions in transcript, chapter
Matched: “1081. House Resolution 1081 by Representative McCulloch to honor sculptor Kevin Crest f…”
TO HONOR SCULPTOR KEVIN KRESSE FOR CREATING THE SCULPTURE OF ARKANSAS MUSIC ICON JOHNNY CASH … McCullough READ AND ADOPTED.
HB1293 Act 414 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1293 Andrews TO INCREASE THE PAYMENT OF A CLAIM TO DESIGNATED BE…”
TO INCREASE THE PAYMENT OF A CLAIM TO DESIGNATED BENEFICIARIES OR SURVIVORS OF CERTAIN PUBLIC … Andrews Notification that HB1293 is now Act 414
HB1313 Act 415 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1313 C. Cooper TO EXPAND HEALTH BENEFIT COVERAGE FOR CERTAIN FIR…”
TO EXPAND HEALTH BENEFIT COVERAGE FOR CERTAIN FIREFIGHTER RETIREES OF MUNICIPALITIES AND COUNTIES. C. Cooper Notification that HB1313 is now Act 415
HB1322 Act 416 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1322 Clowney TO AMEND THE LAWS UNDER THE ARKANSAS LOCAL POLICE A…”
TO AMEND THE LAWS UNDER THE ARKANSAS LOCAL POLICE AND FIRE RETIREMENT SYSTEM CONCERNING LINE-OF-DUTY … Clowney Notification that HB1322 is now Act 416
HB1327 Act 451 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1327 Warren TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE ELIGIBILITY OF CERTA…”
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE ELIGIBILITY OF CERTAIN RETIRED EMPLOYEES UNDER THE STATE AND … Warren Notification that HB1327 is now Act 451
HB1468 Act 558 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1468 Cozart TO AMEND ARKANSAS LAW CONCERNING CLAIMS AGAINST HOME…”
TO AMEND ARKANSAS LAW CONCERNING CLAIMS AGAINST HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTORS, RESIDENTIAL BUILDING CONTRACTORS, AND SUPPLIERS. Cozart Notification that HB1468 is now Act 558
HB1479 Act 418 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1479 #1 and 2 Warren TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING SCRIVENER'S AFF…”
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING SCRIVENER'S AFFIDAVITS; AND TO ALLOW A LICENSED ENGINEER, SURVEYOR, OR … Warren Notification that HB1479 is now Act 418
HB1488 Act 391 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1488 #1 Wardlaw TO AMEND THE STANDARD NONFORFEITURE LAW FOR LIFE…”
TO AMEND THE STANDARD NONFORFEITURE LAW FOR LIFE INSURANCE; AND TO REQUIRE AN INSURER TO … Wardlaw Notification that HB1488 is now Act 391
HB1508 Act 419 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1508 #1 M. Shepherd TO RECODIFY TITLE 19 OF THE ARKANSAS CODE CO…”
TO RECODIFY TITLE 19 OF THE ARKANSAS CODE CONCERNING PUBLIC FINANCE; AND TO AMEND LAWS … M. Shepherd Notification that HB1508 is now Act 419
HB1525 Act 923 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ulture, forestry and Economic Development. Tom was referred House Bill 1525. House Bill 1562, houses bill 16981, how school 1741, high…”
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING REAL PROPERTY; AND TO ADDRESS AGRICULTURAL IMPACT REMEDIATION AGREEMENTS. Steimel Notification that HB1525 is now Act 923
HB1552 Act 420 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1552 #1 Gazaway TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING CERTAIN INCHOATE OFF…”
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING CERTAIN INCHOATE OFFENSES RELATED TO FENTANYL; AND TO ESTABLISH THE … Gazaway Notification that HB1552 is now Act 420
HB1562 Act 941 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…and Economic Development. Tom was referred House Bill 1525. House Bill 1562, houses bill 16981, how school 1741, high school 1742, High…”
CONCERNING THE TERMINATION OF AN ORAL LEASE OF FARMLANDS; AND TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING … Gazaway Notification that HB1562 is now Act 941
HB1619 Act 634 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1619 Gramlich TO SET ADMINISTRATION FEES UNDER THE ARKANSAS MEDI…”
TO SET ADMINISTRATION FEES UNDER THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM FOR IMMUNIZATIONS AND MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES FOR … Gramlich Notification that HB1619 is now Act 634
HB1640 Act 476 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1640 Duke TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "ADMINISTRATOR" AS IT RELAT…”
TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "ADMINISTRATOR" AS IT RELATES TO ETHICAL GUIDELINES AND PROHIBITIONS; AND … Duke Notification that HB1640 is now Act 476
HB1688 Act 710 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1688 Cavenaugh TO AMEND ARKANSAS LAW CONCERNING THE USE OF A DEA…”
TO AMEND ARKANSAS LAW CONCERNING THE USE OF A DEALER'S EXTRA LICENSE PLATE. Cavenaugh Notification that HB1688 is now Act 710
HB1697 Act 477 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1697 Joey Carr TO AMEND PROVISIONS OF TITLE 6 AND TITLE 19 OF TH…”
TO AMEND PROVISIONS OF TITLE 6 AND TITLE 19 OF THE ARKANSAS CODE CONCERNING PROVISIONAL … Joey Carr Notification that HB1697 is now Act 477
HB1705 Act 478 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1705 Duke TO REQUIRE INFORMATION CONCERNING HOW THE RELIGIOUS AN…”
TO REQUIRE INFORMATION CONCERNING HOW THE RELIGIOUS AND MORAL BELIEFS OF THE FOUNDING FATHERS INFLUENCED … Duke Notification that HB1705 is now Act 478
HB1709 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1709 Steele TO AMEND THE HUMAN SERVICES WORKERS IN THE SCHOOLS P…”
TO AMEND THE HUMAN SERVICES WORKERS IN THE SCHOOLS PROGRAM; AND TO INCLUDE MENTAL HEALTH … Steele Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
HB1713 Act 602 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “Motion to reconsider emergency clause HB1713”
TO REQUIRE BALLOT TITLES FOR INITIATED MEASURES TO BE AT OR UNDER A CERTAIN READING … Rose Notification that HB1713 is now Act 602
HB1734 Act 862 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1734 Childress TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING DEATH CERTIFICATES; A…”
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING DEATH CERTIFICATES; AND TO CLARIFY THE MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS WHO MAY … Childress Notification that HB1734 is now Act 862
HB1744 Act 530 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…16981, how school 1741, high school 1742, High School 1743. House Bill 1744. House Bill 1772, Senate Bill 218, Senate Bill 275, Senate…”
TO AMEND THE LAW RELATED TO FERTILIZER. Wooldridge Notification that HB1744 is now Act 530
HB1758 Act 641 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1758 Gramlich TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING HEARING INSTRUMENT DIS…”
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING HEARING INSTRUMENT DISPENSERS; AND TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "PRACTICE … Gramlich Notification that HB1758 is now Act 641
HB1770 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1770 Pilkington TO ESTABLISH THE PREGNANCY PARKING ACT; TO AMEND…”
TO ESTABLISH THE PREGNANCY PARKING ACT; TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PARKING FOR A PERSON … Pilkington Died on House Calendar at Sine Die adjournment.
HB1772 Act 529 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…1741, high school 1742, High School 1743. House Bill 1744. House Bill 1772, Senate Bill 218, Senate Bill 275, Senate Bill 280, Senate…”
CONCERNING VEGETABLE GARDEN PROTECTION. Vaught Notification that HB1772 is now Act 529
HB1784 Act 864 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1784 Wardlaw TO MODIFY THE INFORMAL DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCESS F…”
TO MODIFY THE INFORMAL DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCESS FOR LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES. Wardlaw Notification that HB1784 is now Act 864
HB1799 Act 685 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…g Children and Youth and Legislative Affairs, who was fired House Bill 1799. Reporting the same consideration here but with the same re…”
TO AMEND THE PERMISSIBLE METHODS OF REPORTING UNDER THE CHILD MALTREATMENT ACT. Vaught Notification that HB1799 is now Act 685
HR1084 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ecognized. Mr. Speaker, we on house management, to whom the House resolution 1084, House Resolution 1085, House Resolution 1086, House Resolu…”
TO HONOR MARTHA JARROW FOR HER MANY YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES … Springer READ AND ADOPTED.
HR1085 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…we on house management, to whom the House resolution 1084, House Resolution 1085, House Resolution 1086, House Resolution 1087, House Resolu…”
TO RECOGNIZE PARALYMPIC MEDALIST OLIVIA CHAMBERS OF LITTLE ROCK FOR HER REMARKABLE GIFTS AND INCREDIBLE … McCullough READ AND ADOPTED.
HR1086 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…, to whom the House resolution 1084, House Resolution 1085, House Resolution 1086, House Resolution 1087, House Resolution 1088. Vaguely repo…”
TO CONGRATULATE BENTONVILLE EDUCATOR BONNIE POLLOCK FOR RECEIVING A MILKEN EDUCATOR AWARD AND ITS ACCOMPANYING … McAlindon READ AND ADOPTED.
HR1087 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…olution 1084, House Resolution 1085, House Resolution 1086, House Resolution 1087, House Resolution 1088. Vaguely reporting the same consider…”
TO RECOGNIZE THE DE QUEEN HIGH SCHOOL LADY LEOPARDS BASKETBALL TEAM AS THE CLASS 4A … Vaught READ AND ADOPTED.
HR1088 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…olution 1085, House Resolution 1086, House Resolution 1087, House Resolution 1088. Vaguely reporting the same consideration here for return t…”
TO RECOGNIZE MARCH 19, 2025, AS ROOTED DAY IN ARKANSAS. L. Johnson READ AND ADOPTED.
SB135 Act 399 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB135 J. Boyd Gramlich TO AMEND ELECTION REQUIREMENTS IN THE CASE…”
TO AMEND ELECTION REQUIREMENTS IN THE CASE OF AN UNCHANGED RATE OF AN ANNUAL AD … J. Boyd Notification that SB135 is now Act 399
SB218 Act 440 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…l 1742, High School 1743. House Bill 1744. House Bill 1772, Senate Bill 218, Senate Bill 275, Senate Bill 280, Senate Bill 327, C 368,…”
TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM. Irvin Notification that SB218 is now Act 440
SB223 Act 400 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB223 M. Johnson A. Brown TO CREATE THE RELIGIOUS RIGHTS AT PUBLI…”
TO CREATE THE RELIGIOUS RIGHTS AT PUBLIC SCHOOLS ACT OF 2025. M. Johnson Notification that SB223 is now Act 400
SB275 Act 441 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ol 1743. House Bill 1744. House Bill 1772, Senate Bill 218, Senate Bill 275, Senate Bill 280, Senate Bill 327, C 368, Centele 378, Cent…”
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE REGULATION OF LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GASES. Irvin Notification that SB275 is now Act 441
SB279 Act 397 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB279 Irvin Wooldridge TO ASSIST THE DIVISION OF LABOR WITH ENFOR…”
TO ASSIST THE DIVISION OF LABOR WITH ENFORCING THE FAIR AND PROMPT PAYMENT OF WAGES … Irvin Notification that SB279 is now Act 397
SB280 Act 442 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ll 1744. House Bill 1772, Senate Bill 218, Senate Bill 275, Senate Bill 280, Senate Bill 327, C 368, Centele 378, Centinel 388. Begguel…”
TO DESIGNATE THE OIL AND GAS COMMISSION AS THE CUSTODIAN OF ALL PROPERTY AND THE … Irvin Notification that SB280 is now Act 442
SB309 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “any objection to sending Senate Bill 309 back. Seeing no in Senate Bill 309 back to the Senate, Mada…”
TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS HEALTH CARE CONSUMER ACT; TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF "PSYCHIATRIC COLLABORATIVE … D. Sullivan Sine Die adjournment
SB327 Act 443 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ll 1772, Senate Bill 218, Senate Bill 275, Senate Bill 280, Senate Bill 327, C 368, Centele 378, Centinel 388. Begguely reporting the s…”
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PAYMENTS TO LOCALITIES. Crowell Notification that SB327 is now Act 443
SB380 Act 439 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…mmittee on Aging Children and Youth and Legislative Affairs Senate Bill 380 vaguely reporting the same consideration. He turns to the s…”
TO REPEAL THE LAW REQUIRING THE OFFICE OF CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT TO SUBMIT A REPORT … Crowell Notification that SB380 is now Act 439
SB413 Act 401 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB413 K. Hammer Hawk TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING A SCHOOL DISTRIC…”
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING A SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS; AND TO AMEND THE … K. Hammer Notification that SB413 is now Act 401
SB417 Act 402 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB417 J. Dotson Maddox TO AMEND VARIOUS LAWS RELATED TO HIGHER ED…”
TO AMEND VARIOUS LAWS RELATED TO HIGHER EDUCATION. J. Dotson Notification that SB417 is now Act 402
SB99 Act 437 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…on Public Health, welfare and Labor to whom was referred to Senate Bill 99 vaguely reporting the same consideration here, return with…”
TO AUTHORIZE A PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT TO DELEGATE CERTAIN TASKS. C. Penzo Notification that SB99 is now Act 437

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October 2, 2026
Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 3:48
I invite the members, staff, press, and guests in the galleries to stand and be led in prayer by house chaplain Brother Richard Hamlin, senior pastor of Faith Baptist Church of Cabot, and to remain standing for the pledge of allegiance to be led
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Speaker 4 4:03
by Representative Lane Jean. Let us pray. Heavenly Father, we come today with the words of your ancient prophet Micah on our hearts, says he. Answered the question, what doth the Lord require of thee, and of the myriads of things that could have answered that question. Lord, you gave us 3. Do justly. Love mercy. And walk humbly with your God. I want to pray these three things, Lord, over this legislative body today because they're so appropriate in any setting, such a challenge to us all. Lord, I pray today that you might help this legislative body do justly. Do what is right. And while they're doing right, Lord, help them to love mercy. To be merciful toward those maybe who've not advanced as far as they who still struggle, who still hurting. To do justly and to love mercy. And to all comely Lord with you. Because we always need to walk with you.
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Representative Brian S. Evans Unverified 5:33
Members, please indicate your presence by pushing your yellow So everyone indicated their presence. Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk. 98 members present, chair of sees a quorum. Any requests for leave. Representative Hokakum, for
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 6:17
what purpose? Leave for representative Wardlaw is leave granted for Representative Ward law. So ordered. Representative Painter for what purpose? Leave, you're recognized. Leave for Representative Bart Schultz. His leave granted for Representative Mark Schultz. So ordered. Representative Matthew Shepherd moves that we dispense with the reading of the previous day's journal. With no objections, so ordered. Madam Clerk,
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Chair Unverified 6:43
are there any reports from select committees, you are recognized. Mr. Speaker, we on house management, to whom the House resolution 1084, House Resolution 1085, House Resolution 1086, House Resolution 1087, House Resolution 1088. Vaguely reporting the same consideration here for return the same recommendation that do pass respectfully submitted. Representative Vol chair. Thank you, Madam Clerk.
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 7:00
Do you have any reports from standing committees, you're recognized. Public Health, Welfare and
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Chair Unverified 7:06
Labor, to whom the House School, 1768 Bagley Reportment the same consideration here for time with the same recommendation that it do pass as amendment number one, respectfully submitted. Representative Wilbor, Chair, Mr. Speaker, we're your committee on Public Health, welfare and Labor to whom was referred to Senate Bill 99 vaguely reporting the same consideration here, return with the same recommendation that do pass respectfully submitted. Representative Wardlaw, Chair. Mr. Speaker, we're your Committee on Aging Children and Youth and Legislative Affairs, who was fired House Bill 1799. Reporting the same consideration here but with the same recognition that do pass as Amendment number one, respectfully submitted Representative Eubanks Barker, chair. Mr. Speaker, your Committee on Aging Children and Youth and Legislative Affairs Senate Bill 380 vaguely reporting the same consideration. He turns to the same recommendation they do pass respectfully submitted Representative Eubank Sparker, chair. Mr. Speaker, your committee on agriculture, forestry and Economic Development. Tom was referred House Bill 1525. House Bill 1562, houses bill 16981, how school 1741, high school 1742, High School 1743. House Bill 1744. House Bill 1772, Senate Bill 218, Senate Bill 275, Senate Bill 280, Senate Bill 327, C 368, Centele 378, Centinel 388. Begguely reporting the same consideration here with the same recommendation and do passpectly submitted Representative Lynch, chair. Thank you, Madam Clark.
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Speaker 27 8:16
Is there any unfinished business? Please read the letter from the
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Speaker 28 8:23
Senate. The Honorable Sherry Stags, Chief Clerk. Dear Miss Stacks, the Senate respectfully requests to return the Senate bill. 309, respectfully submitted uh in Cormeel, Secretary of the Senate. Members as you've heard the letter from the Senate. Is there
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 8:38
any objection to sending Senate Bill 309 back. Seeing no in Senate Bill 309 back to the Senate, Madam Clerk. Is there any
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Chair Unverified 8:51
executive communications? Please read the letter from the governor. To the Speaker of the House. Dear Mr. Speaker, this is to inform me that on March 18, 2025, I reviewed and approved the following measures from the regular session of the ninety-fifth General Assembly. House 1489 Act 302, House Bill 1477 Act 303. House Bill 1496 Act 304 House Bill 1634 Act 305. House Bill 1238, Act 306. How spell 1298, Act 307. House 1307 Act 308, Ho 1405 Act 309, house 1587, Act 310. How spell 1068 Act 311. House Bill 1465 Act 312. High school 1503 Act 3:13, house 1510, Act 314. 1527 Act 315. House Bill 1581 Act 316, House Bill 1600, Act 317, House Bill 1607 Act 318. House 1608 Act 319 hospitals 1410 Act 323. House 1460, Act 324. House Bill 1502 Act 325. House 1516 Act 326, House Bill 1596 Act 327. House 1605 Act 328. Houses 1103 Act 334, House Bill 1546 Act 335. House 1612 Act 336. 16:13, Act 3:37, house 16:16, Act 338. House 1617 Act 339, House 1512 Act 341. Sincerely, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Governor of Arkansas. Thank you, Madam. Members, I would direct your attention to the back of
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Representative Brian S. Evans Unverified 10:00
the chamber today. We have with us from the Arkansas State Police Sergeant Corey Ray of the
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 10:10
aircraft section. Corporal Trey Keller of the Highway Patrol Administration. Would you please stay and give them a round of applause. Gentlemen, thank you very much for your service. Also in the back of the chamber with us today is Doctor Scott Cooper. Our doctor of the day, he is an orthopedic surgeon from Bentonville, Representative Mindy McAlinden's district. Doctor Cooper, thank you. Joining him, working alongside, serving us very well daily. We have with us our nurse, Ms. Lee Fazio. Miss Lee, thank you so much. Remember as you look around, you'll see we have a lot of guests here with us today in the chamber. We have a couple of other groups that will be joining us momentarily, uh, we always consider it a privilege to have guests here and, and just be a part of this process. Uh, I want to point out over in the West Gallery today. We have just about everyone, I think, from Representative Gramlis's family here. We're proud that they're here today. We have Miss Tiffany, Ms. Bonnie, Miss Cynthia, wife and children. We have Pam and Joanie Gramlich, that's the grandmother and aunt, along with Clara, Matthew, and Alison, some of his cousins, all the Grahamick family, would you please stand? We
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Speaker 27 11:28
would love to recognize you. Thank you for being here. Remember you'll also, uh, we've
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 11:43
got full benches up here on the front today, and we're so thankful for these pages you want to come and be a part of the process and serve us. Uh, we actually have,
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Representative Brian S. Evans Unverified 11:53
uh, some members, uh, who have some special guests here today. First, I want to point out, uh, Miss Sadie Hudson. Sadie, if
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Speaker 38 12:02
you give a big wave. Back here, there she is. Sadie is the
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Representative Brian S. Evans Unverified 12:08
daughter of Representative Ashley Hudson. Also with us today, uh, aging, we have Caitlin and Carly Cooper. I saw them around here somewhere. Uh, they are the daughters of Representative Cameron Cooper along with them is Madison White Finley White, and
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 12:23
Molly Haley. We are so proud they're here with us
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Representative Brian S. Evans Unverified 12:32
today. Give them a round. Madam clerk, please read House Resolution
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Chair Unverified 12:37
1081. House Resolution 1081 by Representative McCulloch to honor sculptor Kevin Crest for creating the sculpture of Arkansas music icon Johnny Cash, now on display in the National Sanctuary Hall collection in the United
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Speaker 27 12:51
States Capitol. Representative McCulley, you're recognized to present your
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Representative Tippi McCullough Unverified 12:57
resolution. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Uh, members in the North Gallery, if you look up there, we have sculptor and painter, Kevin Chris Chrissy, his wife Bridget, and two of his sisters, Cynthia and Sharon, were also, I'm grateful to have filmmaker Nathan Willis, also up there with them. And if I can ask Kevin to stand, yeah, he's standing. All right. He's ready to go. So, Kevin Cressey is a Little Rock native and full-time sculptor and painter who was awarded the commission to create made the bronze statue of Johnny Cash, that now resides in the National Statuary Hall Collection in the United States Capitol. He's 10, the 10th of 11 children. So we have a few of them, but tonight, later for the movie, I'll talk about that in a little bit. We, we hope to see everybody. Um, he remembers Um, he, his parents, he remembers them excelling at making and fixing things by hand, which influenced him. He attended Catholic High here in Little Rock and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock also. He's created bust of Arkansas musicians, Levon Helm and Al Green, as well as other sculptures and murals in Lorock and North Lorock. He's received the governor's Art Award for individual artists in 2015 and was selected in 2016 by the Mid-America Arts Alliance for a painting fellowship and was on, uh, was one of 4 artists to represent the alliance at the 50th anniversary of the National Endowment for the Arts. Kevin said of being selected to create the statue of Johnny Cash. As far as my career, this was the biggest stage so far. I really wanted to get Johnny right technically, but also get Johnny's qualities of humbleness and soulfulness into the piece as well. Sculpting Johnny Cash for the US Capitol, such an incredible honor. I felt quite a bit of responsibility to kind of represent Arkansas and say there's world-class art that's produced here. Johnny Cash's daughter, Roseanne Cash, said of Kevin's sculpture of her father. I was not expecting to feel as moved as I was and to see how much truth and intensity is in this work. It's uncanny how he brought soul into this statue. It's startling and beautiful. I think we can all agree whether you've seen it in person or whether you've seen it in pictures that, um, Kevin got it right and that the sculpture is so full and true. Um, and Shane Broadway will get me if I don't mention the documentary tonight about the making of the Daisy Bates statue and the Johnny Cash statue. Hope everyone will be there to watch that. Um, one of the reasons Nathan gets to be here with us today. Um, we're excited about that. It's at 7 o'clock tonight. Um, and with that, Madam Clerk,
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Chair Unverified 15:51
please read the resolution and title only. Madam Clark, please read the title of the resolution. To honor sculptor Kevin Crest for creating the sculpture of Arkansas music icon Johnny Cash, now on display in the
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Representative Brian S. Evans Unverified 16:08
National Statutory Hall Collection in the United States Capitol. Representative McCullough has
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 16:11
explained the resolution. Would anyone like to speak against the resolution? For the resolution. Representative McCullough is closed for the resolution. The question before the House is the passage of House Resolution 1081. All those in favor say aye. Osna, the eyes have it. Congratulations, Representative McCullough, your resolution has been adopted. Representative Johnson, for what purpose? Point, point of personal privilege. You're recognized.
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Representative Lee Johnson Unverified 16:59
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, uh, it's our pleasure today to have with us here in the East Gallery. Students from all around the state who are participating in a program called Rooted. It was my pleasure to get to visit with them some today at lunch. As we all know, some of the hardest decisions we make is deciding what we want to be when we grow up, right? I told them none of us here in this room wanted to be politicians or legislators. So you have to be careful with your counseling. Rooted is a program with a, it's a public private, uh, partnership between the Department of Education and the Heartland Forward to send out a counselors, career. counselors, advisors to rural schools that may not have quite as many resources as some of our urban schools and try to provide these, uh, young, young, uh, young folks with, uh, advice on how they might proceed in their postsecondary career and it's just a pleasure to have them here today on Rooted Day at the Capitol, and I'd appreciate it if everybody give him a little round of applause.
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 18:00
Representative Deise Garner, for what purpose? privilege. You're
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Representative Denise Garner Unverified 18:16
recognized. Can I have a David Whittaker and Nicole Clowley come join
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 18:20
me as well. Whittaker and Clowney, if you would join her
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Representative Denise Garner Unverified 18:24
in the well, please. Thank you, colleagues. I've got the privilege of introducing today our Alumni or the Fayetteville Chamber Leadership Group number 38 is up here in the West Gallery and our CEO Jennifer Irwin is also here and Meredith Lowery, uh, extraordinarily uh wonderful coordinator of these programs. So thank you voluntarily, she does that. So thank you guys very much for being here and colleagues, I would love it if you would just give them a big hand, uh, for coming to join us today. We're in the West gallery.
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Representative Brian S. Evans Unverified 19:10
36 of them. Madam Clerk, please read House Resolution 1076.6 by
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Chair Unverified 19:22
Representative Moore to recognize the Honorable Stacy Zimmerman upon the occasion of her retirement for her service to the state of Arkansas. Representing more you're recognized
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Speaker 27 19:33
to explain your resolution. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With
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Speaker 79 19:41
your permission, I'd like to ask the Washington and Madison County delegation to join me
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 19:46
in the well. Members of y'all join Representative
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Speaker 79 20:01
Moore in the well. It is our privilege to honor Judge Stacy Zimmerman on her retirement in February after 34 years of service as juvenile judge of Washington and Madison counties. Based on her tenure, she is the longest serving juvenile judge in Washington and Madison Counties, and only one of two females to serve in this capacity. There are many careers of service in which Arkansans commit their lives to, such as educators, law enforcement, and the judicial. system. These are careers of calling and of purpose, they are not easy, but they make huge impacts in the lives of our citizens every day. And Judge Zimmerman's service as a juvenile judge, I know, was not an easy one for over 34 years, but it was her calling, and she served well. During my time on the Lincoln school board, even through difficult situations with students, we always knew Judge Zimmerman to be fair and. Our superintendent would share stories with us that Judge Zimmerman was always so good with families for Finn's cases. She started a teen drug court and one story in particular that I always thought described her caring nature. Was she personally stayed late one evening with a family of young children waiting on DHS to come and care for them. A sign of a person who served well and with excellence. And I'll just ask any Judge Zimmerman could not be in attendance with us today due to a family matter that she's watching and we appreciate the House of Representatives honoring her for her service and her devotion to the state of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, would you please have Madam Clerk read the resolution entitle only. Madam
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Representative Brian S. Evans Unverified 21:51
Clerk, please read the title of the
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Chair Unverified 21:55
resolution. Honorable Stacy Zimmerman upon the occasion of her retirement for her service to the
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 22:01
state of Arkansas. Representative Moore has explained the resolution. Would anyone like to speak against the resolution? For the resolution. Representative Moore is closed for the resolution. The question before the house is the passage of House Resolution 1076. All those in favor say aye. nay, the ayes have it. Congratulations, Represented more of the resolution has been adopted. House will stand in recess for 10 minutes.
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Representative Brian S. Evans Unverified 30:44
The house will come to order. Madam Clerk, please read House
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Chair Unverified 30:53
Resolution 1078. Resolution 10 by Representative Richardson to commend Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity Incorporated for 118 years of outstanding service and leadership in its community. Representative Richardson, you are recognized to explain your resolution. Thank
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 31:03
you, Mr. Speaker. Representative Steele, you want to come down here?
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Representative R. Scott Richardson Unverified 31:16
Representative McGruder, you want to come up front? Colleagues, uh, I want to take a moment and introduce The first founded African American fraternity. There you go. There's the rest of them. We're waiting on the rest of them to come from the Senate. Don't do that. Uh As they're making their way to the North gallery. We've got a group that are to my left in the East gallery, and those In the north gallery. Again, we were waiting on the Senate, so I apologize. So this resolution is to commend Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity for 118 years of outstanding service and leadership in our communities. We are the largest, we are the oldest, we are the coldest. Fraternity. Alpha Phi Alpha. Thank you, Representative. Being a part of
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Representative Tracy Steele Unverified 32:34
this fraternity actually helped change my life, made me the man that I am today. We are certainly glad to have them, men of service, first of all, we love every, every, each and every one of you, thank you
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Representative R. Scott Richardson Unverified 32:51
for coming to Arkansas State Capitol. Mr. Speaker, would you have the resolution
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Representative Brian S. Evans Unverified 32:58
red and title only. Madam Clark, please
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Chair Unverified 33:00
read the title of the resolution. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated for 118 years of outstanding service and leadership in its communities.
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Representative Brian S. Evans Unverified 33:08
Representative Richardson has explained the resolution. Would anyone like to speak against the resolution? You when I speak for the resolution. Representative Richardson is
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 33:17
closed for the resolution. Question before the house is the passage of House resolution 1078. All those in favor say aye. Po nay You guys have it. Congratulations, Representative Richardson. Your resolution is adopted.
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Speaker 110 33:46
Representative Steele, for what purpose? Point of personal privilege, you're recognized.
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Representative Tracy Steele Unverified 34:06
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, while we have the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity fraternity here, we want to also recognize one of its outstanding members. Uh, I would ask that Representative Lane Jean come and Help me with this presentation. For over 41 years, one of our outstanding State employees that worked in the Office of Personnel Management. No, none other than Mr. Herbert M. Scott. Serve this state well. Those of you who've been around here for a little while, served on council or served on the personnel committee, know the work of her Scott. He was always there, he was always the person with the answers. And if Herb Scott told you something, members, you could count on it. You could take it right to the bank. I know he worked directly with our chairman of Joint Budget, and I'd like to recognize Representative Jane. Thank
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Representative Lane Jean Unverified 35:16
you Representative. If the younger members that never knew Herb Scott. Every day you met him. He made you feel special. He was a great human being. He is, he was positive, he was, uh, everything that you need. In this body and in this capital. And he was, he was a person that you never forgot. He never failed to lighten my day and make me feel important, but he's a special person, and, uh, he is the, what a public servant needs to be, and I'm just, I'm proud to be his
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Representative Tracy Steele Unverified 35:56
friend. Thank you so much, members. Help me congratulate and honor with this capital citation, Mr. Herbert M. Scott. Thank you very much.
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Speaker 118 36:13
There you go. That's it. Morning hour
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Speaker 121 36:24
has ended. Representative Unger, for what purpose? Motion to reconsider. Hear your motion.
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Representative Steve Unger Unverified 36:34
Mr. Speaker, having voted on the prevailing side in consideration of the emergency clause of House Bill 1713, I move reconsideration.
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Speaker 121 36:45
Representative Vuner, how did you vote on the prevailing side? That's a proper motion. It is debatable. Representative Uner, please come to the well. Explain
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Representative Steve Unger Unverified 37:04
your motion. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, colleagues. Whereas House Bill 1713 might not have exactly been the bill, I wish it was. It was the bill that this body passed. And unless we pass the emergency clause, we will leave the Attorney General's office with one set of standards for June and July and another set of standards for August and September. And for that reason, I would like us to reconsider. Well, let's reconsider. Oh, I got to leave. OK.
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 37:45
Representative Unger has explained the motion. Would anyone like to speak against the motion? And when I speak for the motion. Representative Unger.
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Chair Unverified 37:56
You Recognized clothes for your motion. Well, you
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Representative Steve Unger Unverified 38:00
learn something new every day. Colleagues, I would like us to vote and reconsideration of the emergency clause. Representative Unger is
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 38:09
closed for the motion. Question before the house's passage of the motion to reconsider the emergency clause of House Bill
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Representative Brian S. Evans Unverified 38:16
1713. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Everyone
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 38:28
voted. So everyone voted. Cast up the ballot By a vote of 72 ya, 20 nays, and zero present. The motion is passed. We'll now vote, revote the Emergency clause, Madam Clerk, please prepare the machine. So everyone voted, everyone voted, casts up the ballot. By about a 70, 23 nays, 1 present, merchant clause has passed. Madam clerk, please send that bill to the Senate.
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Representative Matt Brown Unverified 39:24
Representative Brown, for what purpose? Motion I'll hear your motion. Mr. Speaker, a move we expunge the boat by which House
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Speaker 136 39:36
Bill 1365 passed. That's a proper motion. It is debatable. Representative Brown, please come to the well, Explain your motion.
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Representative Matt Brown Unverified 39:54
Thank you, colleagues. Um, I just need to send or amend this bill, um, to make a good deal better. There was a technical oversight on the part of BLR which needs to be corrected. Thank you. I appreciate a good vote. That's a proper motion.
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 40:10
They would like to speak against the motion. For the motion Members are yield to the parliamentarian to explain the purpose of the motion.
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Representative Rebecca Burkes Unverified 40:29
Friends, this bill was passed, if you'll remember last week, it, it had a vote, it achieved 61 votes. Uh, upon getting it to the Senate, it was discovered that within the 21 sections of the bill, one of the sections dealt, Section 7 dealt with the Arkansas Ethics Commission. That was created via initiated act in 1990. Any bills addressing an issue, amending initiated acts require a higher threshold of 67 votes, which it did not achieve. Hence, the bill was improperly passed by our body. We've recalled it, this motion is necessary and then to take the next, next necessary steps of either re-voting, sending back to committee, amending whatever, but we have to clear this, uh, this, this vote, so we can, uh, Take care of it Going forward. Representative Brown Representative Brown has
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 41:29
explained the motion. Would anyone like to speak against the motion? You would like to speak for the motion. Question before the house is the expungement of the vote. By which House Bill 1365 passed. Madam Clerk, prepare the machine. Everyone voted So everyone voted. Cast up the ballot By a vote of 73, 17 nay, and 0 present. Motion passes. Members of Representative Gazaway recommends that we concur in Senate amendment number 1 to House Bill 1552. Madam Clark, please read Senate Amendment number 1. Senate Amendment number 1
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Chair Unverified 42:28
to House Bill 1552. Representative Gazaway, you're
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Representative Jimmy Gazaway Unverified 42:32
recognized to explain Amendment One. Thank you Mr. Speaker, colleagues, the Senate amendment simply added Senator Ben Gilmore as a co-sponsor.
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Speaker 148 42:44
Very, very questionable, I know. Appreciate a good boat. Representative Gazaway has
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 42:51
explained the amendment. Would anyone like to speak against the amendment? When even when I speak for the amendment. Representative Gazaway is closed for the amendment. The question before the House is concurrence with Senate Amendment number 1 to House Bill 1552. Prepare the machine, madam clerk. So everyone voted So everyone voted. Cast up the ballot By a vote of 91, yeah, 0, nay, and 4 present. You have concurred in Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 1552. Members of Representative Les Warren recommends we concur in Senate Amendment number 1 to House Bill 1479. Madam Clark, please read Senate Amendment number
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Chair Unverified 43:40
1. Amendment 1 to House Bill 1479. Representative Warre, you're
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 43:43
recognized to explain amendment number one. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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Representative Les Warren Unverified 43:48
There are 2 very simple, Uh, amendments here. One is to add, uh, Senator Pino as the Senate sponsor, the other one is just to give a little bit more detail on what the engineers and
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Representative Brian S. Evans Unverified 44:04
surveyors are allowed to do in the bill. Representative Warren has explained the amendment. Would
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 44:12
anyone like to speak against the amendment. when I speak for the amendment. Representative Warren is closed for the amendment. Question before the house is concurrence with Senate Amendment number 1 to House Bill 1479. Prepair the machine, Madam Clerk. So everyone voted. As everyone voted, Cast up the ballot. By a vote of 98, 0, nay, and 0 present. You've concurred in Senate amendment number 1 to House Bill 1479. Representative Les Warren recommends that we concur in Senate Amendment number 2. House Bill 1479. Madam Clerk, please read Senate Amendment
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Speaker 152 44:56
number 2. Amendment 2 to House Bill
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Chair Unverified 45:01
1479. Representative Warren, you're recognized to explain amendment
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Representative Les Warren Unverified 45:04
number 2. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thought they were included in one, but, uh, so this one deals with the, uh, engineers and surveyors a little bit more detail on what they can do with the bill. Thank you.
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 45:18
Representative Warren has explained amendment number 2. Would anyone like to speak against the amendment? For the amendment Representative Warren is closed for the amendment. Question before the house is concurrence with Senate Amendment number 2 to House Bill 1479, repair the machine, Madam clerk. Everyone voted So everyone voted, cast up the ballot. By a vote of 96, 0 nay, and zero presence. You've concurred in Senate Amendment number 2 to House Bill 1479. Representative Matthew Shepherd recommends that we concur in Senate amendment number 1 to House Bill 1508. Madam Clerk, please read Senate Amendment number 1. Amendment 1 to 1508.
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Representative Matthew J. Shepherd Unverified 46:11
Representative Shepherd, you're recognized to explain Amendment 1. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, uh, this Senate amendment just corrects three typos in that bill, and
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 46:22
I'd appreciate a good vote. Representative Shepherd has explained the amendment. Would anyone like to speak against the amendment? For the amendment Representative Shepherd is closed for the amendment. Question Before the house's concurrence with Senate Amendment number one, the House Bill 1508. Prepare the machine, madam clerk. Everyone voted Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot. A vote of 97, 0, nay, and 0 present. You've concurred in Senate Amendment number 1 to House Bill 1508. Representative Jeffrey Wardlaw recommends that we concur and Senate amendment number 1 to House Bill 1488. Madam Clark, please read Senate Amendment number 1. Amendment number 1 of House Bill 1488. Representative Shepherd, you're recognized to explain Amendment one.
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Representative Matthew J. Shepherd Unverified 47:18
Speaker. This amendment just add Sen Senator Gilmore as a co-sponsor. Representative Shepherd has
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 47:27
explained the amendment. Would anyone like to speak against the amendment. Representative Beatty. You reckon I speak against the amendment. Members, it pains me to
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Representative Howard M. Beaty, Jr. Unverified 47:41
have to come to the well and speak against this amendment. But yesterday in the Senate, uh, the senators played a little game a couple of times and, and kind of made comments about myself down in, in the well, uh, about being a co-sponsor on Senator, um, Uh, Clark Tucker's census bill. With a question that maybe my disposition might hurt, uh, the senator's bill and is easygoing this position might hurt the bill. Followed up later by another bill that Gilmore and I were running, uh, on repeal of catfish licensure for the ag department, to which Senator Mark Johnson pined in, uh, is this going to raise catfish prices. Senator Gilmore said no. He goes, I didn't figure it would because Beatty can eat a lot of catfish. And with you on there, it further reassures me it's not gonna increase the price of catfish, and I told them that there would be an opportunity for payback at some point. So I think this may settles the score with Gilmore, and we'll get Johnson later. So with this, I would, I would just say, um,
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 48:48
maybe vote against this, um, amendment. Thank you. Representative Beatty has spoke against the amendment. Would anyone like to speak for the amendment? Anyone like speak. Against the amendment. Representative Shepherd is closed for the amendment. Question before the house. Its concurrence in Senate Amendment number 1 to House Bill 1488. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Has everyone voted. So everyone voted. Cast out the ballot By a vote of 81, yay, 13 nay, and zero presence. You've concurred in Senate Amendment number 1 to House Bill 1488. Madam
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Speaker 53 49:42
Clerk, please read House Bill 1734. High school 1734 by
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Chair Unverified 49:46
Representative Childress to amend the law concerning death certificates and to clarify the medical professionals who may sign a medical certificate of death and pronounced death
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 49:55
of a patient. Representative Childers, you were recognized to explain your bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, colleagues, the current Arkansas law says the only people that can pronounce a body dead and sign a death certificate is a physician, the corner, our registered nurses they're in a hospice program. What this bill does, it was brought to me in some rural hospitals when the hospitalist goes away, goes home at night. If there's a death on the floor, they're having to pull the ER physician from the emergency room to the floor to pronounce a body. So all this is doing, it's, it's allowing nurse practitioners to pronounce bodies and pronounced bodies dead and signed death certificates as long as the medical director of that facility gives them permission to do so. It's been in, uh, supported by the hospital association. Um, so it's a good deal and I appreciate a good vote. Representative Childress has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? And when I speak for the bill. Representative Johnson, you're recognized to speak for the bill. Members, I
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Representative Lee Johnson Unverified 51:03
just want to thank Representative Childers for bringing this issue forward. This is an issue that does come up quite often in our rural hospitals, and I've been asked in the rural hospitals to leave the emergency department before, just to go pronounce someone dead. This is something, something certainly that our nurse practitioners are capable of doing. And it's an uncomfortable feeling when you have to walk away from that department to do something like that. So I appreciate you bringing the issue forward and
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 51:23
appreciate a good vote. Thank you. Representative Johnson has spoke for the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? For the
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Representative Brian S. Evans Unverified 51:34
bill Representative Childress is closed for the bill. Question before the house is the passage of House Bill 1734. Prepare the machine, madam clerk. So everyone voted. Everyone voted Cast up the ballot.
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 51:54
By a vote of 91 e, 3 nay, and 2 present, the bill is passed. Madam Clerk, please read House Bill
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Chair Unverified 52:00
1293. 1293 by Representative Andrews to increase the payment of a claim to designated beneficiaries or survivors of certain public employees killed in the line of duty to
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 52:08
explain your bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Think about
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Representative Wade Andrews Unverified 52:11
this, y'all. State Trooper gets up in the morning. Kisses his wife and kids goodbye. He goes and does his job. Unfortune happens. He doesn't come home that day. What this bill does increases the line of duty death benefit from 150,000 to 250,000. We are served every day by our public servants and this death benefit has not been increased in well over a decade. And We've also extended this to our highway department people because They serve us just as good, and there has been the unfortunate cases of where they have also perished, um, working on highways and building good roads for us. So with that, I'll take any questions. See no, I appreciate a good vote. Representative Andrews has explained
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 53:05
the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Even when I speak for the bill. Representative Andrews is closed for the bill. Question before the house is the passage of House Bill 1293. Prepare the machine, madam clerk. So everyone voted. So everyone voted. Cast up the ballot. By a vote of 93 ya, 1 nay, and 0 present. The bill is passed. Madam Clerk, please read House Bill 1322.
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Chair Unverified 53:44
22 by Representative Clowney to amend the laws of the Arkansas Local Police and Fire Retirement System concerning line of duty death from occupational cancer and to declare an emergency. Representative Clowney, you're recognized to explain your bill.
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Representative Nicole Clowney Unverified 53:58
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Since 2019, the state of Arkansas has recognized certain cancers as line of duty for firefighters. So these are certain cancers that are caused by inhalation of known carcinogens. Um, when we made this change to the law in 2019, we created a line of duty disability benefit, but what we failed to do was, uh, take care of those who had died from these cancers in the same way. So this mirrors the existing language in code, uh, the bill. came to me from Lovi and they just asked for a framework to confer the same benefits on firefighters who die from these occupational cancers, as those who are disabled from them. In terms of number, just so y'all know, since this became law in 2019, 3 people have filed for disability benefits. There is one person, one family in Arkansas, uh, the widow of Eric Morrison, who died in 2019. She is the sole, uh, person who would currently benefit from this change of the law. It would make a huge difference to her and her family who have given everything to us and would be a minimal impact on the state. So I'd appreciate a
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 55:09
good vote. Representative Clowney has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? But when I speak for the bill. Representative Clowney is closed for the bill. Question before the house is the passage of House Bill 1322. Prepare the machine, madam clerk. Remember your one vote is for the bill and the emergency clause. Has everyone voted? Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot By a vote of 96, 1 nay, and one present. You have passed the bill and the emergency
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Representative Brian S. Evans Unverified 55:48
clause. Madam Clark, please read House Bill 1327. 1327
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Chair Unverified 55:50
by Representative Warren to amend the law concerning the eligibility of certain retired employees under the state and public school life and health insurance program.
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Representative Les Warren Unverified 56:02
Representative Warren, you're recognized to explain your bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, many people believe that employee benefits is a part of public retirement. Believe me, I get the calls. It's not. They're separate entities. House Bill 1327 begins to bring clarity to the situation by changing the name of the program to state and public school life and health insurance program. Members of the retirement systems are eligible to participate in this program, but the program is managed by employee benefits. There are two main requirements, number one, you must be vested in one of the retirement systems, and number 2, you must have been in the insurance program. For at least 5 years. The only other items raised by this bill are to make clear that the participation in this program is not allowed if it conflicts with federal law. Or To confirm that a members failure. Failure to respond in the required period of time is not grounds for being reconsidered to get in the program. Either they respond in time or they don't. There's no fiscal impact to any of the state retirement systems, and there's little to no impact for the public school life and health insurance program. I'd be glad to take any questions. Seeing none, I would appreciate a good vote. Representative Warren has
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Representative Brian S. Evans Unverified 57:34
explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Would anyone like to speak for the
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 57:40
bill? Representative Warren is closed for the bill. Question before the house is the passage of House Bill 1327. Prepare the machine, madam clerk. So everyone voted Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot. By a vote of 97, 0 nay, and 0
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Speaker 152 58:12
present. The bill is passed. Adam Clark, please read House Bill 1313. House 1313 by Representative Cooper to expand health benefit coverage
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 58:19
for certain firefighter retirees and municipalities and counties.
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Representative Cameron Cooper Unverified 58:25
Representative Cooper, you're recognized to explain your Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, HB 1313 ensures that a firefighter who retires is not yet of age to qualify for Medicare can stay on the health insurance plan of the city they're retired from. This bill of ANZ Act 535 of 2023. This was a great bill passed by Representative Bakker. It brought consistency across the state regarding police officers who retired or were not yet of age to qualify for Medicare benefits, allowing them to stay on the health insurance plan of the city or county constituent of mine who is a retired firefighter asked if we could extend the same privilege to all retired firefighters, and that's all that this bill does. It simply states that if a firefighter retires, but is not yet of age to qualify for Medicare. They can stay on the health insurance plan of the city that retired from until they reached Medicare age. And the city will determine the amount of the premium the retiree will pay. Now, it's understood that likely the city will require the retiree to pay the whole insurance premium, but ultimately that This will just give the retiree an additional choice when planning for their health insurance needs after retirement. Most cities are actually already extending this privilege to retirees, but we just want to bring consistency across the state. Make sure all cities are on the same page, as well as ensure that firefighter retirees are extended the same benefit that we have already given police retirees. I visited with the municipal League on this bill.
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 1:00:08
Representative Cooper has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Representative Cooper is closed for the bill. Question before the house is the passage of House Bill 1313. Prepare the machine, madam clerk. So everyone voted. Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot. By a vote of 95, 2 nay, and 0 present. Bill is passed. Madam Clerk, please
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Chair Unverified 1:00:48
read House Bill 16888 by Representative Kavanaugh to amend Arkansas law concerning the use of dealers, extra
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 1:00:55
license plate. Representative Kavanaugh, you're recognized to explain
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Representative Frances Cavenaugh Unverified 1:01:01
your bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This bill, uh, sets out to clarify who can use an extra dealer tag for anybody that understands this is for new car dealers, not talking about used cars dealer, that will be another bill on another day, but this is dealing with used car, new car dealers. It goes in and clarifies who actually can use one of those, those tags. As many know, several dealers will actually use that as part of a benefit package for people that work at the dealership. In full disclose c lo s ure We have not used them in 20 years. So we don't really use those ourselves, but other dealers do use the dealer tags as part of the pro as the payment plan for some of their employees. Um, unfortunately, during this time, there had been some misuse of dealer tags because there wasn't clarity on who qualified to be able to use the dealer tag during an audit, a dealer was fined because of misuse of tags. Wirling went to the Supreme Court and they made a ruling about the tax on these tags. It was so broad that it was going to prohibit dealers from being able to loan out cars to customers in service. Or if you wanted to drive one overnight for a test drive, because it was going to trigger a sales tax event. So we could no longer be able to loan those out, and that's what this is also trying to do is to clarify what actually starts a taxable transaction, not because we loan a vehicle out for our customer to be able to drive because theirs is in the service department. And with that, I would take any questions. See you no, I appreciate a good vote. Representative Kavanaugh has
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 1:02:44
explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? for the bill. Representative Kavanaugh is closed for the bill. Question before the house is the passage of House Bill 1688. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. So everyone voted. Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot. By a vote of 97, yeah, 0, nay, and 0 present. The bill is passed. Madam Clerk, please read House Bill 1770.
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Chair Unverified 1:03:19
10presentative Filkerson to establish the pregnancy Parking Act to amend the law concerning parking for a person with a disability and to authorize the issuance of a temporary special certificate to pregnant women. Representative Pilkington, you're recognized
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 1:03:31
to explain your bill. Thank you, ah, Mr.
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Representative Aaron Pilkington Unverified 1:03:35
Speaker, uh, today, I introduced a bill that to me is rooted in compassion, common sense, and commitment to supporting mothers in Arkansas. It's a bill that not only acknowledges the challenges of pregnancy and postpartum recovery, but it also encourages better prenatal care. It's a bill that we say to every expecting a new mother in her state that we want to make your life a little bit better during this critical time. Under this proposal, any pregnant woman in Arkansas will be eligible to receive a temporary temporary handicapped parking permit, one that expands through pregnancy up to one year postpartum, uh, this permit will be handled by the Department of Finance and Administration just as motor vehicle permits are today. Now you may ask yourself, why is this necessary? Well, let me tell you why. Pregnancy is a physically demanding. It can leave women swollen, exhausted, struggling with mobility, whether it's in the heat of the Arkansas summer or the chill of our winter, uh, and after childbirth, the challenges don't disappear either. Um, many women experience C-section, recovery issues, pelvic pain issues, and other complications and exhaustion. Not only the fact that they're carrying a newborn at the same time. So even simple tasks like getting to a doctor or going to running in important errands become much more cumbersome than need be. So this bill provides a simple solution to help ease that burden. Um, I've heard concerns from some people saying that, you know, are we creating new spots? We're not creating any new spots. We're just using existing spots. And then I've had some people who are concerned, uh, saying that we're gonna be taking spots from people who are handicapped, um, but I would remind people, I think a lot of times we will go to the grocery store, go to department stores, things like that and see a lot of empty handicap spots that are currently being utilized. And I would remind people that we actually have a falling birth rate here in Arkansas and so we're having less and less pregnant women than we did in the past. So the, this is not a growing population, unfortunately, which is a whole different issue that the state needs to address, but that's not what this bill's about. Um, to me, this is a simple pro-family, pro-woman policy and um I hope you'll join me in supporting moms, pregnant women and new moms, uh, by voting yes for this bill. Thank you. Representative Steinel, for what purpose?
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:05:48
Question, you're recognized for a question. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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Representative Trey Steimel Unverified 1:05:51
So, is there, uh, not already a potential pathway for a physician to write a note where if they feel that they are, uh, uh, Pregnancy that's in high risk or a troubled pregnancy that they can actually create that path where they can get a temporary handicap tag. Yeah, and then in certain Very
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Representative Aaron Pilkington Unverified 1:06:08
severe cases, they can, uh, if the doctor prescribes it, but we're trying to open it to more people and that, like you said, is with complicated pregnancies and I'm also opening this up to postpartum. So having a wife who had a C-section, which was major abdominal surgery and seeing what it was like after that. To me, I just wanted to make sure
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Speaker 201 1:06:30
that, you know, we included postpartum in here as well.
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Representative Trey Steimel Unverified 1:06:34
Thank you. So or a retailer not already. Voluntarily create a spot for, uh, these high-risk pregnancies potentially. I mean, I do see that from time to time at small businesses and so I, I, I think we may be going a little further than, than we are. I mean, then
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Representative Aaron Pilkington Unverified 1:06:54
we should probably here taking potential spots of waves on. Uh, I, I think that's, I understand your point, totally agree. I mean, one of the inspirations of this bill was when uh Secretary of State Collegester gave up his parking spot and made it a parking spot for new and expecting mothers, uh, which I think was a good gesture by Secretary Jester, but um uh I, I think just making this throughout, I mean, I appreciate those businesses doing this, but I think in just as we're trying to, you know, Help out these women more, I think just being across the board would be a good step. And like I said, we're not creating any new spots. We're just, uh, we're just letting them have
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Speaker 63 1:07:30
access to some of these existing spots, so. Representative Wooton, for what
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Representative Jim Wooten Unverified 1:07:36
purpose? You're recognized. Maybe I missed it, but Do they display the temporary permits certification or how does the law enforcement officer who checks a parking lot or checks a parking space, know that this is a car of a pregnant woman. Yeah, they would get a a placard like you do with any temporary handicap in the rule in the law. Uh, I didn't remember seeing it it just lets the department be able
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Representative Aaron Pilkington Unverified 1:08:16
to, to do that. I don't see exactly where it's specifies that it has to be a placard, but that's, that would then my assumption is they would do it because it is a temporary, uh, mobility issue.
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:08:30
Representative McClure, for what purpose you're recognized for a question. I appreciate
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Representative Rick McClure Unverified 1:08:33
where you're trying to go with this. So on the other end of the spectrum, I now have someone all
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Representative Aaron Pilkington Unverified 1:08:39
this question from men, by the way. Yeah.
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Representative Rick McClure Unverified 1:08:52
Now that I have someone in the family that I have a handicap sticker for. I observed that most handicapped spots are at least 95+% filled. Is this going to require store owners to
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Representative Aaron Pilkington Unverified 1:09:07
add new spots. This is not new spots. Store owners will not be required to add
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Speaker 24 1:09:11
any more new spots. Thank you. Thank you. Representative Torres, for what
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Representative Randy Torres Unverified 1:09:15
purpose? Question, you're recognized. Representative Pilkington, so it's true that someone pregnant could qualify for a temporary parking tag for up to 24 months. If they went in
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Representative Aaron Pilkington Unverified 1:09:24
right at the, like, literally the moment they had a positive pregnancy tests. I mean, they, they technically could, but you know, most women don't go in that early, so. OK, thank you.
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 1:09:36
Representative long for what purpose? Question, you're recognized. You mentioned uh
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Representative Wayne Long Unverified 1:09:40
C-section earlier, which, you know, my wife had 2 C-sections, so I know what that's like, but, uh, would they not be available or, or able to get a temporary tag, just like for any other surgery, I would say it would be the the discretion of the,
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Representative Aaron Pilkington Unverified 1:09:54
of the provider who was writing for the temporary tag, but I just wanted to make it clear in the law that we would, we would have this 12 months of postpartum covered, so.
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Representative Matt Brown Unverified 1:10:12
Representative Brown, for what purpose? because I know a lot of women are pretty spry when they're pregnant and you know, even after having the baby, so I don't know that, I mean. Do they get a tag, no, no, it's, it's not every woman gets it. It's only if they want
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Representative Aaron Pilkington Unverified 1:10:24
to go get one of these. That's, so it's a complete opt-in, it's not that if you go to the doctor and you find out you're pregnant, next thing you know, you have to go to the DMV and get one of these tags. It's only if you choose to get one of these tags. OK, thank you. Representative Henley, for what
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Representative Dolly Henley Unverified 1:10:43
purpose? You're recognized. If the mother has twins, do they get
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Representative Aaron Pilkington Unverified 1:10:50
two tags? Yeah No, they do not. Appreciate the questions. Uh, I've stayed down here longer than I should have, uh. Appreciate it.
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 1:11:04
Representative Pilkington has explained the bill. Anyone like to speak against the bill? Would you like to speak for the bill, Representative Pilkington
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Representative Brian S. Evans Unverified 1:11:14
is closed for the bill. Question before the house is the passage of House Bill 1770. Prepare the machine, madam clerk. Everyone voted,
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 1:11:31
so everyone voted. Cast up the ballot. By a vote of 35, 39 nay, and 10 present. The bill has failed. Madam Clerk, please read House Bill 1705.
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Chair Unverified 1:11:47
High 1705 by Representative Duke to require information concerning how the religious and moral beliefs of the founding fathers influenced the founding of the United States to be embedded into existing social
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 1:11:58
studies standards. Representative Duke, you're recognized to explain
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Representative Hope Duke Unverified 1:12:07
the bill. Uh, thank, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Um, hospital 1705. This bill idea came to me. About a year ago, it was partially, um, from some experiences I had from some input I had received from constituents. And part of the experiences that I had started with a couple of years ago when I was elected to the house. And I started thinking a whole lot more about legislative intent because that became a question we heard or statement that's made often around here. What are you trying to do with this bill? Um, who you're trying to help, um, and those different types of comments. And as I last year started kind of studying a little bit more in depth the constitution. looking through it some different lenses, studying some of the other founding documents. That kept popping back up to me is what was the intent? What were the founding fathers thinking? What was their belief system? I was looking through it through a different filter than maybe what I had looked at it before coming down here to Little Rock and knowing that we asked that question. Whenever we, just a few minutes ago, whenever we passed legislation, whenever we vote on bills. We're all making those decisions and we're coming to those decisions with different points of views, different life experiences and those things matter in the votes that we make. Every single one of us at different times place a vote and the intent behind our vote and our experience and our beliefs, we want to need to, sometimes we need to explain. People don't necessarily understand. I think we've all been in that boat at some point in time. So thinking about that and along the lines of our founding documents. What I've noticed from when I went to school as my children went to school. As I work with kids in my community. As we see all the little snippets on the news. Maybe some people see on TikTok, I don't. Um, we have a generation. Maybe more than one that really don't have a firm grasp. On their founding documents, um, um, the role of our government and where we came from. The good, the bad, and the ugly of all of it. And so I really believe that we need to fill that piece in for our students that we need to not be afraid to have those discussions in our classrooms. Because I think we are, and I think we have been. So what this bill does is it, in our 6th our standards from 6th through 12th grade. It embeds in there that The teachers and the students will study, discuss, and learn the religious beliefs and moral values of our founding fathers and how it related to the decisions they made in forming our government. It's not targeted to one religious belief. There were different views and different perspectives just like there are in this, um, in this body right now. But all those views and perspectives need to be studied and discussed. We are doing our students a disservice. By not having those conversations. And so this bill will bring that elevate those conversations. Pieces of this are in our standards already, but we got a big hole when it comes to looking at our founding documents, our founding fathers, and what influenced the decisions and the words and the language that they use. So this would not start immediately. It would start in 2026 to 2027. There's no fiscal impact to the state. And whenever we had this in committee yesterday and um, Secretary Leber was asked about it. He said he felt confident that they could, DesE could make that work into the standards in the upcoming year and betting that in and also when it comes to the curriculum pieces for the district, there's a lot of open sources that they can use. Of course there's a lot of original sources that are just available on the Internet and you felt like Desi would be able to very easily come in and add some supplemental pieces to districts as needed. And so, um, That is the reason why I'm trying to look to see if there's anything else that I've missed in this, um, I really do believe that we need to give Some context. And Let our students have the ability to engage, give them some credit, and give our teachers some credit. That they can have these conversations. And it not be Not cross lines. And so I think it's important that we do that. That's why I brought this bill. This was, again, an idea that I had coming from just experiences I had and from feedback I got from constituents and just growing up in Arkansas. So with that, I will do my best to
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Speaker 161 1:16:41
answer. Representative MacGruder, for what purpose? Question, you're recognized for a question. Thank
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Representative Jessie McGruder Unverified 1:16:45
you, Mr. Chair. Uh, being a man of God, I, I do think religion is a Something that should be taught, uh, but my question for you is, uh, Being an educator also, how is
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Representative Hope Duke Unverified 1:17:00
this going to help with test scores. Well, I think any time that we are going to be reading documents and I would certainly hope that our teachers, one of the things that I did when I taught was I had them read cause I think that's one of our most important pieces that we have to solve an education right now is our reading scores. And so if I were a social study teachers again, I would be using these documents and some of those sources and have my students reading and memorizing and discussing. So I think every time that you are engaging and reading the classroom, you are helping your test scores, whether it's in social studies, science, that should always be reinforcing. OK, uh Follow up, Mr. Chair. You're
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Representative Jessie McGruder Unverified 1:17:37
recognized. So you're saying that we're going to have documents
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Speaker 238 1:17:42
involved in this or are you just saying just print off information online. I think that will be up to DesE for how
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Representative Hope Duke Unverified 1:17:49
they think that would be best implemented and how it can be utilized and also to the local school districts and of course some freedom to the teachers. There's so many resources out there and available. I don't think that
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 1:18:02
there'll be a shortage in finding those things. Thank you. Thank you. Representative Duke has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill. when I speak for the bill. Representative Barnett, you're recognized to speak against the bill. Thank you, Speaker.
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Representative Lincoln Barnett Unverified 1:18:32
I am opposed to this bill because if it is passed into law, the curriculum will likely be crafted in a way that is subjective rather than objective. Telling and emphasizing parts of history rather than the whole of history. Also, if it is done correctly, teachers may be penalized for violating the Arkansas Leanns Act, because objective instruction on the founding fathers' religious and moral beliefs will result in classroom discussions on how they're misguided and flawed religious beliefs and lack of morality also influenced the founding of the United States and led the way to things such as the 3/5 compromise being included in the US Constitution, which counted in enslaved people as 3/5 a person for the purposes of representation in Congress and taxation. Some might consider that teaching critical race theory, when in fact the teacher would only be teaching the facts of history. It could also spring forth discussions on the fact that the original founding documents of this nation lack provisions. And protections that recognize the full citizenship and rights of women. So on and so forth. With the current laws in place and with other laws that are soon to take effect. I doubt this bill, if passed into law, could be done so in a truthfully objective manner. Teachers would be going into their classroom with tied hands, teaching subjective curriculum that blurs the lines between separation of church and state, and does very little to improving student performance outcomes, because we are enacting laws that restrict our educators and stifle critical thinking amongst our children. This is indoctrination, and for that reason, I'll be voting no. Thank you. Rip
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Speaker 131 1:20:12
said Barnett has left the well.
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 1:20:14
Representative Barnett has spoke against the bill. Representative McKenzie, I'd like to speak for the
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Speaker 248 1:20:24
bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Um, I think part of
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Representative Brit McKenzie Unverified 1:20:28
that ethos of our founders, um, allowed for us, two people that reasonably disagree to come to this well and have deliberative debate on those topics. That's a part of our history. Um, this was mentioned in committee and I think it's important that, um, and I said it on the squeaky Catholic wheel against the oil that the understanding of the plurality of faiths, of not just what we believe when we close our eyes and think of Western Judeo thought is important to the founding of this country. Catholics weren't able to hold positions, they weren't unable to own land, they weren't able to rep represent themselves or vote. But the founding of two of our early colonies is important to our history and why the governing documents that we talk about that, whether that be the Declaration of Deependence, the Articles of Confederation, or ultimately the Constitution were formed in the way that they were, because this country represents a place that we all came to or our forefathers came to, to come away from or go away from oppression, whether that be on our religious thought, on our faith traditions, or, or on our practices. So, uh, the plurality of those of The, the traditional uh the faith traditions that our founding fathers had is important to that discussion as to why Thomas Jefferson, a known deist who denied the divinity of Christ, had 7 references to our Creator and ultimate judge, uh, in our founding document, the Declaration of Independence. Getting into the mind of those founders is important to understand why our country exists and why this form of government is the greatest experiment that we could ever have. So thank you. Representative McKenzie has spoke
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 1:21:53
for the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? anyone like speak for the bill.
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Representative Hope Duke Unverified 1:22:10
Representative Duke, you're recognized to close for the McKenzie did a really great job of summarizing that. And I would just would like to remind you guys that this is not targeted at teaching any specific beliefs. It's targeted teaching what the founders believed and looking at what they believed and making sure our parents, our children know and understand those pieces. I'm not asking to not look at warts and problems. I'm not making a claim the founding fathers were perfect any more than any one of us in this chamber is perfect. I only know one person who's perfect. I'm not saying that, and I'm not afraid of those conversations and nor should any of you. We should not be afraid to have our students learn, to have our students be challenged to have our students think and discover. That's what education is supposed to be about. And we have wandered from some of that because of fear. And we shouldn't do that. So again, I, I think this is a needed piece that, um, in our schools and I um hope for a good vote. Thank you. Representative Duke is closed
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 1:23:12
for the bill, question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1705. Prepair the machine, Madam Clerk. So everyone voted. So everyone voted. Cast up the ballot. By a vote of 76, 19 nay, and 0 present. The bill is passed. Madam Clark, please read House
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Chair Unverified 1:23:44
Bill 16979 Representative Carr to amend provisions of Title 6 and Title 19 of the Arkansas Code concerning provisional physicians in motor vehicle restrictions for state-supported institutions of higher education and to declare
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 1:23:55
an emergency. description of car, you're recognized
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Representative John P. Carr Unverified 1:24:01
to explain your bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 1697. What this does, this amends provisions for Title 6 and 19 of the Arkansas Code on those provisional positions for higher ed. It has to be done every biennium for cost adjustments and what it does, it allows for those federal funds, the grants, any of the collections that hire Ed gets, uh, to use for those provisional positions and in those positions, it's articulated when those people are hired and come on that because they are there working their salaries are grant funded, that if those grants do run out, then that position would be terminated. So that's in the understanding as they're hired, uh, the state fleets that are in this bill are regulated by the CFO of the State Department of Shared Services. So again, uh, this is, uh, required to do biennium to allow those higher ed institutions. If I'd, I'd entertain any questions. Uh, thank you. I'd appreciate a good vote. Representative Cars
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 1:25:04
explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? would like to speak for the bill. Representative car is closed for the bill. Question before the house is the passage of House Bill 1697. the machine, Madam Clerk. Remember your one vote is for the bill and the emergency clause. Everyone voted Cast up the ballot. By a vote of 96 0 nay, and 1 present. The bill is passed and the emergency clause. Madam Clerk,
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Representative Brian S. Evans Unverified 1:25:40
please read House Bill 1640. House 1640 by Representative Duke to amend the definition of
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Chair Unverified 1:25:49
administrator as it relates to the ethical guidelines and prohibition. Prohibitions and to amend the restrictions on employment specific to public school administrators. Representative Duke you to explain your
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 1:25:58
bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for a girl
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Representative Hope Duke Unverified 1:26:04
who is never down here. I'm down here a lot today, so please bear with me. Um, House Bill 1640 is, I think, a pretty simple bill. There's not a lot of changes into it, but I think it's a really good bill for transparency and for local control. The first thing it does is it amends the definition of an administrator. It includes in their principals, assistant principals, and curriculum directors. Why I think that's important that we do that is in the next little pieces of it, but I'll explain a little bit there. Those roles have kind of expanded over time. Curriculum directors weren't even a role that existed years ago. And in those roles, they do have a lot of influence in different districts depending, particularly on the size, um, on decisions that are made, um, in all kinds of realms of academics and in their buildings. So what this would do is it would say that the same thing that was standard we have for superintendents and assistant superintendents that they can't enter into a contract with a company that is also contracting with their district. It's a conflict of interest bill. It's a transparency bill on that. It does also still extend the same waiver that Available to them, that if, you know, their district would be fine with that. They do have to go to their board, their school boards or the school board's aware if there is a business that they own or that they work for, that their district is going to contract, contract with as well. So that's a new piece to it. And then they would also go on up to the commissioner for approval too. So what I particularly like about this is it makes sure the local school board is very aware if there's any type of conflict, they still have the ability to apply for that waiver, but It makes sure that they also have the ability to say no, we don't think that that is a good fit for our school district as well too. So with that, I would take any questions. Seeing none Representative Duke has
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 1:27:52
explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? For the bill? Representative Duke is closed for the bill, question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1640. Prepare the machine, madam clerk. Is everyone voted? Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot. By a vote of 94 e, zero nay, and 1 present. The bill is passed. Representative Steele, for what purpose? Motion. I'll hear your motion.
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Representative Tracy Steele Unverified 1:28:29
I move to refer HB 1709 back to the House Committee on Education. That's a proper motion. It is debatable.
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 1:28:35
Represent Steele, if you'll come to the well and explain your motive. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, uh, members just,
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Representative Tracy Steele Unverified 1:28:54
uh, for the purposes of an amendment to make it a better bill. Thank
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Representative Brian S. Evans Unverified 1:29:01
you. Appreciate a good vote. Representative Steele has explained the motion. Would anyone like to
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 1:29:08
speak against the motion? the motion Question before the house is motion to re-refer House Bill 1709. Back to committee. All those in favor say aye. Osnay. Ya's habit. Madam clerk, please send the bill back to committee.
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Chair Unverified 1:29:24
Madam Clerk, please read House Bill 1468. 1468 by Representative Cozart to amend the Arkansas law concerning claims against home improvement contractors, residential building contractors and suppliers, to
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 1:29:36
explain your bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues,
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Representative Bruce Cozart Unverified 1:29:42
this is a pretty simple bill, if you know anything about contracting. If any of you are in here are contractors, and I know we have a few. I know RJ does a little bit of that. And a few others in here. So, what this actually does, it's, uh, I'm not gonna read all of this, I'm just gonna kind of talk to you about it. If you're building a house, Or doing a remodel project. This is only residential that we're talking about. There's up to a 2 plex or a 4-plex, you know, when you get through or you're in the middle, something's going wrong and somebody brings that problem to you. You would, uh, you would want to fix that, right? So if you're in the middle of that project, you pretty can, can well fix that. But once you've finished that project, you pretty well have to stand behind that for about a year. uh, here. So if you have something that's falling apart, something comes loose, and the customer Says, Hey, I need this fixed. Well, then you go over and you would, this would give you 28 days to do that. You would have to respond within 14 days to go and meet with the people, figure out what you're gonna do, and you have the option to fix it. To negotiate a price of letting them have someone else to fix it, or just say, no, I'm not going to fix it. And then they could sue you at that point if they want to. But within that 28 day cure period, you can negotiate with them to fix this. Now, if they don't like what you do, when you're done with that, they could still sue you. This doesn't give you any way completely out. But this just gives a time frame for a contractor, and, and that That's what I do, and I think most of y'all know that. So, have I ever been sued? Not by anything of my own fault. No, I mean, I did, I did get sued over a job because of somebody else did something wrong, and he went bankrupt. I was next in line. So I, I did get sued. It was nothing major. So, but that's a long time ago. That doesn't matter. But I always try to cure mine before I get to that point. And I'll say I'm lucky. I really do not have very many callbacks on my job. So, uh, the good Lord, I thank him for that. But this is just a good way out. That's just kind of a, instead of reading all this to you, that's just kind of the way this works, and I'll be glad to take any questions.
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:32:01
Seeing none I wish, yeah, I won't goresentative Perrier, for what
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Speaker 261 1:32:06
purpose? You're recognized there is no current timeline now, is that correct? There's what now? There's no current timeline for this
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Representative Bruce Cozart Unverified 1:32:11
now. There is no right now you, you have to guarantee those things for a year pretty well by contract. But right now, there's no 28, 28 day cure, this would put a 28 day cure in there, uh, and the reason we came up with that, we've, we've worked on this bill for a long time, and the trial lawyers, that was the number they came up with, and then they were happy. I have no opposition. out actually the homebuilders are totally on board with the HomeBuer Association, even the commercial homebuilder's room, a commercial contractors on board with it, but it doesn't affect them. So,
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 1:32:44
thank you. Appreciate it good. Representative Cozart has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? For the bill Representative Cozart is closed for the bill. Question before the house is the passage of House Bill 1468. Prepare the machine, madam clerk. So everyone voted. So everyone voted, casts up the ballot. By a vote of 96 0 nay, and 1 present. Bill is passed. Request of Representative Jeffrey Wardlaw will pass over House Bill 1784 today. Madam Clerk, please read
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Chair Unverified 1:33:27
House Bill 161919presentative Graham like to said administration fees under the Arkansas Medicaid program for immunizations and monoclonal antibodies for
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 1:33:36
respiratory syncensual virus disease and to provide civil immunity.
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Speaker 266 1:33:41
Representative Grahamlick, you're recognized to explain your bill. Uh, I think you very, thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Uh,
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Speaker 267 1:33:46
1619 is a little bit of a passion project for me. I was having a really difficult time getting my daughter this goal is to provide passive immunity for infants under the age of one as they go into their first RSV season. I think she's still up there. That one right there. Um, it, it took weeks for me to finally get, get the shot. And a lot of it was because people said they just didn't make money off of it. They couldn't, it was not worth it to, um, to hold it and administer it, they would lose money. So what the goal of this was is to increase the administrative costs by $6.40. Arkansas's share of that is only $2. The shot is 90% effective in reducing hospitalization of um, of infants, which many of us in this room have either known a child with RSD or have seen a child in the hospital with RSV or maybe even unfortunately, no a child who has passed away from RSV. So this is, this is a really good thing that could save some lives, and save some money. Um. In fact, if a very conservative estimate of $50,000 per hospitalization would have a 610% return on investment. So I asked today that you, uh, vote to save some lives and. Representative Gramlich has explained the
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 1:35:01
bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill. For the bill Representative Gramlich is closed for the bill. Question before the house is the passage of House Bill 1619. Prepare the machine, madam clerk. Everyone voted So
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Speaker 131 1:35:23
everyone voted. Cast up the ballot. By
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 1:35:29
a vote of 91 ya, 2 nay, and 3 present. The bill is passed. Madam Clark, please read House
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Chair Unverified 1:35:41
Bill 175858 by Representative Gramley to amend the law concerning hearing instrument dispensers and to amend the definition of practice of dispensing hearing instruments. Representative Gramlick, you're recognized to explain the bill. Thank
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Speaker 267 1:35:54
you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 1758 seeks to make technical changes to clarify that hearing aid dispensers have an authority to order the use of prescription hearing aids for patients consistent with federal regulatory changes in 2022. This change does not expand the scope of practice for hearing aid dispensers and is consistent with the long-standing practices of this profession. And with that, I appreciate a good vote.
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 1:36:19
Representative Gramlich has explained the bill would anyone like to speak against the bill? For the bill Representative Gramlich is closed for the bill, question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1758. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. So everyone voted. Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot. By a vote of 98 y, 0 nay, and 0 present. The bill is passed. Members, before we go to Senate bills, like to
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Representative Brian S. Evans Unverified 1:36:55
recognize up in the East Gallery, the family of Representative Justin Gonzalez. We have his wife Cassie, daughter, Gabby, and niece, Eva,
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Speaker 11 1:37:04
if y'all were staying, be recognized. Also, I believe, sister-in-law Clara.
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Speaker 109 1:37:17
Madam Clerk, please read Senate Bill 223223 by Representative Brown to create the religious rights
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Speaker 27 1:37:27
at Public Schools Act of 2025. Representative
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Speaker 274 1:37:32
Brown, you're recognized to explain your bill.
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Speaker 275 1:37:34
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, I'm honored to present aB 223 the religious rights at Public Schools Act of 2025. This is a bill designed to clarify and affirm the religious freedoms that students and educators already have under the First Amendment. We affirm that religious freedom doesn't end at the schoolhouse gate. It's a God-given right that follows every Arkansan. wherever they go. But unfortunately, confusion often surrounds what students and teachers can and cannot do when it comes to expressing their faith. Too often individuals are left feeling uncertain or worst, silenced because they don't know their rights. I've personally received questions from students and teachers in my districts of varying faiths, asking me as a student, can I do this, or teachers asking me actually while we are running this bill, they had some questions of am I allowed to let students do this certain situation or not. So our goal with this bill is simple. It's to provide clarity about existing rights for students, teachers, and parents. These freedoms are already protected by Arkansas law, federal law, court decisions, and the First Amendment. This bill does not create new rights and it does not limit rights to these just listed. This bill requires that every public school in Arkansas educates students and staff about the freedoms they already possess at the beginning of the school year. On the Senate side, we added an amendment that really improved the bill and it gave flexibility to the school district on how they get this information out so they can put it in their handbook, they can put it in a policy manual, or they can put it on. online, it's up to them. It's not burdensome to the schools and the education department has no problems with it. Again, just want to clarify that by passing this bill today, we are not introducing new liberties, but we are ensuring that Arkansas students and educators are informed of their current rights. And with that, I'll take a few questions. Representative
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Representative Jim Wooten Unverified 1:39:52
Wootten, for what purpose? I, I noticed that you, um, More concerned about the public schools and the private schools. Uh, I understand the faith-based schools. I don't worry about them, but I worry about those private schools that are none. faith-based. And so it's not important for those students to know about Jesus Christ or the rights that they have to express themselves. Thank you for the question, Representative Wooten. If I
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Speaker 275 1:40:25
understood correctly, um, your question was if private schools have these type of rights or we're enforcing them on them. Let me just, let me actually just answer with this. This is for public schools they get public funding here in the state of Arkansas, and these are rights they already have, and most of our private schools, the reason why parents choose them
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Speaker 280 1:40:43
is because they know that those rights are protected in those schools. Well, we have a follow-up question you're recognized.
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Representative Jim Wooten Unverified 1:40:58
Why are we distinguishing a difference between a public school student and a private school student. Who ought to have access to the same thing. Why don't we make it
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Speaker 276 1:41:10
public and private. This is a bill just
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Representative Jim Wooten Unverified 1:41:13
for our public schools and I'll leave it at that. Do the You're, you've got one more more important? For the public schools are neglecting to do this or private schools neglecting to do this. It's, why would you make it only on public schools. I
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Speaker 275 1:41:35
would absolutely support a bill. If you ran it, ensuring that private school students, their religious rights are also protected because under the First Amendment, those rights are protected,
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Representative Matt Brown Unverified 1:41:44
but this bill is for public schools. And with that blinded
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Representative Jim Wooten Unverified 1:41:48
in this body. With that, I would appreciate a good vote.
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 1:42:00
Representative Brown has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Representative Richardson, you're recognized to speak against
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Representative R. Scott Richardson Unverified 1:42:15
the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm not really speaking against the bill. I just wanted to ask a question. With the was now adding that to schools. Is there a cost that these schools are going to incur, adding that to their current curriculum or their books or whatever else they're having to
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 1:42:30
add. If you can just answer that in the close. Representative Richardson has spoke against the bill. Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Against the bill? Representative Brown, you're recognized
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Representative Matt Brown Unverified 1:42:41
to close for your bill. Thank you. We actually explored, um, that with the Department of Ed, and they said
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Speaker 275 1:42:46
there should be no cost to this. Again, we left it up to the schools how they decide to inform their students if they wanna put it online if they want to do
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Speaker 274 1:42:54
it in their handbook, they can, but should be no cost. And so again, ask for a good vote.
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 1:43:01
Representative Brown is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of Senate
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Speaker 131 1:43:16
Bill 223. Prepare the machine, madam clerk. So
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 1:43:23
everyone voted, has everyone voted. Cast up the ballot. By a vote of 79, 17A, 0 present. The bill is passed. Madam Clark, please read Senate
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Chair Unverified 1:43:34
Bill 417. Representative Maddox to in various laws related to higher education. Representative Maddox, you're
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 1:43:39
recognized to explain your bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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Representative John Maddox Unverified 1:43:45
Colleagues, this truly is just a technical correction bill. I presented it in the education committee and there were no questions. Um, but I'd be glad to take any if there are. OK. Saying none. I appreciate a good vote. Representative Maddox has explained the bill.
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 1:44:05
I would like to speak against the bill? the bill Representative Maddox is closed for the bill. Question before the house is the passage of Senate Bill 417. Prepare the machine, madam clerk. Everyone voted. Has everyone voted. Cast up the ballot. By a vote of 82, yeah, 11 nay, and 1 present. The bill is passed.
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Representative Brian S. Evans Unverified 1:44:35
Madam Clerk, please read Senate Bill 13535 by
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Chair Unverified 1:44:38
Representative Graham to amend election requirements in the case of an unchanged rate of an annual advalorum property tax levied by a public school district board of directors. Representative Gramlink, you are
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 1:44:48
recognized to explain your bill. Thank you, Mr.
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Speaker 267 1:44:51
Speaker. SB 135 sets up a process in odd number of years. The school district can request to have their unchanged military election conducted by one designated qualified elector of the school district casting about for the the village. The school board has to request it by resolution, and this is nearly identical to the processes already used for unopposed school board candidates. This means they're, there would not have to be polling places open or early voting conducted when the unchanged mill was the only thing that would be on the ballot, saving schools money and county time and resource. Unchanged village will still be on the ballot if it's held with a primary and general election. And with that, I'd appreciate a good vote. Representative Gramlich has
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 1:45:30
explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? For the bill? Representative Gramlich is closed for the bill, question before the House is the passage of Senate Bill 135, repair the machine, Madam Clerk.
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Speaker 131 1:45:52
Everyone voted So everyone voted. Cast up
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 1:45:57
the ballot. By a vote of 81 ya, 5 nay, and 10 present. The bill is passed. Madam Clerk, please read Senate
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Speaker 18 1:46:08
Bill 4131 by Representative Hawk to amend the law concerning a school district board of directors and to amend the law concerning the certification of
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 1:46:15
an oath for a school board director. Representative Hack, you're
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Representative RJ Hawk Unverified 1:46:19
recognized to explain your bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, as uh, Representative Maddox did. I didn't get any questions in committee, so I appreciate a good vote. Now, uh, seriously, this one, this one doesn't do very much. All it does is it, it amends the current laws to say that the county clerk is not responsible for hunting down the oath of office for a school board member. Uh, right now, we're gonna say that it's gonna be their responsibility, um, our county clerks right now are understaffed to go and, and track this down. So when the oath of office is given, uh, for those school board members appointed school board members. They have to submit that to the county clerk, and that's all this bill does. Any questions? Thing done. I appreciate a good vote. Representative
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Representative Brian S. Evans Unverified 1:46:56
Hawk has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Anyone likes to speak
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 1:47:02
for the bill? Representative Hawk is closed for the bill. Question before the house is the passage of Senate Bill 413, repair the machine, Madam Clerk. So everyone voted Everyone voted Cast up the ballot. By a vote of 97, 0, nay, 0 present. The bill is passed. Madam Clark, please read Senate Bill 27979 by Representative
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Speaker 292 1:47:33
Wooldridge to assist the division of labor with enforcing the fair and prompt payment of wages to Arkansas citizens
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Chair Unverified 1:47:38
and to and to clarify the manner in which wage and our complaints are investigated. Representative Waters, you are recognized to explain your bill.
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Representative Jeremy Wooldridge Unverified 1:47:47
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, colleagues. Uh, Senate Bill 279 is brought to us by the Department of Labor and Licensing. It's supported by the governor and basically what Senate Bill 279 does is it brings needed clarity concerning the applicability of the statute of limitations solely to investigations and actions conducted by, by the division of licensing and labor, uh, to a standard two-year assessment period tolling the existing two-year statute of limitations for private action under the Arkansas Minimum Wage Act. This is just clar f ies that language, it allows them to look into that process, conduct an investigation and, um, help those folks who need those wages to make a living. And with that, I'll answer any questions. See you then, I'd appreciate a good vote.
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Representative Brian S. Evans Unverified 1:48:32
Representative Wooldridge has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? For the bill Representative Wooldridge
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 1:48:39
is closed for the bill. Question before the house is the passage of Senate Bill 279, prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Everyone voted Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot. By a vote of 97, 0 nay, 0 present.
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Speaker 295 1:49:16
Bill is passed. Represented Meeks, for what purpose? Motion please, hear your
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Representative Stephen Meeks Unverified 1:49:19
motion. Uh, colleagues, we got a slight change on the time tomorrow. So, uh, pursuant to House Rule 33M, I move that we adjourn until
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 1:49:31
1 o'clock tomorrow afternoon. That's proper motion, it's non-debatable. All those in favor say aye. nay, I have it. Have any announcements from committees? Representative Jean, for what purpose? Announcement recognized. Our
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Representative Lane Jean Unverified 1:49:46
members joint budget will meet tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. Also, when we come back from spring break, and it can happen tomorrow. If you have hos on any budget bills, you need to start releasing them because we've got 2.5, 3 weeks left. Uh, we've had ample time to work through it. If the departments have not contacted you, we will help you, but we got to get these hos off so we can get, uh, our bills through to finish up the business before we, uh, leave here. Representative Underwood, for what purpose?
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Chair Unverified 1:50:18
Announcement. Judiciary will meet tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. in room 149.
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 1:50:25
Representative Kavanaugh, for what purpose? You're recognized Reverendel
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Representative Frances Cavenaugh Unverified 1:50:28
at 10 a.m. tomorrow morning, room 151. Representative, for what
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 1:50:33
purpose? Announcement you're recognized agencies will meet 15 minutes upon adjournment. Representative
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Speaker 193 1:50:38
Wooldridge, for what purpose? Announcement you're recognized public health will meet tomorrow morning 10 a.m., room 1:30. Representative Holcomb,
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:50:45
for what purpose? Announcement, you're recognized. Public transportation,
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Speaker 304 1:50:49
we'll meet in the morning at 10 o'clock, MacB, Representative Pierce, for what
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Speaker 305 1:50:55
purpose? Announcement, you're recognized rules tomorrow 12 noon and MacB. Representative Brooks,
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Chair Unverified 1:51:01
for what purpose? You're recognized education we'll meet tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. in room 138.
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Representative Keith Brooks Unverified 1:51:06
Representative Maddox, for what purpose? Announcement, you're recognized. Insurance and commerce, we'll meet in 15 minutes. Representative Johnson, for what purpose? Announcement you're recognized. Special language meet tomorrow at 8 a.m. at Big Mac. Any
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Representative Lee Johnson Unverified 1:51:16
other committee announcements? The other committee announcements.
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Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified 1:51:26
Seeing none, the desk will remain open as needed for
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Representative Brian S. Evans Unverified 1:51:28
the reading of the bills and upon completion of the items named in the adjourned resolution. House will be adjourned until 1 p.m. tomorrow.
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Agenda

Call to Order

3:48

Prayer

4:02

Pledge

5:13

Roll Call

5:41

RESOLUTIONS

Number Sponsor Subtitle

HR1081 McCullough TO HONOR SCULPTOR KEVIN KRESSE FOR CREATING THE SCULPTURE OF ARKANSAS MUSIC ICON JOHNNY CASH NOW ON DISPLAY IN THE NATIONAL STATUARY HALL COLLECTION IN THE UNITED STATES CAPITOL.

12:40

Point of person privilege

16:48

Point of person Privilege

18:08

HR1076 K. Moore TO RECOGNIZE THE HONORABLE STACEY ZIMMERMAN UPON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT FOR HER SERVICE TO THE STATE OF ARKANSAS.

19:26

Recess

22:39

HR1078 J. Richardson TO COMMEND ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC., FOR ONE HUNDRED EIGHTEEN (118) YEARS OF OUTSTANDING SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP IN ITS COMMUNITIES.

30:54

Point of person privilege

33:50

Motion to reconsider emergency clause HB1713

36:39

Motion to expunge 1365

39:30

End of Morning Hour

34:58

CONCUR IN SENATE AMENDMENT

HB1552 #1 Gazaway TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING CERTAIN INCHOATE OFFENSES RELATED TO FENTANYL; AND TO ESTABLISH THE CLASSIFICATION FOR A CRIMINAL ATTEMPT, SOLICITATION, OR CONSPIRACY FOR CERTAIN FENTANYL RELATED OFFENSES.

42:27

HB1479 #1 and 2 Warren TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING SCRIVENER'S AFFIDAVITS; AND TO ALLOW A LICENSED ENGINEER, SURVEYOR, OR NOTARY PUBLIC TO EXECUTE AND RECORD A SCRIVENER'S AFFIDAVIT IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.

43:39

HB1508 #1 M. Shepherd TO RECODIFY TITLE 19 OF THE ARKANSAS CODE CONCERNING PUBLIC FINANCE; AND TO AMEND LAWS RESULTING FROM INITIATED ACTS 2000, NO. 1; AND TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES TO THE ARKANSAS CODE.

46:03

HB1488 #1 Wardlaw TO AMEND THE STANDARD NONFORFEITURE LAW FOR LIFE INSURANCE; AND TO REQUIRE AN INSURER TO PAY INTEREST ON DEFERRED PAYMENT OF ANY CASH SURRENDER VALUE UNDER CERTAIN POLICIES.

47:11

REGULAR BILLS

Number Sponsor Subtitle

HB1734 Childress TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING DEATH CERTIFICATES; AND TO CLARIFY THE MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS WHO MAY SIGN A MEDICAL CERTIFICATE OF DEATH AND PRONOUNCE DEATH OF A PATIENT.

49:48

HB1293 Andrews TO INCREASE THE PAYMENT OF A CLAIM TO DESIGNATED BENEFICIARIES OR SURVIVORS OF CERTAIN PUBLIC EMPLOYEES KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY.

52:03

HB1322 Clowney TO AMEND THE LAWS UNDER THE ARKANSAS LOCAL POLICE AND FIRE RETIREMENT SYSTEM CONCERNING LINE-OF-DUTY DEATH FROM OCCUPATIONAL CANCER; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

53:47

HB1327 Warren TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE ELIGIBILITY OF CERTAIN RETIRED EMPLOYEES UNDER THE STATE AND PUBLIC SCHOOL LIFE AND HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM.

56:00

HB1313 C. Cooper TO EXPAND HEALTH BENEFIT COVERAGE FOR CERTAIN FIREFIGHTER RETIREES OF MUNICIPALITIES AND COUNTIES.

58:13

HB1688 Cavenaugh TO AMEND ARKANSAS LAW CONCERNING THE USE OF A DEALER'S EXTRA LICENSE PLATE.

1:00:48

HB1770 Pilkington TO ESTABLISH THE PREGNANCY PARKING ACT; TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PARKING FOR A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY; AND TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF A TEMPORARY SPECIAL CERTIFICATE TO PREGNANT WOMEN.

1:03:18

HB1705 Duke TO REQUIRE INFORMATION CONCERNING HOW THE RELIGIOUS AND MORAL BELIEFS OF THE FOUNDING FATHERS INFLUENCED THE FOUNDING OF THE UNITED STATES TO BE EMBEDDED INTO EXISTING SOCIAL STUDIES STANDARDS.

1:11:50

HB1697 Joey Carr TO AMEND PROVISIONS OF TITLE 6 AND TITLE 19 OF THE ARKANSAS CODE CONCERNING PROVISIONAL POSITIONS AND MOTOR VEHICLE RESTRICTIONS FOR STATE-SUPPORTED INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

1:23:43

HB1640 Duke TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "ADMINISTRATOR" AS IT RELATES TO ETHICAL GUIDELINES AND PROHIBITIONS; AND TO AMEND THE RESTRICTIONS ON EMPLOYMENT SPECIFIC TO PUBLIC SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS.

1:25:49

HB1709 Steele TO AMEND THE HUMAN SERVICES WORKERS IN THE SCHOOLS PROGRAM; AND TO INCLUDE MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS IN THE HUMAN SERVICES WORKERS IN THE SCHOOLS PROGRAM.

1:28:58

HB1468 Cozart TO AMEND ARKANSAS LAW CONCERNING CLAIMS AGAINST HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTORS, RESIDENTIAL BUILDING CONTRACTORS, AND SUPPLIERS.

1:29:34

HB1784 Wardlaw TO MODIFY THE INFORMAL DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCESS FOR LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES.

HB1619 Gramlich TO SET ADMINISTRATION FEES UNDER THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM FOR IMMUNIZATIONS AND MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES FOR RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS DISEASE; AND TO PROVIDE CIVIL IMMUNITY.

1:33:29

HB1758 Gramlich TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING HEARING INSTRUMENT DISPENSERS; AND TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "PRACTICE OF DISPENSING HEARING INSTRUMENTS".

1:35:41

REGULAR SENATE BILLS

Number Sponsor Subtitle

SB223 M. Johnson A. Brown TO CREATE THE RELIGIOUS RIGHTS AT PUBLIC SCHOOLS ACT OF 2025.

1:37:29

SB417 J. Dotson Maddox TO AMEND VARIOUS LAWS RELATED TO HIGHER EDUCATION.

1:43:35

SB135 J. Boyd Gramlich TO AMEND ELECTION REQUIREMENTS IN THE CASE OF AN UNCHANGED RATE OF AN ANNUAL AD VALOREM PROPERTY TAX LEVIED BY A PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

1:44:38

SB413 K. Hammer Hawk TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING A SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS; AND TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE CERTIFICATION OF AN OATH FOR A SCHOOL BOARD DIRECTOR.

1:46:09

SB279 Irvin Wooldridge TO ASSIST THE DIVISION OF LABOR WITH ENFORCING THE FAIR AND PROMPT PAYMENT OF WAGES TO ARKANSAS CITIZENS; AND TO CLARIFY THE MANNER IN WHICH WAGE AND HOUR COMPLAINTS ARE INVESTIGATED.

1:47:40

Motion to Adjourn

1:49:27

Announcements

1:49:40

Adjourn

1:51:33

Documents

No documents posted.

Speakers

Representative Paul Childress Chair Unverified
147 segments
Speaker 4
3 segments
Representative Brian S. Evans Unverified
26 segments
Chair Unverified
37 segments
Speaker 27
5 segments
Speaker 28
1 segment
Speaker 38
1 segment
Representative Tippi McCullough Unverified
7 segments
Representative Lee Johnson Unverified
4 segments
Representative Denise Garner Unverified
3 segments
Speaker 79
6 segments
Representative R. Scott Richardson Unverified
9 segments
Representative Tracy Steele Unverified
12 segments
Speaker 110
1 segment
Representative Lane Jean Unverified
4 segments
Speaker 118
1 segment
Speaker 121
2 segments
Representative Steve Unger Unverified
4 segments
Representative Matt Brown Unverified
6 segments
Speaker 136
1 segment
Representative Rebecca Burkes Unverified
2 segments
Representative Jimmy Gazaway Unverified
1 segment
Speaker 148
1 segment
Representative Les Warren Unverified
5 segments
Speaker 152
2 segments
Representative Matthew J. Shepherd Unverified
2 segments
Representative Howard M. Beaty, Jr. Unverified
3 segments
Speaker 53
1 segment
Representative Wade Andrews Unverified
3 segments
Representative Nicole Clowney Unverified
3 segments
Representative Cameron Cooper Unverified
4 segments
Representative Frances Cavenaugh Unverified
5 segments
Representative Aaron Pilkington Unverified
18 segments
Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified
4 segments
Representative Trey Steimel Unverified
2 segments
Speaker 201
1 segment
Speaker 63
1 segment
Representative Jim Wooten Unverified
7 segments
Representative Rick McClure Unverified
3 segments
Speaker 24
1 segment
Representative Randy Torres Unverified
1 segment
Representative Wayne Long Unverified
1 segment
Representative Dolly Henley Unverified
1 segment
Representative Hope Duke Unverified
22 segments
Speaker 161
1 segment
Representative Jessie McGruder Unverified
2 segments
Speaker 238
1 segment
Representative Lincoln Barnett Unverified
4 segments
Speaker 131
4 segments
Speaker 248
1 segment
Representative Brit McKenzie Unverified
4 segments
Representative John P. Carr Unverified
3 segments
Representative Bruce Cozart Unverified
7 segments
Speaker 261
1 segment
Speaker 266
1 segment
Speaker 267
9 segments
Speaker 11
1 segment
Speaker 109
1 segment
Speaker 274
2 segments
Speaker 275
8 segments
Speaker 280
1 segment
Speaker 276
1 segment
Representative John Maddox Unverified
1 segment
Speaker 18
1 segment
Representative RJ Hawk Unverified
2 segments
Speaker 292
1 segment
Representative Jeremy Wooldridge Unverified
2 segments
Speaker 295
1 segment
Representative Stephen Meeks Unverified
2 segments
Speaker 193
1 segment
Speaker 304
1 segment
Speaker 305
1 segment
Representative Keith Brooks Unverified
1 segment