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House Convenes

March 13, 2025 ·1:30 PM ·House Chamber ·2:12:23
Video Transcript

Bills discussed (64)
Bill Title Sponsor Status
HB1365 Act 938 · 6 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “Motion to recall-HB1365 from the Senate”
 TO REMOVE RACIAL AND GENDER QUOTAS AND QUALIFICATIONS OF MEMBERSHIP FOR CERTAIN BOARDS, COMMITTEES, COUNCILS, … K. Brown Notification that HB1365 is now Act 938
HB1238 Act 306 · 4 mentions in transcript, chapter
Matched: “…h recommends that we concur in Senate amendment number 1 to House Bill 1238. Madam Clerk, please read Senate Amendment”
 TO AUTHORIZE A MORTGAGOR TO RECOVER FEES IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER THE STATUTORY FORECLOSURE LAW. Cavenaugh Notification that HB1238 is now Act 306
HB1307 Act 308 · 4 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “HB1307 #1 McAlindon TO ENSURE RESPONSIBLE FUND MANAGEMENT; AND TO…”
 TO ENSURE RESPONSIBLE FUND MANAGEMENT; AND TO AMEND THE UNIFORM PRUDENT MANAGEMENT OF INSTITUTIONAL FUNDS … McAlindon Notification that HB1307 is now Act 308
HB1512 Act 341 · 3 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “HB1512 M. Shepherd TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS ACCESS ACT; AND TO AMEND…”
 TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS ACCESS ACT; AND TO AMEND VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF THE ARKANSAS CODE … M. Shepherd Notification that HB1512 is now Act 341
HR1040 · 2 mentions in transcript, chapter
Matched: “…resolution. The question before the House is the passage of House resolution 1040. All those in favor say aye. Honey, I have it.”
 TO RECOGNIZE THE SMACKOVER HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY CHEERLEADING TEAM AS THE 2024 CLASS 3A STATE … Barker READ AND ADOPTED.
HR1066 · 2 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “HR1066 Ennett TO RECOGNIZE MARCH 9-15, 2025, AS AMERICORPS WEEK.”
 TO RECOGNIZE MARCH 9-15, 2025, AS AMERICORPS WEEK. Ennett READ AND ADOPTED.
SB293 Act 487 · 2 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “Motion to re-refer SB293-Brown back to committee”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE REQUIRED POSTINGS AT A POLLING SITE; AND TO AMEND … K. Hammer Notification that SB293 is now Act 487
HB1070 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1070 John Carr TO CREATE THE BALLOT DRAW STANDARDIZATION ACT OF…”
 TO CREATE THE BALLOT DRAW STANDARDIZATION ACT OF 2025. John Carr Died on House Calendar at Sine Die adjournment.
HB1079 Act 860 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…on Public Health and Welfare, Beckley. To whom was referred House Bill 1079, House Bill 1582, Magly reporting the same consideration he…”
 TO MANDATE COVERAGE FOR GENETIC TESTING FOR AN INHERITED GENE MUTATION FOR CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS; AND … F. Allen Notification that HB1079 is now Act 860
HB1125 Act 495 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “committee on joint budgets to whompired House Bill 1125, House Bill 1232, vaguely reporting to the same considerati…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION - REGULATORY DIVISION APPROPRIATION FOR THE … Joint Budget Committee Notification that HB1125 is now Act 495
HB1232 Act 496 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “committee on joint budgets to whompired House Bill 1125, House Bill 1232, vaguely reporting to the same consideration here for the t…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF THE MILITARY APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR. Joint Budget Committee Notification that HB1232 is now Act 496
HB1246 Act 409 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…eaker, your committee on Joint budgets to whom was referred House Bill 1246, beg leave report the same consideration here for returned…”
 AN ACT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE AT RICH MOUNTAIN APPROPRIATION FOR THE … Joint Budget Committee Notification that HB1246 is now Act 409
HB1272 Act 520 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1272 Warren TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PROPERTY VACATED BY A MU…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PROPERTY VACATED BY A MUNICIPALITY; AND TO REQUIRE VESTED ABANDONED … Warren Notification that HB1272 is now Act 520
HB1274 Act 521 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1274 Warren TO ALLOW A TITLE INSURANCE AGENT, TITLE INSURER, OR…”
 TO ALLOW A TITLE INSURANCE AGENT, TITLE INSURER, OR TITLE COMPANY TO PAY REAL PROPERTY … Warren Notification that HB1274 is now Act 521
HB1288 Act 423 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1288 L. Johnson TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS HEALTH CARE CONSUMER ACT;…”
 TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS HEALTH CARE CONSUMER ACT; AND TO REQUIRE A HEALTHCARE INSURER TO … L. Johnson Notification that HB1288 is now Act 423
HB1303 Act 546 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…our committee on revenue and taxation, to whom was referred House Bill 1303 vaguely reporting the same consideration here with the same…”
 TO CREATE THE SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL INCENTIVE ACT; AND TO CREATE AN INCOME TAX CREDIT … Jean Notification that HB1303 is now Act 546
HB1316 Act 390 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1316 F. Allen TO MANDATE COVERAGE FOR LUNG CANCER SCREENINGS.”
 TO MANDATE COVERAGE FOR LUNG CANCER SCREENINGS. F. Allen Notification that HB1316 is now Act 390
HB1352 Act 937 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ate agencies and Governmental Affairs to whom was referred. House Bill 1352, House Bill 1574, House Bill 1690. House Bill 1693. House B…”
 TO AMEND VARIOUS LAWS CONCERNING ACTIONS RELATED TO CERTAIN FOREIGN ENTITIES. Beaty Jr. Notification that HB1352 is now Act 937
HB1400 Act 259 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…from regular session of the ninety-fifth General Assembly, House Bill 1400 Act 259, House Bill 1556, Act 260, House Bill 1466 Act 262.…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE REDEMPTION OF A TAX-DELINQUENT PARCEL; AND TO EXEMPT DISABLED … Richmond Notification that HB1400 is now Act 259
HB1424 Act 628 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1424 L. Johnson TO MANDATE COVERAGE FOR SEVERE OBESITY TREATMENT…”
 TO MANDATE COVERAGE FOR SEVERE OBESITY TREATMENTS. L. Johnson Notification that HB1424 is now Act 628
HB1434 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…r, Mr. Speaker, we your committee on judiciary and homes of House Bill 1434 vaguely important the same consideration here for terms the…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW REGARDING THE PRESUMPTION THAT AN AWARD OF JOINT CUSTODY BETWEEN PARENTS … Hudson Died in House at Sine Die adjournment.
HB1505 Act 398 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1505 Wing TO REQUIRE A PUBLIC EMPLOYER TO OFFER AND PROVIDE COVE…”
 TO REQUIRE A PUBLIC EMPLOYER TO OFFER AND PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR LICENSED COUNSELING FOR A … Wing Notification that HB1505 is now Act 398
HB1509 Act 452 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1509 Beaty Jr. TO CREATE THE SECOND AMENDMENT FINANCIAL PRIVACY…”
 TO CREATE THE SECOND AMENDMENT FINANCIAL PRIVACY ACT; AND TO PROHIBIT FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FROM USING … Beaty Jr. Notification that HB1509 is now Act 452
HB1551 Act 485 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1551 Gazaway TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING CRIMINAL ABORTION; AND…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING CRIMINAL ABORTION; AND TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF COERCED CRIMINAL … Gazaway Notification that HB1551 is now Act 485
HB1560 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1560 McGrew TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACTS;…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACTS; AND TO REQUIRE PRICING INFORMATION FOR LIGHTING … McGrew Died on House Calendar at Sine Die adjournment.
HB1568 Act 289 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “288, House Bill 1568 Act 289. House for 1146 Act 296, House Bill 1175 Act 297. H…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING EXAMINATIONS, INVESTIGATIONS, AND POSTMORTEM EXAMINATIONS; AND TO AMEND THE LAW … Childress Notification that HB1568 is now Act 289
HB1574 Act 453 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…Governmental Affairs to whom was referred. House Bill 1352, House Bill 1574, House Bill 1690. House Bill 1693. House Bill 1694, House B…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PAID CANVASSERS; AND TO REQUIRE DOMICILE IN ARKANSAS. Vaught Notification that HB1574 is now Act 453
HB1582 Act 708 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…and Welfare, Beckley. To whom was referred House Bill 1079, House Bill 1582, Magly reporting the same consideration here concern the sa…”
 TO REQUIRE CERTAIN ACTIONS AND ENCOURAGE CERTAIN ACTIONS FOR AN INDIVIDUAL TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR … McAlindon Notification that HB1582 is now Act 708
HB1585 Act 849 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…and Welfare. And labor to who was referred house for 1252, House Bill 1585, House Bill 1712, vaguely reporting the same consideration…”
 TO PROVIDE AN EXCEPTION FROM LICENSURE AS A HOME HEALTHCARE SERVICE TO AN ENTITY THAT … L. Johnson Notification that HB1585 is now Act 849
HB1606 Act 922 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1606 Steimel TO ALLOW A LOCAL GOVERNMENT TO AUTHORIZE THE OPERAT…”
 TO ALLOW A LOCAL GOVERNMENT TO AUTHORIZE THE OPERATION OF A UTILITY TASK VEHICLE ON … Steimel Notification that HB1606 is now Act 922
HB1618 Act 523 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1618 Hawk TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE ELECTION, APPOINTMENT,…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE ELECTION, APPOINTMENT, AND CONTRACTING OF A MUNICIPAL ATTORNEY. Hawk Notification that HB1618 is now Act 523
HB1622 Act 635 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ittee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor who was referred House Bill 1622. House Bill 1734, Senate Bill 118, Senate Bill 189. Vaguely…”
 TO AMEND THE MEDICAID FAIRNESS ACT; TO MODIFY THE DEFINITION OF "ADVERSE DECISION" UNDER THE … Gramlich Notification that HB1622 is now Act 635
HB1637 Act 457 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “Governmental affairs and House Bill 1637 vaguely reporting the same consideration here the terms, th…”
 CONCERNING THE DEVELOPMENT AND PRESENTATION OF FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENTS CONCERNING THE FISCAL IMPACT OF STATEWIDE … Ray Notification that HB1637 is now Act 457
HB1652 Act 393 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1652 Tosh T0 AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING SELF-SERVICE STORAGE FACIL…”
 T0 AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING SELF-SERVICE STORAGE FACILITIES; TO ENFORCE AN UNSIGNED SELF-SERVICE FACILITY STORAGE … Tosh Notification that HB1652 is now Act 393
HB1656 Act 1024 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1656 Beck TO AMEND THE LAW REGARDING OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION AND…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW REGARDING OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION AND CONSERVATION. Beck Notification that HB1656 is now Act 1024
HB1669 Act 509 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1669 Bentley TO CREATE THE KEEP KIDS FIRST ACT; AND TO PROVIDE F…”
 TO CREATE THE KEEP KIDS FIRST ACT; AND TO PROVIDE FOR PROTECTIONS FROM DISCRIMINATION FOR … Bentley Notification that HB1669 is now Act 509
HB1690 Act 583 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…irs to whom was referred. House Bill 1352, House Bill 1574, House Bill 1690. House Bill 1693. House Bill 1694, House Bill 1714 Senate B…”
 TO TRANSFER THE NUCLEAR PLANNING AND RESPONSE PROGRAM FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO THE … Pilkington Notification that HB1690 is now Act 583
HB1692 Act 678 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…mmittee on the Judiciary who was referred to hospital 1686. House Bill 1692, Senate Bill 328, Senate Bill 393. Vaguely reported the sam…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING POLYGRAPH EXAMINERS AND VOICE STRESS ANALYSIS EXAMINERS; AND TO AMEND … M. Brown Notification that HB1692 is now Act 678
HB1693 Act 458 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…eferred. House Bill 1352, House Bill 1574, House Bill 1690. House Bill 1693. House Bill 1694, House Bill 1714 Senate Bill 304. vaguely…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING DAMAGED OR DEFECTIVE BALLOTS; AND TO ALLOW THE STATE BOARD … Hawk Notification that HB1693 is now Act 458
HB1694 Act 996 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ll 1352, House Bill 1574, House Bill 1690. House Bill 1693. House Bill 1694, House Bill 1714 Senate Bill 304. vaguely reporting the sam…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING ALTERNATIVES TO ELECTRONIC FILING FOR CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORTS. Hawk Notification that HB1694 is now Act 996
HB1700 Act 638 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1700 Achor TO AMEND THE PRIOR AUTHORIZATION TRANSPARENCY ACT; AN…”
 TO AMEND THE PRIOR AUTHORIZATION TRANSPARENCY ACT; AND TO CLARIFY THE PROCESS OF AN ADVERSE … Achor Notification that HB1700 is now Act 638
HB1712 Act 639 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…labor to who was referred house for 1252, House Bill 1585, House Bill 1712, vaguely reporting the same consideration here with the sam…”
 TO ESTABLISH THE SOCIAL WORK LICENSURE COMPACT IN THIS STATE. Joey Carr Notification that HB1712 is now Act 639
HB1713 Act 602 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…cies and Governmental Affairs to whom was a fired Has 1604, House Bill 1713. Vaguely reporting the same consideration here for time wit…”
 TO REQUIRE BALLOT TITLES FOR INITIATED MEASURES TO BE AT OR UNDER A CERTAIN READING … Rose Notification that HB1713 is now Act 602
HB1714 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ll 1574, House Bill 1690. House Bill 1693. House Bill 1694, House Bill 1714 Senate Bill 304. vaguely reporting the same consideration”
 TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF PAID CANVASSER. Rose Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
HB1716 Act 498 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…your committee on revenue and taxation to whom was referred House Bill 1716, Senate Bill 219. Vaguely report from the same consideratio…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE ASSESSMENT AND COLLECTION OF TAXES BY THE SECRETARY OF … Cavenaugh Notification that HB1716 is now Act 498
HB1717 Act 952 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1717 Gramlich TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS CHILDREN AND TEENS' ONLINE…”
 TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS CHILDREN AND TEENS' ONLINE PRIVACY PROTECTION ACT. Gramlich Notification that HB1717 is now Act 952
HB1721 Act 394 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1721 M. Brown TO AMEND SECTIONS OF THE ARKANSAS CODE TO PROHIBIT…”
 TO AMEND SECTIONS OF THE ARKANSAS CODE TO PROHIBIT GREYHOUND RACING AND SIMULCASTING OF GREYHOUND … M. Brown Notification that HB1721 is now Act 394
HB1725 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1725 Schulz TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE OFFICE OF SHERIFF; A…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE OFFICE OF SHERIFF; AND TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING … Schulz Died in House at Sine Die adjournment.
HB1734 Act 862 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ealth, Welfare, and Labor who was referred House Bill 1622. House Bill 1734, Senate Bill 118, Senate Bill 189. Vaguely reporting the sa…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING DEATH CERTIFICATES; AND TO CLARIFY THE MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS WHO MAY … Childress Notification that HB1734 is now Act 862
SB111 Act 395 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB111 K. Hammer L. Johnson TO ESTABLISH THE DENTIST AND DENTAL HY…”
 TO ESTABLISH THE DENTIST AND DENTAL HYGIENIST COMPACT. K. Hammer Notification that SB111 is now Act 395
SB118 Act 517 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…nd Labor who was referred House Bill 1622. House Bill 1734, Senate Bill 118, Senate Bill 189. Vaguely reporting the same consideration…”
 TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "AUDIOLOGY" RELATING TO THE PRACTICE OF AUDIOLOGISTS. C. Penzo Notification that SB118 is now Act 517
SB167 Act 563 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB167 A. Clark Brooks TO AMEND THE DATES BY WHICH CERTAIN REQUEST…”
 TO AMEND THE DATES BY WHICH CERTAIN REQUESTS TO TRANSFER PUBLIC SCHOOLS OR PUBLIC SCHOOL … A. Clark Notification that SB167 is now Act 563
SB189 Act 396 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…referred House Bill 1622. House Bill 1734, Senate Bill 118, Senate Bill 189. Vaguely reporting the same consideration here return the s…”
 TO AUTHORIZE IVERMECTIN FOR HUMAN USE TO BE SOLD WITHOUT A PRESCRIPTION OR CONSULTATION WITH … A. Clark Notification that SB189 is now Act 396
SB219 Act 380 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…revenue and taxation to whom was referred House Bill 1716, Senate Bill 219. Vaguely report from the same consideration here time the s…”
 TO REPEAL THE SUNSET PROVISION OF THE ARKANSAS MEDICAL MARIJUANA SPECIAL PRIVILEGE TAX ACT OF … J. Dismang Notification that SB219 is now Act 380
SB231 Act 342 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB231 J. Dotson Cozart TO CONFER LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY ON SEL…”
 TO CONFER LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY ON SELECT EMPLOYEES OF THE OFFICE OF THE ARKANSAS LOTTERY. J. Dotson Notification that SB231 is now Act 342
SB240 Act 343 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB240 Hill Beaty, Jr. TO AMEND THE CREDIT REPORTING DISCLOSURE AC…”
 TO AMEND THE CREDIT REPORTING DISCLOSURE ACT OF 1989; AND TO CLARIFY THE CONTENT REQUIRED … Hill Notification that SB240 is now Act 343
SB242 Act 344 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB242 Hill Beaty, Jr. TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING LOANS INVOLVING…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING LOANS INVOLVING THE STOCK OF A STATE BANK. Hill Notification that SB242 is now Act 344
SB254 Act 359 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB254 Irvin Steimel TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING RURAL COMMUNITY P…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING RURAL COMMUNITY PROJECTS; TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "PROPERTY IN … Irvin Notification that SB254 is now Act 359
SB270 Act 360 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB270 Crowell Wooldridge TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE FILING P…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE FILING PERIODS OF CERTAIN NONPARTISAN SCHOOL BOARD AND MUNICIPAL … Crowell Notification that SB270 is now Act 360
SB276 Act 345 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB276 B. Johnson Steimel TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING SURPLUS LINE…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING SURPLUS LINES INSURANCE; AND TO CLARIFY THAT SURPLUS LINES INSURANCE … B. Johnson Notification that SB276 is now Act 345
SB304 Act 372 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ill 1690. House Bill 1693. House Bill 1694, House Bill 1714 Senate Bill 304. vaguely reporting the same consideration”
 TO ALLOW A CLASS OF REGISTERED VOTERS THAT HAVE CHANGED THEIR COUNTY OF RESIDENCE TO … M. McKee Notification that SB304 is now Act 372
SB328 Act 361 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…diciary who was referred to hospital 1686. House Bill 1692, Senate Bill 328, Senate Bill 393. Vaguely reported the same consideration h…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING COMPUTER CRIMES AGAINST MINORS. Irvin Notification that SB328 is now Act 361
SB339 Act 404 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB339 A. Clark Bentley CONCERNING THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE CHILD MAL…”
 CONCERNING THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE CHILD MALTREATMENT INVESTIGATIONS OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE. A. Clark Notification that SB339 is now Act 404
SB393 Act 362 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…eferred to hospital 1686. House Bill 1692, Senate Bill 328, Senate Bill 393. Vaguely reported the same consideration here returned the…”
 TO AMEND THE SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION ACT OF 1997. D. Wallace Notification that SB393 is now Act 362

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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 5:47
I invite the members, staff, press, guests in the galleries to stand and be led in prayer by Doctor Jay Lauder, senior pastor of First Baptist Church of BB. To remain standing for the
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Speaker 3 5:57
pledge of allegiance to be led by Representative Bruce Cozart. Let's pray.
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Speaker 4 6:02
Father We thank you for the privilege of calling upon your name this afternoon. I thank you for these, your servants for the apostle Paul refers to government officials in Romans 13 as servants and ministers who bless us. We remember your grace upon our nation through the centuries. The success of our American democracy. Which is still today a shining example for other countries to aspire to. We are especially appreciative for the free expression of religion and speech. Now together we thank you for a new day and with it, new opportunities. I had met for foremost of all, we do not always have the wisdom that we need. So we ask you for it. Give us wisdom like you gave Solomon. Whose decisions and wisdom left others breathless. With that wisdom, we ask for unity. So this governing body can work together to advance good plans and policies for our great state. So many people, families and businesses depend upon the decisions made here in this chamber. With that unity, we ask for courage. All of us and our families and work need to have courage to act on what you show us to be true. In this season before Easter, we look to your son. His example of courage and walking the hard road to Calvary. With unity, we pray for joy, that the work here will be done with joy, not tediousness. And finally the Lord, as this body has gathered, we pray for their protection and health from their daily commute to the health of their families. Public service is challenging. We ask you to bless them and watch over them. Keep us today in your will and in your joy.
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Unknown speaker 8:11
Members, please indicate your presence by pushing your yellow
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 9:52
cast up the ballot. 99 members present, chair sees a quorum. Any requests for leave. Are there any requests for leave? Represented Maddox for what purpose? I'll hear you leave. Leave for Representative granted for Representative. Representative Matthew Shepherd moves that we dispense with the reading of the previous day's journal. With no objections, so ordered. Madam Clark, any reports from
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 10:23
select committees, you're recognized. Mr. Speaker, we your
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Speaker 19 10:26
committee on joint budgets to whompired House Bill 1125, House Bill 1232, vaguely reporting to the same consideration here for the time of
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Chair Unverified 10:32
the same recommendation that do pass as amendment number one, respectfully submitted, Representative Jean, co-chair. Mr. Speaker, your committee on Joint budgets to whom was referred House Bill 1246, beg leave report the same consideration here for returned by the same recommendation that it do pass respectfully submitted Representative Lane Jean, co-chair. Thank you, Madam
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 10:49
Clark. Are there any reports of standing committees. You're recognized.
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Speaker 25 10:58
Mr. Speaker, your Committee on State agencies and Governmental Affairs to whom was referred. House Bill 1352, House Bill 1574, House Bill 1690. House Bill 1693. House Bill 1694, House Bill 1714 Senate Bill 304. vaguely reporting the same consideration
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Chair Unverified 11:10
here returned with the same renation it do pass respectfully submitted. Representative Gasaway, Chair, Mr. Speaker, we your Committee on State agencies and Governmental Affairs to whom was a fired Has 1604, House Bill 1713. Vaguely reporting the same consideration here for time with the same recommendation that do pass as amendment number one, respectfully submitted, Representative Gazaway, Chair, Mr. Speaker, we're your committee on State agencies. Governmental affairs and House Bill 1637 vaguely reporting the same consideration here the terms, the same recognition that do passes amendment number 2, respectfully submitted. Representative Gasaway, Chair, Mr. Speaker, we your committee on judiciary and homes of House Bill 1434 vaguely important the same consideration here for terms the same recognition that do passes amendment number 3 and 4, respectfully submitted representative. Do be chair. Mr. Speaker, will your Committee on Judiciary to Homes of fired House 1609 vaguely reporting the same consideration here with same recognition that do pass concurrence. Sending Amendment number one, respectfully submitted. Representative Carol Darby, chair. Mr. Speaker, for your committee on the Judiciary who was referred to hospital 1686. House Bill 1692, Senate Bill 328, Senate Bill 393. Vaguely reported the same consideration here returned the same recommendation that it do pass respectfully submitted. Representative Dalby, Chair, Mr. Speaker, your committee on revenue and taxation to whom was referred House Bill 1716, Senate Bill 219. Vaguely report from the same consideration here time the same recognition that do pass respectfully submitted Representative Kavanaugh, chair. Mr. Speaker, your committee on revenue and taxation, to whom was referred House Bill 1303 vaguely reporting the same consideration here with the same recognition that they do passes amendment number 2, respectfully submitted. Representative Kavanaugh, chair. Mr. Speaker, your Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor who was referred House Bill 1622. House Bill 1734, Senate Bill 118, Senate Bill 189. Vaguely reporting the same consideration here return the same recommendation they do passes amendment number one, respectfully submitted Representative Wardlaw chair. Mr. Speaker, we're your Committee on Public Health and Welfare, Beckley. To whom was referred House Bill 1079, House Bill 1582, Magly reporting the same consideration here concern the same recommendation that do passes amendment number 2, respectfully submitted. Representative Wolf was vice chair. Mr. Speaker, we your Committee on Public Health and Welfare. And labor to who was referred house for 1252, House Bill 1585, House Bill 1712, vaguely reporting the same consideration here with the same recognition that it do pass the respectly submitted. Representative Wardlaw, Chair. Thank you, Madam Clark. Is there any unfinished business?
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 13:19
Any executive communications, please read the letter from the governor. To the Speaker of the House, Dear Mr. Speaker,
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Speaker 25 13:28
this is to inform me that on March 12, 2025, I reviewed and approved the following measures from regular session of the ninety-fifth General Assembly, House Bill 1400 Act 259, House Bill 1556, Act 260, House Bill 1466 Act 262. Hospital 1184 Act 263. House Bill 11882, Act 265. House Bill 1213 Act 266, House Bill 1217 Act 267. House 1309 Act 268, House Bill 1369 Act 270, House Bill 1452 Act 271, House Bill 1279 Act 285. Hole 1325 Act 286, has 13. 79 Act 287, House Bill 1499 Act 288, House Bill 1568 Act 289. House for 1146 Act 296, House Bill 1175 Act 297. House Bill 1493 Act 298, House Bill 1544 Act 299, House Concurrent resolution 1007. Sincerely, Sarah Sanders, Governor of Arkansas. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Members, we're honored today to have with us, I direct
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 14:21
your attention to the back of the chamber. We have Corporal Donnie Crow from the aircraft section. And Corporal Trey Keller from the Highway Patrol Administration, both of Little Rock. Gentlemen, thank you for being here. Your service to the
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 14:33
state of Arkansas, Arkansas State Police. Also on the back of the chamber today, we have
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 14:47
with us our doctor of the day, Doctor Jarna Shah, an anesthesiologist and pain medicine specialist from Little Rock, uh, serving in Representative Tibby McCullough's district. Doctor, thank you for being here with us. Serving alongside Doctor Shaw
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 15:05
today, we have our nurse, Ms. Lee Fazio. Ms. Lee, thank you for being here. And
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 15:13
if you've been in the house for any period of time, you'll probably recognize a couple of additional faces in the back row, countless days and countless hours of serving this body. We are so thankful for their service and happy
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 15:22
to see them back today. We have Ms. Brenda Hewitt and Ms. Sherry Bernard, who faithfully served us for a period of time. Uh, over to my right up in the West gallery, some special guests we have here today, guest of Representative
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Speaker 38 15:44
Mary Bentley. We have her daughter Melissa and some grandchildren. We're happy they're here
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 16:00
today. Representative Brown, What purpose? Motion to recall.
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 16:09
That's a proper motion. It is debatable, uh, Representative Brown, you're recognized to explain the motion. You're recognized. Thank you, Mr.
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Representative Matt Brown Unverified 16:35
Speaker. I move to refer House Bill 1365 back to state agencies and government affairs. Um, I have a motion to recall House Bill 1365. From the Senate. I've never done this before. I've never recalled a bill. Thank you. That's a proper motion. It's debatable. You're recognized to
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 17:23
explain your motion to recall House Bill 1365 from the Senate.
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Representative Matt Brown Unverified 17:27
I just need to recall House Bill 1365 and send it back to committee to make it a better
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 17:34
bill. Thank you. Representative Brown has explained the motion. Would anyone like to speak against the motion. For the motion Representative Brown is closed for the motion. All those in favor say aye. Nay, motion passes. Chief clerk is directed to recall House Bill 1365 from the Senate. Madam Clerk, please read House
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Chair Unverified 17:56
resolution 1040. Resolution 100 by Representative Barker to recognize the smack over high school varsity cheerleading team as the 2024 Class 3A state champion. Representative
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 18:05
Barker, you're recognized to explain the resolution. Thank you,
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Representative Sonia Eubanks Barker Unverified 18:10
Mr. Speaker. With your permission, um, I'd like to ask Representative Les Warren and Representative Matthew Shepherd to join me in the well. Representative
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Representative Brian S. Evans Unverified 18:17
Warren, Representative Shepherd, if you would join Representative Barker in the well, please. While they're
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Representative Sonia Eubanks Barker Unverified 18:23
coming, House members, this is a very special resolution for me, um, not only because smackover is where my husband and I raised our children, and they all three went to school K through 12, um, but also because it's where I spent the bulk of my career as an educator. So it's a very special occasion for me. Um, in the East Gallery, You'll see a group of lovely ladies. Hopefully they're standing. Yes, there they go. Uh, this is the smackover High School. Um State championship. Group from a cheer group from 2024, 2025, and this is their second title in a row. They won last year as well. The team, I'm told, battled injuries all season long. And then thankfully, at competition time for the championship title, they were all healthy and could compete. The team is made up of all 4 freshman, sophomore, juniors, and seniors. They earned a 76.9% in the championship round, which has, by the way, no preliminary rounds, just the one shot, and they won. They won in cheer overall building jumps and tumbling. The team is coached last Championship title and this one by coach Jennifer Reed and assistant coach Riley Stringer. Um, I'll save a few comments and let these gentlemen say what they want to first. Well, I believe this is the
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Representative Matthew J. Shepherd Unverified 19:52
3rd cheer state championship from Union County this year. So I'll just point that out. But
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Speaker 66 19:58
obviously we want to congratulate, congratulate the
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Representative Matthew J. Shepherd Unverified 20:03
smack over buckaroos and, uh, for a job well done and I'll turn it over to a smackover alum. It was
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Representative Les Warren Unverified 20:12
back in 1977 when I graduated, but I am still a proud smackover buckaroo, so congratulations, cheerleaders for a state championship. Just a couple
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Representative Sonia Eubanks Barker Unverified 20:25
of more things, um, I know most of these young ladies, and they truly are remarkable young women. They're not only talented title winning cheerleaders, but they are members of many other sports. A lot of them play golf, basketball, softball, volleyball as well as dedicate a lot of their time to cheer. They also are very, um, Good students, they excel academically, they are active in their community. A lot of them are leaders in their church. So it's with great pride that we honor you today on your back to back championships. Mr. Speaker, would you have the clerk read the resolution in title
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 21:08
only. Madam Clark, please read the title of
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Speaker 25 21:11
the resolution. To recognize the smack over high school varsity cheerleading team at the 2024 Class
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 21:17
3A state champion. Representative Barker has explained the resolution. Would anyone like to speak against the resolution? For the resolution. Representative Barker is closed for the resolution. The question before the House is the passage of House resolution 1040. All those in favor say aye. Honey, I have it. Congratulations, Representative Barker, your resolution is adopted. Representative Elissa Brown, for what purpose? Motion. Let's hear your
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Speaker 76 21:55
motion. I move to refer SB 293 back to State agencies Committee. That's a
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 22:00
proper motion. It is debatable. You're recognized to explain your motion, please come to the well.
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Speaker 77 22:08
Thank you. I just need to
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 22:12
add an amendment to this. Representative Brown has explained the motion. You would like to speak against the motion? For the motion of Brown is closed for the motion. All those in favor say aye. nay, eyes have it. Madam Clark, please send it
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 22:32
back to committee. Madam Clark, please read House resolution 106666 by
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Chair Unverified 22:38
Representative Ennett to recognize March 9th through the 15th, 2025
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Speaker 60 22:43
as a Mary Corps Week. Representative
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Representative Denise Jones Ennett Unverified 22:47
Enna, you're recognized to explain your resolution. Good afternoon colleagues. 31 years ago, President Clinton signed legislation to establish AmeriCorps. Formerly, the corporation for National and Community Service to unite national service programs under one agency creates service opportunities to strengthen communities and expand pathways to education, careers, and civic participation for those who serve. AmeriCorps Week is a time to celebrate service in the profound impact it has on individuals and communities. As an AmeriCorps alumna, My experience shaped my commitment to public service, deepening my understanding for community needs. Collaboration, the responsibility we all share. Oh, sorry, community needs and reinforce the power of civic engagement. The lessons I've learned about resilience, collaboration and the responsibility we all share in building a better future. Continue to guide me as an elected official. AmeriCorps instilled in me the belief that real change happens when we show up, serve, and lead with purpose. There are 75 AmeriCorps state members in the gallery over here. Can y'all stand, please? Can y'all give them a hand? Mhm Mr. Speaker, can you have the clerk read the resolution and title only. Thank
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 24:28
you. Matt, please read the title of the
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Chair Unverified 24:31
resolution. March 9th through the 15, 2025 as AmeriCorps Week. Representative Bennett
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 24:36
has explained the resolution. Would anyone like to speak against the resolution. For the resolution. Representative, it's closed for the resolution. Question before the house is the adoption of House resolution 1066. All those in favor say aye. Osna, the eyes have it. Congratulations, Representative Enit, resolution is adopted. Members back over here to my right and the, the back of the chamber, you may recognize that smiling face, uh, former Representative Dee Hodges is here with us today. Please make her welcome.
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 25:26
Also with us today, we have, uh, several guests from the Franklin County Leadership Program.
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 25:31
They are guests of Representative Eaton, Representative Perrier, and Representative Eubanks. Would you please make them welcome to the house. Morning hour has ended. Members of Representative Fran Kavanaugh recommends that we concur in Senate amendment number 1 to House Bill 1238. Madam Clerk, please read Senate Amendment
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Speaker 90 26:10
number 1. Amendment 1, the House
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 26:13
Bill 1238. Representative Kavanaugh, you're recognized to explain
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Representative Frances Cavenaugh Unverified 26:19
the amendment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Uh, this just adds an amendment that, uh, the Senate did clarifying when uh attorney fees may be awarded, and with that, I would vote appreciate a good vote for the concurment. Thank you.
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 26:35
Representative Kavanaugh has explained the amendment. Would anyone like to speak against the amendment? For
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 26:40
the amendment Representative Kavanaugh is closed for the amendment. Question before the house is
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 26:45
concurrence with Senate Amendment number 1, the House Bill 1238, prepare the machine, madam clerk. Everyone voted So everyone voted. Cast up
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 27:07
the ballot. By a vote of 89, 0 nay, and 0 present. You have concurred in Senate Amendment number one to House Bill 1238. Representative Minnie McAlinden recommends that we concur and send in Amendment number 1 to House Bill 1307. Madam Clerk, please read Senate Amendment number 1. Senate Amendment number 1, the House Bill 1307.
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 27:30
Representative Mc Lindon, you're recognized to explain Amendment One. So
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Representative Mindy McAlindon Unverified 27:37
this amendment is just to, to, uh, fix an engrossing error. Thank you. Representative McLynn has
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 27:44
explained the amendment. Would anyone like to speak against the amendment? For
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 27:49
the amendment. Representative McAlinden is closed for the amendment. The question before the House is concurrence with Senate Amendment number one to House Bill 1307. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. everyone voted Everyone voted Cast up the ballot. By a
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Representative Brian S. Evans Unverified 28:19
vote of 88, 5 nay, and 2 present. You have concurred in Senate Amendment number 1 to House Bill 1307. Madam Clark,
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Speaker 101 28:31
please read House Bill 1512. 1512 by Representative
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Speaker 84 28:34
Shepherd to create the Arkansas Access Act and to amend the various
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Speaker 33 28:40
provisions of the Arkansas code as they relate to education in the state
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 28:45
of Arkansas. Representative Shepard, you were recognized to explain the
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Representative Tara Shephard Unverified 29:06
bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, I bring to you today.
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Representative Matthew J. Shepherd Unverified 29:13
House Bill 1512. This is a bill to create the Arkansas Access Act, uh, this bill is part of the governor's efforts. Uh, to reform higher education, really education as a whole. As we all know, 2 years ago, we passed the Learns Act, uh, which has been implemented or is being implemented in our K through 12 schools. And now, uh, we follow that up with this uh access bill that will look to improve higher education and education as a whole in the state of Arkansas. Now, I know you've probably heard me or the governor or senator dismaying talk about The some of the components that go into this Access Act and the Acronym Access stand stands for acceleration, common sense, cost, eligibility, scholarships, and standardization. On the acceleration piece, this bill works to ensure that high school students have the necessary skills for higher education and careers. One of the things that I think is a really key component is that it expands what we might consider to be accelerated learning. Beyond just advanced placement classes and international baccalaureate classes to other programs. And those other programs could include concurrent credit courses. Uh, that could include other courses that the department can approve. And so a district could could petition the department to approve these other classes. It's standardizes the weights for concurrent credit. It allows the department to consider how these concurrent credit classes are weighted. Which provides Really greater competitiveness. For our students as they compete with students from other states. And it encourages additional participation in these classes. So the end result of all this is that more students as they're in high school and as they end up leaving high school will have access to more accelerated learning opportunities, potentially could be farther along in their college education, even as they graduate from high school and ultimately, it takes away some of the uh some of the incentives, really disincentives that exist right now, that in some ways encourage students not to take advantage of some of these. opportunities. On the common sense piece. This piece is designed to create a free and unbiased higher education learning setting. And as you probably heard me say going back to the initial press conference. You know, I encouraged everyone to read the bill. And I recognize that this section is the section of the bill that has gained some attention. It's a section of the bill that I've spent a lot of time on, working to try to make sure that the language is as best as possible, but ultimately I think that when you review the language that's in here, that it provides as the acronym indicates, it provides common sense, common sense provisions to provide parameters in terms of the college education, the higher education, learning environment that our students are receiving across the state of Arkansas. Provides the opportunity for certain campuses to be designated Purple Star campuses, should they so choose for those campuses that are gonna go above and beyond to support service members and military families. It also provides for, uh, Greater flexibility in evaluating professors work evaluations and ensuring that that Ensuring that education is being provided in a professional competent, and quality way to our students here in the state of Arkansas. With regard to cost, This bill sets the stage to reform the productivity funding model. Creates the opportunity for non-degree credentials. To be part of that funding model. Includes the opportunity for return on investment, as we consider what this higher education funding model will look like in years to come. Now, much of that is really just setting forth, kind of sets the table for that further discussion. For the department in working with the legislature and others to put together the specifics for that funding model, but on this return on investment piece, the aim here is to try to fund those courses and programs that do provide our students. Greater value for the dollars that they spend on their education. E stands for eligibility. This provides for more uniform and efficient ad admissions policies. It expands the exams that could be considered if a college requires an ACT or an SAT. This opens it up to allowing for other exams to be considered. Some schools are not considering ACT and SAT test scores at this particular time, but if they do, it, it provides greater opportunity for other tests to be considered. Provides for a universal college application. To ease the admissions process. Anyone that has Children that have gone through the admissions process, it can be a little overwhelming. This bill is going to provide the opportunity for our students to go to one place. One place where they can apply. To all of the state-supported institutions of higher education. And that's something that I think we all can agree will be a very good thing. It also standardizes What it means to be a resident of the state of Arkansas when it comes to state-supported scholarships, and it provides that military families that are here on orders in the state. are given The opportunity for in-state scholarship uh uh possibilities. And finally, the final two scholarships, we eliminate a number of barriers to various scholarship programs. On the concurrent credit piece, I know many people were concerned about some of the, the funding opportunities. The real point, as we consider concurrent credit was to make sure that students were not going to have to pay. And so we were able to work and put an amendment in place that will allow scholarship money to be available. So that that will help to not only alleviate maybe some of the burden that otherwise would be on our school districts, but will provide greater opportunity to access those concurrent credit classes. Much of the scholarship provisions are really, it's reorganizing some of the things that have otherwise been in place. We, we combined several scholarships to create the Arkansas Heroes scholarship. We expand the award of the of the Arkansas Academic Challenge for the first year from $1000 to $2000. And then finally on standardization, standardization this bill provides for common course numbering across our institutions of higher education. That's going to allow for greater transferability of hours. It's gonna allow for greater understanding and ease of movement across our state. I believe the UFA system is already implemented this within the UFA system, but we're gonna take it a step further and apply it across the state of Arkansas. And then finally, we're looking to increase the number of Gened and CTE courses that are part of the Arkansas course transfer system. So I've just briefly I tried to hit the highlights. I know there may be questions and, uh, to the best of my ability, I'll try to answer
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Representative Tara Shephard Unverified 37:07
those questions, but, uh, appreciate your time and attention and uh Be open for questions right. Thank you. Repres Jim Shepherd has explained the
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 37:20
bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Would anyone like speak for the bill? Representative Lungstrom, you're recognized to speak for the bill. I
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Representative Robin Lundstrum Unverified 37:41
don't think, well, some of you probably marinate bills just like I do. This one is one that I have pink post-it notes all over, especially the lottery scholarship section. And I just want to say thank you to the governor and the team for putting in the language that was in the other bill so that we can have some competition. I think that's really important. So I
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 37:59
would ask you for a good vote. Thank you. Representative Lindstrom has spoke for the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Representative Gonzalez Worthy,
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Representative Justin Gonzales Unverified 38:36
Thank you, Speaker Bill and this bill is for all of our students in Arkansas to be successful and to have more opportunities and access to pre-K all the way to 12th grade and beyond in post-secondary education, which also opens up and includes career technical training, um, and also other areas such as concurrent credit, which hadn't been um identified before in terms of accelerated learning. Um, which I think is great is wonderful in that students will have multiple opportunities to gain access to careers at an early age, um, in high school. There are some areas that have been really wonderful in terms of, uh, Arkansas Challenge scholarships increasing from 100 to $2000 and then also having some additional scholarships. But these are the areas that I would like to see, um, more, uh, discussion on and refined, and that is in the number one accelerated learning definition, refining that definition, um, not sure why. Apprenticeship programs are not included, that would be another way of accelerating our students for job opportunities while they're in high school and beyond. Second Productivity-based funding model. There's a section that talks about how this would be done, but it's broad, 11 of those broad terms underrepresented students, it's not defined. I would like to see that defined. I think it's important to know who those students are. Number 3, teacher opportunity program. It involves uh several um areas STEM, for example, but, um, some constituents have voiced that would that also in, would that just would it disregard women in STEM, for example. That was the question. Um, in other areas, computer science, literacy, pre-K, special ed, and there's not any mention of multilingual students or English learners in that teacher opportunity program to receive more training. Um, 4th. The component of DEI, it also mentions influencing academic. Um Work in um in higher education, and that's actually a whole area of research that has been around for years and we're building upon it. And so, I have had um professors asking about um their uh tenureship, um, if this is an area that they're doing scholarship in, do they need to change their research agenda. That's a a legitimate question. Uh, 5th, the eligibility for the Arkansas Heroes scholarship, which is an awesome scholarship to have. But If a child's parent that was serving in the military. dies from from a self-inflicted inflicted gunshot wound. They are disregarded. You know, in our area of mental health and mental awareness. TSD, depression, anxiety disorder. These are all things that our soldiers are facing. And so if they are not uh attended to, um, and then, and then this happens. What happens to the children? And then finally, just the whole removal of so many stakeholders overall in this bill. We really needed, need to have more expert educator input and place some of these stakeholders back in the bill. And for all those reasons, I vote no against the Access bill. Thank you. Representative Gonzalez Worthen has
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 42:30
spoke against the bill. Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Again the bill? Representative Shepherd, oh. Representative Barnett, you choose to speak against the bill. You are recognized.
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Representative Lincoln Barnett Unverified 42:55
Thank you, Speaker, and good afternoon, fellow House members. I stand before you today in opposition of House Bill 1512 and Senate Bill 246 for a number of reasons. This bill removes critical stakeholders from having a voice on the leadership council, which was designed to collaborate on efforts to close the achievement gap. If anything, this coalition should be strengthened and not weakened by limiting the variety of representation on the council, and no Arkansas learns has not and will not in its current form, adequately address the issues of the achievement gap. This bill creates barriers to rural school district, this bill restricts professors from providing a well-rounded quality education to students. This bill aims to erase and ignore continued realities of existing disparities when it comes to the field of education. There are things in this comprehensive legislation that I can't appreciate. However, those should have been ran as separate pieces of legislation, rather than being combined into a 123 page bill that seeks to sneak in the bad along with the good. Lastly, I am strongly opposed to this bill for the manner in which it was ran. The process has been rushed. Input from others was sought on the back end rather than on the front end, and voices of our youth, our educators, and key stakeholders have been ignored or best have listened to. These bills deserve more time, more input, and it should result in more amendments that could help improve the bill. I know many of you have made up your mind on this bill prior to this moment. So I am not here to convince you or to persuade you in how to vote on this bill. Just know your vote today will not go unnoticed. More time should be given to engage those with concerns, and for that reason, and many others, I will be voting no. Thank you. Representative Barnett has left the
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Speaker 94 44:49
well. Representative Barnett has spoke against the bill.
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 44:54
Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Representative Shepherd, you're recognized to close for
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Representative Matthew J. Shepherd Unverified 45:24
the bill. Thank you for the comments. Um, I'll try to address a few of these, although I, I may not have caught every single one of them. Think to the question on accelerated learning. I think there was a mention of why not include apprenticeships. Well, I mean, that may be a discussion that could be had in another bill at another time. The fact of the matter is what we have done with the, with accelerated learning is we've taken it from two programs, 2 programs that were the only opportunity for this accelerated learning and we've expanded it to 5 different categories. And so I think clearly we've We're moving in the right direction to provide these greater opportunities, which is going to encourage more individuals, more individuals to take advantage of current credit, which is a big deal and especially in rural Arkansas. So that's something that I think is going to be, um, uh, it's, it's going to be a very positive thing across the state of Arkansas. Uh, I know with regard to there was mention to some of the, uh, entities that maybe had appointments on certain committees. I think that all that we've done, and there's a couple of points to this. Number one, as many will recall several years ago, particularly in the, uh, agricultural area, we began to move away from giving designated spots to certain third party non-governmental groups. And so we've continued that. That's what this bill does is it continues in that direction. I know that some of the reductions in terms of numbers of members on committees is actually to comply with the Arkansas Constitution as things are reorganized. And so, uh, and then finally, quite honestly, some of these commit some of these groups that are set out in statute, they have difficulty filling positions. Many of these have not met in a number of years. And so a number of these changes are to try to provide greater efficiency to put together and involve stakeholders in a way that is actually going to be effective, that is going to be able to deliver results for the people of Arkansas. Uh, with, with regard to the hero scholarship, and I know the question was asked about the self-inflicted for the eligibility when there's a self-inflicted, uh, death, and of course, this could be a discussion that could be had, maybe should be considered separately, but the fact of the matter is those scholarship programs that have been rolled into the Heroes program, already have that prohibition. And so we just simply, uh, utilized what was already in place. And so that's one of the reasons, uh, that, that is in the bill. As to some of the other concerns, I know they'll be various opinions on different provisions of the bill. I believe that the bill was put together in a way that we can be proud of. The fact of the matter is this bill was announced. On, I believe February 14th and was filed. Uh, the next Monday or Tuesday after that, it's set there for several weeks while we gauged input. And the fact of the matter is that even before the bill was filed, I know that for myself, I had a number of of uh conversations, uh, with stakeholders and others gather input. Now the fact of the matter is sometimes on a big bill, you just got to file it, get it out there, and then you take comment and feedback, and I know that I've had the opportunity to to meet with groups. I've encouraged feedback and that's why you saw an amendment. When was that? A week ago? That that involved and even an amendment And we made an amendment, uh, even in the last few days, we made an amendment in committee actually. So we've been taking feedback. The fact of the matter is, in my 14 years here in the legislature for a big piece of legislation, a significant piece such as this, this bill has been out there for a long time, and I would put it up there with just about any significant piece of legislation during my time here in the, here at the state Capitol. So we have had that conversation. We have had that input. We have had that feedback. I understand. I can't, that we can't address everybody's concerns. We can't address everybody's request, but I believe what we have here is a bill that is gonna be, it's gonna be positive for the state of Arkansas. It's going to be a step in the right direction, and I would ask for a yes vote. Thank you.
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 49:36
Representative Shepard is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1512, repair the machine, madam clerk. So everyone voted, everyone voted. Cast up the ballot. By a vote of 81, 17 nay, and 0 present. The bill is passed. Members, before we move to the
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 50:07
next bill, uh, just recently joining us up in the East Gallery, guest of Representative Jesse McGruder. Today
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 50:11
we have the gentlemen members of the Iota fraternity. Gentlemen, if you'll stand, uh, welcome to the house. So you've seen, uh, moving around the chamber while we're in session this afternoon, we have a group of pages with us here, doing good work, helping
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 50:37
us out. Would you please give them a round of appreciation. Thank
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 50:48
you, Pages for your work. Madam Clerk, please read House Bill 160666 by representative
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Chair Unverified 50:52
Steinwe to allow a local government to authorize the operation of a utility test vehicle on a designated public street or highway within the local government's jurisdiction subject to certain requirements. Representative Steel, you're recognized to explain
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 51:04
your bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Uh, this is a great comprehensive local control bill that can be enacted by a city ordinance from a mayor or city council members, or an executive order by a county judge. What this does is it allows a defined UTV to go anywhere private passenger auto can go in a county or any designated area, uh, in that county, including the municipalities, the typical side to side without getting into the weeds is one of those that you see on the roadway probably. Now, every day. And like I said, what this does, though, this is, uh, this is going to allow you not to look over your shoulder if you have someone behind you, because it would be totally legal. To operate a UTV on the highway. There are some restrictions on the highway usage, no divided highways, no, uh, no highway uh usage of if it's more than 55 miles an hour. What must you have in order to operate this UTV a valid driver's license. You also must register your UTV. You must maintain insurance on your UTV like you would a private passenger auto. must comply with the rules of the road. All common sense, right? Because most UTV owners across Arkansas are common sense users. Who is against this bill, pediatrics reached out to me. They did not speak against this bill in, uh, in committee, but, uh, they are not, uh, in favor of this bill, but can't please them all. Who is neutral on this
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Representative Trey Steimel Unverified 52:37
bill. State police. Association of Counties, your county judges, your sheriff's
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 52:43
association. I had a sheriff and a county judge come down and speak for this bill. I've worked with Mark Whitmore and Association of Counties to create a comprehensive bill that we need to allow UTVs on the public roadway. This is a personal responsibility bill that is good for the state of Arkansas and will potentially help rural communities,
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Representative Trey Steimel Unverified 53:04
drive tourism dollars to their communities. And with that, I'll take any questions. Representative Meeks for what purpose? Question, please.
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Representative Stephen Meeks Unverified 53:14
You're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So I'm not necessarily opposed to Bill. I guess my only question is, because I don't know, what's the top speed of these kind of vehicles. Uh, my concern is if you've got one of these that's going, you know, 20 miles an hour and someone's doing 55 miles an hour, that
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Representative Trey Steimel Unverified 53:30
could be a huge issue. Absolutely, uh, great question, Representative Meeks. So what this does is it, it will require a minimum
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 53:36
of 900 cc on that, and obviously, you know, those vehicles or UTVs. can do in excess of 55 mile an hour. Will they all do in excess of 55 mile an hour of 900 cc or more, depending on the weight of the, the UTV. I can't, uh, get that far into the weeds on it, but what I can do, and what I can say is a state police officer can pull a private passenger auto for impeding traffic just as easy as they can pull a UTV over for
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Speaker 142 54:03
impeding traffic. Thank you, sir. Representative Holcomb, for what purpose? Question, you're recognized for a question? Well, thank you.
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Representative Mike Holcomb Unverified 54:08
You answered one of my questions to Representative Meek said it was a minimum of 900 ccs. Also, I think I read in the bill that it had to have proper lighting on it also before it could
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Representative Trey Steimel Unverified 54:23
qualify to be on the streets. Is that correct? Yes, sir. That is correct. Uh, great question, Representative Holcomb. So, what, uh, what it requires is two headlamps like
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 54:29
a private passenger auto, uh, just one brake lamp. Also, it required turn signals on it as well. And, uh, of course, most of your TVs come with seat belts nowadays, so that is another requirement. But as most of these uh rigs come off the assembly line, they
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 54:46
already have the majority of these safety features, uh, for what purpose? You're
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Speaker 148 54:52
quick and apologize Representative Stein. I couldn't find it through
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Speaker 151 54:55
here. How, how is the executive order or corum court decision per, uh, some conversations we've
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Representative Trey Steimel Unverified 55:00
had, it's gonna be an executive order signed by the county judge. waiting on questions? Representative Steinmel has
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 55:18
explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 55:22
the bill? Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Representative Starel is
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 55:27
closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1606. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. So everyone
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Speaker 94 55:41
voted. So everyone voted. Cast up the ballot.
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 55:50
By a vote of 91, 3 nay, and 3 present, the bill is
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Chair Unverified 55:57
passed. Madam Clerk, please read House Bill 1551. 1551
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Speaker 156 55:59
by Representative Gazaway to amend the law concerning criminal abortion and to create the offensive coerced
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 56:05
criminal abortion by means of fraud. Representative Gazaway,
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Representative Jimmy Gazaway Unverified 56:10
you are recognized to explain your bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, this bill, Uh, is the product of a case that happened in the state of Louisiana. Where We heard testimony in Judiciary Committee yesterday, a lady Catherine Herring was essentially poisoned by her husband without her knowledge or consent with abortion drugs for the purpose of without, again, without her knowledge or consent, aborting, uh, their unborn child. This was captured on Uh, hidden camera where after the first attempt where he engaged in this conduct that caused her to have severe bleeding and severe complications that she wasn't fully aware of initially as to what was going on. It was captured an additional 5 times on. Uh, hidden camera where he was Poisoning her drink essentially with abortion-inducing drugs. And so Uh, state of Louisiana responded and passed a law very similar to this. We have, uh, Copied essentially what they did in the state of Louisiana, but I think we tightened up the language a little bit by defining specifically abortion-inducing drug. And By making it clear that we're referring to a chemical abortion and not, obviously, a, uh, A more traditional type surgical abortion. So I guess to just go over the statute, a person will commit coerced criminal abortion by means of fraud if he or she knowingly administers or gives an abortion-inducing drug to a pregnant woman without her knowledge or consent with the purpose to cause an abortion, that'll be a Class B felony, and it'll carry 5 to 20 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections. It also does not prevent the prosecution in the event that this results in death or bodily injury to the pregnant woman or the unborn child. It does not prevent a prosecution for other. criminal offenses. So I think we tightened it up a little bit from what the Louisiana statute was, and I think we have a good piece of legislation here. Happy to answer any questions. Seeing none I appreciate a good vote. Thank you very much. Representative Gazaway
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 58:18
has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Representative Gazaway is closed for the bill. question before the house is the passage of House Bill 1551. Prepare the machine, Madam clerk. Everyone voted So
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 58:43
everyone voted. Cast up the ballot. By a vote of 99 yeah, 0 nay, and 0 present. The bill is passed. Madam Clark, please read House Bill 1505. 1505 by
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Chair Unverified 58:57
Representative Wayne to require a public employer to offer and provide coverage for licensed counseling for a public safety employee who has experienced
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 59:05
a traumatic event and to declare an emergency.
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Representative Carlton Wing Unverified 59:09
Representative Wing, you're recognized to explain your bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Um, It's been said that the average person experiences a traumatic event, witnessing a traumatic event about 1.5 times in our lifetimes. And these are very serious events, uh, a serious injury, death, uh, threats to our lives and The average first responder experiences a traumatic event witnessing a traumatic event, 800 times just in the course of their career. So when one of our darkest days, one of our most stressful days of our lives, we dial 911, and for us, this is a day that we'll never forget for our first responders, it's just Thursday. And they'll experience more on the next day. And so what this bill does is it provides for mental health care counseling. Now, you may say that, uh, for those of you who were here last year, we passed a bill on that and we did, and that bill had a sunset clause because we wanted to see how it worked. It worked very well, so well, in fact, That those who are opposed to it two years ago have now joined forces with us and are in favor of it now. There's no known opposition to this bill. This provides mental health care coverage for the people who need it most, who keep our communities rolling along smoothly and are there to answer the call during our most dire days. Um, the, um, The only change other than the sunset clause being lifted and now this being a permanent program is that we did take out the reporting requirement that was in the first one. We just wanted to kind of gather some data and numbers, but we found that that had a deleterious effect on the participation because of the sensitive nature of those seeking the counseling. And so with that, we have a bill that everyone seems to be in favor of those who are using it and those who are paying for it,
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:01:01
and I'm happy to answer any questions. I would appreciate a good vote. Thank you very much. Representative Wing has explained
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 1:01:10
the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? For the bill Representative Wing
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:01:16
is closed for the bill. Question before the house is the passage of House Bill 1505, repair the machine, madam clerk. Members, your one
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 1:01:26
vote is for the bill and the emergency clause. So everyone voted. Everyone voted Cast up the ballot. By a vote of 97, yeah, zero nay, and 1 present, the bill and the emergency clause has passed. Madam Clerk, please
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:01:43
read House Bill 12721272 by Representative Warren to amend
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Speaker 25 1:01:46
the law concerning property vacated by a
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Chair Unverified 1:01:49
municipality and require vested abandoned property conveyed with the abetting real estate. Representative Warren, you're recognized to explain the bill.
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Representative Les Warren Unverified 1:02:07
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 1272 addresses property rights to any street or alley abandoned by a city or municipality. When a street or alley is abandoned, the adjoining property owners take title to the centered line of that abandoned street or alley. When those joining owners later sell the property, they often forget to include the portion of the street or alley which vested in them when it was abandoned. This bill will make it so that the applicable portion of the abandoned street or alley automatically. Follows the conveyance to the of the adjoining property. This bill is retroactive to 1945, which is when the Arkansas Code section that is being amended was codified. And it will aid in clearing title to portions of abandoned streets and alleys that the adjoining owner and their successors inadvertently failed to include in conveyances often decades ago. I would appreciate a good vote.
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 1:03:11
Representative Warren has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? For the bill
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:03:18
Representative Warren is closed for the bill. Question before the house is the passage of House Bill 1272. Prepair the machine, Madam Clerk.
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Speaker 94 1:03:30
Everyone voted. Everyone voted, cast up the ballot.
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 1:03:35
By a vote of 99 e, zero nay, and 0 present. The bill is passed.
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Chair Unverified 1:03:41
Madam Clerk, please read House Bill 12741274 by Representative Warren to allow the title insurance agent title insurer, or title company to
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:03:52
pay real property taxes in conjunction with the
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Representative Les Warren Unverified 1:03:57
issue of a title. Representative Warren, you're recognized to explain the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Currently a county tax collector must receive payment for any delinquent personal property taxes owed by a seller of real property before they are obligated to accept the real property tax payments in conjunction with the sale of real property. Some tax collectors have refused to accept real property tax payments when settlement agents comply with payments based on information accessible online or add other payments for taxpayers who are in some fashion related to the seller. The Arkansas land Title Association has worked closely with the association of Arkansas Counties and the tax collectors leadership group to arrive at the solution we're presenting in this bill. Essentially a settlement agent may request an amount from the tax collector that must be paid in the tax collector has 3 business days to provide that information. The tax collector is then obligated to accept the amount. Kindered that agrees with their statement. If the tax collector fails to supply the written statement. Within the allotted time frame, they are obligated to accept the real property tax payment without the payment of any delinquent personal property taxes. I'd be glad to answer any questions. I would appreciate a
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:05:22
good vote. Representative Warren has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill. For the bill Representative Warren is closed for the bill. Question before the house is the passage of House Bill 1274. Prepare the machine, madam clerk. Everyone voted Cast up the ballot.
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 1:05:49
A vote of 98, yeah, 0, nay, and 0 present. The bill
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:05:52
is passed. Members at the request of Representative Hawk, we will pass over House Bill 1618 today. Madam Clerk, please read House Bill 1725. Representative Schultz to amend
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Speaker 25 1:06:02
the law concerning the office of sheriff and to amend the law concerning compensation for the Office of Sheriff Representative Schultz
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:06:09
to explain your bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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Representative Bart Schulz Unverified 1:06:20
Colleagues, today I present House Bill 1725. This came to me several months ago from the Arkansas sheriff as we dug deeper into it, I discovered that in addition, To have the complete backing of the Arkansas Sheriff's Association. This bill was also endorsed by the Arkansas County Judges Association and the Arkansas Quorum Court Association. When I discovered these three organizations we're completely behind this. It, it was pretty obvious to me that, uh, They had recognized Excuse me. Recognize the challenge in our current system, and we're suggesting a common sense approach to address it. One that ensures both fair compensation and public safety while maintaining the in. As you all know, Arkansas law allows any qualified elector to run for the office of county sheriff. That is not changing. House Bill 1725 does not restrict Who can run for the office or who can serve. What this bill does is establish a salary range. Set for the quorum courts to follow when they establish a sheriff's pay. Every county already has a minimum. salary. Guideline set for all elected officials. It's in state law, and it's based on their county qualification. If someone is elected sheriff without law enforcement experience or training. That would make them a certified law enforcement officer. They would start at the minimum salary in that range. If that sheriff obtains their law enforcement certification. They could move to the higher salary level. For those elected who have 8 years of law enforcement experience, they would be grandfathered in. And be paid in the higher range, recognizing their expertise. The goal here is simple. To incentivize training while ensuring fair pay for experience. Sheriffs play a vital role in public safety. And this bill encourages those elected without prior law enforcement experience. To gain the training needed. to best serve their communities. At the same time, It ensures that experienced law enforcement professionals who take on this role are fairly compensated for their years. This is a framework for Quorum Courts. What this does is create consistency and accountability and how those salaries are structured. I want to reiterate that this bill does not change any rules about who can run for sheriff. Any qualified voter can run for sheriff and be elected. But if they don't have prior law enforcement training, this provides a clear structured path for them to gain the knowledge while also creating a fair pay structure for those who do. Just to reiterate, this bill has the full support of the Arkansas Sheriff's Association, the Arkansas County Judges Association and the Arkansas Court Association. HB 725 is a reasonable, balanced approach that supports both public safety and responsible governments. I appreciate your time and I asked for a good vote. Thank you. Representative Wardlaw. Schultz
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Speaker 145 1:09:45
has left the world. Representative Schultz has explained the bill would
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:09:52
anyone like to speak against the bill. Representative Ward Law, you're recognized to speak against the bill.
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Representative Jeff Wardlaw Unverified 1:10:04
Thank you Mr. Speaker. It didn't have to be this way. You could have answered the question. I guess you can close now too, big boy. So, um, I guess my concern is, do we not trust our quo courts. In order to have local control enough to set the sheriff's salary based on other qualifications outside of just law enforcement training. Because if I read your bill correctly, it states that if they don't have that law enforcement training certificate, they have to start at the bottom. What if they had some other training that made them just as well qualified and this court wanted to start them in the middle or the top. So I think that's my concern is does this handicap them always to have to be at the bottom. If they do not have that certificate. And with that, I'll wait on an answer. Representative Wardlaw spoke against the bill. Would anyone like to speak for the bill?
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:10:59
Representative Hokumb, you're reckon I speak for the bill.
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Representative Mike Holcomb Unverified 1:11:11
Well, we, uh, coming through committee, we had, there was no no votes coming through committee. I think it's proper that we require all of our law enforcement to have proper training to go to the academy. Uh, we don't, uh, and I think A sheriff that doesn't have any police experience, one of the best sheriffs we had in Jefferson County had no prior experience, but he went to the academy, turned out to be one of the best sheriffs that we've ever had. So I think uh qualified and unqualified, coming in as a sheriff means a whole lot, so I would ask you to support the bill. Thank you.
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 1:11:46
Representative Hocom spoke for the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Representative Barnett, you're reckon I speak for the bill.
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Representative Lincoln Barnett Unverified 1:12:02
Thank you, Speaker. I just want to say I am supportive of the bill, but I did have a question and since I was not able to answer that question. I do just want to make a statement. I want to make sure that in the instances in which someone is elected to the office of sheriff, but their certification has lapsed, which can happen with law enforcement officers if they have gone a period of time, not being in service. I just wanted to make sure that person wouldn't be, uh, penalized.
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:12:35
Or restricted or get it, I want to get some clarity. Representative Barnett has spoke for the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? For the
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Representative Brit McKenzie Unverified 1:12:50
bill, Representative McKenzie, you're speak against the bill. No malice to the speaker. I, we talked about this before and after. The, the wording of the bill is clear. I voted against the bill in committee. Um, it requires, it could, it, it binds quorum courts to pay uncertified law enforcement officers are elected, duly elected sheriffs less. There's no equivocation, there's no Ambiguity. It requires every one of y'all's quorum courts to pay a sheriff who was elected by your constituents less. Representative McKenzie has spoke against the bill. Would
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:13:16
anyone like to speak for the bill? Would anyone like to speak against the bill?
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 1:13:22
Representative Schultz, you're recognized a close for the bill. First, I want to thank you all
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Representative Bart Schulz Unverified 1:13:36
for your time. Representative Wardlaw, to address your question. You are right. No other, and I would argue, No other training Overlaps with law enforcement. And uh just to kind of tie into that. All 75 county sheriffs are on the Arkansas Sheriff's Association, and they unanimously supported this, as did all 75 quorum courts and all 75 county judges. Somewhat answers that. As to your question, I don't really know the answer to that, but there's a time frame from the time they're elected. Until the time they take office, so they would Probably be able to go and, and
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Speaker 189 1:14:20
get their certification up to date. No With that, I'd appreciate a good vote. Representative Schultz is closed for
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:14:30
the bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1725. Prepare the machine, madam clerk.
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Speaker 94 1:14:43
So everyone voted. So everyone voted. Cast
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 1:14:50
up the ballot. By a vote of 76, 18 nay, and 5 present, the bill
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:14:55
is passed. Madam Clerk, please read House Bill 171717 representative Graham to create the
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Speaker 25 1:15:01
Arkansas Children and Teens online privacy Protection Act. Representative Gramlich, you are recognized to explain your bill.
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Speaker 190 1:15:15
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So, 1717
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:15:22
is the first in a number of bills I hope to run in this house that are aiming to change the way that, um, tech companies interact with our children's data. Um, this bill, House Bill 1717, is the children's teens and online privacy Protection Act. It outlines, uh, protection of children's data online, uh, stimulus protection from 13 to 17. Currently, there are already protections for kids under the age of 13. This will raise those to affect all of our miners. It creates guidance for technology platforms collection and pers uh personal information of children or teens and the sharing of their data with third parties. To help a little, um, this is a pretty large bill, so I'm just gonna give the broad strokes of what it will do. It'll make it unlawful to collect information on children and teens, that'll be used for the purposes of targeted advertising or allow others to do so. Um, it will be lawful to complete transactions, but you still cannot retain our our children's data. Um, if the information is collected, there must be clear notice of what is collected. Why? Disclosures for use and the rights of parents, the categories of data that is being shared, the categories of third parties data that was shared. And obtain consent before any is collected. It has to provide parents and teens the information collected, why and an opportunity to delete any of the information, challenge the accuracy of the info. It cannot require more than necessary to participate in games, prizes, or other activities. It must establish a security measures, measures to protect information of kids. It sets up regulations for how operators can contact kids to respond to requests, and that their information cannot be retained. Some information can be collected. This is only for be able to protect a child, but not recontact. It allows an operator to refuse service if someone refuses to, uh, do the verifiable consent to collect information. And if an operator does not use verifiable consent to collect information and or refuses to provide collected information to a parent or teen. They will be treated as an unfair, it will be treated as an unfair or deceptive act or practice as prescribed under the deceptive trade and Practices Act. These bills that I will, this one and ones that I hope will come, it's to protect our kids. We haven't had any meaningful changes in security of 20 years, um, many of us in this room have had our data to take, have um our children's data, your grandkids' data is being sold and used to
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Speaker 193 1:17:53
make money off and profit. And I think that's wrong. Representative Ray, for what purpose?
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Speaker 194 1:17:59
Question, you recognized. Representative Grandma, I watched your
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Representative David Ray Unverified 1:18:03
presentation in committee and I wholeheartedly agree with the goal here, um, like you, I have young children, and this is a topic I'm concerned about. My question is, have you been approached by, um, folks with concerns about whether or not states have the
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Speaker 193 1:18:23
constitutional authority to regulate in this area. Um, I've had,
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:18:28
I've, some people have had conversations with that. I would say this, um, Companies such as Meta, Google, um, X, Verizon, Apple, um, our telecommunications companies. They haven't came to me with unconstitutional unconstitutionality concerns. They have come with like questions in ways that they, but I have heard concerns of that, but um, We'll let the courts decide. For now, I'm gonna try to protect my kids. Follow up. You're recognized for a
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Representative David Ray Unverified 1:18:59
follow-up. Can you expound any on what concerns were brought to you or was it, was it commerce
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:19:04
clause related or as you may know, these bills are, um, are based on federal legislation in stalled, um, it passed out of the Senate, but it hasn't been talked about in a while in the house. And so, The questions are about the unconstitutionality or there, um, but nothing's well I think this might
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Representative David Ray Unverified 1:19:31
be. Follow up You're recognized. Have you made any attempt to absolve those concerns? Can you, can you tell me what concerns
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:19:39
were presented to you and if you agree with them or not I mean not nothing specific. It's just very broad. Representative Duffield for what purpose? Question. You're recognized for a question. Representative Graham, look, I appreciate the
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Representative Matt Duffield Unverified 1:19:55
work that you've put into this legislation for our youth. I believe yesterday in committee, it was yourself or the young lady who testified with you, and I believe that the statement was made that in our youth 13 and 14 year olds do not have the cognitive ability to determine what a good or bad online
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:20:12
ad is. Was that correct? Yeah, I would say so. I mean, the reality is these uh these companies are doing everything for them, no different than any of the other, um, tons and tons of videos. Um, in addition, those ads are, right now, most of the time targeted to that kid based on information that they've collected over time in an effort to make money off of them. Um, so, yeah, I mean, they just don't have the cognitive ability. I mean, many of us have interacted with a 13 or 14 year old boy or girl, and I think it's pretty clear that uh they've got plenty of growing to do before they're ready to interact with the world, so I appreciate it, um,
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Speaker 109 1:20:49
and I would appreciate a good vote. Representative Gramlich has explained
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:20:53
the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Anyone like speak for the bill. Representative McAlinden, you're recognized to speak for the
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Representative Mindy McAlindon Unverified 1:21:14
bill. Thank you. I won't be, but a second. I, um, I think this is a good bill to give parents another tool in their toolbox, but the reason I'm here speaking for it is because last year I ran a resolution recognizing a woman, Jenny Desario, who had lost her child. And this year at the state of the state, the governor recognized that same woman. She had lost her son who committed suicide because of the dangerous algorithms of TikTok. And so I just wanted to come down and say thank you to Representative Grahamlich for running this bill and for bringing awareness to this, and I will be a yes. Representative McAlennon who spoke for
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:21:44
the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? And when I speak for the
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 1:21:49
bill. Representative Gramlich, you recognized clothes for the bill, Representative Gramick is closed for the bill. Question before the house is the
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:22:00
passage of House Bill 1717. Prepare the machine,
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 1:22:09
madam clerk. So everyone voted. Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot. By a vote of 99, 0 nay, and 0
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Representative Brian S. Evans Unverified 1:22:17
present. The bill is passed. Madam Clerk, please read House Bill 166969 by Representative
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Chair Unverified 1:22:23
Bentley to create the Keep Kids First Action to provide for protections from discrimination for adoption and foster care providers acting in accordance with sincerely held religious beliefs.
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:22:35
Representative Bentley, you're recognized to explain your
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Representative Mary Bentley Unverified 1:22:41
bill. Thank you, Speaker. Colleagues as simply puts into the statute what our current practice is in Arkansas. We do not discriminate by parents or for adoptive parents, but unfortunately, some other states have done the exact opposite in Vermont and other states they are not, no longer allowing foster parents or adoptive parents to have deeply held religious beliefs, they're preventing them from do that in our state, and I don't feel comfortable not making sure we put this in statute while we're here in office. So, as we'll
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:23:14
simply all the bill does, don't take any questions if
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Representative Tippi McCullough Unverified 1:23:18
anybody has. Representative McCulloch, for what purpose? You're recognized so representative Bentley of agencies turn away qualified families. Do you think this could exacerbate the already existing shortage of
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Representative Mary Bentley Unverified 1:23:28
home for foster and adopted children. I don't think it'll, it'll make it, we'll have more way that restriction. So I don't, I'm, I'm not sure your questions, I'm not understanding it, Tippi. I'm, I'm, I'm not understanding the answer either, so it's not prevent anybody from being foster parents, and makes sure that their religious held beliefs will not keep them from, will not prevent them from being foster. Parents, that's all follow up please.
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Representative Tippi McCullough Unverified 1:23:49
You're recognized. I mean, from my understanding from looking at this bill, There could be families. that would be refused. Being able to adopt. I don't believe that's
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Representative Mary Bentley Unverified 1:23:59
the case and testimony from DHS would be otherwise. They, they're definitely in favor of this bill, and I don't see that as a, as a problem as they review the bill. So about what DHS had to say. We'll make sure the kids are safe, this does nothing to put our children in danger, just make sure that parents that are foster parents or that their religious beliefs will not prevent them from being. Parents like they are in other states. This is preemptively doing preventing what's happening in other states. Follow up one more time. Got one
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Representative Tippi McCullough Unverified 1:24:31
more. So if it's someone's, if it's one of these agency and somebody that they're working there and it's their belief that LGBTQ family should not be able to adopt children. Won't they
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Speaker 220 1:24:42
be won't they be denied? No, that's not what this does at all.
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Representative Tippi McCullough Unverified 1:24:49
Does it keeps the state from discriminating in your words, keeps the state from discriminating against them, right? The person that refuses to do it. It, it keeps the state from those
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Representative Mary Bentley Unverified 1:24:59
parents. So I just go with, I'll give you an example from other states. Maybe that will help you understand it. So in other states like Vermont and those places, if a parent refuses to be engaged in genderiring care, those parents are no longer allowed to be foster parents or to be, uh, adoptive parents. So I don't want that happening here in Arkansas. I wanna make sure that our parents hear that how deeply held religious beliefs that a great adoptive parents and foster parents are able to continue to do that in the state of Arkansas. And that's what our current practice is. I'm just making sure we put that in statute. Representative Springer for what purpose? You recognized.
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Representative Joy Springer Unverified 1:25:36
Uh, representative, isn't it true that no one from GHS who support what you're stating here today.
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Representative Mary Bentley Unverified 1:25:41
They were thoroughly reviewed the bill and if they had any concerns, they would have been there to, to make testimony, they looked over the bill. I'm busied with them personally to make sure they had absolutely no concerns, and they said we were just putting in statute exactly what their practice
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Representative Joy Springer Unverified 1:25:57
is today. Follow up. You're recognized. Isn't it true that there was an attorney there that, uh, practiced, uh, adoptions, most of his practice involved
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Representative Mary Bentley Unverified 1:26:08
adoptions. He spoke at that he gave, he gave broad theoretical uh points he has nothing specific
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Representative Joy Springer Unverified 1:26:19
on the bill and everything he said was completely untrue. Follow up. One more. Isn't that specifically stated that your bills stated the follower, and it was in contradiction. The state government shall not require any private child placement agency to perform, assist, counsel, recommend, consent to refer or participate in any placement of a child for foster care or adoption when the proposed placement would violate the private child placement agency. sincerely hail religious or moral beliefs. He stated that that was in conflict, right? Did he not? I don't remember everything you said. I just know
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Representative Mary Bentley Unverified 1:26:56
that his statements are inaccurate in DHS completely contradicted what he said. Thank you. Representative Bentley has
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Chair Unverified 1:27:01
explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill, Representative McCullough,
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Representative Tippi McCullough Unverified 1:27:09
you're recognized to speak against the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Um, I have a lot of, I have a list of questions about this bill. I'm not going to stand down here and ask every one of those questions because I think our fundamental differences maybe even goes in a different direction. But there are some people that have a question like, there's some people that have a religious belief that they really don't believe in doctors or hospitals or taking their kids there when they're sick. And from what I understand, These folks might be able to adopt children. And not be turned away if they came in and wanted to do that. I don't believe the state, I don't believe this bill stops that. I think the balance of rights are important. The foundation of a religious freedom is important. And I think both should be balanced with the state's obligation. To help Arkansas children in these matters and their families. Every child and family should have a fair chance at a suitable placement that nurtures the child's well-being. But most of all, I do not believe Arkansas needs this bill. Arkansas has a robust. Religious freedom, Restoration Act that was passed in 2015. And basically the same type of bill that's running today. Um, is HB 1669 ran in 2017 and failed to pass. Why? Same reason it wasn't needed. It was already covered in the RFRA Act. Representative Bentley said twice while running this bill in committee. Yesterday that we don't need this bill. She said there are no issues in Arkansas, and she said that DHS has already doing these things. Those aren't my words, those are her words. So if this bill is not needed, there are no issues, and DHS is already doing these things. Why do we continue to file bills we don't need. Why do we vote for bills we don't need? Why do we file Redundant bills for no reason. And I think we'll stop that when we stop voting for these bills that we don't need. So I'm asking you to do that today and to
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:29:48
vote no, um, on this bill. Thank you. Representative McCulloch spoke against the bill. Would anyone like to speak for the bill,
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Representative Aaron Pilkington Unverified 1:30:00
Representative Pilkington, you're recognized speak for the bill. Didn't plan on speaking today, but this is something that as Mary mentioned in many northern states, you've seen this, uh, prejudice against traditional, uh, Christian families, especially traditional Catholic families. And so even as far as I remember, there's a case in Tennessee where a traditional Catholic family was denied the ability to adopt. So, unfortunately, we talked about this, it's not maybe it's not necessary today in Arkansas, but it's a very real possibility it may be needed in the future. But one of the things I think we're really missing is they're still having to go through the normal adoption process. This is not like we're just randomly assigning a child to some religious fanatical family that's out in the woods in a bunker somewhere, like they still go through a. process. That's all still in place. So, um, this is a good bill. I think it's just, it's, we're seeing a troubling trend that's going on in the country and I think we're just putting the brakes on it here in Arkansas before it's on our doorstep and it's a bigger issue. That asks for a good vote. Representative Pilkington
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:30:57
has spoke for the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? anyone I speak for the bill. Representative Bentley, you're recognized to close for the bill. Thank you, caller. I just want a quick
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Representative Mary Bentley Unverified 1:31:13
correction. I never said we didn't need the bill. I just said this puts into statute with his current practice, and we won't be here forever. And I want to make sure we can put as much cover in as we can to make sure biblical values are withheld in our state. We have great parents that can continue to adopt and be foster goodness sakes, we need all of them that we can get and it does not take away any protections we currently have to make sure that our kids are safe and the judge has a final say to make sure those kids are placed in a proper home. And with that, I'd like a great boat. Thank you. Representative Bentley is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 1:31:55
of House Bill 1669. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. So everyone voted So everyone voted. Cast up the ballot. By a vote of 78, 17 nay, and 0 present, the bill is passed.
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:32:14
Madam Clerk, please read House Bill 1288. 1288 by Representative Johnson
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Speaker 25 1:32:17
to amend the Arkansas Health Care Consumer Act and require a healthcare insurer to make certain retroactive payments to a provider upon credentialing of a provider.
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:32:26
Representative Johnson, you're recognized to explain the bill. Thank
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Representative Lee Johnson Unverified 1:32:29
you, Mr. Speaker, members. Uh, this bill is trying to address some credentialing, uh, issues around how we credential physicians, specifically trying to speed up the process and make it more efficient by tying the credentialing to, uh, the CCVS credential information that already comes from the medical board to insurance providers, and I'd be happy to answer any questions on this bill. Seeing that I appreciate a good vote. Thank you. Representative Johnson has explained
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:32:53
the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? For the bill Representative Johnson is closed for the bill. Question before the house is the passage of House Bill 1288. Prepare the machine, Madam
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 1:33:13
Clerk. So everyone voted. So everyone voted. Cast up the ballot. By a vote of 96, 0 nay, and zero present, the bill is passed. Madam Clerk, please read House
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Chair Unverified 1:33:29
Bill 1424presentative Johnson to mandate coverage for severe obesity treatments, you'd
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Representative Lee Johnson Unverified 1:33:35
to explain the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 1424 will mandate coverage for bariatric surgery on the severely obese on commercial payers. Uh, we already covered this with EBD and Medicaid already covers this as well, so there's no fiscal impact for us, for this. procedure or this particular bill. It's just, uh, intended just for the commercial payers alone. I've been working with the commercial players to make sure they're comfortable with as they can with the language. We had good testimony in committee from Blue Cross Blue Shield, and I continue to work with them. I think we've, we're close to a bill that everybody's comfortable with. We may need to make an amendment on the Senate side, uh, but I'd be happy
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:34:12
to answer any questions about the bill. Representative Duffield, for what purpose? You're recognized for a
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Representative Matt Duffield Unverified 1:34:16
question. Representative Johnson, I think he may have just answered this, but this bill will not have any of our state tax dollars go to is that correct? That's
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Representative Lee Johnson Unverified 1:34:22
correct, EBDR covers this procedure, as does Medicaid. You'll see at the top of the bill, there's a separate section where it talks about Medicaid, requiring them to cover the surgery. That's language that actually specifically came from DHS and DHS provided testimony in committee that it wouldn't
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Representative Matt Duffield Unverified 1:34:35
be a fiscal impact to them. I have another question. You're recognized. So with this procedure, I've, I've known some people in my district and friends and family that have had some severe complications with this in my research, I've seen that people who have had these procedures up to 50% of them gained the weight back. I guess, could you speak to from your medical expertise, why this is a good thing for for people to have. Sure. So the testimony we heard from both Blue Cross Blue Shield and from
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Representative Lee Johnson Unverified 1:35:02
bariatric surgeons that came to give testimony. The success rate is around 67 to 70%. So about 30 to 33% of people will have failure as as defined by returning back to some sort of, um, obesity, uh prior to surgery. Um, the, the commentary was, you know, for some people, this surgery alone is enough for some, they require a repeated revision surgery, which this bill does accommodate for. And for some people, they need the surgery and the shots that people get. Now, this bill does not require a mandate, the shots to be covered. But I think, you know, the truth is, is there's a variety of tools in the toolbox and how we try to combat obesity, severe obesity in particular. And certainly there is a place for the bariatric surgery. We're just making sure that the insurance companies when appropriate, cover that. And the definitions we have around severe obesity and some of the pre and post, uh, things that we're asking them to cover, I think will help ensure the success of the surgery. Some of the reasons you don't seek success is see success is because some of the policies out there will cover the procedure, but maybe not cover some of the post-procedure, uh, counseling that's needed to make sure that it's
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Speaker 245 1:36:07
the most successful as possible. So hopefully Representative Ray, for what
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Representative David Ray Unverified 1:36:11
purpose? Question you're recognized. Representative Johnson, I know you said there's no fiscal impact of the bill. That's because it doesn't impact any public health programs, but it is going to require all insurance companies to cover something that they're not currently covering. And as I understand it, these procedures are fairly expensive. Can you help alleviate my concerns that this is going to raise insurance premiums on folks, which are already very expensive as they
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Representative Lee Johnson Unverified 1:36:34
are. Sure, no, that's a fair question. And I think you will see, I mean, whether we do this bill or not, I think we consistently see premiums go up. I think one of the things that we heard in testimony is the value once the surgery is there of downstream cost reduction as you see less and less, um, complications that's related to obesity. You know, there are many complications that come from obesity that aren't necessarily specifically tied to the, the obesity in a direct way, things like orthopedic issues from being heavy, things like strokes, cardiovascular disease. If we can get ahead of obesity early, then we can kind of stem some of these downstream issues. So, the testimony we heard in committee again from Blue Cross Blue Shield was that they are, have already been piloting this within their own, um, uh, insurance space and have seen positive results and, and specifically the CMO said he was not opposed to this bill. So whatever the cost outli is, at least from the commercial payer standpoint, they're not pushing back like they do on some bills where we come at them and say, hey, look, this is just ridiculous. It's gonna cost too much. We're not gonna see effect downstream. The testimony we heard in the committee was that, hey, this, this is a good idea. We are looking at this, uh, they may have offer up some suggestions. on the other side, I wouldn't, wouldn't be surprised if that happens, but I think we're moving to a place where whatever the cost is, at least the payers haven't testified that the cost is onerous to the point that you're going to see exorbitant premium increases at the cost of the, you know, in, in lieu of the reduction of potential benefits downstream. Follow up.
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Representative David Ray Unverified 1:38:00
You're recognized. So, I hope that what you're saying is accurate, um, I guess my follow-up question would be, Do we have data from other states that have done this that show long-term cost savings or, or are we
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Representative Lee Johnson Unverified 1:38:16
just hoping that that's going to be the case. We don't have any specific data from, um, I don't have any specific data from other states. You know, EBD this went into effect in 23. So we've only had an effect for about a year. Uh, the testimony received from the bariatric surgeons was that it takes about 2 years to see a downstream effect. So I think we're still looking at that from an EB EBD perspective, but I
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:38:40
don't have any specific data around that. Appreciate your vote. Thank you. Representative Johnson has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 1:38:48
bill. For the bill Representative Johnson is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1424. Prepare the machine, madam clerk. Everyone voted Everyone voted Cast up the ballot. a vote of 73, 13A and 10 present. The bill is passed.
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:39:19
Madam Clark, please read House Bill 1316. 1316
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Speaker 25 1:39:22
by Representative Allen to mandate coverage for lung cancer screenings. Representative Allen, you're
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:39:27
recognized to explain the bill. Uh,
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Representative Fred Allen Unverified 1:39:32
thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and gentlemen, um, House Bill 1316 was brought to me by an American Cancer Society. It is actually a life saving. Uh, Bill, what it does, it requires insurance companies
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Speaker 248 1:39:47
to pay for prostate, pay for,
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Representative Fred Allen Unverified 1:39:50
I'm sorry, to pay for lung cancer screening, uh, And one of the biggest advantages of lung cancer screening is that you can detect lung cancer early, and when you detect lung cancer early, it cuts down on deaths. So basically, this is a life saving deal. I appreciate a good vote.
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:40:14
Representative Allen has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Representative Allen is closed for the bill. Question before the house is the passage of House Bill 1316. Prepare the machine, Madam C clerk. As everyone voted. As everyone voted Cast up the ballot. By a vote of 82, yeah, 6 nay, and 8 present. The bill is passed. Madam Clerk, please read House
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Speaker 25 1:40:54
Bill 1652 by Representatives to amend the law concerning cell service storage facilities to enforce an unsigned self-service facility storage rental agreement, and to create a termination procedure for a self-service facility, storage rental agreement.
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:41:06
Representative Tosh, you're recognized to explain the bill.
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Representative Dwight Tosh Unverified 1:41:09
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, colleagues here in Arkansas, we have a law that regulates the storage facilities. It was brought to my attention that the, uh, that law is out of date. It needs to be modernized and, uh, so this bill was brought to me by the storage facility association actually what they wanted to do was bring Arkansas up to date with other states, and that's what this bill will do. And it also, uh, bring us up to date with current industry standards. Uh, this bill is Uh, no doubt, insures Arkansas remains competitive and fosters a pro-business, uh, climate. There's no no opposition to this bill. This bill came out of committee with a unanimous vote. And with that, I would appreciate a good
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:41:55
vote. Thank you. Representative Tosh has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? For the bill Representative Tash is closed for the bill. Question before the house is the passage of House Bill 1652. Prepare the machine, madam clerk. Everyone voted.
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 1:42:23
Because everyone voted. Cast up the ballot. By a vote
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:42:29
of 97, 1 nay and one present. The bill is passed. Madam Clerk, please read House Bill
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Chair Unverified 1:42:36
17000presentative Aker to amend the prior authorization transparency Act and to exclude the name of a reviewing physician from
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Speaker 25 1:42:42
disclosure in an adverse determination notice under the prior authorization Transparency Act. Representative
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 1:42:48
Aker, you're recognized to explain the bill.
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Representative Aker Unverified 1:42:54
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, colleagues, this is a, uh, provider privacy protection bill, uh, essentially what we're aiming to achieve here is that when these providers who are making these rulings, they don't have any sort of established relationship or care, they're unable to assess the patient's mental state or have their history in front of them. We want to protect the integrity of the ruling, uh, the information as far as who makes the ruling is still available through the right, the, uh, issuing provider and we'd like for that to be the gate.
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:43:25
With that, I welcome any questions. You know and I appreciate a good boat. Representative Aker has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Well I speak for the bill. Representative Acer is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1700. Prepare the machine, madam clerk. So everyone voted.
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 1:43:56
So everyone voted. Cast up the ballot? By a vote of 97, 0, nay, and
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:44:03
1 present. The bill is passed. Members at the request of Representative Beatty, we will pass over House Bill 1509 today. Madam Clark, please read House Bill 1656. 1656 by
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Chair Unverified 1:44:19
Representative Beck to amend the law regarding oil and gas production and conservation. Representative Beck, you are
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Representative Rick Beck Unverified 1:44:27
recognized to explain your bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You know, most of the time when you come down to the well, you're saying, and I hope I get down there and get out with not a lot of questions. I'm gonna, I'm gonna break that tradition. I'm gonna ask you guys. To ask me questions if there's something you don't understand. Just ask a question. I, I, I want to be able to answer your question. I'll I'll do the best that I possibly can to answer your questions. Now, But now, you've probably heard about this bill. You probably received a lot of taxes and emails about the spill. That was, that was really who fell into two categories, the producers who Some of them are saying that this. Bill will destroy. The the industry it's got all kinds of problems. None of those are true. The other side is much simpler. I know you've received a lot of tasks, but what they're asking is this, that you Pay their leases, the way they were written. And that if you're gonna take a deduction off of those leases that you, it's clearly on the statement when you get your check. So when you get your royalty check. And there's deductions taken off of that. They have to list what those deductions were for the purpose that they were for. So you know exactly that. Now The flywheel LLC. Near the end of 2018. Purchase the majority of the Fayetteville Shell's assets. Why will using what I'm calling a loophole in a 2000. Uh, excuse me, you know, 1985 statute recalculated how royalty owners should be compensated for their mineral interest. This, some people call this the new formula. Well, this new formula shifted cost. Production costs, post-production costs and other expenses over to the royalty owners deducting those from the royalty owner's payments. Royalty owners, those royalty owners that had leases that clearly Stated that no deductions other than taxes or assessments. Should be taken from their cause. I get that. No deductions other than taxes and assessments, and some people ask what the assessment was. The assessment is what the um Arkansas, uh, environmentalists an environmental assessment as far as maintenance on the wells. Dolls are, were legal. But Flywell went ahead and kept the deducting those. Now There was a 5-year court case between Flywell and the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission. The oil and gas commission. Had negotiated some leases on behalf of integrated leases on behalf of some of the royalty owners that didn't want to participate. Some people call it forced integration, but it's really just they were that they're, their mental interests were integrated and, and now Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission actually does those leases. Well, they noticed first that in early 2019. That Flywheel wasn't paying the leases the way they were written and what had been agreed to. They took him to court. It was appealed, stretched way out. But finally the oil and gas commission prevailed, and Flywell was told to go back. Last year this court was settled last year and they were told to go all the way back to 2019, recalculate those expenses that were not supposed to be done and then paid those royalty owners, the proper amount. They had to go all the way back to 2019. Now HB 1656. Fixes Excuse me, 16. 56 fixes that loophole. Protecting royalty owners. Before we get into the bill itself though, I wanna Say that it's worth noting that this bill is what I call a compromise bill. I actually had Lawyers on the production side and the royalty owner's side get together and say how do we do this right? You may find that hard to believe because you say, well, how do you get on the other side to, to compromise like that. Well, here's what happens. What should be noted Is that all the other Producers in Arkansas, all the other producers in Arkansas. Pay royalties, right. They pay the leases as they're written. Flywheel in their subsidiary are the only ones who don't. So With that said, We got to a, a very what I consider a very clean bill. And Really, my inputs as far as that bill was concerned, were simple. They came directly from the royalty owners. pay my leases the way they're written. And be transparent as far as the charges against My royalty check. Tell me, right, so that's good. Now Mm Flywell, of course, the integrated leases, you may be wondering why the integrated leases, uh, the oil and gas thing that only handled about 7% of the leases like this. Bill does is it takes the language from the courts. And plugs it right in to where it applies to all the leases, the private leases owners, so they can no longer be taken back and, and, uh, There's no doubt as to how the leases should be paid. So with uh another, uh, the lease, uh, excuse me. HB 1656 is also endorsed by the county Judges Association and the Association of Counties. Now, you might have heard, and I think it's got a lot of people worried. We had a 3-hour committee meeting. Well, it, it was, it was lengthy and a lot of things were said. And in that committee meeting, a couple of the members had some issues, representative Shepherd had some issues with related and legitimate that we want to make sure that we didn't interfere with any of the producers down in South Arkansas where the oil production is a representative, uh, Lane, John Lane also. Also had that concern. So those are gonna be addressed. We've agreed that on the Senate side, We will put an amendment in there that says that it does not affect the oil leases. Now, I'd like to just briefly just Top level go through what the bill actually does. And if you have the bill up on your screen, you can actually go right now because I'm gonna pretty much go right down the bill. The first thing that it does is it codifies the exact language that the courts decided. In the case of the oil and gas commission and, and the flywheel. The second thing it does, it uses very straightforward language. As to what are allowable ducks deductions on the executable or what we call the private leases. And here's really what it says. Applicable taxes, assessments and charges specifically allowed within the term of the lease. The next point it does is it clarifies Uh, law concerning industry practices, and this, quite honestly is where we close that loophole in the, in the 1985 law. It basically says that the minimum royalty that can be paid a royalty owner for the production of gas shall be 18 net proceeds of the sale of the gas and that the mineral owner has the right to negotiate a higher royalty. Which many of them have that that the key change in that is this. The, the 85. Statute said. Did not list that as a minimum. They just list it as a role. This says it's a minimum and that those It can be negotiated higher. The next thing that the bill does, it clarifies that ownership. It says that royalty owners. Alright. Their royalties, their mineral interests, our personal property, or excuse me, are their property and they have the right to contract with that. The next thing That happens is. Finally, the transparency And the bell. It requires that a royalty owner should be provided an itemized statement of accounting for the royalty payment. And the statement should list all deductions as to their purpose and amount. I want, I want to thank The royalty owners of the Fayetteville Shell Group. They invited me. They were having an organizational meetings. They had them in Van Buren. Laing, Conway, and White counties. I got to talk with probably about 1600 different royalty owners. Everyone said the same thing. The the theme was the same through all of them. Pay my leases the way they're written. And give me transparency as what I'm being charged. And with that, I'll. Representative Rye, for what purpose? Question,
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:55:29
Mr. Speaker. You recognized for a question? Yes sir, thank you, sir. Uh, Representative Rick.
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Representative Johnny Rye Unverified 1:55:39
Was there a time that these companies were actually paying the right amount and then a different amount to the royalty owners. I'm, I'm glad you
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Representative Rick Beck Unverified 1:55:48
asked that question. I actually, uh, have jumped around here a little bit and I missed all of that. Worth noting is this. These leases that I'm talking about, these private leases that in 2019 was starting to be paid wrong. They had been paid correctly for 14 years. They were paid according to the leases for 14 years in 2018. A new player, an out of state player came in, bought the assets, which means they, they own the leases at that point, and at that point, they changed them. Thank you for bringing up that point. Are there any
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Speaker 256 1:56:23
other questions? Represent Steele, do you have a question?
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:56:43
Oh, I'm sorry. Nope. Representative Beck has explained the bill. Would anyone likes to speak against the bill. Represents Steele,
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Speaker 276 1:57:00
you recognized speak for the bill. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Uh, I come here to speak in favor
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 1:57:05
of this bill, which is different than what happened on yesterday, after we did have a lengthy discussion in committee over 3 hours. Um, I voted against the bill. I had really not heard much from, from my district and, uh, uh, my business community and the chamber supported supported the bill, and so, without hearing very much, I, I supported their view, uh, but After the meeting, these people who stayed there for over 3 hours. I spoke with with several of them. And, and told them the same thing that I had not, not heard and really doesn't affect my district. I was wrong. Uh, after that, they did their due diligence and I had several calls that evening and several calls, including, uh, one of my high school teachers. My classmate. And several of my constituents. And when in doubt, I always go with the people who sent me here. So I will be changing my vote to yes. Representative Steele has spoke for the bill. Would anyone like
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:58:09
to speak against the bill. Anyone I speak for the bill.
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Representative Rick Beck Unverified 1:58:17
Representative Beck, you're recognized to closed for the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, this is a good bill. It's a long time in the making. It took a lot of uh took a while to get here, but I certainly would appreciate a good vote. Thank you all. Representative Beck is closed
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:58:44
for the bill, question before the House is the passage of
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 1:58:57
House Bill 1656. Prepare the machine, madam clerk. Everyone voted Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot. By a vote of 81, 11 nays, and 2 present,
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:59:15
the bill is passed. Madam Clerk, please read House Bill
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Speaker 25 1:59:19
1721. House 1721 by Representative Brown to amend sections of the Arkansas code to prohibit greyhound racing and simulcasting of greyhound racing.
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 1:59:27
Representative Brown, you're recognized to explain your bill. Thank you
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Representative Matt Brown Unverified 1:59:35
Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, uh, 1721 is a simple build, doesn't do a whole lot. As y'all may remember, Greyhound racing went away about 3 or 4 years ago here in the state of Arkansas with Southland Arling Greyhound track, signed to phase that out with no intention of bringing it back. Uh, this bill is just intended to clean up the code. The racing commission has already gotten rid of all the rules regarding Greyhound racing. This simply gets rid of it out of our code. Um, the second thing this bill does is it also gets rid of the simulcast of greyhound racing. Uh, currently, um, because the market on Greyhound racing has just It's just not popular anymore. And essentially every track in the country has shut down except for two left in West Virginia. They are scheduled to most likely shut down in 2028. There's pending legislation to shut that down and the racetrack owner actually supports legislation there, so we anticipate it will be gone in 2028. And you'll notice that this bill's effective date is synced up with that. So essentially this bill gets rid of Greyhound racing in the code, it gets rid of rid of simulcast because here in about 3 years, there will be none left in the country. With that, I appreciate
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 2:00:29
a good vote. Representative Brown has explained the bill, would anyone like to speak against the bill? For the bill Representative Brown is closed for the bill. Question before the house is the passage of House Bill 1721. Prepare the machine, madam clerk. Everyone voted, everyone voted. Cast up the ballot. By a vote of 86, 5 nay, and 1 present. The bill is
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Speaker 156 2:01:10
passed. Madam Clerk, please read House Bill 1070. House Bill 1070 by Representative John Carr to create the
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 2:01:17
ballot draw standardization Act of 2025. Representative,
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Representative John P. Carr Unverified 2:01:25
you're to explain your bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, colleagues. Today I introduce to you House Bill 1070. The ballot draw standardization Act of 2025. Many people wonder when they go into the voting booth and they see the various contests listed on the ballot. How is the order of candidates determined. The order of Kans is determined by uh a ballot draw. So, let's talk about the bill itself. This is really an election integrity bill provides a streamlined common sense short process to be able to help with the ballot draw. It fits on less than one sheet of paper. In committee, I handed a handout and here I can't do that on the floor. It was a very short process. It took about 2 minutes to explain. It'll make things consistent across the state, but with the way the bill is written, the election commission will still have ultimate authority on picking people to draw for the ballots. This is not even a partisan bill. This affects all candidates equally regardless. What we do is whoever um files for their office first, we'll draw their lot first. As simple as that. And ballot position does matter when it comes to elections. Whenever, uh, the farther on down you go down the ballot, the more significant the advantages of being slot one. Now, let's talk about the need for the bill. Current law is very vague. It just says you need to draw lots. We have a lot of turnover on our election commissions. You got a lot of new elections coming in. They're asking for help a lot. Counties are having to call counties to get help to be able to understand how to implement the ballot draw. And one additional benefits. Our candidate filing period runs from noon to noon on the first day of the last day, and already we have a time, a time in In statute. Although thing we're asking from the county clerks is simply time stamp a candidate filing form. They can do that even by hand. It's a very simple request that we have. So you can see this is really a very, very simple process. It's very streamlined, but the election commission ultimately has ultimate control. With that, I would ask for a good vote. Thank you. Representative Carr has explained the bill. Would anyone like
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Representative Brian S. Evans Unverified 2:03:31
to speak against the bill? Would anyone like to speak for the bill?
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 2:03:39
Representative Carr, you're recognized to close for the bill. Thank
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Representative John P. Carr Unverified 2:03:46
you. I do have some additional closing comments. The only group that's really opposed this bill has been the County Clerks Association. Not all the county clerks are against this bill. We've been reaching out to the County Clerks Association since December 9th. I even sent them a draft bill of the Of this, and I've asked them, you know, what are your concerns? Cause the only part that affects the county clerks is simply time stamping a document. Some county clerks already stamped the documents, so it has zero impact upon them. So we're trying to consider go, what's the concern? What's the issue? And we can see it's very simple for them. They just have to time stamp. That's it. Some already do it. So, election commissions are the ones that need the help. They're the ones that are being affected. And so by this, we actually give them a way to get some help and we standardize our processes across the state. There's 75 counties and when it comes to elections, it's always good to do the same things the same way. I'm closed and I asked for a good vote. Representative Carr is closed for the bill.
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 2:04:45
Question before the house is the passage of House Bill 1070. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. So everyone voted As everyone
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 2:05:06
voted. Cast up the ballot. By a vote of 34, 48 nays, and 7
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Speaker 101 2:05:11
present. The bill has failed. Madam clerk, please read House
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Chair Unverified 2:05:24
Bill 1516. House Bill 1560 by Representative McGrew to amend the law concerning public works contracts and the required pricing information for lighting components for public works projects. Representative McGrew, you're recognized to
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 2:05:32
explain the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is
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Representative Richard McGrew Unverified 2:05:38
really a very simple bill. It's a bill that helps us to be a better steward with the taxpayers' money. All it does is it provides for any taxpayer funded project to allow prices from 3 separate lighting agencies. That's it. Just allow those 3 prices to be seen. This will result in More competition which result in leveling the playing field and I believe result in more bids. This does not require or limit or change anything in the bid process. The architects association is fully behind this. The architecture are the ones that are in charge of these projects, and they're responsible to the owners. For doing the best job they can. They want this because they have seen recently that they're only getting just one price. And they know they had a competition will help them bring the prices in budget and serve their customers better. They're fully behind it. The engineers are neutral. Again The result would be good steward
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Representative Brian S. Evans Unverified 2:06:45
with taxpayer money, and I'm available for any questions. Representative Kavanaugh, for
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Representative Frances Cavenaugh Unverified 2:06:51
what purpose? You're for a question is gonna limit it to only 3 bids they can get more bids if they want to, but this is
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Representative Richard McGrew Unverified 2:07:00
going to say at least 3 bids. Absolutely, they can get as many bids. I think there's 8 lighting agencies in Arkansas. They can all a bit it. It doesn't absolutely require that they get 3, so only 2 can. It's simply
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 2:07:15
allows for those prices to be seen. Representative Gonzalez Worthen, for what purpose?
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Representative Justin Gonzales Unverified 2:07:24
You reckon asked for a question? So I was wondering with these projects, if other components of the of of such projects are also being included, or is this only lighting agencies. In other words, if there's another project that requires excavation or framing, plumbing, lighting, sheetrocking, others. Do they also require 3 beds?
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Representative Richard McGrew Unverified 2:07:46
There, I don't know in the procurement process, you're talking about, this is in the wholesale process before it gets to procurement. In the wholesale process, I believe they are requiring more bids, but this is, this is simply in the lighting in the
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Representative Justin Gonzales Unverified 2:08:06
design stage. You're recognized for a follow-up. I'm getting a lot of are very concerned about this bill because it's limiting those agencies that normally would would have bids. It doesn't, it says minimum, but currently, 8 of them can have their bids, um, to go before and give their, give everything that they would be able to do. And I'm also getting feedback on it limiting creativity and innovation of architects. and engineers in the design phase. So I So, I'm just asking how Does this really, in your mind, does encourage free enterprise, or does it limit
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Representative Richard McGrew Unverified 2:08:57
it? It absolutely does. You know, I come from the electrical trade. I know this well. This was brought to me by electoral contractors that wanted to levy, the, the field to be leveled. They said they would be more encouraged to bid if this came on. This will increase competition. We kind of put it to you this way, if you're buying appliances for your house, and you could only buy GE appliances, and GE knew that. What do you think the prices would be? This is saying you can't just take G, you got to take frigidaire and you got to take LG. You simply have to see those prizes, and those prices are also being overseen by the engineer to make sure the quality is not increased. It really is just that simple. It just seeing those three prices. That's all it's doing. So no other questions. I appreciate a good vote.
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 2:09:54
Representative McGrew has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Would anyone like speak for the bill? Representative McGrew is closed for the bill. Question before the house is the passage of House Bill 1560. Prepare the machine, madam clerk. Everyone voted. So everyone voted.
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 2:10:27
Cast up the ballot. By a vote of 35 ye, 42 nays, and 15 present. The bill has failed. Representative Meeks, for what purpose? Motion. You're recognized.
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Representative Stephen Meeks Unverified 2:10:40
Pursuant to House Rule 33M, I move that we adjourn until 1:30 on Monday afternoon. That's a
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 2:10:47
proper motion. It's non-debatable. All those in favor say aye, pose nay. You guys have it.
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Speaker 296 2:10:57
Have any announcements from committees. Any committee announcements. Representative Maddox, for what
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Representative John Maddox Unverified 2:11:08
purpose? Announcement, you're recognized and commerce, we'll meet Monday 15 minutes upon adjournment of the
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 2:11:19
house. No Any other committee announcements. Do I have anyone, uh,
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 2:11:30
I do see, I don't see a chair or vice chair from house management, but I do see that
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Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified 2:11:35
house management will meet at 9:00 a.m. Monday morning. House management, we'll meet at 9 a.m. Monday morning. Any other committee announcements. Also, I don't see the chair or vice chair of state agencies, but I do know the state agencies' plans to meet 15 minutes upon adjournment Monday. So
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Speaker 94 2:12:10
representative. So you know others, the desk will remain
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Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified 2:12:15
open as needed for the reading of the bills and upon completion of the items named in the adjourned motion. The house will be adjourned
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Agenda

Call to order

5:40
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Prayer

5:59
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Pledge

7:48
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Roll Call

8:12
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Motion to recall-HB1365 from the Senate

16:04
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RESOLUTIONS

HR1040 Barker TO RECOGNIZE THE SMACKOVER HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY CHEERLEADING TEAM AS THE 2024 CLASS 3A STATE CHAMPIONS.

17:54
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Motion to re-refer SB293-Brown back to committee

21:54
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HR1066 Ennett TO RECOGNIZE MARCH 9-15, 2025, AS AMERICORPS WEEK.

22:34
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End of Morning Hour

25:55
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CONCUR IN SENATE AMENDMENT

HB1238 #1 Cavenaugh TO AUTHORIZE A MORTGAGOR TO RECOVER FEES IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER THE STATUTORY FORECLOSURE LAW.

26:03
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HB1307 #1 McAlindon TO ENSURE RESPONSIBLE FUND MANAGEMENT; AND TO AMEND THE UNIFORM PRUDENT MANAGEMENT OF INSTITUTIONAL FUNDS ACT (2006).

27:19
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REGULAR BILLS

HB1512 M. Shepherd TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS ACCESS ACT; AND TO AMEND VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF THE ARKANSAS CODE AS THEY RELATE TO EDUCATION IN THE STATE OF ARKANSAS.

28:31
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HB1606 Steimel TO ALLOW A LOCAL GOVERNMENT TO AUTHORIZE THE OPERATION OF A UTILITY TASK VEHICLE ON A DESIGNATED PUBLIC STREET OR HIGHWAY WITHIN THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT'S JURISDICTION SUBJECT TO CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS.

50:50
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HB1551 Gazaway TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING CRIMINAL ABORTION; AND TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF COERCED CRIMINAL ABORTION BY MEANS OF FRAUD.

55:55
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HB1505 Wing TO REQUIRE A PUBLIC EMPLOYER TO OFFER AND PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR LICENSED COUNSELING FOR A PUBLIC SAFETY EMPLOYEE WHO HAS EXPERIENCED A TRAUMATIC EVENT; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

58:52
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HB1272 Warren TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PROPERTY VACATED BY A MUNICIPALITY; AND TO REQUIRE VESTED ABANDONED PROPERTY BE CONVEYED WITH THE ABUTTING REAL ESTATE.

1:01:43
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HB1274 Warren TO ALLOW A TITLE INSURANCE AGENT, TITLE INSURER, OR TITLE COMPANY TO PAY REAL PROPERTY TAXES IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE ISSUANCE OF A TITLE.

1:03:42
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HB1618 Hawk TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE ELECTION, APPOINTMENT, AND CONTRACTING OF A MUNICIPAL ATTORNEY.

HB1725 Schulz TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE OFFICE OF SHERIFF; AND TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING COMPENSATION FOR THE OFFICE OF SHERIFF

1:06:01
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HB1717 Gramlich TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS CHILDREN AND TEENS' ONLINE PRIVACY PROTECTION ACT.

1:14:57
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HB1669 Bentley TO CREATE THE KEEP KIDS FIRST ACT; AND TO PROVIDE FOR PROTECTIONS FROM DISCRIMINATION FOR ADOPTION AND FOSTER CARE PROVIDERS ACTING IN ACCORDANCE WITH SINCERELY HELD RELIGIOUS BELIEFS.

1:22:20
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HB1288 L. Johnson TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS HEALTH CARE CONSUMER ACT; AND TO REQUIRE A HEALTHCARE INSURER TO MAKE CERTAIN RETROACTIVE PAYMENTS TO A PROVIDER UPON CREDENTIALING OF A PROVIDER.

1:32:13
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HB1424 L. Johnson TO MANDATE COVERAGE FOR SEVERE OBESITY TREATMENTS.

1:33:27
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HB1316 F. Allen TO MANDATE COVERAGE FOR LUNG CANCER SCREENINGS.

1:39:18
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HB1652 Tosh T0 AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING SELF-SERVICE STORAGE FACILITIES; TO ENFORCE AN UNSIGNED SELF-SERVICE FACILITY STORAGE RENTAL AGREEMENT; AND TO CREATE A TERMINATION PROCEDURE FOR A SELF-SERVICE FACILITY STORAGE RENTAL AGREEMENT.

1:40:59
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HB1700 Achor TO AMEND THE PRIOR AUTHORIZATION TRANSPARENCY ACT; AND TO EXCLUDE THE NAME OF A REVIEWING PHYSICIAN FROM DISCLOSURE IN AN ADVERSE DETERMINATION NOTICE UNDER THE PRIOR AUTHORIZATION TRANSPARENCY ACT.

1:42:34
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HB1509 Beaty Jr. TO CREATE THE SECOND AMENDMENT FINANCIAL PRIVACY ACT; AND TO PROHIBIT FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FROM USING CERTAIN DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICES.

HB1656 Beck TO AMEND THE LAW REGARDING OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION AND CONSERVATION.

1:44:15
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HB1721 M. Brown TO AMEND SECTIONS OF THE ARKANSAS CODE TO PROHIBIT GREYHOUND RACING AND SIMULCASTING OF GREYHOUND RACING.

1:59:15
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HB1070 John Carr TO CREATE THE BALLOT DRAW STANDARDIZATION ACT OF 2025.

2:01:05
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HB1560 McGrew TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACTS; AND TO REQUIRE PRICING INFORMATION FOR LIGHTING COMPONENTS FOR PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS.

2:05:14
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REGULAR SENATE BILLS

SB111 K. Hammer L. Johnson TO ESTABLISH THE DENTIST AND DENTAL HYGIENIST COMPACT.

SB167 A. Clark Brooks TO AMEND THE DATES BY WHICH CERTAIN REQUESTS TO TRANSFER PUBLIC SCHOOLS OR PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS SHALL BE SUBMITTED.

SB270 Crowell Wooldridge TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE FILING PERIODS OF CERTAIN NONPARTISAN SCHOOL BOARD AND MUNICIPAL CANDIDATES.

SB254 Irvin Steimel TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING RURAL COMMUNITY PROJECTS; TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "PROPERTY IN KIND"; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

SB339 A. Clark Bentley CONCERNING THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE CHILD MALTREATMENT INVESTIGATIONS OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE.

SB276 B. Johnson Steimel TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING SURPLUS LINES INSURANCE; AND TO CLARIFY THAT SURPLUS LINES INSURANCE IS ACCEPTABLE COVERAGE FOR FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OF MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE COVERAGE.

SB240 Hill Beaty, Jr. TO AMEND THE CREDIT REPORTING DISCLOSURE ACT OF 1989; AND TO CLARIFY THE CONTENT REQUIRED FOR A NOTICE OF ADVERSE ACTION.

SB242 Hill Beaty, Jr. TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING LOANS INVOLVING THE STOCK OF A STATE BANK.

SB231 J. Dotson Cozart TO CONFER LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY ON SELECT EMPLOYEES OF THE OFFICE OF THE ARKANSAS LOTTERY.

Motion to Adjourn

2:10:39
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Announcements

2:10:57
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Adjourn

2:12:21
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Documents

No documents posted.

Speakers

Representative Tracy Steele Chair Unverified
69 segments
Speaker 3
1 segment
Speaker 4
4 segments
Representative Zack Gramlich Chair Unverified
107 segments
Speaker 19
1 segment
Chair Unverified
21 segments
Speaker 25
13 segments
Speaker 38
1 segment
Representative Matt Brown Unverified
5 segments
Representative Sonia Eubanks Barker Unverified
8 segments
Representative Brian S. Evans Unverified
5 segments
Representative Matthew J. Shepherd Unverified
27 segments
Speaker 66
1 segment
Representative Les Warren Unverified
7 segments
Speaker 76
1 segment
Speaker 77
1 segment
Speaker 60
1 segment
Representative Denise Jones Ennett Unverified
4 segments
Speaker 90
1 segment
Representative Frances Cavenaugh Unverified
3 segments
Representative Mindy McAlindon Unverified
4 segments
Speaker 101
2 segments
Speaker 84
1 segment
Speaker 33
1 segment
Representative Tara Shephard Unverified
2 segments
Representative Robin Lundstrum Unverified
1 segment
Representative Justin Gonzales Unverified
12 segments
Representative Lincoln Barnett Unverified
5 segments
Speaker 94
5 segments
Representative Trey Steimel Unverified
5 segments
Representative Stephen Meeks Unverified
2 segments
Speaker 142
1 segment
Representative Mike Holcomb Unverified
5 segments
Speaker 148
1 segment
Speaker 151
1 segment
Speaker 156
2 segments
Representative Jimmy Gazaway Unverified
5 segments
Representative Carlton Wing Unverified
4 segments
Representative Bart Schulz Unverified
10 segments
Speaker 145
1 segment
Representative Jeff Wardlaw Unverified
2 segments
Representative Brit McKenzie Unverified
2 segments
Speaker 189
1 segment
Speaker 190
1 segment
Speaker 193
2 segments
Speaker 194
1 segment
Representative David Ray Unverified
8 segments
Representative Matt Duffield Unverified
3 segments
Speaker 109
1 segment
Representative Mary Bentley Unverified
13 segments
Representative Tippi McCullough Unverified
11 segments
Speaker 220
1 segment
Representative Joy Springer Unverified
4 segments
Representative Aaron Pilkington Unverified
3 segments
Representative Lee Johnson Unverified
15 segments
Speaker 245
1 segment
Representative Fred Allen Unverified
3 segments
Speaker 248
1 segment
Representative Dwight Tosh Unverified
3 segments
Representative Aker Unverified
1 segment
Representative Rick Beck Unverified
33 segments
Representative Johnny Rye Unverified
1 segment
Speaker 256
1 segment
Speaker 276
1 segment
Representative John P. Carr Unverified
8 segments
Representative Richard McGrew Unverified
9 segments
Speaker 296
1 segment
Representative John Maddox Unverified
1 segment