Senate Convenes
Video
Transcript
Bills discussed (51)
| Bill | Title | Sponsor | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
|
SR25
· 4 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “SR25 D. Wallace TO RECOGNIZE AND CELEBRATE NUCOR DAY AT THE STAT…”
|
TO RECOGNIZE AND CELEBRATE NUCOR DAY AT THE STATE CAPITOL ON FEBRUARY 19, 2025. | D. Wallace | Sine Die adjournment |
|
SR36
· 4 mentions in transcript, chapter
Matched: “Next, we will take a Senate Resolution 36. Senate Resolution 36 by”
|
TO RECOGNIZE HOT SPRINGS WORLD CLASS HIGH SCHOOL PREVENTION STAFF AND STUDENT CLUB MEMBERS AND … | M. McKee | Sine Die adjournment |
|
SR37
· 4 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “SR37 Dees TO RECOGNIZE MARCH 2025 AS AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH AN…”
|
TO RECOGNIZE MARCH 2025 AS AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH AND SUPPORT THE HUMANITARIAN MISSION OF … | Dees | Sine Die adjournment |
|
SR39
· 3 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “SR39 J. Scott TO CELEBRATE WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH DURING MARCH 20…”
|
TO CELEBRATE WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH DURING MARCH 2025 AND INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY ON MARCH 8, … | J. Scott | Sine Die adjournment |
|
HB1193
· 2 mentions in chapter
Matched: “HB1193 Cavenaugh B. Johnson TO REQUIRE AN INSURER TO INCLUDE A LIE…”
|
TO REQUIRE AN INSURER TO INCLUDE A LIENHOLDER ON PAYMENTS MADE UNDER AN INSURANCE POLICY. | Cavenaugh | Died in House at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB307
Act 373
· 2 mentions in chapter
Matched: “SB307 #1 - Dismang - TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PUBLIC UTILITIES…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PUBLIC UTILITIES; TO CREATE THE GENERATING ARKANSAS JOBS ACT OF … | J. Dismang | Notification that SB307 is now Act 373 |
|
SB372
· 2 mentions in chapter
Matched: “SB372 A. Clark TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE SIGNAL LEGEND OF T…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE SIGNAL LEGEND OF TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES; AND TO ALLOW … | A. Clark | Died on Senate Calendar at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB420
Act 736
· 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…Longstrom recommended pass as amended number one. Calendar Senate Bill 420 by Senator Hester. To expand eligibility for water”
|
TO EXPAND ELIGIBILITY FOR WATER DEVELOPMENT STATE PROGRAMS; TO AMEND THE WATER AUTHORITY ACT; AND … | Hester | Notification that SB420 is now Act 736 |
|
SB421
Act 578
· 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “Senate Bill 421 by Senator Hester. To authorize the Arkansas”
|
TO AUTHORIZE THE ARKANSAS NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION TO ISSUE GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT … | Hester | Notification that SB421 is now Act 578 |
|
HB1068
Act 311
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1068 M. McElroy Wallace TO INCLUDE EMPLOYEES OF A METROPOLITAN P…”
|
TO INCLUDE EMPLOYEES OF A METROPOLITAN PORT AUTHORITY IN THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE ARKANSAS EMPLOYEES' … | M. McElroy | Notification that HB1068 is now Act 311 |
|
HB1134
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “insurance commerce, who was for House Bill 1134 representative. Hawk recommend new pass. Calendar. I mean o…”
|
TO ADOPT THE ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSE COMPACT IN ARKANSAS. | Unger | WITHDRAWN BY AUTHOR |
|
HB1245
Act 432
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1245 Irvin Public Health”
|
TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS BEHAVIOR ANALYST REGISTRATION ACT. | Clowney | Notification that HB1245 is now Act 432 |
|
HB1298
Act 307
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…nd Du pass calendar Committee on Insurance Commerce who for House Bill 1298 by Representative Johnson recommended a pass calendar Commi…”
|
TO MODIFY PAYMENT OF BENEFITS FOR CERTAIN HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS UNDER A HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN. | L. Johnson | Notification that HB1298 is now Act 307 |
|
HB1405
Act 309
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1405 J. Richardson Boyd TO AMEND THE STATUTES CONCERNING PROCURE…”
|
TO AMEND THE STATUTES CONCERNING PROCURERS; AND TO ADD ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS REGARDING THE USE OF … | J. Richardson | Notification that HB1405 is now Act 309 |
|
HB1460
Act 324
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…nd they pass calendar coming in state agencies team was for House Bill 1460 by represented Rose recommended pass calendar”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING APPOINTMENTS TO CERTAIN BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COUNCILS BASED ON CONGRESSIONAL … | Rose | Notification that HB1460 is now Act 324 |
|
HB1474
Act 484
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1474 #1 Joey Carr Wallace CONCERNING THE PREVENTION OF HUMAN TRA…”
|
CONCERNING THE PREVENTION OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING; AND TO REQUIRE THE DISPLAY OF INFORMATION ABOUT THE … | Joey Carr | Notification that HB1474 is now Act 484 |
|
HB1489
Act 302
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1489 Wardlaw B. Johnson TO AMEND THE METHOD OF EXECUTION TO INCL…”
|
TO AMEND THE METHOD OF EXECUTION TO INCLUDE NITROGEN GAS. | Wardlaw | Notification that HB1489 is now Act 302 |
|
HB1502
Act 325
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1502 Maddox Boyd TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE REGISTRATION AN…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF A HISTORIC OR SPECIAL INTEREST … | Maddox | Notification that HB1502 is now Act 325 |
|
HB1516
Act 326
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…w recommend new pass calendar Committee on Ari, who was for House Bill 1516 member of Richmond recommend new pass calendar City County…”
|
TO AMEND VARIOUS LAWS CONCERNING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. | Richmond | Notification that HB1516 is now Act 326 |
|
HB1536
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1536 #1 M. McElroy Wallace TO WITHHOLD STATE TRANSPORTATION FUND…”
|
TO WITHHOLD STATE TRANSPORTATION FUNDING FROM A SCHOOL DISTRICT THAT DOES NOT REQUIRE PASSENGER RESTRAINT … | M. McElroy | Died in House at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
HB1581
Act 316
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1581 Henley English TO ADD TRAFFICKING OF PERSONS TO THE LIST OF…”
|
TO ADD TRAFFICKING OF PERSONS TO THE LIST OF OFFENSES INCLUDED IN THE DEFINITION OF … | Henley | Notification that HB1581 is now Act 316 |
|
HB1587
Act 310
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…calendar Committee on Insurance commerce, who was referred House Bill 1587 by Representative John John recommended a pass calendar”
|
CONCERNING THE ANY WILLING PROVIDER LAWS; AND TO AMEND THE PATIENT PROTECTION ACT OF 1995. | L. Johnson | Notification that HB1587 is now Act 310 |
|
HB1596
Act 327
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1596 Steimel Hammer TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING MOVING TRAFFIC V…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING MOVING TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS IN A HIGHWAY WORK ZONE; TO CREATE … | Steimel | Notification that HB1596 is now Act 327 |
|
HB1605
Act 328
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1605 Wing Bryant TO AMEND THE CONSTRUCTION MANAGER-GENERAL CONTR…”
|
TO AMEND THE CONSTRUCTION MANAGER-GENERAL CONTRACTOR METHOD OF PROCUREMENT PILOT PROGRAM TO TO MAKE THE … | Wing | Notification that HB1605 is now Act 328 |
|
HB1609
Act 366
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1609 Lundstrum B. Davis TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING HUMAN TRAFFI…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING HUMAN TRAFFICKING; TO CREATE AN ENHANCED PENALTY FOR RECRUITING TRAFFICKED … | Lundstrum | Notification that HB1609 is now Act 366 |
|
SB117
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB117 #1 - Penzo - TO CREATE THE NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN PRACTICE…”
|
TO CREATE THE NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN PRACTICE ACT; TO PROVIDE FOR LICENSURE OF NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIANS IN … | C. Penzo | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB144
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “engrossed bills who was referred Senate Bill 144 by”
|
CONCERNING THE BACKLOG OF INMATES AWAITING TRANSFER TO THE DIVISION OF CORRECTION; TO PROVIDE FOR … | B. King | Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB224
Act 290
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “Senator Clark Tucker, Senate Bill 224 by”
|
TO REPEAL THE LAW CONCERNING NATURAL ORGANIC FERTILIZERS. | Stone | Notification that SB224 is now Act 290 |
|
SB227
Act 505
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ass. Calendar. I mean on state agencies to whom was sparked Senate Bill 227 by Senator Tucker recommended new pass as amended number 5.…”
|
TO AMEND THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT OF 1967; AND TO AMEND THE PROVISIONS OF … | C. Tucker | Notification that SB227 is now Act 505 |
|
SB236
Act 261
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “Central Stone, Senate Bill 236 by Senator Boyd, Senate Bill 244 by Central Bryant 249 by C…”
|
TO AMEND THE INSURANCE HOLDING COMPANY REGULATORY ACT. | J. Boyd | Notification that SB236 is now Act 261 |
|
SB244
Act 275
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “Central Stone, Senate Bill 236 by Senator Boyd, Senate Bill 244 by Central Bryant 249 by Centralstone, 250 by Central Stone…”
|
CONCERNING POSTPONEMENT OF JUDGMENT IN DISTRICT COURT; AND TO PERMIT A SUSPENDED IMPOSITION OF SENTENCE … | J. Bryant | Notification that SB244 is now Act 275 |
|
SB251
Act 276
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…y Central Bryant 249 by Centralstone, 250 by Central Stone, Senate Bill 251 must send for stone. 259. Gilmore, Senate Bill 267 by Senat…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF THE ARKANSAS TRAILS COUNCIL; AND TO … | Stone | Notification that SB251 is now Act 276 |
|
SB261
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB261 A. Clark TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE OPERATION OF AN AL…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE OPERATION OF AN ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE ON CERTAIN ROADS; AND … | A. Clark | Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB265
Act 294
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB265 #1 Irvin Irvin TO REDUCE AND MODIFY THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE L…”
|
TO REDUCE AND MODIFY THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE LICENSING COMMITTEE RELATING TO WASTEWATER AND THE … | Irvin | Notification that SB265 is now Act 294 |
|
SB267
Act 295
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…l Stone, Senate Bill 251 must send for stone. 259. Gilmore, Senate Bill 267 by Senator Irving. 272 by Senator Carl,”
|
TO REPEAL THE ARKANSAS ALTERNATIVE MOTOR FUEL DEVELOPMENT ACT; AND TO REPEAL THE ALTERNATIVE MOTOR … | Irvin | Notification that SB267 is now Act 295 |
|
SB282
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…s amended number 5. calendar Committee on State agencies to Senate Bill 282 by Senator Pen I recommend they pass calendar coming in sta…”
|
AMENDING THE LAW CONCERNING PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMS; AND TO ALLOW VOTERS TO ELECT "FOR" OR … | C. Penzo | Died on Senate Calendar at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB2901
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “Senate Bill 2901 by Centra Hammerson 192 by Senator Hammer”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
|
SB296
Act 282
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “294 by Central Hammerson 295 by Senator Hammer Senate Bill 296 by Senator Hammersonville 297 by Senator Hammer compared th…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE DESIGNATION OF AN EARLY VOTING LOCATION BY THE COUNTY … | K. Hammer | Notification that SB296 is now Act 282 |
|
SB299
Act 403
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB299 K. Hammer TO REQUIRE A STAFF MEMBER TO WITNESS AN ADMINISTR…”
|
TO REQUIRE A STAFF MEMBER TO WITNESS AN ADMINISTRATOR ASSISTING A RESIDENT OF A LONG-TERM … | K. Hammer | Notification that SB299 is now Act 403 |
|
SB302
Act 659
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB302 #1 Gilmore Gilmore TO CREATE THE CRIMINAL OFFENSE OF GIFT C…”
|
TO CREATE THE CRIMINAL OFFENSE OF GIFT CARD FRAUD; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY. | Gilmore | Notification that SB302 is now Act 659 |
|
SB308
Act 284
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB308 #1 K. Hammer Hammer TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING A WRITE-IN…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING A WRITE-IN CANDIDATE; AND TO REMOVE REFERENCES TO A WRITE-IN … | K. Hammer | Notification that SB308 is now Act 284 |
|
SB309
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB309 D. Sullivan TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS HEALTH CARE CONSUMER ACT;…”
|
TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS HEALTH CARE CONSUMER ACT; TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF "PSYCHIATRIC COLLABORATIVE … | D. Sullivan | Sine Die adjournment |
|
SB329
Act 426
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB329 J. Boyd TO CREATE THE ONLINE MARKETPLACE GUARANTEES ACT.”
|
TO CREATE THE ONLINE MARKETPLACE GUARANTEES ACT. | J. Boyd | Notification that SB329 is now Act 426 |
|
SB343
Act 734
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB343 Irvin TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING STATE-OWNED MOTOR VEHICLE…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING STATE-OWNED MOTOR VEHICLES; TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PUBLIC PROPERTY; … | Irvin | Notification that SB343 is now Act 734 |
|
SB352
Act 721
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…grossed. City County Local Committee on bills who was first Senate Bill 352 by Central Stone compared the engrossed copy of the origina…”
|
TO PROHIBIT ANTISEMITISM IN PUBLIC ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS; AND TO PROHIBIT ANTISEMITISM IN STATE-SUPPORTED … | Stone | Notification that SB352 is now Act 721 |
|
SB353
Act 405
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB353 - Motion to Re-refer to State Agencies for Amendment”
|
TO AMEND ARKANSAS LAW CONCERNING THE DATES FOR ELECTIONS; TO AMEND THE DATES OF PRIMARY … | Hester | Notification that SB353 is now Act 405 |
|
SB361
Act 576
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…mended number 1 calendar Committee on Ari, who was referred Senate Bill 361. By Senator Dee's recommended pass calendar Committee on AR…”
|
TO CREATE THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITIES EXPANSION ACT; AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE CREATION OF … | Dees | Notification that SB361 is now Act 576 |
|
SB393
Act 362
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB393 D. Wallace TO AMEND THE SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION ACT OF 19…”
|
TO AMEND THE SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION ACT OF 1997. | D. Wallace | Notification that SB393 is now Act 362 |
|
SB4
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…olving loan funds, Senate Bill 420. Insurance and commerce. Senate Bill 4:21. Senate”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMS; AND TO ALLOW VOTERS TO ELECT "FOR" … | C. Penzo | Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment. |
|
SB401
Act 448
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…recommend new pass calendar City County local who is first Senate Bill 401 by Senator Boy recommend do pass”
|
TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS UNDERGROUND FACILITIES DAMAGE PREVENTION ACT. | J. Boyd | Notification that SB401 is now Act 448 |
|
SR42
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…l improvement district sent it before 24. City County local Senate resolution 42 by Senator Hill to recognize the city of Cabot as recipient…”
|
TO RECOGNIZE THE CITY OF CABOT AS RECIPIENT IN 2024 OF A TRENDSETTER CITY AWARD … | Hill | Sine Die adjournment |
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Chair
Unverified
4:18
The Senate will be called to order. Are there any requests for leave at this
time? Madam Secretary, please
call the roll. Bryant Caldwell, Clark, Crowe, Davis, Des, Dima, Dotson, English Flippo flowers, Gilmore, hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King letting love McKee, Murdock, Payton, Penzo, Petty, rice, scotch, stone,
Stuberfield Sullivan, Tucker Wallace. Thank you, Madam Secretary. If everyone in the chamber and in
Chair
Unverified
4:54
the galleries would please rise. We'll first be led in prayer by our pastor of the day who will be introduced by Senator Ricky Hill, and that will be followed by the Pledge
of Allegiance. Senator Hill, you're recognized. Colleagues, it's with great great pleasure that I introduce the pastor from the largest church
Senator Ricky Hill
Unverified
5:09
in Cabot, First Baptist Church of Cabot. It's here to join us today. He's a very good friend of
mine. He fights for the right and he fights for the
people all the time. It's great to have him here, Pastor Terry Bostic. Thank you. Let's pray. Dear Heavenly Father,
Speaker 18
5:28
I stand with the men and women in this chamber at all for prayer before the difficult work of this session begins. God, you are good, loving, and merciful. You're worthy of praise. You're one and only Son Jesus Christ, who gave His life for us and rose from the dead as worthy of praise, and God, your Holy Spirit sent to us from heaven by
you and your Son Jesus to guide us and lead us into all truth is worthy of praise. God, I thank you for this great state of Arkansas that has elected these men and into service through our state government. This great state gives evidence to your creative power and capacity for beauty from the rugged mountains to the river valleys to the piney woods and to the agricultural plains. I thank you too that you are in this place as well, and I pray that through our actions and attitudes in this chamber that there would be evidence of your presence today.
The elected officials here gathered to take up serious and difficult issues that impact Arkansans from every walk of life on a daily basis. I pray that you give them wisdom and courage to make the decisions that would honor you and provide the great peace and prosperity to all those who call our great state home. And finally, heavenly Father, men and women in this room serving as elected senators are real people. Therefore, they come into this great chamber with real and personal problems. Some are battling health issues
themselves or someone they love dearly is. Some are struggling with marriage and parenting issues and all feel the burden and stress of juggling those personal issues with the demands of public office. For those today that feel overwhelmed, that feel like a failure, that feel unworthy. The that need your strength. I pray that you would manifest your presence in their life and that they would feel your peace and your power in a real way today and in the days ahead and the powerful name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Speaker 21
7:32
of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you pastor, so much for your uplifting words.
Chair
Unverified
7:47
We're honored to have you in the Senate today. Ladies and gentlemen in the galleries, welcome to your Arkansas State Senate. It is our expectation that each of you will exercise proper decorum and govern yourselves accordingly during today's proceedings.
Without objection, the rules will be suspended and the Senate will dispense with the reading of the journal. The morning hour has now begun. I would like to recognize Senator Sullivan.
Speaker 29
8:17
To introduce our pages for the day. Senator Sullivan, you're recognized. Thank you. Um,
Senator Dan Sullivan
Unverified
8:30
members, I would like to recognize our Senate
pages joining us today when I call your name, if you would please come to the front to be recognized. The first is Sophia Cantrell, Senator Tucker's district. And next is Zinia Reed, who was homeschooled from Senator Hill's district, and Sophia is from Little Rock Christian Academy. OK Xenia, if you would come forward, please. Let's all give them a nice
Chair
Unverified
9:04
welcome. Thank you, Senator Sullivan and welcome to our pages today. I had the pleasure of working with Sophia's dad at the Attorney General's office, and she comes from from good stock, and I believe both those ladies can, can say that, so it's glad to have her. These young women as our pages today. Other announcements or introductions at this time, Senator Crow,
you're recognized. I would like to uh
Senator Steve Crowell
Unverified
9:39
recognize some political science students up in the East gallery from Southern Arkansas University. Other announcements or introductions. Senator Mark
Chair
Unverified
9:54
Johnson, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President. I'm, I'm proud to introduce
Senator Mark Johnson
Unverified
10:02
uh my friends, please, please come on
in. uh, Doctor Northfleet, uh, Many of you know my longtime friend and constituent uh uh longer friend than constituent is former state representative and former mayor of Helena West, Helena Arnell Willis Sr. and uh with with me is Doctor Jeffrey Northfleet, who is the new president of Shorter College in North Little Rock. It's OK to brag on them, Senator Scott, and Mr. David Moody, who
is the advisor to the president for Shorter College Tech uh hub, and he works on workforce training programs and special projects, and I wanted to ask for leave for them to have the privilege of the floor today. OK. And Madam President, I would like to ask uh Doctor Northfleet, uh, to speak for just a moment to the chamber, Doctor No. Absolutely, thank you, Senator Johnson, and
Chair
Unverified
11:00
welcome. Norflake. Thank you, Madam President. Thank you, Senator Johnson. Good
Speaker 46
11:03
afternoon. I am Jeffrey Northfleet, the forty-sixth president of Shorter
College, and I counted the honor and privilege to share with you all today, um, Shorter was founded in 1886 and um it's been a pillar in the in the community. I'm always providing accessible ways to higher education. And one of the things that I wanted to share with you all today is that we're still on the move and we're still rebranding and and looking forward to working in the workforce readiness area, but we're opening up our technology hub in the fall of 2020. 5. it's located at the historic Rock Island Railroad Depot in North Little Rock. This is gonna be a state of the art facility
and we're gonna provide modern classrooms, collaborative workspaces and specialized training centered tailored around Arkansas's growing technology and business sectors, and we as shorter want to partner with you all and the people within your communities and advocate for a space for them to come on over the shorter. We are looking to grow our enrollment and to be a resource for those citizens in the state of Arkansas. And again, I counted an honor and a to be with you all today and I look forward to working with you all in the near future. Thank you so much.
Chair
Unverified
12:14
Thank you, Doctor Northfleet and Arnell, it's always good, Arnell Willis, sir, it's always good to have you here back in the Capitol and it's great to see you. I always enjoy getting your Christmas card with that good looking family on it, so thank you, sir. Good to see
Speaker 29
12:30
you. Other announcements or introductions. No other announcements or introductions, Madam Secretary, are there items at the desk? Yes, for your committee on enrolled bills to
whom was referred to Senate by 119 by Senator Penzo, Senate by 188 by
Senator Clark Tucker, Senate Bill 224 by
Central Stone, Senate Bill 236 by Senator Boyd, Senate Bill 244 by Central Bryant 249 by Centralstone, 250 by Central Stone, Senate Bill 251 must send for stone. 259. Gilmore, Senate Bill 267 by Senator Irving. 272 by Senator Carl,
Senate Bill 2901 by Centra Hammerson 192 by Senator Hammer
294 by Central Hammerson 295 by Senator Hammer Senate Bill 296 by Senator Hammersonville 297 by Senator Hammer compared them ro Coas with the ritual and enrolled at 8:11 a.m. and delivered to the governor. Palate. We a committee on
Speaker 57
13:32
engrossed bills who was referred Senate Bill 144 by
Senator King compared the ross coer ritual andante correctly engrossed. Judiciary Committee on the Grossils was 1st 232 by Senator Hickey compared the engrossed
copy of the original and find the same correctly engrossed. Education Committee on robust, who was first sent 271 Macent roll compared the gross cop with Rachel and found I correctly engrossed. City County Local Committee on bills who was first Senate Bill 352 by Central Stone compared the engrossed copy of the original and find the same correctly engrossed. Education on Gross who was first sent 390 by Central English compared the engross copy of the ritual and find the same correctly engrossed. Education, where you commit on AGA who was first sent
305 by Central Pennsy recommend new pass as amended number 1 calendar Committee on Ari, who was referred Senate Bill 361. By Senator Dee's recommended pass calendar Committee on AR to whom was referred sent 388 by Central Crow recommend new pass calendar Committee on Ari, who was for House Bill 1516 member of Richmond recommend new pass calendar City County local who is first Senate Bill 401 by Senator Boy recommend do pass
the calendar, City County local who was for house 1503 by Representative Board recommend new pass calendar. on City County local team was Houseville 1510 by Representative Gonzalez recommended pass, calendar Committee on City County Local who was ford House was 1600 by Representative Tosh recommend Du pass calendarit on Insurance and Commerce to Miss Ferguson 319, a center board recommended to pass as amended number one calendarittee on Insurance Commerce to this first symbol
323 by Central Bright recommend Du pass calendaritte on insurance commerce team was first sent with 3. 66 by Central Bo recommend Du pass calendar Committee on Insurance Commerce who for House Bill 1298 by Representative Johnson recommended a pass calendar Committee on Insurance Commerce who was started 1558 by representative McGree recommend Du pass calendar Committee on Insurance commerce, who was referred House Bill 1587 by Representative John John recommended a pass calendar
insurance commerce, who was for House Bill 1134 representative. Hawk recommend new pass. Calendar. I mean on state agencies to whom was sparked Senate Bill 227 by Senator Tucker recommended new pass as amended number 5. calendar Committee on State agencies to Senate Bill 282 by Senator Pen I recommend they pass calendar coming in state agencies team was for House Bill 1460 by represented Rose recommended pass calendar
Committee of state agencies who was for house 1607 by Representative Ro recommend pass calendar on state agencies, state agencies to as far as house was
1614 in Longstrom recommended pass as amended number one. Calendar Senate Bill 420 by Senator Hester. To expand eligibility for water
development state programs to amend the water Authority Act and to amend the uses of construction, assistance
Speaker 57
16:56
of revolving loan funds, Senate Bill 420. Insurance and commerce. Senate Bill 4:21. Senate
Senate Bill 421 by Senator Hester. To authorize the Arkansas
Trail Resources Commission to issue general obligation bonds for the development of water, waste disposal, and pollution. Senate Bill 421. Agriculture and before 22 by Senator Tucker to allow nonprofit organizations to
contribute to a new or existing Arkansas brighter future fund planned account and require the treasurer of state to facilitate contributions by a nonprofit organization sent 422. revenue and
tax and before 23 by Senator Scott to exempt from
the individual income tax education scholarships scholarships, awards, and grants from nonprofit volunteer service organizations sent before 23. Revenue and tax before 24 by Senator Stuberfield to in the
law concerning the accountability and transparency of a municipal improvement district sent it before 24. City County local Senate resolution 42 by Senator Hill to recognize the city of Cabot as recipient in 2024 of a trendsetter city award from Arkansas business and an honorable mention in the Arkansas business tourism Development and Creative cultural categories, Senate resolution. 42 calendar.
Chair
Unverified
18:30
Any other business come for the body in the morning hour,
if not the morning hour has expired. We will now begin the business agenda. Beginning with Senate resolution 25. Senate Resolution 25 by Senator Wallace to recognize and celebrate
New Core Day at the state Capitol on February 19, 2025. Senator Wallace, you're recognized. Thank you, Governor. And Governor, I'd like to ask for leave for my new core friends
Senator Dave Wallace
Unverified
18:55
to be in the Senate with us and to join me here on the floor.
Remembers it's my honor to once again present a Senate
resolution to recognize new Core Day, which New cop Day is on the 15th or I'm sorry, the 19th of February 2025 and rather than to read this whole resolution, I'm gonna just talk a little bit about what Newcore has meant for Arkansas. Right now in Arkansas, New Corp employees 2700 teammates. The folks that work at uh New Corp,
they're not employees, they're not workers, they're teammates. They all work together. They all share together. They all bonus together. The median income, excluding the executives, is $125,000 a year. And I don't think the executives make lists, but I don't know. The last 5 years, New Corps has invested. a billion dollars in the last five years in the state of Arkansas. It's a larger steel manufacturer in the United States and, in
fact, and, and uh And um hemisphere. And one thing that we don't point out is every child. They graduates from a Mississippi County school where they qualify will receive the 1st 2 years courtesy of New Corps of, of college. And finally, over $400 million of payroll in the state of Arkansas. And with that, I like
to pass this Senate resolution and I ask you
Speaker 8
20:45
all for a good vote. Thank you, Senator Wallace. All
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those in favor of Senate resolution 25 to recognize and celebrate New Core Day at the state Capitol
on February 19, 2025. Please signify by saying aye. And he opposed, I have it, Senate Resolution 25 is adopted. And we're going to present. This
Senator Dave Wallace
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Arkansas and US flag that's flown over the Capitol to the
general manager, Mr. Zach Moon, and I'd like to give him just a couple of minutes to talk. Sure. And thank you He. Thank
Zach Moon
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you for the opportunity. Uh, my name is Zach Moon. I'm the general manager at New Korum Auto Steel. I've been with Nuor for 26 years in total, 18 of those years have been at newo Yamato in Mississippi County, born and raised in the area and from there, and I just want to take a second to thank you for your continued support. We love doing business in the state of
Arkansas. We want to continue to do business in the state of Arkansas. It is not only met, um, all the things that Senator mentioned, but it's been a lot to my family personally to have that opportunity in Mississippi County and just appreciate the opportunity to be here and we really appreciate you. Thanks for your support.
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Next, we will take a Senate Resolution 36. Senate Resolution 36 by
Senator Key and Senator Clark to
recognize hot Springs world-class high school prevention staff and student club members and the Hot Springs Junior Academy East teachers and students in honor in honor of problem gambling Awareness Month. Senator McKee
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and Senator Clark, you're recognized. You want to say anything. Oh boy.
Senator Matt McKee
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Is that a first? Oh. Come on in. Thank you, Madam Governor and
colleagues, thank you. Governor Sanders has proclaimed March 2025 is gambling addiction awareness month. These teachers and staff and kids from hot spring Hot Springs
High School and Hot Springs Junior High, academy have been working diligently to educate not just adults but kids on the dangers and addictive nature of a lot of the things we've got going on now. I wanted to recognize them really quickly and provide them with this resolution, so I'd appreciate a good vote. Thank you. Thank you, Senator McKee.
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23:58
All those in favor of Senate resolution 36 to recognize Hot
Springs world-class high school prevention staff and student club members and the hot springs Junior Academy East teachers and students in honor of problem gambling Awareness Month, please signify by saying aye. And he opposed, I have it. Senate resolution 36 is adopted.
Thank you students, glad to have you all. And our mascot. Glad to have you.
Next, we will take up Senate Resolution 37. Senate resolution
37 by Senator Ds to recognize March 2025 is American Red Cross Month and
support the humanitarian mission of the American Red Cross. Senator Asia recognized. Thank you, Madam Governor. Thank you Secretary.
Senator Tyler Dees
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Members, today's a great day. We get to recognize March as the American Red Cross Month in the state of Arkansas, and, and I want to tell you that at first highlight that we're joined by Ms. Julie Brown next to me who, who is the sister of former Senator John Brown, whose seat I get to sit in, um, with our Silent Springs ties, so I'm so excited to have her today
with us, but today we want to recognize American Red Cross and all their work that they do across the country, but But across our state as well, and specifically for myself and I know many members when the tragedy of tornadoes comes striking through our um our communities, the impact is, is hard to fathom, but fortunately we've got organizations like the American Red Cross that are there to help with all the things that are needed from raising funds to raising awareness, just to be in there day to day, and so we're so thankful to have them. I know
especially for someone who, who unfortunately has had to represent an area that's been devastated by those storm. And so from all the people of Decatur and Rogers, Little Rock, and Wyn. We really appreciate your efforts and your and that your team brings. And so members, I won't read all of the, the amazing things that, that our Red Cross
uh organizations do, but it is important to note that this is an annual annual tradition that we, we have a month where we recognize and honor their work, and it goes back a tradition
that goes back 82 years, so 82 years ago in 1943 when former President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued a presidential proclamation in an effort to raise funds and aid during World War II. So the the history that they're tied to is really astounding. And
so members, I ask that we give a resounding support of this resolution and ask for a good vote today. Thank you, Senator Dees. All
Chair
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27:07
those in favor of Senate resolution 37 to recognize March 2025 as American Red Cross Month
and support the humanitarian mission and the American Red Cross, please signify by saying aye. Any opposed, I have it, Senate resolution 37 is adopted. Thanks, Anderson. OK
Next, we will take up Senate resolution 39.
Senate resolution 39 by Centra Scott and Senator Davis to, to celebrate women's History Month during March 2025 International Women's Day on March 8, 2025. Senator Scott, you're
recognized. Yes, um, colleagues, I would like to ask for leave so that
Senator Jamie Scott
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two of the members from the Women's Foundation can join me as I read the resolution.
OK, I have a a resolution here today to celebrate Women's International Day, and so whereas the purpose of Women's History Month is to recognize the importance of women in history and to increase awareness of women's involvement in history, whereas March 8th is recognized annually worldwide as International Women's Day, whereas throughout the history of the United States, whether it in the home, the workplace, the school, the courts during wartime, women
have fought for themselves, their families, and all people of the United States, whereas women have been and continue to be leaders in social change, efforts in the fields of business, science, government, math, art, literature, music, film, athletics, and so much more. Whereas women now represent approximately 50% of the workforce in the United States, just not in this chambers, whereas in 1987, a bipartisan group of the United States.
Um, senators introduced the first joint resolution to pass the United States Congress designating Women's History Month whereas former President Ronald Reagan issued the first women's History Month presidential proclamation in 1987 were asked the Women's Foundation of Arkansas is the only statewide organized focused solely on women and girls, whereas the Women's Foundation of Arkansas is focused on improving the economic mobility of women and girls. In Arkansas, through
collaboration and targeted philanthropy whereas despite the advancement of women in the United States, much remains to be done to ensure that women realize their full economic potential. Whereas in 2002, Sarah Huckabee Sanders became the first woman to ever serve for the governor for the state of Arkansas. The Honorable Linda Chesterfield was a history and political science major and she went on to become the first African. American graduate from Hedricks
and last but certainly not least, Leslie Rutledge was the first woman to ever serve as our lieutenant governor. Where we all should continue to elevate and celebrate women historically and locally in their future stories of women and girls in Arkansas in the United States and around the world. So now, therefore, be it resolved by the Senate of the 91st 95th General Assembly of the state of Arkansas that the Senate celebrate Women's History
Month during March 2025 and celebrate the International Women's Day on March 8th, 2025, which is already past and recognize the efforts of the Women's Foundation of Arkansas to improve the economic mobility of women and girls in the state of Arkansas. With that, I asked for a good motion. Thank you, Senator Scott, and let me also add
Speaker 8
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that in addition to Governor Sanders being the
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first female elected governor of Arkansas, and I'm the first female elected lieutenant governor collectively, Governor
Sanders and I are the first independently elected female governor and female lieutenant governor to ever serve together in the history of the United States
of America. Sorry, I left that out. And that is a testament to the state of Arkansas breaking glass ceilings for decades and decades and decades. Lieutenant Governor, was that an amendment to my resolution? I always have an
Speaker 118
31:45
amendment. All those in favor of Senate resolution 39 to celebrate
Chair
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Women's History Month during March 2025, and International Women's Day on March 8th, 2025, please signify by saying I, I, any opposed, a habit, Senate resolution 39 is adopted. Thank you, Senator Scott. We
will now begin the business agenda, beginning with Amendment
Speaker 124
32:28
Amendment 1, Senate Bill 265. Senator Ervin, you're recognized. Thank
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you, my bill, my amendment. All those in favor of the amendment, please signify by saying a, All those in favor of the amendment,
please signify by saying aye, and he opposed? I habit amendment is adopted. Please
send to engrossing. Oh. We're concurring. Now I'm and now we are going to read across and vote the bill. C 265 by Senator Irving to
reduce and modify the membership of the licensing committee relating to wastewater and the licensing committee related to solid waste and to amend the apprenticeship license in solid waste licensing. Senator Urban, you're recognized. Thank you, members. You've heard this bill, all
Senator Missy Irvin
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33:13
the amendment does was add a representative Gramlich as the house sponsor, so Bill does not change. Appreciate a good vote on
the bill. As needed. No questions. Anyone wish to speak against or for Senator has
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closed. Any objection to rolling the vote, seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll
the boat. um. Boyd Bryant Caldwell, Clark K Crowe, Davis, Des, Dismay dots and English flippo flowers, Gilmore hammer, Hester Hickey, Hill, Irvin Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King letting love, McKee, Murdoch, Peyton, Penzo, Petty, rice, Scott, stone, Steberfield, Sullivan, Tucker Wallace.
Chair
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34:01
Any senator wish to change his or her vote, King not voting. Any other senator. Seeing no other, please cast up the ballot by a vote of 34 yeah, 0, nay, 1 not voting. Senate bill 265. Passes, it's mended, please enroll it. We will now take up Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 30, I'm sorry I need to make a motion to send my bill back to committee.
On this bill Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 308. Sender hammer, you're recognized. Like you may
go to my bill, my amendment. All those in favor of the amendment, please signify by saying aye. Any opposed? Is habits concurred in. We'll now take up the bill. December 308 by Hammer to amend
the law concerning a riding candidate and to remove references to a riding candidate. Senator Hammer, you're recognized.
Thank you, ma'am. Governor. All it does is swap sponsors on the
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House in. That's all it does. No questions. Anyone wish to speak against or for Senator has closed. Any objection to rolling the vote, seeing no objection, Madam Secretary,
please roll the boat. Boyd Bryant Caldwell, Clark Kroll, Davis, Des, Dima dots and English flippo flowers, Gilmore hammer, Hester Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark
Johnson, King, letting love, McKee, Murdoch, Peyton, Penzo, Petty, Rice Scott stone, Stubber Phil Sullivan, Tucker. Wallace. Any senator wish to
Chair
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35:46
change his or her vote, letting present. OK. Was
that letting for you OK, letting President King not voting. Flowers present. Love Present Any others, Murdoch present. Any others?
Seeing no others. Please cast up the ballot by a vote of 30, yeah, 0, nay, 1 not voting, for present. Senate Bill 308
passes as amendment, please enroll it.
Senator. Senator Ervin, you're recognized for emotion. Uh,
Senator Missy Irvin
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36:39
it's my bill, House Bill 1245. I need to send it back to public health for purpose of an amendment. And what's the number 1245 till 12:45. My bill, I need to send it back to public health for purpose of amendment. All those
in favor. All those in favor. Of sending House Bill 1245 back to Public Health Committee for purpose of amendment. You all have heard the motion. All those
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37:05
in favor. 75 saying I I and he opposed?
Speaker 79
37:10
I have it motion carries. Simo. Moved here. We will now go
Chair
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37:22
to Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 302. Amendment 1 the Senate Bill 302. Senator Gilmore, you're recognized. Thank you, my bill, my amendment. All those in favor of the amendment,
please signify by saying I, and he opposed,
I have it. Amendment is adopted, please send to enrolling. Yeah. grossing,
Speaker 109
37:47
I apologize. Please see to engrossing. Send her Penzo, you're
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37:53
recognized for emotion for emotion. Thank you, Madam President. I'd
Senator Clint Penzo
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37:58
like to make a motion to withdraw Senate Bill 117 from public health for amendment. Motion to withdraw Senate Bill 117 from public
Chair
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38:07
health for purposes of amendment, please
signify by saying aye. All those opposed. And I Saint Irving Senator Irvin, I
Speaker 138
38:20
have a question. Are you going to want to expect to put this
Senator Missy Irvin
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38:25
back on public health agenda tomorrow morning engrossed. That was the plan. OK. OK. I for a moment. Well, we've, we've already voted
Chair
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38:41
yes on the amendment and so now we are going to take up,
we, we, I got it. I got it. We took up the motion to withdraw, and now we're going to make a motion to withdraw,
Senator Clint Penzo
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38:57
or rather to adopt the amendment. Motion to
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39:00
adopt Amendment number 3. Amendment 3 Senate Bill 117. All those
in favor, please signify by saying I. And he opposed, I have it. Amendment is adopted. Please send to engrossing. appreciate the enthusiasm.
Senator dismaying, you're recognized. For a motion All right. Thank you. You want to
Senator Jonathan Dismang
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39:25
withdraw. Yeah, you don't have to adopt and. change the suspend the rules. All right, thank you. um. I think you recognized me. I
apologize. Um, members I like to make a motion, spin the rules to add Senate Bill 307 to the end of the Senate bills on the calendar for second reading for the purpose of
adopting the Amendment 1 and to add Senate Bill 307 to tomorrow's calendar
Chair
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40:07
for 3rd reading after it's engrossed. You all have heard the motion. All those
in favor, please signify by saying aye. Any opposed? As habit, amendment is adopted, rather motion carries. For
Speaker 192
40:23
It the bottom of the. Good afternoon, colleagues. I'm here
Senator Jamie Scott
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40:31
to introduce our doctor of the day. This is my first time doing it, so I don't
really know what I'm doing, but I do want to recognize Doctor James Hunt, who has been in practice for close to 25 years and he's from my district, so give him a warm welcome today. Now I do
Chair
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40:55
Senator Tucker, you're recognized. Thank you, Senator Scott, for that. Thank you, Madam President. We have, we're very fortunate
Senator Clarke Tucker
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41:01
that we have two doctors of the day today. We have Dr. Enemdar, who is a GI UAMS, but I want to let you know that he does very advanced cancer research on the endoscopy side of things, including with pediatric patients. So he's a real asset to the state of Arkansas. We're very lucky to have him here today. Please join me in welcoming Dr. Annemdar and then also, as always, our nurse of the day, Lee Fazio. Thank you all for being here.
Chair
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41:30
Thank you all. We will now take up House bills with Senate amendments beginning with Amendment 1 to House
Speaker 123
41:43
Bill 1474. Senator Wallace. Amendment 1 to House Bill 1474. Senator Wallace. You're recognized.
Senator Dave Wallace
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42:13
this is a bill that we've done in conjunction with the Attorney General's office. It provides that a poster and in several places throughout the state
of Arkansas, and I'll go through those, uh, we'll be posted primarily in bathrooms that uh says if, if you are a victim of you being sexually trafficked or work trafficking. Here's a phone number, a hotline where you can call.
And specifically those areas are a hotel or a motel that's been cited as a public nuisance for prostitution, a strip club or other sexually oriented businesses. A train station that serves passengers, a bus station. A privately owned and operated facility that provides food, fuel, shower, and other sanitary facilities and overnight parking that's located within 1320 ft of an interstate. And, and that
Foot them out was specified by the Attorney General's office. Or a nail salon or a massage business licensed by the Department of Health So it would be a, a sign posted in bathrooms of facilities, uh, And that that arena. And with that, I'll stand by for your questions. And thank you, Senator
Speaker 8
43:40
Wallace. Today, we are members today we are only Taking up the adoption of an
Speaker 205
43:48
amendment to add a sponsor. And I apologize. Yeah, I wanted to add
Senator Dave Wallace
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43:55
a sponsor and it changed two words. The word was conspicuous in uh Rich's. You all have heard the amendment. All those in
Chair
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44:03
favor of the amendment, please signify by saying aye. Any opposed? I have it. Amendment is adopted, please send to engrossing. Senator Wallace, we will now take up. This will be the same thing. So Amendment one to House Bill
1536. Amendment 1 to House Bill 1536. And remember it's
Senator Dave Wallace
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44:28
uh my amendment and my bill. sponsor. Thank you, Senator. All
Chair
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44:33
those in favor of the amendment, please signify by saying I. And he opposed I have it. Amendment 1 is adopted, please send to engrossing. OK
We will now take up Senate Bill 261. Senator Clark. Send Bill
261 by Senator Clark to amend the law concerning the operation of an all-terrain vehicle on certain roads and to amend the law concerning the access of all terrain vehicles to unpaved roads. Senator Clark, you're recognized. Thank you,
Governor. Uh, the amendment to 261 does 3 things, uh, the Arkansas Association of Counties thought the bill could be more clear,
that it's for unpaved roads only, so we took their language and incorporated into the bill. It already was unpaved roads only, but we want to make them happy. The also they indicated that they would prefer that we required insurance, so insurance is a requirement for insurance is in this amendment and Also, at the end of this amendment, while this law would apply to apply to the whole state a county court could vote
not to apply it to their accounting. Be happy to take any questions. Any questions for Senator Clark? OK, all right. Anyone wish to
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46:19
speak against or for? Send her you recognized clothes. I'm closed, I appreciate a good vote.
Senator has closed. Any objection to Rolling the vote. Seeing
no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the boat.
Poet, Bryant Caldwell, Clark K Crowell, Davis, Ds, dismay dots and English flippo flowers Gilmore, hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, letting, love,
McKee, Murdoch, Peyton, Penzo, Petty, rice, Scott, stone, Stubberfield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Any senator was to change his or
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47:04
her vote, Senator Flowers present, Senator King, not voting. Any other senator saying no
other, please cast up the ballot. By a vote of 33, yeah, 0 nay, 1 not voting. Senate Bill 261 passes. Please transmit to the house. Senate Bill 299. So.
Speaker 218
47:26
I'm sorry, Senator Hickey, you're recognized. Could I be
Speaker 219
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recognized for personal privilege for a moment. Senator
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
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47:40
Hickey, you're recognized. Thank you. Members, members, I'll be quick, uh, in Texarkana, which y'all may know is that we have one airport. It's located on the Arkansas side, but it's owned by both cities, Arkansas and Texas. We have one water company. It's owned by both cities. It's located on the Texas side. We
have 2 city boards. We have two separate police departments, but they're both in the same building. And today up in the gallery, we have our Tetraana of Chamber of Commerce, which is Texrikana, Arkansas and Texa. of Texas. So
if you all would welcome them, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thank you, Madam Governor. Thank you, Senator Hickey.
Speaker 223
48:32
Now we will take up Senate Bill 2989. Senate Bill
299 by Senator Hammer to require a staff member to witness and administrator assisting a resident of a long-term residential care facility with with absentee voting. Senator Hammer, you're recognized. Thank you, ma'am. We got a bill. It
does a lot. It just requires that in the case of a long care term facility that any absentee vote that is
cast or any ballot, sorry that is filled out has to be witnessed by two employees of the facilities, not one, and that's all it does. Any questions for
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49:13
Senator Hammer. Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator, you're a recognized clothes. Thank you. Appreciate a good vote. Senator has closed any objection to rolling the boat, seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the boat. Bryant Caldwell, Clark Crowell,
Davis, Ds, Dismay dots and English flippo flowers, Gilmore hammer, Hester Hickey Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, letting, love, McKee, Murdoch, Peyton, Pennzo, Petty, Rice scots. down Saber Phil Sullivan, Tucker Wallace. Any senator wish to change his or her vote. Seeing no one, please
Chair
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49:55
cast up the ballot. By a vote of 35 yeah, 0, nay,
Senate Bill 299 passes, please transmit to the house. Senate Bill 309.
Sent about 309 by Centra Sullivan to amend the Arkansas Health Care Consumer Act to revise the definition of psychiatric care model and to include certain clinical psychiatric pharmacist services to the psychiatric cooperative care model. Senator Sullivan, you're recognized. Thank you,
Chair
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50:31
Madam President. Yeah, this bill came
Senator Dan Sullivan
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50:35
to me from a constituent there in Jonesboro who is a psychiatric collaborative care model provider. Uh, she, uh, thought this was a good idea. Senator Irvin ran the original bill 2 years, 4 years ago, several years ago, and that group, that licenger was left off of that, um, that group of care providers likely for a good reason and the law, this bill changes that if you look at it, um, the bill,
it says on page 2, line 6, it says they may be included in individual providing clinical practice. So it is permissive and later on in in line 18 again says May, so it doesn't demand it. The senator Irvin is OK with this, giving permissive. I've talked with the Medical Society, uh, several people are a little uh shaken up by. They don't necessarily like it. The other day, I my constituent got an email trying to intimidate her, saying that if
she ran that bill, she would face she would face consequences. You know, I don't care for that. They didn't contact me. Their group didn't reach out to me and I'm not going to share the name, although Senator Scott said I should read the email. I won't read the email. Um, but you know, yeah, they're they're from the national group, but y'all, um, I've asked that we move this bill forward today and if there is considerable pushback from
the national, international or local. I'll be glad to listen to him before running it in the house, but I'd like a good vote today.
Chair
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52:21
Any questions for Senator Sullivan. Anyone wish to speak against or for.
Senator Solomon has closed any objection to rolling the boat, seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the
boat. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Des, Dima dots in English flippo Flowers
Gilmore hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King letting Love, McKee, Murdoch, Peyton, Penzo, Petty, Bryce Scott Stone, Stuber Phil Sullivan, Tucker Wallace. Any
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senator wish to change his or her vote, send her flowers, no, Senator Davis present. Senator letting know Senator Love, no McKee. Present
Tucker, no. Any other senators Seeing no other. Police cast up the ballot. My vote of
29 4 nay, 0, not voting and 2 present Senate Bill 309 passes, please transmit to the
House, Senate Bill 329. Centel 329 by Senator Boyd to create the online marketplace
guarantees Act. Senator Boyd, you're recognized. Thank
you, Madam Madam President. This bill creates a framework for online marketplace guarantees. When thinking on online market, online marketplace, we're talking about service-oriented marketplaces. So think Uber, Turo, or Airbnb. The framework is set in place to promote transparency, fairness, and accountability related to online market. marketplace guarantees. It clarifies the rules for a reimbursement insurance policy versus a guarantee made by
provider ancillary to the conduct of its primary legitimate business. Questions
Chair
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54:27
for Senator Boyd. Anyone wish to speak against or for. Senator has closed. Any objection to rolling the boat, seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the boat.
Lloyd Bryant Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Des, dismay Do some English flippo flowers,
Gilmore hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Peyton, Penzo, Petty, rice, scot stone, Stubberfield Sullivan, Tucker Wallace. Any senator was to change his or her
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55:05
vote, Senator Flowers present. Senator Dodson present. Any other senators. Seeing no
other. police cast up the ballot.
By a vote of 33, 0 nay, to present, Senate Bill 329 passes, please transmit to the House, Senate Bill 343. Senate Bill 343 by Senator Irving
to amend the law concerning state-owned motor vehicles to amend the law concerning public property and to amend the automobile and and
pickup truck acquisition Act for the state of Arkansas. Senator Ervin, you're recognized.
Senator Missy Irvin
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55:53
Thank you, um, Madam President, members of the Senate. This is a bill that actually started in 2011, which was to utilize fleet management software to manage our state vehicles. The reason why I did it in 2011, I'd just been elected, and at that time, unfortunately, there were some news stories about our state vehicles being seen in the parking lots at the casinos in Mississippi during the day. And so I thought, well, we need to loadjack these cars because that's inappropriate if you're a state employee, you need to make sure you're working and not
spending time in a state vehicle over at a casino across state line. So fast forward, um, I made that bill permissive. The reason why, um, was because the state police do utilize, um, GPS tracking for their vehicles. The reason why is because they're able to recreate like a car chase where evidence potentially could have been thrown out the window. They can utilize GPS tracking on their vehicles to kind of recreate that and collect that evidence. And so it's permissive
in 2011, as as far as I could get the governor at the time. Governor BB didn't want to spend the dollars, um, or, you know, go down that path or the avenue. Other states have done this, so this is uh Governor of Mississippi Haley Barbour is who I had was in contact with in 2011 and had done, they did it for Mississippi and it really turned out to be really great. This will provide efficiencies as part of the Arkansas Ford a plan, which the governor has enacted, Arkansas Ford is kind
of like Doge at the federal level. Arkansas Ford is being able to look at our state government and how efficiently we are uh being run as a government, and so this was one of the recommendations. So come full circle, here we are now, to being able to fully implement uh this, this idea of managing our fleets under the Department of Transformation and Shared Services. But this will also allow is making sure that those cars are updated with their oil changes, making sure there's air in the
tires, and that's going to be safer for our state employees, particularly those that work at DHS they're out on like social worker calls and things like that, sometimes in very rural areas of the state of Arkansas, and they need to make sure we have a good solid vehicles for them. It'll also help, I think Senator Payton did a great job in committee talking and asking questions. About our ability to make sure we're tracking these vehicles, where they're located, and how old they are. So again, to make sure we have safe vehicles um
for our state employees. So what this bill does is just sets all of this up, um, under the executive branch Department of Transformation and Shared Services, and it's going to eliminate a lot of manual entry at all these agencies, it's going to eliminate that to where it's in one repository of data and information on all of our state vehicles, which is going to be easier to track them and maintain them. So that is what the bill does and just being
able to identify what's being used effectively and if it's not being used effectively, then we can transfer it, um, or just manage the fleet a lot better. So happy to answer any questions. Any questions
Chair
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59:13
for Senator Urban, Senator Mark Johnson, you're recognized for a question. Thank
Senator Mark Johnson
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59:17
you, Madam President, Senator Irvin, does this include vehicles by our dot and Gaming Fish, the agency, this is only
Senator Missy Irvin
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59:24
cabinet level agencies. They are constitutional, so it does not
apply to them. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for the question. Any
Chair
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59:34
other questions for us and Irvine, saying no questions, anyone wish to speak against or for. In Urban,
you're recognized clothes. Thank you, Madam President. I'm closed. Appreciate a good vote. Senator has closed.
Any objection to rolling the boat, seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the boat. Boyd Bryant Caldwell, Clark
Kroll Davis, Des, Thisma dots an English flippo flowers, Gilmore, hammer, Hester Hickey Hill, Ivin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, letting Love McKee, Murdoch, Peyton, Penzo, Petty, rice, Scott, stone, Stubberfield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Any senator needs to change his or her vote, seeing no
Chair
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1:00:19
one, please cast up the ballot. of 35 yeah, 0, nay, Senate Bill
343 passes, please transmit to the House, Senator Hester, you're recognized for emotion. Remember, I make a
Senator Bart Hester
Unverified
1:00:38
motion we send Senate Bill 353 back to committee for purposes of amendment. Back to state agencies. You all
Chair
Unverified
1:00:46
heard the motion, all those in favor to re-refer back to state agencies. Please signify it by saying
Speaker 79
1:00:53
aye. And he opposed, I habit, motion carries. Senate Bill 372.
Send about 372 by Senator Clark. To amend
the law concerning the signal legend of traffic control devices and to allow a vehicle driver to enter an intersection while a red light is indicated on a traffic control device in certain circumstances. Senator
Chair
Unverified
1:01:25
Clark, you're recognized. Thank you, Governor.
SP 372 is a very simple short bill. That says if you come to a stoplight, and there is absolutely No traffic That you can treat
it as a stop sign, much like you do when you make a right turn on red, except a right turn on red, you can make with cars going in every direction through the intersection, as long as they're, as you think you've got time to go before somebody gets there. This says there can't be anyone in the intersection. It's designed for rural areas and late at night when a stop sign
fits better than a stop light does, although you definitely need a stop light during the day. Be glad to take any questions. Questions for Senator Clark. I
Chair
Unverified
1:02:13
see Senator Payton and Senator Tucker. Thank you, Madam President. I think I totally
Senator John Payton
Unverified
1:02:18
agree with the spirit of the bill. I've sat at a red light at 2 o'clock in the morning. No other vehicles anywhere in sight. I'm curious about the last paragraph, though. He says if an operator of a vehicle enters an intersection onto this subdivision, all other
vehicular traffic approaching or entering the intersection after the operator of the vehicle enters, the intersection shall yield. So if we're talking about entering an intersection when there's no other traffic present for approaching. Then why would this paragraph talk about the other traffic needing
Speaker 215
1:02:53
to yield. Mr. Peyton, first of all, it's not my paragraph. Uh, I didn't put it
in there, don't like it, but what I understand it to say is if for some reason somebody
is in there has stopped and and got into the intersection
shouldn't be, don't hit them, just like you would do in any other situation,
Senator John Payton
Unverified
1:03:16
but if they do hit them, we have put the onus on the, on the traffic that had a green light. By telling them that they should have yielded. So now they are the one guilty because they hit the one that ran the red light. I don't believe so
at all, but because I've had extensive conversations with RA, that's not one of their complaints.
Senator John Payton
Unverified
1:03:42
Well, if I was the police officer. Uh, pass with who
Speaker 254
1:03:47
to write the ticket to. I'd be very confused. I'll be happy to take that paragraph out because it doesn't seem to belong to me either. Thank you. Thank you, Madam President. Senator Tucker. And then send her these. Thank you, Madam
Speaker 267
1:04:03
President. That was one of my questions. I read that paragraph the exact same way Senator Payton
Senator Clarke Tucker
Unverified
1:04:08
does, which is that once you run the red light, then then you have the right of
way. So anyway, thank you for addressing that, Senator Peyton. Other question is, We currently have a mechanism in traffic law for if you pull up, you have to stop and if no one's coming, then you can go, which is a stop sign, but someone after measuring traffic flow or visibility or for whatever reason the case might be, decided to put a stop light in a location instead of a stop sign. Is this law not just overriding the judgment of the person who studied that intersection and
decided it was appropriate for there to be a stoplight there. No, thank
you for the question, Senator Tucker. Absolutely not. Uh, when I
came, I think I came up 9th Street. I'm not sure. I could go back and retrace the path, but came back from the Fine Arts Center the other night, 5 red lights with no one there. Now 3 in the afternoon, 40 in the afternoon, noon, 10 o'clock, that traffic light is perfectly appropriate and you wouldn't pull down the stoplight and put a stop sign up at night. Uh, so, so no, we're not saying that the stoplight is inappropriate. We're saying,
Uh, at, uh, late hours at night often it's, it's the wrong thing and we're just moving traffic. So there is Less visibility at
Senator Clarke Tucker
Unverified
1:05:26
night than there is during the day, and there's plenty of stoplights that I approach and pull up where I'm
turning right, and there's a sign there that says no turn on red, and the reason is because you can't see. Is there any provision for lack of visibility in this bill for for stop lights that are there, not just because of traffic flow, but also because of visibility. Also not presented by our dot,
but be happy to put that in the bill. Thank
Speaker 274
1:05:55
you. D, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam Madam Governor, um. Senator
Senator Tyler Dees
Unverified
1:06:00
Clark, I think I I have some hesitations and a concern around crosswalks. I think when a crosswalk system. My understanding that it, it, it signals to the um pedestrians and walkers that they can go based on a stop from the other
directions. It's a, it would make reason sense to me that we would have people walking and um from a direction thinking that they're safe and taking their time because they they see a clear a clear spot. So could you put me at ease understanding how that would work with this bill. I can. Hardot brought
that up, and we have an amendment for the House that says there can be no pedestrians or cyclists visible either. OK, so.
Senator Tyler Dees
Unverified
1:06:51
This, this is just giving freedom to the driver to make the determination if it's clear. There's no oncoming traffic. There's no pedestrians, there's no other at-risk situations and then they would be able to and if
I may use an example that Senator Stone used in committee, uh, driving up from South Arkansas's four-lane highway, and, but periodically there's stoplights. And
if you're coming onto the highway late at night from and there's a stoplight, you have to
sit there and stay. But most of those intersections don't have a stoplight. Most of them have a stop sign. And if you come up to the stop sign and there's traffic. Uh, you come to the highway late at night and you have a stop sign, you have as a driver have to make a decision. If you can make it or not, this bill doesn't even give you that much freedom. It says there can't be anything coming, period. Uh, so the driver's already making that decision at a stop sign. It's just saying at a stoplight where
there's absolutely no traffic there, you can proceed. And then my last, my
Senator Tyler Dees
Unverified
1:07:57
last concern is is someone who represents a border district with other states with uh multiple drivers from both states crossing state lines, this is a concern of, of drivers not understanding if if our law is completely different than than 40 ft across the border and how that would work with interactions. Is there any concern in your mind about Oklahoma drivers in Arkansas with this, or vice versa,
Arkansas drivers changing back and forth, especially younger
drivers, I think with a father with a soon to be driver, those are the things that concern me a little bit. Well,
red. Right turns on red. We're not always standard. In fact, some states still don't allow right
turn on red and yet when I'm in that state, Uh, I'm either responsible for knowing the law, which normally
I do, or if I make a right turn on red and it's illegal in that state, then I'll get a ticket. OK, thank you.
Chair
Unverified
1:08:55
Of and then Senator Payton, you're recognized for follow up, Senator Love. Thank you, Governor.
Senator Fredrick J. Love
Unverified
1:09:02
Senator Clark. I hear you say that you have been talking to ouride in regards to this bill. Did our dad was our dad in support of this bill? No. OK, they, they were not in support of the bill. OK. All right, thank you. Senator Payton, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President.
Senator John Payton
Unverified
1:09:25
Senator Clark, like I said, I, I agree with the spirit of the bill, and I appreciate the fact that you may be willing to amend it. Up in my neighborhood we have 4-way stops, and I've been just to stop lights that were not functioning for some one reason or another where they had all directions flashing red. Have you considered maybe having us uh Whoever's in charge of those stoplights in anywhere in the state of Arkansas, maybe they would consider certain hours of
operation where they could have the stoplights flashing red in all directions to where it becomes a four-way stop in those wee hours when when the traffic count is low. Have you considered that? I would be glad to consider it. The uh I don't
think, I think the city of Little Rock will show up along with
lots of other municipalities to tell us how impossible that would be. OK. Well, I don't know how they function, so it may be impossible. Thank you.
Speaker 110
1:10:30
Senator D's and then Senator Crow. Thank you,
Senator Tyler Dees
Unverified
1:10:34
Madam Governor. This is just a question that popped my mind. I don't understand, because I, I do resonate with the late night,
you're the only one there, it's frustrating. Do we, do we have a standard for our uh our stop lights that they all sensors, are they all timers? Is there, is there, do you know that answer? I don't know how they work. I don't know, but they're not.
I know there are places where they are not on sensors, you know, they all of them in Little Rock may be, uh, but So that that may
are on sensors, they haven't changed them, uh even if they're on timers, they have not changed them because, you know, when you get to the 2nd song on the radio, uh, you're pretty sure, you know, and I'm also, you know, under that old story that uh that they turn green for
ambulances and police cars, so I'm flashing my lights to see if, if that'll turn the lot. I wondered
Senator Tyler Dees
Unverified
1:11:40
if that might be another idea of solution because I, I do resonate with the problem, um, I fear, I fear this solution. I wonder if the solution might be to um advance the technology and the timing of day and the capacity of the
sensors for food for thought for myself as well. Thank you. Senator Crow, you're recognized.
Senator Steve Crowell
Unverified
1:12:09
Again, I'm, I like the spirit of this, but I, my concern is for the way we're going to police this because, you know, if you're 6 blocks beside behind somebody and you see it's red and they go through it. And you may not have seen them stop and you're, you're going to have undue stops, undue conflicts, possibly um or even if they're a block behind. And they may not, they may, by the time they pull them over, there may be a car that came across and so in the
policeman's eyes, there was people coming. I just I'm concerned with being able to police this. Do you have any comment on that? Uh, Decisions
all the time about whether the light had turned red or was still yellow. Uh, that's just a, a common thing in traffic, uh, you know, the speed limit is 60 where you go on 70 or we're going on 71. Any other questions for Senator Clark?
Speaker 100
1:13:16
Anyone wish to speak Against Please hold up a red light. Anyone wish to speak for, hold up a green light. You speak on yellow, seeing no one, Senator Clark, you recognized clothes. Thank you, Madam Governor. The This is
a green bill. Uh, we actually passed the right turn on red when I was a teenager, uh, we were doing the
OEC oil crisis, that people were unnecessarily sitting at lights. We didn't do it so that we could move traffic more efficiently. We did it to save fuel, which I think both are valid, uh, and the other thing I would say in closing is we've already done this for cyclists. If you ride a bicycle and you come up to a stoplight. You don't have to make sure there's no traffic. You have to make sure you can cross safely. Uh, so we already trust bicycle riders who very well may not
have ever studied uh a driving manual or pass the test
that they can do it, uh, we think that we can trust Arkansas drivers to do the
Speaker 297
1:14:34
same. I'd appreciate a good vote. Madam
Speaker 142
1:14:40
Secretary, please call the roll. About it Bo Brandt Caldwell. Caldwell, Clark.
Crow. Crawl. Davis. Days this man.
Speaker 300
1:14:59
Dema Dotson. English English out Flip out Flowers. Gilmore. Hammer. Hester
So Ay. Hill Hi Irvin. Like Johnson. Blake Johnson. Mark Johnson. King King.
Speaker 300
1:15:36
Lighting. Love. McKee. Murdoch. Murdoch? Titan
Penzo. Hence, Patty. Brice, Scott Stone Stabil. Stemophil. Sullivan Tucker. Wallace. person. Any senator wished
Speaker 300
1:16:03
to vote who did not vote or change your
Chair
Unverified
1:16:23
vote, Senator Crow present. And he had a senator on this side. Senator Hill motion. No. Oh, I'm sorry. Any other senator wished
to vote who did not vote or wish
to change your vote. Seeing no other. police cast up the ballot by a vote of 78, 12 nay, 10 not voting, 6 present, Senate Bill 372 fails. Senator Clark, you're recognized for a motion. Thank
you, Madam Governor. I would like to move that we expose a vote by which SB 372
Chair
Unverified
1:17:02
failed. Motion to expunge the vote by which SB 372 failed, please, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Any opposed? I have it.
Motion carries, and as I shared with one senator, Senator Clark, I literally this morning I read my a book to my 6 year old that she had picked out from the
library called Saving the Day by Garrett Morgan, who invented the traffic light in 1923 as an African American gentleman,
I highly recommend you and any senators to read that little book in your spare time and with that, we will move to Senate Bill 393.
Senate Bill 393 by Senator Wallace to amend the sex offender registration Act of 1997. Senator Wallace, you're recognized. Thank you, Governor.
Senator Dave Wallace
Unverified
1:18:07
Remembers, this bill. Just makes a good law better. And I, I'll, I'll tell you a story. That happened in my, my county, my hometown, uh, sexual predators, serial sexual predators walk among us.
they look like us, they talk like us, uh, there's, there's no scarlet A on there, on their forehead. We had an individual in our hometown that sexually abused young uh young girls. got caught. Went to prison. Came out. Not too many years later. And over time,
Managed to find an attorney, and he got his name removed from the sexual offender's list. So it's free men. Went right back out. Abused another. Young lady Under the age of 14. And what this bill does, it just adds one line. Or actually a couple of lines. To a good bill and it makes for a lifetime.
Uh, registration for certain sexual offenders. And the line that's added is at the time of the defense. If the sexual predator was more than 24 years of age and the victim of the offense was less than 15 years of age. They have a lifetime on that sexual offenders list. Those numbers were picked out by local prosecutors up in northeast
Arkansas, Craig, Mississippi County. And with that, I will stand by for your questions.
Chair
Unverified
1:20:08
Any questions for Senator Wallace? Senator Reich should recognize her question. Thank you. Of
Senator Terry Rice
Unverified
1:20:14
course I support you, you're not saying judiciary, did I not remember that they were a level 4. I can't hear you
Speaker 81
1:20:21
for some reason did it not say on the bill a level 4. Sex offender, did I not hear you
Senator Terry Rice
Unverified
1:20:30
say that in judiciary. I I'm sorry, Senator Rize.
Speaker 81
1:20:44
I, I, I did not say that, but it is 4. Yes sir. That's the,
Speaker 321
1:20:50
that's the worst worst of the worst. Yes, sir. I apologize
Senator Dave Wallace
Unverified
1:20:54
for my aviator ears. Questions? Any other questions?
Chair
Unverified
1:21:03
Saying no the questions, anyone wish to speak against
or for? Senator Wallace, you recognized clothes. Senator has closed. Any objection rolling the boat, Madam Secretary,
please roll the boat. Boy Brant Caldwell, Clark Kroll, Davis, Des, dismaying dots and English flippo flowers, Gilmore Hammer, Hester Hickey Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, letting love,
McKee, Murdoch, Peyton, Penzo, Petty, Rice Scottstown Stubber Phil Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Any senator wish to change his or her
Chair
Unverified
1:21:44
vote. Seeing no one, please cast up the ballot. By votes of 35, yeah, 0, nay, Senate Bill 393 passes, please
Speaker 69
1:21:55
transmit to the house. House Bill 1068. Hasville
Senator Wallace to include employee employees of a metropolitan Port Authority
Chair
Unverified
1:22:10
and the membership of the Arkansas Employees Retirement System. Senator Wallace, you're recognized. Thank
Senator Dave Wallace
Unverified
1:22:16
you, Governor. Members this uh uh correction oversight. And what it does is adds 10 members, 10 individuals to our state retirement plan. These individuals work at the um the 3 metropolitan ports that we have
in Arkansas, which is Osceola, Helena, and Arkansas City. There's, there's no opposition to this bill. And it adds 10, again it, it adds 10 individuals to our Arkansas retirement state retirement fund. And with that, I stand by for your questions. Any questions for Senator Wallace? Anyone wish to speak?
Chair
Unverified
1:22:58
Anyone wish to speak against or for?
Send her your recognized clothes. I'm senator has closed any objection to rolling the boat? Saying no objection, Madam Secretary, please
roll the boat. Bryant Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Des, Dima dots and English flippo flowers, Gilmore hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King lighting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Peyton, Penzo, Petty, Rice Scott stone,
Stubberfield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Any senator wish to change his or her
Speaker 101
1:23:45
vote. Seeing no one, please cast up the
Chair
Unverified
1:23:49
ballot by a vote of 35, yeah, 0, nay House Bill 1068 passes, please return to the house. House Bill 1193. Call 1193 Borough of Saint Kavanaugh
Speaker 124
1:24:04
and Central Johnson to require an insurer to include a
Chair
Unverified
1:24:09
lien holder on payments made under an insurance policy. Senator Blake Johnson, you're recognized members I
Senator Mark Johnson
Unverified
1:24:16
know you were contacted about this bill and I brought it back to committee and we amended this bill to this bill gives security to the lien holders who uh who uh have put out the money for these cars. So those cars, uh will be repaired and lien holder security, which is the car, will, will keep its value.
Chair
Unverified
1:24:45
Any questions for Senator Blake Johnson, Senator Dodson and Senator Tucker. Senator Dodson, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair. Senator. If I understood it
Senator Clarke Tucker
Unverified
1:24:54
correctly reading it. They don't have to get their lien holder's signature if the repairs are being paid directly to the repair shop. Yes, sir. So it streamlined that that process.
Chair
Unverified
1:25:06
Thank you. Thank you. Senator Tucker, you're recognized.
Senator Clarke Tucker
Unverified
1:25:18
Thank you, Madam President. I had sort of the same question that Senator Dodson just asked, but there, there's a threshold in, in the bill that if it's under 2500 and it's paid directly to the garage or the repair shop, then you can do that, but why
Senator Mark Johnson
Unverified
1:25:35
is there that that limit the 2500, that's not where the major losses in in the lien holder is, so, so they have security whenever it's a larger occurrence if it's to the shop or has their name.
Senator Clarke Tucker
Unverified
1:25:49
additionally added the lien holder is, is that the person who actually did work on the car, or is it a lender who helps
Senator Mark Johnson
Unverified
1:25:59
you? I mean, I'm sorry, the lender, the lender gives security to the lender, the uh the uh that's where the there was no security in that if it was written directly to the individual, but if it's written to the shop, then then there's security for the. Yeah, so I'm and I'm,
Speaker 327
1:26:13
I meant to come talk to you about this,
Senator Clarke Tucker
Unverified
1:26:17
but I didn't, but I, I, I just want
to make sure I'm understanding. My, my concern is that if you have a, say you have a $5000 repair, but you have a loan on your car, and then your car gets hit through no fault of your own, then the 5000 you recover from the person who hit you will go to the bank that has the note on your car and your car doesn't get your car doesn't get fixed. So you have to come out of pocket for the repair is, am I reading that wrong? No, it's, it's
Speaker 343
1:26:45
This would, you would, if it was written to the individual,
Senator Mark Johnson
Unverified
1:26:51
that's, that's the problem. If you have that situation where there's a $5000 repair on a $5000 car, you know, the only security that the lender has is the car. So that's why they want their name initially added or it it be written to the shop. OK. That way, that way the, the uh they know that
Speaker 198
1:27:10
the repair will be done. OK, so it'll have the, the car owner's name on the check and the
Senator Clarke Tucker
Unverified
1:27:17
lender's name on the check so that way the lender
can ensure the money's going to the shop. That can be done or they can write
Speaker 343
1:27:25
it directly to the shop. OK, all right, thank you. Thank you, Senator. Senator
Chair
Unverified
1:27:32
Sullivan, Senator Hill. And Senator Hammer. I've had a number John. Do they? You didn't have your mic on.
Senator Dan Sullivan
Unverified
1:27:45
Yeah, I've had a number of shop owners contact me. So are those shop owners, have they contacted you? Are they OK with this? That was, that was previous to this
Senator Mark Johnson
Unverified
1:27:53
amendment that I hadn't had any anyone contact you think this kind of resolved that then, OK. Senator
Speaker 245
1:28:02
Hill, did you? You are recognized for a question. I was
Senator Ricky Hill
Unverified
1:28:08
good with this bill, Senator Johnson, till Senator Tucker started asking questions because we had discussed this. So now if I have a $7500 damage to my vehicle. I have to take it to the bank and get them to sign off. They cannot just send it directly to
The repair shop, you can send it to the repair shop based based on uh, I'm missing it now. The
Speaker 327
1:28:32
34 and 35 on page one. The, I didn't read far enough. Thank you. Thank you and I
Speaker 354
1:28:39
appreciate Senator Hammer, you good, OK. Anyone wish to
Chair
Unverified
1:28:47
speak against or for. Against Senator Mark Johnson, you're recognized.
Senator Mark Johnson
Unverified
1:28:57
Thank you, Madam President. Um, I want to thank Senator Johnson and Representative Kavanaugh for taking this very bad bill and amending it. So it's just a bad bill now. It's not a very bad bill. Um, I looked into this a little more carefully because of the uh number of emails that I got from, from different insurance agents and some members of the public, and I'm sure a lot of y'all got those
too, but uh I didn't realize that we had such a problem. I think it's really Uh, maybe, uh, a limited number of car dealers that are doing some in-house financing. They're more concerned about this. Uh, one of my constituents that's an insurance agent explained to me how this lengthened the time for someone to get their car repaired and get it back on the road now, uh, most of y'all are like me, if, if uh I get
crunched in my car, then I've got my old red pickup. Uh, that I can get out and get to the Capitol In without any problem, but some people, you get their car down for days, weeks at a time because of waiting for somebody to sign off on a, on making sure that the lien holder is getting paid upfront or signing off on it before the shop can start on it. Sometimes even can the shop even order parts? Uh, by lengthening this, we're hurting the people at the
bottom, the people that are, that can least afford it to, to miss a day or two of work or not be able to get to work. Uh, I, I just, I, the bill had a real smell to me from the first instance, and I appreciate the sponsors trying to improve it a little bit, but I don't think they went far enough. So if you'll think about putting yourself uh in that position. If you've ever been in that position, waiting on An insurance check to get paid to someone so someone could fix
your car and how long you had to wait. Imagine if that was the only way you were going to be able to continue your livelihood. So, uh, I recognize it's not perfect, uh, that situation and, and certainly we want to make sure that people have a lane are protected. I think in most cases they are. We've struggled along for low, probably about 125 years since we've had automobile. and we didn't need this bill. I don't see that we need it now. So I would appreciate a no vote,
uh, maybe we can find some better ways to protect a perfected lane and lien holder, but not hurting the, the poor people in our state that depend on their car, whatever it is to get them to work and back. Uh, thank you, Madam President. Anyone wish to speak for Senator
Chair
Unverified
1:31:53
Payton, you're recognized to speak for the bill. Thank you, Madam President, and uh
Senator John Payton
Unverified
1:32:02
Senator Johnson, appreciate your concerns, uh, I, I hadn't planned on coming up and speaking for it, and I guess I should start with the disclosure. I'm a lien holder. I'm a uh I've been a repair shop. I've, I've uh been the person who had the damage and the claim. I've been everything but the insurance company, I guess, in this transaction. Sentra Johnson, it wasn't a problem for 120 years because they only stopped.
putting the lien holder on 10 or 12 years ago. The lien holder through the 80s and 90s as I was getting my starting business was included on those checks to make sure that the repairs were made. We have a lot of very good reputable body shops, and they almost all of them to my knowledge, have relationships with the insurance company for direct pay. And the amendment they made to this bill. I leave the concerns of almost all the body shops that were emailing me.
Because it made allowance for the direct pay to be made. But when you have a person who has damage on their vehicle and the insurance claim and they tell their insurance adjuster, hey, I want to have my brother-in-law fix it in his shop. And the insurance company says, well, we'll make the check out to you and the insurance and the brother-in-law's shop is somebody's garage. I'm talking about attached to their home type of garage. That's when the lien holders collateral is in
danger, OK? The, the lien holders on these automobile loans. The vehicle is the collateral, and if the collateral is damaged or diminished, then the lien holder is hurt. We don't currently have any provisions in Arkansas law for diminished value to come from the insurance company, uh, whenever you may have an 80 or $10,000 repair on a 150 to $20,000 vehicle after it's repaired, the collateral has already suffered depreciation.
So this is just a very small step to get things back to somewhat like they were in the 80s and 90s before we stopped putting the lien holder on there. It makes provision for The direct pay and, and believe me, this, this story could go on for an hour, but I'll, I'll leave it there, and I'd appreciate a good vote. Yeah. Anyone,
Chair
Unverified
1:34:31
uh, questions for Senator Payton. I saw Senator Hill and Senator Ervin.
Senator Ervin, oh, you're recognized for question. Thank you. Just
Senator Missy Irvin
Unverified
1:34:40
do the insurance companies know who the lien holders are. So as a lien holder, you have
Senator John Payton
Unverified
1:34:46
to require proof of insurance, and that comes in the form of a binder to the lien holder. If the lien holder is doing their due diligence, they're gonna make sure that their name is listed as the lien holder. So yes, it, it should be listed. Now there are times when a customer changes insurance and doesn't tell the new insurance company I have a lien holder, but at that point, the lien holder gets notice.
From the original insurance company that the, that the insurance is canceled and the lienholders have to do the legwork of contacting the customer and saying, did you change insurance companies or if you just quit paying your insurance, you know, there is a problem with, with people not keeping up their insurance, and that insurance is there to protect them and the lien holder. Uh, but yes, the in general, the lien holder should know the insurance company should know who the lien holder is. OK, so
Senator Missy Irvin
Unverified
1:35:41
So in your opinion, the opposition that were on the bill now is from insurance companies because they're going to have to track down or chase down that information that they may or may not have. I don't think the insurance company is responsible for
Senator John Payton
Unverified
1:35:54
tracking it down. If they're not, if they don't know there's a lien holder. OK, thank you. Senator Hill, you're recognized.
Chair
Unverified
1:35:59
Senator Payton, I appreciate what all, what all you said there.
Senator Ricky Hill
Unverified
1:36:13
Looking at this overall. I get a report which I work at a bank. I get a report every month that tells me if someone changed insurance or insurance lapse, right? And at that point it's up to me as a banker to make sure I get it. And so, With that being said, with me knowing where my vehicles are, you know, with their, if they're insured or not. Go back to knowing who you're dealing with and knowing, knowing the people you're dealing with. I see no, no need in the lead.
Me having to have my name on the check when it goes directly to the the cartridge because I know it's repaired. I don't need to touch it if it's
Senator John Payton
Unverified
1:36:53
going straight to them, and that's what the amendment did. They put an amendment on there to where if it's direct pay, the lien holder does not have to be notified and does not have to be included. Yeah, I agree
Senator Ricky Hill
Unverified
1:37:02
with you there, but we're actually putting some undue burden on some of the lenders there and I understand where this is coming from. They have recourse loans and all that. You want to make sure that they're, they're, the vehicles are fixed. Well, the report you
Senator John Payton
Unverified
1:37:14
speak of that that comes to you monthly or whatever. I mean, you're concerned that the insurance protection is there to protect your collateral or you wouldn't be asking for that report. Well, I'm going to be covered because I have an insurance policy. We
Senator Ricky Hill
Unverified
1:37:25
automatically have at every vehicle that $20 to $30 fee they charge on everyone that we automatically, we're automatically covered no matter what. If you're you're in a wreck, I'm covered. So I, I don't see where this is helping the lender out any, so that's a whole another story about single interest insurance, but I promise you
Senator John Payton
Unverified
1:37:45
those premiums will go way up if, if the collateral is not being repaired. But it's already being
Speaker 368
1:37:51
repaired. I'm not interested in going back to the 1980s like you were talking about, you know, I'm, I'm, I'm in 2025 in the 80s. What are you talking about? I appreciate it. Thank you. Anyone else wished to speak
Chair
Unverified
1:38:07
against or for. See no other Senator Blake Johnson, you're recognized clothes, Senator Johnson has closed.
Objection to rolling the boat. Any objection noted, Madam Secretary, please call the roll. Bobo.
Brant Caldwell. Caldwell, Clark. Crowe, Davis. Days Dema Dima Dima. Dotson Dotson English
Speaker 60
1:38:48
Flippo. Aleppo, flowers. Gilmore hammer. Hammer. Hester. Hickie.
Hill, Irvin, Irvin. Blake Johnson. I Mark Johnson, King. King,
letting love. Love. McKee Murdoch. Murdoch. Heighten Penza Pencil. Patty? rice.
Sullivan, Sullivan. Tucker, Tucker. Wallace Any senator who
Chair
Unverified
1:40:06
did not vote, who wishes to vote, or who wishes to change your vote, Senator
Hammer present. Senator, Senator Murdoch present. Senator Lob present.
Senator Dotson presents. Senator Sullivan present. Senator Penzo present, Senator, dismaying no. Senator Tucker No Anyone else send rice? No. Anyone else? Please
check the board. Seeing no others, please cast up the ballot.
By a vote of 620 nay, 3, not voting and 6 present House Bill 1193 fails. We
will now take up House Bill 1405. I apologize.
Transmit 1193 to the House has failed, has failed. Now we will take
up House Bill 1405. House Bill 1405 by Representative
Speaker 124
1:41:20
Richardson and Senator Boyen to in the statutes
concerning procedures and to add additional regulations regarding the use of a producer of a
Speaker 57
1:41:29
licensed chiropractic physician. OK. Thank you, Mr. President. So in
the state of Arkansas, there's something known as a chiropractic cure. What chiropractic procurers do is
they look for accident reports. So your wife, your kid, somebody you know, you love, you care about, gets in a car accident. They searched, they scour, they look for these, and as soon as they find them, they show up and intimidate people, press people, give people false information and convince people to go to the company doctor, only the company doctor isn't really a company doctor and is not a medical doctor but is a, is a chiropractor. And this isn't
aimed as negative to chiropractors. It's just aimed at negative people who participate in this, this line of activity. So there's a long history of harassing and fraudulent behavior by procurers who engage in engage in this activity. I have stories like this of a single mom getting her kids ready for school when intimidated, who intimidated her into going to the insurance company doctor. Only the doctor was not the insurance company. Doctor was a chiropractor who then blew through the $5000 in
med pay that we typically have on our car insurance and put her in medical debt. There was a case in Fort Smith where a chiropractor procureer was practicing law without a license. What this bill does is it creates a 14 day window where you can't have personal direct marketing to individuals. It doesn't mean that you can't make a Facebook post. It doesn't mean you can't run a TV ad. It doesn't mean you can't put up a billboard, but it what it does do is it means I can't show up and
Push, intimidate, coerce you into going to see somebody under the idea that this person is going to help you with your, after your accident. So this 14 day window will give accident victims a runway to collect thoughts, find care, and decide if there are ongoing concerns before being intimidated and bombarded by in your face tactics. Center Boyd has explained this bill.
And are you out of the well? Are there any questions? Senator Hammer, you recognize? Thank you,
Mr. President. And I'm I'm not opposed to the bill at all. I'm just curious, you know, is this applied
to other disciplines too, besides chiropractors, do you know? No, because there's not any
other discipline and that does this in committee there was an
allegation that nurse practitioners do this, but when called on to produce an example
of one, they failed to disclose one. I mean, we're in a public hearing and they were making allegations, other people do this, and I'm just not familiar. If they, if there are, if somebody can show cases where this kind of egregious behavior is, I'd be happy to include anybody, but the reason it was limited to chiropractic procurers is they seem to be the only healthcare professional who, who uses this type of tactic to round up business. OK, thank you. Any other questions?
See none would anyone like to speak against the bill? Senator Dodson, you reckon to speak against
Senator Jim Dotson
Unverified
1:45:10
the bill? Thanks. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Members, um, this bill, I have a couple of concerns with, uh, particularly with the 14 day lag
Senator Clarke Tucker
Unverified
1:45:19
period of time that would prohibit people from uh soliciting. Soliciting so that people care. When you're talking about after an accident, the first
3 days or so you have inflammation, adrenaline going, everything like that, and if you can get that treated sooner rather than waiting a couple of weeks, you Stop having long term issues and I understand that there's an issue and a problem with, with predatory practices of these procurers, and I think we need to address that without having a time limit on it and prosecute folks that are making false, misleading claims, so there's some good parts to the bill, but
overall I think it's kind of anti-free market to allow to disallow people from soliciting, doing, doing work, uh, getting business and that sort of thing, as long as they're doing it with good intentions and and Favorably to folks. I mean, Making sure they're making true statements, not false and misleading statements, but bad actors should be prosecuted, the good actors should not be punished for trying to do their,
their business and help people out and folks that get uh treated quicker is uh they have long shorter recovery times and less expense to the ratepayers that insurance is providing care for. So For that reason, I'm against the bill as is. Thank you. Senator Hammer, you're recognized ask a question. Thank you. Could you help
Speaker 383
1:46:53
me understand how to distinguish between the good actors and the bad actors. I think there's actually some good parts to the bill. It talks about
Senator Jim Dotson
Unverified
1:47:07
On some of the the back pages if, if uh solicitating solicitation conducted by anyone who's making false
Senator Clarke Tucker
Unverified
1:47:14
falsely state or imply or communicate that they have an affiliation with an insurance company, um, things that they're offering to give things of value or promises of payment if they use a false or false name or identity during solicitation, all those things should be punished, and that's how you would identify the bad actors.
Let's address the bad actors and not put an arbitrary 14 day time frame on here that nobody can do this within the 1st 14 days, but afterwards, you can, that doesn't make sense to me, but this, this
wouldn't prohibit me from seeking care if I've already got an established relationship with chiropractor, so now if you
Senator Clarke Tucker
Unverified
1:47:57
have an established relationship but not everybody who has an accident has an established relationship with the chiropractor, but they might need one, after having a an accident and the whiplash
that they might have uh could be treated more quickly if they understood that access to care quickly might help reduce some of the long-term effects of that accident, so thank you, thank you. It was Senator Johnson, Mark Johnson, did you want
to ask a question? Thank you, Mr. President. Senator
Senator Mark Johnson
Unverified
1:48:32
Dodson, if an individual that's in this situation or on
the do not call list is your understanding that these procurers could then have the right to call them if they're on the
Senator Jim Dotson
Unverified
1:48:47
do not call list. I don't think they can call if they're on a do
Senator Mark Johnson
Unverified
1:48:52
not call list. This is solicitation for business. I just wondered, uh, I mean, some people aren't and you've already, and I think it's it's appropriate if you already have a relationship with a chiropractor. it's OK for them to contact you, and I agree with that, but you, it is your understanding that if someone's on the do not call
list. They would be protected from this regardless of this
Speaker 25
1:49:13
bill. Yeah, I believe so, with or without this bill,
Senator Clarke Tucker
Unverified
1:49:16
I think they're still covered under the do not call list. I'm not an expert on that, but that's my understanding. OK, thank you, Senator. Thank
Speaker 399
1:49:24
you, Mr. President. Anyone want to speak for
the bill? Anyone want to speak against the bill? Senator Boyd. Oh
Senator Irvin, you reckon I speak for
Senator Missy Irvin
Unverified
1:49:47
the bill. I'm just gonna be really brief. I'm for this bill. Representative Richardson has done an amazing amount of work
on this. It's a very, very egregious situation that happened in Fort Smith and Sebastian County over this particular issue, they are trying to narrowly, um, address the, the existing situation on the ground in the state of Arkansas that was abhorrent and egregious, and what they're trying to do is fix that
situation and not go too far, and I think they have found that good balance. So, The forum for the bill. Senator Dima you're recognized ask a question.
Alright, and thank you and so you, you don't have to
Senator Jonathan Dismang
Unverified
1:50:25
speak to this, but I was just wondering the sponsor too, but my question is, I mean, I know there were some concerns about people that were in that practice, chiropractic practice, that the way that it would impact them. They're good actors, and I would if someone can just walk me through the
changes that were made and if that kind of satisfied some of those other concerns by folks. that are doing it the right way because of what, you know, one, you know, one party may have been doing inappropriately in Fort Smith. I, I just do not know, but I would like to be able to communicate that back to the phone calls that I've had. Yes, I'll
Senator Missy Irvin
Unverified
1:51:00
let the bill sponsor address shows concerns. Anyone else wish to speak
against the bill. Anyone wish to speak for the bill, Senator Boyd has been asked
before you close uh you would recognize a question. Thank you,
Mr. President. I appreciate the opportunity to come back and close for this important bill. So this is an issue that's been going on for a long time. We've been addressing this issue even before I was in the legislature in 2015. Um, what is going
on is there's really two chiropractic groups. One does this is the way I understand it, and one doesn't. The one that doesn't support this because normally if I get
hurt, normally if I'm sick, I go seek out medical care or chiropractic care would have and nothing in this bill keeps me the patient from doing this. This stops the egregious situation where people are using intimidating. Tactics To come after people. I mean, so a very narrowly impacts it. So that 14 day window keeps people, it gives them the opportunity to recover, feel
better, and seek out care as appropriate rather than be misled into a type of care that, you know, might not be. In their best interest, and then wind up in medical debt. So with that, I'm closed, I'd appreciate a good
vote. Is there any objection to rolling the vote. There is an objection. Call a roll. Boeing Bo Borat.
Speaker 142
1:52:45
Caldwell. Caldwell Clark Clark, Crow Crawl
Davis, these. Days. This
Speaker 300
1:53:03
man This fine. Dotson Dodson. English Flippo. Flipper Flippo
Hickey. Hill Yeah. Irvin. Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson. King lighting love, McKee. Murdoch Murder. Hayton.
Pennzo Patty rice, Scott. Yes. down. Step or fail Sullivan. Tucker. Wallace. Well, I Would anyone who hasn't voted like to vote or anyone like to change their vote, Senator D's
areen Crowe, I Senator Clark present, Senator Dising, I Um, Senator Murdoch, I Center
Dima present. Everyone's got their vote finalized and what do I The ballot.
Cast up the ballot if mic wasn't on the
first time. By a vote of 28 yes, 4
nays, 1 not voting, and 2 present, the bill passes. A House Bill 1405 passes returned to the house. And Madam Secretary, please read
House Bill. Well, we're skipping over passing over 1,527 House Bill 1581. 1489 OK. House Bill 1489. Cosville 1489s in Wardlaw,
and Senator Johnson to amend the method of execution to include nitrogen gas.
Senator Mark Johnson
Unverified
1:55:59
Members, I will present this bill today and uh I don't want to debate the merits of the Of the execution. But this, this bill gives an option of nitrogen hypoxia. For executions. These are the worst of worst in our society. And they have went through the judicial system and many of them have been on death row for 20 and 30 years.
We have a responsibility to to those who are on death row and as citizens that we serve. Uh, to take this seriously and to administer this penalty. I'm not here to advocate for death for death. I'm, I'm here to advocate. We are preserving life by uh by protecting life. These individuals, if they walk in our society, Can take lives.
And I will, I will protect life through this method and there are 25 on, on this list at this time that our judicial system have placed before us to administer. I'd appreciate a good vote. The center has explained his bill with any,
are there any questions? Center Hill. You are recognized to ask a question.
Senator Ricky Hill
Unverified
1:57:37
I missed the first part of that. What, what's preempting this bill? What
Speaker 327
1:57:44
did you say has brought this on? Well,
Senator Mark Johnson
Unverified
1:57:49
Every form of penalty to execute the death penalty has been challenged, and I think probably this one will be. But this is another option. That we can have to uh to do what is required. Center Pill follow up.
Senator Ricky Hill
Unverified
1:58:10
Well they have a choice of the type of process they go through or it can be mandated? It's, it's, it's
Senator Mark Johnson
Unverified
1:58:18
an option for the Department of Corrections. And whether they make that a choice for the individual, that's up to the Department of Corrections. OK, thank you, sir. Thank you. Any other questions? Senator Flippo. I Now Senator Johnson, was any thought given to just maybe
Senator Scott Flippo
Unverified
1:58:41
letting them cherish the agencies instead. I think, I think I'll let you run that
Speaker 383
1:58:48
bill. Thank you, Senator. Center hammer, you recognize for
your question. They shirt. This is currently being used in
other states, or are we the first? It's a, it's limited at this time, but
Speaker 343
1:59:06
it has been used. OK, so we wouldn't be the first and
I mean it would be No, sir, we wouldn't
Speaker 209
1:59:14
be the first. Thank you. Are there any other questions? See none would anyone like to speak
against the bill? Central lighting. Central lighting is recognized to speak against
the bill. Thank you, Mr. President. Oh, I know
Senator Greg Leding
Unverified
1:59:39
we're not here to litigate the capital punishment with its
a moment's leeway up top. I do want to say that I am Catholic, so I do not pretend to be all that familiar with the Bible, but I do know that throughout it makes the case against retribution. Leave room for the wrath of God, and He will repay. The Catholic Church opposes capital punishment. I oppose it, but not just because of my faith, because it's punishment that you cannot undo. And since 1973 in this country, at least 200 people have been convicted, sentenced to die, only to be later. Exonerated. It's not a punishment that you can take back once it's administered, but we're not here to litigate capital punishment. We're
talking about making it easier to execute people. has the drugs to carry out lethal injection have become harder to secure. States have been turning to other methods. Just last week, South Carolina executed a man by firing squad, I believe just 4 of the states right now use nitrogen gas, and so I did a little reading over lunch, and it is not a painless death. It can cause you to feel as though you were choking. It can actually cause you to vomit and leave you to choke on your vomit. If not administered properly, it might not kill you. It just might leave you brain dead and also because it is
colorless and odorless if it is not administered properly, you might accidentally kill prison staff. I don't know that there's a humane way to take a person's life, but if we are going to take on this responsibility, I don't believe we can do it carelessly. We have to take it seriously. We can't just reach for what's most convenient. I understand the challenges in trying to do this, but uh our response to a horrific act of violence cannot be a horrific act of violence. It doesn't make us tough. It doesn't make us just. It just means that we too have committed a horrific act of violence. You can support capital punishment and still
believe that this is not the way to go, so I would ask that you vote no. Would
anyone like to speak for the bill? Anyone like to speak against the bill, Senator Scott, you are recognized to speak against the
Senator Jamie Scott
Unverified
2:01:41
bill. Thank you. Um, colleagues, I've been struggling with this bill for a while, um. I rise today in opposition to
House Bill 1489, not only as a legislator but as a believer in the fundamental dignity of all human life. This bill, in my opinion, will authorize the use of nitrogen gas for executions, a method that is experimental, untested in our state and raises profound ethical and moral concerns for those of us who profess faith, which is almost everyone in this um chamber, um, whether Christ Christian or otherwise, we must ask ourselves, is this justice or is this vengeance? And that's
why I've been struggling with this, um, when you think about Mica 6 and 8, it talks about acting justly, loving Marcy and walking humbly with our God. And so I just have to ask myself and I want to ask each of you, where is the mercy in bringing this method of execution that has been described as inhumane, that risks cruel and unusual punishment and that reflects a system that's more concerned with theft and redemption. Even amongst those who support
the death penalty. There should be a deep discomfort in this method. We have box executions across the country, leaving individuals gasping for air, convulsing, and suffering prolonged deaths. This is not swift and humane process. It's a scientific experiment with human lives. And as I said, um, like many of you, I know your faith um because I've actually tried to spend time getting to know my colleagues since I've been here. Um, that's the state have a
moral responsibility that would take a life using this method that risks immense suffering. Christ himself stopped an execution and John 8 when he said, Let he is with who without sin cast the first stone. Are we so sure in our own righteousness that we ignored that call for mercy. That's what I'm asking you today. So beyond our faith, we know that our criminal justice system is flawed at times. We have seen innocent people exonerated. Sometimes after decades of being
on the death row, do we trust this system enough to risk take an innocent lives with a method that has been condemned by medical professionals and human rights activists, Arkansas, Arkansas should not be a testing ground for experimental cruel and unnecessary executions in my opinion, we should instead lead the way in criminal justice reform by investing in rehabilitation, addressing systemic inequities and ensuring fairness and ing, killing in the name of justice does not bring true
justice. It perpetuates a cycle of violence. Um, I urge you today to vote no on House Bill 1489. Center hammer, you are recognized to speak for the bill. Thank
you, Mr. President, with regards to the bill,
this is a bill that I wish none of us had to debate, but the reality is we're debating it because somebody made a decision to take another person's life. Ecclesiastes, if you read it,
there's a time for everything. So if you want to throw scripture out there, let's get all the scriptures out there and let's consider what ecclesiastes chapter 3 says, because a person puts himself in the position that we as legislators have to debate the method of which a person's life, a person who's chosen voluntarily by their action to put themselves in this situation. First time I met Senator Hester was at Tucker. He was not an inmate. I want to put that out there. But the first time that I met
Senator Ester, he and I were there to witness the execution of some of those who it had been sentenced to die. And we have heard today about the actions that will be committed against somebody or the decision to utilize this method or some other method, and whether or not it's something we ought to be doing. But let
not Let not the voice of the victim be silenced here today and let
not the voice of the victim.
be discarded today. I haven't heard anybody except for the presenter saying anything about the victims and about the families that when you sit there and you watch the person that took their loved one's life, sob and cry. Let's not forget about the victims in our decision, for they are the ones that are innocent. I acknowledge that there are individuals whose lives perhaps have been taken
that should not have been taken. I acknowledge that, but I want to also acknowledge that we need to stand up for the victims because they didn't want to be in the position they were put on in the first place any more than you and I want to be put in the position that today we're going to vote for
this bill. will be voting for the bill. Is there anyone who would like to speak
against the bill? Anyone who would like to speak for the bill.
Senator Johnson, you are recognized to close
Senator Mark Johnson
Unverified
2:07:07
for your bill. Members, I, I appreciate. All that was said. But uh Discipline will occur. Whether on this earth or beyond. It's up to us as a government and the state of Arkansas to protect innocence and life. And I would appreciate a good vote.
The senator is closed, Madam Secretary,
And Oh Bra. Caldwell, Caldwell. Park. Crawl Davis.
Speaker 300
2:07:57
Days dismay. Dotson, English Flippo flowers.
Gilmore Hammer. Hester Hickey Hill Irvin. Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King lighting love McKee. Murdoch Murder Heighten Penzo. Patty.
Brice, Scott. Scott Strong. Stabil. Stab afield.
any centers desire to vote who
have not voted or changed their vote at this time. Senator
Caldwell, I Stofield uh. OK. Anyone else? Check the board. Madam Secretary, cast up the
ballot. a vote of 26 years, 9 nays. The House Bill 1489 has passed, returned to the house.
Madam Secretary, please read House Bill 1502. I spell 1502 by Representative
Madison, Senator Board, to amend the law concerning the registration and licensing of a historic or special interest vehicle and to amend the law concerning
antique motor vehicles, special license plates. Sir, to board, you are reckon explain your bill. Thank you, Mr.
President. This bill rolls back the requirement for an antique car tag from 45 years to 30 years. It leaves in place all
the other requirements to obtain an antique car tags, such as having to prove you have another vehicle. 25 years was the law for 62 years until it was changed to 45 years in 2019. This bill provides a better compromise at 30, 30 years. The senator has
explained his bill. Are there any questions?
Senator Sullivan, you are recognized to ask your question. I
Senator Dan Sullivan
Unverified
2:10:54
So we're moving that back 15 years. Yes, sir. Thank you. Any other questions? Say
none. Does anyone wish to speak against the bill? Anyone wish to
speak for the bill? Say none Senator Boyd, do you recognize Cen Boyd is closed, uh, any objection to rolling the vote? See none, Madam Secretary, roll the vote. Boron, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell,
Davis, Des, Desmaine Dotson, English Flippo flowers, Gilmore, hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Peyton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott stone, Stubber Phil Sullivan, Tucker Wallace. Do any senators desire to vote who have not voted or changed their
vote at this time. We'll check the board.
Madam Secretary, cast up the ballot. A vote of 35, 0 nays, House Bill 1502 has passed, returned it to the House. We're going to pass over our House Bill 1527, uh, Madam Secretary, please read House Bill 1581. House 1581 by Representative Henley and
Speaker 124
2:12:30
Senator English to add trafficking of persons to the list of
offenses included in the definition of sex offense for the rights of victims of a crime. Central English, you are
recognized to explain the bill. Thank you very
Senator Jane English
Unverified
2:12:44
much. So this bill does is very short and it does exactly that what it says. It concerns the definition of sex offense with respect to rights of victims of crime. It's amended to add additional subdivisions to read as follows trafficking of persons, grooming
a minor for future sex trafficking. Anyone like to ask a question.
See none. Does anyone wish to speak against the bill? Does anyone like to speak for the bill? say non-enter English, would you like to close Central English is closed. Is there any objection to rolling the vote? Madam Secretary, please roll the
vote. Bryant Caldwell, Clark K Crowell, Davis, Des, dismaying dots and English flippo flowers, Gilmore hammer, Hester Hickey Hill, Irvin Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, lighting love, McKee, Murdoch, Peyton, Pennzo, Petty, rice, scot, stone, Stuber Phil Sullivan, Tucker Wallace. Do any senators desire to change their vote at
this time. Check the board, seen none.
House Bill 1581. I'm sorry, cast up the ballot. My apologies. House Bill 1581 passes with 35 e, zero nays, please return to the house. Madam Secretary, please read Senate bill, Senate bill, House Bill 1581. 5 15961596 by
Speaker 124
2:14:31
Senator Hammer and Representative Steel to amend the law concerning moving
traffic violations and I'm highway work zone to create mobile work zones and to access a fine for a moving traffic violation in a mobile work zone. Senator Hammer, you are recognized to explain your bill. Thank
you, Mr. Chairman. There is an information sheet that was placed
on your desk yesterday that also has a picture of what the signage would look like that would go on the back of the R dot vehicle. This bill simply does one thing, it doubles the
fines for a mobile work zone on the information sheet that was placed on your desk, uh, this pertains only to work that is going on in the roadways. If it's a bush hog on the side or off the side of the road picking up trash wouldn't apply. To that, this will be displayed on the back tailgate of the vehicle at the rear of the work zone so that individuals see it promptly or properly displayed prominently displayed, so they are aware of what's coming. Other bills that have been done this session to help enhance the safety, include the green
lights, also adding to the manual and test for new drivers, educational program for K through 12 in order to inform younger individuals. of the safety needs within the work zone and as pointed out on the sheet in the last 70 years, RAT has had 89 fatalities, 25 of which were caused by a roadway worker being struck by a passing motorist, and in the last 20 years, our dots lost 8 employees in the work zone, and they've lost 15 employees by
construction by highway contractors, uh, our do will not be receiving any revenue from these fines and recently you may remember there was a hard worker that was killed in Lone Oak County. That was an immobile work zone, and this is intended to help make our work zone safer for our um our employees that are working out there as well as the contractors, and I'll be glad to answer any questions. Senator Hammer has explained his bill.
Are there any questions? Senator Payton, you recognized for a question.
Senator John Payton
Unverified
2:16:46
Thank you, Mr. President. I'm just curious. What are the fines that we're doubling and if a motorist doesn't really know how much the fines are. The fact that we're doubling it, how does, how is that a deterrent? I think it's a term
by the word double, which as far as the amount of the fines, I don't have that because that's not identified in this bill. It would be double what's in a regular work zone. I'll use a classic example like the work
zone in I-30. That's a, you know, that's a standing, I'll call it work zone, and so this is a mobile work zone where they're out filling potholes, and they got the shadow truck as far as what the fines are. I don't think that it doesn't even say that like in the I-30 work zone to the river bridge or up that way, those, those fines are not identified any of the signage now. Right. So the
Speaker 265
2:17:41
static work zones we already doubled the fines. But this would not be
Senator John Payton
Unverified
2:17:48
quadrupling. This would just be doubling the fines to match what we do in the static work zone. I believe that's correct, yes, sir.
OK, thank you. Yeah, we're not stacking on top of each other. Senator Ross, you're
recognized for your question. OK, Senator McKee, you're recognized for your question. Mr President, I appreciate you
Senator Matt McKee
Unverified
2:18:06
bringing this bill. I'm all for increasing the safety of our Our employees and those people working to make the roads nice for us. What, can you help me understand what constitutes a mobile work zone. When does,
when, how. My concern, I guess, would be I want drivers to be able to clearly identify and if these are things that are popping up all over the state at random times and in random places. It seems to me that there's times when it could be very ambiguous
to folks. Sure, and there are multiple mobile work zones going on all the time around the state because
there are multiple places that need potholes filled and the most, this is a requirement that will have to be
on the back of the truck, so the best way to identify a mobile work zone is if they are in the roadway. And if that if that operation is mobile and that it's, you know, at one location, but it's continually moving down kind of like what we've been seeing out here on I-30 coming back in that way, those those asphalt trucks or if they're doing like concrete repair where they've got a, you know, they've got a hole in the bridge, those kind of things are classified, but it's got to be in the roadway, not like working on the side like I mentioned a while ago.
OK, thank you. Thank you, Senator Gilmore, you're recognized, ask
Senator Ben Gilmore
Unverified
2:19:29
a question. Thank you, Mr. Chair, Mr. President, I'm not sure what to call you, Senator. Thank you. Um, I, I see that in the bill, I think it's page 2 at the top we're adding um in section 3, debris removal. So we're adding that, so I guess what what does that mean? Uh, that would be more along the lines
of, you know, how we sometimes are going down the interstate and they'll call in maybe a truck to remove a
mattress or, you know, something that's obstructing in, you know, in the roadway. It's, it's not the trash that's on the side like you would see and I can't remember the name of the place out of Jacksonville where they had their vans going up and down the road. This is going to be more for things that, that are actually in the roadway. That would be classified as debris. OK, thank you for that. So I guess that, so
Senator Ben Gilmore
Unverified
2:20:17
it's not just a work zone. That there will be subject to this penalty.
It it would be any time that there is a I think we could say it this
way, if there are are not employees out there, for example, you see what they call the shadow truck that is the rear truck that would have the signage on it, and then you would have that big truck. I can't think what it's called, you know, it's got the shock absorber on it that and it could be a pickup truck that is actually moving to pick up debris, but the one thing I want to clarify is that if they are in a mobile work zone mode, it has to have the signage. On the back, and that's what's
going to help the public know this is a mobile, this is a mobile work zone that they're in. OK,
Speaker 459
2:21:02
and, and, and if I'm made for a follow-up. Yes, you recognized Senator Gilmore. Thank you. And
Senator Ben Gilmore
Unverified
2:21:08
so what is the penalty, the fine that's associated with this? The dollar amount, do you know? I don't know the dollar
amount, but they're double like they would be in a in a regular construction zone. It's just this
is the mobile zone. OK, thank you, Senator. And also remember, uh, you know, the judge will have discretion just
like he would in any other if it goes to court. Senator
Gilmore, I may be corrected, but I believe that you can call whoever's sitting up here, Mr. President, Mr. Chair, Madam President, Madam Chair, but in your case, you can also, as Paul Simon said, call me Al, but you have to sing it like he sings it.
Speaker 213
2:21:44
Thank you, Your Honor. Uh, Senator Payton,
you're recognized for a question and then Senator Scott, thank you, Acting President. Senator Hammer.
Senator John Payton
Unverified
2:21:58
Uh, so there's no speed limit here. Is there a speed limit change in these zones and as we approach this signage or are we supposed to automatically know what that means as far as the speed limit change. And how much we're supposed to slow down, how much room do we have to decelerate? I'm just curious as to warn that the fines double, is does the law change within that zone? I don't believe that the speed
limit changes within that zone. So if you're on a, you know, state highway doing 6060. I didn't, I did not recall that ever being brought up in any of the discussions about the speed limit aspect of it. So we might actually do more
Senator John Payton
Unverified
2:22:43
good keeping them safe if we If we actually uh changed. I know for emergency, so like for a police officer has somebody stopped, you're supposed to slow down 10 mile an hour and change lanes, right?
I don't, I don't know. I'm seriously questioning. We see this sign. What do we need to know to make sure we don't violate the law. I
think what you need to know. is that if If I tell you what I'll do. Can I take the, can I take uh Senator Scott's question, Mr. Chairman, and then I'd like
to make a motion. Sure, Sir Peyton, are you done? Center
Senator Jamie Scott
Unverified
2:23:32
Scott, you recognized? I'm I'm not sure. OK, thank you. Acting President of Senator Hammer, yesterday in committee, it is correct that the is it the new president that took Miss Tudor's position? That would be Jared, who came to testify. Did he not testify that we've lost 3 employees since October and that this is just a measure that they're doing to
make sure that we are protecting the maintenance workers as well as the construction. workers that are on the highways. That is correct. Thank you. Thank you. Center hammer
you wanted to be recognized to make a motion? Yes, what I'd like
to do is make a motion to pull this bill down, move it to the bottom of today's agenda. And let me go make a quick call to get the answer Senator Peyton's question, so that I can come back up here and give good accurate information so I can uh get their votes. OK, so that
motion is The, we've got a motion from Senator Hammer to pull
down House Bill 1596 and move it to the bottom of today's calendar. Mr. Chairman, Mr. President, and when I do, I'll go get the answer to
that question, and I'll come back up and answer it, but I won't debate it long so we can deal with it today and move through expeditiously. Everyone understand the motion.
Those for the motion signify by saying aye, all opposed. Motion
carried. Madam Secretary, please read House Bill 1605. House was 1605 by Representative Wing and Senator Brant to
Speaker 124
2:25:15
amend the construction manager general contractor method
of procurement, pilot program and to make the construction manager general contractor method of procurement. Uh program permanent for the state highway commission. Senator Bryant, you are recognized to explain your bill. Thank you, Mr. President.
Senator Joshua Bryant
Unverified
2:25:36
Members back in 2017, Representative Wing, along with Rdot, passed a bill to create a pilot program for the uh construction manager, general contractor method to deploy as an alternate method for road projects in Arkansas. They did that pilot program with specific caps and items just to be monitored with, with an expiration date in case the General Assembly did not want to pursue that project. Or the alternate method in 2019. They brought it back to increase
the amount of projects and extend the caps upwards to collect more data into larger projects and again in 2023, I worked with uh Representative Wing to once again push those caps because the success of the programs were just phenomenal at the department. What this bill seeks to do is to let the departments have this no longer as a pilot program, but as part of their normal routine business between design build projects, design, uh design
bid projects and then general contractor method of completing projects. So with that, this is, this is just making our pilot program permanent as a specific model that they can use to do the construction projects in Arkansas. Uh They do have other methods for on-call GM services just for smaller projects and then the larger projects they take uh RFQs across all um general contractors to make sure that they're qualified to pursue projects of magnitude. Projects that you might have
seen with these successful designs are in Northwest Arkansas I-49, Highway 62 interchange, Glassy County Line and Bryant, uh, I-40 improvements, Highway 60. Among others, so I, uh, originally was one that said hey pilot programs need cutoff dates, and they need caps just to make sure we're doing it right. I think the department has at least proved to me that they are using this program effectively, and I would support its passage. So what I'll take any questions. Senator Bryant has explained his bill. Are
there any questions? Senator Tucker, you are recognized with your questions. Thank you, Mr. President. Senator, I
Senator Clarke Tucker
Unverified
2:27:46
know you went over this. Can you just say simply what the Construction manager, general contractor method is So they, they have a large project and what they do
Senator Joshua Bryant
Unverified
2:27:58
is they invite that construction management team on board to the beginning of the project from its inception, and they worked through all the timelines, the
costs, the best practices, uh, acquisition of of obviously land with the department as a partner. And then the, the department has their own bid system, and they start looking at those costs, and then the partner of the construction team starts looking at those costs, and they just start to work that project and then when you get to like 30%, they take a snapshot of where they are when they get to 60 and 90%, so they take snapshots of where they are. If those cost estimates with the department are within 10% of the construction manager,
the construction manager can get notice to proceed on that project. If they cannot align on those projects, the department can pursue other contractors to complete that project. Thank you, Senator. And
Centra McKee, you're recognized with the question. Thank you, a great one.
Senator Matt McKee
Unverified
2:29:04
Is this the style of management that was used on the I-30 widening project. No, that was
design bid. That's all I needed to know. Thank you. Are there any other questions for Senator Bryant on his bill? See none would anyone like to speak against the bill. Would anyone like to speak for the bill, Senator Bryant is closed for his bill. Are there any objections to rolling the vote? See none, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Bryant
Caldwell, Clark Kroll, Davis, Des, dismaying dots and English flippo flowers, Gilmore hammer, Hester Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King letting Love McKee, Murdoch, Peyton, Penzo, Petty, rise, Scott Stone, Stubberfield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Do any senators wish to change their vote at this time.
Senator King not voting.
Senator Peyton present. Everyone check the board. Madam Secretary, please cast up the ballot. By a vote of 33, 0 nays, 1 not voting. House Bill 1605 has passed. Please return to the house. Madam Secretary. Please read House Bill 1609. House Bill 160s in Lundstrom and
concerning human trafficking to create an enhanced penalty for recruiting trafficked persons from certain places and declare an emergency. Senator Davis, you are recognized to
explain your bill. Thank you, Mr. President. Um, so this bill
Senator Breanne Davis
Unverified
2:31:02
just says that if you're convicted of recruiting, enticing, or obtaining a trafficked person from a shelter or residential treatment center, and that serves runaway youth, foster children, homeless, victims of domestic violence or sexual assault that you may be
subject to an enhanced sentence of up to 5 years. It also applies, um, the same way if you've tracked trafficked someone while they're in a correctional facility. I'm happy to take any questions. Senator Davis has
explained her bill. Are there any questions? See none. Is there anyone who would like to speak against the bill.
Is there anyone who would like to speak for the bill? Senator Davis, are you closed? Davis is closed for a bill. Are there any objections to
rolling the vote? See none, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd Bant Caldwell, Clark, Kroll, Davis, Des, dismaying dots and English flippo flowers, Gilmore, hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King letting love McKee Murdoch,
Peyton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott Stone, Stubberfield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Do any senators wish to change
their vote at this time. Check the board,
make sure I'm not missing anybody, Madam Secretary, cast up the ballot. House Bill 1609 passes with 35, 0 nays, please return to the house. Uh-huh.
Passed as amended. Thank you. Emergency clause adopted. Those notes were even here. OK. Senator Hammer Are you ready?
Madam Secretary, please 96. Please read Senate bill House Bill 15961596 by
Speaker 124
2:33:22
Representative Steel and Centra Hammer. An act to amend the law concerning
moving traffic violations in the highway work zone to create mobile work zones to assess a fine for moving traffic violation of a mobile work zone. Senator Hammer, you are recognized to present your bill. All right, so
Speaker 383
2:33:41
here's the answers to your question, Senator Peyton, and maybe others. Here's the example, you're
going down I-30, it is a 70 mile an hour speed zone. You pass that mobile work zone doing 90 miles an
hour. You get pulled over. Officers's going to write you a ticket. The officer may indicate or should indicate on the ticket that you were doing 20 over the speed limit in a mobile work zone. The fines that are going to be doubled are the typical fines that would be fined in a static work zone or Any other area where you're passing where you're over the speed limit, so the only part of the fine that's going to double is on that 20 mile an hour over part. The court costs and none of the other court costs or any of the other costs associated with that doubles. um, and then
I did check on the debris and I was right on the debris they take, you know, retread tires, dead deer, dead dogs, whatever the case may be, that would be also considered a mobile work zone. Because it's intended to be in and out as far as why there's not a speed limit that would be associated with that vehicle because it's a mobile work zone, and it could be going from a 35 to a 45 to a 55 all within a stretch of a
mile or two, and so that's why they don't put that on there and on the signage, the signage is going to be the size of the tailgate of the vehicle that Se and the department didn't want to codify it in language because they may want to go bigger, but they won't go any smaller. because the whole intent is to protect the workers, so they want it as big as they can, and what they're going to do is make the signs that will hook over the back of the tailgate of the truck so that it's in big bold letters, so the, you know, everybody can see it and now I'll be glad to take any other questions.
Hammer has explained this bill, Senator Payton, you were recognized for a question. Thank you, Mr. President.
Senator John Payton
Unverified
2:35:36
So, so we can expect that there's no change in
traffic law in the mobile work zone. It's just if you are already violating the traffic laws. That's correct. OK, thank you. You. Any other questions for Senator Hammer on
his bill? See none anyone wished to speak against the bill.
Any center wish to speak for the bill. So noncentral hammer, would you like to
close for your bill? I would like to close. The department would very much like this bill because of the fatalities. In fact, they still have a worker that is in the hospital from something that happened last year, and this is intended to be a deterrent in order to slow people down or be cautious when they're going through those work zones and so they would very much and so would the families of those that have lost loved ones as well as
those that have been injured would appreciate. a good passage of this bill. With that, I'll ask you
for a good vote. Thank you, sir. Any objection to rolling the vote.
Speaker 142
2:36:46
There is objection, Madam Secretary, please call the roll. Boront Caldwell, Clark,
Crowell. Crowl Davis Days This man This Dotson.
English of flowers. flowers. Gilmore, hammer, Hester. Hicky. Hill. Irvin. Bike Johnson. Mark Johnson, King. Laing. Love.
McKee. McKee Murdoch, Murdoch. Peyton Pencil penzo. Patty. Rice. Scott Yeah Stone. Stab afield Sullivan Tucker Wallace.
I Do we need senators desire to vote who have not voted or changed
their vote at this time, McKee present. Penzo present Murdoch, I. Anyone else check the board. Madam Secretary, cast up the ballot. By a vote. Of 28 years, zero nays, 2 not voting, and 5 present. House
Bill 1596 has passed. Please return to the house. like Se your
dismay you recognized for an amendment. Amendment 2 to Senate
Bill 307. Senator Dismay, would you like to present your amendment?
Speaker 400
2:38:57
Yes, thank you, members. This is largely
Senator Jonathan Dismang
Unverified
2:39:00
what would the recommendations were from the
PSC. It tracks through the bill and then changes. Senator Hickey has helped also kind of follow through to make sure that those match up. Uh, there are some other provisions, so you've had those in front of you. I think those were emailed to each member of the changes requested or that's not the right word, recommendations about the PSC. There are a couple of other changes that were not notated in that those prominently you're in the legislative findings, um, and so you'll see those, and then lastly inside the bill itself, there's a minimum floor of 30% equity contribution, uh, that is
also in the in the area where it says there's a 30 to 50% range for equity contribution from uh an utility company, but again, those are the changes that I appreciate a good vote on that so we can have it engrossed for the floor tomorrow. Any questions for Senator
Dismay on the motion. Say none. Anyone wished to
speak against the motion. Anyone wish to speak for the motion? See none for the amendment. I apologize.
Uh, all for the amendment signified by saying I all against, but same sign. Congratulationsent Disma. Amendment 2 is adopted to Senate Bill 307, sent to engrossing
Senator Dismay, you're recognized. Thank you, members. I'd like to expunge
Senator Jonathan Dismang
Unverified
2:40:29
the vote by which House Bill 1193 did not pass.
Got a motion that House Bill 1193, the vote
be expunged by which House Bill 1193 failed. of We're checking to be sure we haven't already sent it back to the house.
What? OK, the bill is still here, all in favor of expunging the vote by which House bill 1193 failed sign saying I. all against. I have it. Motion carry. The boat is expunged on House Bill 1193.
Raise those hands. Are there items on the desk? What? Were your committee on
a gross spills who was fired Senate Bill 117 Penzo compared the gross copy of the original and find the same correctly engrossed. public health. Public health We you committee on gross who was first in 302 by Senator Gilmore compared the engrossed copy of the original and finds
name correctly engrossed calendar Committee on grossels, who was referred House Bill 1474 by Representative Carr Senator Wallace, where the gross copy of the original find sign correctly engrossed. Calendar Committee on ressels, who was for House Bill 1536 by Representative McIlroy and Senator Wallace for the gross copy of the original I I'm correctly engrossed. Transportation. Senate Resolution 43 by Senator Irving to designate March 12,
2025. It stars of Life Day and to recognize the
accomplishments of certain emergency medical service professional Senate Resolution 43. Calendar. Senate
Bill 425 by Central English to amend various provisions of the Arkansas Code concerning enhanced transportation, declare an emergency and before 25 before 26 by Senator Hester. To create the defense against
criminal illegals Act and to establish
enhanced penalties for illegal aliens who commit serious felonies involving violence Senate Bill 426. Judiciary.
427 by Senator Brant. Concerning the
offense of promoting prostitution to repeal sections of the law concerning Promoting uh prostitution to enhance the penalties and for
promoting prostitution. And to penalize a business involved in promoting prostitution, 427. Judiciary symbol 428 by Senator Bryant concerning a civil cause of action for victims of human trafficking and to provide a statute of limitation period of 10 years for a victim of human trafficking sent before 28. Judiciary 429 by Bryant to expand the ceiling of criminal records for victims of human trafficking to provide the
victims of human trafficking have certain rights and provide a mandatory no contact. Or in a human trafficking case before 29 Judiciary 4:30 by Senator Bryant. An Act require mandatory restitution to be awarded to a victim of human trafficking and to amend the Arkansas Crime Victims Preparations Act, Senate Bill 430. Judiciary December 431 by Senator Bryant to amend the Human Trafficking Act of 2013 to eliminate the statute of
limitations for certain offenses to create safe harbors for victims and to prohibit certain sexual explicit products that resemble a child sent 431. Judiciary. House for 1285 by Representative Johnson and Senator Boyd to establish an exemption program for ambulance services operators for certain healthcare services, has 1285. But Houseville 1398 by
Representative Johnson, Central Wallace to require schools to support establish and implement a cardiac emergency response plan that integrates nationally recognized elements House Bill 1398. Education 147 y'all keep it just low enough that I
Speaker 415
2:45:46
can hear him. As for 1497 or Painter
and Senator Crowe tied the Department of the military to the list of climate agencies for
purposes of the set off against state tax refunds and to amend the definition of debt and purposes of the set off against a tax refunds. House Bill 1497 for 1576 by Representative Lustrom, Senator Brant prohibit a solid waste landfill to be placed over a car's topographics and house 1576. Public health House for 1601 M Johnson Center
Dodson to require state-supported institutions of higher education to provide career counseling and other resources certain students was 1601. Education. I Return of Senate Bill 209 from my house has passed. In Rome. Not
from the house as amended of the public health.
Speaker 500
2:47:00
There's some more in here, Anne. Now it's a
passage symbol to 10, uh, from the house and roll. That is, that is a
Speaker 124
2:47:14
passage of sym 260 from the houses passed roll. That Yeah. What else do we
any announcements? Are there any announcementsent your hammer, you're recognized for an announcement. caucus in the morning, 7
o'clock old Supreme Courtroom, all senators are invited. House members are there as well, as well as the agency
personnel, so come on and enjoy a good time before you get the day started.
Central Urban, you're recognized for an announcement.
Senator Missy Irvin
Unverified
2:48:07
Thank you, uh, members, public health is going to begin at 9 a.m. tomorrow morning. Public health will
begin at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow morning. Um, and then we're gonna recess and come back after session tomorrow. Public health will, so we have a long agenda. but it'll start at 9 and not 10. Senator Hickey, I
hope you don't have an announcement because you're triggering my PTSD. They. Anything else?
Agenda
Call to Order
Roll Call
Prayer
Pledge of Allegiance
Introductions of Senate Pages
Announcements
Doctor of the Day
Items to be Read Across the Desk
RESOLUTIONS FOR THIRD READING AND ADOPTION
SR25 D. Wallace TO RECOGNIZE AND CELEBRATE NUCOR DAY AT THE STATE CAPITOL ON FEBRUARY 19, 2025.
SR36 M. McKee TO RECOGNIZE HOT SPRINGS WORLD CLASS HIGH SCHOOL PREVENTION STAFF AND STUDENT CLUB MEMBERS AND THE HOT SPRINGS JUNIOR ACADEMY EAST TEACHERS AND STUDENTS IN HONOR OF PROBLEM GAMBLING AWARENESS MONTH.
SR37 Dees TO RECOGNIZE MARCH 2025 AS AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH AND SUPPORT THE HUMANITARIAN MISSION OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS.
SR39 J. Scott TO CELEBRATE WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH DURING MARCH 2025 AND INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY ON MARCH 8, 2025.
SB307 #1 - Dismang - TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PUBLIC UTILITIES; TO CREATE THE GENERATING ARKANSAS JOBS ACT OF 2025; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.
SB117 #1 - Penzo - TO CREATE THE NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN PRACTICE ACT; TO PROVIDE FOR LICENSURE OF NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIANS IN ARKANSAS; AND TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS STATE BOARD OF NATUROPATHY.
SENATE BILLS TO CONCUR IN HOUSE AMENDMENTS
SB265 #1 Irvin Irvin TO REDUCE AND MODIFY THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE LICENSING COMMITTEE RELATING TO WASTEWATER AND THE LICENSING COMMITTEE RELATING TO SOLID WASTE; AND TO AMEND THE APPRENTICESHIP LICENSES IN SOLID WASTE LICENSING.
SB308 #1 K. Hammer Hammer TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING A WRITE-IN CANDIDATE; AND TO REMOVE REFERENCES TO A WRITE-IN CANDIDATE.
HB1245 Irvin Public Health
SENATE BILLS WITH SENATE AMENDMENTS
SB302 #1 Gilmore Gilmore TO CREATE THE CRIMINAL OFFENSE OF GIFT CARD FRAUD; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.
HOUSE BILLS WITH SENATE AMENDMENTS
HB1474 #1 Joey Carr Wallace CONCERNING THE PREVENTION OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING; AND TO REQUIRE THE DISPLAY OF INFORMATION ABOUT THE NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING HOTLINE.
HB1536 #1 M. McElroy Wallace TO WITHHOLD STATE TRANSPORTATION FUNDING FROM A SCHOOL DISTRICT THAT DOES NOT REQUIRE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEMS IN SCHOOL BUSES UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS.
SENATE BILLS FOR THIRD READING AND PASSAGE
SB261 A. Clark TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE OPERATION OF AN ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE ON CERTAIN ROADS; AND TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE ACCESS OF ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES TO UNPAVED ROADS.
Point of Personal Privilege
SB299 K. Hammer TO REQUIRE A STAFF MEMBER TO WITNESS AN ADMINISTRATOR ASSISTING A RESIDENT OF A LONG-TERM RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITY WITH ABSENTEE VOTING.
SB309 D. Sullivan TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS HEALTH CARE CONSUMER ACT; TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF "PSYCHIATRIC COLLABORATIVE CARE MODEL"; AND TO INCLUDE CERTAIN CLINICAL PSYCHIATRIC PHARMACIST SERVICES IN THE PSYCHIATRIC COLLABORATIVE CARE MODEL.
SB329 J. Boyd TO CREATE THE ONLINE MARKETPLACE GUARANTEES ACT.
SB343 Irvin TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING STATE-OWNED MOTOR VEHICLES; TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PUBLIC PROPERTY; AND TO AMEND THE AUTOMOBILE AND PICKUP TRUCK ACQUISITION ACT FOR THE STATE OF ARKANSAS.
SB353 - Motion to Re-refer to State Agencies for Amendment
SB372 A. Clark TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE SIGNAL LEGEND OF TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES; AND TO ALLOW A VEHICLE DRIVER TO ENTER AN INTERSECTION WHILE A RED LIGHT IS INDICATED ON A TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICE IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.
Motion to expunge the vote on SB372
SB393 D. Wallace TO AMEND THE SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION ACT OF 1997.
HOUSE BILLS FOR THIRD READING AND PASSAGE
HB1068 M. McElroy Wallace TO INCLUDE EMPLOYEES OF A METROPOLITAN PORT AUTHORITY IN THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE ARKANSAS EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM.
HB1193 Cavenaugh B. Johnson TO REQUIRE AN INSURER TO INCLUDE A LIENHOLDER ON PAYMENTS MADE UNDER AN INSURANCE POLICY.
HB1405 J. Richardson Boyd TO AMEND THE STATUTES CONCERNING PROCURERS; AND TO ADD ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS REGARDING THE USE OF A PROCURER BY A LICENSED CHIROPRACTIC PHYSICIAN.
HB1489 Wardlaw B. Johnson TO AMEND THE METHOD OF EXECUTION TO INCLUDE NITROGEN GAS.
HB1502 Maddox Boyd TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF A HISTORIC OR SPECIAL INTEREST VEHICLE; AND TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING ANTIQUE MOTOR VEHICLE SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES.
HB1581 Henley English TO ADD TRAFFICKING OF PERSONS TO THE LIST OF OFFENSES INCLUDED IN THE DEFINITION OF SEX OFFENSE FOR RIGHTS OF VICTIMS OF A CRIME.
HB1596 Steimel Hammer TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING MOVING TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS IN A HIGHWAY WORK ZONE; TO CREATE MOBILE WORK ZONES; AND ASSESS A FINE FOR A MOVING TRAFFIC VIOLATION IN A MOBILE WORK ZONE.
HB1605 Wing Bryant TO AMEND THE CONSTRUCTION MANAGER-GENERAL CONTRACTOR METHOD OF PROCUREMENT PILOT PROGRAM TO TO MAKE THE CONSTRUCTION MANAGER-GENERAL CONTRACTOR METHOD OF PROCUREMENT PROGRAM PERMANENT FOR THE STATE HIGHWAY COMMISSION.
HB1609 Lundstrum B. Davis TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING HUMAN TRAFFICKING; TO CREATE AN ENHANCED PENALTY FOR RECRUITING TRAFFICKED PERSONS FROM CERTAIN PLACES; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.
SB307 #2 - Dismang
expunge the vote on HB1193 did not pass
Items to be read across the desk
Announcements
Adjourn
Documents
No documents posted.
Speakers
Chair
Unverified
Senator Justin Boyd Chair
Unverified
Senator Ricky Hill
Unverified
Speaker 18
Speaker 21
Speaker 29
Senator Dan Sullivan
Unverified
Senator Steve Crowell
Unverified
Senator Mark Johnson
Unverified
Speaker 46
Speaker 57
Senator Dave Wallace
Unverified
Speaker 8
Zach Moon
Unverified
Senator Matt McKee
Unverified
Senator Tyler Dees
Unverified
Senator Jamie Scott
Unverified
Speaker 118
Speaker 124
Senator Missy Irvin
Unverified
Senator Kim Hammer Chair
Unverified
Speaker 79
Speaker 109
Senator Clint Penzo
Unverified
Speaker 138
Senator Jonathan Dismang
Unverified
Speaker 192
Senator Clarke Tucker
Unverified
Speaker 123
Speaker 205
Senator Alan Clark Chair
Unverified
Speaker 218
Speaker 219
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr
Unverified
Speaker 223
Senator Bart Hester
Unverified
Senator John Payton
Unverified
Speaker 215
Speaker 254
Speaker 267
Speaker 274
Senator Fredrick J. Love
Unverified
Speaker 110
Speaker 286
Speaker 100
Speaker 297
Speaker 142
Speaker 300
Senator Terry Rice
Unverified
Speaker 81
Speaker 320
Speaker 321
Speaker 69
Speaker 2
Speaker 101
Speaker 327
Speaker 343
Speaker 198
Speaker 245
Speaker 354
Speaker 368
Speaker 60
Senator Jim Dotson
Unverified
Speaker 383
Speaker 25
Speaker 399
Senator Scott Flippo
Unverified
Speaker 209
Senator Greg Leding
Unverified
Senator Jane English
Unverified
Speaker 265
Senator Ben Gilmore
Unverified
Speaker 459
Speaker 213
Senator Joshua Bryant
Unverified
Senator Breanne Davis
Unverified
Speaker 400
Speaker 415
Speaker 177
Speaker 500
Speaker 506