Said in CommitteeBeta

Exactly as spoken.

Senate Convenes

March 5, 2025 ·1:30 PM ·Senate Chamber ·2:40:52
Video Transcript

Bills discussed (41)
Bill Title Sponsor Status
SR34 · 4 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “SR34 A. Clark TO SUPPORT THE NOMINATION OF FORMER GOVERNOR OF AR…”
 TO SUPPORT THE NOMINATION OF FORMER GOVERNOR OF ARKANSAS MICHAEL DALE "MIKE" HUCKABEE AS UNITED … A. Clark Sine Die adjournment
SB242 Act 344 · 2 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “SB242 #1 Hill Hill TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING LOANS INVOLVING TH…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING LOANS INVOLVING THE STOCK OF A STATE BANK. Hill Notification that SB242 is now Act 344
SB293 Act 487 · 2 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “SB293 #1 K. Hammer Hammer TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE REQUIRE…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE REQUIRED POSTINGS AT A POLLING SITE; AND TO AMEND … K. Hammer Notification that SB293 is now Act 487
SB324 Act 519 · 2 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “SB324 #1 M. Johnson M. Johnson TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE ME…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE MEMBERSHIP OF A COUNTY PLANNING BOARD. M. Johnson Notification that SB324 is now Act 519
SB351 Act 592 · 2 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “SB351 #1 Dismang - Withdrawal from State Agencies for the purpose…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING ETHICS AND CAMPAIGN FINANCE; TO AMEND PORTIONS OF INITIATED ACT … J. Dismang Notification that SB351 is now Act 592
SB378 Act 446 · 2 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “Refer SB378, SB383, SB385, SB387 and SB389 rerefer to Senate Revenue an…”
 TO REPEAL THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE ARKANSAS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION SUBMIT A QUARTERLY REPORT CONCERNING … Crowell Notification that SB378 is now Act 446
SB383 Act 467 · 2 mentions in transcript, chapter
Matched: “…rt required under the venture capital Investment Act of 201 Senate Bill 383. Agriculture symbol 384 by Central to repeal the requiremen…”
 TO REPEAL THE ANNUAL REPORT REQUIRED UNDER THE VENTURE CAPITAL INVESTMENT ACT OF 2001. Crowell Notification that SB383 is now Act 467
SB385 Act 469 · 2 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “Refer SB378, SB383, SB385, SB387 and SB389 rerefer to Senate Revenue and Taxation”
 TO REPEAL THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE RURAL SERVICES DIVISION OF THE ARKANSAS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION … Crowell Notification that SB385 is now Act 469
SB389 Act 471 · 2 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “Refer SB378, SB383, SB385, SB387 and SB389 rerefer to Senate Revenue and Taxation”
 TO REPEAL THE LAW REQUIRING THE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION TO … Crowell Notification that SB389 is now Act 471
SR35 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…enate Bill 2, 19 of Cen dismay recommend new past calendar. Senate resolution 35 by Senator”
 TO RECOGNIZE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS AND NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION STAR SCOTTIE PIPPEN FOR HIS … M. Johnson Sine Die adjournment
SR36 · 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…s, the nation, and the world. Senate Resolution 35 calendar Senate resolution 36 by Senator McKee. To recognize the hot springs world-class…”
 TO RECOGNIZE HOT SPRINGS WORLD CLASS HIGH SCHOOL PREVENTION STAFF AND STUDENT CLUB MEMBERS AND … M. McKee Sine Die adjournment
HB1146 Act 296 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1146 AN ACT FOR THE OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL APPROPRIATION FOR…”
 AN ACT FOR THE OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR. Joint Budget Committee Notification that HB1146 is now Act 296
HB1175 Act 297 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1175 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, HERITAGE, AND TOURISM -…”
 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, HERITAGE, AND TOURISM - DIVISION OF HERITAGE APPROPRIATION … Joint Budget Committee Notification that HB1175 is now Act 297
HB1182 Act 265 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…mmend Du pass calendar Committee on Public Health to is for House Bill 1182 by Representative Bentley recommend new pass calendar Commi…”
 TO REPLACE THE DEFINED TERM "MEDICATION ASSISTIVE PERSON" WITH THE DEFINED TERM "CERTIFIED MEDICATION ASSISTANT" … Bentley Notification that HB1182 is now Act 265
HB1186 Act 960 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…the same correctly engrossed. Joint budget on bills as for House Bill 1186 by Representative Vol and Central Pennzo compared the gross…”
 TO CREATE THE PAIN RELIEF PARITY ACT; AND TO REQUIRE PAIN RELIEF PARITY IN THE … Vaught Notification that HB1186 is now Act 960
HB1217 Act 267 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1217 Nazarenko Wallace TO ESTABLISH THE INTERSTATE MASSAGE COMPA…”
 TO ESTABLISH THE INTERSTATE MASSAGE COMPACT IN ARKANSAS. Nazarenko Notification that HB1217 is now Act 267
HB1245 Act 432 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…commend new pass calendar Committee on Public Health to for House Bill 1245 by representative highly recommended new pass this amended…”
 TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS BEHAVIOR ANALYST REGISTRATION ACT. Clowney Notification that HB1245 is now Act 432
HB1379 Act 287 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1379 Beaty Jr. Hill TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE SPECIAL AUTH…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE SPECIAL AUTHORIZATION FOR REIMBURSEMENT FOR MEALS AND LODGING WHILE … Beaty Jr. Notification that HB1379 is now Act 287
HB1452 Act 271 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…pass calendar Committee on the Judiciary, to whom was third House Bill 1452 by Representative Blundstrom recommend Du pass calendar Com…”
 CLARIFYING THE LAW ON THE USE OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA IN CERTAIN PLACES; AND TO PROHIBIT … Lundstrum Notification that HB1452 is now Act 271
HB1465 Act 312 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…s calendar Committee on the Judiciary, to whom was referred House Bill 1465 by Representative Gonzalez recommended new pass this amende…”
 CONCERNING DIRTBIKE USE ON PRIVATE PROPERTY; AND TO ESTABLISH THE LIABILITY OF AN OWNER OF … Gonzales Notification that HB1465 is now Act 312
HB1493 Act 298 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1493 AN ACT FOR THE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION CAPITAL IMP…”
 AN ACT FOR THE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT APPROPRIATION. Joint Budget Committee Notification that HB1493 is now Act 298
HB1499 Act 288 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1499 Ray Payton TO AMEND THE SALE AND PURCHASE PROCEDURE FOR PUB…”
 TO AMEND THE SALE AND PURCHASE PROCEDURE FOR PUBLIC PROPERTY. Ray Notification that HB1499 is now Act 288
HB1544 Act 299 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1544 AN ACT TO MAKE AN APPROPRIATION FOR STATE TURNBACK FOR COUN…”
 AN ACT TO MAKE AN APPROPRIATION FOR STATE TURNBACK FOR COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES BY THE … Joint Budget Committee Notification that HB1544 is now Act 299
HB1556 Act 260 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1556 Rye Wallace TO AMEND ARKANSAS MUSIC APPRECIATION DAY; AND T…”
 TO AMEND ARKANSAS MUSIC APPRECIATION DAY; AND TO CHANGE THE DATE ON WHICH ARKANSAS MUSIC … Rye Notification that HB1556 is now Act 260
HB1558 Act 392 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HB1558 #1 Caldwell Withdrawal from State Agencies for the purpose…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE ARKANSAS REAL ESTATE COMMISSION; TO CREATE A PROPERTY MANAGEMENT … McGrew Notification that HB1558 is now Act 392
SB132 Act 535 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB132 AN ACT TO MAKE AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE PAYMENT OF APPROVED…”
 AN ACT TO MAKE AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE PAYMENT OF APPROVED CLAIMS. Joint Budget Committee Notification that SB132 is now Act 535
SB189 Act 396 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…r one, calendar Committee on Public Health to whom we first Senate Bill 189 by Senator Clark recommend to pass.”
 TO AUTHORIZE IVERMECTIN FOR HUMAN USE TO BE SOLD WITHOUT A PRESCRIPTION OR CONSULTATION WITH … A. Clark Notification that SB189 is now Act 396
SB2 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…number 2, calendar Committee on Revenue and Tax who was for Senate Bill 2, 19 of Cen dismay recommend new past calendar. Senate resol…”
 TO REPEAL THE STATEWIDE FLUORIDATION PROGRAM; AND TO REMOVE THE MANDATE FOR WATER SYSTEMS TO … C. Penzo Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
SB275 Act 441 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB275 Irvin TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE REGULATION OF LIQUEFI…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE REGULATION OF LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GASES. Irvin Notification that SB275 is now Act 441
SB280 Act 442 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB280 Irvin TO DESIGNATE THE OIL AND GAS COMMISSION AS THE CUSTOD…”
 TO DESIGNATE THE OIL AND GAS COMMISSION AS THE CUSTODIAN OF ALL PROPERTY AND THE … Irvin Notification that SB280 is now Act 442
SB304 Act 372 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB304 M. McKee TO ALLOW A CLASS OF REGISTERED VOTERS THAT HAVE CH…”
 TO ALLOW A CLASS OF REGISTERED VOTERS THAT HAVE CHANGED THEIR COUNTY OF RESIDENCE TO … M. McKee Notification that SB304 is now Act 372
SB307 Act 373 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB307 J. Dismang TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PUBLIC UTILITIES; TO…”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PUBLIC UTILITIES; TO CREATE THE GENERATING ARKANSAS JOBS ACT OF … J. Dismang Notification that SB307 is now Act 373
SB313 Act 733 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “Senate Bill 313 by Senator Irving recommended DuPin as amended number 1 cal…”
 CONCERNING FORENSIC MENTAL HEALTH EVALUATIONS AND TREATMENT; AND TO PROMOTE AND IMPROVE EFFICIENCIES AND QUALITY … Irvin Notification that SB313 is now Act 733
SB327 Act 443 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB327 Crowell TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PAYMENTS TO LOCALITIES.”
 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PAYMENTS TO LOCALITIES. Crowell Notification that SB327 is now Act 443
SB339 Act 404 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “SB339 A. Clark CONCERNING THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE CHILD MALTREATMEN…”
 CONCERNING THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE CHILD MALTREATMENT INVESTIGATIONS OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE. A. Clark Notification that SB339 is now Act 404
SB377 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “Calendar, Senate Bill 377 by Senator Hester to create the grocery tax relief Act to a…”
 TO CREATE THE GROCERY TAX RELIEF ACT; TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE SALES AND … Hester Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
SB379 Act 464 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…law requiring the tax advisory council to submit a report. Senate Bill 379 revenue and”
 TO REPEAL THE LAW REQUIRING THE TAX ADVISORY COUNCIL TO SUBMIT A REPORT. Crowell Notification that SB379 is now Act 464
SB382 Act 466 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…uthority submitted a report concerning capital access fund, Senate Bill 382.”
 TO REPEAL THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE ARKANSAS DEVELOPMENT FINANCE AUTHORITY SUBMIT A REPORT CONCERNING THE … Crowell Notification that SB382 is now Act 466
SB386 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ng changes made in federal income tax laws and regulations, Senate Bill 386 revenue and tax December 387 by Senator Crowell”
 TO REPEAL THE LAW REQUIRING THE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION TO … Crowell Sine Die adjournment
SB387 Act 470 · 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “Refer SB378, SB383, SB385, SB387 and SB389 rerefer to Senate Revenue and Taxation”
 TO REPEAL THE LAW REQUIRING OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING ENTITIES TO SUBMIT A REPORT CONCERNING THE NUMBER … Crowell Notification that SB387 is now Act 470
SR37 · 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “gambling Awareness Month. Senate Resolution 36 calendar Senate resolution 37 by Senator Des to recognize March 2025 as American Red Cros…”
 TO RECOGNIZE MARCH 2025 AS AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH AND SUPPORT THE HUMANITARIAN MISSION OF … Dees Sine Die adjournment

Official video page ↗

Transcript

Transcript available SliQ live captions ✓ Whisper: not yet available Download .txt
Machine transcript

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

About transcript accuracy
Source
SliQ live captions
Model
SliQ live ASR
Processing date
October 2, 2026
Unknown speaker 1:36
But
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 2:16
Senate will be called to order. Are
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 6 2:22
there any requests for leave
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 2:24
at this time? Madam Secretary, please call the roll. Bo, Bryan Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Des, dismay, Dotson, English Flippo flowers, Gilmore hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King letting love, McKee, Murdoch, Peyton, Penzo,
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 10 2:46
Petty, rice, Scottstown, Stubberfield Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Thank you, Madam Secretary. If everyone in
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 2:52
the chamber and in 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 with great pleasure today to
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Ricky Hill Unverified 3:07
introduce the pastor of the day. I'm going to kind of tell a little quick story. He started out with this church. Him, his wife. And another couple underneath a tree. In a town called El Paso, Arkansas, which is just a drive-through town. That church has grown to over 1400 members in 11 years, and it's in the middle of nowhere, but people come from all over, they hit a market. For members that most churches do not hit. And so it's a great pleasure to introduce my good friend Ron Riddle.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 16 3:50
A pleasure to be here today and if I could ask you to bow your heads and join with me in a word of prayer. Dear Heavenly Father, Lord, we come before you today. First thing off, we want to say thank you because we humbly realize that we are certainly a blessed and highly favored people. Also, we are in agreement with John the Revelator when he declared, worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory, honor, and power for you. created all things and by your will they exist and were created. Father, we especially come before you today to lift up these members of the Arkansas State Senate in prayer to you. I ask today that you would grant to them your guidance and your wisdom that it would be upon them as they gather to make decisions that impact the people of our great state. May each of them be filled with integrity, be filled with compassion and with a heart. of justice as they work together for the common good. Grant to them the strength to overcome any divisions and help them to seek unity in their efforts. We pray for your blessings upon each senator, that they may lead with humility and a servant's heart. May your presence be felt in their midst. I pray that you would guide their thoughts and their actions towards righteousness. We also pray for protection over their families and their loved ones. We commit This session into your hands, trusting your sovereign will. Father, would you, the God of hope, fill us all with joy and peace as we trust in you, so that we may overflow with hope, just as the apostle Paul said, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Now, whatever is done in this chamber in word or deed. In our lives, in word and deed, be done in your name, Lord Jesus, giving again thanks to
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 20 5:51
you, our God, our Father through
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 22 5:54
Jesus Christ in His name. Amen. Um the United States of America Yeah. Thank you pastor for those uplifting and
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 6:15
encouraging words. We appreciate you being here with us 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. Like to recognize. Senator Mark Johnson to introduce our pages. The day. Senator Johnson, you're recognized.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Mark Johnson Unverified 6:58
Thank you, Madam President. It's my honor to introduce our pages, uh, and as you're introduced, if y'all will just come and stand right here, uh, as you're introduced. Connor Henry is a page for Senator Caldwell. Connor, just come on right, right here, Connor. Uh, Day Rogers, uh, Senator Stone's constituent Daley, come on up. Uh, Sylvanna Burgess is Senator Flowers' constituent. Come on up, Sylvet. And I'm presuming you just guys just happen to be in 4H. Is that right? Great. Well, I'm thrilled. I'm the 48 centers in my district, so I'm always wanting to support 4H. Channing Ashworth, uh Senator D's constituent, Channing, come up and Sullivan. Schaffer is also uh Senator Dee's constituent. Uh, Christian Trombly is Senator Croll's constituent. uh Caitlyn Cooper is Senator Disma's constituent and just also happens to be the daughter of our colleague in the House, Representative Cameron Cooper and Lincoln Clark is Senator Kroll's constituent. Welcome, Senators, please give them a hand. Our pages for the day.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 8:26
Thank you and welcome pages. At this time we are going to the morning hour has expired and we are going to begin
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 24 8:38
the business agenda. We're going to begin and we will have announcements and introductions in a bit, we're going to
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 8:45
begin today with Senate resolution 34. Senator Johnson, you're recognized. Thank
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Mark Johnson Unverified 8:51
you, Madam President. Senators, I would like to ask leave for some of my constituents to join us on the floor, uh, they just happened to be our former governor and soon to be ambassador to Israel.ike Huckabee and First Lady Janet Huckabee and accompanied by the rest of their family, which includes our governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, and our first gentleman, Brian Sanders, if you ask the Huckabee family, could leave for the Huckabee family.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 37 9:27
Thank you. Senate resolution 34 by Senator Clark, Cen Hester to support the nomination of former governor of
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 9:35
Arkansas, Michael Dale Mike Huckabee as the United States ambassador to Israel. Senator Clark,
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Alan Clark Unverified 9:41
you recognized. Thank you, Madam Governor. colleagues, I'd like to ask for leave for my wife, Jenna to be on the floor. I don't know if she's even around where she can hear the, uh, it is my great honor, uh, to, uh, be the member of the Senate to get to present this resolution to Governor Huckabee. He probably remembers because he has a great memory, but he may not remember when he came to the Garland County Republican committee to speak when he was running for state senate. The first time he came, the young pesky Quorum court member who kept him out in the parking lot for over 30 minutes. Getting answers to questions and have been a great admirer over the years, uh, and this is about honoring for uh being nominated for ambassador to Israel, but I have to speak for some of us, most of us say that No one has been more pivotal. Pivotal and conservatives. And we were always a conservative state. Conservatives. Making the decisions in this state, then you and your leadership and you, you hitting the beaches as you did early on, and I really appreciate that. I'm not going to read all this resolution, uh, but I am gonna read most of it, so. Uh the Senate resolution to support the nomination of former governor of Arkansas, Michael Dale Mike Huckabee, as United States ambassador to Israel. Can't think of anybody that would possibly be better. To support the nomination of former we'll forget the subtitle, whereas President Donald J. Trump has nominated former governor of Arkansas Michael Dale Mike Huckabee as United States ambassador to Israel and recognition of former Governor Huckabee's extensive experience, passion, and commitment to the United States-Israel alliance, and whereas former Governor Huckabee was a three-term governor of Arkansas is a Baptist minister and is well known as an advocate for Israel and therefore he brings unique combination of political expertise, faith-driven values, and personal ties to the Israeli region. And whereas former Governor Huckabee has been a vocal supporter of Israel's right to sovereignty and self-defense rooted in his personal beliefs and unwavering support for democracy in the Israeli region. And whereas former Governor Huckabee's nomination highlights the universal importance of the United States is Israel relationship, particularly as he has been nominated as the first non-Jewish United States ambassador to Israel. I didn't know that. In over a decade and whereas former Governor Huckabee has demonstrated strong ties to Israel through frequent visits, leadership of evangelical tours, emphasizing the spiritual and historical significance of the Holy Land and his belief in Israel's right to self-determination and defense as recognized by Christians United for Israel, and whereas former Governor Huckabee's nomination comes at a critical time, offering hope for the restoration of peace and security in the Middle East following the October 7th, 2023 attacks. As well as his commitment to the addressing pressing issues such as the safe return of hostages. And the rejection of Holmans. Now, therefore, it be resolved by the Senate of the ninety-fifth General Assembly of the state of Arkansas that the Senate support the nomination of former governor of Arkansas, Michael Dale Mike Huckabee as United States ambassador to Israel and urged former Governor Huckabee Swift confirmation to advance the enduring partnership between the United States and Israel, promote peace in the Israeli region and strengthen one of the United States' most important alliances, be it further resolve. that upon adoption, a copy of this resolution be transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to President Donald J. Trump, members of the United States Senate and relevant government agencies urging them to support this nomination. So I'm like motion. Uh, like motion that we passed this resolution. Thank you, Senator Clark, and
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 14:03
before I call for the vote, let me just say that it has been my honor to have worked for Governor Huckabee when he was governor as well as on his presidential campaigns and I cannot wait to call you Mr. Ambassador, sir. You have an incredible family and governor, it's always great to have you in the Senate. You're welcome anytime, and Governor Huckabee, you're welcome to sit here if you like. I know you're comfortable here. And with that, all those in favor of Senate resolution 34 to support the nomination of former governor of Arkansas Michael Dale Mike Huckabee as United States Ambassador to Israel, please signify by saying aye. Any opposed? Is habit, Senate Resolution 34 is adopted.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 50 15:01
Madam President, and distinguished governor, who I know rather well. What a joy and privilege it is to be back in this particular assembly where I had the privilege of presiding as lieutenant governor for just about 3 years. Before ending up at the other end of the hall. Some of my most wonderful memories in adult life happened right here in this chamber. Come to think of it, some of my worst moments in my adult life also happened in this chamber, but it was a wonderful experience to have been a part of government in Arkansas. It's lieutenant governor and his governor. And I'm deeply honored that you have taken this action today. And Madam President, I'm so glad that you did not wait for the no votes to be heard because I would have been heartbroken had it barely gone with an 18 to 17 vote. I used to love those votes. If I could get one of those, I thought it was great, but I want to say thanks to each of you as senators for your kindness, your hospitality today and for this extraordinary sense of affirmation for the president's nomination. I've been going to Israel for 52 years, my first trip was in 1973. I was a teenager, 17 years old. It was just a few months before the Yom Kippur War, although we didn't know. that at the time. And I've been going back ever since and I fell in love with the country, the culture, the people because in a way it was going home to a place I'd never been. I grew up reading about Israel in the Bible. Sunday school classes. But to live it and to experience it firsthand has been one of the greatest joys of my life. Let me be very clear, I was not looking for a job in the federal government when the president called. Actually live in a pretty decent and good and happy life. And it's the only thing he would have asked me to do that I would have said yes to. Because nothing else held my interest at all. But this really has been like a calling, not just from the president but from above. And I'm grateful to God for the extraordinary privilege to serve my country, the president, and frankly all of you in being a representative of the United States to the state of Israel, and I thank you today for your kindness and your willingness to offer this moment of affirmation and resolution. It really does mean a lot, and I want to say Thanks to my family, my wife, who is about to be uprooted and move with me to Israel, you know, I'm amazed how many people say now how often will you be there? And I have to say, well, when you're the ambassador, you have to live there. So yes, we're in the process of getting ready to pack up and go. um. But an exciting opportunity that I really do believe comes from the Lord Himself, and so I'm grateful for that privilege. Thank you. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to come and stand here and speak and to express my personal appreciation for what you've done
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 49 18:22
here today. God bless you all. Thank you.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Unknown speaker 18:46
Yes. Maybe You do that. and we moved that out. Uh
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 4 27:24
Senate will come back to order
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 27:31
after recess. Senate Is back in order. Are there any announcements or introductions, Senator Bryant, you're recognized. Thank you,
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Joshua Bryant Unverified 27:41
Madam President. Members in the West Gallery, we've got leaders from Rogers Public schools here with the RES first Leadership program, courtesy of our Rogers Lowell Chamber of Commerce. So if you would, up there in the
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 27:54
gallery, would you please stand and be recognized. Thank you.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Clarke Tucker Unverified 28:07
Senator Tucker, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President, colleagues, please join me in welcoming our nurse, as always, Lee Fazio, who has a wonderful daughter who many of us got to meet last night at the basketball game, which was a lot of fun. And then also we have Dr. Tracy Boltz, a week or two ago we had his wife in here and, and if you remember I talked about how they raised money for kids at the school for the blind and visually impaired and, and this Dr. Bolt's also an ophthalmologist, has been central in that effort as well, and we're very grateful for your for your work in that regard and what you do for
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 28:44
us and very much appreciate you being here
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator John Payton Unverified 28:49
with us. they welcome. Senator Payton, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President, colleagues, we have a colleague back with us in the West Gallery. Senator James Sturch, and he's brought his AP government class from South Side High School. If y'all would stand up
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 72 29:12
and be recognized. Appreciate you being here. I
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 73 29:15
guess they want to see. Thank you, Senator Payton. Any other announcements or introductions, Senator Dees, I believe you
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Tyler Dees Unverified 29:22
have a very important announcement. Members, take a look at this beauty right here. It's coming back to the Senate chamber. Congratulations, send it over the house and the charity basketball game. Great work. Great work and while we, we are very excited to be able to trash talk our friends down the hall, you know, it's amazing, amazing night, but not just because of the victory, but because of how much money we were able to raise for two great organizations with Big Brothers, Big Sisters, and the CAC and so we, we totals are around $30,000 that was raised last night. Great job. We thank all our sponsors for being able to do that and the people who are able to come buy tickets, so thank you for for uh helping two great causes, and I know our founding fathers, when they the makeup of government. They wanted to balance of power. But unfortunately we are the upper chamber and that is still the case, 7 straight years.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 79 30:20
Congratulations, Senate. Any other announcements or introductions, Madam Secretary, are there items at the desk? Yes, well, your committee on
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 30:29
gross bills, who was first in but 120 by Central Penzo compared the engross copy of the ri and finds them correctly engrossed public health. Committee on engross Bills who was first symbol 205 by Central Clark compared the copy with the original and find them correctly engrossed. Education Committee growth was first sent Bill 333 by Central Flowers compared the grossed copy with the original and find the same correctly engrossed. Joint budget on bills as for House Bill 1186 by Representative Vol and Central Pennzo compared the grossop with the richel and Feinstein correctly engrossed. Public health. Were your committee on Education who was first sent by 183 by Senator Johnson. do pass? Calendar Committee on Education who was first sent Bill 303 by Senator Das recommend new passes as amended number 1 and 2. calendar. Committee on Education whom was first sent 317 by Cenator Blake Johnson, recommend due pass as amended number one. Calendar Committee on the Judiciary to whom was first symbol 298 by Central Rice recommend Du pass calendar on the Judiciary to whom was first sent 300 by Century Gilmore recommend DuP pass calendar Committee on the Judiciary, to whom was third House Bill 1452 by Representative Blundstrom recommend Du pass calendar Committee on the Judiciary, to whom was referred House Bill 1465 by Representative Gonzalez recommended new pass this amended number one, calendar Committee on Public Health to whom we first Senate Bill 189 by Senator Clark recommend to pass. calendar Committee on Public Health to his first symbol of 284 by Central Payton recommend Du pass calendar Committee on Public Health to is for House Bill 1182 by Representative Bentley recommend new pass calendar Committee on Public Health to for House Bill 1245 by representative highly recommended new pass this amended number 2, calendar Committee on Revenue and Tax who was for Senate Bill 2, 19 of Cen dismay recommend new past calendar. Senate resolution 35 by Senator Gilmore to recognize the University of Central Arkansas and National Basketball Association star Scottie Pippen for his achievements and for his contributions to his community, the state of Arkansas, the nation, and the world. Senate Resolution 35 calendar Senate resolution 36 by Senator McKee. To recognize the 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. Senate Resolution 36 calendar Senate resolution 37 by Senator Des to recognize March 2025 as American Red Cross Month and support the humanitarian mission of the American Red Cross Senate Resolution 37 calendar, Senate memorial resolution signed by Senator Scott, remember Pastor Robert J. Jenkins for his good works and devoted service in his community and the state of Arkansas. Senate Memorial resolution 5. Calendar, Senate Bill 377 by Senator Hester to create the grocery tax relief Act to amend the law concerning the sales and use taxes levied on food and food ingredients as affirmed by a referred Act 19 of 1958 and to exempt groceries from state sales and use tax Senate Bill 377. Revenue and tax 378 by Central Crow to repeal the requirement that an Arkansas economic development commission submit a quarterly report concerning the training activities of the Arkansas Industry Training Program, Senate Bill 378. Education sym 379 by Centra Crow to to repeal the law requiring the tax advisory council to submit a report. Senate Bill 379 revenue and
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 37 34:21
tax 380 by Centra Kroll to repeal. law requiring the Office of Child Support Enforcement to submit a report concerning the child support enforcement program, Sym 380. Revenue and tax 381 by Centra
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 34:40
Crowell to repeal the law requiring the Department of Finance Administration to submit a report concerning the activities of the multi-state tax commission and Arkansas's participation in activities of the commission. Symbol 381 revenue and tax 32 by Central Crowe to repeal the requirement that the Arkansas Development Finance Authority submitted a report concerning capital access fund, Senate Bill 382.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 37 35:03
Revenue and tax 383 by Cruel to
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 35:07
repeal the annual report required under the venture capital Investment Act of 201 Senate Bill 383. Agriculture symbol 384 by Central to repeal the requirement that the Arkansas Development Finance Authority submit a program fact sheet to the legislative council, and Arkansas Legislative audit for each new bond issue, Senate Bill
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 37 35:32
384. revenue and tax, December 385 by Centra Crowell to repeal the
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 35:38
requirement that the rural Services Division of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission submit a biennial report concerning the activities of the division Senate Bill 385. Agriculture symbol 386 by Senator Crowell. To repeal the law requiring the Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration to submit a report concerning changes made in federal income tax laws and regulations, Senate Bill 386 revenue and tax December 387 by Senator Crowell to repeal the law requiring occupational licensing entities to submit a report concerning the number of individuals granted automated occupational licener and expended occupational licenser Senate 3. 7. State agencies, 388 by Cent Crow to repeal the annual reporting requirement related to the progress of foreign offices of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission 388. Agriculture, 389 my center to repeal the law requiring the Secretary of the Department of Finance Administration to submit a report concerning alcoholic beverages. Senate Bill 389. City County local 390 by Central English to repeal to establish the Arkansas Apprenticeship Agency A 390. Education 391 by central dismay to create the robotics competition grant program for eligible robotics teams in public or private schools for the purpose of encouraging studying the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics and 391. Education. There. What your Committee on the Judiciary, to whom was first sent 301 by Senator Gilmore recommend new pass calendar, no, yeah, on the Judiciary to him was the first sent 302 by Senator Gilmore recommend Du pass calendar, Committee on the Judiciary to him was first Senate Bill 313 by Senator Irving recommended DuPin as amended number 1 calendar. Committee on the Judiciary, to whom was first
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 86 37:48
sent Bill 320 by sent to Irving recommend Du pass calendar. Thank you, Madam Secretary. We will now go back to the
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 38:14
business agenda and we will take begin with Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 242. Me. Senator Hill, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair. My
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 24 38:34
bill, my amendment. All those in favor of the amendment please signify by saying aye, any opposed,
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 38:39
I have it. Amendment is adopted, please send to engrossing. Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 293. Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 293. Senator Hammer, you're recognized. Thank you, ma'am. Governor, my bill, my amendment. All those in favor of the amendment, please signify by saying hi. Any opposed? I have it. Amendment is adopted.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 24 39:01
Please send to engrossing. Amendment 1, dissent of Bill
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 6 39:04
324. Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 324. Senator Mark Johnson, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Mark Johnson Unverified 39:09
My bill, my amendment. I appreciate a good vote. All those in
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 24 39:13
favor of the amendment please signify by saying I.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 39:19
Any opposed? I have it. Amendment is adopted. Please send to engrossing. Senator dismaying. Senator dismaying,
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 39:31
you are recognized for emotion. Amendment 1, you want to withdraw. 51, you want to withdraw your state. I moved to a withdraw Senate Bill 351 from state agencies for the purpose of amendment.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 39:44
You all heard the motion, all those in favor, please signify by saying I. Any opposed? I have it, motion
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 113 39:52
carries. Amendment 1 to Senate Bill
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 39:55
351. I think Senator Tucker passed another bill that took care of a piece of this
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 24 40:01
legislation, so this is to mend that out. You all have heard the amendment. All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Any opposed. I have it. Amendment is adopted. Please send to engrossing. Senator
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Ronald Caldwell Unverified 40:15
Caldwell, you're recognized. Thank you Madam President. I moved the rules in order to
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 40:23
recall uh House Bill 1558 from Insurance Commerce for amendment. You all have heard the motion, all those in
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 113 40:33
favor, please sigma by saying I. Any opposed as habit, motion carries. I'm in the
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Ronald Caldwell Unverified 40:41
one the House Bill 1558. Senator Caldwell. Thank you, chair. I moved this amendment for
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 24 40:46
adoption, please. All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Any opposed, I have it. Amendment is
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Steve Crowell Unverified 40:54
adopted. Please send to engrossing. Cinder Crow Madam President, I'd like to make a motion to withdraw Senate bills 378383, 385, 387, and 389 and refer them to state re-refer them to state committee revenue and tax. Withdraw and re-refer. Would you mind to restate that Madam President, I'd like to make a motion to withdraw Senate bills 378, '83, 85, 385, 387, 389 from their respective committees and re-refer them to Senate Committee on Revenue and Tax. You all have heard the motion, all those in
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 41:38
favor, please signify by saying I. And he opposed. I have it Motion carries. bills will be re-referred. Oh
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 24 41:56
We will now begin. Senate bills. Beginning with Senate Bill 275, Senator Ervin, say
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 42:06
Bill 275 by Senator Irving to amend the law concerning the regulation of liquefied petroleum gasses.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Missy Irvin Unverified 42:13
Urban, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President. Senate Bill 275 enables the liquefied petroleum gas board to adopt by rule the requirements of nationally recognized safety standards of national fire protection pamphlet 58, uh, the 2020 edition regarding the storage handling, transportation and use of liquefied petroleum. It also allows the board to adopt nationally recognized safety standards through the rule process, subject to public comment and ALC review and appeal any unnecessary statutory provisions, adoption of national standards will reduce the burden on the industry by streamlining and standardizing Arkansas's liquefied petroleum rules. This has consensus support from the LB gas board and the Arkansas Propane Gas Association. It'll positively impact permit holders' ability to secure employment of trained individuals and allows enhanced industry training which will promote consumer and industry personnel's safety. Happy to answer any questions, worked with the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment. And the liquefied petroleum gas board.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 10 43:21
Sorry, I'm sorry, Senator, I didn't mean to interrupt you. That's OK. Any
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 43:28
questions for Senator Urban? Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator,
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 72 43:36
you are recognized to close. I clothes for my bill. I appreciate a good vote. Senator has closed. Any objection to rolling
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 43:45
the vote, seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the boat. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Des, Dimain Dotson, English Flippo flowers, Gilmore, hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, letting, Love, McKee, Murdoch, Peyton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scots, Stubberfield Sullivan, Tucker Wallace. Any senator was to change his or
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 72 44:10
her vote. Senator Dodson present. Senator King not voting. Any other senator seeing no
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 44:17
other please cast up the ballot by a vote of 33A, 0, nay, 1 not voting, one
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 136 44:24
present, Senate Bill 275 passes, please transmit. to the House Senate Bill 280
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 37 44:31
Senate Bill 280 by Senator Irving to designate the oil and gas commission
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 44:36
as a custodian of all property and the dispersing agent of all funds at the office of
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Missy Irvin Unverified 44:41
State Geologist, Senator Ervin, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President. Members Act 697 of 2023 abolished the Arkansas Geological Survey, and it placed the Office of State Geologist within the oil and gas commission. What this bill does is it fixes a reference that was missed. And the last bill and allows the oil and gas commission to
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 45:02
consolidate assets with the Office of State Geologist. Any questions for an Urban. See no questions. Anyone wish to speak against or for. I'm closed. Senator has closed any objection to rolling the boat, saying no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the boat forward. Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crow, 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. Any senator to change
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 72 45:44
his or her vote. Seeing no one, please cast up the ballot. By a vote
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 136 45:51
of 35, 0 nay, Senate Bill 280 passes, please transmit to the house. Senate
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 45:57
Bill 304. Cook 304 by Centra McKee to allow a class of registered voters that have changed their county of residences cast a valid ballot and to amend provisions of Arkansas Constitution Amendment 51. Senator McKee, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam Governor.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Matt McKee Unverified 46:14
Remembers, this is a pretty simple bill. We all know as technology advances, uh, it gives us better opportunities to serve the people that we represent better. Currently, if you change your county of residence, and you don't change your voter information 4 days before the election, before the polls close, you don't get to vote. Because of the technology we use, according to the Secretary of State's office, the County Clerks Association, and our election commissioners, there's really no reason for that limitation. So this bill simply says that if the county clerk and your county receives your updated voter information, by the time the polls close, you can vote, so I'd be happy to take any questions. Any questions
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 93 46:59
for Senator McKee? Senator Hickey, you're recognized for a question.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 47:10
And I heard what you said and I'm, I'm, I'm for the bill. I just, so all over the state. We're going to have the technology that if somebody comes in right before the courthouse closes and the polls close at 7:30. They're they're somehow going to get that to them and there's not going to be any conflicts or anything to that nature. How are we 100% sure rural areas and all that that's
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Matt McKee Unverified 47:32
going to, going to work that way. So that's a good question. All the bill says is if the county clerk receives the vote updated voter information by the time the polls close, so if they, it doesn't matter what time they come in. They have to make sure the county clerk in our new county receives that updated information before the polls close, so According to the election commissioners and county clerks and the Secretary of State's office because of the technology that we're using, they have the ability to make that transition very quickly. So if they come in 2 minutes before poll close, I doubt that's going to work, but we're removing
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 48:11
the limitation. I I understand, but that's what, but that's what the bill says. I mean, the bill says if they come in as the 2 minutes before and
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 150 48:19
it's after they have the right if the county clerk
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Matt McKee Unverified 48:22
receives the updated information before the polls closed. They'll be able to vote. OK,
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 48:29
I just hope it can happen that way again. I'm, I mean, I think it's a fair bill. I just I could, I could see, I could see where it could cause some issues, but if they, if they haven't questioned they haven't said anything, I'm fine. It just, it just seems, I appreciate that. These are
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Matt McKee Unverified 48:45
concerns I had as well. I want to make sure we want to make sure that they'll be able to verify whether or not this individual's voted in the county they lived in previously, so that they can't vote twice. There's, there's technical things, but that's the responsibility of our election commissioners currently and so they deal with this a lot right now. They've got people that that have changed their county. presidents, and they up and waited longer than they should have, and it's it's, it's that Friday before the election, and if they don't get in there before that, they don't get a vote. So this just removes what today seems to be an unnecessary barrier to otherwise qualified electors. I just know we went from 4 days to, as you, as you said, 2 minutes. Well, and it's, it's not when the voter comes in, it's the county clerk receiving the updated information. Well, OK, thank you,
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 154 49:31
sir. Yes, sir. Thank you. Other questions I see Senator Payton
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Missy Irvin Unverified 49:35
and Senator Mark Johnson. Thank you Madam President, and
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator John Payton Unverified 49:40
I think I pointed that out at some point in the last week or 10 days, but it actually doesn't say that the county clerk has to receive it. It says in the office. So it could be a mail bag that appeared in the office with a change of registration in it. And that would be problematic, would it not? Let's look at it. That's
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Matt McKee Unverified 50:08
not how I would read it, but I can understand why you would. Thank you. Thank you, Madam President. Senator Mark Johnson, you're recognized.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Mark Johnson Unverified 50:21
Thank you, Madam President. Senator McKee, is this bill permissive or mandatory? Does this leave that discretion of getting that done to the county clerk. It's authorizing them to do it or if they see some reason that logistically they can't carry this out, whether it's one minute before the polls close or an hour before or whatever is it at their discretion. So the way it was presented
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Matt McKee Unverified 50:45
to me was yes. This, this gives them the ability to let these otherwise qualified electors to cast their ballots. It doesn't put that 4 day restriction on there, and if they can verify based on the technology that we're using at a quick pace. Then,
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Mark Johnson Unverified 51:03
then yes, it allows them to let those voters cast a ballot, so I would be correct in saying it's permissive, sir.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 51:10
Thank you, Senator. Thank you, Madam President. Other questions. And saying no other questions. Anyone wish to speak against or for. Senator has closed any objection to rolling the boat. Objection noted, Madam Secretary, please call the roll. Bo Brant Caldwell. Clark, Clark.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 163 51:39
Crowe. Yeah. Davis. There is this fine.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 164 51:46
Dotson. Dotson English. Flipper, Flipper flowers. Gilmore.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 37 51:54
Gilmore. Hammer, Hester, Hickey.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 52:01
Hi Irvin. Blake Johnson. Mark Johnson, King lighting.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 166 52:14
Flading Love Love McKee Murdoch. Murdoch
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 169 52:26
Payton Penzo. Yes. Teddy rice. Scott. Stone. Stubberfield Stab afield? Yes. Sullivan Tucker.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 52:51
Wallace. I'll begin on this side, any senator who did not vote or wishes to change his or her vote, Senator Love, yes, Senator Murdoch, yes. Senator Clark, yes. Senator Dotson, yes. Sender letting, yes. Senator Gilmore, yes. Any other senator? I see send flowers, no any other sender wished to vote or change his or her vote. Seeing no other, please cast up the ballot by a vote of 3048, 1 nay, Senate Bill 304 passes, please transmit to the house. Senate Bill 307. So in about 3 out of 7 my central dismay to amend the law concerning public utilities to create the generating Arkansas Jobs Act of 2025 and declare an emergency. Senator dismaying, you're recognized. Thank you, Governor. Members, first, I want to say thank
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 53:46
you for all the time that you've been willing to put in on this issue to learn more about the bill, to talk to your constituents, and to talk to interested parties. I think that's important on a bill of this magnitude and again, I appreciate the time that you've taken. Uh, regarding economic activity. We've made great strides in this chamber to do what we can to make sure that we're attracting job creators to the state of Arkansas that may be workforce development by Senator English or the work on our industrial sites, uh, that we have ongoing in the state or just simply making our tax code more attractive. We are doing what we can to attract job creators, and I think that's something we should be proud of. Uh, however, I believe that SB 307 or the generating Arkansas Jobs Act is the next step that we have to take. to actually ultimately acquire and do what we need to do to be ultimately successful for job creators. The reality is we not only need to create more energy for potential jobs coming into the state, but also for our people back home that are currently calling Arkansas home. Uh, the reason for that is we have 3.2 gigawatts of power that is set to come offline in the near future, which means we need to do what we can and take the steps that we can to put that power back in place. Currently we have 2 potential options to do something about that loss of generation that's coming up. Uh, the first we can buy our power from someone, someone else out of state that's generating at a premium. That is an option. That option will be one of the most costly that we can have for our constituents. The second, we can use an old model in which costs are capitalized and accrued. The interest is accrued over the life of construction that is then capitalized and then creates a significant jump in rates when it comes online to be able recovered by the utility, by our ratepayers. Again, it's a significant jump that would occur underneath the old model. And so what we're trying to do with SB 307 or Senate Bill 307, is create a third option that does not exist right now. Uh, this bill would allow utilities to begin recovering costs incrementally during the construction phase of the investments. Uh, it would have by enabling what's called a strategic investment. The method would result in a lower long-term recovery rate for consumers. by alleviating the carrying costs that are created under the old model, uh, during the phase of construction. Uh, one thing I want everyone to know is, is that this idea of uh recovering costs during construction work in progress, or what I'll refer to as CWIP as we move forward is not new. In fact, if you look at all of our surrounding states, they have a version of CWIP in place, that they are utilizing. Uh, one of the things I'd also like to keep in mind, there are differences in what they do out of state. In fact, one of the primary differences are the safeguards that are inside the 62 pages of bill that's in front of you. Those don't exist at the level that they are doing in this bill in other states. Uh, the bill stipulates and just to kind of move through what the bill's going to do, what that looks like for construction work in progress, and then the oversight of the PSC. The bill stipulates that the PSA must approve a strategic investment within 6 months of application, ensuring that it is in the public interest. So they have to make sure that the strategic investment is in the public interest, and that is a well understood term at the PSC. Afterward, the PSC has 60 days to approve the rider rates. And if they need additional time, they can request another 30 days to approve the rider rates if necessary. Once construction begins and the new rate is starting to be collected, the PSC will review that project in construction every 12 months. They'll review the previous 12 months and the upcoming 12 months. And if there's adjustments being made, they have the latitude to make the adjustments at the rates at that time. That process will repeat itself until the construction is completed. And at that time, after we recognize all the construction costs, the PSC has a one-year audit period to go back and make sure that everything was done the way that it should be done, and not only that, that it was done prudently so that our ratepayers are protected. And so that is the process under CWIP. Um, at the conclusion of the project, also that that writer. For CWhip would eventually roll itself into the, the ongoing rates. For example, uh Ey is on a five-year reoccurring schedule as they set their rates and so as they come up, it would roll into those rates. Um. Alright, so what's the benefit of the cement or CWIP model as opposed to the traditional model that we have right now. Number one, I would tell you that I believe it provides more protection and oversight by the BSC because they're able to monitor what's happening through the entire process, but really the biggest point that I'd like to make as far as this is the savings that will be realized by the taxpayer, I mean by the ratepayer, I'm sorry. Uh, let's just assume that it's a billion dollar project and these are just numbers, OK? This is not a particular project, but it's a billion dollars project and the way that it works because we are regulated monopolies, each utility that is based a rate of or guaranteed a rate of return on the construction cost of a project. And so let's assume, and the way that that works inside just to break it down, think about it like a pie. So every dollar we put in for the construction of that project is allocated a specific rate of return. So if the the project cost a billion dollars and the utility puts in 45% that as equity right in their equity, and they put um 55% of that in asthma. I'm gonna get off of my math in a 2nd. 50% of that is long-term debt and then another 5% of that in as short-term debt. And that's what it took to put together the dollars to be able to build that project. There's a guaranteed rate of return that is different in everything in that. So for instance, on the $45 million or 45% worth of equity that was put in their guaranteed a 10% rate of return. On the long-term debt that's been put in, they're guaranteed a 6% rate of return. And on the short-term debt, they're guaranteed a 4% rate of return, and that is what goes into the rate calculation that our folks back home pay, OK? And so there's been some argument about, well, they should put in more equity. That is the most expensive thing that we can do to our ratepayers, but in this CWhip model under the old model, as we're going through the process, utility is entitled to a rate of return for the money that is putting in during construction, that accumulates in the overall construction costs. the project and again would then lead to a new rate based on the total amount. In this amount based on the numbers that I just gave you a $1 billion project would be capitalized at about $1.23 billion. And then that's what would be used to calculate the rate over the life of that asset for the ratepayer, OK? And then this model, what we're saying is the rate, the ratepayers were incrementally, rates would go up and we'll be able to contribute to that process, that, that 231 million during the construction phase. And so the capitalized amount that would happen, the, the utility is still entitled to the 7.7%, but the capitalized amount for that um that total project would be 1 billion, not 1.23 billion. So let's just say it's a life of the asset advertti out as 30 years. It's 1 billion capitalized at 30 years versus 1.23 billion capitalized at 30 years with a rate of 7.7% return. Again, ultimately saving our ratepayers that total cost and rate increases over the life of the asset. Uh, There's a couple of other provisions in the bill, uh, that I'd like to talk about in regards to the co op provisions, uh, the first of that is the, there's a construction, I'm sorry, cost of service, cost of service study in the bill, and this is gonna be between pages 4 and 6. that is not being cost of service is not being utilized by the um PSC when they're making the determinations, if a co op just goes for another a regular rate increase. Now if there's an allocation change on the ratepayers, that's a whole different. ballgame, but if it's just a standard rate increase that traditionally has not called for a cost of service study, a cost of service study is about 1000 to $300,000 from everything that I've been told by those that have to pay for them. Uh, my question is, and I think it's legitimate for the bill, why would you require a cost of service study that's going to cost the local co op $1000 to 300,000 depending on their size. If it's been voted on by the board. This is a member owned entity, and again we would not want to incur that cost and that there was a valid reason to incur that cost, especially in a normal rate increase. However, there is protection, and it's in the bill. If 10% of the members want to petition because they think the, the rate increase is unfair or unjust, they can. And when they do that as it stands right now, that automatically triggers a cost of service study. The bill strikes the requirement for the cost of service study and says that the PSC has the latitude to request a cost of service study is significant, uh, Evidence exists to call for one. We don't want to make someone to pay for something that they don't need, especially in a member-owned organization. And so that's what the co op legislation is about as it relates to a cost of service study. The, the second piece on the co-ops right now over a 24 month period, the generation and transmission portion of the co-ops has the ability to raise rates 8% over the course of 24 months, capped at 5% in one given year, so they can do a 5 and 3. This bill allows him to raise the uh to raise the rates, not rates, but the rates on the revenue to be more technical, that goes into a form that is well beyond me, so it's not a true 5% increase of 5% and a 5% per year. So again, right now they can do 8% and a 24 month period. This would cap it at 10% in a 24 month period. Uh again, so those are the provisions there. Members, I've explained the bill, we've had a lot of conversations about the bill, and I
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 182 1:04:01
am happy at this point to take
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 1:04:05
questions. Questions for Senator dismaying. I see Senator Hammer, you're recognized for a question.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Kim Hammer Unverified 1:04:15
They command chair Senator Dismay a few questions. The safeguards that are in the bill in the event a project begins, but then somewhere along the way in the project, it shuts down whatever what's the protection against the ratepayers that they don't have to absorb that cost. Yeah, it's contemplated in the bill and it essentially
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 1:04:32
what would happen, it would be up to PSC to determined that everything had been done prudently up to that point. And if it had, then the utility would have the right to recover. That's a, that's a strong standard for the PSC and obviously we wouldn't want to get into that situation, but if it did, it would be in the hands of the
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Kim Hammer Unverified 1:04:54
PSC to make that determination, OK, and to the rate of recovery, you mentioned a while ago about the one-year audit, and I saw it in the bill, read it in the bill about the one year audit and if the PSC determines that something, and I'm using the word inappropriate, and they shut down the the recovery is that on the entity is that subsequently get passed on. to the ratepayer, so one year into the project, they
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 1:05:20
shut it down. What's the again if it was prudently done and that that's what the PSC determines, then that, that could be an issue. I mean, that could be a rate increase for the ratepayer. If it is not prudently done. If it is not, and again, that's a very established term by the PSC, then then that would be the problem of the utility. They could not recover those costs, right, but they
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Kim Hammer Unverified 1:05:39
don't recover those costs, so that goes against the shareholders and shareholders, so like a like co op where the shareholders are the members themselves. How does that work that it
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 1:05:54
doesn't get to them. Yeah On the co op side, I'm thinking of the public or the private utility side, um. That's a good question that I don't think I have the answer to. I think the process works the same as far as the way the bill reads, and so it's all got to be prudently done, but I'm not, I'm not sure who would bear the cost besides the GNT division or whoever it may be.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Kim Hammer Unverified 1:06:14
So the co-ops have reserves that they would be pulled out of the reserves what I would assume, yeah. OK. And then then the last thing is the 5 and 5, you know, it's, it's 5% now, 3%. We're going to let them go 5 and 5. My understanding, correct me if I'm wrong. Is that allows for the easement into the into what the overall cost would be that the ratepayer would have to bear, and that's part of the intent of the bill. We're going to, we're going to smooth it out so that it's, it's not all paid up on the back end of it versus the front end.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 1:06:51
Yeah, the 5 and 5 is for the generation transmission, the buildouts that have to occur. We talked about the 3.2 gigawatts. That's all having to occur right now. I believe it's the co op's hope that they're able to utilize that. additional 2% to accomplish what they need to, uh, for that retrofitting, the rebuilding of those sites,
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Kim Hammer Unverified 1:07:07
and this isn't so much the bill. It's more, would you agree or disagree, the reason we're in this situation first place is because they've been made to pull those coal plants offline, and that's part of the reason we're in the bind that we're in is because we lost the value of being able to use coal plants to generate electricity
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 1:07:27
in the first place, yeah, and I should have said that if you generate new power or bring power back online. there is a rate increase. If anyone tries to tell you any differently. It's just not factual. What we're trying to do with this bill is mitigate that as much as possible, the rate increase. And also there's some provisions here for economic development, but the having to rebuild those sites or return them from coal to gas, it's costly and they are guaranteed a rate of return to
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Reginald Murdock Unverified 1:07:53
do so in a monopolized environment which we have here. Thank you. Thank you. Senator Murdoch and Senator Boyd. Senator, this man, thank you so much for standing there to take these questions, we've been through a lot as it relates to um the generation of these projects, the cost estimates that will be determined. Let's talk, can we talk through that a little bit to make sure that that determine because that determination has a lot to do with rates, costs, everything, that determination. Of a project cost. Talk to me about the estimate of that, how that's gonna be assured that it's gonna be done in a prudent manner so that we don't start off on the wrong foot. No, and
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 1:08:42
that's what I think is one of the better parts of the bill that there is more oversight that is ongoing in the construction of a project than there is right now. And so again, there's going to be an estimate brought forward, the strategic investment is either going to be approved or not approved. It's going to have to be in the public interest to be able to be approved at At that point they're going to set a rate and that's where those 12 month look back look forward provisions are so important during the construction phase that do not exist right now. In addition to that, if there is something substantially off, that utility has to report those issues back to the PSC. And again, at the very end of the day, at the very end of the day, there is a one year audit that will occur to make sure exactly what you said
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Reginald Murdock Unverified 1:09:26
happened and that it was prudently done. Is there any provision in the bill whereby we start a project and it's determined that the project is not for whatever reason becomes non-viable that the ratepayers are uh refunded or reimbursed for the monies that they have expended. If so, tell me how that would happen. Yeah, and that I think it was a
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 1:09:46
similar question to similar hammers just a second ago, and so, I mean, if something happens and the project breaks down, whatever it may be, the PSC then will take a look at what's happened, and they'll determine it if everything that's happened and those costs have been incurred have been done prudently. And if they haven't, then it will be on the backs of the utility company, if they have not, if they have, then those have the possibility to go into the right structure for the the customers
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 206 1:10:16
in terms of a rebate or refund, right? That's correct. Yes, it would be, yes, that's correct, refunded. Senator Boyd, you're recognized.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Justin Boyd Unverified 1:10:29
Thank you, um, Senator Desmay, I think these are, uh, you may be answered these. I've asked you these before, but I want to understand them a little bit better. So if we have an economic development project and it's some big power consuming entity is coming, say, to Fort Smith, Arkansas, and we're only going to expand generation for that entity to the right, the other ratepayers have to pay for that project. That's question number one. No, if it's only for one single entity and no one else is
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 1:11:00
deriving a benefit from that construction, then the answer would be no. There are 3 provisions in the bill. I can go through those if you want me to, or I can give you a summary. Uh, if you would look at page 10, Section 13, page 18G and 33G. Those are all provisions that ensure that the rate structure is in the public interest and then there's not an unfair shift to a customer that is not being able
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Justin Boyd Unverified 1:11:24
to utilize or have a Those of us who have less of a financial mind than you do. Could you explain to me one more time before we vote this cap on equity and why that matters that we would cap equity and how that's beneficial to the ratepayers. So if you, if the
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 1:11:42
PSC was testifying before you right now and they did it in committee the other day, I think for some of you that were watching it, they will testify that the most expensive return or that that what garners the highest return of investment. Is the equity portion that's contributed to a project. And so the more equity that an entity puts in and you would think of a pie of what it costs to construct, the more they put in, the higher their rate of return, the higher the rate of return, the higher the utility bill. And so it's capped at 50%. The current structure right now on the rates is at 47%. I think in the last ratemaking. Industry standards is between 40 and 60. Any other questions for Senator Dimain. So you know the questions,
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Ricky Hill Unverified 1:12:32
Senator Hill, you're recognized for a question. Going on what Senator Boyd just asked you a while ago. As far as a site specific project you're referring to that they're building for rape Going on what Senator Boyd just asked you a while ago. As far as a site specific project you're referring to that they're building for ratepayer for their customers in an area, no additional. Companies coming in needing to pull from it for special needs. Who pays for that? Is it just that area or is it distributed throughout to all of their customers whichever
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 1:13:11
company it is. If they create a generation facility and the only transmission line is going to an entity that's utilizing and then no one else has a benefit off that new degeneration, then the PSE isn't going to look at that and say that there's a public interest and that someone else should be paying for that generation. Right, so, but I will say that if an entity wants to come into the state and they need power to be created, I think it's in our benefit that we allow them to pay for the portions that they're wanting to pay and put into new generation because ultimately, I mean, there's a, there's a scale, right? So if an entity comes in and they need a gig of power and we build a 1.5 gig plant and we need more energy in Arkansas. That is it's undeniable. You look at it, even if everything goes back and we build it back on, if we want to keep pace. With the request of power that we have right now, we're going to have to have, in addition just to the bill back new generation, but we would hope then that that that overbid would then benefit our consumers by giving them a more reliable product and that helped with redundancy and and lots of other issues that would be of benefit to the
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 1:14:21
average payer, consumer. Any other questions, Senator Hammer, you're recognized.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Kim Hammer Unverified 1:14:24
Senator dismay, for the record, you, you probably have seen some of the objections to this. I heard you speaking for the bill. You're talking to all the positive points of the bill. I want you to address some of the
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 1:14:37
things that have been said as to why we shouldn't vote for this bill. Well, lots of what you're being told is based on something that is not this bill. There was a draft bill that had been worked on that was really what was what was being looked at in Mississippi and they passed that because they wanted to get an Amazon facility. It's my understanding, they're about to take that piece of legislation and make it permanent in their statutes, but so a lot of what we're confronting and having to talk about are things that are not in this bill. Uh again, I believe that there is more oversight than there is currently in a traditional build which we're going to have to exercise in Arkansas. Um, I mean, as you can roll through if you don't mind, just tell me some of the concerns
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Kim Hammer Unverified 1:15:18
you've heard and I'm happy to address. I think one of the things is these projects have been attempted. In other states, you know, similar legislation have been attempted in other states high price tags and the consumers end up getting stuck with the with the price kind of goes back to the original question I asked you, and, and these are situations and it was just, it's out there, these things have been laid on our desks. Two sheets' worth of stuff, and it's all siding projects in other states that have bellied up in high price tags and and so what's, where's the assurance that we're not going to get added to that list in 3 or 4.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 1:15:52
years. I believe it's the fact that it's required a PSE approval in that 1st 6 months when they're taking a look at the project. It's the continued look through the project's life of construction, the one year look back, the one you look forward, and then ultimately it's going to be in that final audit to assure that everything has been prudently done that that term prudence is important. It matters to the utilities and it's something that they want to make sure they adhere to. And so not only is there an investor drive to make sure that these things don't go overboard. Again, if you're going to Create a mix, you want to make sure you're staying in budget the best you can, uh, but also there is a, there is a push or downward pressure to make sure we're not overspending or doing things we shouldn't do during the construction of
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Kim Hammer Unverified 1:16:34
a project, OK? And as I read in the bill, the timelines to where there there are exit ramps or safety plugs. The first one is going to be the fact that that anyone that wants to take advantage of this is going to have to present a plan within 6 months. Oh no, it's got to be presented and then the PSC has To approve it within 6 months from that. So before anything gets the cost of bringing that to the PSC, that risk is bore by by the ratepayer, that's just the preparation cost or what that would be borne by the
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 1:17:11
utility at that point that to create a strategic investment plan would be part of what the utility would be
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Kim Hammer Unverified 1:17:19
responsible for then the PSC has 6 months to approve or disapprove, or if they disapprove. than the entity has a chance to come back and continue to negotiate back and forth to alleviate the concerns of the PFC, right? So then the PFC gives them a turn ahead and says go forth and build the next stopgap is going to be one year from that time when the audit
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 1:17:41
occurs, yeah, they'll set the rates and not one year they get 60 days to look forward to look back to make sure everything's on track, and then also review the projection to make sure that it appears to be on track. That's going to deter every 12 months during the. that 12 month uh audit occurs at the
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Kim Hammer Unverified 1:17:58
end when everything has been capitalized, right, but to to sound a warning signal to where the ratepayers are not going to get burned. Those sequences, those stopgaps are put in there, but we're, we're trusting the PSC to do their job. My question is that the PSC doesn't do its job, then we're going to have joint performance review. We're going to have energy committee. What's going to be
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 1:18:21
our investment as legislators. All of this is reported back If we start doing strategic investments, it's reported back to ALC that these things are incurring so that we can be a part of that process and understand what's happening and so we're we're involved even at that level to make sure that we understand what's being agreed to by the PSC for strategic
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 206 1:18:39
investments. Our ability to stop it or just to review it, right,
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 1:18:44
yeah, we have ability to review. Yes, sir. OK. All right.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Reginald Murdock Unverified 1:18:54
Thank you. Senator Murdoch, you're recognized, and then Sinder Petty. Thank you Senator So Well, the, the concept of this, I think all 35 of us agree on the concept of what this is and how we want to be prepared for any economic opportunities is the process of how we're doing this. So when we talk and, and we're trying to protect our great parents specifically the most vulnerable people in the state, which I represent many of those. My question is, as we look at how this is financed, that's the at the end of the day, I think that's the process is the problem. It's understanding it, having time to digest it. And now we're here today. That 50% equity piece that you say that the utility the bill says utility will present how would, how and when will they, uh, Use that. When would that be utilized? They're going
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 1:19:40
to make a proposal of strategic investment that's going to be part of the proposal, and it caps it at 50. It doesn't mandate that they put 50 in because again, we don't want them to mandate, I mean, We don't, we want, we want to cap it because the higher that that amount is, the higher the rate is going to be for the people you're trying to
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Reginald Murdock Unverified 1:20:00
protect back home. Well, the concept that you're saying is that that's going to make it more expensive, but the the the other argument to that is that if they put in more then it's gonna be less upfront. That we that rate parents will have to put in because the way you're doing it now, according to the bill, ratepayers will start out paying it. They will start seeing the increases immediately and then you have to look back and a look forward, but the concern is that we that the is that the utility is not putting that in initially. They're putting it in at some point. At what point does it in
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 1:20:35
at some point. At what point does that happen? But I think it would be dependent on what that strategic investment plan look like, but they're not going be able to go to the PSC and get approval if they don't have a very detailed plan of how much they're contributing and where it's coming from. I mean that's just, that's going to occur and that plan will occur on the front end. You can't build a plant on the rate increase that we're talking about right here. I mean, in the first year on the $1 billion example and a 7.7% return, you're talking about $14 million plus or minus. You can't build a $1.5 billion or a billion dollar plant in the example. On 13 million or 14 million in the first year. That is not, this is not what that's about. It is alleviating the carrying costs that would otherwise be capitalized in the project, which will ultimately lead to a lower rate for
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Reginald Murdock Unverified 1:21:32
that new generation that there was been previously. OK, so, Would you be amenable to any changes in the, in the, in the structure of what we're looking at now to alleviate the ratepayers. Ultimately the ratepayers filling the brunt of what they would feel of making that less than what it would be, which being by
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 1:21:52
more capital input from the utility that would harm the customer more if we require more capital input. That's just not recoverable. That we're, we're a monopoly regulated state. It's backwards than what we would think out in the world. And so for a utility to do business here, they are guaranteed a rate of return. That's not changing and someone wants to file deregulation. And so at this point, what we're trying to do is what is the, to your point, how do we protect ratepayers from the new construction that is coming because we have to have new generation. How can we alleviate the spikes that will happen if we use the old model because like it or not, we're going to have to have and convert and create new generation in Arkansas. This is a method that will eliminate the spike. Not only does it eliminate the spike, it will eliminate a portion of what the capitalized cost is, which will ultimately benefit the long term rate to the ratepayer over
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Reginald Murdock Unverified 1:22:54
the amortization of the life of the project. Well, in my last ad on that would be this, I think This process has taken away the ability to provide some alternatives, some plan B's or Plan Cs that could do a better job of protecting ratepayers if given the time to sit down and deal with this in a different way from a time standpoint. So I do think there are some alternatives that can be presented forward brought forward that they would help us,
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 178 1:23:24
but thank you anyway. I've had the bill on
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 1:23:29
the floor. Since Monday. And to this point I've not had an alternative method to finance these projects presented, and these aren't new. CWIP is not new. Construction work in progress and recovery is not new. It is utilized again by every surrounding state we have. And the reason for that is because there's a benefit for doing that, not just to the utility company, but to the ratepayer. And also getting projects up and going quicker, which is one of the things
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jim Petty Unverified 1:24:06
we want to do with this bill with the timelines. Thank you. Senator Petty, you're recognized. Thank you Madam President. My question is different, but I'm gonna piggyback off of that just to get a clarification. So unlike in a traditional financing bank arrangement if, if I'm going to build a project and it costs a billion dollars or $100,000. Typically there's going to be equity and there's going to be debt. What I think people are missing is the fact that your equity costs money as well. If you, unless you have cash in your pocket, you're going to go get it from Ricky Hill or Jimmy Hicky. at the bank or you're going to go get it from Bart from an investor standpoint, and both of those have a cost of funds, and what you're saying is the cost of funds for equity is higher than the cost of funds
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 1:24:48
for borrowing. Absolutely, and if you think about being a homebuilder. The $20 I mean it's a $100 house. The $20 in your pocket is what you, what, what lets you buy or borrow the extra 80. And so if I have $40 in my pocket, I can build two houses because I can borrow the extra 160, right? So that is an incredibly valuable thing to me as a business owner is to be able to have that cash on hand and that's why Ricky Hill or, you know, someone in the banking world exists is because that is a valuable thing for us to have because it lets us hold on our gas and maximize it, right? So,
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jim Petty Unverified 1:25:24
so thank you for that clarification. My question is kind of along the lines of Senator Hammer. Um, one of the, one of The concerns that I had heard was that the large existing users, large plants, they're going to see increases, but what I think I heard you say multiple times in meetings and and so forth is that we've got 4 plants maybe in two locations, 2 sites that are going offline and so there is going to be an increase in the users and those large plants are large consumers of the electric. That's why they're concerned about it. So do you have any thoughts or comments on, on that concept in that question, yeah, again,
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 1:26:08
so if there's new generation and you're not deriving a benefit, that is something that the PSC takes into account when they determine the rates. In the public interest and again there's 3 provisions in this bill to ensure that the PSC understood that we do not want there to be unfair shifting from a rape prayer that does not drive
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 1:26:32
a benefit from the project. Senator Hill, you're
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Ricky Hill Unverified 1:26:38
recognized for a question. did make minds gonna be kind of about the bill, but not really a specific part of it. I've seen people walking around. They're wearing these new gin pins, stickers on and you've referred to new generation several times. tell us what makes up new generation. Is that solar? Is it
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 1:26:57
wind? What makes up new generation? There's a provision in the bill that renewables will be allowed, but they would have to be determined to be to the benefit of the ratepayer, which is a pretty heavy hurdle for something that Can't have enough life to be of a great benefit to the ratepayer, and there is another provision in this bill that would allow for feasibility studies to occur at the cost of the utility to explore other technologies. So that may be small, modular react nuclear reactors, and some of the other technology that's coming online, including even biomass for folks in South Arkansas. Those things are going to have to be determined to be feasible before they could be brought in, be a part of a strategic investment, but we did want to make sure that we were exploring all options. And the only part that when the feasibility studies are on the back of the utilities unless one is implemented and then that can be a part of the, you know, the total construction costs for
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 1:27:51
the facility. Senator Caldwell, you're recognized for a question. Thank
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Ronald Caldwell Unverified 1:27:55
you, Madam President. Senator Disma, you said we're going to explore all options and that renewables are allowed, yet you co-sponsored a bill that did not allow wind and wind is specifically excluded in this bill. So why do you say one thing one day and something else another. Why is not stipulated. The wind is specifically excluded from being
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 1:28:13
a part of the rider. You can develop all the wind and sell it back on myso or whatever you want, as much as you want, but it was not. part of a rider.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 245 1:28:30
Any other questions for Senator Dismay.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 8 1:28:37
Seeing no questions. Senator Stubblefield, you'll
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Gary Stubblefield Unverified 1:28:39
recognize her question, Senator Dima, is there any other states that have this model exactly. Every state any different, but this model. Every
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 1:28:49
state's governance is different. For instance, in Mississippi, there are a lot less uh regulations or oversight. Again, part of the reason there was such a significant pushback on the bill that was tried to be, you know, examined by people that were trying to work for this CWIP process. this. And so yeah, not, not exactly. Everybody's governing structure is different. For example, if we were in most other states, we wouldn't be talking about the co-ops right now at all. They, they file the reports, they build a plant when they want to build a plant and there is no one looking
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Gary Stubblefield Unverified 1:29:23
over their shoulder. They file a report. Well, this, this bill will affect the co op because they are the co-ops are owned by the ratepayers will be gone. There's no question if they have a problem, a problem in the construction, all these co op. participants will lose their dividends. There's no question about that. And in California, can you compare this to the uh the bill in California. How, how they operate their utilities? I try not to have brownouts and blackouts in
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 1:29:53
California. OK. I think you're speaking to the point of this bill. And we want we want reliable energy generation in the state of Arkansas. We are about to turn into a deficit. We have been an exporter of energy for a very long time. That tide's about to turn because of the growth that we've been having. What we want to do is make sure that we're what we, we could go down the rabbit hole also. There's a there is a national security issue that is inside this bill. China, my understanding is building 13 coal plants a month so that they can create more AI. Well, so
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Gary Stubblefield Unverified 1:30:33
we need to be a part of that process. The brownouts and the black house and the energy shortage that they are experiencing in California are the result of shutting down plants and solar plants and nuclear plants prematurely unreliable energy. Yes sir. There's no question, and I mean, I, I totally agree with you that we, we need more, we need more, and there's no question with the data centers and all the industry that's coming to Arkansas. We're going to have to have it. I'm just not sure this is the best way to do it. I think this is gonna increase the rates to, to, to ratepayers. I think it will more than you realize. uh, I've talked to people on the uh a number of energy boards and uh they seem to think, think the same thing, so.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 1:31:22
I can promise you those data centers, those new manufacturing jobs and everything else will not be in the state of Arkansas if we cannot generate new energy here. It's not cost effective for us to put a data center here
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 1:31:35
and then import all the energy into
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 258 1:31:44
the state. It's just not effective. Senator Blake Johnson, you're recognized. Senator, is there a way to build energy infrastructure. That is reliable and dispatchable. Without a cost because that's the only way you don't increase the, the cost of in a bill.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 1:32:05
Is there a way? New generation cost money and anyone that says otherwise isn't being truthful. What this bill does is try to create a 3rd or new way to generate new Arkansas or energy in Arkansas in a more cost effective way with a greater level of oversight than exists today. And
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 258 1:32:26
that's, that's, that is the purpose of this bill, Senator, if we become a deficit and they and we cannot build affordably in Arkansas, and they build one in Louisiana and energy, Arkansas invest in that. What happens to the rates,
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 1:32:42
our rates will go up because we'll be paying a premium for importing energy in Arkansas. Thank you,
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 83 1:32:50
Senator. Any other questions, saying no other questions. Recognized to speak against
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 1:32:55
Senator Hickey, you're recognized to speak against. Thank you, Governor, and uh
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified 1:33:02
you said speak against and I want to make sure that everybody knows I'm speaking against the bill, not send her dismay, uh, as we know, he carries a load down here and he does a lot of work. He carries a lot of complicated stuff and he's our, our budget chairman, and I respect a lot of what he says. My wife over the years has said I just love when you and Senator Dimayer are on the same page, and I literally hate it when you're not. Right now she's not comfortable. So I want to say that because I do appreciate you, whether you believe it or not, I do. And what I, what I wanna say to the other members of what about what's in her dismay is saying is he is correct. I've been looking at this stuff for the last 2 years, and there is no doubt that we have to figure out something. Where I'm at on this thing is the procedure that's within the bill. As far as the PSC is concerned. I hear Senator Dimay say, you know, that, uh, you know, they've got the same power or whatever, the same authority and power. I think that there's a lot of us out here that thinks that that's being diluted, but I'm gonna go one step further. We're allowing something in this state. that we have not allowed and also from a macro level, I want to say this. There's nothing within the bill that has any caps on it. I don't know how many dollars this may be, this could possibly be the largest. Money bill that you've ever dealt with, I think well with Medicaid expansion was that larger than this? I don't know. I don't know if this is. $20 billion or if this is $90,080 million or if this gets to a $1 trillion because what we're doing here is we're allowing this for all of our major utilities, all of our major electric utilities, all of our gas companies, all of our co-ops which are here with us today. I do not know. What that means because we do not have that in there and somebody says, well, that's good. We're gonna get more projects going all over the state. And that is right up to a certain point because the thing is, as long as there was a cost-benefit analysis done, which we're not on these projects. If there was a cost benefit analysis done, and we knew that they were turning a Whatever this body decides, the one, anything over a 11 to 1, a 1.1 or 1.2 to 1. Then we would know that those were positive and that they might be beneficial to the communities. But for the life of me, we can't sit here and just expect. That that's gonna happen. There's gonna be some project that one of our friends up here does, it's not going to provide that benefit and then that is gonna be on the back of the ratepayers. So I want everybody to think that through again, I'm not against this. I am actually for trying to figure this out. Senator Dismay's got a hard job because now he's got people in the communities in the industries and everybody throwing rocks at him and you all know how un comfortable that is whenever you're sitting down here trying to devise policies such as this. As far as the sea whip, I want to talk about that for a minute. Now I have suggested this and I hear what Senator dismay and others are saying about equity. Now my suggestion has been, is that if we're going to go down this road, that what we would do is that we would say we'll allow a 70% under this new CWIP program, we'll make you do 30%, uh, Capitalize it the same way that it's being done now. And I do hear the the equity argument that's being made as far as the cost. I've also heard some references about banks and how that may not apply the same, but it does apply the same because here's the thing, if banks wanted to loan money, which they do, if you were gonna finance somebody's project or whatever, you would always do 100% of it plus all the clothsing and thing. The reason they don't do that, although they could possibly make, make more money in the, you know, truly perfect world where everybody paid it back. In this case right here they they limit that. To reduce risk. And that's what all of this is about. It's, it's about risk versus reward and we just can't believe that everybody's always gonna be a good actor. A lot of these utilities that we have. Who are friends of ours who provide this state a good service, you have to remember one thing. The majority of them other than the co-ops. are going to be publicly traded companies. Who? Who are owned by shareholders. The number one thing that that company is supposed to do is maximize their shareholder returns. And that's what that. I would say is what what they should do, but our, what we've got to do here is make sure that we're watching out after all of our ratepayers, not only from the cost standpoint, but also from the risk standpoint. We need to also have some conversations about this, uh, Lying out in the bill where it says that uh You know, rates will be under the national average by 10% and that sounds good. Appreciate it being in there. I've heard a varying numbers on where we currently are. The number I'm going to use is, is that we're 25% under. The national average right now. I've heard some higher numbers, but I'm gonna use that because one of the utilities themselves told me that number here are 4 or 5 weeks ago. So that's the number I'm going to use. A lot of you says, well, that could be a 15% increase on the rates when in all actuality you all, that's 20% whenever you run the numbers. So just know that and maybe that's OK, but I'm not for sure that we don't need to have some more discussions just to make sure that we're all comfortable with that or try to figure out some more safeguards. Also, and, and maybe some of you all think it is. I think that we need some better definitions as far as what strategic investments are. Make sure that we've tightened that up and make sure that uh we've defined that very, very arrow to make sure that there's not some other things that would get slid in here that we might possibly not want is this body. So again, I appreciate you, Senator dismaying, Senator McKee, and the other ones that have worked on this is a hard job. It's a lot easier to come down here and start throwing rocks at something than to try to sit and devise this type of policy, but again, I just don't think that we're ready to
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 1:40:29
go forward. Thank you. Anyone wished to speak for. Senator Hester, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bart Hester Unverified 1:40:39
President. Members, we deal with a lot of issues that are, that are very complicated. I've set a lot of meetings about this issue. And I get to where I understand it, you peel off another level and you get to where you can understand energy and how it works and supply and miso, you pull off another level. It's very, very difficult. But I work pretty simple sometimes. Do we believe that costs are going to go up for the ratepayers? With or without this bill, everyone in the room says yes to that. We believe rates are gonna be going up everywhere in the country. Uh, Do we believe that we need new energy generation. We know we do. We've got, we've got supply going off. So we know rates are going up either way. We know we have to produce new energy. So then we can do it the old way, and the old way says you pay the interest at the very end. Well, all of us do math on that, right? We know when you're paying the interest at the very end, letting it all pile up, it's a higher rate. Or the new way that's being proposed with this CWIP, we can start paying some of the money upfront and keep the interest down and overall, will be less for the ratepayer. So the concern is this. What about a project that goes bad? Or what about they just made a bad decision. And I would argue on this, like Senator Dima has said, that's on the ratepayer now. They have the right to make bad decisions, do bad projects and the cost goes on the ratepayer, right now. So we don't shift any risk in the monopolistic process that we have, the risk all goes ultimately to the ratepayer. So then I think about this, when you're hearing from all sides, who do I trust? Well, you know, Entergy right there for profit, hear a lot from them. So maybe you don't have a lot of trust there or maybe you do. You know, they've got thousands of employees in the state of Arkansas that it matters to. But you know who I do trust? I trust my local co op that's selected by the local people. Right, has no benefit. They have nothing they care about outside of taking care of the ratepayer. Do you know how one of the things I know this outside it's just in their charter. The local people are elected to do this. You ever have issues with uh with your local co op on a construction project or something, I have issues sometimes and you know who I end up talking to? I'm talking to Rob Boaz with Carroll Electric, and you know what he says over and over and over again, ratepayer, ratepayer rate. member, member ratepayer. I can't get him off of it. Just because it's inconvenient, doesn't matter. It's all they're focused on. It's taking care of the ratepayer. It's in their charter. If the co-ops weren't on this, I might have a concern. But the co-ops are. In fact, they're standing here, they're, they're all in the room today because they believe this is the, what they can do to help take care of the ratepayer, and that's why I'll
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 1:43:54
be voting yes. Anyone wish to speak against. Senator Caldwell, you're recognized to speak against.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Ronald Caldwell Unverified 1:44:05
Thank you, my President. I'll jump around on 2 or 3 things trying to follow along with Senator Dibang, and again, I do appreciate your work on this, and we all know we need new productivities. We're not, we're not against that, but uh uh you you referenced pages 4 through 6. I looked at that and on page 5, it's beginning of line 14, it says that they can have a rate increase without a new cost of service study. That's a cost of benefit study. It says that. Now you've alluded that these benefit costs these surveys cost $1000 to $300,000. I called and asked about that yesterday and gave you the figures that the PSC gave me and said that they're really between $30,000 and $50,000 they're not that burdensome. So I know you and I disagree on that, but those are the figures that that third party gave me, that's not my figure. That's the PSC's figure. So, uh, again, I want to bring that out again we talked about overcharges. This is something you really need to listen to. overcharges. So if the utility company overcharges you and I'm in this case, I don't use Grandma. I miss Senator Larry Teague when he was down here because he could come to this well, and he says, look, folks, I know what this bill is going to do to me, and I can afford it, but Grandma can't, and I don't know what it's going to do to her. So y'all need to pay attention to this. They can charge you too much money for your bills and not give it back if they don't want to. Now if you go to the bank, no, you shake now if you go to the bank and borrow money and they overcharge you, you get a refund. If you go to the grocery store and they run your grocery through and they charge you too much money, they give you a refund. They can keep this refund for 2 years and use it for another project if they want to and not give you a refund back. So that's uh uh again, that's it's been brought out. Hicky brought up the national average of electricity. And again, if that bill we can do 20%, uh, right now we run about 25% under the national average. That has been suggested that it's higher than that, up to 31%, depending on classification of electricity. So again, 25% if the national average was $1000 that includes California, New York, Hawaii, New Jersey, and all of them, and it doesn't count Arkansas. and how we operate here and one of the things that we've been bragging about lately is Arkansas is the cheapest state in the Union to do business in. And we're not basing it on facts of what we do here. We're basing it on what somebody else in another state is doing. But again, we're gonna use national average. So if their bill was $1000 somewhere else at 25%, our bill would be 750. They get 20% increase, 20% of $750 is $150. That goes to $900. That's a 20% increase in what we're paying today. And it also in there says if the streets ic value or a strategic investment that they could blow through that. So we have to be real careful on doing that. I don't want to be in New York or California. Another thing he brought up was a right to recover. If they make a bad decision out here. Build a project. The project doesn't get completed. PSC looks at it and says, well, uh, you did everything right, but you still have the right to charge the ratepayer. Ratepayer didn't do anything wrong. But the people, and I'll use energy on this case. Made all the decisions. They're going to keep their rate of return on their shareholders, but they're gonna put it on the back of the ratepayers. If If we had someone, if your local car dealership ordered too many cars. He doesn't get to go out in the public and say y'all owe me some more money or, uh, but in this case, if energy makes a bad decision and uh has a bad project and they get into where it's an issue that, that it goes bad. Instead of the shareholders of the company who owns the company paying for the mistake. They're putting that mistake back on the backs of the ratepayers. Grandma is going to pay for it. Also, uh, strategic investments that the ratepayers can be required to pay for or things like carbon credits and carbon sequestration in which they also were given eminent domain, which may or may not be necessary, but, uh, why are the shareholders not paying that? Why are the ratepayers paying that. So that's something else that needs to be considered. In the in the end, uh, basically what's gonna happen is consumers are going to pay a higher rate to provide cheap electricity to bring jobs in, and we need that Wallace is a, is a prime example of beneficiaries bringing in good industry. Mississippi County has done well, and, and I'm proud for that, but uh uh what we have to be real, real careful of is uh giving up oversight. of the PSC. And certain alluded to that. This is probably the largest financial impact bill that we will ever vote on for the people of Arkansas, and instead of cutting the oversight of the PSC, we need to expand the oversight of the PSC. With that, I, I appreciate
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 1:50:04
your attention. Anyone to speak for Senator Wallace, you're recognized to speak for.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Dave Wallace Unverified 1:50:22
Thank you, Governor. Thank you, Senator Caldwell. I appreciate the compliments. When I grew up, I chopped cotton at 60 cents an hour. There were no other jobs. When I graduated from school, I could have driven a tractor or I could go in the army and I did, and I flew helicopters. My generation left Arkansas because there were no jobs. You grow or you die. Organizations grow or you die. States grow or we get off in a corner and we stagnate as we stagnated during my generation. We have opportunity. To be in the lead. And to have energy and to bring companies To our state, Central Arkansas. I know some in Mississippi County where I lithium is. If we have power, we're gonna bring those businesses in Arkansas is going to grow. If we don't do that, We're going to end up buying power from Louisiana or Mississippi and we'll be over where we have been for many, many years and they have not. And instead of the states are doing well. Our state is headed in the right direction. A lot of people talk about how well Arkansas is doing. Let's finish this off and bring the power in.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 1:51:55
Thank you. Speak against Senator Clark, you're recognized to speak against. I'm
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Alan Clark Unverified 1:52:14
disgusted. And certainly not with Senator McKee, uh, Senator Dismay. Uh, I admire their patience and their perseverance, and they probably got the best that could be gotten. Um, I'm disgusted that the two coal plants are closing down, uh, and that I had no say. The Senate had no say. The House had no say. The governor had no say. The people of Arkansas had no say. People are calling, they are texting, they're emailing because they don't want their electricity prices to go up and their electricity prices are going up. And because we had two of the cheapest power producing power plants in the country. The crazy thing is, you know, Sierra Club gets blamed, etc. But you know, energy makes money off the deal. Whether they meant to, didn't mean to, we, they get a percentage over what it costs to build those plants. And the shorter lifetime the plants have, actually, the more money they make because we, they get a percentage off building the next ones. And again, whether it's their fault, not their fault, I'm still disgusted. Uh, and one of the reasons that people have been coming here, Central Wallace is, you know, I've been offered, you know, that Mercedes Benz wouldn't buy steel from New Cor unless it was green, but New Corp wouldn't be here if electric Christie wasn't cheap. And we're getting ready, whatever we do for electricity to not be cheap and and energy hadn't been energy hadn't been interested in my opinion till now. Now we have A crisis. We always, don't we always one crisis after another. Uh, and But I don't act, energy prices are going up. But as I said, they're already going up. And when I might have really been able to do something to have cheap electricity prices. Like I said, I wasn't asked. So I, I again, I've been behind the scenes and let me say when I say disgusted, let me also, I really need to say this. Having seen the first version of this bill that came out. I said back then, I said just having read this version, I don't know that I can vote for any version, no matter how much they change it because it was so arrogant. It looks like it was written by corporate lawyer to see how far they could get over on us, and I really appreciate the hard work that had to be done by this legislature and by the Senate and those like Central dismay to get it into something that you could call maybe good, but I'm too disgusted to vote yes, I'm not going to
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 1:55:12
blame you if you do. Anyone wish to speak for Senator McKee, you're recognized to speak for. Thank you,
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Matt McKee Unverified 1:55:20
Madam Governor. I want to say thank you to the senators who have all spoken, who've spoken for and against. I just want to say that at one time in the past 2 or 3 months, in the past 2 years. I was exactly where you were. And I've brought up all of the questions, I believe that I've heard mentioned. I've had all of the concerns that you have shared and that you have voiced. I've felt many of the same things, Senator Clark. But I don't see this as a crisis. I see this as an opportunity. I see this as I see this is how we protect the ratepayers in Arkansas. It has come that far. It's really not even the same bill. Does it contain some of the same ideas and principles, I would say yes. There's more scrutiny under the proposed Ryder process than exists in the current processes that we use. There's more ability for the PSC to take a look forward and to take a look back and determine what is in the public interest. Those expenses and decisions that have been undertaken prudently. And to be able to Make sure that the costs that are ratepayers are paying paying are fair, just and reasonable. So I think I've had a lot of discussions with a lot of you. Most of you know the process that I've gone through over the past two years of just trying my best to just barely scratch the surface on this very complicated and extremely important issue. I've told a lot of people lately, and I'm probably the only one, but I think this is the most important issue that we will debate in the legislature during this session because we're going to be determining where we're going as a state. Are we going to produce the power that we need. To provide the jobs for the future generations of Arkansans that are going to come along. Are we going to produce the power that we need. To fire The prosperity of the people that we represent. I represent mostly retired and senior citizens, I would say in my district. So the idea that I'm not concerned. With folks on a fixed income and how this is going to affect them is just not true. That's the most important thing that I've had on my plate this entire time. I'm concerned about some of the decisions that were made in the past. I wasn't there and most of you weren't there. And I don't get any control over those decisions today, but I know that moving forward we can set the stage. We can set the stage for our economy. We can set the stage for our kids. We can set the stage to take care of the people who've taken care of us, and I believe this is how
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 1:58:33
we do it, so I'd appreciate a good vote. Anyone wish to speak against Or 4. Seeing no others, Senator dismaying, you're recognized
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 1:58:40
clothes. Thank you, um, I think most of you know, I've uh never been really afraid of rocks. I mean, I think when we stand down here and we present a bill, it doesn't matter what interest you wanted or the co-ops wanted. We create bills that we think are the best interests of our constituents. And that's what I think in combination with key and many, many others that we have created inside this bill. There are truths to our future, regardless of what we may not have liked in the past that have occurred with our existing coal plants. I can't change that and you can't change that and there is no backtracking to, to amend it. So again, this is a new path forward for us to create the energy that we have to create that will ultimately because of that new generation that is required. Be it a lesser cost of generation than it would be under the old model. The old model that does not have the roadblocks and the reviews and the approvals that this does at multiple steps in the process. Um, just to address a couple of things have been been talked about. When we talk about the 10% cap below the national average. That has nothing to do with how the PSC sets rates on an individual basis. Nothing. They're going to appropriately assess the rate of return that's supposed to be, you know, calculated and how it's assessed to the different classes of great players, and it's got nothing to do with being 10% below the national average. That is just a cap that is inside the bill. We talk about monopolies and so what's going to keep our rates low in Arkansas. The same thing that's kept them low today. Energy may be a monopoly in the state of Arkansas, but everybody that wants to create a new factory or put in an AI facility or whatever else, they are a choice. And that choice is born on can they produce the lowest cost energy. There's an incentive, like I said, inside this state as far as they're concerned, it's monopoly. But to the rest of this world they're they're just a choice, and another one to pick from. They won't be a choice if we can't generate the energy. Uh, there was another talk about the overcharge, and I'm glad that that was brought up. I'm not sure how much I talked about the overcharge, and if that were to occur, there was a change. Senator Caldwell, in the legislation and you referred the 24 month period. I think it was missed by some at the PSC. In fact, I know what it was in the conversations with them. There are 3 ways that an overcharge occurs right now or can't occur inside the bill. If there is a current strategic investment, they can apply it to that project. If there is a pending a strategic investment that's before the PSC, the PSC can determine. If they escrow those dollars along with the interest that's created off those dollars to apply to an upcoming project. It is not up to the utility company to keep that money if they see fit. It is up to the PSC to make that determination. And lastly, It can be determined that it's refunded back to the ratepayer. Those are the provisions that are in the bill, the updated bill, not, not the other bill that that has been talked about several times that I keep having to come back around to Senator Clark. I wish it was never brought to light. Uh Again, members, I think I could go back through some more of the conversations that's happened. We've taken a lot of your time today. I think it's worthy that this bill takes a lot of time. It is a heavy discussion that we have and should be having, um, with that, again, I think this is the right way forward. I think this is something that is necessary for us to convince continue to advance as a state. I appreciate the conversation and I
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 2:02:33
appreciate a good vote. Thank you. Senator has closed and before I ask the secretary to call the roll, I would remind members to please speak loudly and clearly as Senator Dima did when presenting this bill.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 133 2:02:48
Madam Secretary, please call the roll.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 163 2:03:01
Bo Bo Bront Caldwell Clark. Crow. Crowl Davis this Dotson. Dotson. English Flipper flowers.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 2:03:19
Gilmore? Yes. Hammer? Hester. Hickie Hill Irvin. Like Johnson, Mark Johnson, King. Lighting.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 166 2:03:34
Lighting Love? Love The key Murdoch. Murdoch Hi Peyton.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 2:03:51
Pennzo Patty. Rice Rice Scott. Stone Stab afield Sullivan. Tucker Tucker? Wallace. That. I again on this side, any sender who did not vote or who wishes to change his or her vote.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 73 2:04:23
Senator Love present. Any other sender on this side? Senator Leding present. Senator Rice, no. And he had the senator. Seeing no others Senate Bill 307 fails. Senator Dismay, you're
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 2:04:44
recognized. I'd like to make a motion
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified 2:04:50
to expunge a vote by which Senate
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 2:04:53
Bill 307 failed. You all have heard the motion, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. And he opposed. I haven't motion carries. We will now take up Senate Bill 327. December 327 by Central Crow to amend the law concerning payments to localities. That Senator Crow, you're recognized.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Steve Crowell Unverified 2:05:24
Thank you, Governor. This is to extend the payments for the state fair. We've been doing this since 1994. There is no change, nothing out of general revenue. It comes right off the top like
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 2:05:38
it has since 1994. Any questions for Senator Crow? Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 8 2:05:47
has closed. Any objection to rolling the boat? Madam Secretary, please
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 2:05:52
roll the boat. Boen, Bryant Caldwell, Clark Crowe, Davis, Des, dismaying dots and English flippo flowers, Gilmore hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King Lating, love, McKee, Murdoch, Peyton, Penzo, Petty, Rices Scott stone, Stubber, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Any senator was to change his or her vote. Senator Blake Johnson present. And yeah, the senator. Seeing no other, please cast up the ballot. By a vote of 34 yeah, zero nay, 1 present, Senate Bill 327 passes, please transmit to the house. Senate Bill 339. Send 339 by Senator Clark concerning the membership of the child maltreatment investigations oversight committee. Senator Clark, you're recognized. Thank you, Governor.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Alan Clark Unverified 2:06:56
Colleagues. This is a really very simple bill. It's interesting, uh, that the bill is, was needed, uh, the bill takes the election of chair on child maltreatment investigations Committee, whatever it says there at the top of the bill is the correct name of the committee and makes it the legislators only biannually like all other committee chairs. This is what it was originally when we created the committee, uh, somehow it got past me. I could have been in one of my bills. Uh, it certainly wasn't something I asked for. Somehow it got changed to annually and everybody voting that we can't do that. The members of this committee are made up mostly of people we're overseeing and they are likely not to want somebody who's really wanting to oversee them as chair, so the five legislators on the committee are the ones that elected the chair in the past and the ones that should elect the chair in the future, and it's very interesting that that got changed with without my knowledge or anybody else's knowledge. It had to be in a bill somewhere. But anyway, I'd
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 2:08:08
be happy to take any questions. Any questions for Senator Clark. Anyone wish to speak against or for.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 315 2:08:17
Senator, you are free to close. I'm closed. I'd appreciate a good
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 109 2:08:21
vote. Senator has closed. Any objection to rolling the boat? Objection noted.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 2:08:31
Madam Secretary, please call the roll. Boyd. Right Caldwell. Caldwell, Clark, Crowe. Crowell Davis
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 163 2:08:45
Days This man. Uh Dotson English. English Flipper flowers.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 164 2:09:02
Gilmore Gilmore. Hester, a hammer. I'm sorry, hammer. Hester Hickey
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 2:09:14
Hill Irvin. Irvin Blake Johnson. Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson. King letting. Letting Love, love. The key. McKee, he's out. Murdoch, Murdoch Hayton Yes. And so Pencil Patty, Bryce, Scott. Scott Stan. Stab a fail. Sullivan Tucker Wallace. Any senator who did not vote wishes to vote, or change your vote, I see Cinder Croll, yes, Senator Ervin, yes. Senator Hickey, yes. Is
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 79 2:10:27
that I OK, well, I thought I saw a thumbs up, so I just want to make sure send her love, yes.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 2:10:34
Any other senators? Senator Penzo, yes. Any other senators. Seeing no other, please cast up the ballot by a vote of 29, 1 nay, 5, not voting. Senate Bill 339 passes. Please transmit
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 325 2:10:53
to the house. House Bill
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 2:10:59
1217. 1217 by Naco and Senator Wallace to establish the interstate massage compact in Arkansas. Senator Wallace, you're recognized.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Dave Wallace Unverified 2:11:12
Thank you, Governor. Remember this bill will help some of our massage therapists, MTs, and it doesn't hurt anyone. It will especially help our military dependents and eventually it will help our MTs around our our state border. House Bill 1217 establishes the Interstate massage Compact, which affords licensed massage therapists, the opportunity to join the compact. But it does not force any of our MPs to do so. It's optional. IMTs can choose to strictly operate within our state borders or as a result of this bill. We'll have the opportunity to operate in other states that are members of this compact. This bill passed 86 to nothing in the house, it underwent a thorough 37 minute vetting, uh, vigorous vetting and state agencies yesterday and was passed 6 to 1. The following groups have provided letters of support for this bill. Department of Defense, Commission on massage therapists, accreditation, massage magazine Insurance Plus, that sounds like a good magazine. Associated Bodywork and massage professionals in the National Center for Interstate Compacts of the CSG. Throughout this process, no one has spoken against this bill and numerous massage therapists from
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 2:12:37
Arkansas have spoken in favor of the bill. And with that, I stand by for your questions. Any questions for Senator Wallace,
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Terry Rice Unverified 2:12:47
Senator Rice, you'll recognize her question. Thank you. Madam President, Senator Wallace, this is a question I told you I would ask you about a week or so ago when it came to the chamber. When this bill was initially produced. It did not have any oversight from legislative body at all. Because that was brought out. Uh, Um, but probably some of my speaking in this body that was put in there. And what it says, sorry, I had it ready and it went off. It says right at the end. Uh, for the purpose of the member states' ability to reject a rule under Article 10 of Interstate massage Compact, Arkansas delegates its authority in this provision to the General Assembly or legislative council. That sounds real good. But what you and I discussed is the fact that This compact Which is going to set the rules by multiple states. In Arkansas we have now that this was amended and in the passing, they can go to legislative council. In legislative council said we're not going along with that rule. That's not good for our state.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Dave Wallace Unverified 2:14:14
What is our option then? If legislative council says that it's not good for our state, then we can
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 334 2:14:23
pull out of the compact. That that I understanding is the only option. We will be out of the compact.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Terry Rice Unverified 2:14:29
It's not that we can change anything or get them to change a rule that we don't agree with. It either puts us leaves us in the compact, we agree with them. If we don't agree with them, is that the way
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Dave Wallace Unverified 2:14:41
you understand it? It is, but I'll continue on. Part of this is the, the 1st 7 or 9 states that enter this, there's only 2 so far. We have the opportunity to sit on the board and and make and and issue some of that guidance, so by getting ahead of other states, we have a very good opportunity to be on that board and To be part of the governing body instead of just the followers. That is correct. Thank you, sir. Senator Blake Johnson, you're recognized.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 263 2:15:19
This is, this bill is brought forward by two of our ex-militarily military helicopter pilots. Is there extended
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 258 2:15:25
training since y'all have retired to make
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 262 2:15:28
those landing easier so the massage therapist might not be needed as much. I never did make very good landings,
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Dave Wallace Unverified 2:15:36
as you all know. So probably not, sir. Thank you, sir. Any other questions?
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 2:15:49
Anyone wish to speak against Senator Rice, you're recognized to speak
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Terry Rice Unverified 2:15:58
against. Thank you, Madam President. So no bodies. Got faults minds there's nobody probably in this body I respect more than Senator Dave Wallace, and he and I have talked about this. This is the bill I talked about when I ran the massage bill that I I ran. It wasn't something I was interested in. Somebody asked me, uh, if I would look at that and see if there's a need. What this bill does, in my opinion, The state loses state sovereignty. Over the massage industry. You can say, well, that's not exactly right. Listen to some of the things we're talking about. The Federation of State Massage Therapy Board, the one I told you about before that Showed $17 million on their income last year had 5.3 million just on the examinations. And uh the director made over half a million dollars. I said, well, you know, somebody with experience needs to make that. The expert that came and testified in House and Senate committees. Has to be from the state of Kansas is where she works out of. State of Kansas is one of a handful of states that doesn't have a required certification. For massage therapy. What this says in, in the Background that I've read were Arkansas has a $500 requirement right now, which is what the state license would have done. This is going to move it up. To 650. A lot of this stuff is projection because this board is not There's not states yet as, as Senator Wallace rightly said there's only 2 states right now. There's other ones in the works. Some of them are meeting in legislature. It was mentioned Missouri. They missed their opportunity. They've got them on the schedule to try to get next year, but this stuff's not done. The, the fees are not done. The way it's set up is, is just, uh, In conversation right now. But let me say again, Arkansas, when this gets set up. I think it is great to have reciprocal license. Where have the military done. What this will do is allow you to move today and go to a state that is uh in this compact, and you could go to work tomorrow. That's, that's true and, and I, you know, that's good. But you are changing.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 342 2:19:00
Uh, all of the rules that are currently in effect in
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Terry Rice Unverified 2:19:05
Arkansas. As I said before, on the other massage bill for Arkansas rules to pertain to Arkansas people who want to be in there working the state only. If again, the, the current Mex license will allow you to go out of state, but you've got to apply in that state. In State agencies committee yesterday, which this was in public health in, in the house, state agents yesterday when I watched that, uh, the, there's some good questions asked. And we've had a number of these compact bills on this session. And I think there's good thought in the things that they can do. But when Arkansas doesn't have control, and I thought maybe in the medical aspect of it, they do. But this one Arkansas is giving up their control. When just as I've said before, so much of what we do is about money. And when this was passing in state agencies yesterday, their lobbyist was in house public health killing the bill that y'all passed for me in here. There's money in it. It's about money. It's about total control. Of the massage industry. So, uh yes, there'd be people to come in from out of state to work. Yes, some people in Arkansas can go work. There's really not going to be an Arkansas true. Massage therapy. Bill or massage therapy program. It's gonna be controlled by national. And I'll be going to
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 2:20:53
take a question, Senator Sullivan, you're recognized for
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Dan Sullivan Unverified 2:20:59
a question saying, and I would agree that we're gonna join the national and the national will say you can be with us until we say you're not. And then as soon as we say we don't like what you do, we're out. So the benefit to us joining this as long as we all agree on everything. There is potential benefit. However, when we say we disagree, all of a sudden we're out and we really have no control. The people
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 334 2:21:25
that will pay a fee to be in a compact where they can go from state to state.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Terry Rice Unverified 2:21:38
If, if they come with a rule before council council said we're not gonna do that. We're out. Those people lost their feet. All the efforts that you've done is out. You're either going to agree with the national compact from now on, or you're out. Well I understand it and, and the house presenter of the bill on the House floor. was asked the question that I asked Senator Wallace and it was done with respect. And he said, I cannot answer that at this time, and he was really wanting to get out of the well. But I, one of his colleagues came up and spoke for the bill and said yes, what the question you ask is right. If we don't approve the rules, you put this Arkansas is out, so that's true. I wanted you to have all the facts, do as you feel you need to. Thank you. Anyone wish to speak for. For Senator Penzo, you're recognized to speak for.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Clint Penzo Unverified 2:22:48
Thank you, Madam President. I, I had no intentions on speaking on this today, so I didn't, I didn't realize this was gonna be a controversial issue. Um, this is a step in the right direction. Um, y'all know I have a healthcare background, um, the massage therapists are becoming more and more integrated into uh the healthcare system. This, this allows them to, I mean, we're we're kind of getting in on the beginning here, uh, Arkansas was in on the beginning. with the Ilex, um, was instrumental in setting it up. A lot of times we're one of the last states to join in on things like this, and I think it's a great idea for us to be getting in on the front end, um, um, I'd appreciate a good vote on this bill. Thank
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 2:23:35
you. Anyone else wish to speak against or for. Senator Wallace, you're recognized clothes. Thank you, Governor. It
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 331 2:23:42
was mentioned that we don't we lose control.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Dave Wallace Unverified 2:23:49
We don't lose control because this body right here, ALC can always say no. That's the ultimate control. But what's really important, I understand a little bit about flying. I understand a lot more about the business I'm in. Bankers understand business. We had massage therapists after massage therapists. Tell us that they wanted this bill. It's their profession. They want it. Our massage therapists have the option. Of Being a part of that compact, or they can stay within the state borders. It's totally up to the individual. If they don't want to do it, if they don't want to go be a part of the compact, they don't have to. They can operate within the state borders of Arkansas. There's No harm to anyone or any of this. And with that, I asked for a good vote.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 2:24:50
Senator has closed. Any objection to rolling the boat.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 312 2:24:57
Objection noted. Madam Secretary, please
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 133 2:25:01
call the rolled. Bo, Brant. Grant Caldwell. Caldwell Clark, Crowe. Crowell
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 2:25:13
Davis Days Days This man
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 163 2:25:22
This man. Dotson Dotson. English. English. Flap,
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 164 2:25:32
Flappo Flap, flappo. Flowers? Flowers? Gilmore, Gilmore. Hammer Hammer, Hester, Hickie. Hacky
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 2:25:52
Hill. Irvin Blake Johnson. Mark Johnson. King. Laing, love. McKee. Murdoch
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 167 2:26:08
Murdoch. Hayden Penzo Patty, rice. Scott.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 2:26:24
Do Stan. Stab afield. Sullivan. attacker Wallace. Any senator who did not vote, who wishes to change his or her vote. Begin with Sender Ds, yes. Senator Murdoch, yes. Senator Hammer, yes. Senator Dodson, yes. Senator Boyd, yes. Anyone else on this side? The side Anyone else wished a boat who did not vote or change your vote, please check the board. Seeing no other, please cast up the ballot by a vote of 20, 6, nay, 8, not voting, 1 present. House Bill 1217 passes, please return to the house. House Bill 1379.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 120 2:27:27
House for 1379 by Representative Betty and Senator Hill
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 2:27:30
to amend the law concerning the special authorization for reimbursement for meals and lodging while traveling on official business of the
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Ricky Hill Unverified 2:27:40
state. Senator Hill, you're recognized. Thank you, Governor. Colleagues, this is a simple bill. It's for authorization or for reimbursement for meals and travel and lodging while on official business of the state. It's removing where it was just a chief fiscal officer that could do it whereas the cabinet level secretary, the director's chief executive officer, or chief fiscal officer of the department board or commission for which the travel is incurred. So pretty much your direct boss instead of having to go to someone even higher, so.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 2:28:08
With that being said, I'll take any questions. Questions for Senator Hill. I see Senator
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Clarke Tucker Unverified 2:28:13
Tucker, you're recognized for a question. Thank you, Madam President. I was just looking at this. It is a short bill. I don't, I don't have a problem with expanding authority in it, but it, it's only for When the reimbursement exceeds the maximum rate as prescribed by the federal travel directory. And so I'm just curious about that. Like, why, why would we need to exceed the rates prescribed by the Federal travel directory for reimbursement for travel and lodging. I just depending on how much the cost
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Ricky Hill Unverified 2:28:40
is as far as what it exceeds the total dollar amount and so at that point you're going to your direct boss instead of having to go all the way up to the top. OK, because you, whoever, whoever's over you knows what you're doing and why you were approved to go there. OK, thank you. Any other questions for Senator
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 2:29:00
Hill, seeing no others, anyone wish to speak against or for. Senator Hill has closed any objection to rolling the boat? See no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd Brian Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Des, dismay, Dotson, English Flippo flowers, Gilmore, hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King letting Love
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 359 2:29:31
McKee, Murdoch, Peyton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott Stone, Steerfield Sullivan, Tucker Wallace. Any
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 2:29:39
senator wish to change his or her vote. Seeing no one, please cast up the ballot by a vote of 35 ya, zero nay, House Bill 1379 passes. Please return to the house. House Bill 1499, House Bill 1499 by Representative Ray and Senator Payton to amend the sale and purchase procedure for public property. Senator Payton,
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator John Payton Unverified 2:30:01
you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, House Bill 1499 by Representative Ray and the building authority defines the approval process and real estate transactions, make sure the building authority approval happens on the front end. There's no known opposition. I'd appreciate a good vote. Any
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 2:30:21
questions? Anyone wish to speak against or for. The senator has closed any objection to rolling the boat, saying no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the boat. Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Des, Dismay dots and English flippo flowers, Gilmore Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvine, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King letting love, McKee, Murdoch, Peyton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott stone, Stubberfield Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Any senator wish to change his or her boat. Seeing no one, please cast up the ballot by a vote of 35 ya, zero nay, House Bill
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 361 2:31:10
1499 passes, please return to the house. House
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 2:31:17
Bill 1556. House for 1556 by Representative Ryan Senator Wallace to amend the Arkansas music Appreciation Day and to change the date on which Arkansas music Appreciation Day is celebrated. Senator Wallace, you're recognized. Members, this bill moves the
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Dave Wallace Unverified 2:31:37
date from 1 September to uh 1 march has nothing to do with massages,
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 2:31:45
and I would ask for a good vote. Any questions for Senator Wallace. 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. 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 wish to change his or her vote. Seeing no one, please cast up the ballot by votes of 35, yeah, 0 name, House Bill 1556 passes, please return to the house. We will now take up the budget calendar. Senate Bill 132 by joint budget to make an appropriation for the payment of approved claims.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Joshua Bryant Unverified 2:33:01
Senator Bryant, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam President. Members on your desk is the calendar for the budget bills, we'll just have one Senate bill and 4 House bills which we'll batch later. But for now, just Senate Bill 132, that was from on Monday, we passed the amendment to add the approval of the Claims commission into the budget. So with that, we'll
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 2:33:21
we'll just guess for Senate Bill 132. Any questions? Anyone wish to speak against or for. Senator has closed any objection to rolling the boat, seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the vote. Boyd Bryant Caldwell, Clark Crowell, Davis Des, dismay Dotson, English flippo flowers, Gilmore hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King lettingov, McKee, Murdoch, Peyton, Penzo, Petty, rice, scot, stone Stubberfield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Any senator wished to change his or her vote, seeing no one, please cast up the ballot. By a vote of 35 yeah, 0, nay, Senate Bill 132 passes and the corresponding emergency clause is adopted, please transmit to the house. Senator Bryant, you're recognized. And lastly, on the
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Joshua Bryant Unverified 2:34:14
calendar, just going through the House bills, we will batch these together, and you remember it wants me to pull one out, please just signify House Bill 1146. House Bill 1175. House Bill 1493 House Bill 1544. Has any member want any of those pulled out of the batch. All right, see you now.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 2:34:36
Thanks. Hospital 1146, my joint budget and act for the Office of Attorney General Appropriation for the 2025, 2026 fiscal year. Has 1175, a joint budget and act for the Department of Parks, Heritage and tourism, division of Heritage Appropriation for the 2025, 2026 fiscal year, has 1493 by joint budget and act for the institutions of higher education, capital improvement appropriation, House Bill 1544 joint budget and act to make an appropriation for state turnback for counties and municipalities by the Office of the treasurer of State supplemental Appropriation. Any with no questions, anyone would speak against her for, send her his clothes. Any objection rolling the vote, seeing no objection, Madam Secretary, please roll the boat. Boyd Bryant Caldwell, Clark K Crow, Davis, Des, dismaying dots in English flippo flowers, Gilmore Hammer, Hester Hickey Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King letting Love McKee, Murdoch, Peyton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott. down, Stubenfield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace. Any senator wish to change his or her vote, Senator King not voting. Any other senator. Seeing no other senator, please cast up the ballot. By vote of 34 yeah, zero nay, 1 not voting House bills 1146, 1175, 1493 and 1544 all passed, and the corresponding emergency clauses are adopted, please return to the House, Madam Secretary. Are there items at the desk? Will your committee on gross bills who was first sent 242 by Central Hill compared to most copy of the ritual if I same correctly engrossed calendar your committee on gross bills to whom we send both. 24 of us in for Mark Johnson compared the engrossed copy of Rachel and find the same correctly engrossed calendar Committee on skills to his 1st 293 by Central Hammer compared the engrossed cop with red by by the same curly engrossed calendar. Will your committee on the gross bills who was first sent Bill 351 by Central dismay compared to the gross copy with original and find the same correctly engrossed state agencies were your committee on gross bills for House Bill 1558 by Representative McGgrason for Caldwell compared the copy of the original and the same correctly engrossed. Insurance and commerce. Senate Bill 392 by Senator Davis to amend the law. Arkansas law concerning the classification and compensation of state employees and declare an emergency symbol 392 state agencies 393 by Central Wallace to amend the sex offender registration Act of 1997, Senate Bill 393 Judiciary symbol 394 by Senator Bryant to amend the law concerning the allocation. distribution and use of revenues derived from a county sales and use taxes for capital improvements. 394 revenue and tax 35 Central Hickey. To amend Arkansas law concerning statements of financial interest and amending a portion of Arkansas law resulting from initiated Act 1 of 1988, sym
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 127 2:37:56
395 revenue and tax I'm sorry.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 368 2:38:02
Did you question the last one? Well, I think. Yeah, it was.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 371 2:38:14
Not of passage of Senate Bill 226 by the house. And roll it. That's the passage of Senate Bill 253 by the House roll it. OK, that's everything. To more.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 368 2:38:40
Did you get? It Any
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 2:38:42
announcements. Senator Blake Johnson, you're recognized for an announcement.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 258 2:38:49
The legislative reception for Blacker technical colleges that Arkansas
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 262 2:38:52
Pharmacy Association and it's already started until 5:30. Senator Ervin, you're recognized. Thank you
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Missy Irvin Unverified 2:39:04
members. We will have public health committee meeting immediately upon adjournment. If you're a member, please go there now. Uh, it is my understanding we have somebody who has flown in to give testimony on a bill, and I need to accommodate that at least, uh, we will be out of there, uh, by 4:20, so we're trying to get this
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Bart Hester Unverified 2:39:29
done fast. Senator Hester, you recognized members, this is just a uh tomorrow being Thursday, we're gonna come in at 1:30. So 1:30 tomorrow. And I suspect that'll be how it is moving forward. Thank you.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Matt McKee Unverified 2:39:42
Senator McKee, you're recognized. Thank you, Governor. Special joint special language has been canceled for today. We'll meet next week. Sender
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 6 2:39:50
hammer, you're recognized. Hey, members, I want
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Kim Hammer Unverified 2:39:54
to remind you, you had a card on your desk put there yesterday that tomorrow is the pastor's day at the Capitol 9 o'clock in the rotunda. You can go by there, program begins at 9:30. Uh, go by and check to see yes speaker's going to be Secretary of State Colle Jester and Representatives will be there.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Gary Stubblefield Unverified 2:40:15
Senator Stubblefield, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam City County and local will not meet until next
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 2:40:23
Tuesday, 10 o'clock. Senator Caldwell, you're recognized.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Senator Ronald Caldwell Unverified 2:40:27
I Thank you, Madam President. Uh, Senate will not
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Chair Unverified 2:40:32
meet tomorrow. Any other announcements, seeing no other announcements. The Senate will stand in adjournments
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Speaker 375 2:40:37
subject to the clearing of the desk until March 6th, 1:30 p.m.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error
Unknown speaker 2:40:46
Yeah.
▶ Play Suggest a correction Report an error

Agenda

Call to Order

2:16
▶ Play chapter

Roll Call

2:24
▶ Play chapter

Prayer

2:49
▶ Play chapter

Pledge of Allegiance

5:58
▶ Play chapter

Introductions of Senate Pages

6:48
▶ Play chapter

Doctor of the Day

28:08
▶ Play chapter

Announcements

27:40
▶ Play chapter

Items to be Read Across the Desk

30:28
▶ Play chapter

RESOLUTIONS FOR THIRD READING AND ADOPTION

8:44
▶ Play chapter

SR34 A. Clark TO SUPPORT THE NOMINATION OF FORMER GOVERNOR OF ARKANSAS MICHAEL DALE "MIKE" HUCKABEE AS UNITED STATES AMBASSADOR TO ISRAEL.

8:47
▶ Play chapter

SENATE BILLS WITH SENATE AMENDMENTS

39:40
▶ Play chapter

SB351 #1 Dismang - Withdrawal from State Agencies for the purpose of an Amendment

39:41
▶ Play chapter

HB1558 #1 Caldwell Withdrawal from State Agencies for the purpose of an Amendment

40:00
▶ Play chapter

SB242 #1 Hill Hill TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING LOANS INVOLVING THE STOCK OF A STATE BANK.

38:17
▶ Play chapter

SB293 #1 K. Hammer Hammer TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE REQUIRED POSTINGS AT A POLLING SITE; AND TO AMEND THE LIST CONCERNING REQUIRED POSTING OF NOTICES, INFORMATION, AND MATERIAL AT A POLLING SITE ON ELECTION DAY.

38:47
▶ Play chapter

SB324 #1 M. Johnson M. Johnson TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE MEMBERSHIP OF A COUNTY PLANNING BOARD.

39:02
▶ Play chapter

Refer SB378, SB383, SB385, SB387 and SB389 rerefer to Senate Revenue and Taxation

41:19
▶ Play chapter

SENATE BILLS FOR THIRD READING AND PASSAGE

42:15
▶ Play chapter

SB275 Irvin TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE REGULATION OF LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GASES.

42:16
▶ Play chapter

SB280 Irvin TO DESIGNATE THE OIL AND GAS COMMISSION AS THE CUSTODIAN OF ALL PROPERTY AND THE DISBURSING AGENT OF ALL FUNDS OF THE OFFICE OF THE STATE GEOLOGIST.

44:32
▶ Play chapter

SB304 M. McKee TO ALLOW A CLASS OF REGISTERED VOTERS THAT HAVE CHANGED THEIR COUNTY OF RESIDENCE TO CAST A VALID BALLOT; AND TO AMEND PROVISIONS OF ARKANSAS CONSTITUTION, AMENDMENT 51.

45:57
▶ Play chapter

SB307 J. Dismang TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PUBLIC UTILITIES; TO CREATE THE GENERATING ARKANSAS JOBS ACT OF 2025; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

53:34
▶ Play chapter

SB327 Crowell TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PAYMENTS TO LOCALITIES.

2:05:15
▶ Play chapter

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

2:06:44
▶ Play chapter

HOUSE BILLS FOR THIRD READING AND PASSAGE

2:10:59
▶ Play chapter

HB1217 Nazarenko Wallace TO ESTABLISH THE INTERSTATE MASSAGE COMPACT IN ARKANSAS.

2:11:00
▶ Play chapter

HB1379 Beaty Jr. Hill TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE SPECIAL AUTHORIZATION FOR REIMBURSEMENT FOR MEALS AND LODGING WHILE TRAVELING ON OFFICIAL BUSINESS OF THE STATE.

2:27:22
▶ Play chapter

HB1499 Ray Payton TO AMEND THE SALE AND PURCHASE PROCEDURE FOR PUBLIC PROPERTY.

2:29:52
▶ Play chapter

HB1556 Rye Wallace TO AMEND ARKANSAS MUSIC APPRECIATION DAY; AND TO CHANGE THE DATE ON WHICH ARKANSAS MUSIC APPRECIATION DAY IS CELEBRATED.

2:31:09
▶ Play chapter

Budget Bills and their Emergency Clauses to be considered which have been introduced by Joint Budget Committee

2:32:52
▶ Play chapter

SB132 AN ACT TO MAKE AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE PAYMENT OF APPROVED CLAIMS.

2:32:53
▶ Play chapter

Vote on Senate Budget Bill

2:33:26
▶ Play chapter

HB1146 AN ACT FOR THE OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.

2:34:49
▶ Play chapter

HB1175 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, HERITAGE, AND TOURISM - DIVISION OF HERITAGE APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.

2:34:53
▶ Play chapter

HB1493 AN ACT FOR THE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT APPROPRIATION.

2:34:59
▶ Play chapter

HB1544 AN ACT TO MAKE AN APPROPRIATION FOR STATE TURNBACK FOR COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES BY THE OFFICE OF THE TREASURER OF STATE SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION.

2:35:06
▶ Play chapter

Vote on House Budget Bills

2:35:24
▶ Play chapter

Items to be read across the desk

2:36:24
▶ Play chapter

Announcements

2:38:50
▶ Play chapter

Adjourn

2:40:40
▶ Play chapter

Documents

No documents posted.

Speakers

Chair Unverified
149 segments
Speaker 6
3 segments
Speaker 10
2 segments
Senator Ricky Hill Unverified
12 segments
Speaker 16
4 segments
Speaker 20
1 segment
Speaker 22
1 segment
Senator Mark Johnson Unverified
10 segments
Speaker 24
7 segments
Speaker 37
7 segments
Senator Alan Clark Unverified
20 segments
Speaker 50
7 segments
Speaker 49
1 segment
Speaker 4
1 segment
Senator Joshua Bryant Unverified
4 segments
Senator Clarke Tucker Unverified
5 segments
Senator John Payton Unverified
6 segments
Speaker 72
4 segments
Speaker 73
2 segments
Senator Tyler Dees Unverified
3 segments
Speaker 79
2 segments
Speaker 86
1 segment
Senator Jonathan Dismang Unverified
118 segments
Speaker 113
2 segments
Senator Ronald Caldwell Unverified
18 segments
Senator Steve Crowell Unverified
4 segments
Senator Missy Irvin Unverified
7 segments
Speaker 136
2 segments
Senator Matt McKee Unverified
20 segments
Speaker 93
1 segment
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr Unverified
22 segments
Speaker 150
1 segment
Speaker 154
1 segment
Speaker 163
4 segments
Speaker 164
3 segments
Speaker 166
2 segments
Speaker 169
1 segment
Speaker 182
1 segment
Senator Kim Hammer Unverified
23 segments
Senator Reginald Murdock Unverified
13 segments
Speaker 206
2 segments
Senator Justin Boyd Unverified
3 segments
Speaker 178
1 segment
Senator Jim Petty Unverified
4 segments
Speaker 245
1 segment
Speaker 8
2 segments
Senator Gary Stubblefield Unverified
6 segments
Speaker 258
5 segments
Speaker 83
1 segment
Senator Bart Hester Unverified
8 segments
Senator Dave Wallace Unverified
14 segments
Speaker 133
2 segments
Speaker 315
1 segment
Speaker 109
1 segment
Speaker 325
1 segment
Senator Terry Rice Unverified
19 segments
Speaker 334
2 segments
Speaker 263
1 segment
Speaker 262
2 segments
Speaker 342
1 segment
Senator Dan Sullivan Unverified
2 segments
Senator Clint Penzo Unverified
2 segments
Speaker 331
1 segment
Speaker 312
1 segment
Speaker 167
1 segment
Speaker 120
1 segment
Speaker 359
1 segment
Speaker 361
1 segment
Speaker 127
1 segment
Speaker 368
2 segments
Speaker 371
1 segment
Speaker 375
1 segment