House Convenes

I invite the members, staff, press, and guests in the galleries to stand and be led in prayer by a house chaplain, Brother Richard Hamlin. Senior pastor at Faith Baptist Church in Cabot and remained standing to be led in the pledge of allegiance by Representative Lane Jean. Let's pray Our Father who art in heaven, you taught us to pray Thy kingdom come. Thou wilt be done on earth as it is in heaven and oh how we long. For that day Until that day comes, God will need legislative bodies like those that are assembled here. To make laws, those to enforce the laws, and God, we're so thankful for both sides of that. God, we know that on both sides of that that they are doing your bidding, doing your work. And so God, we pray that you'd watch over them. On a day when our farmers are assembled here at the Capitol, they are such an example of patience. And uh we all need patience as we wait patiently for that day you've promised us, and these legislators, they need patience too. They need patience with each other. They need patience in the work. And God, I just pray that you'd grant them the endurance as they serve. As they do the work that we pray also as always that you'd watch over them and their families. Uh, God is there serving. And, uh, we pray especially for Representative Wang and his family, uh, for his mother Gail is, uh, she's uh trying to recover from this, uh, stroke. Members, please indicate your presence by pushing your yellow present button. Prepare the machine, Madam clerk. Is everyone indicated their presence. Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk. With 97 members present, the chair sees a quorum. Are there any requests for leave? Representative Perrier, for what purpose? leave for Representative Unger. Is leave granted for Representative Unger. So ordered. Representative Pierce, for what purpose? Leave You'red Wardlaw. Is leave granted for Representative Ward law. Any other requests for leave. Representative Milligan, for what purpose? You're recognized for Representative Meeks leave granted for Representative Meeks. So ordered. Representative Matthew Shepherd moves that we dispense with the reading of the previous day's journal with no objections, so ordered. Madam Clerk, are there any reports from select committees? Do you have any reports from standing committees. Madam Clerk, you are recognized. Mr. Speaker, were your Committee on Public Transportation, to whom was referred House Bill 1536, Senate Bill 202, Bagley report the same consideration here for time with the same recommendation that do pass respectfully submitted. Representative Holcomb, Chair. Mr. Speaker, we your Committee on Education and who was referred to Senate Bill 228 vaguely reported the same consideration He returned with the same recommendation that it do pass, respectfully submitted Representative Brooks, Chair. Mr. Speaker, we your Committee on Judiciary to whom was referred House Bill 1452. Begly reporting the same consideration here turn same recommendation that do pass as amendment number one, respectfully. submitted Representative Darby, chair. Mr. Speaker, we your committee on Judiciary, to whom was referred House Bill 1465 House Bill 1508, House Bill 1527, Senate Bill 237, vaguely reporting the same consideration here for terms of the the same recommendation that it do pass respectfully submitted. Representative Underwood, chair. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Is there any unfinished business? Do you have any executive communications? Members, uh, we have a lot of guests here with us today, uh, very happy to have them. First, let us recognize if you'll direct your attention to the back of the chamber, uh, with us today, serving our Arkansas state troopers, Sergeant Zach Owens, the administrative Services Division and Sergeant Austin Ley of the regulatory Services Division, both at the Little Rock. Gentlemen, we thank you for your service to our state and to this body. Members of our doctor of the day here with us is Doctor Lee Kuon. He's an internal medicine physician out of Raven Den. He is guest today of Representative Trey Steel. Would you please make him welcome. Thank you, sir. Serving alongside him today and for our care is our nurse, Ms. Lee Fazio. Please make her welcome. Miss Lee, thank you. Up in the galleries today we have with us, uh, leader, a group from Leadership Crawford County. They are guests of Representative Perrier, Representative Hall, and Representative Rose, would you please make them welcome? We have guests here today, uh, Representative Jay Richardson has guests here from the Sebastian County Democrats, would you please make them welcome to the house. Up over my shoulder in the north gallery, we have with us today Ms. Betty Busby and Ms. Emily Kuon. They are the mother-in-law and daughter of our doctor of the day. They're also guests of Representative Steinel. Over in the east gallery we have with us from the Arkansas State Police Troop K, Lieutenant Brandon Marcus, he is guest here today, Job shadowing Representative Les Warren. We have a couple of special guests also with us here on the floor. They are in the back of the chamber, uh, first one is former state representative Brent Talley. Brent, good to see you here today. no stranger to most everyone in this chamber, uh, a true asset to the House of Representatives, former state representative, former chief of staff, and here with us today, please welcome back Mr. Roy Raglan. Madam Clark, please read House resolution. 1028. House Resolution 1028 by Representative Val to recognize National FFA Week. Representative Vauci are recognized to Explain your resolution. You're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. What an honor it is. Oh well, we'll Representative Jean and Representative Andrews, come to the well. What an honor it is to welcome and salute our FFAs across the state today. There would have been blue and gold jackets all over the, the rotunda and everywhere, had it been able to take place last week, but this week, most schools couldn't come. But we know what an important, um, program that is to our, our local schools and, uh, for our future, uh, even here in this chamber. Several of y'all asked me why this is important to me. My husband and I are both farmers. Both FFA members and, um, both have an ag business degree. FFA was very much a part of my husband's life, um, I have My FFA teacher here today, uh, Nicky Litchford and her dad was actually my husband's FFA teacher. I actually didn't get involved in FFA until I was in college and it was Bruce Malloch who got me involved in college FFA. So whatever you ask, what is FFA? I wanna give you a little bit of a background on how FFA came to be. Future Farmers of America was actually founded, uh, by a group of young farmers in 1928. Their mission was to prepare for future generations, for the challenge of feeding and growing. The fading, the growing population. A really cool fact that I came across was 96 years ago, Carlton Patone from Arkansas. Became the first Star farmer of America in 1929. This award today is known as American Star Award, and it's actually the highest achieving award you can receive in an FFA member. The Arkansas FFA has over 17,000 members and 217 chapters. The National FFA Organization has 9,235 chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and in the US Virgin Islands. FFA is a school-based organization that provides leadership, personal growth, career success, and training in the agriculture education. Agriculture is much more than just planting and harvesting. It is an evolving, uh, it is ever evolving with the times. It's not just being a traditional farmer. We're scientists, we're environmentalists. We care about the land because the land takes care of our families. It's a business. It's being an entrepreneur. And most of all, I think it's a true calling on your life. With the FFA state, there they are. This is our FFA a state, uh, President, Vice President, all the way down. It's our state officers. Would y'all please welcome them to the House of Representatives. FFA is more than just sows, cows, and plows. FFA is a leadership organization that teaches, you know, our, our youth. How do, how to lead and how to do well, but from the, um, Leadership development events, career development events, supervised agricultural experiences, um, FFA teaches our youth a lot, um, I wore the blue jacket. I'm probably. The youngest one in this chamber to have wore the blue jacket and um. I, I credit FFA for, uh, making me a politician because, uh, to the FA students, to the officers, got some other ones who are not officers, um. Y'all can lose a race for state office and still become state rep just let y'all know, um. But if they taught me a lot, and I am so grateful to the organization, and, um. Please have the clerk read title only. Madam Clark, please read the resolution in title only. FFA Week. Representative Vaugh has explained the resolution. Would anyone like to speak against the resolution? For the resolution Representative Vaut is closed for the resolution. The question before the House is the passage of House resolution 1028. All those in favor say aye. Oppose nay, you have it. Congratulations, Representative Vaut, resolution is adopted. Madam Clark, please read House resolution 1048. House resolution 1048 by Representative Volt to authorize access to and use of the chamber of the House of Representatives for the meetings of the silver-haired Legislative session, Leadership Arkansas, Arkansas Girls State, and Arkansas Boys State. members of Novo you recognized to present the resolution. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The resolution allows. Silver hair, boys and girls on my sheet. Um, so, so we had some old, thank you. I'm sorry. So we had some old language that was all needed to be updated on who could come onto the House floor, uh, and for their different functions that go on throughout the year. We have Boise State, we have girls state, we have silver hair, uh, legislators that come, um, and we have Arkansas leadership that comes in, and presents on this floor, and that's what this resolution does. It still allows them to come here, be a part of the floor, process, uh, when they're here for those, um, Those activities. With that, I would appreciate a good vote. Representative Vaugh has explained the resolution. Would anyone like to speak against the resolution. before the resolution Representative Vaugh is closed for the resolution. Question before the house is the passage of House resolution 1048. All those in favor say aye. Nay, you have it. Congratulations, Representative Vault. You have passed the resolution. Madam Clark, please read House resolution 1049. House Resolution 1049 by Speaker Evans to authorize recesses of either or both chambers for periods of 4 consecutive days or longer. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Morning hours is being brought to you by Representative Vaut, obviously. Um This will authorize us to have 4 consecutive days or longer off. Um, I think if you'll remember back, maybe we did some of that back in March of last, last session. So we're looking at doing that again this session. So with that, I'd appreciate a good vote. Representative Vard has explained the resolution. Would anyone like to speak against the resolution. For the resolution Representative Vaugh is closed for the resolution. Question before the house is the passage of House Resolution 1049. All those in favor say aye. Posne, guys have it, resolution is adopted. Madam Clerk, please read House concurrent resolution 1006. 1006 by Representative Vault to provide an extension of the regular session of the 95th General Assembly and to provide for a recess of the General Assembly. Representative Archer recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is a standard, uh, procedure that we do every session. Uh, we're looking to finish up on On or before April 16th, which means that we would do sunny dye on May 5th. And with that, I would appreciate a good vote. Representative Vaugh has explained the resolution. Would anyone like to speak against the resolution? For the resolution. Representative Bot is closed for the resolution. Question before the house is the passage of House Concurrent resolution 1006, all those in favor say aye. Osnay, ya's have it, the resolution is adopted. Representative Volt, for what purpose? Recognized Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I Actually have a resolution for them, but as house manager, I forgot to, uh, file it on time. Um, no, really, we weren't sure when they were going to get to come and be here today, but I was talking about my group from Horatio, uh, just a second ago, Nicky Litchford is an amazing ag teacher. She's someone who definitely goes above and beyond for her students. She gives them the greatest opportunities. Um, she is, she's a hard worker and a go-getter, and there's nothing she's shy to, period. Her livestock team, judging team, um, Laila. Connor, Jake, Olivia, and Matthew. Up there in the gallery. They um have placed high in in state and national FFA competitions, and they've also been state champions here in the state of Arkansas many times. When you say the word Horatio FFA or Nikki Lichford, and either the agriculture world or in the FFA world, there's someone who is very known. And they are very competitive. On October 10th in 2025, the Horatio FFA judging team became national champions for the first time. This group of young people are living their motto, leaving a great legacy of impact. Please help me congratulate them on their great efforts. Members, while you are still standing, uh, we have another special guest that has joined us in the back of the chamber. Please welcome back to the Arkansas House former State Representative Michelle Gray. Madam Clerk, please read House Resolution 1052. House Resolution 1052 by Representative Lynch commending Arkansas farmers, ranchers, and foresters for their vital contributions to the security and economic well-being of the state of Arkansas and the nation. Representative Lynch, you're recognized to present the resolution. Morning, colleagues, I'm sure y'all noticed all the guys around here today that's got beards and wearing plaid shirts. Those are some of our farmers, and as the chair of our agriculture, forest, and economic development committee and a father of a first generation Arkansas farmer. I'd like to present this resolution. I'll give you a few, uh, facts out of it before I have the. clerk read it by a title only. 20% of Arkansas's economy is based on food, fiber, and forestry. 2/3 of Arkansas counties rely heavily on farming and forestry as our economic base. Agriculture and food-related activities provide more than 240,000 jobs in Arkansas. That's one out of every 7 jobs. Agriculture generates in excess of $24 billion in the state of Arkansas. Arkansas ranks in the top third of the nation for cash farm receipts. And top 5, and the top 5 producer of rice, boiler chickens, cotton, fish, and turkeys. And Arkansas has more than 370,400 farms. On nearly 14 million acres. And more than 19 million acres of forest land. Mr. Speaker, Madam Clark, please read the resolution by title only. Recommending Arkansas farmers, ranchers, and foresters for their vital contributions to the security and economic well-being of the state of Arkansas and the nation. Representative Lynch has explained the resolution. Would anyone like to speak against the resolution. For the resolution Representative Lynch is closed for the resolution. The question before the House is the passage of House Resolution 1052. All those in favor say aye. Oppose nay, the eyes have it. Representative Lynch, the resolution is adopted. Members, uh, in the East gallery, we have joining us today guest of Representative Aaron Pilkington. We have Darren Lasort, government relations director for the NSSF and also Kelby Senor, uh, the Arkansas State Director of the National Rifle Association. Would you please make them welcome? Madam Clark, please read House Memorial resolution 1004. House Memorial resolution 1004 by Representative Steele and respectful memory of former Arkansas Attorney General United States Congressman and forty-third governor of Arkansas, James Jim Guy Tucker for his service to the nation and to the state of Arkansas. Representative Steele, you're recognized to present the resolution. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Remembers on yesterday when the Speakers got us through. The agenda so quickly. I looked at my watch and I got up and told my seatmate, Miss Ennis and darted over to the actual funeral service, uh, former Governor Jim Guy Tucker. Uh, while I was at the funeral, I thought about how much I have been Bless one to be a part of this body. And I thought about how I've been blessed. To work with or for. The last 6 governors. 3 Democrats and 3 Republicans. Jim Guy Tucker was one of those individuals who I worked for and had the privilege of working for. When he was governor. Two things I thought about at the church yesterday while I was there. it was at a point in time in my life when I needed someone, uh. Who I could relate to who I could talk to, not only a boss, but as a friend. The worst day I ever had as a young man, I was a very young man at the time. The worst day I had, and the best day I had, The governor was right there with me. The first one had a young man. Unfortunately, my mother went on to be with the Lord. And I was much too young to face this world without a mother. And I can remember going into my mother's funeral service. And going in the church and looking on the front row and they're on the front row was the governor of the state of Arkansas, Jim. And also He was there. On the best day. I ever had in my life. That's when I got married to my wonderful wife. We had a big wedding, and the reception was over at the Capitol Hill building. This was back in the day where you could rent the Capitol Hill building, things have changed since then. And right in the middle of my reception, he darted in. And gave a toast to my wife and I. So I appreciate him for all the personal support. That he gave me. But also so many others. And more importantly, the support that he gave and the work. That he put in for the state of Arkansas. Had a staff member it brought to mind yesterday, 11 story that'll be very brief. At a particular time, there was a tremendous growth. Of our Hispanic citizens in the state of Arkansas, especially in Northwest Arkansas. So during that legislative session, there was a Hispanic task force that had been formed. This Hispanic task force was to meet and I Was the person who was in charge of putting together that first meeting, and I was very nervous about it because I did not have an opportunity to brief the governor. And nervous as I was, we had a tremendous turnout. It was down in the governor's conference room, and he walked in, he was running a little late, and I was just as nervous as you can be. And he sat down in front of this group, and I didn't know what the meeting was going to be about. And he conducted the entire meeting. In Spanish. I was the only one lost in the meeting, how it turned out. But it gives me great pleasure. Today To show our respect, our honor, to someone who served this state. In the highest office that we have in Arkansas. Governor Jim Guy Tucker. Madam clerk, could you read the abbreviated resolution, please. Madam Clerk, please read the resolution and title only. In respectful memory of former Arkansas Attorney General, United States Congressman and forty-third governor of the Arkansas, James Jim Guy Tucker, for his service to the nation in the state of Arkansas. Representative Steele has explained the resolution. Would anyone like to speak against the resolution. Would anyone like to speak for the resolution? Representative Steele, you recognized to close for your resolution. We've closed. Representative Steele is closed for the resolution. The question before the House is the passage of House Memorial 1004. All those in favor say aye. nay, the eyes have it. Congratulations, Representative Steele. The resolution is adopted. Members, we've got a little bit of a technical issue. Houses called back into order. Madam Clark, please read House resolution 1039. House Resolution 1039 by Repsentative Springers who commend Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated for its contributions to the community and the designate February designate February 25th, 2025 is Aha Kappa Alpha day at the state Capitol. Representative Springer, you are recognized to present your resolution. Good afternoon. And thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today we have a group of young ladies here. That represent the first Greek letter organization. On the campus of Howard University in 1908. Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority Incorporated. Um, in the house gallery, you have our current regional director, Doctor Sean Simmons. And we also have our cluster coordinator Shanquera Cunningham. We have Ms. Nelson and Miss uh I, I don't remember her last name. Thank you. But they're here. And we also have our 19th South Central Regional Director, and she's on her way. With that being said, Mr. Mr. Speaker, I would like for the clerk to read the resolution, not in this entirety, uh, paragraphs one. 456, and then that there are 4. Madam Clark, please read the resolution as requested. Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority Incorporated founded on January 15, 1908 on the campus of Howard University in Washington DC was America's first Greek letter organization for college black women and whereas the membership of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. Includes educators, heads of state, politicians, lawyers, medical professionals, media personalities, decision makers and major corporations, former Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris, Little Rock 9 member, the late Thelma Mothershed Ware and the late congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, and we as well-known honorary members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated include Marian Anderson, Maya Angelou, Ella Fitzgerald, Mae Jemison, Coretta Scott King, Judge Constance Baker Motley, former Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton and former Lady Mic. Michelle Obama, and whereas local and statewide members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated includes Judge Andrea Andrea Leighton Roth, former Senator Irma Lee Hunter Brown, former Representative Nancy Blunt, former Representative. Wilhelmina Lou Allen, Senator Jamie Scott, Representative Joyce Singer, former Senator Linda Chesterfield and deputy director for the Senate Assistant Secretary and Senate Sabrina Lee Allen. And whereas Now, therefore, it be resolved by the House of Representatives, the ninety-fifth General Assembly, the state of Arkansas, that the House of Representatives can be an Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated for its service, work and contributions to the state of Arkansas, the South Central region of the United States and internationally and celebrate February 25, 2025 as Alpha Kappa Alpha day at the state Capitol. Representative Springer has explained the resolution is closed for the resolution. Would anyone like to speak against the resolution? For the resolution. All those in favor of the resolution say aye. Poya's have it. Congratulations, Representative Springer, the resolution is adopted. The morning hours has ended. Madam Clark, please read House Bill 1049. Representative Tosh recommends that we concur in Senate Amendment number 1 to House Bill 1049. Madam Clerk, please read the amendment. Amendment number one, Senate Amendment number 1 to House Bill 1049. Representatives recognized to explain the amendment. Thank you Mr. Speaker, colleagues, uh, when we passed this bill out of here, there was an error on the co-sponsorship that was amended on the Senate end. Everything's good. It's been corrected and uh I would appreciate a good vote. Representative Tosh has explained the amendment. Would anyone like to speak against the amendment. For the amendment. Representative Tosh is closed for the amendment. The question before the House is the concurrence with Senate Amendment number 1 to House Bill 1049, repair the machine, Madam clerk. So everyone voted, so everyone voted. Cast up the ballot, Madam clerk. By a vote of 91, 0, nay, and 3 present. The bill is passed. The amendment is passed, and you have concurred with the amendment. Madam Clerk, please read House Bill 1474. Houseville 1474 by Representative Carr concerning the prevention of human trafficking and to require the display of information about the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Representative Carr, you're recognized to explain your bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Uh, this bill just, uh, corrects some language, gives more specifics, also includes an addition. To a current bill requiring Human trafficking hotline posters and information to be, uh, to be displayed in certain facilities. Uh, we've got a little bit more specific on the location of the proximity to the interstates. And also we've included, uh, nail salons and massage businesses that are licensed by the Department of Health. I conferred with Arkansas State Police. The Attorney General's office and also Arkansas Department of Health. At this time, I'd take any questions. And without that, I would appreciate a good vote. Thank you. Representative Carr has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill. Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Representative Carr is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1474. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. So everyone voted. So everyone voted. Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk. By a vote of 93 y, 0 nay, and 0 present. The bill is passed. Madam Clark, please read House Bill 1507. How's House Bill 1507 by Representative Lady to amend the law concerning environmental social justice or governance scores, and to clarify the exemptions from divestment from certain investments. Representative Ladyman, you're recognized to explain your bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Uh, colleagues, HB 1507 is, uh, just correcting and oversight from the ESG bill that was passed during the last session. Uh, in the original bill, if you remember, uh, there was an exemption for the vestiture. For only state, uh, entities. But not for cities and counties and other public entities such as nonprofit utilities that were impacted by that bill. This bill simply includes Uh, all the public entities in the exemption. Uh, it was never the intention, uh, for any public dollars to be lost because they would be penalized by having to divest their investments early. So that basically is the bill. It just covers those other entities, be happy to take any questions. Representative Ladyman has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill. Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Representative Ladyman is closed for the bill. The question before the house is the passage of House Bill 1507. Prepare the machine, madam clerk. So everyone voted, so everyone voted. Cast up the ballot, Madam clerk. By a vote of 96, 0, nay, and 0 present. The bill is passed. Madam Clerk, please read House Bill 1449. 14 by Representative Collins to amend the law concerning reports of contributions for a candidate for state or district office to extend the deadline for final reports and to amend portions of the law resulting in initiated Act 1 of 1990. Representative Collins, you're recognized to explain your bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Uh, so this bill would just move the deadline for the final report that we all do as candidates, uh, during an election year from the 31st of the last month after the election to the 20th of the next month. So for an example, right now, your final report for the general elections due December 31st, and that's an issue because you actually have to report contributions and expenditures through December 31st. So you're reporting on contributions and expense. signatures that happened that day that the report is due. That's a tight deadline that could lead to inaccuracies, and it can at best lead to people sitting around waiting, um, until the, you know, New Year's Eve to make that report. So by moving it to the 20th of the next month, we are conforming it with the date that all the other monthly reports you do, this, uh, brings uniformity and uh hopefully should make things a little bit more uh manageable for candidates. Happy to answer. any questions. Sing Nan, I'd appreciate a good vote. Representative Collins has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Representative Collins is closed for the bill. The question before the house is the passage of House Bill 1449. Prepair the machine, madam clerk. So everyone voted. So everyone voted. Cast up the ballot, Madam clerk. By a vote of 94, yeah, 0, nay, and 3 present. The bill has passed. Madam clerk, please read House Bill 1514. 1514 by Representative Painter to amend the uniform attendance and Leave Policy Act and to amend the definition of a critical need employee. Representative Painter, you're recognized to explain your bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, colleagues, HB 1514 men's a uniform attendance and leave policy to add of the Department of Military to the list of agencies that have a critical need employees. The bill clarifies to make sure all 24 hour a day positions at the Department of Military are covered. Critical need employees are, uh, are the need and positions utilized by an agency that are 24, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Department of military has firefighters, law enforcement officers, security officers, and dispatch personnel that are involved in 24 hour operations at Camp Robinson, Fort Chaffee, and their air base. So all it's doing is just adding the Department of Military. Be glad to take any questions. Seeing the questions, I appreciate to give up. Representative Painter has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill. For the bill Representative Painter is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1514. Prepare the machine, madam clerk. So everyone voted. So everyone voted. Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk. By a vote of 96 ye, zero nay, and zero present. The bill is passed. Members, before we move to Senate bills, just to take a moment to recognize, uh, fine group of, uh, students that are here with us today serving as pages, doing good work for us. Would you please uh give them a round of applause. We thank you all for your service to the house. Madam clerk, please read Senate Bill 208. 208 by Representative Underwood to amend the law concerning initiative initiative and referendum petitions to view a canvasser to request photo identification before obtaining a signature and to declare an emergency. Representative Underwood, you are recognized to explain your bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, what this bill does is it requires voter ID for signing a petition. So, uh, in committee, the Secretary of State testified that, uh, 20 to 40% of signatures are invalid. Uh, last year, the medical marijuana amendment had over 5000 duplicate signatures in 2020, there was a petition that had uh almost 2500 duplicate duplicate signatures. And in 2016, we had three petitions that had, uh, about or just over 4000 duplicates and one petition had over 10,000 duplicate signatures. And many of these duplicate signatures are caused by someone signing their own name or signing their name multiple times or signing other people's names to the petition. And currently, there's no way to prevent that from happening. So, we believe in voter ID laws in Arkansas to maintain secure elections and high integrity in our election process, and the Arkansas Constitution calls a voter signature, uh, they're on a petition their vote. This type of vote should have the same requirement that we have on the ballot. It ensures that only eligible voters participate, and it keeps one from signing somebody else's name without their consent. And I believe that this promotes greater confidence in the initiative process, and I'm happy to take a few questions. Saying none, I'd ask for a good vote. Representative Underwood has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? For the bill Representative Underwood is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of Senate Bill 208. Prepare the machine, madam clerk. So everyone voted. Members, your one vote is for the bill and the emergency clause. So everyone voted. Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk. By a vote of 78, 24 nay, and 2 present Bill an emergency clause has passed. Members, we also have some guests with us, um, Students from Harding University, they are in the East Gallery. Doctor Steven Brazil is here with them. They are from the poly, uh, political science class here, just taking notes on how state government works. So thank you all very much for being here with us today. Madam Clark, please read Senate Bill 211. Cinderville 211 by Representative Underwood to amend the law concerning initiative petitions and referendum petitions to require a canvasser to submit an affidavit for signatures can be counted and to declare an emergency. Representative Underwood, you're to explain your bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So this bill is kind of the flip side of the coin that's focused on the canvassers' conduct. Uh, it requires a canvasser to submit a sworn affidavit to the Secretary of State certifying that the canvasser has complied with all Arkansas laws and, and, and the state constitution concerning canvassing, perjury, forgery, and fraudulent. practices. Uh, in committee, we've heard some testimony about a, a growing number of issues with fraudulent canvassing behavior. And currently, the canvasser only has to sign an affidavit prior to collecting signatures that they've taken all the training and etc. And then they have to sign an affidavit on the bottom of the petition parts, uh, regarding this, uh, acquiring the signatures, but they never have to take uh sign an affidavit on the back end that's broader, saying they comply with all of the laws related to this. I think this is a basic step to mitigate fraudulent behavior. And just to make a simple promise that you follow the rules, holds campus are accountable and discourages bad actors from submitting signatures fraudulently or improperly obtained. And there was reassures signatures that have been collected, have been collected ethically and legally. I think there's a uh a simple safeguard just to make a promise that you follow the law. Uh, and I'd be happy to take a few questions. Representative Carr, for what purpose? Question, you're recognized for a question. Representative Underwood, you said at this point right now, they do, uh, affidavit prior to. So would Will that just be moved, that will be omitted and moved to the inner will they do one before and after. They, this would be a, a different affidavit that says they complied with all the laws when they were gathering the signatures. The first affidavits regarding, uh, them taking the proper training and, and a couple other things. So they would have 2 then? Yes, this will be on the back end. OK, thank you sir. Thank you for the question. Representative McClure, for what purpose? Question, you're recognized for a question. Does this apply to local countywide ballot initi statewide initiatives. Thank you. Thank you. I appreciate the vote. Representative Underwood has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Representative Collins, you're recognized to speak against the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And, uh, you know, I am against all of these bills that are part of this, uh, petition package for different reasons that they ultimately all go at chilling, the ability of people to participate in direct democracy, but I wanted to specifically comment on this one because I think it, uh, it merits a little bit of explanation. So that affidavit that Representative Underwood mentioned is actually on the back end and what it says is it's on each sheet where you collect signatures for an initiated act or constitutional amendment, and what it says is that to the best of my knowledge and belief, each signature is genuine and each signer is a registered voter of the state of Arkansas in the county listed. There's some additional information there. So if the idea is to avoid fraudulent behavior and have them sign an affidavit under penalty of perjury to make sure that a canvasser doesn't commit fraud, that is there already in law on every single sheet they have to warrant that. And if they are incorrect in that and if they don't tell the truth, that's perjury, that's a crime, and that's very serious under our law. What this affidavit would do, this new affidavit that's being created by this bill. As it would say that if the canvasser breaks any law, which of course they shouldn't do, we all agree, then all of the signatures that they have collected and all of their canvassing are thrown out. And that's why this bill is, in my opinion, if not designed, it certainly has the effect of chilling access to direct democracy in Arkansas. Uh, because you're basically punishing a petitioner, meaning a person trying to sign for something that the canvasser did somewhere along the line. They may not have done anything wrong when it comes to getting your signature. Your signature may be perfectly valid, but it'll be thrown out if this bill passes and the canvasser has any issue, even with a technicality of compliance with law. And so, we talked about this in great detail in committee, um, but I think of all of the this one really warrants a closer look because what we're doing here is going to chill direct democracy and the people's voice matters in Arkansas. So I'd urge you to vote no. Thank you. Representative Collins has spoke against the bill. Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Representative Underwood, you're recognized to close for your bill. Uh, all right, so I just wanted to address a couple of things. One, I don't think there's any chilling effect here. Um, you know, I think it's a pretty reasonable step for a canvasser to sign an affidavit. We do this all the time in the law that you've signed something that states that, uh, what you've done is true and accurate, that you didn't break any laws, you didn't commit fraud. Uh, on the petition part thing that was added or that was mentioned, there is an affidavit on that, but it's very narrow and it's related to the signatures on each page. It's not as broad. talking about all the laws related to canvassing. And that's what this one Adresses. And then on throwing out signatures, that's already the case. If you're a canvasser, you have certain responsibilities when you take on that, that role. And if you don't comply with other things in the law, signatures get thrown out. And so, um, all we're saying is comply with the law and take it, swear to a statement that you comply with the law. I appreciate a good vote. Representative Underwood is closed for the bill. The question before the house is the passage of Senate Bill 211. Repair the machine, Madam Clerk. So everyone voted. So everyone voted. Cast up the ballot, Madam clerk. By a vote of 65 ya, 27 nays, 3 present. The bill has passed. We will now vote on the emergency clause. Or the machine, Madam Clerk. So everyone voted. So everyone voted. Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk. By a vote of 69, 26 nays, and 2 present, the emergency clause on Senate Bill 211 has passed. Representative Milligan, for what purpose? Motion. You're recognized. Per to House Rule 33M. I move we adjourn to 1:30 tomorrow afternoon. That's a proper motion. It's non-debatable. All those in favor say aye. Rosna, the eyes have it. Have any committee announcements, announcements from committees. Representative Lynch, for what purpose? Announcement, you're recognized. A committee will not meet tomorrow. Representative Barker, for what purpose? You're recognized at 10 a.m. in room 130. Representative Gonzalez, for what purpose? Announcement? You're recognized will meet tomorrow at 10 a.m. Um, room might be. Representative Gazaway, for what purpose? You're recognized will meet tomorrow morning 10 a.m., room 151. Representative Warren, for what purpose? Announcement, you're recognized. Retirement will meet, uh, about 15 minutes after adjournment. In Big Mac. Representative, for what purpose? You're recognized will meet in the morning at 9 a.m. Maddox, for what purpose you recognized. Insurance and commerce meet tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. Have any other announcements from committees, Representative Pilkington, you're recognized. Thank you. Uh, tomorrow at 8 a.m. we have Pierre. You're 8 a.m. tomorrow, Big Mac A. Any other committee announcements. Seeing none, the desk will remain open as needed for the reading of the bills and upon completion of the items in the adjourned resolution. The House will be adjourned until 1:30