House Convenes

I invite the members, staff, press, and guests in the galleries to stand and be led in prayer by house chaplain, Brother Richard Hamlin, pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Cabot and remained standing for the Pledge of allegiance to be led by Representative Lane Jean. Let's pray Uh, Father God, as always, we bow cognizant and aware of the special needs of those over the entire body, God we're reminded of the importance of counsel twice in many counselors, there is. truth. Members, please indicate your presence by pressing your yellow As everyone indicated their presence. Cast up the ballot, Madam clerk. When 96 members present, chair sees a quorum. There are any requests for leave? Representative Andrews, for what purpose? Leave? You recognized leave for Representative Britt McKenzie. I leave granted for Representative McKenzie. ordered. Any other requests for leave, Representative innit, for what purpose? You're recognized. Representative Tracy Steele. I leave, uh, Given for Representative Tracy Steele. ordered Representative car for what purpose? Leave? You're recognized a lead for Representative Milligan, leave granted for Representative Milligan. So water representative. You got it. Got it. Any others? Seeing Representative Matthew Shepherd moves that we dispense with the reading of the previous day's journal. No objection so ordered. Madam Clerk, are there reports from select committees? You're recognized. Mr. Speaker, we your committee on house management who were fired House Resolution 1042, House Resolution 1043, House Resolution 1044. House resolution 1045. How concurrent resolution 1005 House Memorial resolution 1003. Begley report under the same consideration here for time with the same recognation they do pass, respectfully submitted Representative Volt, chair. Madam Clark, other reports from standing committees. You're recognized. Mr. Speaker, we're your Committee on State agencies and Governmental Affairs, to whom was referred Senate Bill 208, Senate Bill 211, beg leave report and the same consideration here return with the same recommendation that it do pass, respectfully submitted Representative Gazaway, Chair. Mr. Speaker, we your Committee on Public Transportation to whom was referred House Bill 1475. House Bill 1486 beg leave report went the same consideration here starting with the same recommendation that it do pass respectfully submitted. Representative Holcomb, Chair. Mr. Speaker, will your committee on Judiciary, to whom was referred House Bill 1071 beg leave reported the same consideration, and here the return of the same. recommendation that do pass concur in Senate Amendment number one, respectfully submitted. Representative Dalby chair. Mr. Speaker, we're your committee on Judiciary, to whom was referred House Bill 1479, Senate Bill 170, Senate Bill 171, Senate Bill 172, Senate Bill 173. Senate Bill 174, 175, Senate Bill 176, 177, Senate Bill 214, vaguely report under the same consideration here time with the same recommendation that do pass, respectfully submitted. Representative Dalby, chair. Mr. Speaker, we your Committee on Public Health, Welfare and Labor to whom was referred House Bill 1213. And House Bill 1250? No. House Bill 1213 vaguely report that we're in the same consideration here for the same recommendation they do pass as amendment number 2, respectfully submitted. Representative Wardlaw, chair. Mr. Speaker, we're your Committee on Public Health, Welfare and Labor and who was referred to House Bill 1257 vaguely report me the same consideration here for time with the same recommendation that do pass as amendment number one, respectfully submitted. Representative Wardlaw, chair. Mr. Speaker, we're your Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor to whom was referred Senate Bill 134, Senate Bill 50, Senate Bill 137, Senate Bill 180, Senate Bill 213, House Bill 1447, House Bill 1478, House Bill 1176, house bill 1167. House 1254, House Bill 1256, House Bill 1258, vaguely reporting into same consideration here for time with the same renation that do pass respectfully. Representative Wardlaw, chair. You, Madam Clark. Is there any unfinished business? Is there any executive communications? Representative Pilkington, for what purpose? Notice You're recognized of reconsideration, House resolution 1010. It's proper notice. Please enter the notice in the journal. Members, I'd like to take a moment to recognize. Service today provided by our Arkansas State troopers. We have with us Sergeant Chuck Lewis, administrative Services Division from Little Rock and also Corporal Trey Keller, the Highway Patrol division of Little Rock. Please make them welcome. Gentlemen, thank you for your service. Madam Clark, please read House Resolution 1038. House Resolution 1038 by Representative Duffield to honor blues musician composer, record producer, and singer Bobby Rush for his contributions to music and the state of Arkansas. Representative Deffield, you're recognized to explain your resolution. Uh, Mr. Speaker, if you would, I'd like representatives McElroy Barnes Holcomb, and Ferguson to join me at the wet this time. Madam Clark, if you would, would you read the resolution in its entirety at this time, please, thank you. Madam Clark, read the resolution in its entirety. Whereas Bobby Rush, who spent his teenage years in Pine Bluff and began his musical career there is a Grammy Award winning musician and inductee into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame, the Blues Hall of Fame, the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame and the rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame. And whereas Bobby Rush was born, Emmett Ellis Junior near Homer, Louisiana on November 10th, 1933 and began experimenting with music as a young child by using sugar cane syrup bucket and a broom wire diddly bow zither. And whereas in 1947, Bobby Rush moved with his family to Pine Bluff. We're refried musicians including Elmore James, Boyd Gilmore, and Johnny Big Mose Walker. And whereas Bobby Rush soon formed his own band, Bobby Rush and the Four drivers featuring Boyd Gilmore and Johnny Big Mose Walker, as well as Joe Willie Pinetop Perkins, and Robert Plunkett, and whereas through Boyd Gilmore, Bobby Rush became friends with soon to be globally famous musician, Ike Turner. And whereas Bobby Rush moved with his family to Chicago in 1953, where he began performing on the circuit with Etta James Hawkins, Chester Arthur, Howling Wolf, Burnett, McKinley, Muddy Waters, Morganville, Freddie King, and Mathis James, Jimmy Reed. And whereas Bobby Rush's song Chicken Heads became his breakout record in his first gold certified record, meaning that 500,000 or more copies were sold and it reached number 34 in 1971 on Billboard Rhythm and Blues chart and re-emerged as Billboard hit in 2006 after being featured in the film Black Snake Mo. And whereas Bobby Rush So, I wanna do the do reach number 75 on the Billboard rhythm and Blues chart in 1979 and his 1981 album, Sue, as well as his 1991 album I Ain't Studying You. Both became gold certified, and whereas Bobby Rush was honored by Rolling Stone magazine for his 50 years of relentless world touring in his colorful live show and performed twice for former President William Jefferson Bill Clinton. And whereas Bobby Rush appeared in The Martin Soy documentary film series, The Blues, and the Daniel Cross documentary I Am the Blues, and also appeared. I see him himself in the 2019 film Dolemite Is My Name performing his hit song, I ain't studying You. And whereas Bobby Rush won Grammy Awards in 2017, 2021 and 2024 in the category of best traditional blues album for his albums, Porcupine Meat, Rawer Than Raw in all my love for you. Now, therefore be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the 2-ninth General Assembly of the state of Arkansas that the House of Representatives honored blues musician, composer, record producer, and singer Bobby Rush for his contributions to the music and the state of Arkansas. Let me say one thing. About This gentleman Well, I have not known him personally. But I've been affiliated with his music for probably 45, 50 years. In my other life, I was a radio announcer, RJ. They used to call me the wild child. And the hit records back then that Bobby Rush had was chicken heads. bow-legged woman knock-kneed man. His big hit is, I ain't Studying You. I knocked the mic off. But anyway, Yeah Back in those days, I played those records. And when Bobby Rush used to come to a nightclub in Pine Bluff called Collegiate Plaza, Club czar. I was often frequenting that particular club. As an announcer. But uh in any way, he's he's he's one of my favorite artists, favorite blues artists. Uh, every time I get an opportunity, I met a Bobby Rush show. So Thank you and thank you for your contribution, Mr. Rush. Bobby Rush is an extraordinary Arkansan whose contributions to music and culture have left an indelible mark on the world. Born in Louisiana and raised in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Rush's journey is a testament to his talent, resilience, and unique artistry. Known for blending blues, Southern soul funk, and even rap into a genre he calls folk funk. Rush's performances are as electrifying as his music. With a career spanning decades, he has earned numerous accolades, including Grammy Awards and induction into the Blues Hall of Fame. In November of last year, Bobby Rush turned 91 years old. Beyond his musical achievements, Russia has become a cultural ambassador for blues, performing across the globe, including for troops in Iraq and at the Great Wall of China. Its dedication to the blues, his energetic performances and his humanitarian efforts make him a true ambassador for Arkansas on a shining example of the power of music to transcend borders and inspire generations. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the great Bobby Rush. Representative Duffield has explained the resolution. Would anyone like to speak against the resolution. Would anyone like to speak for the resolution? Representative Duffield is closed for the resolution. The question before the House is the passage of House Resolution 1038. All those in favor say aye. I pose nay, the eyes have it. Congratulations, Representative Duffield, the rev resolution is adopted. Representative Rose, for what purpose? Personal privilege. You're recognized. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, thank you, colleagues. Uh, for those who did not know, February 15th was national schoolsource Officer appreciation Day. So today, in accordance with that, I'd like to say thank you to all student resource officers across Arkansas, as well as across the nation for their service to our communities. Specifically, today, I'd like to take this time to recognize an outstanding member of my community. I would like for the Arkansas House of Representatives to take a moment to honor Chief. Justin D Farquhar of Van Buren for his outstanding leadership and dedication as the founding police chief and student resource officer at Union Christian Academy in Fort Smith, and he and his wife Amy are with us in the north gallery, which you guys, uh, helped me in honoring him today. In closing, I'd like to say that, uh, Chief Farquhar, along with all the SRO's in my district will be receiving a citation. Uh, highlighting their deep commitment and protection of students and staff, ensuring a safe and nurturing learning environment. I encourage you to reach out to the SRO's in your district as well. And on behalf of the Arkansas House of Representatives, I just want to say thank you to Chief Farquhar for his excellent service and commitment to the next generation as well as SROs across the state in the country. Thank you again, colleagues, and thank you again, Chief Farquhar. The morning hour has ended. Representative Jean, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, we've got 2 sets of matches, but we've got a number of bills we need to pull out of the batch. Uh, First, that we're gonna put in the batch is a House Bill 1097, this's oil and gas. There's no general revenue in it. What did I say? 1087, excuse me. House Bill 1099. Uh, the Board of Election Commission. House Bill 1100, Arkansas State Claims Commission. We're gonna skip down to House Bill 1114. This is the commissioner of State lands op budget. Also, we're gonna take up House Bill 1151. Department of Education, this is the career technology. And also, we're going to take up, uh, House Bill 1235. This is Arkansas, uh, East Community College. If you have any questions on any of these bills. Does any of these need to be pulled out of the batch. So we are voting on House Bill 1087. 1099. 1100, 1114, 1151. And 12:35. Your one vote is for the bill in the emergency clause, Mr. Speaker had, had the clerk read the bill for the 3rd time. Madam Clark, read the bills for the 3rd time. House Bill 1087, House Bill 1099. Hospital 1100, 1114, house 1151. House Bill 1235. Prepair the machine, madam clerk. Members, your one vote will be recorded for both the bill and the emergency clause of each bill. Everyone voted So everyone voted. Is up the ballot, Madam Clerk. With a vote of 97, 0 nay, and 0 present. Bill and the emergency clause on each bill has passed. Representative Jean. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. 1094 has been asked to be pulled out of the batch and vote separately. This is the tobacco prevention and sensation. There's no general revenue proceeds come to this from tobacco settlement money. Any questions? Sing no, your one vote is for the bill, the mercy clause, Mr. Speaker, the clerk read the bill for the 3rd time. Madam Clark, read the bill for the 3rd time. House Bill 1094 Representative Jeans explained the bill. Does anyone want to speak against the bill? Anyone want to speak for the bill? Representative Jean is closed for the bill. The question before the house is the passage of House Bill 1094. Prepare the machine, madam clerk. Everyone voted Members, your one vote is for the bill and the emergency clause. Everyone voted So everyone voted. gassed up the ballot, Madam Clerk. The vote of 73, 14 nay, and 8 present. Bill has failed. Representative Jean. OK, colleagues, we'll pick it up here. House Bill 1104. This is the Department of Labor in Lassington. Uh, it has some general revenue in it, but it's no increase. Uh It has also been asked to pull out of the batch. Any questions on this? done, your one vote is for the bill, the vir clause, Mr. Speaker, the clerk read the bill 3rd time. Madam Clark, read the bill for the 3rd time. House Bill 1104. Representative Jean has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Anyone like speak for the bill. Representative Jean is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1104. Prepair the machine, madam clerk. Remember your one vote is for the bill and the emergency clause. Everyone voted Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk. The vote of 92 ya, 2 nay, and 3 present, the bill and the emergency clause have passed. Representative Jean, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Uh, the last House bill, the University of Arkansas, Little Rock. We've been asked to pass over for the day, so we'll put it on a future calendar. So we're gonna pick up at the Senate bills, and we're gonna batch Senate Bill 20. The sentencing commission for the Department of Corrections, Senate Bill 23, judicial discipline. Senate Bill 28. Uh, Arkansas Ethics Commission, Senate Bill 31, Department of Labor. Senate Bill 65, the Department of Parks and Tourism Capital Zoning, Senate Bill 74. Which is the Department of Veterans Affairs. Any questions on any of these bills? Representative Ward Law, for what purpose? Request? You're recognized. Senate bill 20. Can we, uh, hold that for another day, please. What representative gene. Any other request? OK, members, so we're gonna pass over Senate Bill 20. So we're gonna be voting on Senate Bill 23, Senate Bill 28, Senate Bill 31, Senate Bill 65, and Senate Bill 74. Your one vote is for the batch of bills and the emergency clause, Mr. Speaker, the clerk read the bill a 3rd time. Madam Clark, read the bills for the 3rd time. Senate Bill 23, Senate Bill 28, Senate Bill 31, Senate Bill 65, Senate Bill 74. Prepair the machine, madam clerk. Members, your one vote is for the bill and the emergency clause. Of each bill in the batch. So everyone voted. Everyone voted Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk. The vote of 97 e, zero nay, and 0 present. The bill in the emergency clause of each bill in the batch has passed. Representative Jean, you're recognized. English speaker, uh, Senate Bill 116, this is the University of Arkansas. I was asked to pull this out for a separate vote. Any questions on this? Thing done, your one vote is for the bill, the emergency clause, Mr. Speaker, had the clerk read the bill for the 3rd time. Madam Clerk, read the bill for the 3rd time. Senate Bill 116. Representative Jean has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? For the bill Representative Jean is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of Senate Bill 116. Prepare the machine, madam clerk. Remember your one vote is for the bill and the emergency clause. So everyone voted So everyone voted. Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk. 79, 6 nay, and 7 present. The bill in the emergency clause has passed. Representative Jean, you're recognized. Language speaker, as I said earlier, We're passing over to for another calendar. The, uh, UCA. appropriation, and the last one is a re-appropriation for the Department of Agriculture. It's, uh, $70,000 on re-appropriation on some maintenance on poultry and livestock lab. But $70,000 appropriation, but the governor has no funding for it, but they're, they've asked to pass over the, to pass the reappropriation, but there are no funds available at this time. Any questions? Your one vote is for the bill and the mercy clause, the Speaker, the clerk read the bill 3rd time. Madam Clerk, read the bill for the 3rd time. 199. Representative Jean has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? For the bill. Representative Jean is closed for the bill. Question before the house is the passage of Senate Bill 199. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Remember your one vote is for the bill in the emergency clause. So everyone voted. So everyone voted. Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk. vote of 96 0 nay, 0 present, bill in the emergency clause has passed. Represented Meeks for what purpose? Motion please. You're recognized in accordance with House Rule 33M. I move we adjourn until 1:30 tomorrow afternoon. That's a proper motion. It's non-debatable. All those in favor say aye. nay. You guys have it. I have any, any, ah, Committee announcements. Any committee announcements for Representative Moore, for what purpose? You recognized retirement will meet 15 minutes upon adjournment. Mac 8. The representative Gonzalez, what purpose announcement? You're recognized will meet tomorrow at 10 a.m. might be Representative Shepherd, what purpose? You're recognized joint budget claims review, uh, is set to meet tomorrow morning at 8:30 a.m. in room B and MAC. Represented Gazaway, for what purpose? Announcement you're recognized. State agencies will meet tomorrow at 100 a.m., room 151. Representative Pierce, what purpose? You're recognized. House rules tomorrow and Mac 12 o'clock. Representative Maddox, for what purpose? Announcement you're recognized Insurance and commerce will meet tomorrow at 10:00 a.m., room 149. Any other announcements from committee? Seeing none, the desk will remain open as needed for the reading of the bills and upon completion of the items named in the adjourned resolution. The House will be adjourned until 1:30 tomorrow afternoon.