House Convenes

I invite the members, staff, press, and guests in the galleries to stand and be led in prayer by Pastor Shane Day, the Arkansas State Director of Capitol Ministries, a guest today of Representative Ryan Rose. And to remain standing for the pledge of allegiance to be led by Representative Lane Jean. Good afternoon. Let's pray together. Dear Heavenly Father. I pray for these representatives of our state, O Lord. I pray that they and all citizens of our great state will remember our dependence on you, the King of all kings, Creator, and ruler. Of the universe as your word says, unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it. Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. Lord, I pray for each one here that you would grant them strength. Lord, we are reminded that you give power to the weak. And to those who have no might, you increase strength. But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount it with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint. Lord, I pray that you would grant these representatives divine wisdom today. May they be gifted in all wisdom. That's knowledge and quick to understand. Lord, grant them great courage from you. I know that you will say to each one here, be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Lord, please deliver them from all evil today, for the horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverances of the Lord and do not lead them into temptation, but delivered them from all evil. Lord, I pray for their blessing and favor today. So I pray the Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. Almighty God, bless these legislators, staff members and their families and loved ones in the holy and mighty name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, the king of all kings, the Lord of Lords, and the glory of Israel. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen. Members, uh, please indicate your presence by pushing your yellow present button. Prepare the machine, madam clerk. So everyone indicated their presence. Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk. 100 members present. The chair sees a quorum. Representative Matthew Shepherd moves that we dispense with the reading of the previous day's journal, with no objections, so ordered. Madam Clerk, are the reports from select committees? Are the reports from standing committees. You're recognized, Madam Clerk. Mr. Speaker, will your committee on agriculture, forestry and Economic development, to whom was referred House Bill 1411, House Bill 1412, Senate Bill 146, Begley report the same consideration here return the same recommendation that it do pass effectively submitted. Representative Lynch, chair. Mr. Speaker, we your committee on agriculture, Forestry and Economic Development, to whom was referred House Bill 1441 vaguely report with the same consideration here return with the same recommendation that it do pass as amended number one, respectfully submitted. Representative Lynch, chair. Mr. Speaker, we your committee on Ageing Children and Youth. Legislative and military affairs, to whom was referred House Bill 1292 Magley report into the same consideration here for time with the same recommendation that they do pass as amended number 2. Respectfully submitted. Representative Barker, chair. Mr. Speaker, we your Committee on Aging Children and Youth Legislative and Military Affairs, to whom was referred House Bill 1368 vaguely report the same consideration here return same recommendation that it do pass as Amendment number one, respectfully submitted. Representative Barker, chair. Mr. Speaker, we're your Committee on State agencies and Governmental Affairs to whom was referred House Bill 1194. House Bill 1379, House Bill 1399, House Bill 1417, Senate Bill 14, Senate Bill 102, beg leave report with the same consideration here for return with the same recommendation that it do pass respectfully submitted. Representative Gazaway, Chair, Mr. Speaker, your committee on city, county, and local affairs, to whom was referred House Bill 1418, House Bill 1445, to whom was referred? I'm sorry. Bag leave report the same consideration here for time with the same recommendation they do pass respectfully submitted. Representative Gonzalez, chair. Thank you, Madam Clark. Is there any unfinished business. Is there any executive communications? Madam clerk Please read the letter from the governor. To the Speaker of the House. Dear Mr. Speaker, this is to inform you that on February 11, 2025, I reviewed and approved the following measures from the regular session of the ninety-fifth General Assembly. House Bill 10, 1204 Act 28, House Bill 1273, Act 29, House Bill 1225 Act 30, House Bill 1227, Act 31. House Bill 1226 Act 32. House Bill 1228, Act 33, House Bill 1056 Act 34, House Bill 1229, Act 35, House Bill 1234, Act 36. House Bill 12:30, Act 37. House Bill 12:31, Act 38. House Bill 1233. Act 39. 1247 Act 40. House Bill 1248, Act 41. House Bill 1249, Act 42. Councilor 153, Act 43, House Bill 1260 Act 44. House Bill 1261. Act 45, House Bill 1264, Act 46, House Bill 1266, Act 47. Sincerely, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Governor of Arkansas. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Members joining us today in the back of the chamber, we have with us from the Arkansas State Police, Sergeant Chuck Lewis, the administrative Services Division and Corporal Trey Keller from the Highway Patrol Administration, both Little Rock. Gentlemen, thank you for your service to the state. Also joining us in the back of the chamber, our nurse of the day is Ms. Lee Fazio. Please welcome her. Thank you for your service to the house. Members, we have some additional guests here today, uh. Guests of different members in the East Gallery. We have representatives of leadership Mississippi County and the Mississippi County Regional Chamber. They are guests today are Representative Joey Carr. Would you please make them welcome? Joining us in the North gallery today, we have John Newman. He's a lead teacher at the academies of Jonesboro High School and sponsor of the Active Citizens Club. He is here today accompanying a group of students serving his pages. He is guest of Representative Ladyman, Representative Kavanaugh, Representative Tosh, Representative Brooks. Also with us today in the North gallery, we have the, uh, Greene County Justice of the Peace, Mr. Mark Reeves, he is guest today of Representative Wooldridge, Representative Kavanaugh, and Representative Gazaway. Would you please make him welcome? Members of Representative Steele recommends that we concur in Senate Amendment number 10, no, sorry, excuse me. Madam Clerk, please read House Resolution 1024. House Resolution 1024 by Representative Steele to celebrate Black History Month during February 2025 and to recognize and applaud the sacrifices and mid. Myriad contributions made by African American individuals throughout the history of Arkansas and the United States. Representative Steele, you're recognized to explain your resolution. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Uh, Mr. Speaker, if I could, I would like to ask all the members of the Arkansas Legislative Black Caucus to please come down. For the presentation of the resolution. Good looking group so far. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I want to yield to my co-sponsor, representative Barnes to present the resolution. Representative Barnes, you are recognized to explain the resolution. It was President Ford who once signed for this month to be called Black History Month. President Ford was a Caucasian man. Looked out and found a need for this month. I heard the deliberation last week. And many of us feel that. Now the playing field is evil, even. And there's no need anymore for days like these. But I wanna call your attention to one of the most noble places you can go. ideas to church. Just a few years ago, A black couple attended. A Caucasian church wanted to get married in that church. And the congregants told them they couldn't. Because no one black had ever been married. In that church. Khali It's gonna be tough for you. to look in your own circle. To find a reason to do We're the ones who have face the turmoil and terror. We just asking you all. The as President Ford was. And to join in with the movement. And say this is not how we feel. Truly All men are created equal. And deserve the right. Of life Liberty. And the pursuit. Of happiness. Thank you. Mr. Speaker, could the clerk read the resolution by title only? Madam Clark, please read the resolution by title only. To celebrate Black History Month during February 2025 and to recognize and applaud the sacrifices and myriad contributions made by African American individuals throughout the history of Arkansas and the United States. Representative Barnes has explained the resolution. Would anyone like to speak against the resolution. Would anyone like to speak for the resolution? Representative Barnes is closed for the resolution. The question before the House is the passage of House resolution 1024. All those in favor say aye. Honey, you have it. Congratulations and resolution is adopted. Members, we're going to pass over House resolution 1026 for the moment. We're also at the request of Representative Shepard, we're gonna pass over House Memorial resolution 1001. Madam Clerk, please read House Resolution 1032. House resolution 1032 by Representative Shepherd. To congratulate and recognize the Parker's Chapel Trojans cheerleading team as the 2024 class 1A, 2A state champions. Representative Barker, you're recognized to explain the resolution. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, we have the privilege today to have with us the Parker's Chapel High school cheer team who are the 1A, 2A state champions. So would you help me welcome them to the house, please. They're in the East Gallery. Thank you. They are coached by Mrs. Cindy Mason, and this is her first time to coach a cheer team to a state title, but I have no doubt that it will not be her last. And I know she's extremely proud of this team because they competed against and defeated 11 other very talented teams to be able to win their state championship in December. Then they went on in January to compete in nationals where they were runners up. for a national title, uh, and I know she's very proud of all of that. That was in the game day coed varsity medium division. Did I get that right? Uh, we are very proud of you, very happy today to be able to congratulate you and recognize you, your hard work, your dedication to your team, to your coach, to your school and to your community. So, Mr. Speaker, would you please have the clerk read the resolution by title only. Madam Clark, read the resolution by title only to congratulate and recognize the Parker's Chapel Trojans cheerleading team as the 2024 class 1A2A state champions. Representative Barker has explained the resolution. Would anyone like to speak against the resolution? Would anyone like speak for the resolution? Representative Barker is closed for the resolution. The question before the House is the passage of House resolution 1032. All those in favor say aye. Po nay, the eyes have it. Congratulations, Representative Barker. The resolution is adopted. members of Representative Steele recommends that we concur in Senate Amendment number 1 to House Bill 1220. Madam Clerk, please read Senate Amendment 1. Senate Amendment number 1, the House Bill 1220. Representative Steele. I know. Represent Steele, you're recognized. To explain amendment number one. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This just adds our Senate sponsor. Appreciate a good vote. Anyone wish to speak against the amendment. For the amendment Representative Steele was closed for the amendment. The question before the House is the concurrence. With Amendment number 1 to House Bill 1220. Prepare the machine, Madam clerk. Everyone voted. So everyone voted. Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk. By voting 94, 0 nay, and 0 present. You have concurred in Senate Amendment number 1, the House Bill 1220. Madam Clerk, please read House Bill 1407. House Bill 1407 by Representative Dalby to amend the law concerning the state administration of justice fund. Representative Darby, you're recognized to explain the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, this is simply a bill. To eliminate, uh, no longer needed language, as you recall, Amendment 80, which was adopted a good number of years ago, uh, transitioned the district court to state district courts. So over the past 25 years. We have transitioned over 100 city, county, municipal courts into a state district court in January of this year, the Supreme Court issued a procurrium order. Whereby the Supreme Court has ordered that the administration office, the administration, The Office of Administration of the courts, AOC would then, uh, facilitate in the formation of the district court. Uh, judicial council just like we have a circuit court judicial council, and that they would staff that in current law, there is a provision. The, uh, allows for an administrator of the district courts, that position is low longer needed. And so this language would strike that. I'll be happy to take any questions. Seeing no questions, I would appreciate a good vote. Representative Darby has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill. Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Representative Day is closed for the bill. The question before the house is the passage of House Bill 1407. Prepair the machine, Madam clerk. So everyone voted. Everyone voted Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk, with a vote of 96 ya, 0 nay, and 0 present. The bill is passed. Madam Clark, please read House Bill 1355. House Bill 1355 by Representative Gassway to make technical corrections to Title 5 of the Arkansas Code Concerning Criminal offenses. Representative Gazaway, you're recognized. Thank you Mr. Speaker, colleagues. Uh, as you may be aware, we have, I believe, 10 bills in a row. These are all technical correction bills that's been asked, uh, been asked by several members if we can batch these bills. And I did some checking on that and I think there's some processes that have to be put in place in order to batch them that aren't in place at the moment. And so, What I'd like to do is just try to make this very quick and easy that way we don't have to have a real thorough explanation of each one of these. And so in that regard, to try to give you some assurances about these next 10 bills. One, These bills all came about based on a recommendation from the Code Revision Commission. I'm a member of the Code Revision Commission along with Representative Shepherd. And then in the Senate, uh, Senator, uh, Josh Bryant and Senator Clark Tucker. Then the code revision commission is also made up of members from the Attorney General's office, the law schools, uh, various other legal practitioners who are appointed by the pro tem, the Speaker, the governor, Attorney General, law schools, etc. are all members of the code revision commission and we meet during the interim and look for purely technical corrections to the Arkansas code. And if there's any question as to whether or not a change that we would be making to the code would be substantive in nature. We don't include that in any of these bills, and those are ran as, uh, separate substantive bills. So, Yesterday, all of these bills were heard in the judiciary Committee and they were thoroughly vetted. I believe Chairman Dalby and other members of the Judiciary Committee would vouch and verify that these bills were thoroughly vetted, and we went through them, uh, page by page, line by line. And I, and they all passed unanimously and I think that just tells you that these are purely technical in nature, making technical corrections to the code. They're not making substantive changes. And so with that, I, I hope that that's sufficient. If any of you have any questions on any of the next 10 of these, I'm happy to answer them. But, uh, with that, the first bill, House Bill 1355 is technical corrections to Title 5 of the Arkansas Code, which is the Uh, criminal, uh, Criminal offenses section or title of the Arkansas code. That's what the bill does. I'm happy to answer any questions. Seeing that I'd appreciate a good vote. Thank you. Representative Gazaway has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill. You would like to speak for the bill. Represented Gazaway is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1355. Prepare the machine, madam clerk. Everyone voted So everyone voted, casts up the ballot, Madam Clerk. The vote of 94 yeah, 0, nay, and 0 present. The bill is passed. Madam Clerk, please read House Bill 1356 by Representative Gasaway to make technical corrections to Title 12 of the Arkansas Code concerning law enforcement, emergency management, and military affairs, and for other purposes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, colleagues, this simply makes technical corrections to Title 12 of the code. Happy to answer any questions. Saying none I appreciate a good vote. Representative Gasway has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? For the bill. Representative Gazaway is closed for the bill. Question before the house is the passage of House Bill 1356. Prepare the machine, madam clerk. So everyone voted. Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk. The vote of 99 e, zero nay, and 0 present. The bill is passed. Madam Clerk, please read House Bill 1356. 57. House Bill 1357 by Representative Gazaway to make technical corrections to Title 16 of the Arkansas Code Concerning Practice, procedure, and courts. So guys the way you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, again, uh, technical corrections and title 16, which is practice procedure and the courts. Happy to answer any questions. Seeing down to appreciate a good boat. Represent Gazaway has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? For the bill Representative Gazaway is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1357, prepare the machine, Madam clerk. Everyone voted Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk, the vote of 99 yeah, 0 nay, 0 present. The bill is passed. Madam Clerk, please read House Bill 1358. 1358 by Representative Gasaway to make technical corrections to Title 18 of the Arkansas Code Concerning property. Represent guys the way you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, colleagues, House Bill 1358 makes technical corrections title 18, which is the section of the code concerning property law. Happy to answer any questions. Saying none, appreciate a good vote. Represent Gaway has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? For the bill Represent Gaway is closed for the bill. Question before the house is the passage of House Bill 1358. Prepare the machine, madam clerk. Everyone voted, everyone voted. Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk. vote of 100, 0 nay, 0 present. The bill is passed. Madam Clark, please read House Bill 1359. 1359 by Representative Gasaway to make technical corrections to Title 19 of the Arkansas Code concerning public finance. Res guys why you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Technical corrections to Title 19, which is the public finance section of the code. Happy to answer any questions. Seeing that appreciate a good vote. Representative Gazaway has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? For the bill Representative Gazaway is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1359. Prepare the machine, madam clerk. Everyone voted So everyone voted. Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk. Vote of 98, 0 nay, and 0 present. The bill is passed. Madam Clerk, please read House Bill 1360. Representative Gasway to make technical corrections to Title 2 of the Arkansas Codec concerning public health and welfare. Representative Gazaway, you're recognized to explain the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, House Bill 1360 is technical corrections. To the public health and welfare. Title 20 of the code. Happy to answer any questions. So you can appreciate a good vote. Representative Gazaway has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? You would like to speak for the bill. Representative Gazaway is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1360. Prepare the machine, madam clerk. So everyone voted. Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk, the vote of 100, 0 nay, and 0 present. The bill is passed. Madam Clerk, please read House Bill 1361 by Representative Gasaway to make technical corrections to Title 23 of the Arkansas Code Concerning public utilities and regulated industries. Representative Gazaway, you're recognized. Mr. Speaker, colleagues, House Bill 1361, technical corrections to Title 23, which is the portion of the code related to public utilities and related regulated industries with that. I'm happy to answer any questions. So you can appreciate a good book. Representative Gazaway has explained the bill, but he would like to speak against the bill. For the bill. Representative Gazaway is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1361. Repair the machine, Madam Clerk. So everyone voted So everyone voted. Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk. The vote of 98, 0 nay, 0 present. The bill is passed. Madam Clerk, please read House Bill 1362.2 by Representative Gazaway to make technical corrections to Title 24 of the Arkansas Code Concerning retirement and pensions. Representative Gazaway, you're recognized. Thank you Mr. Speaker, colleagues, 1362 is simply technical corrections to Title 24, which Concerns retirement and pensions. Happy to answer any questions, seeing none and appreciate a good vote. Representative Gazaway has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? For the bill Representative Gazaway is closed for the bill. Question before the house is the passage of House Bill 1362. Prepare the machine, madam clerk. So everyone voted. So everyone voted. Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk. The vote of 100 y, 0 nay, and 0 present. The bill is passed. Madam Clerk Please read House Bill 1363. 1363 by Representative Gasaway to make technical corrections to Title 25 of the Arkansas Code concerning state government. Rub some gas away you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, colleagues, again, technical Corrections to title 25, which is the portion of the code related to state government. Happy to answer any questions, saying that appreciate a good vote. Represented Gazaway has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? For the bill Representative Gazaway is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1363. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. So everyone voted. So everyone voted, cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk. The vote of 99, 0 nay, and zero present. The bill is passed. Madam Clerk, please read House Bill 13644 by Representative Gazaway to make technical corrections to Title 27 and the Arkansas Code concerning transportation. you'd. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, last but not least, technical corrections to Title 27 of the Arkansas Code, which relates to transportation. Happy to answer any questions, saying none to appreciate a good boat. Thank you very much. Representative Gazaway has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill. For the bill Representative Gazaway is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1364. Prepare the machine, Madam clerk. So everyone voted. Everyone voted. Cast off the ballot, Madam Clerk, with the vote of 98, ya, zero nay, and 0 present. The bill is passed. Members without objection, I'm gonna go back to the items in the morning hour. We were waiting on a couple of groups to get here so we could give them, uh, appropriate honor, uh, Madam Clark, please read House Resolution 1026. House Resolution 1026 by Representative Hawk. To recognize the Brian Hornets football team as the Class 7A state champions. Representative Hawk, you're recognized to explain the resolution. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, colleagues, have you been here for any time now, you know the resolution I'm about to make because 6 times over the last 7 years, the Bryant Hornets have been recognized on this house floor as state champions. Now think about that over the last 7 years, it's they've had 84 wins and only 5 losses with 6 state champions and the highest classification in Arkansas. This past year, 2nd year head coach Quad Sanders, who is here with us today. Uh, he continued the the winning tradition that has been stabled at Bryant by going 13-0 and beating Bentonville in the title game 28, 23. Now it's only fitting that today is February 12th because in Bryant, as many of you have heard, they use the hashtag 212. It talks about the boiling point of water, and if you give that extra effort to get to 213, you're giving maximum effort, uh, and so we use the hashtag 212, so I thought it was great that today on Feb the 12th, we do this resolution. Up in the East gallery we've got 90 Bryant football players we consider them the greatest high school football team in the state of Arkansas. So if you would, uh, Mr. Speaker, please have the clerk read it by title only. Madam Clark, please read the resolution by title only. To recognize the Bryant Hornets football team as a class 7A state champion resolution when anyone likes to speak against the resolution. Representative Steele, for what purpose? Question, you're recognized for a question. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Uh, Representative Haw, on behalf of myself and Representative Wing, uh, coach, great job, guys, great job, but are you aware that North Little Rock is on the way back. Um, Representative Hawke has left the well. You would like to speak for the resolution. Representative Hat, Are you closed for your resolution? You're recognized. I think I might be the only person that closes for a resolution. Colleagues, North Little Rock had to go back and get a guy that recruited a lot of players to North Little Rock to, to come back in, and they are gonna be back, but just as the 2nd place finisher in the 7A title game. So hey, congratulations to the Bryant Hornets. by that arousing, uh, stand of approval and applause, uh, Representative Hocke, your resolution has been adopted. Congratulations Brian Hornets on a job well done. Madam Clerk Please read House Bill 1384. 1384 by Representative Johnson to amend the law concerning the graduate medical education residency expansion board and to declare an emergency. Representative Johnson, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, as many of you know, in 2019, we passed some legislation creating a GME fund and the GME board. GME is graduate medical education. This is how we train physicians, uh, after their medical training through their residency. It's like an apprenticeship. Uh, it took a few years to get funding, uh, for that, uh, initiative, and we got the funding, uh, last session and we assembled the board for the first time, uh, this fall in the assembling of the board, they put out some rules and received a lot of feedback. Some of the language we had in the The original bill had been outdated. They wanted to clarify some things so that we could effectively use the grant money to expand the education programs that are out there. Uh, so this is all agreed-upon language from the med schools and hospitals in the state. I'd be happy to answer any questions. Seeing none, thank you. I'd appreciate a good vote. Representative Johnson has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Anyone like to speak for the bill. Representative Johnson is closed for the bill. The question before the house is the passage of House Bill 1384. Prepare the machine, Madam clerk. So everyone voted. Remember your one vote is for the bill and the emergency clause. So everyone voted. Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk. With a vote of 99, 0 nay, and 0 present, the bill and the emergency clause has passed. Madam Clerk, please read House Bill 1255.resentative Wooldridges to amend the coverage of a continuous glucose monitor in the Arkansas Medicaid program. Representative Waldridge, you're recognized to explain the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, House Bill 1255 is a little bit of a companion bill from a bill we ran during the last session, as many of you will remember, continuous glucose monitors we talked about, uh, creating an opportunity to make these more readily available and accessible to Arkansans, uh, Representative Pilkington had a great idea to extend that to a pharmacy benefit. This just requires, uh, DHS to create a pathway for DME also and treat those the same. With that, I'll answer any questions. And seeing none, I appreciate a good vote. Representative Woodridge has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill. Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Representative Water is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1255. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. So everyone voted. everyone voted. Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk. With a vote of 94 yeah, 0, nay, and 5 present. The bill is passed. Representative Clowney, for what purpose? privilege. You're recognized to come to the well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, we've got some special guests with us today that I wanted to point out, um, in the gallery in the East gallery, we have coach Colby Hale. Colby recently recently completed his 13th season at the University of Arkansas as our soccer coach. Uh, Coach Hale has done incredible things since taking over our program, but particularly in this most recent season. I'm gonna read off just a few highlights for you so that you can be um as impressed by him and these women as I am. Arkansas finished this past soccer season 16, 2 and 3, including an undefeated 11-0 and 2 at home. We achieved a number one ranking in both college soccer pools for the first time in program history. Under Coach Hill's leadership, Arkansas earned a #2 seed in the 2024 NCAA tournament, the highest seed in program history for the 3rd time in the last 4 years. Coach Hale has led Arkansas to all 11 of its NCAA tournament appearances. Uh, in addition to his work, we have some really impressive accolades of his athletes. Ava Tankersley was named first team All-American by the United soccer coaches. She was also named the program's 3rd Mac Herman semifinalists. That's the pinnacle Award in college soccer. Ava Tankersley was named the SEC Forward of the Year for the 2nd straight season. 6 razorbacks were named to all SEC teams. Eva Tankersley, Kylie Delaney, Kate Doyle, Kelsey Oiler, Anaya Robinson and Jayn Brownlee. Arkansas's 71 goals on the season, tied a program record. And we led the nation in all of the following scoring average, goals. Total points, points per game, assists per game, corner kicks per game and shots on goal per game. Finally, we hosted 3 rounds of postseason play at the UFA in front of capacity crowds at Razorbackfield. So Coach Hill's legacy is not only with his team, but all of the folks in Fayetteville, they get to show up and witness all of the people from across the state that come see what these women are capable of doing. So if we could please welcome him to uh the house today, I'd be appreciative. In addition to Coach Hall, we have 4 of our state's athletic directors in the East Gallery as well from the University of Central Arkansas, Matt Whiting. From Arkansas State, we have Jeff Burden. From UALR we have Frank Cuervo. And we also have from the University of Arkansas, Hunter Yzek, but don't clap yet because I'm gonna say something embarrassing about him before we do. Um. We have in Arkansas, uh, a, an embarrassment of riches when it comes to particularly, particularly to women's sports. Y'all just heard about the soccer team, which is amazing. Um, but my family and I are huge fans of Razorback's gymnastics. Forever and ever, those games have been held on Friday nights in Barnhill. We sit right behind Hunter and Jennifer Uzek at those games, at those meets. And we can talk about Hunter's stats and teams win loss records all day long and know just how impressive he is. But I do want to share one thing with you, which is, you've probably been to Bud Walton on a Saturday night, and there are tight rules. But in Barnhill on a Friday night, it is anarchy. There are no rules. It is little girls running all over the place trying to get as close as they can to these athletes that they admire so much on the floor. Hunter Yurzek and his wife Jennifer sat right behind the balance beam, right in front of me and my family. And every Friday night, he And Hunter, you know this is true. Every Friday night, he had little girls and little boys who were so excited to see these athletes just racing to get to the rails. I promise you the Euro checks couldn't see a thing, but never once, uh, did they care that these little kids didn't know that they were supposed to be respected. This is the athletic director. This is a really important figure in, in the state of Arkansas and for our school. All they knew is they wanted to get close to their people. Hunter helped them every single time. Stepped all over his feet. He never once moved seats, and he I never once turned around and asked, could somebody please control these kids? Those kinds of things, I think, say so much about who a person is and what a program values. So thank you, Coach Hale. Thank you, Hunter, for being a program that not only supports and encourages excellent collegiate athletes, but also supports and encourages the little girls that want to be like them. Thank you. Madam Clerk Please read House Bill 128686 by Representative Johnson to amend the Arkansas Triage Treat and Transport to alternative destination at. Representative Johnson, you were recognized to explain the bill. Thank you, Mr. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Uh, members, uh, last session we passed a bill to empower ambulances to be reimbursed for treating patients in place under certain conditions with telehealth, also to be taken to an alternative destination, which could be like an urgent care instead of an ER and then additionally to be reimbursing the case of a situation where a patient refuses treatment, periodically, an ambulance will show up at the house and the patient will decide they don't want to go to the hospital or they don't need to go to the hospital. Uh, we created this reimbursement mechanism, but there was some question in the language from the the ambulance services about whether they could treat this person in addition to just, uh, respecting their right to refuse care and, uh, so this language was just clarifying that point for both the ambulance services and the insurance carriers, and I'd be happy to answer any questions. Seeing that, I appreciate a good vote. Thank you. Representative Johnson has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill. Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Representative Johnson is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1286, Prepare the machine, madam clerk. So everyone voted. So everyone voted. Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk, the vote of 97, yeah, 1 nay, and zero present, the bill has passed. Members, um, when we were going through the morning hour earlier, we, uh, recognized a group. did not realize that they had been held up down in the Senate. I know that's not a surprise. But with us today are representatives of Leadership Mississippi County and the Mississippi County Regional Chamber. They are guests today of Representative Joey Carr. They are here now in the East Gallery. Would you please make them welcome to the house? Madam Clerk, please read House Bill 1427. House Bill 1427 by Representative Pilkington to create the Healthy moms, Healthy Babies Acts and to amend Arkansas law to improve maternal health in this state Pilkington, you're ad to explain the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, chamber, for letting me present to you the healthy moms Healthy Baby Act. As many of you know, Arkansas is one of the highest maternal mortality rates of the country. Too many women are suffering preventable complications before, during and after pregnancy. As legislators, we have taken this responsibility to change that. This bill is a targeted conservative approach to improving maternal health that focuses on increasing access, strengthening provider support and investing in solutions that will save lives. This legislation is a direct result of a collaborative work between House members, uh, such as Representative Hudson, Representative Wardlaw, Representative Bentley, Representative Lee Johnson, senators like Missy Irvin and Brian Davis and the governor's office. As you know, over the last 2 years, the governor has had a task force focus on maternal health, and many of the suggestions from that are in this bill. Here's what the bill does. We established presumptive Medicaid eligibility for pregnant women. This means expectant mothers can receive immediate prenatal care while their Medicaid applications process, ensuring no mother goes without care when she needs it most. We're investing in community health workers in Doula, expanding reimbursement pathways for trusted trained professionals who provide vital support to mothers both before, during and after pregnancy. We're expanding coverage for remote patient monitoring, including telemedicines for ultrasounds, non-stress tests, blood pressure monitoring, and continuous glucose monitoring. Uh, making it easier for high-risk mothers to receive care. This is vitally important not only to our rural populations who often find it very hard to get into their OBGYN but also our African-American population that oftentimes find themselves in maternal health deserts and are also known to have some of the highest rates of these issues. Additionally, what we're doing is we're unbundling the Medicaid payment for pregnancy care. This allows providers to become more part of the system, whether they're certified nurse midwives, RPCPs so that they can see mothers and get paid for it, whether before or after pregnancy. And of course, we're increasing provider reimbursement, ensuring more doctors and hospitals, um, are able to keep their labor and delivery units open. All this together, this is like $45.3 million investment in the maternal health in Arkansas. To my knowledge, the largest investment into 11 single program. I think this is an important bill. Do I think it's the answer to every single maternal health issue in the state of Arkansas, it is not. There are things, more things that we can do besides this, but this is what we were able to grow and get consensus on, and this is what will help us stabilize our maternal health ecosystem in the state of Arkansas, so that we still have hospitals that are able to deliver babies and we'll, and we'll see no more labor and delivery units shut down. Uh, as I've told people, there's no silver bullet to improving maternal health, but this is a host of silver bullets, a shotgun blast of silver to improve maternal health here in Arkansas. Um, With that, uh, I will take any questions. Representative Bentley, for what purpose? You're recognized for a question? Thank you, uh, speaker. So Representative Pilke, I know if we look at the budget, the, uh, bill that we pay for NICUs for infants in NICUs is probably one of the highest bills that we have in Medicaid. Do you agree with that? Yes, NICU babies are extremely expensive. They, uh, but you can ask any, you can ask the Medicaid program, you can also ask any employer that has a self uh funded plan, uh, NICU babies are very, very expensive. So the amount of work and investment we're doing in prenatal care is vital because if we can prevent those NICU stays, uh, the, the cost savings is dramatic. Thank you. Representative Ray, for what purpose? Question, you're recognized for a question. Representative Pilkington, you referenced that $45 million number on the cost, and I've heard several people mention that, but I don't, I don't see a fiscal impact statement on the bill. Is there a reason that there's no fiscal impact statement? Yes, the reason, uh, that being, if you would recall when the governor presented her budget and mentioned the $13 million that we were putting towards, uh, maternal health. That maternal health, leveraging federal dollars plus the team of Grant is how we get to that $45 million. So it's, it's already accounted for. OK, but we don't have the benefit of a, of a fiscal impact analysis, right? You do not have a green sheet from BLR on this, correct? So we've already planned in the initial governor's budget. To spend this money. OK, follow up. You're recognized. I, I guess I just don't understand some things that we require fiscal impact statement for that there's some bills that get out of committee that cost $190,000 and then we send them back to committee. And then there's some bills that are $45 million and they just sailed through without anybody asking about the cost. What, why would we not have a fiscal impact prepared. Representative, I uh I don't have an answer to that question. Um, I'm not the one who makes the rules. Thank you. Representative Pilkington has explained the bill. Anyone would like to speak against the bill, Representative Mayberry, you're recognized to speak against the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have to tell you this is probably the hardest bill I've ever had to speak against. And, um, I do not take pleasure in having to do this, and I'm not even trying to sway any of you to change your mind on this because I understand there's a lot of really good things in this bill. I love this spill. And was excited about this bill. Until I got to page 4. And so I need to explain to my folks back home who might see that I voted against helping moms and healthy babies, and that's what my explanation is today. If you look at page 4, the very last 3 lines there on, on 26, 27, and 28, it says, if an alleged medical injury occurred during childbirth. The minor or his or her representative shall have until the miners 5th birthday to commence an action. Currently, you have until the child turns 11. We are now changing it to 5. And that's a really important milestone because you know what happens when you're 5? That's when you enter kindergarten, and you're around teachers for the first time. And you're around occupational therapists and physical therapist and speech therapist. Who might be the first ones to say, There's something wrong. We need to get some more testing done. Maybe the parent just didn't recognize that there was a problem. Maybe the parent was in denial. A lot of parents might see something and they're in denial, and it takes going to school to be around those other professionals to say, I think we need some testing. There's something called neuropsych testing that takes place, and you can't have that testing until you're 5. And then, if you've ever tried to schedule testing, An MRI, a neuropsych test, or any of those things that will help with the diagnosis. It doesn't happen quickly. You're waiting for that doctor's appointment. You're waiting, you're waiting, you're waiting, you're waiting. And now we're gonna not allow someone at 855 years and 1 day. You're not allowed to bring forth any. Complaint of something that might have happened during childbirth. That's scary to me. I know many families who I know at 4 or 5 years old, they didn't have a diagnosis on their child. They get it when that child's 89 years old because of how long it takes to get that diagnosis. And now we're telling them, sorry, you're out of luck. I'm not saying it's all because of childbirth. And then I want to point out one other really important distinction. We are now in law. Pointing out that there is a difference. In the life in the womb. In the life and the child outside the womb with this. You have less rights before you take your first breath. With this bill, Than you do after. Because if the injury occurs or the malpractice occurs after childbirth. You have until you are 11 years old. Now, you will only have until you're 5. This is important and it does not need to be in here. This is a bill that we should all be celebrating because we know, we all agree, we want healthy moms, and we want healthy babies. Thank you Representative Mayberry has spoken against the bill, Representative Jean, for what purpose? You reckon I speak for the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Uh, I'll just come down here to clarify because the question and answers were already off. This is a debate, but to Representative Ray's question to Representative uh Aaron was that, why did we get a fiscal impact? This is not a tax cut. This is a spending increase. So that we don't get fiscal impacts on spending increases, and it is a $45 million overall, which all but 13 million of it will be funded by federal. The state's portion is 13 million, and I just wanted to correct that. Representative Ray for what purpose? Question, you're recognized. I'm just confused by what you just said because I'm looking at Rule 38T. Rule 38S. They seem to both indicate, uh, they both ref reference. House or Senate bills requiring an expenditure of public funds. You're saying we don't, I don't, I don't remember all this on Medicaid that we've had through the years increase. I don't ever remember a, uh, fiscal impact on the spending increase. Generally, it's tax cuts that we have to have the, uh, uh, that's just tradition. I'm, I'm not arguing your rule, but that's, that's, that's just been the history around here, uh, increases in the budget, increases in expenditures, have not been required to have them. OK. Historically. Now, if you're in the rules and we're not obeying it, maybe we need to change it. Well, to follow up. You're recognized. To be clear, I wasn't, I wasn't saying that the rule required it, but I think If a member of the committee had requested one, then I think it sounds like the rule would apply. Fair enough. Representative Jean has spoke for the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Representative Ladyman, you're recognized to speak against the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Uh, and I wasn't going to come down and speak against this bill. I, I spoke against it in committee, uh, And it's a very good bill. I, I agree totally with Representative Mayberry, and I hate to speak against the bill. I, I spoke 2 or 3 times in committee hoping that the sponsors would look again at the section that represented Mayberry talked about, where it drops that age from 11 to 5. I, I believe and I've talked to some doctors, some in this body and outside of this body, and, uh, they assure me that my 5 year old, that you can tell whether it's a illness caused by An accident at birth or after birth. I, I just can't go along with that. Now, maybe that's true, maybe it's not, but As Representative Mayberry said, when a child turns 5, they go to school. Prior to that time, there's children That hardly see anyone other than their parents. And you know, speaking as a parent of a child that has difficulties, you don't wanna, you don't want to admit that your child has a problem. And that can carry on for many, many years, more than 5 years, and you may not ask for that help. You may not know you need that help. So, I would like to see us increase that number. To 6 or 7. So that we just don't miss a child. That that really needs that, that help. And Uh, in the committee was brought up, some of the states around us, the, the same law, they have like one year, 1 year, 7 years, 8 years, 14 years. So, you know, I, I would like to see that part of the bill changed to 6 or 7 years. So, For that reason, I'll have to oppose the bill. Representative Lady spoke against the bill. Representative Wardlaw, you're I speak for the bill Speaker. Members, the last few years, all we've heard is how we're last. And maybe mortality, how we're last in maternal health. I want to commend Representative Pilkington for the year's work he's put into this. He, he brought forth, I don't know, 78, 10 bills a session that addressed every little piece of this, and he came together on a bill with working with other membership and put everything in one bill. And yeah, there's things in this bill that probably not as palatable as others. But if we're gonna move this needle. This is the first step to moving that needle. Maybe where Medicaid pays for C-sections, making it to where we play for baby monitoring on high-risk pregnancies. Those are the things we have to do to move the needle. So with that, I'd appreciate a good vote. Representative Ward Law spoke for the bill. You would like to speak against the bill, Representative Wootton, you recognized to speak against the bill. Believe it or not, I hate to speak against this bill, but I'm going to. Why would we want to change something that's been a long standing. First day From 11 years to 5 years. It doesn't have anything to do with. Maternal health to me means the, the health of the mother. prior One other point $45 million. The federal government doesn't have $45 billion. What do you think Elon Musk is all about. Not about him. It's about funding. I've warned you Each of you About Spending money That we really don't have. When it comes to the federal government. You need to consider that you need to consider that as it relates to our budget. But maternal health is important. True, I've heard the same thing you've heard we write first and. Deaths And we need to address it. But why in the world do we have to have something in there that changes in age from 11 to 5. I just don't make any sense. And I wasn't gonna speak because politically. Mothers are worrying about it. You're concerned about it. But fiscally, Morally Why change 11 years. Why change it to 5? A journaling, when you make a change like that, you've got terior motive. I might want to spend some money. But that family needs money to care for that child. I urge you to vote against this bill. Thank you. Representative Wooner spoke against the bill and would like to speak for the bill. Representative Rose, you recognize, speak for the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Uh, just in reference to the section 4 of the bill that a couple of our colleagues have spoken to, they mentioned, uh, item 3 under section or part C. There's two other provisions there, number 1 and number 2. Number one, also with regards to section 3 for just a second, in testimony in our committee, uh, the only person that I heard speak against this was a personal injury attorney, uh, not to discredit his character. I'm simply speaking to uh the perspectives that we were, were given. Uh, there were, there was no other, uh, advocating against this section by anybody other but a personal injury attorney. So, it goes on here in section 1 or Section 4, parts 1 and 2, to talk about, uh, individuals at the age of 9 or younger, uh, if there was an injury, um, And then in section 2, it goes on to say, if they pass the age of 9 or 11, whatever it is. But if it was not reasonably discovered prior to their 11th birthday, the minor or his or her representatives shall have until 2 years after the medical injury is known or reasonably could have been discovered or until the miner's 19th birthday, whichever is earlier in which to commence an action. So this isn't preventing, uh, Children and families from being able to take action, um, solely after their, you know, no later than their 5th birthday. So there's provisions in there that you can see it goes all the way up until their 19th birthday. So I just wanted to clarify that. Thank you. Representative Rose who spoke for the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill. Would anyone like to speak for the bill, Representative Bentley, you're recognized to speak for the bill. Thank you, colleagues. Thank you, Speaker. I would say in the 10 years I've been down here, nobody has been more fiscally sound than I have been a been a hawk. I'm making sure we're not wasting money and spending money where we need to, but we are dead last in the nation when it comes to maternal health. dead last. This time for us to invest some money in our moms and our babies to make our future better. I mean this bill is well written. It's well structured. We had our maternity maternal mortality Review Committee, specific things were outlined and that's what we're addressing in this bill. So it's very important. And we're taking the $13 million from our budget and getting the federal money back to make the 45 million. I think it's a huge investment for the future of our state. And when it comes to the five-year thing, we have to look and see. We've lost 3 or 4 maternity wards in our, in our nation. Why are we not getting those babies delivered in that hospital. The reason is because our liability insurance is through the roof. It's almost as much as a salary of an obstetrician. It's crazy. We have to address it. We have to fix it. So when a physician actually even leaves the hospital is no longer practicing there. The hospital still has to cover that physician up to 11 years for the babies he delivered there in case there's a, a suit, a lawsuit that comes and attacks the hospital for the delivery. So they're having to cover hundreds of thousands of liability insurance. So that's why it went drop to 5 because we're gonna have a time limit and then hospital just have to keep covering that position, so There's a reason. It's not just arbitrary, and there's states around us that just cover for one year. We're covering up to 5 years, so I think we're doing a great job here. It's an amazing bill. I'm really proud of the things we're doing. There's a reason we're doing it. If we can't invest in our moms and our babies. I don't know what we're here for. So, thank you. Representative Bentley has spoke for the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill. Representative Gazaway, you're recognized to speak against the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, colleagues, uh, once again, As many of the members have said, this is a great bill. I commend Representative Pilkington for the many wonderful things that this bill does. There's one section in this bill that doesn't belong in the bill, and that's section 4. I didn't even know that this appeared in the bill until Representative Mayberry pointed it out to me. And I'm quite shocked because like Representative Wootton said, uh, this bill should be about promoting maternal health and all the wonderful things that it does, but this is the poison pill, as they call it. They have all of these wonderful things and they take that one thing and make you swallow it if you don't vote for it. Well, that should not be the case. We should not have to do that. This could be sent back to committee, that portion could be taken out and we could pass this bill with 100% vote. And that's what needs to happen. And so I would ask you to vote no. Thank you. Representative Gazaway spoke against the bill. Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Representative Beatty, you're recognized to speak for the bill. Members, the 3rd session and we sat here and we talked about maternal health every time. $45 million.45 million dollars, $13 million direct to the state that could, could make the difference in a, in a, in a family and in the life of a child. That is a small price to pay. You can look through every bill that we file and you can find one line that you don't like, one thing that's not important, but I tell you, today is the day that we address and deal with maternal health in this state. And if you can't vote for this bill, The new, then you need to answer to your constituents and the families in your district, because this is a dang good bill, and I'm glad you brought this bill to the floor and I encourage you to vote yes. Representative Beatty has spoken for the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill. For the bill Representative Pilkington, you recognized the clothes for your bill. Thank you, Speaker. Thank you everyone who spoke and answered questions, I especially want to appreciate, uh, our thank, uh, Representative Jean for trying to help answer representatives right question. I was just, just not as knowledgeable in some of those procedures. Um, one of the things that I do want to bring out is the Trial Lawyers Association reached out to us yesterday and let us know that they're neutral on this bill. Just FYI, um, and You know, we, um, the reason we did, did this is because as Representative Ladyman said, we looked around. Louisiana one year. Tennessee is one year. We took the average, we looked at what a good spot was, and that's what we picked. And the reason why we're doing this, the reason why this is in here is because places like Newport, Arkansas shut down their labor and delivery unit because it is too expensive to have this, to have this malpractice. We're just trying to give them a little relief. And I would like to say this is, it says occurred during childbirth. That is a very small window that this applies to. We're just trying to provide a little bit of relief here. We're just trying to make it a little less expensive to operate and operate a, uh, labor and delivery unit here in the state of Arkansas. We have to stop the bleeding. We have to stop seeing these labor delivery units shut down across the state. And that is why this is in here to help alleviate that, and I appreciate the trial Lawyers Association for being neutral on this bill, and I appreciate a good vote. Thank you. Representative Pilkington is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1427. Prepare the machine, madam clerk. So everyone voted. So everyone voted. Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk. vote of 86, 6 nay, 6 present. The bill is passed. Madam Clerk, please read House Bill 1118. 11 by Representative Warren to amend the laws concerning the management of premium taxes under the Arkansas Fire and Police Pension Review Board and to declare an emergency. Representative Warren, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues House Bill 18, 1118 is very simple bill. There's a portion of the fire and hazard insurance premiums, uh, that's collected. And is used to help fund the retirement plans for our firefighters and police. The lotfe board has taken over a majority of the local retirement plans for firefighters and police. There are only 31 local plans being managed. And falling under the scrutiny of the pension review board now. Both the pension review board and DFNA have agreed to shift the administration of the allocation of the tax that they receive. From the pension review board to DFNA. There is no fiscal impact and no opposition that I know of. There is an emergency clause on this bill. Representative Warren has explained the bill would anyone like to speak against the bill. Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Representative Warren is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1118. Prepair the machine, Madam clerk. Members, your one vote is for the bill and the emergency clause. Everyone voted Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk. The vote of 100, 0 nay, and 0 present. The bill is passed. Madam Clerk, please read House Bill 1119. Hospital 1119 by Representative Warren to amend the provisions regarding delinquent payments by political subdivision under the Arkansas Local Police and Fire Retirement System and to declare an emergency. Representative Warren, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This bill is adjusting the time when payments and reports from employers in the system are considered delinquent. This is another lot for Bill. Instead of a 10 day grace period, employers will be given 5 calendar days after the due date to make payments to lot fee and submit their reports. The longer grace period, uh, in statue was due to reports being all paper and using regular mail. Employers now have access to lot these employers reporting portal. Uh, this will allow the for prompt action from the board at the regularly scheduled meetings rather than having to wait an additional month. There is an emergency clause on this, and I would appreciate a good vote. Representative Warren has explained the bill. Would anyone likes to speak against the bill? Would anyone like to speak for the bill. Representative Warren is closed for the bill. The question before the house is the passage of House Bill 1119. Prepair the machine, madam clerk. Members, your one vote is for the bill and the emergency clause. Everyone voted Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk. With a vote of 94, 2 nay, and two present, the bill and the emergency clause passed. Madam Clerk, please read House Bill 1207. Is 1207 by Representative Warren to make technical corrections and clarify language for the proper administration of benefits under the State Police retirement system. Representative Warren, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, we're shifting from lot feed to Apers here. Uh, this is basically a technical correction bill with two components to it. Number one, it deletes all reference to uniformed employees, uh, in the statute and replaces it with state police officer. Second item it does is it changes the age limit for dependent children of state police officers killed in the line of unity. It refers to it right now is 22 years old. It changes it to under 23. Uh, that's already in statute in some places, what they've done is change the other places where it was not like that, just to make it consistent throughout. There's no fiscal impact. I would appreciate a good vote. Representative Warren has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? would like to speak for the bill. Representative Warren is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1207. Prepare the machine, madam clerk. So everyone voted So everyone voted Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk. With the vote of 99 e, zero nay, and 0 present. The bill is passed. Madam clerk, please read House Bill 1208. Is 1208 by Representative Warren to allow the Arkansas Public Employees retirement system to collect amounts of overpayments for debts owed to a state-supported retirement system administered by the Arkansas Public Employees Retirement System. Representative Warren, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is another A spill, House Bill 1208 affects the. Uh, collection of overpayments, uh, to members of the Arkansas State Police retirement System and the Arkansas judicial retirement System. Arkansas Code currently provides the ability for the Arkansas Public Employee retirement System to recoup overpayments made to participants of APERS, uh, through an offset of its state income tax refunds. House Bill 1208. Uh, attends, uh, these sections of code, uh, To extend to the same, the extend the same ability, uh, of any overpayment made. to participants of the Arkansas Judicial Retirement System in the Arkansas State Police retirement system, uh, there was a positive, a good. Representative Warren has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? For the bill Representative Warren is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1208. Prepare the machine, Madam clerk. So everyone voted So everyone voted Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk. Vote of 99, 0 nay, and 0 present. The bill is passed. Madam Clerk, please read Senate Bill 78. Bill 78 by Representative McAlinden to require that the driver's instruction manual and the driver's license examination include information about the safe operation of a motor vehicle in a highway work zone. Representative Mc Lindon, you're recognized to explain the bill. Thank you, colleagues. This is a really simple bill. It amends the driver's manual to include work zone safety, uh, drivers are aware of general work or general road safety, but, uh, work zones present some unique challenges that most people aren't aware of. In fact, we have lost 28 employees to work zone injuries and accidents. So the current manual does talk about signage, but it does not address the specific risks and responsibilities, uh, while navigating work zones, and if we educate people on that, I think we can reduce the accidents that occur, um, adding works on safety to the driver's manual would help bridge this gap, Drivers particularly new ones and young ones, uh, we received clear guidance about these hazardous zones. Um, so this bill comes from the Asphalt Pavers Association. It is supported by the state police. It's supported by RA and as well as AGC and I'm not aware of any opposition. So with that, I'd be happy to take any. then. I asked for a good vote. Representative McAlinden has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Would anyone like speak for the bill. Representative McAlinden is closed for the bill. The question before the house is the passage of Senate Bill 78. Prepare the machine, madam clerk. So everyone voted. Everyone voted Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk, with a vote of 100, 0 nay, and 0 present. The bill is passed. Madam Clerk, please read Senate Bill 77. Senate Bill 77 by Representative Mayberry to require the Arkansas Medicaid program to reimburse for physical therapy provided in a clinic-basedative Mayberry, you're recognized to explain the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As it stands now, if you're on Medicaid and you need physical therapy, you have to go to the hospital in order to get that physical therapy. As you can imagine, that makes it very hard for a lot of people to receive the physical therapy that they actually need. So what this bill does is it allows someone to get physical therapy in their own neighborhood from the physical therapist that's in their community. This was studied for the past 3 years through Medicaid, um, and I'll even read a conclusion of this three-year Arkansas Medicaid sustainability review. It says in conclusion, this is from our own, our, our DHS. Um, shifting service delivery to local clinics enhances accessibility and reduces unnecessary healthcare spending on advanced procedures aligning with national best practices. This is going to improve access to People who are on Medicaid I'd appreciate a good vote. Thank you. Representative Mayberry has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill. Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Representative Mayberry is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of Senate Bill 77. Pray the machine, Madam Clerk. Everyone voted. So everyone voted. Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk. With a vote of 86 ya, 2 nays, and 9 present, the bill is passed. Representative Meeks, for what purpose? Motion. hear your motion. In accordance with House Rule 33M. I move we adjourn until 1:30 tomorrow afternoon. That's a proper motion. It's non-debatable. Mm All those in favor say aye. Pona The eyes have it. Any announcements from committees, Representative Jean, for what purpose? Announcement recognized a joint budget will meet tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. Big Mac A. Representative Underwood, for what purpose? Announcement recognized House Judiciary will meet at 10 tomorrow and then we'll have our committee photo at 9:45 on the house steps. Representative Eubanks, for what purpose? Announcement recognized rules. is going to reconvene as soon as everybody can get the Big Mac A. Representative Waldridge for what purpose? Announcement you're recognizedub Health we'll meet tomorrow morning 100 a.m., room 1:30. Representative Brooks, for what purpose? Announcement recognized House education will meet tomorrow morning at 100 a.m. with a photo at 9:50. Representative Vault, for what purpose? You're recognized will meet tomorrow at 1 p.m. Any other announcements from committees. Seeing non, 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