House Convenes

I invite the members, staff, press, and guests in the galleries to stand and be led in prayer by Pastor Justin Haley, associate pastor of outreach and young adults for Faith Baptist Church in Cabot and to remain standing for the Pledge of allegiance to be led by Representative Lane Jean. Let us pray. Father God, I just want to thank you so much for who you are. You are absolutely perfect in all of your ways. Father, and I thank you for the opportunity to be here today and offer prayer on behalf of everyone standing before me. Father, we thank you so much for their selfless and sacrificial service to our great state. Father, thank you so much for everything that they do. I ask that you bless them and bless their families. Father, I pray that you give them everything that they stand in need of. And Father, I pray as they make decisions and have conversations throughout the proceedings that Everything is done in a way that brings you honor and glory. Father, we know that your word says it is righteousness that exalts a nation. So I pray that every decision that's made is righteous. Father, and I pray that as these discussions are being had, Father, that they just exhibit love for one another and respect and have these conversations with grace. Father, I pray that as they're away from their families, you give their families patience and understanding and just help. call to their remembrance the, the great service they are offering for so many in need of so many things. Father, I thank you again for this opportunity. I ask that you forgive me for I failed you, and I thank you for Members, please indicate your presence by pushing your yellow present button. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk, Madam clerk. Representative Brooks. So everyone indicated their presence. Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk. 99 members present, the chair of Caesar Quorum. Are there any requests for leave? Representative Matthew Shepherd moves that we dispense with the reading of the previous day's journal, with no objections, so ordered. Madam Cler reports from select committees. Any reports from standing committees. Is there any unfinished business? Are there any executive communications? Madam Clark, please read the letter from the governor. To the Speaker of the House, Dear Mr. Speaker, this to inform you that on January 30th, 2025, I reviewed and approved the following measures from the regular session of the ninety-fifth General Assembly. House Bill 1133 Act 10. House Bill 1137, Act 11, House Bill 1050, Act 12. Sincerely, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Governor of Arkansas. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Members, I direct your attention to the back of the chamber as we recognize our Arkansas State troopers. Sergeant Chuck Lewis from the administrative Services Division from Little Rock and Corporal Josh Berry from the regulatory Services Division also of Little Rock. Gentlemen, thank you for your service. Members, if you'll remain standing, we have our doctor of the day, Doctor Aparna Jindal, an anesthesiologist, interventional pain physician from Little Rock, Representative Tippe McCulloch's district. We also have with us today our nurse of the day, Ms. Lee Fazio. Thank you very much. And members in the north gallery today we have Sheriff Brad Snyder, Greene County. He is guest today of Representative Jeremy Wooldridge, Representative Jimmy Gazaway and Representative Fran Kavanaugh, please make him welcome. No. Madam Clark, please read House Resolution 1011. House Resolution 1011 by Representative Warren to welcome Lieutenant General retired JB Silveria as president of the University of Arkansas System. Representative Warren, you are recognized to explain the resolution. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, I would first like to ask that all representatives Who are alums of the University of Arkansas and those of you from Northwest Arkansas, who are tied to the University of Arkansas. Please join me in the well. And I did have a couple of people request. They had paid for their children to go to the UA so you may join us in the well as well. OK So, in honor of our special guest today. I am wearing a special tie. You will notice that it has two very fashionable colors. One is called very sadd Kentucky Blue. The other is called dominant Razorback red. It's a real honor for me to get to introduce and welcome the new president of the University of Arkansas Systems. Lieutenant General retired JB Silveria. To Arkansas today and have him as our guest in the House of Representatives. As a proud race back alum, I am truly glad to see a man like this leading the charge for the University of Arkansas throughout our state. So that you get a feel for just how outstanding this man truly is. I would like to ask the clerk to read the resolution in its entirety. Madam Clark, please read the resolution in its entirety. Whereas after a national search, the board of trustees of the University of Arkansas appointed Lieutenant General retired JB Saveria to succeed Doctor Donald R. Bobbitt as president of the University of Arkansas Si beginning January 15, 2025. And whereas Lieutenant General Silveria brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role of president from his lengthy career in military leadership, including as former superintendent of the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and more recently from his experiences associ Vice President, executive director of Texas A&M University's Bush School of Government and Public school service. Public service in Washington DC and whereas Lieutenant General Silvia served as deputy commander, combined Air Force air component United States Central Command Southwest Asia. Where he was responsible for the command and control of the air operations in 20 nation area and where key operations. Result support in Afghanistan and inherent resolve in Iraq and Syria were executed under his command, and whereas Lieutenant General Saveria previously served as commander United States Air Force warfare Center, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, and vice commander, 14th Air Force, Air Force's strategic Space Command at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, as well as Director of Security Assistance in the Office of Security Cooperation in Baghdad, Iraq. And whereas Lieutenant General Silveria is a command pilot with more than 3900 flight hours in the F-15 and F-35 fighter jets, and he commanded a fighter wing, an air and space operations center and a fighter squadron earning the Distinguished Service Medal and the Bronze Star Medal, among other air medals during his career. And whereas Lieutenant General Saveria earned a bachelor's degree from the United States Air Force Academy and a master's degree from Syracuse University attended the National War College at Fort Leslie J. McNair in Washington DC was a senior executive fellow at Harvard University and attended the Harvard seminar for the new presidents at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. And whereas Lieutenant General Saveria brings an extensive resume, exceptional leadership skills, sound judgment, and steady temperament to provide guidance and direction to the state's largest university system, including 2 campuses, divisions, and units across the state. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the House of Representatives and 94th General Assembly of the state of Arkansas that the House of Representatives welcome Lieutenant General Jay Bilveria as the next president of the University of Arkansas System and offer its sincere congratulations to him on his appointment. Thank you, Madam Clark, Representative Warren has explained the resolution. Does anyone want to speak against the resolution. For the resolution Representative Warm like close with the resolution? It is a pleasure to welcome the new president to the state of Arkansas, and I would appreciate a good. Question before the house is the passage of house resolution. 1011, all those in favor say aye. Osnay, the eyes have it. Congratulations, Representative Warren, your resolution is adopted. Madam Clerk, please read House resolution 1020. House resolution 1020 by Representative Tara Shepherd to recognize Monday, February 3, 2025 as the links Legislative day at the state Capitol and to recognize the links incorporated for its service and contributions to its chapters, communities, and the state of Arkansas. Representative Shepherd, you're recognized to explain the resolution. We have a group of ladies, or you may have um seen a group of ladies around the Capitol today that have on green in our timing is off, so they're down to get it down here at some point. But in the meantime, we wanted to take the opportunity to recognize 33 chapters of the link in Arkansas, which is Little Rock chapter, the Pine Bluff chapter in the Northwest Arkansas chapter. The links makes up about 17,000 members. They have 299 chapters. They're in 41 states, the District of Columbia, the Bahamas, and the United Kingdom. They have 5 different program facet that they um focus on, which is services to youth, the arts, the national trend and services international trend in services, health and human services. Collectively, these ladies have Contributed to over $1 million in community service hours. They've donated over a million dollars in grants to the St. Jude's Hospital, the Smithsonian Museum and UNCF. And so today, we just wanted to recognize them for their hard work and what they do for not only our Kansas, but individuals on an international on international level. And with that, Mr. Speaker, I'm closed. Madam Clark, please read House resolution 1020 in name only. House resolution 1020 to recognize Monday, February 3, 2025 as the links legislative day at the state Capitol and to recognize the links incorporated for its service and contributions to its chapter, communities and to the state of Arkansas. Representative Shepherd has explained the resolution. Would anyone like to speak against the resolution? Would anyone like to speak for the resolution? And, and Mr. Speaker, if I can have a moment of personal privilege. Thank you, one of the ladies that's a part of the Lynx is Terry Hollingsworth, our Pulaski County Circuit clerk, and she showed up, so thank you for being here today, Miss Hollingsworth. Representative Shepherd has closed for the resolution. The question before the House is the passage of House Resolution 1020. All those in favor say aye. nay, the ayes have it. Congratulations, Representative Shepherd, the resolution is adopted. Madam Clark, please read House Resolution 1019. 1019 by Representative Torres to recognize the city of Solem Springs as recipient in 2024 of a volunteer community of the year award, the most innovative City Award, the Floodplain Community of the Year award and trendsetter City Award. Representative Torres, you're recognized to explain the resolution. Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker and members of the house. Uh, before I get started and telling you about all the phenomenal achievements of our community of Solem Springs. I would love to direct your attention to the East Gallery to the people that are behind these phenomenal results of our community. Solemn Springs. Uh, in a testament to community spirit and innovative leadership, the city of Solem Springs has been celebrated as a beacon of volunteerism, innovation and environmental stewardship in 2024, recognized by Engage Arkansas for its volunteer community of the year and most innovative City Awards. Solemn Springs showcases how dedication and collective action can transform a community. Further, the city's commitment to sustainable practices was honored with the flood plain community of the year award by the Arkansas Flood plain Management Association, highlighting its exemplary floodplain management under the guidance of the senior building inspector Randall Clark. Arkansas business acknowledged Solem Springs as a trendsetter city applauding its strides and infrastructure, water management, public works, and environmental initiatives. And finally, The love sallo initiative exemplifies the heart of Solem Springs uniting businesses, nonprofits, and individuals and acts of service that foster community cohesion and pride with support from local clubs like the Rotary and Kiwanis and organizations like Kind at Heart Ministries and Western Benton County Partnership, Solem Springs is not only enhanced its local environment but is also nurtured a culture of support and mutual. Growth. This resolution from the House of Representatives of Arkansas Hon Solem Springs where it's remarkable achievements recognizing the city as a model of what can be accomplished when a community comes together with purpose and passion. Madam Clark, please read the resolution by name only. To the city of Solem Springs as recipient in 2024 of a volunteer community of the Year award, the most innovative City Award, the Folain flood plain Community of the Year award in the trendsetter City Award. Thank you, Madam Clark. Representative Torres has explained the resolution. Does anyone wish to speak against the resolution. Anyone wish to speak for the resolution. Representative Torres, you're recognized to close for the resolution. Yes, sir, phenomenal community made up of phenomenal people. I feel honored to be their state representative. I'd appreciate a good vote. Representative Torres is closed for the resolution. The question before the House is the passage of House resolution 1019. All those in favor say aye. Osna, the eyes have it. Congratulations, Representative Torres. The resolution is adopted. The Morning hour has ended. Madam Clark, please read House Bill 1149. 149 by Representative Volt concerning vegetable garden protection. Representative Vau, you are recognized to present the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Uh, before I begin, I want to thank everybody who text and checked on me this past week as I was sick. I appreciated everyone's, uh, prayers also. Uh, this bill does exactly what it says. It's going to protect gardens, um, so that a government can't state, federal, can't come in and tell somebody that they cannot produce their own food. We live in a world of, uh, food insecurity, and I felt it was very important that we, uh, protect that way of life. And with that, I would appreciate a good. Representative Vau has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Representative Vaugh is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1149, Prepare the machine, madam clerk. As everyone voted. Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk. With a vote of 98, 0 nay, and 0 present. The bill has passed. Madam Clark, please read House Bill 104848 Representative Cooper to amend the law concerning the incidental sale of goat milk, sheep milk, and a whole milk. That has not been pasteurized, and to clarify that the incidental sale of raw milk is not limited to a sale on the farm. Representative Cooper, you're recognized to explain the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, colleagues. I bring you House Bill 1048. This is a simple bill that has the potential to make a big impact on small farmers in our state. And those farmers' customers. Bear with me. I want to take just a few minutes to explain this bill so that everyone will understand. Unpasteurized milk has been legal for sale in Arkansas since 1995. But at that time, those sales were limited to goat milk and each producer could sell only 100 gallons of milk a month. In 2013, this law was admitted to include sheep milk and cow's milk in addition to goat milk. And the maximum number of gallons that could be sold per month was increased. The law also required that signage be displayed at the point of sale and that a warning label will be placed on each container of milk. Both the sign and the warning label must state the name and address of the farm, and contain the following statement. This sold for personal use and not for resale is fresh whole milk that has not been pasteurized. Neither this farm nor the milk, the milk sold by this farm has been inspected by the state of Arkansas. The consumer assumes all liability for health issues that may result from the consumption of this product. In addition to these requirements, the law also stated that the unpasteurized milk could only be sold directly on the farm. It couldn't be sold on any other location except the farm where the milk was. As many of you know, I grew up on a farm and I currently own a farm. In 2021, my daughters who are heavily invested in our farm, heavily invested in 4H, became. So we bought two dairy goat does. Over the years, that herd has grown and the milk that we produce is primarily been for our own personal use and for our girls to make goat milk soap. We don't produce enough milk to sell to others. We just prima primarily use it for ourselves. an acquaintance of ours did ask about getting some milk from us one time, so I looked into what we needed to do to be within the boundaries of the law to, to sell. And in doing so, we discovered that she would have to drive all the way out to our farm to buy it. Our daughters also compete in dairy goat shows at the county fair and the state fair and through these channels, we've met many other producers and consumers of raw milk. And they often mention how the arm on-farm sale requirement limits access and limits the ability of producers and consumers to do business. I actually filed this bill 2 years ago in the 2023 session. But it was near the end of the session and we ran out of time before we could get to this bill. I put it in the interim study and presented it to the House Agriculture Committee in June of last year. We discussed the issue and what I was trying to do. So if you'll turn to the bill with me, we're gonna read exactly what this bill does. We're leaving in that the milk can be sold at the farm where the milk is produced. But we're also adding that the milk can be sold at a farmer's market. Or it can be sold via delivery from the farm where the milk all this bill does. It's very simple. This bill will allow farmers to sell their milk at farmers. This change will make it easier for farmers and their customers to This bill is about food freedom and food security. And it promotes the concept of buying and shopping locally, supporting your neighbors, supporting the local agricultural economy with locally sourced products. Colleagues, that's all I have at the moment. I'll do my best to answer any questions. Representative Meeks, for what purpose? Question, please. You're recognized. Thank you. Thank you, Representative, for bringing this bill. I was actually on the agriculture Committee back in 2013 when we made that change and was, was glad to do so. My, my only question and concern here is, uh, by allowing the milk to be sold at a local farmers' market. If that milk is somehow mishandled so that it becomes dangerous for human consumption. Does the liability for any health concerns created by that mis. handling, does that liability fall back on the farmers' market or does it fall back on the farmer himself. Well, it, it's important to remember that we're not, um, removing the requirement for that warning label to be attached to the container of milk. And, uh, that warning label states that the consumer assumes all liability for health issues that may result from the consumption of this product. So that part of the law will stay intact. All right, thank you. Representative Cooper has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? anyone like speak for the bill. Representative Brown, you recognized to speak for the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker and thank you Representative Cooper for leading on this legislation. Uh, this is so important for my district especially because not only do we are we very rural, but our local farms, uh, to go there to purchase, you may have to drive 30 minutes down an old dirt road. And those, uh, consumers to, to purchase this need the access to be able to um have that delivered or go to their farmers' market for the young mother who Uh, has a toddler that can only process raw milk. It's very difficult for her to travel to these local farms for the, uh, more senior older constituent of mine. They are home ridden sometimes and they are not able to get out and purchase this milk, and I have heard from my local farmers who have said, I do not want to become a criminal by going and delivering to one of my customers. So this is one step that we can take in the area of free market, but also for food freedom. It's not all we need to do in this body, but it's one step forward, it's the right step and I ask you to join me in voting yes on this legislation. Thank you. Representative Brown has spoken for the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Anyone like to speak for the bill. Representative Cooper, do you wish to close for your bill? So colleagues, as I mentioned, this is a food freedom and food security issue. This is about promoting locally grown products and connecting Arkansas farmers and customers who want to support their local agricultural economy. And who want to be connected to the food they can It's important to note that we're with this bill, we're leaving that disclaimer signage and that warning label in place. We're leaving the prohibition on third-party sales in place. It has to be sold by the farmer that produced the milk. With this bill, we aren't requiring anyone to consume raw milk. We're not putting it in grocery stores. We're not putting it in school lunches. We aren't even recommending that anyone drink raw milk. If people don't wish to consume it, then they're totally free to go to the grocery store and buy unpaste. But let's leave the people alone who do want to consume it, and let's remove the barriers so that the producers and their customers can more easily do appreciate your time and I would really appreciate a good vote. Representative Cooper has closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1048. Prepare the machine, madam clerk. So everyone voted. Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk. The vote of 94 ye, 3 nays, and 2 present. The bill has passed. Madam Clark, please read House Bill 1138. That's 11:38 by Representative Torres to authorize certain medical professionals to certify to the Office of Motor Vehicles eligibility for a special license plate certificate or parking decal for a person with a disability. Representative Torres, you're recognized to explain the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, members of the House. Uh, this proposed legislation allows for physical therapists to be added to the list of persons to certify disabilities for parking permits. License plates and placards. Currently, physicians, uh, nurse practitioners and physicians assistants are on the list. This bill aims to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities by involving an additional healthcare professional and the certification process. And it shows support for individuals with disabilities in Arkansas. And with that, I'll take any questions. Representative Torres has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Would anyone like speak for the bill? Representative Torres. Which clothes for your bill? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. 37 states are doing this, um, and it has the endorsement from the disability rights Arkansas. I appreciate a good vote. Representative Torres is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1138. Prepare the machine, madam clerk. So everyone voted. So everyone voted. Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk. With a vote of 98 ya, zero nay, and 0 present. The bill is passed. Madam Clark, please read House Bill 120505presentative Bentley to amend the independent inspections of modular buildings for code compliance and to to declare an emergency. Representative Bentley, you're recognized. Thank you, Speaker. Uh, colleagues, this bill is so simple. I really thought I must be missing something in the bill. So the first thing I did when I received this, um, someone asked me to run this bill was called JD Harper and say, JD, he's with a uh housing the um modular home association. Am I missing something? or something hiding in the background? I don't know about this bill, but nothing is, absolutely nobody opposes this bill. It simply adds the ISO and the IEC do be a third party certification of body to be able to make sure we getting the right type of modular parts into the state. That's it. Without any questions. I'd appreciate a good vote. Thank you. Representative Bentley has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Representative Bentley is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 12 1 1205 members your one vote is for the bill and the emergency clause. Yes to, uh, prepare the machine, madam clerk. Members, you're voting on the bill and the emergency clause. Has everyone voted. So everyone voted. Cast up the ballot 99 ya, 0, nay, and 0 present, Bill and the emergency clause has passed. Madame Clark, please read House Bill 1173 1173 by Representative Brown to amend the definition of beer to change the allowable alcoholic content and to include malt beverages. Representative Brown, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So we have the first alcohol bill of the session. House Bill 1173 does three things. The first thing it does is it makes some technical corrections to the code, uh, as it was requested by EBC. The second thing is it makes even more technical corrections to the code to tighten up the definition of what constitutes a malt beverage under the code. That's what you'll see at the end of the bill. But the third change and the biggest change is this bill if passed will change the legal definition of beer in Arkansas from being cut off at 5% alcohol by weight to 14% alcohol by weight. The reason for this change is to make it legal for people, people that hold a retail grocery permit, such as a grocery store, Walmart, things of that nature to be able to legally sell craft beers. So, our alcohol laws started back in 1935, 2 years after Prohibition, we had Act 108, which set the definition of alcohol, but legalize the sale of alcohol set our definitions. Which carry forward to today. And essentially this bill defined beer and wine is being kept at 5% alcohol by weight. Well, in the 90 years since then, we've made many changes to the definition of wine to where now under the law wine is defined as up to 21% alcohol by weight, but we have never touched the definition of beer in our code. And as a result, we now tie with Utah as having the lowest legal definition of beer in the state. All of our surrounding states have either gotten rid of that limit, or they have increased it such that craft beers may be sold. So what has changed in the past 90 years? Well, we've now invented craft beers. And this is a a uh exploding industry here in the state of Arkansas. It's, these local brewers such as North 40 or Ozark brewing up in Northwest Arkansas. But the problem is that most craft beers clock in about the 6 to 9% ABW weight. So what this means is, is that you cannot buy them in a grocery store that holds a beer permit. You can only buy them at a liquor store. Now, I think this is kind of a silly notion because on the one hand, these same grocery stores hold a wine permit, and it's perfectly legal for them to buy wine with up to 21% alcohol by weight, but for some reason, you can only buy beer up to 5% by weight. So in other words, if it comes from a grape or other fruit, 21%'s OK. If it comes from malt, you're cut off at 5%. This bill would change that. Now, what does this do in practical purposes? Well, again, it's already legal to sell drinks such as, I've never heard of this, but a quote, Buzzball pineapple colada. Which has a 12% alcohol by weight is legal to be sold because it's classified as a wine under the law, but it's illegal to sell when a lost 40s craft beers that comes in at 6% alcohol by weight. So essentially this is a consumer choices bill. This allows our consumers to purchase these craft beers when they go to the grocery store and pick up their groceries in a wet county. And gives them choices. It also helps our local brewers who are based here in Arkansas, not your Coors Light or your Anheuser Bushes, but your local companies right here in the state of Arkansas. I'd also like to clear up some misconceptions. Um, I know that a lot of y'all have got got in contact about this bill over the past weekend. I apologize for that. But the uh there's been a lot of stuff out there. I'd like to change one thing. There's been a statement made that this bill has been killed 2 or 3 times before. I'd like to point out that in 201, it was killed because it contained ready to drink drinks as part of it. And those are your drinks that are spirit-based, such as your hard lemonades and things of that nature. They have vodka or tequila or some other drink as their base. In 23, the bill was voluntarily pulled to rework, so it didn't get killed in 23, but it was pulled. This bill does not do anything to ready to ready to drink drinks. So this does not affect your hard lemonade. your other liquor-based drinks, as I call them, this is solely beer. Another misconception is, is that some of your local liquor store folks may be putting pressure on you. Craft beer, best estimate is, is about 1% of beer sales. This is a very small segment of beer sales. We're not really changing a whole lot. Um, in conclusion, Like I said, this is a consumer choice bill. This simply, in my opinion, fixes a loophole in the law where it's perfectly legal to buy a wine drink up to 21%, but for some reason, a beer drink can only be 5%, and I'd appreciate a good vote. Representative Brown has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Representative McGrew, you're recognized to speak against the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues. We quite often talk about public safety and has a concern of ours to protect the public. I don't think that I have to tell you the dangers of alcohol, they're all around us. And I could quote statistics. But I think you already know them. If I ask Each of you, if you know someone in your family that's been affected. By alcohol in a negative way. Alcoholism or addiction, almost all of you would raise your hand. But I think I want to share a story with you. A story about my son. His name was Christopher McGrew. Unfortunately, I went through a divorce when I was young and I got custody and raised Christopher by myself for a while. So me and him were tight, real tight. I had him attend church every Sunday. I attended every football game. I was there with him in a huge way. And he had a great laugh. He grew up to be a nice young man and followed me in my career as an electrician. Until he found alcohol. And for over 20 years. The disease of alcoholism affected him and our whole family in negative ways. He went to treatment several times. I've spent over $100,000 trying to get him better. But you want all the real cost. Bear with me for a minute, a few more seconds of the story. Close your eyes and try to. Try to visualize this. I'm a UM sitting it. bed with him with my hand on his hand. Oh, he's Or I beg God to take my life instead of his. His liver was pushing out pushing blood up into parts of his body that he didn't belong. And I sat there with him, as I heard him gurgling as it filled his lungs and laid my head on his chest, and he took his last breath. I beg you, don't pay this bill. Don't make alcohol stronger. Thank you. Representative McGrew has spoken against the bill. Would anyone like to speak for the bill? You wanna like speak against the bill, Representative Unger, you're recognized to speak against the bill. Speaker. I really don't like speaking against anybody's bill. But when I saw the malt I had to. So I'm not a teetotaller. just not. I've got stories. And there's nothing I enjoy more than a, a cold beer after working in the yard. I think a lot of us do. But I gotta tell you, I was in the Navy for over 10 years before I was on a guided missile cruiser out of San Diego. And in California, they sell, promote, and advertise malt liquor as if it is just another beer. And because I was a chaplain at that time, and because I had been a hospital corpsman, I got very close with. Our hospital corpsman on the ship. And I got to tell you just one darn thing after another of just spectacular problems and people going to the emergency room and all roads lead to malt liquor. Uh, this takes, and I did a little bit of work on the internet. Moving this up to 14%. A lot of the malt liquors you can find out there in a quick search. For the alcohol by weight is between 5 to 12. Uh, moving at this high. Just nothing good will come out of this. So I got on the website of one of the more popular malt liquors of a name that I recognized. And looked at their product reviews. And I'm gonna read this, uh, I'm writing this review for lack of a better term, hobo beer. And he was surprised at the taste. It was very smooth and it goes down easily. The only problem, I'm skipping ahead a little bit. The only problem, or some might say it's an asset. Is this beer has a 8%, uh, alcohol weight. So that's significantly lower than what's proposed in this beer. So this is a guy talking about a beer that's roughly half. proposed Not a summer refreshing lawn mowing beer, unless you don't mind passing it on your lawn mower, as you mow down your next door neighbor's hedge. Alas, I digress. Either way, I dare say, this is one you don't mind buying hobo brew at your local corner store. Uh, You know, I like craft beers myself. But when it comes to the malt liquor portion of this, it's not beer. It looks like beer. It comes in a can. The advertisements look the same. But please, nothing good will come out of this. I ask you to vote no. Thank you. Representative Unger has spoken against the bill. Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Representative Painter, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As somebody that works in this industry every day. This is less than 1% of sales. Every state around us already does this. Folks want this. The accusations that it's gonna kill small businesses, r liquor stores. I have one of those. In a town less than 1000. It's not going to kill business. Actually, we're gonna sell it. Later down the road. So I'd ask a good vote. Thank you. Representative Painter spoke against the bill. Would anyone like to speak for the bill, or for the bill, like speak against the bill. Representative Wootton, you're recognized. Colleagues ask you a question. If any of you ever worked for the accident with 4. people killed Two adults and 2 children. That's just is a state trooper. That's what I did. And it's in addition to that, I had to work several other fatalities. But that one stands in mind. Because of the fact they were on their way home. Last year we had 643 traffic deaths. 200 of them, 31%. We're related to driving. Well and. So you can take. 200 of 643, that's 31%. Or you can take 4%, you're increasing the beverage amount by That's 8. Or 26, 27, rounded up, this bore. That could be caused, and I've always used the word could be. I was not going to speak against this bill. I was going to vote against it. But my faith also. Representative Wooton has spoke against the bill. Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Anyone like to speak against the. Representative Brown, do you wish to close for your bill? Thank you Mr. Speaker. Um, I appreciate my colleagues' concerns. However, I would like to point out that, uh, number one, a comment was made this increases the alcohol level and alcohol. Uh, this does not, this simply makes it to where a Someone who owns that retail permit can sell a beer which is already sold in liquor stores. I think the other point is, while I understand people's concerns about people who choose to drink to excess. I don't believe they're drinking to excess on craft beers, which are quite a bit more expensive than your cheaper alcohols that I think that in my experience, people who have drinking problems resort to, so I'd appreciate a good vote. Representative Brown has closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1173, prepare the machine, madam clerk. So everyone voted, everyone voted. Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk. With a vote of 36 years, 44 nays, 14 present, the bill has failed. Madam Clerk, please read Senate Bill 1818 by Representative Galloway to amend Arkansas law concerning reports by the Legislative auditor of improper or illegal practices. Representative Gazaway, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues is many of you may recall, last session, we authorized the Attorney General's office to pick up, uh, certain matters that legislative audit in the course of their audits, when they make findings, they make referrals to the prosecuting attorney for review and we authorized last session, the Attorney General to take action when the prosecuting attorney chooses not to take action, uh, on those referrals from legislative audit. What this bill does is simply imposes the same reporting requirement. environments in terms of the disposition of the matter back to legislative audit on the Attorney general as we already impose on the prosecuting attorney and then also we require the Attorney General to let legislative audit know if they've been appointed as a special prosecuting attorney to handle a referral that comes from a finding made by legislative audit, Attorney General's office has reviewed this bill. Uh, there. 100% good with it. And so with that, I'm happy to answer any questions. Seeing done, I'd appreciate a good vote. Thank you. Representative Gazaway has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill. Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Representative Gazaway is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of Senate Bill 18. Prepare the machine, Madam clerk. So everyone voted. Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot, Madam clerk. The vote of 96 years to nays, the bill has passed. Madam Clark, please read Senate Bill 61. Senate Bill 61 by Representative to authorize veterinary telemedicine in this state and to set certain standards for veterinary telemedicine. Representative Bocher recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Um, About a year's worth of set and visiting with all the veterinarians and, and trying to come up with a way to do telemedicine through veterinarians in the state of Arkansas and have some standards around how to do that and how it would function. It's nice to be on the side of the veterinarians this time. Um, I know that you didn't, you didn't miss all your little emails that normally would come with a bill like this. So, uh, with that and with their uh all their help. I hope that you'll give me a good vote for this. Representative has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? I mean when I speak for the bill. Representative Voxs closed for the bill. Question before the house is the passage of Senate Bill 61. Prepare the machine, madam clerk. So everyone voted Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot. The vote of 98 ya, zero nays, 0 present. The bill is passed. Madam Clerk, please read Senate Bill 68. About 68 by Representative votes who allowed veterinary technicians, veterinary technologists and veterinary technician specialists to go to a location other than the location of the supervising veterinarian to provide services based on an emergency call. Representative Boucher recognized Mister Speaker discussion about the telemedicine, um, this was a bill that the veterinarians thought would be very helpful for them to be able to stand one of their vet techs out to somewhere, uh, that they might not be able to be at at that certain time or the technologist, uh, to be able to go and help them out, especially with these large animal farms because we're all spread out in different areas, and this would be very helpful to them. And with that, I would appreciate a good vote. Representative Bo has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? You would like to speak for the bill. Representative Bo is closed for the bill. Question before the house is the passage of Senate Bill 68. Prepare the machine, madam clerk. So everyone voted? Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot. The vote of 98, 0 nay, 0 present. The bill is passed. Members without objection will pass over Senate Bill 56. See no, Madam Clerk, please read Senate Bill 76. Senate Bill 76 by Representative Steinmel to amend the law concerning miscellaneous prohibited practices under the Arkansas Insurance Code and to clarify fees collected by certain brokers. Representative Steiner, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hey, this is a, uh, pretty simple bill. What it does is it takes a rule that has been in place for 10+ years, and it, uh, puts it in the statute is, uh, will create uh a more competitive surplus lines in Arkansas, which is much needed in uh current insurance market. So with that, I'll be happy to answer any questions, but it does not create any new fees. So, uh, don't be, uh, worry of that if you did see, uh, anything with Representative Steinmel has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Representative Steinel is closed for the bill. The question before the house is the passage of Senate Bill 76, Prepare the machine, madam clerk. Everyone voted. So everyone voted. Cas up the ballot, Madam Clerk. Vote of 98 ya, 0 nay, and 0 present. The bill is passed. Madam Clark, please read Senate Bill 70. of Bill 70 by Representative Longstrom to amend the law concerning standards for insurance policies and to revise the notice requirements of an insurer. Representative Lundstrom, you're recognized. Thank you. Um, it's no secret that insurance rates are going up. What's happening though is you get the notice of that bill going up in 10 days. And if the mail comes, and if your agents had time to review it, you're left scrambling over a barrel and basically you get what Well, never mind what you get, but it's not good. So, this basically says your insurance agent must get notification 60 days and you must get notification 30 days, so you have time to negotiate a better rate or at least shop for a different rate, so it's just a good notification bill. With that, I'd appreciate a good vote or any questions, I'm sorry. Appreciate a good book. Representative Lindstrom has explained the bill when anyone like to speak against the bill. For the bill Representative Lungstrom is closed for the bill. Question before the house is the passage of Senate Bill 70. Prepare the machine, madam clerk. So everyone voted. So everyone voted. Cast up the ballot. The vote of 98 ya, 0 nay, and 0 present, the bill has passed. Madam Clark, please read Senate Bill 56. Senate Bill 56 by representative Ebanks concerning the evaluation, extension, and repeal of administrative rules. you recognized to explain the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Uh, members, this is pretty much just a cleanup bill, uh, from Dotson. He ran it a couple of sessions ago where the rules from the agencies get reviewed and we went through a big review. And now this allows the governor to group the agencies. And a manageable level for her, but it also stipulates that they can't go more than 12 years before they have to be reviewed again. And with that, I'd appreciate a good vote. Representative Eubanks has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Representative Eubanks is closed for the bill. Question before the house is the passage of Senate Bill 56, Prepare the machine, madam clerk. So everyone voted Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk. But of 98, ya, zero nay, and 0 present, the bill is passed. Representative Meeks, for what purpose? Motion, please. You're recognized. Pursuant the house rule 33M. I move we adjourn until 1:30 tomorrow afternoon. That's a proper motion. It's not debatable. All those in favor say aye. Osnay The eyes have it. Are there any committee announcements, Representative Jean, for what purpose? Announcement, you're recognized. Joint budget will meet tomorrow morning 9 a.m. Big Mac A. Represent Underwood, for what purpose? Announcement. Judiciary will meet tomorrow at 10 a.m. Representative Holcomb for what purpose? announcement, you're recognized. Public transportation. We'll meet in the morning, 10 a.m. might be. Representative Wooldridge, for what purpose? Announcement you're recognized. Public health will meet tomorrow morning 10:00 a.m., room 1:30. Representative Brooks, for what purpose? Announcement recognized on such occasion we'll meet tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m. Representative Gramick, what purpose? Announcement. You're recognized members tomorrow. Any other committee announcements. Seeing none, the desks 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.