House Convenes

Mic check for press 123456789, 10. Mic check 12345678. 9:10 123456. 789, 10. Are we good? My check 123456789, 10. Mic check 123456789, 10. Great. Check 12. I invite all members, guests, staff, press, and visitors on the chamber floor and in the House galleries to stand as you are able and to be led in prayer by senior pastor Richard Hamlin, Faith Baptist Church, Cabot, Arkansas, then to be led in the Pledge of allegiance by Representative Lane Jean. Let's pray. Heavenly Father, we bow today. Thinking of your blessing and what a blessed time it is to be able to gather in this place. And I pray this morning that each one who is here, uh, who is here to serve you, feels that sense of blessed the opportunity they have to serve this great state. We thank you, God then for your blessing. Because we understand how crucial, how vital there are, no fiscal policy could ever be a substitute God for your blessings, even there's no insurance. So we pray over this body today, the words of that ancient song. Blessed is the man. He walketh not. In the council of the ungodly. Nor standeth in the way of sinners. Nor sitteth in the sea his delight is in the law of the Lord. And then that that he met. He should be like that brings forth its fruit in it. God, we pray you'd make this legislative body and all they do. Someone took the flags. Members, if you would, you may be seated, please indicate your presence by pushing your yellow present button. Prepare the machine, madam clerk. So everyone Cause everyone made their presence known. Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk. With 94 members present, the chair sees a quorum. Are there any requests for leave? Representative Rich Richardson, for what purpose? Leave. I'll hear your leave, leave for Representative Perry, his leave granted for Representative Perry. Representative Lundstrom, for what purpose? Ladyman. His leave granted for Representative Ladyman. They'll move Representative McCullough, for what purpose? Hear your leave for Representative Hudson granted for Representative Hudson. They moved. Representative Joey Carr, for what purpose? Leave? Hear your leave, uh, leave for Representative Jim Wootton and to be sworn in at a later time, is leave granted for Representative Jim Wootton and to be sworn in at a later date. Lee was granted so move. Representative Matthew Shepherd moves that we dispense with the reading of the previous day's journal. No objections, so ordered. Members, I'd like to recognize and honored guests that we have here today, our Arkansas State troopers, Corporal Trey Keller, Sergeant Austin Ley, both of Little Rock. Would you please welcome them here today. To recognize our doctor of the day and our nurses of the day, Doctor Tim Payton, Family Medical physician from Mountain Home and our nurses, Lee Fazio and Ebony Crutchfield. We thank them for their service. Representative Vau for what purpose? Motion Madam Clark, please read House concurrent resolution 1003. As concurrent resolution 1003, providing that the House of Representatives in the Senate of the ninety-fifth. General Assembly may recess on Thursday, January 16, 2025 and reconvene on Tuesday, January 21st, 2025. Representative Bocher recognized to present House concurrent resolution 1003. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Arkansas Constitution Article 5, Section 28 provides that neither the house or the General Assembly. May adjourn for more than 3 consecutive days without the consent of, uh, the other house. So HCR 1003 provides the necessary consent so that we may each recess on Thursday, January 16th, 2025, and reconvene and resume our work on Tuesday, January the 21st, 2025. And with that, I would appreciate a good vote. Representative Vaugh has presented the resolution. Does anyone wish to speak against the resolution. For the resolution Representative Bo is closed for the resolution. The question before the House is the passage of House concurrent resolution 1003, all in favor say aye. nay I have it. Congratulations, the resolution is adopted. Members at this time taking care of that business, we will go into recess until 10:30 for the joint meeting with Governor Sanders. Check one. is authorized by House Concurrent resolution 10,001, the joint session of the Arkansas House and Senate is convened. It's time I take the roll call of the Senate by Ms. Ann Cornwell, secretary of the Arkansas Senate, you are recognized. Bo Bron Caldwell, Clark? Carl Davis. Face this mine. Dotson, English. But Flowers Gilmore, Hammer. Hester Hickey Hill. Irvin Blake Johnson Mark Johnson King Letting love. McKee Murdoch Peyton Penzo Patty Rice, scot. Stone Stemmophil Sullivan Tucker. Wallace House members, please indicate your presence by pushing your yellow present button, cast up the ballot or prepare the machine, madam clerk. Everyone Made their presence known. Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk. The 96 members present. Che see decorum. I invite all members, guests, staff, press, and visitors in the chamber floor and in the House galleries to stand as you're able and to be led in prayer by Pastor Chris Dixon, First Baptist Church, Bentonville, Arkansas. After the invocation, please remain standing. The presentation of the colors by the Arkansas State Police Color guard and to be, then to be led the Pledge of allegiance by Representative Lane Jean, pastor. It's an honor to be with you today. Let's pray together. Father, we thank you for the love and the care and the compassion that you extend to our lives. Father, we thank you for the grace and forgiveness that is found in Jesus Christ, and we thank you for the great state of Arkansas. God, I'm grateful for a state that focuses on education and educators to give us and to build lives for future generations. God, we're grateful for the care and for the compassion that they extend to the children who find themselves in absolute desperate need. And God, we thank you for the common sense that they exhibit in legislating this state to bless the lives of every person that calls at home. And God, today as we enter into a new day, 2025, and God is these uh men women take the responsibility to lead, uh, the 3 million plus lives that you've entrusted to them. It's my prayer today, God, that you would give them wisdom to legislate wisely. God, I pray that you would give them the compassion to care about the people that they lead. And God, I pray that you would give them strength to stand for what is right in every circumstance and situation. And God, it truly is my prayer today, that you would give them insight to inspire for this state a better way forward. God, I pray that you would give us out of this room, men and women who would dream for a brighter tomorrow. I pray that you would give us men and women that would dare to be great. And God, I pray that you would give us men and women who would take risks to lead this state into the greater days and God, I pray that you would give these men and women the ability to lead in such a way that we will become a shining symbol, a bright light in this nation as a state that sees and knows the way forward. And God, I for these men and women today, in the name that can do exceedingly and abundantly above all that we could ask or think. I pray in the mighty, the magnificent, the glorious name. God, I, I pray in the name by which we only find salvation and grace and forgiveness. We prayed in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Give us men and women like this in this state to shine in Christ's name. Amen. Thank you. You may be seated. It's time I recognized the Honorable John T. Vines, parliamentarian of the House. To announce the results of the general election vote. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Uh, declaration of the results of the 2024 general election, uh, beginning with the United States President Donald J. Trump, Republicans, 759,241 votes. Kamala Har D. Harris, Democrat, 396,905 votes. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Independent Party, 13,255 votes. Chase Oliver, Libertarian Party, 5,0715 votes. Jill Stein, Green Party, 4,275 votes. Peter Sonsky, American Solidarity Party, 2141 votes. Michael Wood, Progressive Party, 1,144 votes. United States Congress, District one. Congressman Rick Crawford, Republican, 194,711 votes. Rodney Govis, Democrat, 64,113 votes. Steve G. Parsons, Libertarian Party, 8,353 votes. United States Congress, District 2. Congressman French Hill, Republican, 180,509 votes. Marcus A. Jones, Democrat, 125,777 votes. United States Congress, District 3. Congressman Steve Womack, Republican, 192,101 votes. Caitlin Draper, Democratic Party, 95,652 votes. Bobby Wilson, Libertarian Party, 13,331 votes. United States Congress District 4. Congressman Bruce Westerman, Republican, 197,046 votes. Rizzie Howard, Democrat, 73,207 votes. State treasurer. Secretary of State John Thurston, Republican, 755,156 votes. John Pagan, Democrat. 350,000, 210 votes. Michael Peco, Libertarian Party, 49,847 votes. Issue number one, constitutional amendment to provide that lottery proceeds may be used to fund or provide scholarships and grants to American citizens enrolled in vocational technical schools and technical institutes. 4, 129,102 votes against 119,527 votes. Issue number 2, an amendment requiring local vote approval in a countywide special election for certain new casino licenses. And repealing authority to issue a casino license in Polk County, Arkansas. 4 638,655 votes against 505, 772 votes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. parliamentarian. Members of the House and Senate at this time, I'd like to recognize dignitaries that are with us here today, getting with the Arkansas State Supreme Court. Constitutional officers that are here in attendance. As well as newest appointed ambassador to the country of Israel, the Honorable Governor Mike Huckabee, would you please welcome them to the House chamber. I recognize the president of the Senate, the Honorable Leslie Rutledge. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the president of the Senate, it is my honor to announce the following named Senate committee appointed by Senate President pro temp Mark Hester to serve as the committee to notify Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders that the joint session is ready to receive her and to escort the governor to the speaker's rostrum along with those committee members from the house, which will be named Senators. John Payton Senator Dan Sullivan and Senator Clark Tucker. Thank you, Madam President of the Senate. This time, I appoint the following House committee. Representative Howard Beatty, chair, Representative Carlton Wing. Representative Dwight Tosh. Representative Fred Allen. Representative Kendra Moore. Representative Les Warren. Representative John Eubanks. Representative Ken Ferguson. Representative Fran Kavanaugh. Representative Steven Meeks. Representative Robin Lundstrom. Representative Lane Jean. Representative Matthew Shepherd. Representative Jeffrey Wardlaw. If you'll please notify the governor at the joint session is convened. To escort her To the House chamber. Mr. Speaker, For what purpose, Mr. Sergeant of arms to the governor of the great state of Arkansas, the Honorable Sarah Huckabee Sanders. Mr. Sergeant at arms, please admit the governor. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor as the president of the Senate. To present to this body, my friend, the best governor in the United States of America, the Honorable Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Governor of Arkansas. Thank you Thank you. Good morning. Speaker Evans. President Hester Constitutional officers. Members of the Supreme Court. And distinguished members of the General Assembly. My amazing family, especially Scarlett Huck, George Brian, and my parents. My kids told me I'd be in trouble if I didn't list them by name, so. And my fellow Arkansans. It is an honor to join you to kick off another transformational legislative session for the people of Arkansas. When I took office, I was the youngest governor in the country. And I promised to bring a new generation of leadership. And over the past two years, Arkansas. has been the vanguard of a national conservative revolution. Which in just 6 days, we'll put Donald J. Trump back in the White House. But these victories don't mean we can take our foot off the gas. Today, I'm here to renew my promise for a new generation of leadership. For a new path forward. And for a new vision for Arkansas. As I said, when I took office two years ago, I was the youngest governor in the country. And as my kids, much to their disappointment and I regularly remind them that is actually still the case. Although my youngest George recently heard me say that and replied, You're the youngest governor in the country. I said, yeah, George. And he goes, well, mom, the rest of them must be really, really old. But whether you think I'm way too young. Or really, really old. The results of our 1st 2 years, speak for themselves. Our economy is up. Crime is down. Education is improving. Arkansas is growing. And the state of Arkansas is very, very strong. But that doesn't mean we haven't had hard moments. One of the most difficult days that I've had as governor. Came last summer. When a gunman opened fire at the mad butcher grocery store in Fort Dyce, Arkansas. And senselessly killed. For Arkansans and severely injured, 9 innocent people. 13 Arkansans. 13 lives. 13 every day he roast. He rose that you might find, frankly, in any town, but if there is any place, any words that you can take refuge after a horrible event like that. It's in the words of my good friend, Sheriff. Mike said this will not define us. And it will not divide us. That was true for Fordyce that day. And it is true for our state, every single day. Our state faces many challenges. Days of incredible pain. Like the shooting in Fordice or the tornadoes that struck our state over Memorial Day weekend. The day in, day out issues of struggling schools. Too high crime, hunger, and poverty. But I've always believed that we are not defined by the problems that we face. We are defined by the way that we face our problems. We will face those with our heads bowed and our eyes to the future. And with that, Arkansans can and will conquer anything that comes our way. When I was growing up, my dad never missed an opportunity to tell us how being governor was the best job in the world. And the best one he ever had. Although these days he may change his mind on that here pretty soon. But I remember a time when I was just a few weeks into office. And after a particularly rough 48 hours. I called my dad and I asked him. So, Dad, you know how you're always telling us how being governor is the best job in the world. And I asked him, when exactly will that start? And in a way that only a dad can. My dad told me, well, Sarah, to be honest, you haven't done anything yet. I called him for encouragement. Thankfully, we got there. He said, let me explain. Just wait. And when you least expect it, You're gonna have a moment. Where a mom comes up to you in the grocery store at one of your kids' games. And she's going to tell you that because of the work that this group has done. Her life, her kid's life. is better. Not long after that, I was at one of my kids' games at the grocery store and now person after person come up to me and thank me for the job that each one of us are doing on behalf of the state of Arkansas. And in those first moments, I finally understood why it was the best job in the world. Because what we're doing Makes a real difference in people's lives. Don't ever lose sight of that. And let us never take it for granted. In those moments, no reform comes up more often than Arkansas learns. Which passed by an overwhelming margin. Thanks to the work of the members here in this room. I now hear from teachers who are earning $50,000 a year for the first time in their life. I hear from teachers who have earned thousands of dollars. In merit bonuses for the great job that they're doing. And it's not just the money. It's feeling recognized for the work that they're doing in the way that they pour their heart and soul into the kids. I hear from a parent whose child struggled with reading. And is now getting the one on one attention they need because of our high impact tutoring grants. Or from the parent who sees news around the country. And it's thankful for the investments that we've made. One student I've heard from is named Elijah. Who recently enrolled in Saint Teresa's here in Southwest Little Rock. Elijah is here with us today with Father Steven Gadbury, Elijah, you want to wave to the group. Father Gadbury's leadership at that school should be an inspiration to all of us. Saint Teresa's is a Catholic school. And many of its students come from central Arkansas's Hispanic community. Before the Learns Act, most families had to scrape and save just to Learns flipped that equation on its head. Elijah's parents had sent them to their local public school. But they knew that they wanted a faith-based smaller environment. That met Elijah's needs. But even more than that, they wanted a community in which their whole family could be involved. Elijah's dad is a veteran, and so this school year, They were able to sign up for an EFA account. Elijah is now in school and thriving. And his parents are participated in a Bible study every weekend. Stories like Elijah's are happening all over the state of Arkansas. And next year education freedom accounts will go universal so that every student in the state of Arkansas will have an opportunity like Elijah. That is historic and that is because of your work. By working together, we have achieved tremendous progress on our K through 12 schools. Education is a lifelong journey. And in this administration, education reform will be as well. Our Secretary of Education, Jacob Oliva, loves to talk about on ramps and off-ramps. The exit you take when you graduate high school or college, the on-ramp, when you go back to school to finish a degree or earn a credential. But for some Arkansans, that's not a strong enough metaphor. For many people in our state, education is a lifeboat. Without it They drown. They can take control of their life's journey if they have access to a quality education. And with your work in partnership, that's exactly what we will make sure everyone has. Tiffany String, who is here today, is one of those people. Tiffany's mom pulled her out of school just a few weeks. She was married at 17. And in her home state of Georgia, she had found herself with 3 kids. 14 years later, she was here in BB, Arkansas with a husband and those kids. Unfortunately, Tiffany's life imploded. Her husband walked out on their marriage, leaving her with those 3 kids, hundreds of miles from her closest family with no job and no car. Tiffany was resourceful. Tiffany found out That Sonic was one of the few places she could go and work without a GED. So she signed up for government assistance and leaned on friendly neighbors. She found a bike. And latched a carriage to the back of it. She would take her bike. Bike her kids to school, then bike herself to work at Sonic, and then biked herself to earn her GED. Once she did that, she continued, and she earned her nursing degree at Arkansas State University in BB. She now works as a full-time nurse in Cersei, and this May, she will graduate with her RN degree and work as a registered nurse right here in Arkansas, Tiffany, that is the kind of story and resilience we want to see. Throughout it all, her sons now. 1512, and 12 who were seated up there with her, have seen a strength in their mom and what determination and a good education can do. They've prayed with her, and they've been her. She pushes education on them constantly, because she knows it's the best ticket that they have. To a better life. She said that we should have seen the smile on her face when her oldest son sent her a picture. Of the 100 he got on his test. I'm pretty sure that made the refrigerator. And you should have seen the tears in her eyes when one of her sons looked up at her and said, Mom, I want to be like you when I grow up. Higher education can be that difference. Between a life In poverty and a life of great success. And it should be available to every single person in our state, no matter what their background. And today, let us commit to make that happen. Today I'm announcing my plan to improve our state's higher education system. Arkansas access together, we will expand Arkansas access to higher education and non-degree credentials. Whether their path comes straight after high school graduation or many years down the line, like Tiffany. That starts with making applications easier. We will make it so that you can submit one application, pay one fee, and use the same application for any state-supported college or university in Arkansas. Arkansas students go to our colleges and universities to be educated. Not to be bombarded with anti-American historically illiterate woke nonsense. We will make it so that any professor We will make it so that any professor Tenured or not. That waste time indoctrinating our students instead of educating them can be terminated from their job. We will address the skyrocketing cost of higher education by funding college credits while students are still in high school. And expanding scholarships to associate degrees and non-degree credentials. And we will change our higher education funding model. So that it puts state dollars behind all types of degrees, bachelor's, associates, And non-degree credentials. For far too long. Students have been told the lie. That the only way to be successful. is to get a 4-year degree, right out of college. Right out of high school. When this body passes Arkansas access, every student, young and old, will know the truth. Every Arkansan is unique. In every education journey will be unique too. The investments we make today in education. We have a payoff long time down the road. In the meantime, Arkansans are struggling. With the high cost of groceries, gas, and just about everything else. The good news is that in just a few days, the reckless tax and spend policies of the Biden administration. will be over, and we will have President Donald J. Trump back in the White House fighting for every single American. But Arkansas the cost of living. is what drove this administration to work with our legislators and cut taxes, not once, not twice, but 3 times. And yes, you will get tired of hearing me say that. But now we're gonna focus after we've been able to reduce the personal income tax by a full percentage point over the last. We will turn our attention. And our taxes are quickly dropping, and we just released a report on Arkansas Forward initiative that will save our state at least $300 million and hopefully much more. The budget I introduced This year will control spending increases while making needed investments in priorities like education and maternal health. The results of these policies have been quick and clear. We've now recorded record high job numbers for 9 months in a row. And at the end of last year, Arkansas ranked number one in the country for economic growth. Number one in the country for inbound movers, and number one in the country for having the lowest cost of living. That is something to celebrate. And thanks to my husband, Brian's work on the natural state initiative. We're breaking tourism records too. The most recent statistics show that 50 million people visited our state in 2023 alone, and they spent $10 billion despite our progress, I know that some Arkansans are still struggling. Last year, I signed Arkansas up for summer EBT, a program that was made possible by Arkansas senior senator, John Boseman. Summer EBT gives $120 over the summer months. To parents whose kids receive free and reduced price. We've partnered with groups like the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance. To sign families up and last summer, we served a quarter million. Of Arkansas students here in Arkansas. Through that program. $120 may not sound like a lot to many of you, but for some people in our state, It can be life change. That's why I will work with this legislature to end our most regressive tax. The state grocery tax and ease the burden on families just trying to put food on their tables. We can and we will eliminate it this session. I've already announced that Arkansas will participate in summer EBT this year. And today, I'm announcing my plan to use medical marijuana money to make both this program and our free lunch and breakfast programs, financially sustainable for years to come. We will also use those funds to make school breakfast in Arkansas completely free for any student that chooses to participate. At the same time, it should be easier for all of us to be good neighbors. We've all seen good food go to waste. Because a restaurant doesn't think it can donate it. If you give food to a food pantry, you shouldn't have to worry about going to court over it. We will pass the Good Neighbor Act to give liability protection to those who donate food to other Arkansans. Snap should be focused on healthy nutritious food. Arkansas will be the first state to seek a snap waiver and ensure our neediest families are getting the food that they need to stay healthy. We will also support healthy diets while supporting Arkansas farms and businesses. I'm introducing the buy Local Act to encourage our schools to purchase their food in state from our farmers. Educating and feeding our kids will be two of our biggest priorities this session. The 3rd is keeping them safe. With the help of this body, We passed the ProtE Act. Violent crime here in Little Rock is down. And we are ending the catch and early release of violent repeat offenders. We have more state troopers than we've had in a generation. And through our new state pay plan, we will raise their starting pay by 20%, something that is long needed and we will make it happen this year. Not long ago, my husband and I visited the pathway to Freedom program at the Wrightsville unit here in Pulaski County. It was an amazing image. of men, many of whom are in prison. For violent crimes. Tattoos on their arms and faces. Singing out Praising Our creator. After that visit, I received a letter from one of those inmates. Whose clemency petition. I had previously denied. And you would think that letter would be filled with anger. But instead, he was thanking me for denying his petition. Because that meant he was able to participate in Pathway to Freedom. He said that because of that program, He will be a better husband. A better father and a better son. Every inmate in Arkansas deserves to have access to programs like Pathway to Freedom. And this year, we will expand and require evidence-based programming in our prisons. And we will make it happen so that we are doing a better job. With our state But none of that happens with the chronic prison bed shortage that we have in Arkansas. That's why I'm glad that we've worked to open almost 1500 prison beds, easing the burden on our county jails. And for the first time since my dad was in office. We have worked with this legislature to expand our prison system with plans for a new 3000 bed prison in Franklin County. But there are other threats to our public safety, modern threats that require modern solutions. Nowhere is that truer than with our kids. In the past decade across America. Suicide rates among teens have tripled. Self-harm, self-harm among girls has risen by And depression amongst by 150%. And the culprit is clear. Unrestricted access to phones and social media. With us here today is Jenny Desaria from Sinnerton. who tragically lost her 16 year old son, Mason, to suicide. In 20 was a complete and total shock. For Mason took his own life. He was a happy, healthy, thriving kid. He loved football. And track and spending time outside. But in the last few weeks of his life. A relationship he was in got difficult. And Mason started spending more and more time. When Mason's relationship ended. His mental health deteriorated. On the last night of Mason's life. His parents Took his phone away so he could get some undisturbed rest. And when they did something that was a complete 180 from anything. Mason's stepfather took the phone away. And it's for only 13 minutes. Before realizing that Mason had gone up to his room. Mason's stepfather raced upstairs. And pounded On the door. Mason was already gone. Months later, If Jenny took Mason's phone. She got on his TikTok. And what she saw. He had received video after video. Of step by step instructions. Jenny says, I completely believe. In my heart That Mason would be alive today. Most of us In Jenny's shoes. would be so lost in our paralyzed. Instead She is dedicated her life to saving other families from the tragedy that she experienced. She's fighting her way through the legal system. To hold these abusive social media companies accountable. Congress and our federal courts have failed to step in. But where they have stalled Arkansas will stand up for families like Jenny, and we will act and we will start today. Thank you for sharing your story. With the help of this body, we have already taken major strides. We started a phone-free school pilot program. And 3 quarter of our school district's voluntarily participated and signed up for that program. In just one district of phone-free school, saw a 57% drop. In verbal and 51% drop in drug-related offenses. It's startling to see how much of an impact it has. This session We will ban cell phones in our schools from bell to bell so that our kids are not distracted in the classroom or out of it, and we will break the cycle of mental health crisis facing our students. We will update the social media Safety Act, so that it's no longer held up in court. And began to get enforced. And we will give moms like Jenny, the right to sue big tech companies under state law, so that they can hold bad actors accountable. Arkansas has led the nation on common sense conservative reforms for the past 2 years and 2025 will be no different. The good news is we now have a partner and an ally in the White House. I have a great relationship with President Trump, and he and his administration will have no greater friend than right here in Arkansas. The president has promised to deal with the crisis on our southern border and fix our broken immigration system. Here in Arkansas, we will pass the defense against Criminal Illegals Act to slap enhanced penalties on violent illegal immigrants and remove them from our state. President Trump was the first president in my lifetime to stand up to China. And Arkansas was the first state in the nation to kick a communist Chinese company off of our farmland and out of our state. And we will expand that law with the communist China Defense Act, divesting state resources from communist China and banning our adversaries from buying land around things like our military bases and electric substations, we will hold the line. President Trump will bring law and order back to our country. But here in Arkansas, I like to think we're already pretty tough. But we will take it a step further, and we will take on the growing problem of squatters by allowing property owners to actually call the sheriff's office and get squatters off of their land and out of their properties. Education, cost of living. Public safety. Those are the priorities that have defined the 1st 2 years of my administration. And with your help, Those are the priorities that will define the next two as well. But I'm also clear-eyed about the future. And know that government doesn't have a magic wand that it can wave. I know that in order to improve, we have to be united. In our vision In our actions. In my opinion, Arkansas is blessed with the greatest asset. Any state for. Hardworking, God-fearing people. At the beginning of my speech, I mentioned the tragic shooting in Fordyce. And the 4 Arkansans that we lost that day. And the 9 who were injured. Those on the scene know that it could have been many, many more. If not for the action of brave heroes like Dallas County Sheriff, Mike Canadel. Within minutes after the first shots were fired. Mike and his officers were on the scene. Returning fire to the gunmen. Distracting him. And allowing victims to find cover and escape. Immediately after they apprehended the gunman. Canal organized transportation and aid for the wounded. In the days and the weeks after. He helped raise 10s of thousands of dollars. When a tragedy like this happens in a small town in Arkansas. It's personal. These victims weren't just citizens in Mike's County. They were his neighbors, people he knew by name. For him to have found the energy and the courage to lead his community after this terrible, terrible event. The courage and the faith of this great hero. I have the opportunity to meet so many incredible Arkansans when I'm traveling around the state. And I believe that they deserve more recognition or in the newspaper. So today I'm announcing the Arkansas Medal of Freedom. That will allow us to recognize and honor Arkansans who have distinguished themselves in service to the state and to their fellow citizens, and I cannot think of a better person. To receive the first Medal of Freedom, then Sheriff Canadel. Mike, if you could please join me at the podium so that this distinguished chamber and our entire state can recognize you for your bravery and for your service. As my exemplifies. Arkansans are the kindest. Most hardworking on earth. As their public servants, let us walk in their footsteps. Let us live out their example. Every day of this legislative session. With the people as our priority. And with God as our God. We will build the state that our children and our grandchildren deserve. God bless you. God bless the great state of Arkansas, and thank you for letting to work. Thank you so much. Thank you, Governor Sanders, members seeing no other business before this joint body. The House will now go into, uh, adjournment. The House will reconvene in 10 minutes. The Senate will reconvene in 15 minutes. You are adjourned. The House will come to order. Remember seeing no other business before the house other than announcements. I'd like to announce it this afternoon at 2:30 will be a meeting of House chairs or House chairs and vice chairs of standing select. And joint committees, you should have received an email. We will meet at 2:30 at Association of Counties. Our be committee chairs, are there any further announcements? Representative Rave, what purpose? Announcement. You're for announcement. Uh, he tried to keep it a secret to all of us yesterday, but we had a birthday in the chamber, and it was Representative Austin McCollum. Representative Eubanks, for what purpose? Announcement rules will meet tomorrow at noon and Big Mac B. Any other announcements from committee chairs. Representative Holcomb, you're recognized. Announcement, you're recognized. Uh, would everyone look in their mailbox, our daughters put up a flyer in your mailbox. There will be in a, a legislative orientation meeting tomorrow, uh, from 2:30 to 4:30 at the Arkansas Department of Transportation. Thank you. Representative Bentley, for what purpose? Announcement. We're celebrating religious freedom today in the rotunda at noon. Uh, I would love for you all to join us. We're doing a Bible marathon to love y'all to join us for 15 minutes if you can. Thanks. Representative Gazaway, what purpose? Announcement recognized for announcement. House state agencies will meet tomorrow 100 a.m., room 151 for an organizational meeting. Representative for what purpose you're recognized. Yesterday Adam made an announcement that house management would meet today. We're not meeting today, we're meeting tomorrow, 15 minutes upon adjournment, room 138. for announcement. Insurance and commerce will meet tomorrow at 100 a.m. for an organizational meeting. Representative Meeks, what purpose? Hold on, hold that. Representative Gonzalez, for what purpose? Announcement, you're recognized affairs will meet tomorrow at 10 a.m. We will not be hearing the short-term rental bill yet, so y'all don't. Thank you, Chairman. Representative Meeks, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, after the announcements reading of the bills, transferring the bills, placed in the calendars on the desk, members amending their own bills with their own amendments. Members withdrawing their own bills, finalizing resolutions, reading communications, and any remaining committee reports. I move that we adjourn until 1:30 tomorrow afternoon. Proper motion, non-debatable. All those in favor say aye. Osnay Motion passes. The desk will remain open as needed for the reading of the bills and upon completion of those items named in the adjourned resolution, the House will be adjourned until 1:30 tomorrow. Representative Milligan. announcement, please. everybody that Jonesboro chamber will be at the