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House of Representatives
March 7, 2022
Shepherd I invite the members, staff, press and guests in the galleries to stand and be led in prayer by the House chaplain, Dr. Rex Horne, retired Pastor Emmanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock, and remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance to be led by Representative Lane Jean.
Horne Let’s pray. Father, we come to you today on this, the beginning of the workweek, thanking you for the weekend and the blessings that you bestow upon us day by day. And, Lord, as our friends here, women and men of the House begin to see the end of this session, I pray that you’ll bless them in these last hours of the session. And for those who are not running again or at the end of their terms of service here, I pray that you’ll bless them as they return to their homes and the work they have to do in their location. And Lord, for most of us, as we would just be honest looking around the room, most of us have had far more yesterdays than we have tomorrows related to eternity. So we thank you for the fact that we can serve you now. We can serve you at home and we can serve you to the end. And may we be able to say that we, too, have fought the good fight, we finished our course, we kept the faith. In Jesus name, amen.
[Pledge of Allegiance]
Shepherd Members, please indicate your presence by pushing the yellow present button. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. Cast up the ballot, Mr. Clerk. With 99 members present, the chair sees a quorum. Are there any requests for leave? Representative Milligan, for what purpose?
Milligan Leave.
Shepherd You’re recognized.
Milligan Leave for Representative Bryant.
Shepherd Is leave granted for Representative Bryant? So noted. Representative Frederick Love moves we dispense with the reading of the previous day’s journal. Without objection, so ordered. Are there reports from select committees? Read the reports. Mr. Clerk.
Clerk Mr. Speaker, we your Committee on Joint Budget to whom was referred House Bill 1117 beg leave to report that we’ve had the same under consideration and herewith return of the same with the recommendation do pass as amended Number 1. Respectfully submitted, Lane Jean, Chair.
Shepherd Are there any reports from standing committees? Is there any unfinished business? Are there any executive communications? Read the letter from the governor, Mr. Clerk.
Clerk March 3rd, 2022, to the Speaker of the House. Dear Mr. Speaker, this is to inform you that on March 30, 2022, I reviewed and approved the following measure from the fiscal session of the 93rd General Assembly: Senate Bill 84 is Act 115. House Bill 1027 is Act 116. House Bill 1033 is Act 117. House Bill 1037 is Act 118. House Bill 1016 is Act 119. House Bill 1101 is Act 120. House Bill 1102 is Act 121. House Bill 1103 is Act 122. House Bill 1104 is Act 123. House Bill 1105 is Act 124. House Bill 1106 is Act 125. House Bill 1107 is Act 126. House Bill 1108 is act 127. House Bill 1109 is Act 128. House Bill 1110 is Act 129. House Bill 1111 is Act 190. House Bill 1112 is Act 131. House Bill 1113 is Act 132. House Bill 1114 is Act 133. House Bill 1115 is Act 134. House Bill 1116 is Act 135. House Concurrent Resolution 1001. Sincerely, Asa Hutchinson.
Shepherd The morning hour is ended. Representative Jean, we’re going to move to the yellow supplemental budget calendar. Representative Jean moves that we place House Bill 1117 on second reading for the purpose of amendment. Without objection, read Amendment Amendment Number 1, Mr. Clerk.
Clerk Amendment Number 1 to House Bill 1117.
Shepherd Representative Jean, you’re recognized to explain the amendment.
Jean Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, this was– this is the, the numbers, the, the base of the bill. It was put in on committee this morning over in Joint Budget. What we’ll do is pass this amendment, Amendment 1, and we’ll have another supplemental calendar later today to vote on the House version of the revenue stabilization. It’s a little over a $6 billion dollar general revenue. The governor has– with the legislative requests, it was a 3.3 percent increase. It’s down to 2.99. I’d appreciate a good vote on the amendment. Any questions?
Shepherd Representative Jean has explained the amendment. Would anyone like to speak against the amendment? Would anyone like to speak for the amendment? Representative Jean is closed for the amendment. The question before the House is the adoption of Amendment Number 1 to House Bill 1117. All in favor say aye. Any opposed. The amendment is adopted. All right, members, before we move back to the red calendar, our Arkansas state troopers with us this week are Trooper Tanner Hess of Troop D of Forrest City and Trooper Lonnie Moore of Troop J of Clarksville. Also in the West Gallery, we, we have Don Ivy, who’s the OEM coordinator for Jackson County, and Bennie Malone, who is on the Tuckerman City Council, the guests Representative Christiansen and Tosh. And then in the East Gallery, we have Leadership Magnolia, the guests of Representative Lane Jean and Representative David Fielding. All right. All right, members, we’re going to pass over House Resolution 1038. Mr. Clerk, please read House Resolution 1042.
Clerk House Resolution 1042 by Representative Boyd to strongly urge the president of the United States to support policies and measures to ensure the United States long term energy affordability, security leadership and progress.
Shepherd Representative Boyd, you’re recognized to explain the Resolution.
Boyd Thank you, Mr. Speaker, colleagues. And as I stand here, I realize this is a good chance the last time I get to be at this well. So bear with me for just a moment. So gas was $1.70 per gallon a year ago. It’s 3.60 plus a gallon now today. It’s on its way to $4. Buying oil from our enemies funds their strengthening while weakening our own strength by increasing our dependence on our enemies. Point number three that I want to make is America has the cleanest– or the cleanest fuel of all the countries. So why are we employing other people in the world when we can do it right here in Arkansas and in America? So and again, I want to reiterate that. So when America controls our own destiny, we can provide more influence over protecting our environment than when we depend on another country. With that said, I’d appreciate a good vote. Thank you.
Shepherd Representative Boyd has explained the Resolution. Would anyone like to speak against the Resolution? Would anyone like to speak for the Resolution? Representative Boyd is closed for the Resolution. The question before the House is the adoption of House Resolution 1042. All in favor say aye. Any opposed. The Resolution is adopted. Mr. Clerk, please read House Resolution 1043.
Clerk House Resolution 1043 by Representative Brooks to congratulate the Joe T. Robinson High School Football Team on winning the 2021 Class 4A State Championship.
Shepherd Rep. Hudson, you’re recognized to explain the Resolution.
Hudson Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Apologies to Representative Brooks, who is ill today, and I know he would like to be here to do this with me. Today I bring to you the Joe T. Robinson football team, their coaches, their student trainers, their trainers, and, I think, about everybody at the High School looking at the crowd over there. And Joe T. Robinson is actually in Representative Brooks’ district, but I have a number of families in mine who also attend. And they are– I’m sorry– and Representative Fred Love is a proud alumni of Joe T. Robinson, as is Senator Elliott. Some people will do anything for an applause line. I am here today, though, to congratulate these men and women up here. The men of the Robinson football team are the state champions in the 4A section of the football championship for this year. I have heard a lot of really good things about other schools and their other dominance in other sports for the past couple of weeks, so I’m glad that Pulaski County is finally bringing it home. They showed incredible strength as a team during the Championship game against Shiloh Christian. And what was that final score, boys? There we go. Yeah, yeah. Bit of a lopsided win. And it was no doubt due to the dedication of the team and their coaches and all of their fans. I’d also like to take a moment and recognize the MVP for that game. Daryl, are you here? Ladies and gentlemen, the MVP for the 4A football championship, Mr. Darryl Searcy, right up there. And so with that, I would hope for a good vote. I see that Representative Springer may have a question or a statement, and I’ll stay up here to answer questions.
Shepherd Representative Springer, for what purpose?
Springer Point of personal privilege.
Shepherd Let’s– Representative Hudson has the well. After she concludes, then we’ll recognize you for personal privilege.
Hudson Mr. Speaker, could we please read the Resolution?
Shepherd Mr. Clerk, please read the Resolution.
Clerk Whereas the 2021 Joe T. Robinson High School Senators football team claimed the Class 4A State Championship trophy after defeating the Shiloh Christian High School Saints with a 42-14 victory at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Arkansas. And whereas the 2021 Joe T. Robinson High School Senators football team’s victory gave the school its second 4 class A championship in the last three years. And whereas Darrell Searcy of the 2021 Joe T. Robinson High School Senators football team was named the most valuable player of the state championship game. And whereas the 2021 Joe T. Robinson High School Senators football team were led by a head coach, Todd Eskola. And whereas in 20221, Joe T. Robinson High School Senators were also supported by additional coaches, staff, and other members of the Joe T. Robinson High School and their community. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the House of Representatives and the 93rd General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the House of Representatives congratulate the Joe T. Robinson High School Senators football team on winning the 2021 Class 4A State Championship.
Shepherd Representative Hudson has explained the Resolution. Would anyone like to speak for the Resolution– or against the Resolution? Sorry. Would anyone like to speak for the Resolution? Representative Springer, you’re recognized to speak for the Resolution.
Springer Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. I just wanted to indicate and make known to this body that I have a cousin who scored a 48-yard touchdown during the Championship game. Mr. Noah Freeman, and he is also an honor student.
Shepherd Representative Springer has spoken for the Resolution. Would anyone like to speak against the Resolution? Would anyone like to speak for the Resolution? Rep. Hudson is closed for the Resolution. The question before the House is the adoption of House Resolution 1043. All in favor say aye. Any opposed. The Resolution is adopted. Members, we’re going to pass over House Resolution 1044 and House Resolution 1045. We’re going to move to the red supplemental calendar. Mr. Clerk, please read House Resolution 1046.
Clerk House Resolution 1046 by Rep. Haak to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary work done by Arkansas educators during the COVID 19 pandemic.
Shepherd Rep. Haak, you’re recognized to explain the Resolution.
Haak Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just wanted to recognize and thank all of our Arkansas educators from all of us here in the House, to our K through 12 educators, as well as our higher education teachers, staff and administrators for responding in extraordinary ways for our students, families and communities during COVID 19. And if you would, please read the Resolution.
Shepherd Mr. Clerk, please read the Resolution.
Clerk Whereas the COVID 19 pandemic presented the citizens of Arkansas with unprecedented challenges, including many challenges in the field of education. And whereas despite the challenges presented by the COVID 19 pandemic, Arkansas educators have demonstrated a resiliency, responded with the care and compassion preserved through the uncertainties arising from these challenges. And whereas Arkansas educators have risen to the challenges presented by the COVID 19 pandemic in many ways, including coordinating remote and hybrid learning, supporting the mental health of students, providing meals to the students in need and distributing technology to students. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the 93rd General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the House of Representatives recognize and celebrate the extraordinary work done by Arkansas educators during the COVID 19 pandemic.
Shepherd Rep. Haak has explained the Resolution. Would anyone like to speak against the Resolution? Would anyone like to speak for the Resolution? Rep. Haak is closed for the Resolution. The question before the House is the adoption of House Resolution 1046. All in favor say aye. Any opposed. The Resolution is adopted. Members, we also have with us today the ag policy class from UAM, the guests of Representatives Wardlaw, Beatty, Holcomb and Bragg. Madam Clerk, please read House Resolution 1047.
Clerk House Resolution 1047 to congratulate the Batesville High School swim team on its many recent accomplishments.
Shepherd Representative Smith, you’re recognized to explain the Resolution.
Smith Thank you, Mr. Speaker, colleagues. 2020 Batesville High School Boys Swim Team were 5A state champions, as they were in 2020. So have them here in the gallery above to recognize them tonight. Also, Representative Tosh, if you’d come down here. And Representative– I don’t think Representative Gray is here, but they also represent part of the Batesville School District, so I’d like him to come down. Great bunch of guys. I’m going to tell you, before we read the Resolution, I want to say a few things about their coaches who I’ve known a while. One of their coaches I want to introduce is Alfredo Aleman. Now they have great stories. These coaches have great stories. Alfredo was a member at one time of the Cuban Pan-American team and of the Cuban national team. In 2007, while they were touring the United States, he thought he liked America enough that he would just stay here, which he did. And I’ve never known a guy prouder to be an American citizen than Alfredo is, and he’s done a great job with our swim team. Another young man– that’s the other swim team coach. There’s a man named Khang Nguyen. Khang came to this country in 1999 when he was 6 years old from Vietnam, taught himself to speak fluent English by just watching commercials and had a very good teacher that worked with him as he grew up. I’m very proud of Khang. Not only was he a student of mine, he was an athlete for me, went on and played college football. He’s back at Batesville now coaching High School football and is the head swim coach. So I’m very, very proud of these guys. I’d like to go ahead now and allow former Batesville graduate Malicia Straw to go ahead and read the Resolution.
Shepherd Madam Clerk, please read the Resolution.
Clerk Whereas the Batesville High School Swim Team has many recent successes. And whereas the 2022 Batesville High School swim team won the Class 5A State Championship meets. And whereas the 2021 Batesville High School Swim Team finished third in the Class 5A State Championship meet. And whereas the 2020 Batesville High School Swim Team was Class 4A through 1A state championship meet. And whereas the 2019 Batesville High School Swim Team was the runner up in Class 4A through 1A state championship meet. And whereas the 2022 High School swim team won their conference for the third consecutive year. And whereas the Batesville High School swim team holds the state record in swimming for the 200 yard medley relay and the 200 yard freestyle stroke relay and the 400 yard freestyle stroke relay. And whereas 2022 Batesville High School Swim Team senior Nathan Hernandez has been an All-state swimmer four times and was a state champion in the 100 yard butterfly stroke in 2021 and the 100 yard backstroke in 2020. And whereas 2020 Batesville High School Swim Team senior Trey Moody has been an All-state swimmer three times and was the 2022 Class 5A state champion in the 100 yard freestyle stroke. And whereas 2022 Batesville High School swim team senior Keegan Suttle has been an All-State swimmer three times. And whereas 2022 Batesville High School swim team freshman Dewey Rogers finished third in the 2022 Class 5A State Championship meet in the 50 yard freestyle stroke. And whereas 2022 Batesville High School swim team freshman Ethan Insell finished third in the 2022 Class 5A State Championship meet in the 200 yard individual medley. And whereas the Batesville High School swim team has been well led by the coaches Khang Nguyeh and Alfredo Aleman. And whereas the Batesville High School Swim Team was also supported by additional coaches, staff and other members of Batesville High School and their community. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the House of Representative of the 93rd General Assembly and the State of Arkansas.
Shepherd Representative Smith has explained the Resolution. Would anyone like to speak against the Resolution? Would anyone like to speak for the Resolution? Representative Smith is closed for the Resolution. The question before the House is the adoption of Resolution 1047. All in favor say aye. Any opposed. Resolution is adopted. Mr. Clerk, please read House Resolution 1048.
Clerk House Resolution 1048 by Representative Eaves to congratulate the 2022 Searcy High School Ladies Lion wrestling team on their many achievements.
Shepherd Representative Eaves, you’re recognized to explain the Resolution.
Eaves Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, today I have a group that I’m extremely proud of here in the West Gallery. And I’m going to read you a couple of things that will be in the Resolution, but I think it’s important to hear. And as a father of three daughters, I think it’s really cool to have a state champion girls wrestling team from Searcy. By the way, they were undefeated this season. They were 19 and 0 in duals this season. They won all eight tournaments that they entered. They were the 5A East Conference champions. They’re the 2022 Arkansas women’s dual state champions and also the 2022 women’s state team champions. And there are several individuals that are up here that I want to recognize in this Resolution as well. Starting with Madison Sickle, she was all conference, conference champion and All-state. We have Gracie Webb, all conference, conference champion, and All-state. We have Shania Brown, all conference, conference champion and All-state. We have Shelby Webb, all conference, conference champion, outstanding wrestler at the conference tournament, state runner up, and All-state. Wow. MyKenzie Clark, all conference, conference champion, state runner up, and All-state. Vivi Edwards, all conference, conference champion, state runner up and All-state. We have Megan Amplo, all conference, conference champion and state placer. We have Lily Dias, all conference and State Placer. And Harley Seymor, all conference and All-state. And finally, Kylee Martin, conference Placer. And something to be noted on this team, too, it’s only their third year. Their first year in existence, they won state. The second year in existence, they came in second. And this third year, they have won state again. Also, coach Jerry Evans was named the Arkansas Wrestling Association’s women’s coach of the Year. Pretty neat stuff, guys. So with that, Mr. Speaker, please have the Clerk read the Resolution. I don’t know who’s going to do this. You’re up, you’re up. All right.
Shepherd Mr. Clerk, please read the Resolution.
Clerk Where’s the Searcy High School Lady Lions wrestling team had many successes during the 2022 season, including winning the 2022 Girls State Wrestling Championship. And whereas the 2022 Searcy High School Lady Lions wrestling team were 99 and 0 in duals. And whereas the 2022 Searcy High School Lady Lions Wrestling Team won all eight tournaments that they entered. And whereas the 2022 Searcy High School Lady Lions wrestling team were the Class 5A East Conference champions. And whereas the 2022 Searcy High School Lady Lions wrestling team were the Arkansas women’s dual state champions. And whereas several members of the 2022 Searcy High School Lady Lions wrestling team were named All-state wrestlers, including Madison Sickles, Gracie Webb, Shania Brown, Shelby Webb, Mykenzie Clerk, Vivi Edwards and Harley Seymor. And whereas several members of the 2022 Searcy High School Lady Lions wrestling team were named all conference wrestlers, including Madison Sickles, Gracie Webb, Shanie Brown, Shelby Webb, MyKenzie Clark, Vivi Edwards, Meghan Amplo, Lily Dias, and Harley Seymor. And whereas several members of the 2022 Searcy High School Lady Lions wrestling team were individual conference champions including Madison Sickles, Gracie Webb, Shania Brown, Shelby Webb, Mykenzie Clark, Vivi Edwards and Megan Amplo. And whereas several members of the 2022 Searcy High School Lady Lions wrestling team were individual state runner ups, including Shelby Webb, Mykenzie Clark and Vivi Edwards. And whereas several members of the 2022 High School Lady Lions wrestling team were state placers, including Megan Amplo and Lily Dias. And whereas Shelby Webb of the 2022 Searcy High School Lady Lions wrestling team was also named outstanding wrestler at the conference tournament. And whereas Kylee Martin of the 2022 High School, Searcy High School Lady Lions wrestling team was also a conference Placer, conference Placer. And whereas the 2022 Searcy High School Lady Lions wrestling team was well led by coach Jerry Evans, who was named the girls wrestling coach of the Year. And whereas the 2022 Searcy High School Lady Lions wrestling team has been supported in these many successes by an excellent team of teachers, coaches, other staff members and their community. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the 93rd General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the House of Representatives congratulate the 2022 Searcy High School Lady Lions wrestling team on their many recent accomplishments.
Shepherd Rep. Eaves has explained the Resolution. Would anyone like to speak against the Resolution? Would anyone like to speak for the Resolution? Representative Eaves is closed for the Resolution. The question before the House is the adoption of House Resolution 1048. All in favor say aye. Any opposed. The Resolution is adopted. Representative Jean, you’re recognized to present the budget calendar. Representative McKenzie, for what purpose?
McKenzie Motion.
Shepherd Let’s hear your motion.
McKenzie I make a motion to extract HR 1022 to amend the rules of the House of Representatives for the 93rd Assembly to require the vote for Speaker designate be a public roll call vote.
Shepherd That’s a proper motion. It’s debatable. You’re recognized to explain the motion.
McKenzie Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I guess I’ve come full circle. I know I started off trying to speak about this subject, and I guess I’m going to end trying to speak about this subject. And I suspect I may have the same level of success. So perhaps I’ll be persistent, but not effective. All this Resolution does is it just changes a few words in our rules to call for a public roll call vote for Speaker designate that we’ll have next week as opposed to a secret ballot. That’s what the rules call for now, a secret ballot. The only reason that I get to cast a vote or any of you 99 get to cast a vote for Speaker of the House is because you were elected as the Representative for your district. We’re casting that vote in our capacity as a Representative. And to my knowledge, that is the only vote that we take as a body that is by secret ballot. It can’t be roll called. It is a secret ballot. We are casting that vote in our capacity as the people’s Representatives. It’s on their dime. They’re paying for the show. Even the House of Representatives, the US House of Representatives, it’s a roll call vote. It’s transparent. I really don’t believe this should be a partisan issue or even a controversial issue. Do we believe a single one of our constituents, if you support a transparent vote, will one of them say to you, why did you do that, I don’t want to know? I believe it’s what we should do for the people that we represent. Thank you.
Shepherd Rep. McKenzie has explained the motion. Would anyone like to speak against the motion? Would anyone like to speak for the motion? Representative McKenzie is closed for the motion. The question before the House is to remove House Resolution 1022 from committee. Representative Love, for what purpose?
Love Question.
Shepherd You’re recognized for a question.
Love What’s the threshold?
Shepherd 67 votes.
Love Okay, thank you.
Shepherd The question before the House is to remove House Resolution 1022 from committee. All in favor say aye. All those opposed. No’s have it. Representative Jean– I see five hands. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot, Mr. Clerk. By a vote of 24 yeas, 62 nays, and 1 present, the motion has failed. Representative Jean, you’re recognized to present the budget calendar.
Jean Thank you, Speaker. Colleagues, we’ve got– the first appropriation today is Arkansas Tech University. Of course, we did the amendment on it last week on how they select the board of trustees throughout the state. This does have the emergency clause. This is the appropriation for Arkansas Tech. Any questions? Your one vote is for the bill and the emergency clause. Mr. Speaker, have the Clerk read the bill the third time.
Shepherd Mr. Clerk, please read the bill for the third time.
Clerk House Bill 1055.
Shepherd Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. You’re voting on the bill and the emergency clause. Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot, Mr. Clerk. By a vote of 96 yeas, 1 nay, and 0 present, the bill and emergency clause are passed. Representative Jean, you’re recognized.
Jean Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, this is the appropriation, the only House Bill that we have that does not have an emergency clause on it. This is House Bill 1034. That’s the Division of Corrections. Any questions? Your one vote is for the bill. Mr. Speaker, have the Clerk read the bill a third time.
Shepherd Mr. Clerk, please read the bill for a third time.
Clerk House Bill 1034.
Shepherd Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot, Mr. Clerk. By a vote of 83 yeas, 5 nays and 3 present, the bill is passed. Rep. Jean, you’re recognized.
Jean Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is the last set. We’ve had two requests. I’ve had a request– starting at Senate Bill 12 and we go all the way down to Senate Bill 67. It’s been requested that Senate Bill 50, Department Human Services Division of Developmental Disabilities, pulled out for a separate vote. And also, we’ve had a request that Senate Bill 54, Department Human Services Division of Medical Services, be pulled out for a separate vote today. Does any of these others need to be pulled out for any reason of the batch? Any questions on any of these bills? OK, we’re starting at Senate Bill 12. We’re excluding Senate Bill 50 and Senate Bill 54 and we’re going all the way down to Senate Bill 67. Your one vote is for all these bills. Mr. Speaker, have the Clerk read the bill a third time.
Shepherd Mr. Clerk, please read the bills for the third time.
Clerk Senate Bill 12. Senate Bill 23. Senate Bill 34. Senate Bill 40. Senate Bill 45. Senate Bill 51. Senate Bill 53. Senate Bill 57. Senate Bill 58. Senate Bill 63. Senate Bill 64. Senate Bill 67.
Shepherd Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot, Mr. Clerk. By a vote of 95 yeas, 0 nay, and 0 present, the bills have passed. Representative Jean, you’re recognized.
Jean Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We’ll take up Senate Bill 50 division of developmental disabilities. Any questions? Seeing none, your one vote is for the bill. Mr. Speaker, have the Clerk read the bill a third time.
Shepherd Mr. Clerk, please read the bill for the third time.
Clerk Senate Bill 50.
Shepherd Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot, Mr. Clerk. By a vote of 94 yeas, 0 nay, and 2 present, the bill is passed. Rep. Jean, you’re recognized.
Jean Thank you, Mr. Speaker,.Senate Bill 54. This is the division of medical services. This has your traditional and your Arkansas Home Medicaid budget, among other things. ARKids First. Any questions? Seeing none, your one vote is for the bill. Mr. Speaker, have the Clerk read the bill a third time.
Shepherd Mr. Clerk, please read the bill for the third time.
Clerk Senate Bill 54.
Shepherd Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot, Mr. Clerk. By a vote of 91 yeas, 3 nays and 3 present, the bill is passed. Members, we’re waiting on the RSA bill to make its way through engrossing, so we’re going to take a 10 minute recess. The House will stand in recess for 10 minutes.
[Recess]
Shepherd Members, we’re still waiting on the bill. So we hope to have that shortly. As soon as we do well, we’ll get this started again.
[Recess]
Shepherd The House will come to order. Everybody should have a yellow second supplemental budget calendar. Representative Jean, you’re recognized to present the second supplemental budget calendar.
Jean Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, this is the House version of the revenue stabilization. I’ll just go over some quick highlights. We pretty much know what all– the big changes is that we have right under $70 million in new money for adequacy for education, $28.5 million dollars for new money for facilities. There will be $37.6 to help alleviate the DDS waiver in the Medicaid grant this year. Now, the increase has been curbed from $43 million to the DHS grants to $23 million. This was done mainly by legislators asking the governor to get his budget under 3 percent. So 20 million was taken off. And once again, they have a balance in the Medicaid Trust Fund of over $550. So they have adequate balance to what they’re being budgeted to take care of any needs. The other big change on the, the budget is, is that we did add from $32 to $40 a day for our county jail reimbursement. That’s another $6.4 million to the revenue stabilization to the budget. This goes back to help our jails. And if you look over the last 16 years through two governors, we’ve done $4. We’ve doubled that this session, which I think our county jails and our county personnel will appreciate that. One other place we had a cut was the performance fund. Merit pay was 16 million. The governor cut it to 10 to basically pay for the county jail reimbursement. Of course, $7.3 million dollars in this budget for the state police raises that will be going toward state police pay. And the average pay per trooper will be somewhere around $12,000 a year, which sends a strong message that we do support law enforcement. This budget is a little over $6 billion. It’s a $175 million increase, 2.99 percent from the previous year’s budget. Also, the one-time schedule, the $150 million for various projects, the new prison. I think the $30 million for the blind school is now in this budget instead of a one-time bill. And that’s mentioned in section 3 of the bill. Any questions? All right. I’m going to get out of the way. Remember that your one vote is for the bill and the emergency clause. Mr. Speaker, have the Clerk read the bill a third time.
Shepherd Mr. Clerk, please read the bill for the third time.
Clerk House Bill 1117.
Shepherd Representative Jean has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Representative Jean is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1117. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. You’re voting on the bill and the emergency clause. Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot, Mr. Clerk. By a vote of 95 yeas, 1 nay and 1 present, the bill and emergency clause have passed. Rep. Meeks, for what purpose?
Meeks Motion, please.
Shepherd Let’s hear your motion.
Meeks After the announcements, reading of the bills, transferring the bills, placing 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 9:00 tomorrow morning.
Shepherd That’s a proper motion. It’s not debatable. All in favor say aye. Any opposed. The motion is passed. Any announcements? Representative Wing, for what purpose?
Wing Announcement.
Shepherd You’re recognized.
Wing We have a birthday today in the House, one of the brightest lights in the House of Representatives, my neighbor in North Little Rock, Representative Jamie Scott. Happy Birthday.
Shepherd Any other announcements? Members, we will, we’ll see what the Senate took up today. Of course, the plan is to come back in tomorrow at 9:00 in the morning. I need to confer with the Senate to verify. But as far as sine die, we’re looking at next Tuesday around noon. But I’ll work to finalize that and we’ll email that out to let everybody know. But that’s the– that’s tentatively what we’re looking at. But I do need to confer with the, with the other end. Any other announcements? If not, 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 9:00 a.m. tomorrow.