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Senate
Date February 13, 2023
Lt Gov Rutledge: The Senate will now be called to order. Are there any requests for leave at this time? Madam Secretary, please call the roll.
Madam Secretary: Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Chesterfield, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismang, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Leding, Love, McKee, Murdock, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Stone, Stubblefield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Thank you, Madam Secretary. If everyone in the chamber and the galleries would please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a prayer, rather by Senator Love and then followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Thank you, Senator.
[ Prayer ]
[ Pledge of Allegiance ]
Lt Gov Rutledge: Ladies and Gentleman in the galleries, welcome to your Arkansas State Senate. It is our expectation that each of you will exercise proper decorum and govern yourselves accordingly during today’s proceedings. Without objection, the rules will be suspended and the Senate will dispense in the reading of the Journal. The morning hour has now begun. Are there any announcements or introductions at this time? Senator Boyd, you’re recognized.
Sen Boyd: Thank you, Madam President. If you’ll look up here in the West Gallery, we have 30 plus pharmacists who’ve taken a day off from patient care to come learn about the Capitol. And so, just if you will, help me make them feel welcome. And then additionally, just a reminder, the Arkansas Pharmacist Association, from 6:00 to 8:00 is having their legislative event tonight at their headquarters just across the street. Thank you.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Thanks, Senator Boyd. Senator Flippo.
Sen Flippo: Thank you, Governor. Members, like most of you, I had a lot of help and support when it came to running for public office and getting here to the Senate. And perhaps nobody more, stronger supporter than my dad, who is with us today up here. And his good friend Rodney Kester. And as you all now, time is limited in life and none of us know how much time that we have. And so, I’m very happy to stand before you all today as a member of this body, and to recognize my father. And I hope you’ll join me in thanking him for all the hard work he did to get me here. Dad, thank you and I love you. [applause]
Lt Gov Rutledge: Senator Crowell.
Sen Crowell: I also have my wife and my two daughters here observing today. They have no school, so what better to take your children to work day. And I’d ask for leave for Brody Goodwin who started a political, student political committee at Magnolia High School. He’s shadowing me today. [applause]
Lt Gov Rutledge: Senator Mark Johnson.
Sen M Johnson: Thank you, Madam President. Please welcome our Doctor of the Day. Otolaryngologist from Conway and a friend of mine, Dr. Patrick Frayley. [applause] I didn’t even know he was an Otolaryngologist, but I do now, okay. And a great thank you for coming, Patrick. And of course, Sherry Bernard, our nurse. Thank you Sherry every day. [applause]
And while I’m here, I’ll save the Senate some time and introduce my Page for the day, Chance Boshears. He goes to Little Rock Christian. His dad Gaylon Boshears is a long, long time friend of mine. Welcome Chance. [applause]
Lt Gov Rutledge: Senator Tucker.
Sen Tucker: Thank you, Madam President. I hope y’all have a lot of notes to send today, because I have a number of Pages here with me today, I’ve got six. And I want to thank them for being here and introduce them. We have Ms. Caroline Anderson, who’s a freshman and into tennis and the French club. We have Ms. Katherine Anderson, who plays volleyball and cheer. They’re sisters in case it’s not obvious. We have Ms. Jet Johansen, who’s also into cheer and plays volleyball. And then, we have another set of brothers. Hartford Lowe who’s a freshman, plays football and baseball. He’s the child, and some of y’all may know his parents, Mitchell — oh, Hartford’s over here, I’m sorry. This is Bailey, my apologies. They’re the boys of Mitchell and Sara Beth Lowe, who are in the gallery here with us today.
We have Bailey Lowe, who’s a seventh grader back here, plays football, basketball and baseball with someone else who I’ll introduce in just a minute. And Hartford Lowe who’s a freshman and plays baseball and football. Thank you Lowe boys for being here today. And along with Senator Flippo and Senator Crowell it’s a family affair today because my son is also joining us today who’s a seventh grader, and plays football and basketball, and baseball with Bailey. Unlike Senator Flippo’s dad and Senator Crowell’s family, Ellis is here to work for the Senate today. So, I hope y’all put him to work, but please join me in welcoming these young people to our chamber today. [applause]
Lt Gov Rutledge: Any other announcements? Madam Secretary, are there items at the desk?
Madam Secretary: Yes, Madam President. We your Committee on Engrossed Bills to whom was referred Senate Bill 121 by Senator Johnson, report that we have carefully compared the engrossed copy with the original, and we find the same correctly engrossed.
Lt Gov Rutledge: State Agencies.
Madam Secretary: We your Committee on Engrossed Bills to whom was referred Senate Bill 120 by Senator Hickey, report that we have carefully compared the engrossed copy with the original, and we find the same correctly engrossed.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Retirement.
Madam Secretary: We your Committee on Engrossed Bills to whom was referred Senate Bill 1163 by Representative Bentley, report that we have carefully compared the engrossed copy with the original and we find the same correctly engrossed.
Lt Gov Rutledge: State Agencies.
Madam Secretary: We your Committee on Engrossed Bills to whom was referred House Bill 1263 by Senator Stubblefield, report that we have carefully compared —
Lt Gov Rutledge: Revenue and Tax.
Madam Secretary: –the engrossed copy with the original and we find the same correctly engrossed. Madam President, We your Committee on Joint Retirement to whom was referred Senate Bill 116 by Senator Hammer recommend do pass.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Calendar.
Madam Secretary: We your Committee on Judiciary to whom was referred Senate Bill 199 by Senator Stubblefield recommend do pass.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Calendar:
Madam Secretary: We your Committee on Transportation to whom was referred House Bill 1171 by Representative Haak recommend do pass.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Calendar:
Madam Secretary: We your Committee on Transportation to whom was referred House Bill 1321 by Representative Holcomb recommend do pass.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Calendar.
Madam Secretary: Senate Concurring Resolution 6 by Senator Rice. To recognize 100 years of Arkansas State Parks and proclaim 2023 as Arkansas State Parks Centennial Year. Senate Current Resolution 6.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Calendar.
Madam Secretary: Senate Resolution 8 by Senator Caldwell. To recognize the Hazen High School Hornets Football Team as the 2022 2A Football State Champions. Senate Resolution 8.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Calendar.
Madam Secretary: Senate Bill 248 by Senator English. To create the Arkansas Challenge Plus Scholarship Program. Senate Bill 248.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Education.
Madam Secretary: Senate Bill 249 by Senator English. To amend the source of funding for in-state tuition for veterans, and military personnel and dependents under certain circumstances. Senate Bill 249.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Education.
Madam Secretary: Senate Bill 250 by Senator Hammer et al. To amend the law concerning paper ballots. To amend the law concerning marking and counting paper ballots. To amend the law concerning the declaration of election results and to declare an emergency. Senate Bill 250.
Lt Gov Rutledge: State Agencies.
Madam Secretary: Senate Bill 251 by Senator Caldwell. Concerning the Administrative Office of the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Commission and to amend the duties of the duties of the State Parks Division. Senate Bill 251.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Agriculture.
Madam Secretary: Senate Bill 252 by Senator Crowell. To amend the definitions of manufacturing and processing, for purposes of the use tax exemption for machinery and equipment used to retread tires to match their definitions, for purposes of the sales tax exemption. Senate Bill 252.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Revenue and Tax.
Madam Secretary: Senate Bill 253 by Senator Crowell. To amend the law concerning damaged ballots and to amend the law concerning election procedures. Senate Bill 253.
Lt Gov Rutledge: State Agencies.
Madam Secretary: Senate Bill 254 by Senator Crowell. An Act to eliminate write-in candidates in elections. To amend election procedures and to amend the law concerning election. Senate Bill 254.
Lt Gov Rutledge: State Agencies.
Madam Secretary: Senate Bill 255 by Senator McKee. To amend the law concerning the allocation of election expenses and to restrict the source of election funding. Senate Bill 255.
Lt Gov Rutledge: State Agencies. Any further business to come before the body in the morning hour? If not, the morning hour has expired. We will begin the business agenda.
Madam Secretary: House Concurrent Resolution 1007 by Speaker Shepherd and Senator Hester. To provide for an extension of the regular session of the 94th General Assembly. And to provide for a recess of the General Assembly.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Senator Hester, you’re recognized.
Sen Hester: Thank you, Madam President. Members, right now according to the Constitution we recess on March 9th. I do not believe, nor does the Speaker that we will be finished with our business by March 9th. It takes a vote of 75% to extend that and we’re asking to extend until April 7th. It is possible we don’t need all that time, but that’s what we’re asking for. Happy to answer any questions.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Any questions? Seeing none, anyone wish to speak against? Oh, question. Apology, Senator Love, you’re recognized.
Sen Love: Thank you, Madam President. So, you’re saying, I heard you state, because I haven’t read this resolution, so just forgive me. But I heard you state something in regards to the extension that we’re having in March.
Sen Hester: Right now if we do not do an extension we end on March the 9th. So, while we’re all still getting along, and it requires 75% vote, I’m asking for us to extend to April 7th.
BLR: With 2/3.
Sen Hester: With 2/3, 2/3, sorry. The next one will be 75%, this one’s 2/3, sorry.
Sen Love: Okay. I want to continue to get along with you all. So,thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Any other questions? Anyone wish to speak against or for? This does require 24 votes. Is there any objection to rolling the vote? Madam Secretary, please roll the vote.
Madam Secretary: Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Chesterfield, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismang, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Leding, Love, McKee, Murdock, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Stone, Stubblefield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Is there any senator who wishes to change his or her vote? Seeing none, please cast up the ballot. By a vote at 35 yea, zero nay HCR 1007 passes, Senate concurs. Return to the House. SB 196 Amendment 1.
Madam Secretary: Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 196.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Senator Tucker, you’re recognized.
Sen Tucker: Thank you, Madam President. This amendment only adds cosponsors. Those cosponsors being Senator Gilmore and then, also Representatives Howard Beaty and David Ray. I described this in committee as the Republican Seal of Approval Amendment. So, hopefully I can get a positive vote on the floor today for that.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Any questions for Senator Tucker? Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator Tucker is closed. All those in favor signify by saying, aye. Opposed? Ayes have it. Transmit to the House. Oh, oh, I apologize. Amendment is adopted, send to Engrossing. I apologize, I made myself the wrong note. SB 189.
Madam Secretary: Senate Bill 189 by Senator Irvin. To clarify the definition of intellectual and developmental disability in the Arkansas code.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Senator Irvin, you’re recognized.
Sen Irvin: Thank you, members. In Arkansas statute there were four contradictory definitions when it came to intellectual and developmental disability. And so, what this language does and what this bill does is that it clarifies it and brings it all together into one definition, so that it can be consistent throughout the code. The amendment was already engrossed in the bill, and that was to address concerns by some of the providers, which we listened to and took care of. I’ll be happy to answer any questions.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Any questions for Senator Irvin? Seeing none, does anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator you are free to close.
Sen Irvin: I’m closed. Appreciate a good vote.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Thank you, Senator. Any objection to rolling the vote? Madam Secretary, please roll the vote.
Madam Secretary: Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Chesterfield, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismang, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Leding, Love, McKee, Murdock, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Stone, Stubblefield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Any senator who wishes to change his or her vote? Seeing none, please cast up the ballot. By a vote of 35 yea and zero nay, SB 189 passes. Please transmit to the House. SB 193.
Madam Secretary: Senate Bill 193 by Senator Hill. To amend the Arkansas Occupational Licensing of uniform service members. Veterans and Spouses Act of 2021.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Senator Hill, you’re recognized.
Sen Hill: Thank you, Madam Chair. Colleagues, this bill’s pretty simple. We’ve been working on this since 2019. We ran a bill to improve licensing for military personnel. We reworked it again in 2021, now we’re looking at redoing it in 2023. As far as the Department of Defense goes, Arkansas is known as the most pro-licensing state for military personnel. And based off of their request we’re looking at adding national certifications to be considered towards the occupational licensing, and extending it to the spouses as well. And to keep this going to with the DoD, I’d greatly appreciate a good vote on this.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Thank you, Senator. Anyone have any questions for Senator Hill? Seeing none, anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator, you are free to close.
Sen Hill: I’m closed.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Senator is closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Madam Secretary, please roll the vote.
Madam Secretary: Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Chesterfield, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismang, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Leding, Love, McKee, Murdock, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Stone, Stubblefield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Any senator wishes to change his or her vote? Seeing none, please cast up the ballot. By a vote of 35 yea and zero nay, SB 193 passes. Please transmit to the House. SB 194.
Madam Secretary: Senate Bill 194 by Senator Hester. To amend the law concerning the Secretary of the Department of Corrections.
Lt Gov Rutledge: President pro tem, you’re recognized.
Sen Hester: Thank you, Madam Governor. Members, this makes the Secretary of the Department of Corrections the same as all the other secretaries and answers directly to the governor instead of the board. Happy to answer any further questions.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Anyone have any questions for president pro tem? Anyone wish to speak against or for? You are free to close. Senator has closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Madam Secretary, please roll the vote.
Madam Secretary: Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Chesterfield, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismang, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Leding, Love, McKee, Murdock, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Stone, Stubblefield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Any senators wish to change his or her vote? Seeing none, please cast up the ballot. By a vote of 35 yea, zero nay, SB 194 passes. Please transmit to the House. SB 209.
Madam Secretary: Senate Bill 209 by Senator Irvin. To amend the law regarding liquified petroleum gas and to amend the law regarding the discretionary suspension of inspection and registration fees.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Senator Irvin, you’re recognized.
Sen Irvin: Thank you, Madam Chair. Members, this is with the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment and the Liquified Petroleum Gas Board. What this change in this language does is it allows this board to do a year-to-year analysis of their funds, and then make that determination at that point on a year-to-year basis if they can suspend the fees or keep the fees in place. Currently, the only way that they can do that is if it drops below a $500,000 threshold. The current fund balance is above $500,000 and adequate to maintain their board operations. So, waiving the fee results in a net deduction of approximately $320,000 per year at the current time. So, this allows the board some flexibility in their accounting and their ability to waive fees if that balance is sufficient for their board operations. I’ll be happy to answer any questions.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Any questions for Senator Irvin? Senator Payton, you’re recognized.
Sen Payton: Thank you, Madam President. So, currently if the fund is over $500,000 they’re compelled to waive the fee. And they keep it waived until the fund drops below $500,000. But with this change, even if the fund remained over $500,000 the fee would be reinstated?
Sen Irvin: Well, that’s why they’re changing the language, because it would have to be just a year-to-year analysis. So, the only way that they would be able to change that is if it dropped below $500,000. This time, this is — so, if they have above $500,000 in this year, then they could waive it this year. But then they would — the only way that they could consider that in the future is if the fund dropped below $500,000. So, if the fund is above $500,000 again, they would want to waive those fees in the future. They just want to be able to do a year-to-year analysis and accounting of the fees.
Sen Payton: So, if I could have a follow-up. It seems to me that with this change, even if the fund remained above $500,000, the second year they would have the option of reinstating the fees. Is that how you see it?
Sen Irvin: Well, yes. They would be able to make that adjustment if they needed to. But, again, their aim is to try to reduce and waive the fees because they have plenty of operating money.
Sen Payton: But the adjustment we’re giving them the authority to make would only be a raise, because they already have the option of dropping it.
Sen Irvin: But that’s not how I understand the bill as it is written. So, I can get more — I can get somebody with the Department of Energy and Environment to answer the question for you if you’d like with further information.
Sen Payton: Thank you.
Sen Irvin: But their aim and purpose is to be able to waive these fees to give some savings back.
Sen Payton: Thank you.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Any other questions? Seeing none, anyone wish to speak against or for? You’re free to close, Senator.
Sen Irvin: I’m closed. I’d appreciate a good vote. Thank you.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Senator has closed. Is there any objection to rolling the vote? Madam Secretary, please roll the vote.
Madam Secretary: Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Chesterfield, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismang, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Leding, Love, McKee, Murdock, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Stone, Stubblefield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Any senators wish to change his or her vote? Senator Payton is voting nay. Any other Senators? Senator Blake Johnson is a nay. Any other senators? Senator Hickey is a nay. Senator Sullivan is a nay. Any other senators? Seeing no others, please check the board. Please cast up the ballot. By a vote of 31 yea, 4 nay, SB 209 passes. Please transmit to the House. SB 210.
Madam Secretary: Senate Bill 210 by Senator Irvin. To amend the Underground Storage of Gas Law to include certain other gasses.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Senator Irvin, you re recognized.
Sen Irvin: Thank you, members. This is legislation again with the Oil and Gas Commission, and the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment. What this language does is it allows for the Oil and Gas Commission, it gives statutory authority to adopt rules regulating underground storage of hydrogen, carbon dioxide and other gasses. The Commission would have the opportunity to adopt class VI rules and seek primacy for carbon capture utilization and storage. This bill also helps our hydrogen efforts, which is referred to as HALO, by granting the Commission the authority to regulate the underground storage of hydrogen.
Basically, this expands the use of underground storage facilities beyond just natural gas, but to include other gasses that are now part of the industry. This allows for advances in technology to be considered when we are storing these gasses. And it really opens up a new avenue, I think, for storage, for different gasses for our state of Arkansas, which we do have the ability to do. So, I’d be happy to answer any questions. Just a reminder, any rules, obviously would require legislative approval and that would come through Legislative Council.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Any questions for Senator Irvin? Senator Bryant, you’re recognized.
Sen Bryant: Just a quick question on page 2, line 17. And I’m okay with when it says, “contributes to a healthier market –”
Sen Irvin: Right.
Sen Bryant: “–or healthy environment,” but will that place certain restrictions and limitations on something the Commission wants to do in the future?
Sen Irvin: That’s a really good question. No, I don’t think it will, but I do think that it’s just making sure that we’re following in line with the EPA and different organizations that ensures that there’s not any type of environmental impact from the storage of these gasses. Most of these storage gas facilities are going to be probably 7 to 9,000 feet underground. But, again, you know, they just want to make sure that it’s — the rules that are put in place contains the particulars of that gas that they’re working with, to ensure that we have a safe environment for the people that live in that area. And I think that’s just a simple statement to make sure that we are in compliance with that. It’s a really good question.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Any other questions for Senator Irvin? Seeing none, does anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator Irving, you’re free to close.
Sen Irvin: I’m closed for my bill. Appreciate a good vote. Thank you.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Thank you, Senator. Senator has closed, is there any objection to rolling the vote? Madam Secretary, please roll the vote.
Madam Secretary: Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Chesterfield, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismang, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Leding, Love, McKee, Murdock, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Stone, Stubblefield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Are there any senators who wish to change his or her vote? Seeing none, please cast up the ballot. By a vote of 35 yea and zero nay, SB 210 passes. Please transmit to the House. HB 1265.
Madam Secretary: House Bill 1265 by Representative Dalby and Senator Rice. To amend the Real Estate License Law. To modify the definition of licensee under the Real Estate License Law. And to allow a broker or salesman to do business as professional limited liability company.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Senator Rice, you’re recognized.
Sen Rice: Thank you, Governor. Members, Representative Dalby’s HB 1265 is short and simple. It allows an individual who is a broker or a salesman in the real estate field to be able to incorporate his professional limited liability company. I have not heard of any opposition on her end or this end. I’d be glad to answer any questions.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Any questions for Senator Rice?
Sen Rice: Appreciate a good vote.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator is closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Madam Secretary, please roll the vote.
Madam Secretary: Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Chesterfield, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismang, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Leding, Love, McKee, Murdock, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Stone, Stubblefield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Any senator wish to change his or her vote? Seeing none, please cast up the ballot. By a vote of 35 yea, zero nay, HB 1265 passes. Return to the House.
Senator Dismang, you’re recognized. We are to the Budget Agenda.
Sen Dismang: All right. Thank you, members. We have two bills that need to be amended, Senate Bill 31.
Madam Secretary: Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 31.
Sen Dismang: All right. Thank you, members. Appreciate a good vote. Move do pass on the amendment.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Any questions on the amendment? Seeing none, anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator has closed. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Opposed? Ayes have it and the amendment passes. Send to Engrossing.
Sen Dismang: All right. Thank you. Members, the second amendment is to Senate Bill 75. By the way, I think the previous one was Senator Irvin’s amendment. This one is an amendment by Senator Wallace, section 35. Division of Higher Education. It was a previously recommended code amendment pertaining to Arkansas Legislative Audit capabilities for institution of Higher Education.
Madam Secretary: Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 75.
Sen Dismang: Any questions?
Lt Gov Rutledge: Any questions for Senator Dismang? Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator has closed. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Opposed? Ayes have it. Amendment passes. Send to Engrossing.
Sen Dismang: All right members, we’re going to have two sections today. We have Senate Bills and House Bills. So, I’m going to look to do those in a batch, Senate Bills first. So, I’m going to read through the list, if you can pull it up, I’ll read through those. And if there’s one you’d like to pull out, just let me know. So, Senate Bill 34, 37, 69, 70, or 214. Seeing none.
Madam Secretary: Senate Bill 34 by Joint Budget. An act for the Bureau of Legislative Research and the Legislative Council appropriation for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. Senate Bill 37 by Joint Budget. An act for the Arkansas Supreme Court appropriation for the 2023/2024 fiscal year. Senate Bill 69 by Joint Budget. An act for the Administrative Office of the Courts, Court Personnel appropriation for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. Senate Bill 70 by Joint Budget. An Act for the Administrative Office of the Court appropriation for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. Senate Bill 214. An act for the Department of Human Services Division of Medical Services Supplemental appropriation. House Bill 259 by Joint Budget. An act for the Office of the Treasurer Animal Rescue Shelters appropriation for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Any questions for Senator Dismang? Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator has closed. Is there any objection to rolling the vote? Madam Secretary, please roll the vote.
Madam Secretary: Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Chesterfield, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismang, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Leding, Love, McKee, Murdock, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Stone, Stubblefield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Any senator who has not voted wish to vote or change his or her vote at this time? Seeing none, please cast up the ballot. By a vote of 34 yea, zero nays and 1 not voting, SB 34, SB 37, SB 69, SB 70, SB 214 have been adopted with an emergency clause. Transmit to the House. HB 1059.
Madam Secretary: House Bill 1059 by Joint Budget. An Act for the Office of Treasurer of State and Rescue Shelters appropriation for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Senator Dismang.
Sen Dismang: Thank you. If I could go ahead and have Senator Flippo come down. Okay. Members, this is a license plate program. So, the Department of Treasury is just the pass through for the program. Last year there was $3,392 that were raised through the License Plate Program. Senator Flippo said he did want to repeal that license plate act. And so, we do need this appropriation in place to be able to have the passthrough happen or occur. So, with that I’d be happy to take any questions.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Anyone have any questions? Senator Mark Johnson.
Sen M Johnson: Thank you, Madam President. Senator Dismang, is there a formula spelled out in the License Plate Bill that describes the allocation process?
Sen Dismang: Yeah.
Sen Mark Johnson: And if not, who decides who gets how much money?
Sen Dismang: It’s 50/50 and the law itself is what dictates that allocation.
Sen M Johnson: So, it’s in the statue that created it.
Sen Dismang: Yeah, the statute, yeah.
Sen M Johnson: That’s good enough for me. Thank you Senator, thank you Madam President.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Any other questions? Anyone wish to speak against or for? Senator Dismang you’re free to close.
Sen Dismang: I’m closed.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Senator has closed. Any objection to rolling the vote? Madam Secretary, please roll the vote.
Madam Secretary: Boyd, Bryant, Caldwell, Chesterfield, Clark, Crowell, Davis, Dees, Dismang, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark Johnson, King, Leding, Love, McKee, Murdock, Payton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Stone, Stubblefield, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Any senator who has not voted who wishes to vote, or any senator who wishes to change his or her vote at this time? Seeing none, please cast up the ballot. By a vote of 34 yea, zero nay and 1 not voting, HB 1059 passes, as does the emergency clause. Please return to the House. Other announcements? Senator Penzo, you’re recognized.
Sen Penzo: Thank you, Madam President. Rules Committee will meet upon adjournment to review some more appointments.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Other announcements? Are there items at the desk?
Madam Secretary: Yes, Madam President. Senate Bill 256 by Senator B. Johnson. To include machinery and equipment used in research and development in the Sales and Use Tax Exemption for certain machinery. And equipment used in manufacturing. Senate Bill 256.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Revenue and Tax.
Madam Secretary: Senate Bill 257 by Senator B. Johnson. To create the Access to Credit for our Rural Economy, ACRE Act. And to provide an income tax deduction for certain agricultural loans. Senate Bill 257.
Lt Gov Rutledge: Revenue and Tax. Any other announcements? No other announcements. The Senate will stand in adjournment subject to the clearing of the desk until 1 pm tomorrow February 14, 2020.