Speaker Brian Evans I invite the members, staff, press and guests in the galleries to stand and be led in prayer by Pastor Justin Hailey, associate pastor of Outreach and Young Adults for Faith Baptist Church in Cabot, and to remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance to be led by Representative Jean.
Speaker Brian Evans Members, please indicate your presence by pushing your yellow present button. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk. Madam Clerk. Representative Brooks. Has everyone indicated their presence? Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk. With 99 members present, the chair sees a quorum. Are there any requests for leave? Representative Matthew Shepherd moves that we dispense of the reading of the previous day's journal. With no objection, so ordered. Madam Clerk are there reports from select committees? Any reports from standing committees? Is there any unfinished business? Are there any executive communications? Madam Clerk, please read the letter from the governor.
Clerk To the Speaker of the House. Dear Mr. Speaker, this is to inform you that on January 30th, 2025, I reviewed and approved the following measures from the regular session of the 95th General Assembly: House Bill 1133 Act 10; House Bill 1137, Act 11; House Bill 1050, Act 12. Sincerely, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Governor of Arkansas.
Speaker Brian Evans Thank you, Madam Clerk. Members, I direct your attention to the back of the chamber as we recognize our Arkansas state troopers, Sergeant Chuck Lewis from the Administrative Services Division from Little Rock and Corporal Josh Berry from the Regulatory Services Division, also of Little Rock. Gentlemen, thank you for your service. Members, if you remain standing, we have our doctor of the day, Dr. Panos Jindal, an anesthesiologist, interventional pain physician from Little Rock, Representative Tippi MuCullough's district. We also have with us today our nurse of the day, Ms. Lee Fazio. Thank you very much. And members in the North Gallery today we have Sheriff Brad Snyder, Greene county. He is guest today of Representative Jeremy Wooldridge, Representative Jimmy Gazaway and Representative Fran Cavanaugh. Please make him welcome. Madam Clerk, please read House Resolution 1011.
Clerk House Resolution 1011 by Representative Warren to welcome Lieutenant General retired Jay B. Silveria as President of the University of Arkansas system.
Speaker Brian Evans Representative Warren, you're recognized to explain the resolution.
Representative Les Warren Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, I would first like to ask that all representatives who are alums of the University of Arkansas and those of you from northwest Arkansas who are tied to the University of Arkansas, please join me in the well. And I did have a couple of people request, they had paid for their children to go to the U of A, so you may join us in the well as well. So in honor of our special guest today, I am wearing a special tie. You will notice that it has two very fashionable colors. One is called very sad Kentucky Blue. The other is called dominant Razorback Red. It's a real honor for me to get to introduce and welcome the new president of the University of Arkansas Systems, Lieutenant General retired Jay B. Silveria to Arkansas today and have him as our guest in the House of Representatives. As a proud Razorback alum, I am truly glad to see a man like this leading the charge for the University of Arkansas throughout our state. So you get a feel for just how outstanding this man truly is, I would like to ask the clerk to read the resolution in its entirety.
Speaker Brian Evans Madam Clerk, please read the resolution in its entirety.
Clerk Whereas, after a national search, the board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas appointed Lieutenant General retired Jay B. Silveria to succeed Dr. Donald R Bobbitt as president of the University of Arkansas system beginning January 15th, 2025. And whereas Lieutenant General Silveria brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role of president from his lengthy career in military leadership, including as former superintendent of the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and more recently, from his experience as associate Vice president and executive director of Texas A&M University's Bush School of Government and Public School Service in Washington, DC. And whereas Lieutenant General Silveria served as Deputy Commander, Combined Air Force Air component United States Central Command, Southwest Asia, where he was responsible for the command and control of the air operations in 20 nation areas and where key operations result, support in Afghanistan and inherent resolve in Iraq and Syria were executed under his command. And whereas Lieutenant General Silveria previously served as commander, United States Air Force Warfare Center, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, and Vice Commander 14th Air Force's Strategic Space Command at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, as well as director of security assistance in the Office of Security Cooperation in Baghdad, Iraq. And whereas Lieutenant General Silveria is a command pilot with more than 3,900 flight hours in the F-15 and F-35 fighter jets. And he commanded a fighter wing in Air and Space operations Center and a fighter squadron earning the Distinguished Service Medal and the Bronze Star Medal, among other air medals during his career. And whereas Lieutenant General Silveria earned a bachelor's degree from the United States Air Force Academy and a master's degree from Syracuse University, attended the National War College at Fort Leslie J. McNair in Washington, D.C., was a senior executive fellow at Harvard University, attended the Harvard seminar for the new president at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. And whereas, Lieutenant General Silveria brings an extensive resumé, exceptional leadership skills, sound judgment and steady temperament to provide guidance and direction to the state's largest university system, including 20 campuses, divisions and units across the state. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the 94th General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the House of Representatives welcome Lieutenant General Jay B. Silveria as the next President of the University of Arkansas system and offer its sincere congratulations to him on his appointment.
Speaker Brian Evans Thank you, Madam Clerk. Representative Warren has explained the resolution. Does anyone want to speak against the resolution? For the resolution? Representative Warren, would you like to close for the resolution?
Representative Les Warren It is a pleasure to welcome the new president to the state of Arkansas, and I would appreciate a good vote.
Speaker Brian Evans Question before the House is the passage of House Resolution 1011. All those in favor say aye. Oppsed nay. The ayes have it. Congratulations, Representative Warren. Your resolution is adopted. Madam Clerk, please read House Resolution 1020.
Clerk House Resolution 1020 by Representative Tara Shephard to recognize. Monday, February 3rd, 2025, as the Links Legislative Day at the State Capitol and to recognize the Links Inc. for its service and contributions to its chapters, communities and the State of Arkansas.
Speaker Brian Evans Representative Shephard, you're recognized to explain the resolution.
Representative Tara Shephard Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We have a group of ladies, or you may have seen a group of ladies around the Capitol today that have on green. And our timing is off. So they're down at the Senate right now. But they'll be headed down here at some point. But in the meantime, we wanted to take the opportunity to recognize three chapters of the Links in Arkansas, which is a Little Rock chapter, the Pine Bluff chapter and the Northwest Arkansas chapter. The Links makes up about 17,000 members. They have 299 chapters. They're in 41 states, the District of Columbia, the Bahamas and the United Kingdom. They have five different program facets that they focus on, which is services to youth, the arts, the national trending services, international trending services, health and human services. Collectively, these ladies have contributed to over $1 million in community service hours. They've donated over $1 million in grants to the St Jude Hospital, the Smithsonian Museum and UN CEO. And so today we just wanted to recognize them for their hard work and what they do for not only our communities, but individuals on an international and national level. And with that, Mr. Speaker, I'm closed.
Speaker Brian Evans Madam Clerk, please read House Resolution 1020 in name only.
Clerk House Resolution 1022 to recognize Monday, February 3, 2025, as the Links Legislative Day at the state Capitol and to recognize the Links Inc. for its service and contributions to its chapter communities and to the state of Arkansas.
Speaker Brian Evans Representative Shephard has explained the resolution. Would anyone like to speak against the resolution? Would anyone like to speak for the resolution?
Representative Tara Shephard And Mr. Speaker, if I can have a moment of personal privilege.
Speaker Brian Evans You're recognized.
Representative Tara Shephard Thank you. One of the ladies that's a part of the Links is Terri Hollingsworth, Pulaski County Circuit Clerk, and she showed up. So thank you for being here today, Ms. Hollingsworth.
Speaker Brian Evans Representative Shephard has closed with the resolution. The question before the House is the passage of House Resolution 1020. All those in favor say aye. Opposed nay. The ayes have it. Congratulations, Representative Shephard, the resolution is adopted. Madam Clerk, please read House Resolution 1019.
Clerk House Resolution 1019 by Representative Torres to recognize the City of Siloam Springs as recipient in 2024 of a volunteer Community of the Year Award, the most Innovative City Award, The Flood Plain Community of the Year Award and Trendsetter City Award.
Speaker Brian Evans Representative Torres, you're recognized to explain the resolution.
Representative Randy Torres Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker and members of the House. Before I get started and telling you about all the phenomenal achievements of our community of Siloam Springs, I would love to direct your attention to the East Gallery, to the people that are behind these phenomenal results of our community, Siloam Springs. In a testament to community spirit and innovative leadership, the city of Siloam Springs has been celebrated as a beacon of volunteerism, innovation and environmental stewardship. In 2024, recognized by Engage Arkansas for its Volunteer Community of the Year and most innovative City awards. Siloam Springs showcases how dedication and collective action can transform a community. Further, the city's commitment to sustainable practices was honored with the Floodplain Community of the Year award by the Arkansas Floodplain Management Association, highlighting its exemplary floodplain management under the guidance of senior building inspector Randall Clark. Arkansas Business acknowledged Siloam Springs as a trendsetter city, applauding its strides in infrastructure, water management, public works and environmental initiatives. And finally, the Love Siloam Initiative exemplifies the heart of Siloam Springs uniting businesses, nonprofits and individuals in acts of service that foster community cohesion and pride. With support from local clubs like the Rotary and Kiwanis and organizations like Combat Heart Ministries and Western Benton County Partnership, Siloam Springs has not only enhanced its local environment, but has also nurtured a culture of support and mutual growth. This resolution from the House of Representatives of Arkansas honors Siloam Springs for its remarkable achievements, recognizing the city as a model of what can be accomplished when a community comes together with purpose and passion.
Speaker Brian Evans Madam Clerk, please read the resolution by name only.
Clerk To recognize the city of Siloam Springs as recipient in 2024 of a volunteer Community of the Year award, the most innovative City Award, the Flood Plain Community of the Year award and the Trendsetter City Award.
Speaker Brian Evans Thank you, Madam Clerk. Representative Torres has explained the resolution. Does anyone wish to speak against the resolution? Anyone wish to speak for the resolution? Representative Torres, you're recognized to close with the resolution.
Representative Randy Torres Yes, sir. Phenomenal community made up of phenomenal people. I feel honored to be their state representative. I appreciate a good vote.
Speaker Brian Evans Representative Torres is closed for the resolution. The question before the House is the passage of House Resolution 1019. All those in favor say aye. Opposed nay. The ayes have it. Congratulations, Representative Torres, the resolution is adopted. The morning hour is ended. Madam Clerk, please read House Bill 1149.
Clerk House Bill 1149 by Representative Vaught concerning vegetable garden protection.
Speaker Brian Evans Representative Vaught, you are recognized to present your bill.
Representative DeAnn Vaught Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Before I begin, I want to thank everybody who texted and checked on me this past week. As I was saying, I appreciated everyone's prayers also. This bill does exactly what it says. It's going to protect gardens so that a government, state, federal can't come in and tell somebody that they cannot produce their own food. We live in a world of food insecurity. And I felt it was very important that we protect that way of life. And with that, I would appreciate a good vote.
Speaker Brian Evans Representative Vaught has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Representative Vaught is closed with the bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1149. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk. With a vote of 98 yea, 0 nay, and 0 present, The bill has passed. Madam Clerk, please read House Bill 1048.
Clerk House Bill 1048 by Representative Cooper to amend the law concerning the incidental sale of goat milk, sheep milk and a whole milk that has not been pasteurized and to clarify that the incidental sale of raw milk is not limited to a sale on the farm.
Speaker Brian Evans Representative Cooper, you're recognized to explain the bill.
Representative Cameron Cooper Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, colleagues. I bring to you House Bill 1048. This is a simple bill that has the potential to make a big impact on small farmers in our state and those farmers' customers. Bear with me. I want to take just a few minutes to explain this bill so that everyone will understand what we were voting on today. Unpasteurized milk has been legal for sale in Arkansas since 1995. But at that time, those sales were limited to goat milk, and each producer could sell only 100 gallons of milk a month. In 2013, this law was amended to include sheep milk and cows milk in addition to goat milk. And the maximum number of gallons that could be sold per month was increased to 500. The law also required that signage be displayed at the point of sale and that a warning label be placed on each container of milk. Both the sign and the warning label must state the name and address of the farm and contain the following statement: 'This product is sold for personal use and not for resale. It's fresh, whole milk that has not been pasteurized. Neither this farm nor the milk sold by this farm has been inspected by the state of Arkansas. The consumer assumes all liability for health issues that may result from the consumption of this product.' In addition to these requirements, the law also stated that unpasteurized milk could only be sold directly on the farm. It couldn't be sold on any other location except the farm where the milk was produced. As many of you know, I grew up on a farm and I currently own a farm. In 2021, my daughters, who are heavily invested in our farm, heavily invested in 4H, became interested in dairy goats. So we bought two dairy goat does. Over the years that herd has grown and the milk that we produce has primarily been for our own personal use and for our girls to make goat milk soap. We don't produce enough milk to sell to others. We just primarily use it for ourselves. However, an acquaintance of ours did ask about getting some milk from us one time. So I looked into what we needed to do to be within the boundaries of the law to sell this friend some milk. And in doing so, we discovered that she would have to drive all the way out to our farm to buy it. Our daughters also compete in dairy goat shows at the county fair and the state fair. And through these channels we've met many other producers and consumers of raw milk, and they often mentioned how the on farm sale requirements limits access and limits the ability of producers and consumers to do business together. I actually filed this bill two years ago in the 2023 session. But it was near the end of the session and we ran out of time before we could get to this bill. I put it in interim study and presented it to the House Agriculture Committee in June of last year. We discussed the issue and what I was trying to do. So if you'll turn to the bill with me, we're going to read exactly what this bill does. We're leaving in that the milk can be sold at the farm where the milk is produced. But we're also adding that the milk can be sold at a farmer's market or it can be sold via delivery from the farm where the milk is produced. That's all this bill does. It's very simple. This bill will allow farmers to sell their milk at farmers markets or via delivery. This change will make it easier for farmers and their customers to connect and do business together. This bill is about food freedom and food security, and it promotes the concept of buying and shopping locally, supporting your neighbors, supporting the local agricultural economy with locally sourced products. Colleagues, that's all I have at the moment. I'll do my best to answer any questions.
Speaker Brian Evans Representative Meeks, for what purpose?
Representative Stephen Meeks Question, please.
Speaker Brian Evans You're recognized.
Representative Stephen Meeks Thank you. Thank you, Representative, for bringing this bill. I was actually on the Agriculture Committee back in 2013 when we made that change and was glad to do so. My only question and concern here is by allowing the milk to be sold at the local farmers market, if that milk is somehow mishandled so that it becomes dangerous for human consumption, does the liability for any health concerns created by that mishandling, does that liability fall back on the farmer's market or does it fall back on the farmer himself?
Representative Cameron Cooper Well, it's important to remember that we're not removing the requirement for that warning label to be attached to the container of milk. And that warning label states that the consumer assumes all liability for health issues that may result from the consumption of this product. So that part of the law will stay intact.
Representative Stephen Meeks All right. Thank you.
Speaker Brian Evans Representative Cooper has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Representative Brown, you're recognized speak for the bill.
Representative Alyssa Brown Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you, Representative Cooper, for leading on this legislation. This is so important for my district, especially because not only are we very rural, but our local farms to go there to purchase, you may have to drive 30 minutes down an old dirt road. And those consumers to purchase this need the access to be able to have that delivered or go to their farmers market. For the young mother who has a toddler that can only process raw milk, it's very difficult for her to travel to these local farms. For the more senior older constituent of mine, they are home ridden sometimes and they are not able to get out and purchase this milk. And I have heard from my local farmers who have said, I do not want to become a criminal by going and delivering to one of my customers. So this is one step that we can take in the area of free market, but also for food freedom. It's not all we need to do in this body, but it's one step forward. It's the right step. And I ask you to join me in voting yes on this legislation. Thank you.
Speaker Brian Evans Representative Brown has spoken for the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Would anyone like to speak for teh bill? Representative Cooper, you wish close for your bill?
Representative Cameron Cooper As I mentioned, this is a food freedom and food security issue. This is about promoting locally grown products and connecting Arkansas farmers and customers who want to support their local agricultural economy and who want to be connected to the food they consume and to know where their food comes from. It's important to note that with this bill, we're leaving that disclaimer signage and that warning label in place. We're leaving the prohibition on third party sales in place. It has to be sold by the farmer that produce the milk. With this bill, we aren't requiring anyone to consume raw milk. We're not putting it in grocery stores. We're not putting it in school lunches. We aren't even recommending that anyone drink raw milk if people don't wish to consume it. And they're totally free to go to the grocery store and buy unpasteurized milk. But let's leave the people alone who do want to consume it. Let's remove the barriers so that the producers and their customers can more easily do business together. Appreciate your time and I would really appreciate a good vote.
Speaker Brian Evans Representative Cooper has closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1048. Prepare the machine, madam Clerk. Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted. Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk. With a vote of 94 yeas, 3 nays, and 2 present, the bill has passed. Madam Clerk, please read House Bill 1138.
Clerk SB 1138 by Representative Torres to authorize certain medical professionals to certify to the Office of Motor Vehicles eligibility for a special license plate certificate or parking decals for a person with a disability.
Speaker Brian Evans Representative Torres, you're recognized to explain the bill.
Representative Randy Torres Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members of the House, this proposed legislation allows for physical therapists to be added to the list of persons to certify disabilities for parking permits, license plates and placards. Currently, physicians, nurse practitioners and physician's assistants are on the list. This bill aims to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities by involving an additional health care professional in the certification process and it shows support for individuals with disabilities in Arkansas. And with that, I'll take any questions.
Speaker Brian Evans Representative Torres has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Representative, you wish close for your bill?
Representative Randy Torres Thank you, Mr. Speaker. 37 states are doing this, and it has the endorsement from Disability Rights Arkansas. I appreciate a good vote.
Speaker Brian Evans Representative Torres is closed with the bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1138. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Has everyone voted? Everyone voted? Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk. With a vote of 98 yea, 0 nay, and 0 present, the bill is passed. Madam Clerk, please read House Bill 1205.
Clerk House Bill 1205 by Representative Bentley to amend the independent inspections of modular buildings for code compliance and to declare an emergency.
Speaker Brian Evans Representative Bentley, you're recognized.
Representative Mary Bentley Thank you, Speaker. Colleagues, this bill is so simple, I really thought I must be missing something in the bill. So the first thing I did when I received this, someone asked me to run this bill, was to call J.D. Harper and say, J.D.-- he's with the Modular Home Association-- am I missing something or is something hiding in the background I don't know about this Bill? But nothing is. Absolutely nobody opposes this bill. Simply adds the ISO and the IEC to be a third party certification body to be able to make sure we're getting the right type of modular parts into the state. That's it. Do you have any questions? I'd appreciate a good vote. Thank you.
Speaker Brian Evans Representative Bentley has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Representative Bentley is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1205. Members, your one vote is for the bill and the emergency clause. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Members, you're voting on the bill and the emergency clause. Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted. Cast up the ballot. By a vote of 99 yea, 0 nay, and 0 present, the bill and the emergency clause has passed. Madam Clerk, please read House Bill 1173.
Clerk House Bill 1173 by Representative Brown to amend the definition of beer, to change the allowable alcoholic content and to include malt beverages.
Speaker Brian Evans Representative Brown, you're recognized.
Representative Matt BRown Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So we have the first alcohol bill of the session. Now, House Bill 1173 does three things. The first thing it does is make some technical corrections to the code, as was requested by ABC. The second thing is it makes even more technical corrections to the code to tighten up the definition of what constitutes a malt beverage under the code. That's what you'll see in the bill. But the third change and the biggest change in this bill, if passed, will change the legal definition of beer in Arkansas from being cut off at 5% alcohol by weight to 14% alcohol by weight. The reason for this change is to make it legal for people that hold a retail grocery permit, such as a grocery store, Walmart, things of that nature, to be able to legally sell craft beers. So our alcohol law started back in 1935, two years after Prohibition. We had Act 108, which set the definition of alcohol, which legalized the sale of alcohol, set our definitions which carry forward to today. Essentially, this bill defined beer and wine as being capped at 5% alcohol by weight. Well, in the 90 years since then, we've made many changes to the definition of wine,to where now under the law, wine is defined as up to 21% alcohol by weight. But we have never touched the definition of beer in our code. And as a result, we now tie with Utah as having the lowest legal definition of beer in the state. All of our surrounding states have either gotten rid of that limit or they have increased it such that craft beers may be sold. So what has changed in the past 90 years? Well, we've now invented craft beers. And this is an exploding industry here in the state of Arkansas. It's these local breweries, such as North 40 or Ozark Brewing up in northwest Arkansas. But the problem is that most craft beers clock in about the 6 to 9% ABV weight. So what this means is that you cannot buy them in a grocery store that holds a beer permit. You can only buy them at a liquor store. Now, I think this is kind of a silly notion because, on the one hand, these same grocery stores hold a wine permit and it's perfectly legal for them to buy wine with up to 21% alcohol by weight. But for some reason, you can only buy beer up to 5%, by the way. So in other words, if it comes from a grape or other fruit, 21% is okay. If it comes from malt, you're cut off at 5%. This bill would change that. Now, what does this do in practical purposes? Well, again, it's already legal to sell drinks such as, I never heard of this, but a, quote, Buzz Ball Pineapple Colada, which has a 12% alcohol by weight, is legal to be sold because it is classified as a wine under the law. But it's illegal to sell one of Lost 40's craft beers because it comes in at 6% alcohol by weight. So essentially, this is a consumer choice bill. This allows our consumers to purchase these craft beers when they go to the grocery store and pick up their groceries in a wet county and gives them choices. It also helps our local brewers who are based here in Arkansas, not your Coors Light or your Anheuser-Busch's, but your local companies right here in the state of Arkansas. I'd also like to clear up some misconceptions. I know that a lot of people got in contact about this bill over the past week, and I apologize for that. But there's been a lot of stuff out there. I'd like to change one thing. There's been a statement made that this bill has been killed 2 or 3 times before. I'd like to point out that in 21 it was killed because it contained ready to drink drinks as part of it. And those are drinks that are spirit based, such as your hard lemonades and things of that nature that have vodka or tequila or some other drink as their base. In 23 the bill was voluntarily pulled to rework. So didn't get killed in 23, but it was pulled. This bill does not do anything to ready to drink drinks. So this does not affect your hard lemonades, your other liquor based drinks, as I call them. This is solely beer. Another misconception is that some of your local liquor store folks may be putting pressure on you. Craft beers, best estimate is about 1% of beer sales. This is a very small segment of beer sales. We're not really changing a whole lot. In conclusion, like I said, this is a consumer choice Bill. This simply, in my opinion, fixes a loophole in the law where it's perfectly legal to buy a wine drink up to 21% and for some reason a beer drink is only 5%. I'd appreciate a good vote.
Speaker Brian Evans Representative Brown has explained to Bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Representative McGrew, you're recognized speak against the bill.
Representative Richard McGrew Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, we quite often talk about public safety and how it's a concern of ours to protect the public. I don't think that I have to tell you the dangers of alcohol. They are all around us. And I could quote statistics, but I think you already know them. If I ask each of you if you know someone in your family that's been affected by alcohol in a negative way, alcoholism or addiction, almost all of you would raise your hand. But I think I want to share a story with you. A story about my son. His name was Christopher McGrew. Unfortunately, I went through a divorce when I was young and I got custody and raised Christopher by myself for a while. So me and him were tight. Real tight. I had him attend church every Sunday. I attended every football game. I was there with him in a huge way. And he had a great laugh. He grew up to be a nice young man and followed me in my career as electrician until he found alcohol. And for over 20 years, the disease of alcoholism affected him and our whole family in negative ways. He went to treatment several times. I spent over $100,000 trying to get him better. But you want to know the real cost? Bear with me for a minute. A few more seconds of this story. Close your eyes and try to visualize this. I'm at UAMS sitting at the bed with him, with my hand on his arm. I begged God to take my life instead of is. His liver was pushing blood up into parts of his body that it didn't belong. And I sat there with him as I heard him gurgling as it filled his lungs and laid my head on his chest as he took his last breath. I beg you, don't pass this bill. Don't make alcohol stronger. Thank you.
Speaker Brian Evans Representative McGrew has spoken against the bill. Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Representative Unger you're recognized to speak against the bill.
Representative Steve Unger Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I really don't like speaking against anybody's bill. But when I saw the malt liquor aspect of this, I knew I had to. So I'm not a teetotaler. I'm just not. I've got stories for another day. And there's nothing I enjoy more than a cold beer after working in the yard. I think a lot of us do. But I got to tell you, I was in the Navy for over ten years before I got stationed in California. I was on a guided missile cruiser out of San Diego. And in California, they sell, promote and advertise malt liquor as if it is just another beer. And because I was a chaplain at that time and because I had been a hospital corpsman, I got very close with our hospital corpsman on the ship. And I got to tell you, just one darn thing after another of just spectacular problems and people going to the emergency room with alcohol poisoning. And all roads led to malt liquor. I did a little bit of work on the Internet. Moving this up to 14%-- a lot of the malt liquor, as you can find out there in a quick search for the alcohol by weight is between 5 to 12. Moving it this high, just nothing good will come out of this. So I got on the website at one of the more popular malt liquors of a name that I recognized and looked at their product reviews. And I'm going to read this. I'm writing this review, for lack of a better term, hobo beer. And he was surprised at the taste. It was very smooth. It goes down easily. The only problem, I'm skipping ahead a little bit, the only problem, or some might say it's an asset, is this beer has an 8% alcohol weight. So that's significantly lower than what's proposed in this beer. So this is a guy talking about a beer that is roughly half of what's being proposed. Not a summer refreshing lawn mowing beer unless you don't mind passing out on your lawn mower as you mow down your next door neighbor's hedge. Alas, I digress. Either way, I daresay this is one you don't mind buying Hobo Brew at your local corner store. You know, I like craft beers myself. But when it comes to the malt liquor portion of this, it's not beer. It looks like beer. It comes in a can. The advertisements look the same. But please, nothing good will come out of this. I ask you to vote no. Thank you.
Speaker Brian Evans Representative Unger has spoken against the bill. Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Representative Painter, you're recognized.
Representative Stetson Painter Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As somebody that works in this industry every day, this is less than 1% of sales. Every state around us already does this. Folks want this. The accusations that it's going to kill small businesses, rural liquor stores, I have one of those in a town less than 1,000. It's not going to kill business. Actually, we're going to sell it later down the road. So I'd ask a good vote. Thank you.
Speaker Brian Evans Representative Painter spoke against the bill. Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Representative Wooten, you're recognized.
Representative Jim Wooten Colleagues, let me ask you a question. Have any of you ever worked a fatality accident with four people killed, two adults and two children. That's just one. As a state trooper, that's what I did. And it's not fun. In addition to that, I had to work several other fatalities. But that one stands in mine because of the fact they were on their way home. Last year, we had 643 traffic deaths in this state. 200 of them were related to driving while intoxicated. So you can take 200 of 643, that's 31%. Or you can take 4% you're increasing the beverage amount by. That's 8. Or 26, 27 rounded up. Deaths that could be caused. And I want to use the word could be. I was not going to speak against this bill. I was going to vote against it. But my faith also tells me I have to vote against it. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Speaker Brian Evans Representative Wooten spoke against the bill. Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Representative Brown, do you wish to close for your bill?
Representative Matt Brown Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate my colleagues' concerns. However, I would like to point out that, number one, a comment was made, this increases the alcohol level in alcohol. This does not. This simply makes it to where a someone who owns that retail permit can sell a beer, which is already sold in liquor stores. I think the other point is, while I understand people's concerns about people who choose to drink to excess, I don't believe they're drinking to excess on craft beers, which are quite a bit more expensive than your cheaper alcohols that I think that, in my experience, people who have drinking problems resort to. So I appreciate a good vote.
Speaker Brian Evans Representative Brown has closed with the bill. The question before the House is the passage of House Bill 1173. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted. Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk. With a vote of 36 yeas, 44 nays, 14 present, the bill has failed. Madam Clerk, please read Senate Bill 18.
Clerk Senate Bill 18 by Representative Gazaway to amend Arkansas law concerning reports by the Legislative Auditor of improper or illegal work practices.
Speaker Brian Evans Represent Gazaway, you're recognized.
Representative Jimmy Gazaway Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, as many of you may recall, last session we authorized the Attorney General's office to pick up certain matters that Legislative Audit, in the course of their audits, when they make findings, they make referrals to the prosecuting attorney for review. And we authorized last session the attorney general to take action when the prosecuting attorney chooses not to take action on those referrals from Legislative Audit. What this bill does is simply imposes the same reporting requirements in terms of the disposition of the matter back to Legislative Audit on the attorney general as we already impose on the prosecuting attorney. And then also we require the attorney general to let Legislative Audit know if they've been appointed as a special prosecuting attorney to handle a referral. That comes from a finding made by Legislative Audit. Attorney general's office has reviewed this bill. They're 100% good with it. And so with that, I'm happy to answer any questions. Seeing none, I would appreciate a good vote. Thank you.
Speaker Brian Evans Represent Gazaway has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Representative Gazaway is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of Senate Bill 18. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Has everyone voted? Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk. With a vote of of 96 yeas, 2 nays, the bill has passed. Madam Clerk, please read Senate Bill 61.
Clerk Senate Bill 61 by Representative Vaught to authorize veterinary telemedicine in this state and to set certain standards for veterinary telemedicine.
Speaker Brian Evans Representative Vaught, you're recognized.
Representative DeAnn Vaught Thank you, Mr. Speaker. About a year's worth of sitting and visiting with all the veterinarians and trying to come up with a way to do telemedicine through veterinarians in the state of Arkansas and have some standards around how to do that and how it would function. It's nice to be on the side of the veterinarians this time. I know that you didn't miss all your little emails that normally would come with a bill like this. So with that and with all their help, I hope that you'll give me a good vote for this.
Speaker Brian Evans Representative Vaught has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Would anyone like to speak for the bill. Representative Vaught is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of Senate Bill 61. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Has everyone voted. Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot. With a vote of of 98 yeas, 0 nays, 0 present, the bill is passed. Madam Clerk, please read Senate Bill 68.
Clerk Senate Bill 68 by Representative Vaught to allow veterinary technicians, veterinary technologists and veterinary technician specialists to go to a location other than the location of the supervising veterinarian to provide services based on an emergency call.
Speaker Brian Evans Representative Vaught, you're recognized.
Representative DeAnn Vaught Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In discussion about the telemedicine, this was a bill that the veterinarians thought would be very helpful for them to be able to send one of their vet techs out to somewhere that they might not be able to be at at that certain time, or the technologist to be able to go and help them out, especially with these large animal farms. Because we're all spread out in different areas and this would be very helpful to them. And with that, I would appreciate a good vote.
Speaker Brian Evans Representative Vaught has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Would anyone like to speak for the bill. Representative Vaught is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of Senate Bill 68. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Has everyone voted? Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot. With a vote of of 98 yea, 0 nay, 0 present, the bill is passed. Members, without objection, we will pass over Senate Bill 56. Seeing none, Madam Clerk, please read Senate Bill 76.
Clerk Senate Bill 76 by Representative Steimel to amend the law concerning miscellaneous prohibited practices under the Arkansas Insurance Code and to clarify fees collected by certain brokers.
Speaker Brian Evans Representative Steimel, you're recognized.
Representative Trey Steimel Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hey, this is a pretty simple bill. What it does is it takes a rule that has been in place for ten plus years and it puts it in the statute. This will create a more competitive surplus lines in Arkansas, which is much needed in the current insurance market. So with that, I'll be happy to answer any questions. But it does not create any new fees, so don't be wary of that if you did see anything with the fees in there. Thank you. I'd ask for a good vote.
Speaker Brian Evans Representative Steimel has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Would anyone like to speak for the bill. Representative Steimel is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of Senate Bill 76. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Has everyone voted. Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk. By a vote of 98 yeas, 0 nay and 0 present, The bill is passed. Madam Clerk, please read Senate Bill 70.
Clerk Senate Bill 70 by Representative Lundstrum to amend the law concerning standards for insurance policies and to revise the notice requirements of an insurer for premium increase.
Speaker Brian Evans Representative Lundstrum, you're recognized.
Representative Robin Lundstrum Thank you. It's no secret that insurance rates are going up. What's happening now is you get the notice of that bill going up in ten days. And if the mail comes and if your agents had time to review it, you are left scrambling over a barrel and basically you get-- Well, never mind what you get, but it's not good. So this basically says your insurance agent must get notification 60 days and you must get notification 30 days. So you have time to negotiate a better rate or at least shop for a different rate. So it is just a good notification bill. With that, I'd appreciate a good vote or any questions. I'm sorry. Appreciate a good vote.
Speaker Brian Evans Representative Lundstrum has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Representative Lundstrum is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of Senate Bill 17. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted. Cast up the ballot. With a vote of of 98 yeas, 0 nay and 0 present, the bill has passed. Madam Clerk, please read Senate Bill 56.
Clerk Senate Bill 56 by Representative Eubanks concerning the evaluation, extension and repeal of administrative rules.
Speaker Brian Evans Representative Eubanks, you're recognized to explain the bill.
Representative Jon Eubanks Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, this is pretty much just a clean up bill from Dotson. He ran it a couple sessions ago where the rules from the agencies get reviewed. And we went through a big review. And now this allows the governor to group the agencies in a manageable level for her. But it also stipulates that they can't go more than 12 years before they have to be reviewed again. And with that, I'd appreciate a good vote.
Speaker Brian Evans Representative Eubanks has explained the bill. Would anyone like to speak against the bill? Would anyone like to speak for the bill? Representative Eubanks is closed for the bill. The question before the House is the passage of Senate Bill 56. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk. Has everyone voted. Everyone voted. Cast up the ballot, Madam Clerk. By a vote of 98 yeas, 0 nay, and 0 present, the bill is passed. [Announcements and adjourn resolution] The House will be adjourned until 1:30 tomorrow.
