Daily Legislative Update

Thursday, February 20, 2014

11th Day of 89th General Assembly—Fiscal Session

Written by Kenny Hall, Angela DeLille and Andrew Parker of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce, this Daily Update is provided by the Springdale Chamber to interested members.

The private option appropriations bill failed again in the House yesterday with a vote of 68 – 27 with 4 not voting and 1 voting present. The 27 no votes from Tuesday remained as such yesterday.

The Senate has not yet voted on the private option funding, but is anticipated take up the measure this morning. The House is also expected to reconsider the bill this afternoon.

John Lyon and Rob Moritz with the Arkansas News Bureau provide excellent coverage of yesterday’s events here.

Also yesterday SB 139 by Sen. Williams received a Do Pass recommendation from the Senate State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee. The bill prohibits a special election for a vacancy in the office of Lieutenant Governor if the vacancy occurs less than 10 months before the next general election. The bill, which is supported by the Governor’s office, will next be considered by the full Senate.

SB 53 by the Joint Budget Committee is the appropriations bill to fund to the Office of Lieutenant Governor for the 2014-2015 fiscal year. The special language committee has approved language that would reduce the number of employees from four to one as of July 1 and would remain in effect until the next lieutenant governor is sworn in next January.

CONTACT INFORMATION

State Senators: 501-682-2902

State Representatives: 501-682-6211

To view schedules, calendars, bill information and legislator information, visit: www.arkleg.state.ar.us.

To view live stream video and audio from the Arkansas House of Representatives, visitwww.arkansashouse.org.

State Chamber/AIA Staff:

Randy Zook, President/CEO: eat0@eau0eav0eaw0" target="_blank">eat0@eau0eav0eaw0

Kenny Hall, Executive Vice President: eat2@eau2eav2eaw2" target="_blank">eat2@eau2eav2eaw2

Angela DeLille, Director of Governmental Affairs:

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Andrew Parker, Director of Governmental Affairs:

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