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2023 SPECIAL SESSION WINDS DOWN AFTER MUCH DISCUSSION

Posted September 15, 2023 By Kerry Moody In Government, Uncategorized
The 94th General Assembly concluded its first special session on Thursday following several days of healthy conversations among legislators and their constituents.

Lawmakers convened on Monday, September 11 to address tax cuts, changes to the state’s FOIA law, and other matters included in Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ call.

While the session was initially expected to focus on income tax cuts, changes to the state’s FOIA law took center stage during the four-day session. A total of eight FOIA bills were filed before lawmakers reached a consensus.   After lengthy discussions among legislators and a robust amount of public comment from citizens during committee meetings, the General Assembly settled on focusing their changes on the security of Governor Sanders and her family.

Below is an overview of legislation passed during the special session, including measures to reduce the top individual rate to 4.4% and the top corporate rate to 4.8%, to create a $710 million reserve fund, and to exempt records related to the governor’s security detail from disclosure. The bills have been delivered to Governor Sanders.

Call Item 1: Tax Cuts

  • Rep. Eaves’ HB1007amends state income tax laws to reduce the top individual rate from 4.7% to 4.4% and the top corporate rate from 5.1% to 4.8%.  (Passed House 84-10)
  • Sen. Dismang’s SB8amends state income tax laws to reduce the top individual rate from 4.7% to 4.4% and the top corporate rate from 5.1% to 4.8%.  (Passed Senate 27-3; Passed House 84-10)

Call Item 2: Arkansas Reserve Fund Set-Aside

  • Rep. Jean’s HB1004creates the Arkansas Reserve Fund Set-Aside to make additional funds available to state departments, agencies, and institutions upon approval of two-thirds of the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee. The bill transfers $710,612,508 from general revenue to the Reserve Fund Set-Aside. (Passed House 92-4; Passed Senate 27-3)
  • Sen. Hickey’s SB1creates the Arkansas Reserve Fund Set-Aside to make additional funds available to state departments, agencies, and institutions upon approval of two-thirds of the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee. The bill transfers $710,612,508 from general revenue to the Reserve Fund Set-Aside. (Passed Senate 25-3; Passed House 89-3)

Call Item 3: COVID-19 Vaccination Mandates

  • Rep. Beaty’s HB1002prohibits the government from mandating COVID-19 vaccination as a condition to education, employment, entry, licensure, and other state services. (Passed House 83-14; Passed Senate 27-4)
  • Sen. Bryant’s SB3prohibits the government from mandating COVID-19 vaccination as a condition to education, employment, entry, licensure, and other state services. (Passed Senate 27-3; Passed House 82-15)

Call Item 4: FOIA

  • Sen. Hester’s SB10exempts Arkansas State Police records related to the security of the Governor, constitutional officers, legislators, and judges from Freedom of Information Act of 1967. (Passed Senate 29-2; Passed House 82-15)
  • Rep. Ray’s HB1012exempts Arkansas State Police records related to the security of the Governor, constitutional officers, legislators, and judges from Freedom of Information Act of 1967. (Passed House 82-15)

Call Item 5: School Doors 

  • Rep. Evans’ HB1005clarifies the State Fire Marshal is not responsible for ensuring that school administrators keep all school doors and exits unlocked during school hours. (Passed House 96-0; Passed Senate 28-0)
  • Sen. English’s SB4clarifies the State Fire Marshal is not responsible for ensuring that school administrators keep all school doors and exits unlocked during school hours. (Passed Senate 29-0; Passed House 95-0)

Call Item 6: Philanthropic Investment in Arkansas Kids Program Act 

  • Rep. Barker’s HB1008amends eligibility requirements for the Philanthropic Investment in Arkansas Kids Program Act and the Arkansas Children’s Educational Freedom Account Program. (Passed House 88-0)
  • Sen. Davis’ SB5amends eligibility requirements for the Philanthropic Investment in Arkansas Kids Program Act and the Arkansas Children’s Educational Freedom Account Program. (Passed Senate 29-0; Passed House 88-0)

Call Item 7: Felony Offenses

  • Rep. Gazaway’s HB1006makes felony offenses with a firearm committed after January 1, 2024 ineligible for early release on parole. (Passed House 90-1; Passed Senate 26-2)

·         Sen. Gilmore’s SB6 makes felony offenses with a firearm committed after January 1, 2024 ineligible for early release on parole. (Passed Senate 89-2; Passed House 29-0)