Week 7 in Review: Arkansas’ 91st General Assembly

For the second week in a row, the House Revenue & Taxation Committee failed to pass SB140, which would require the collection of sales and use tax on online purchases. The vote was expunged, and the committee – comprised of 10 Republicans and 10 Democrats – will likely consider the bill again this coming week.

Also this week:

• The House of Representatives passed an amendment to Senate Joint Resolution 8, which would place limits on punitive and non-economic damages, limit contingency fees and allow the Legislature to approve rules and procedures for state courts. The approved amendment would cap compensatory damages to $500,000. A previous version of the bill capped damages at $250,000. The resolution as amended will be heard before the full House Monday afternoon.

• The House also passed House Joint Resolution 1016, which would require voters to present a valid photo identification when casting a ballot. The resolution now heads to the Senate.

• The Senate failed to pass two joint resolutions that would ban same-sex marriages and abortions by one vote.

• Senator Jason Rapert filed a bill to rename the Bill & Hillary Clinton National Airport.

 

The House and Senate will reconvene on Monday.

 

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