NOW: The Arkansas Senate Chamber has convened for the 2021 Arkansas Legislative Session. Sen. Gary Stubblefield is highlighting the history of the Bible that's housed in the chamber. #arnews#arleg#arnews@KATVNews
Sen. Jimmy Hickey has been sworn in as the Arkansas Senate President - replacing Sen. Jim Hendren. #arnews#arpx#arleg@KATVNews
NEW: Sen. Trent Garner is speaking against a Senate Ethics Committee rule change - essentially not announcing complaints publicly. Last year, Garner did that during a meeting. "Making allegations hidden in the darkness does not serve our democracy." #arnews#arpx#arleg@KATVNews
Sen. Stephanie Flowers wants to amend a Senate rule.
If you don't wear your mask over your nose & mouth and it's reported - you forfeit that day's per diem and can't go to the next meeting after violation sighting (subject to approval by AR Senate) #arnews#arleg#arpx@KATVNews
Sen. Alan Clark speaking against this amendment. "I'm not a lawyer...I have serious doubts that we can financially penalize members and more serious doubts that we should." He doesn't believe they should exclude members from being there #arnews#arpx#arleg@KATVNews
Sen. Linda Chesterfield speaking for the amendment. "We have a responsibility to keep ourselves as safe as possible." #arnews#arpx#arleg@KATVNews
NOW: Sen. Bob Ballinger is presenting his stand your ground bill in the Senate Judiciary Committee. This bill would end the duty to retreat. #arnews#arleg#arpx@KATVNews
Ballinger, present with an NRA representative, has introduced an amendment that cleans up the language he says. (The amendment passes)
Now he's presenting his bill w/ amendment to the committee. #arnews#arpx#arleg@KATVNews
Ballinger: In short, you're going to hear this is a license to kill - that isn't the way it is in California or Illinois or other jurisdictions. We have worked with AG's office, prosecutors, law enforcement... #arnews#arpx#arleg@KATVNews
Gov: "Last week, we witnessed a violent mob assault our nation's Capitol. Each person who breached the heart of our democracy must be prosecuted to the full extend of the law." #arnews#arpx#arleg@KATVNews
Gov: I expect us to meet the challenge of the moment and to pass legislation that will give our healthcare workers help to defeat the Coronavirus. #arnews#arpx#arleg@KATVNews
NOW: The Arkansas House Chamber has convened for the 2021 Arkansas Legislative Session. #arnews#arpx#arleg@KATVNews
Secretary of State John Thurston just announced the election certification of Rep. Ashley Hudson - the Democrat who beat Republican Rep. Jim Sorvillo. Both have been at the center of controversy with lawsuits challenging the election results. #arnews#arpx#arleg@KATVNews
NOW: Rep. Michelle Gray motioned to accept the results and seat all Arkansas House members.
Rep. Mary Bentley & Rep. Robin Lundstrum voted present. Rep. Gayla McKenzie voted nay. #arnews#arpx#arleg@KATVNews
NOW: The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission is meeting right now - Commissioner Travis Story is currently addressing the commission regarding bias that was alleged at last week's legislative meeting. He said he does not represent one of the applicants. #arnews#arpx@KATVNews
Story: "Last time I did any billing was in 2016 before the amendment passed and the commission was created." "I don't believe the affidavit of bias is even applicable." #arnews#arpx@KATVNews
Chairwoman Dr. Ronda Henry-Tillman: I did not get the invitation to last week's meeting, on time, but I did watch and was concerned about some of the issues discussed. #arnews#arpx