Governor Outlines Legislative Accomplishments, Disappointments

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

Governor Asa Hutchinson has had a much more successful legislative session than headlines would suggest. The governor discussed his achievements and letdowns in a Talk Business & Politics interview that aired statewide on Sunday (April 18).

Hutchinson has signed new laws dealing with hate crimes, raising teacher pay, improving computer science requirements, and reforming law enforcement practices.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/04/governor-outlines-legislative-accomplishments-disappointments/

Gov. Asa Hutchinson

Arkansas Lawmakers Pass 'Hate Crimes Bill' That Some Say Doesn't Go Far Enough

By SARAH KELLOGG

A bill that increases sentences for those who knowingly commit certain crimes against "recognizable groups" in Arkansas is on its way to the governor’s desk. The Arkansas House gave final approval Monday to Senate Bill 622.

The bill is defined by some as hate crimes legislation, while others say it is not specific enough to be considered as a hate crimes bill.

Under the bill, Arkansans convicted of certain violent offenses against members of a "recognizable and identifiable group" would have to serve at least 80% of their sentences. The bill defines these groups as sharing "mental, physical, biological, cultural, political, or religious beliefs or characteristics."

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-lawmakers-pass-hate-crimes-bill-some-say-doesnt-go-far-enough

House Speaker Matthew Shepherd, R-El Dorado, presents Senate Bill 622 to the House

CREDIT ARKANSAS HOUSE

‘Class Protection’ Bill Passes House Judiciary committee After Chairwoman Quickly Adjourns Meeting

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

An alternative hate crimes bill led by House Speaker Matthew Shepherd, R-El Dorado, and Senate President Jimmy Hickey, Jr., R-Texarkana, passed in House Judiciary committee Thursday (April 8) on a voice vote, but not without a closing controversy.

Committee chairwoman Rep. Carol Dalby, R-Texarkana, ruled the “aye” votes approved the measure and in the same sentence declared the meeting adjourned. The quick move did not allow for a roll call vote to be called to determine if 11 or more votes supported the bill.

SB 622, which is touted as a class protection bill, will create an “aggravating circumstance” provision that would require a criminal defendant to serve at least 80% of his or her sentence if certain motivations led to the crime.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/04/class-protection-bill-passes-house-judiciary-committee-after-chairwoman-quickly-adjourns-meeting/

Alternative To Hate Crimes Bill Filed In Arkansas Legislature

By GEORGE JARED/ TALK BUSINESS & POLITICS

Arkansas is one of the only states without some type of hate crime law on the books, and Gov. Asa Hutchinson has said more than once it’s a top priority for him during the current legislative session. SB622, filed Thursday will attempt to solve that problem.

The bill, filed by Sen. Jimmy Hickey Jr., R-Texarkana, Sen. Alan Clark, R-Lonsdale, Rep. Matthew Shepherd, R-El Dorado, and Rep. Carol Dalby, R-Texarkana, had not been assigned to a committee as of Thursday morning. Talk Business & Politics has confirmed that the bill is an alternative to the previously filed hate crimes legislation which has stalled during the session. It’s described as a “class protection bill.”

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/alternative-hate-crimes-bill-filed-arkansas-legislature

A hate crimes bill has so far not gained any momentum in the Arkansas General Assembly, so SB622 was filed Thursday as an alternative.

CREDIT MICHAEL HIBBLEN / KUAR NEWS