House of Representatives

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

There are three legislative meetings scheduled this month to review proposals for congressional redistricting. 

Arkansans are welcome to attend these meetings and comment on the proposals. 

The proposals will be outlined in bills drafted by legislators. We have provided a link to the bills at www.arkansashouse.org

The House and Senate State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committees will be meeting jointly in the MAC building located directly behind the State Capitol. 

The schedule will be as follows: 

September 20, 2021 (1 p.m.)-Any congressional redistricting bills that have been filed by September 17, 2021, will be taken up by the committees.

 September 23, 2021 (1 p.m.) - Any congressional redistricting bills that have been filed by September 21, 2021, will be taken up by the committees.  

September 27, 2021 (1 p.m.) - Any congressional redistricting bills that have been filed by September 24, 2021, will be taken up by the committees.  

The committees will take no action during these three meetings.  

It is anticipated that leadership will call members back into the extended session of the 93rd General Assembly on September 29. That date is subject to change, and we will continue to update you on any developments. 

The General Assembly is tasked with only drawing the boundaries of the U.S. House of Representatives districts in Arkansas. The Board of Apportionment is tasked with drawing the state legislative boundaries. 

Our state’s population increased by 3.3% since 2010 when we last drew congressional boundaries. Some areas of the state have increased in population more than others. Our task is to redraw those boundaries now to ensure they are as equally populated as possible.  

All meetings will be live-streamed and recorded at www.arkansashouse.org.

House Advances Amendment Making Constitution Changes Harder

by Steve Brawner (BRAWNERSTEVE@MAC.COM)

A constitutional amendment that would make it harder to amend the Arkansas Constitution or pass an initiated act passed the House of Representatives. Members voted 74-18-1 on Thursday (April 15) to advance House Joint Resolution 1005.

The Constitutional Amendment and Ballot Initiative Reform Amendment by Rep. David Ray, R-Maumelle, would raise the bar for amending the Constitution or passing a voter-led initiated act from the 50% to 60%. Referenda, where voters review a legislative act, would continue to require only a 50% threshold. The measure would apply to ballot measures whether they are referred by the Legislature or the voters, Ray said. He said referenda would have a lower threshold because they are a defensive measure.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/04/house-advances-amendment-making-constitution-changes-harder/

arkballotissues2016-e1518043682196.jpg