New Arkansas legislative ethics investigation begins

KUAR | By Michael Hibblen

The Arkansas Senate Ethics Committee on Friday held its first hearing regarding an apparent complaint that has been filed. Few details are known about this latest investigation as most of the meeting happened behind closed doors.

It comes a month after two senators were sanctioned for violating reimbursement rules. Sen. Alan Clark, R-Lonsdale, acknowledged asking Sen. Mark Johnson, R-Ferndale, to add his name to a sign in sheet at an event he did not attend, enabling Clark to receive a $155 per diem. There are indications Clark may be involved in making this latest complaint.

Sen. Kim Hammer, chairman of the committee, cited a rule at the start of Friday’s meeting allowing him to call it into executive session, “as the committee members will review the documents submitted to them regarding the current petition.”

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2022-08-26/new-arkansas-legislative-ethics-investigation-begins

Michael Hibblen/KUAR News

Members of the Arkansas Senate Ethics Committee at the start of a meeting Friday to consider a complaint.

Arkansas Senate approves process for ethics violation hearings

KUAR | By Ronak Patel

Arkansas lawmakers set the framework Monday for hearings that will take place this week concerning ethics violations by Republican senators Alan Clark of Lonsdale and Mark Johnson of Ferndale.

Last month, the Senate Ethics Committee found Clark had asked Johnson to place his name on a sign-in sheet for a Boys State meeting he did not attend to receive reimbursement. The full Senate will vote whether to penalize the two.

According to a document provided by the committee, the penalties recommended for Clark and Johnson include:

• A letter of reprimand

• Removal as committee chair or co-chair for the remainder of the rest of the 93rd General Assembly

• Losing eligibility for per diem and mileage for the remainder of the 93rd General Assembly

• Losing future considering to serve on the Boys State, Girls State and Senate Ethics Committee

  https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2022-07-18/arkansas-senate-approves-process-for-ethics-violation-hearings

Ronak Patel/KUAR News

Senate President Pro Tem Jimmy Hickey, R-Texarkana, on Monday said he will relinquish his duties of presiding over the chamber during an ethics violation hearing later this week.

Arkansas Senate Ethics Committee finds lawmakers violated reimbursement rules

KUAR | By Ronak Patel

Two Arkansas state senators are being recommended for discipline by the Senate Ethics Committee after it reviewed a petition filed by Senate Pro Tem Jimmy Hickey, R-Texarkana.

After meeting for several hours behind closed doors on Monday, the committee unanimously voted to recommend penalties be imposed against Sen. Mark Johnson of Little Rock and Sen. Alan Clark of Lonsdale – both Republicans.

Johnson is alleged to have signed Clark’s name on a list of lawmakers taking part in a Boys State meeting earlier this month even though Clark was not there. Sen. Matt Pitsch of Fort Smith said the committee had Clark testify orally and in writing.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2022-06-27/arkansas-senate-ethics-committee-finds-lawmakers-violated-reimbursement-rules

Ronak Patel/KUAR News

After an executive session that lasted about five hours, lawmakers voted to recommend penalties for senators Mark Johnson of Little Rock and Alan Clark – both Republicans.