Legislative leaders wrap up special session, offer thoughts on January regular session

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

With the recent special session behind them, legislative leaders on both sides of the aisle are sizing up issues for the next regular session of the Arkansas Legislature.

On the Sunday (Aug. 14) edition of Talk Business & Politics, Senate President Pro Tempore-elect Bart Hester, R-Cave Springs, and House Minority Leader Rep. Tippi McCullough, D-Little Rock, shared their thoughts on the agendas expected to play out at the state capitol.

Hester said criminal justice reform will be a top priority for him as he eyes ways to reduce violent crime and repeat offenders.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/08/legislative-leaders-wrap-up-special-session-offer-thoughts-on-january-regular-session/

Governor, Arkansas Legislative Leaders Outline Plans To Recess, Hold Special Session This Fall

By ROBY BROCK / TALK BUSINESS & POLITICS

The leaders of the two legislative chambers and Gov. Asa Hutchinson outlined expectations for the end of the 93rd Arkansas General Assembly, and it should be an unprecedented and lengthy adjournment.

Holding a joint press conference Thursday to review the Revenue Stabilization Act (RSA), which keeps the state’s budget balanced, the trio of leaders explained their plans for completing the session business and taking care of additional matters later this year.

Next Tuesday, legislators expect to recess until the fall. Normally, they would sine die, or formally adjourn, in about one month and the regular session would end. This year, lawmakers plan to “stay in session” until September, when they will return to take up legislative and Congressional redistricting, which has been delayed due to issues with the U.S. Census Bureau. After they approve redrawn district lines, they will sine die and soon thereafter be called into a special session by the governor to discuss tax cuts and reform.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/governor-arkansas-legislative-leaders-outline-plans-recess-hold-special-session-fall

The 2021 session of the Arkansas General Assembly is set to recess on Tuesday. On Thursday, Gov. Asa Hutchinson and legislative leaders gave their thoughts and plans for the future.

CREDIT MICHAEL HIBBLEN / KUAR NEWS

Panel Advances Proposed Constitutional Amendment to Allow Legislature to Call Itself Into Special Session

by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)

Should the Arkansas Legislature have the power to call itself into an extraordinary session?

The Senate State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee on Monday (April 19) passed SJR 10, a proposed change to the state constitution for voter consideration. The resolution could be one of three proposals that legislators refer to voters for the 2022 general election.

Before it was passed, sponsor Sen. Breanne Davis, R-Russellville, presented an amendment to the bill. It would allow the legislature to come into a special session if two-thirds of the House and two-thirds of the Senate vote for it. The reasons for opening a special or extraordinary session must be specifically stated, she said.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/04/panel-advances-proposed-constitutional-amendment-to-allow-legislature-to-call-itself-into-special-session/