Week 11 Summary of CFA Bill Analysis (see Details Below):
OPPOSE
HB1734 – Immunity for Law Enforcement at Private Colleges – OPPOSE
SUPPORT
SB534 – Quarterly Reports for AR Home (Medicaid Expansion) Program – SUPPORT
SB535 – Protecting Private Information Involving Nonprofit Organizations – SUPPORT
SB562 – Converting Paper Filings to Electronic Filings for Candidates for Office – SUPPORT
SB574 – Liability Sharing Organization Recognized as Motor Vehicle Insurance – SUPPORT
SB580 – Virtual Schooling Allowed for Barber/Cosmetology – SUPPORT
SB583– Voter Fraud Hotline and Prosecution by Attorney General – SUPPORT
HB1737 – Excluding Delivery Charges from Sales and Use Tax – SUPPORT
HB1817 – Section 179 Depreciation at State Level – SUPPORT
Bill Details
SB534 – Quarterly Reports for AR Home (Medicaid Expansion) Program – SUPPORT
By: Sen. Dan Sullivan (R – Jonesboro)
This bill would require at least quarterly reports regarding the Obamacare Medicaid expansion program now called AR Home. The reports must include actual revenue spent from the state, actual enrollment in the program, amount received from the federal government, and the number of enrollees involved in work-type programs.
SB535 – Protecting Private Information Involving Nonprofit Organizations – SUPPORT
By: Sen. Breanne Davis (R – Russellville)
This bill would prohibit public agencies from disclosing private information of nonprofit organizations and their members when such information is not required to be disclosed by federal or state statute. It would protect private information such as membership, volunteers, donors, donations, etc from disclosure and thus protect personal information from being tracked and released by any public entity. Privacy is for private individuals and transparency is for government.
SB562 – Converting Paper Filings to Electronic Filings for Candidates for Office – SUPPORT
By: Sen. Alan Clark – (R – Lonsdale)
This bill would change the current scenario where candidates can still file paper reports if they claim a hardship due to technology deficiencies. Instead, the candidate must allow the Secretary of State to take their paper returns and convert the information into electronic returns. This will provide more transparency in campaign finance and prevent candidates from avoiding having their records easily searchable.
SB574 – Liability Sharing Organization Recognized as Motor Vehicle Insurance – SUPPORT
By Sen. Bob Ballinger (R – Berryville)
This bill would recognize a private liability sharing organization, such as a Liberty Share or similar program to be recognized as motor vehicle insurance. This allows an outside the box to the main competitors of motor vehicle insurance that could potentially save consumers money while maintaining government required motor vehicle insurance.
SB580 – Virtual Schooling Allowed for Barber/Cosmetology – SUPPORT
By: Sen. Linda Chesterfield (D – Little Rock)
This bill would allow at least 50% of a program of study for barber or cosmetology schooling to be completed virtually. Allowing more choice and opportunities could increase the amount of people who can take part in the program and get closer to a profession to improve their lives.
SB583– Voter Fraud Hotline and Prosecution by Attorney General – SUPPORT
By: Sen. Kim Hammer (R – Benton)
This bill would require the Attorney General’s office to set up a new hotline for people to report voter fraud. It would also push the Attorney General and require him or her to appoint a special prosecutor to prosecute voter fraud cases. Data collection on the number of voter fraud reports would also be collected. This would allow a new, streamlined approach to reporting and prosecuting voter fraud in this state.
HB1734 – Immunity for Law Enforcement at Private Colleges – OPPOSE
By: Lee Johnson (R – Fort Smith)
This bill would create immunity for law enforcement officers working at private colleges. If they hurt, kill, or destroy a person’s property they would not be personally liable if they are acting within the scope of their job as a private school law enforcement officer. This increases carte-blanche immunity for quasi-government type actors when hurting people, and possibly killing them—thus reducing their liability or repercussions. This is bad for the public and prevents the injured from being able to file lawsuits to protect their rights.
HB1737 – Excluding Delivery Charges from Sales and Use Tax – SUPPORT
By: Rep. Cindy Crawford (R – Fort Smith)
This bill would provide an exemption on delivery charges from the Arkansas sales and use tax. This would make clear that purchases, including online purchases, should not have delivery charges added into the total sales price for an item before sales tax is applied. This is a good thing and will same consumers money.
HB1817 – Sections 168 & 179 State Depreciation to Adopt Federal Tax Law– SUPPORT
By: Rep. Howard Beaty Jr. (R – Crossett)
This may be the best pro-business, tax-cut bill to come out of the state legislature since Republicans took over the majority in 2012! Based on policy and platforms alone, it may be assumed that none of the 29 Democrats will support this bill, while it should also be assumed that all 106 Republicans will vote “for” it.
HB1737 changes the state depreciation laws to add bonus depreciation through 2026 and permanently increases Section 179 depreciation to be identical to federal depreciation laws. The federal tax codes adopted are those in place as of January 1, 2021.
Adding bonus depreciation will allow any size business to deduct the full cost of equipment (new and used) during its first year in use for the tax year 2022, with the allowed depreciation rate for new purchases decreasing 20% each year until it goes to zero in 2027. Adopting the federal Section 179 depreciation will allow Arkansas companies of all sizes to permanently increase their current AR Section 179 depreciation from $25,000 to $1,050,000 (which is adjusted annually for inflation.)
If passed, HB1817 means:
- A tax cut for all businesses which invest their own money back into their company;
- Opportunity for job growth;
- Attracting more businesses to Arkansas;
- Increase in capital investments in Arkansas by private enterprise;
- Avoids government picking winners and losers through special tax incentives;
- Sends a strong message to all businesses in Arkansas–“We want more of what you have to offer!”
During the 2018 work of the Arkansas Tax Reform and Relief Legislative Tax Force, the effects of adoption of federal depreciation schedules was studied. Their report may be viewed in Proposal #22. The adoption of many of the recommendations of the 2018 tax task force have produced a large revenue surplus in Arkansas which more than pays for the passage of this pro-business bill.
With Republicans having an 80% majority in the Senate and a 78% majority in the House, this bill is a no-brainer and should be passed.
Week 10 Summary of CFA Bill Analysis (see Details HERE):
OPPOSE
SB410 – Changing Name of Obamacare Medicaid Expansion – OPPOSE
STATUS: Passed Senate (Vote Breakdown); In House Public Health Committee
SB494 – Immunity from Lawsuits for Campus Police Departments – OPPOSE
STATUS: Passed Senate (Vote Breakdown); In House Judiciary Committee
SUPPORT
SB483 – Repeal of the Throwback Rule (Taxes) – SUPPORT
STATUS: Referred to Senate Revenue and Tax Committee
SB498 – Challenged Election Results to State Election Commission – SUPPORT
STATUS: Referred to Senate State Agencies
SB522 – Reducing Individual Income Taxes to Zero Percent – SUPPORT
STATUS: Referred Senate Revenue and Tax Committee
SB525 – Returning Franchise Tax Filings to Secretary of State – SUPPORT
STATUS: Passed Senate (Vote Breakdown); Referred to House Revenue/Tax
HB1667 – Universal Licensing Recognition for Military Spouses – SUPPORT
STATUS: Referred to House Public Health, Welfare, Labor Committee
Week 9 Summary of CFA Bill Analysis (see Details HERE):
OPPOSE
SB351 – Regulating Ride-Share Companies at Airports – OPPOSE
STATUS: Referred to Senate Insurance and Commerce Committee
SB418 – Increased Fees for State Parks Use – OPPOSE
STATUS: Passed Senate (Vote Breakdown); Referred to House State Agencies
SUPPORT
SB379 – Legislative Oversight over Emergency Declarations – SUPPORT
STATUS: Signed into Law – Act 379; Senate Vote; House Vote
SB453 – Special Election Reform (Retry) – SUPPORT
STATUS: Referred to Senate State Agencies
HB1354 – Prohibiting Gifts from Lobbyists to Cabinet-Level Department Secretaries – SUPPORT
STATUS: Referred to House Rules Committee
HB1367 – E-Notary Allowed – SUPPORT
STATUS: Referred to House State Agencies
HB1642 – Child Support Cooperation in Public Housing – SUPPORT
STATUS: Referred to House City County Local Committee
Week 8 Summary of CFA Bill Analysis (see Details HERE):
OPPOSE
HB1517 – New Electronic Voter Registration – OPPOSE
STATUS: Passed House (Vote Breakdown); Referred to Senate Committee
SUPPORT
SB192 – Political Freedom for Public Employees – SUPPORT
STATUS: Referred to Senate State Agencies Committee
SB194 – Allowing Photographing of Public Records – SUPPORT
STATUS: Signed into Law (Senate Vote Breakdown); (House Vote Breakdown);
SB195 – Private Foundations with Government Purpose Subject to FOIA – SUPPORT
STATUS: Referred to Senate State Agencies Committee
SB196 – Attorney’s Fees Awarded for Getting Public Records During Litigation – SUPPORT
STATUS: Passed the Senate (Vote Breakdown); In House State Agencies Committee
SB197 – Civil Asset Forfeiture Changes to Criminal Proceedings – SUPPORT
STATUS: Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
SB301 – Returning of Fees Paid for Violations of COVID19 Orders – SUPPORT
STATUS: Passed Senate (Vote Breakdown); Passed House (Vote Breakdown); Sent to Governor
HB1512 – Promoting Work in Food Stamps – SUPPORT
STATUS: Passed House (Vote Breakdown); Passed Senate (Vote Breakdown); Sent to Governor
Week 6 Summary of CFA Bill Analysis (see Details HERE):
OPPOSE
SJR9 – Legislative Rulemaking Authority Over Courts) – OPPOSE
STATUS: Referred to Senate State Agencies
SUPPORT
SB295 – Welfare Program Integrity – SUPPORT
STATUS: Passed Senate (Vote Breakdown); Referred to House Public Health/Welfare/Labor Committee
HB1439 – Volunteer Health Care Act Expansion to Therapists – SUPPORT
STATUS: Passed House (Vote Breakdown); Referred to Senate Public Health/Welfare/Labor Committee
HB1447 – Special Election Reform for Tax Elections – SUPPORT
STATUS: Referred to House Revenue and Tax Committee
HB1460 – Workforce Freedom – Uniform Licensing Rules Across the State – SUPPORT
STATUS: Passed House (Vote Breakdown); Referred to Senate State Agencies
HJR1019 – Election of Judges on a Partisan Basis – SUPPORT
STATUS: Referred to House State Agencies
Week 5 Summary of CFA Bill Analysis (see Details HERE):
OPPOSE
SB217 – Promoting Election Fraud Opportunities – OPPOSE
STATUS: Referred to Senate State Agencies
SB230 – Unlimited Assistance by Third Party Persons in Voting– OPPOSE
STATUS: Referred to Senate State Agencies
SUPPORT
SB231 – Stripping Felons of State Retirement Benefits – SUPPORT
STATUS: Referred to Joint Committee on Public Retirement
SB252 – Prohibiting an Office in China for Economic Development – SUPPORT
STATUS: Passed Senate (Vote Breakdown); Failed in House Committee
There are special interests’ groups, including Tyson Foods, Farm Bureau, the Governor’s office, and AEDC, who oppose this bill and were successful at first in killing it in committee with the “No” votes of Senators Cecile Bledsoe, Jane English, Breanne Davis, and Clark Tucker. Senators Trent Garner, Bob Ballinger, and Jason Rapert supported the bill.
HB1368 – Special Election Reform – SUPPORT
STATUS: Failed AGAIN on House Floor. Clincher Motion Adopted. Vote Breakdown:
Republicans Voting “No”:
Stan Berry
Frances Cavenaugh
Craig Christiansen
Bruce Coleman
Bruce Cozart
Carol Dalby
Marsh Davis
Gary Deffenbaugh
Brian Evans
Charlene Fite
Lanny Fite
Michelle Gray
Delia Haak
David Hillman
Joe Jett
Lee Johnson
John Maddox
Ron McNair
Johnny Rye
Stu Smith
Les Warren
Danny Watson
Jim Wooten
Republicans Refusing to Vote:
Ken Bragg
Les Eaves
Jack Fortner
Spencer Hawks
Lane Jean
Matthew Shepherd (*Speaker)
Dwight Tosh
HB1371 – School Choice Tax Credit Scholarships – SUPPORT
STATUS: Failed on House Floor (Vote Breakdown)
HB1428 – Repeal of Arkansas Works, Transition to Medicaid Fee for Service – SUPPORT
STATUS: Referred to House Public Health Welfare Labor Committee
HB1431 – Increased Sales Tax Exemption for Used Cars – SUPPORT
STATUS: Referred to House Tax and Revenue Committee
HB1416 – Work from Home Freedom – SUPPORT
STATUS: Passed House (Vote Breakdown); Referred to Senate City/County Committee
HB1403 – Reducing the Top Income Tax Rate – SUPPORT
STATUS: Referred to House Revenue and Tax Committee
SJR3 – Allowing the State to be Sued – SUPPORT
STATUS: Referred to Senate State Agencies
Week 4 Summary of CFA Bill Analysis (see Details HERE):
OPPOSE
None this week.
SUPPORT
HB1254 – APRN as Primary Care Provider within Medicaid Program – SUPPORT
STATUS: Passed House (Vote Breakdown); Passed Senate (Vote Breakdown); Referred back to House Public Health Committee
HB1231 – Rejecting the 1619 Project in Public Schools – SUPPORT
STATUS: Withdrawn by Author
HB1227 – No Minimum Wage While Off Duty for Truck Drivers – SUPPORT
STATUS: Signed by the Governor, Now Act 91
SB208 – Updated “Meeting” Definition for FOIA; Updated Groups Subject to FOIA – SUPPORT
STATUS: Heard in Committee Meeting; No Vote Taken
SB205 – Transparency for the Rainy-Day Fund – SUPPORT
STATUS: Signed by Governor. Passed Senate (Vote Breakdown), Passed House (Vote Breakdown),
HB1316 – Phasing Out and Ending the Soft Drink Tax – SUPPORT
STATUS: WITHDRAWN BY THE AUTHOR
SB186 – No Collaborative Practice Agreement for APRNs after 1,000 Hours – SUPPORT
STATUS: Referred to Senate Public Health, Welfare, Labor Committee
Week 3 Summary of CFA Bill Analysis (see Details HERE):
OPPOSE
HB1030 – Ensuring Increases in Gas Tax Revenue – OPPOSE
STATUS: WITHDRAWN BY AUTHOR
HB1038 – Internet Sales Tax on Delivery Charges – OPPOSE
STATUS: WITHDRAWN BY AUTHOR
HB1045 – Defines Cigarette Paper to Include Vaping Products – OPPOSE
STATUS: WITHDRAWN BY AUTHOR
SB141 – Granting Power Over Election Changes to the Secretary of State During an Emergency – OPPOSE
STATUS: Referred to Senate State Agencies Committee
SUPPORT
HB1211 – Religious Freedom Protected During Emergencies – SUPPORT
STATUS: Signed by the Governor, Now Act 94
HB1215 – Full Practice Authority for Nurse Midwives – SUPPORT
STATUS: Passed House (Vote Breakdown); Passed Senate (Vote Breakdown); Re-referred to House Public Health Committee
SB153 – Waiving of License, Permit, and Filing Fees for New Businesses – SUPPORT
STATUS: Passed Senate (Vote Breakdown); Referred to House Public Health, Welfare, Labor Committee
SB176 – Allowing Pharmacists to Treat Certain Health Conditions – SUPPORT
STATUS: Referred to Senate Public Health, Welfare, Labor Committee
Week 2 Summary of CFA Bill Analysis (see bill Details HERE):
OPPOSE
HB1139 – FOIA Exemption for Funeral Home Investigations – OPPOSE
STATUS: Withdrawn by the Author
SB132 – Corporate Welfare Appropriation of $75 Million – OPPOSE
STATUS: In Joint Budget Committee
SUPPORT
HB1112 – Voter Integrity in Provisional Ballots – SUPPORT
STATUS: Passed the House (Vote Breakdown), Passed the Senate (Vote Breakdown); SIGNED by Governor – Act 249.
HB1157 – Increased Deduction for Teacher Expenses – SUPPORT
STATUS: In Revenue and Tax Committee
HB1160 – Sales Tax Exemption for Used Cars Increased – SUPPORT
STATUS: In Revenue and Tax Committee
HB1189 – No Special Interest Pay for Government Workers – SUPPORT
STATUS: In State Agencies Committee
HB1190 – Cost of Living Adjustments for Standard Deduction – SUPPORT
STATUS: In Revenue and Tax Committee; Heard but no Vote Taken
HB1191 – Increase of Standard Deduction – SUPPORT
STATUS: In Revenue and Tax Committee
HB1198 – Amending Supervision Requirements for Nurse Anesthetists – SUPPORT
STATUS: Passed House (Vote Breakdown); Passed Senate (Vote Breakdown); Sent to Governor
SB117 – Hybrid Car $100 Fee Removed – SUPPORT
STATUS: In Transportation Committee
Week 1 Summary of CFA Bill Analysis (see bill Details HERE):
OPPOSE
SB2 – Massive Tax Increase for Redistribution of Wealth Scheme – OPPOSE
STATUS: In Senate Revenue and Tax Committee
SB10 – Redistribution of Wealth through EITC – OPPOSE
STATUS: In Senate Revenue and Tax Committee
SUPPORT
SB9 – Repealing of Car Wash Water Usage Tax – SUPPORT
STATUS: Heard in Committee, No Vote Taken. In Senate Revenue and Tax Committee
SB15 – Emergency Powers Duration Limited – SUPPORT
STATUS: In Senate Judiciary Committee
SB17 – Liability Immunity Against COVID19 Lawsuits – SUPPORT
STATUS: In Senate Public Health Committee
SB23/HB1055 – Self-Regulation for CO-OP Organizations – SUPPORT
STATUS: Referred for Interim Study
HB1011 – Repeal of Income Taxes for Those Making Under $22,000 – SUPPORT
STATUS: In House Revenue and Tax Committee
HB1063 – Expansion of Telemedicine to Phone Calls – SUPPORT
STATUS: Passed House (Vote Breakdown); Sent to Senate
HB1064 – Price Transparency for Medical Services – SUPPORT
STATUS: In House Insurance and Commerce Committee
HB1066 – Beer Shipping Direct to Consumers – SUPPORT
STATUS: In House Rules Committee
HB1068 – Expanded Telemedicine Use – SUPPORT
STATUS: Passed the House (Vote Breakdown), Passed Senate (Vote Breakdown); Sent to Governor
