Representative David Ray (R – Maumelle) joined Conduit to share his Impression of the Session.
Ray reflected on its outcomes and discussed key bills he championed. The session, described as a “roller coaster,” saw successes in Conservative policy but also setbacks, particularly with tax-related legislation. Ray highlighted efforts to advance economic competitiveness, address illegal immigration, and counter foreign influence while expressing disappointment over stalled tax relief measures.
Key Topics:
📢 Introduction and Session Overview (00:00:09:00 – 00:01:23:15):
Ray describes the legislative session as a “roller coaster” with Conservative policy wins but some unfulfilled goals.
✅ Conservative Policy Wins (00:01:23:15 – 00:02:19:10):
Highlights bills eliminating affirmative action, racial/sex-based quotas, anti-China legislation, and measures addressing illegal immigration.
🌍 Failure of Anti-Foreign Lobbying Bill (00:02:19:12 – 00:03:38:07): Discusses the Senate’s rejection of a bill banning foreign lobbying by entities tied to China and Russia, despite strong House support.
🥤 Soda Excise Tax Repeal Attempt (00:04:04:18 – 00:06:52:22):
Details HB1636, which aimed to repeal Arkansas’s unique soda excise tax but failed due to lobbying and Medicaid funding concerns.
💰 Income Tax Reduction Efforts (00:08:01:10 – 00:12:23:10):
Covers stalled bills (HB1538 and HB1066) to increase income tax deductions and the need to keep Arkansas economically competitive.
🏢 Concerns Over Corporate Welfare (00:12:23:10 – 00:16:14:11):
Criticizes Constitutional Amendment SJR15 for promoting corporate handouts, and advocates for free-market solutions.
🗳️ Ballot Initiative Reforms and FOI Controversy (00:16:35:08 – 00:22:13:05):
Defends ballot initiative reforms for election integrity and addresses FOI criticism.
🏆 Biggest Session Wins (00:23:57:21 – 00:25:19:03):
Notes smaller but impactful bills, including E-Verify laws, cell phone bans in schools, and state property purchase reforms.
🚀 Future Goals and Re-election (00:25:19:03 – 00:28:08:03):
Outlines focus on economic competitiveness, tax cuts, and confirms 2026 House re-election campaign.
