On the second day of the Extraordinary Session, the House Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee advanced HB1002. This bill states that a state agency, a political subdivision of the state, or a state or local official shall not mandate an individual to receive a vaccine or immunization for COVID-19 or any subvariants of COVID-19. It also states the Department of Health shall maintain information and data on any potential risks and harms associated with the administration of the vaccine or immunization for COVID-19 and any subvariants and shall make the information publicly available.
The House Revenue and Taxation Committee advanced HB1004. This bill would create the Arkansas Reserve Fund Set-Aside in the Restricted Reserve Fund and directs the transfer of $710.6 million in surplus funds to the newly created reserve fund. This bill would allow the transfer of funds from the Arkansas Reserve Fund Set-Aside to particular programs with the approval of 2/3 of the members of the Legislative Council or 2/3 of the members of the Joint Budget Committee if the General Assembly is in session.
The House Education Committee advanced HB1005.
HB1005 provides clarity in Arkansas code for schools and educational institutions to keep exterior doors locked apart from transition times during school hours.
The House will reconvene on Wednesday at 8:30 a.m.