In a vote of 96-0, the House passed HB1302, An Act to Create the Red Tape Reduction Collective Rulemaking Act of 2019. This bill creates a process by which similar agencies could submit rules and regulations collectively to expedite process. It would help ensure that agencies needing to respond to new legislation for occupational licensing do so in a timely manner.
The House also passed SB113. This would transfer the responsibilities and duties of the Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace to the Arkansas Insurance Department.
With a 97-0 vote, the House passed HB1231 which ensures journalism students at public higher education institutions have freedom of expression. This legislation states a student media advisor is not to be disciplined or dismissed for protecting the rights of a student journalist.
The House also passed HB1174 which amends the civil service system law concerning the age of eligibility. Upon approval from the individual city board, this lowers the age of eligibility for firefighters from 21 to 18.
The deadline to file proposed constitutional amendments is this Wednesday, February 13. The General Assembly can refer up to 3 amendments in a regular session. Amendments referred this year would appear on the November 2020 ballot.
The House convenes again on Tuesday at 1:30pm. Committees meet at 10am.