Effort fails to block flag-symbolism bill Bill advances on genetic counselors

Rep. Jack Ladyman, R-Jonesboro, on Wednesday failed to block the latest legislation by Rep. Charles Blake, D-Little Rock, that would change state law to remove a symbolic reference to the Confederacy on the state flag.

Ladyman’s motion failed in a 4-4 vote in the 20-member House State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee.

The flag’s single blue star above the word “Arkansas” denotes the state as a member of the Confederate States of America, according to the law explaining the flag’s elements.

Blake’s original bill would have changed the designation to commemorate native tribes. A committee defeated and then tabled that bill.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson, a Republican, then came out in support of a change.

Blake’s latest legislation, House Bill 1736, would have the top star honor the United States. The three stars below the state name — which now honor the U.S., Spain and France — would honor Spain, France and native tribes.

Hutchinson told the Political Animals Club that he met with Blake and Rep. Jimmy Gazaway, R-Paragould, about the bill Wednesday morning and assured them he supports the bill.

“I expect that bill to come back in the State Agencies

committee at some point in the future,” he said.

A bill allowing the state to license genetic counselors cleared a Senate committee on Wednesday.

Under Senate Bill 190, sponsored by Sen. Greg Leding, D-Fayetteville, the counselors would be licensed by the state Medical Board.

Each would have to complete a master’s degree in an approved program and obtain certification from the American Board of Genetic Counseling or American Board of Medical Genetics.

According to the National Society of Genetic Counselors, such counselors help patients interpret genetic test results and make choices based on their likelihood of developing inherited diseases.

Courtney Cook, a genetic counselor specializing in oncology, said the bill would attract more counselors to the state and ensure they are qualified and receive continuing education. She works in Fayetteville and said she’s the only oncology genetic counselor within a three-hour radius.

The Senate Committee on Public Health, Welfare and Labor advanced the bill to the full Senate in a voice vote with no dissent.