Scatter-Shooting While ‘Sine Die’ Approaches

LEGISLATURE MET FOR 100 DAYS

The 89th General Assembly is in recess until May 17, headed toward “sine die,” which is a legal and Latin term when a legislative body adjourns without appointing a day on which to appear or assemble again.

After 100 days of lawmaking this past session, there are a lot of loose ends to tie up or “scatter-shooting,” as I call it.

So here are some short bursts, items that happened, but are not to be forgotten from the 89th General Assembly. A new election cycle begins soon.

Raw Milk: State Rep. Randy Alexander (R-Springdale) picked up what seemed a lost cause and passed the bill. Dairy farms may sell raw milk at Farmer’s Markets or to private individuals sans state inspection. Buyer beware.

Meltdown: State Rep. Mark McElroy (D-Tillar) blamed a lack of sleep on an emotional meltdown while speaking at the well of the House (and on video). McElroy had fumbled an important bill to his district. He was so distraught his country bumpkin act failed that he fled the session. He later returned to the session, but was not allowed back in the well, again, to speak.

Chicken Capitol: State Sen. Jon Woods (R-Springdale) carried the hometown water with a bill proclaiming Springdale, Ark., the Chicken Capitol of the World. We already knew that. But Woods wanted it passed. Now you know.

Names Withheld: State Sen. Bruce Holland (R-Greenwood) passed a controversial bill, Act 145, eliminating the public data base for persons having a concealed carry gun permit. Freedom Of Information backers fought against this bill to no avail. Both the gun and the names of those who carry the guns are now hidden from public eyes.

Timing Tweet: State Sen. Nate Bell (R-Mena) made a terrible tweet to Bostonians after the bombing. Everyone, but Bell, said apologies for the state, the Legislature and even him. Bell said it was ‘ bad timing.’ Bad Senator Bell. Bad. Bad. Bad.

Best Speech from the Well: State Rep. Deborah Ferguson (D-West Memphis) gave, by far, the best, most passionate and reasonable speech from the House well on civility, respect and fairness on discrimination. Her future is bright.

Signing to Impress: State Rep. Charlene Fite (R-Van Buren) to get the point across on sign language changes in a bill, both signed and spoke to the committee. The bill passed and her stock rose as being one of the most prepared and hard working in the House.

Give Me An Eraser: State Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Hot Springs) who signed on the Medicaid Private Option, got cold feet and took his name off the bill as a sponsor. True to his word. He voted against the final bill.

Just Because I Signed It, Don’t Make It So: State Rep. Randy Alexander (R-Springdale) who signed on the Medicaid Option, but voted against it – even with many in his District asking him to change his mind.

Property Rights Try: State Sen. Jim Hendren (R-Gravette) while trying to protect small property owners from encroaching city and county oversight, ignited the Municipal League and others as rarely seen. A valiant attempt to protect the little man.

Just A Technical Correction: State Rep. Denny Altus (R-Fort Smith) and State Rep. Bob Ballenger (R-Hindsville) these two “individual rights” zealots have, perhaps, undone all the Session did to concealed carry laws with a technical correction bill that may negate all gun bills this session with a court case.

Sine die can’t come fast enough.

Maylon Rice