Senate Memorial Resolution 5 (SMR 5) is a commemorative resolution that honors the life and devoted service of Pastor Robert J. Jenkins. The resolution remembers Pastor Jenkins for his significant contributions to his community and the State of Arkansas, particularly his 48 years of service as pastor of Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church and his involvement in various religious and civic organizations. Upon adoption, a copy of the resolution is to be presented to his family.
This Senate Resolution formally recognizes the Taylor High School Lady Tigers softball team as the 2024 Class 1A State Champions, celebrating their athletic achievement.
Senate Bill 212 proposes to establish a new Document Validity Division. This division, or the Secretary of State, would be authorized to issue subpoena requests to individuals. If an individual fails to comply with a subpoena, the Secretary of State can seek a court order to enforce it. The bill also provides for violations under this subchapter to be referred to the Attorney General's office for further investigation and action.
Senate Bill 452, had it passed, would have required contracts for the installation of wind turbines over 200 feet tall in Arkansas to include specific provisions for their maintenance and recycling. Starting January 1, 2026, these contracts would have needed to outline how the wind turbine would be maintained, recycled, and disposed of if the installing entity dissolved or could no longer maintain it. The entity installing or maintaining the turbine would also assume joint liability for any damages related to the failure to properly manage the turbine. Violations would be considered an unfair or deceptive trade practice, enforceable by the Attorney General.
Senate Bill 639, titled the "Arkansas Wind Energy Development Act," establishes a regulatory framework for wind energy facilities in Arkansas. The bill outlines standards and criteria for permitting, constructing, operating, and decommissioning these facilities. It aims to protect public health, safety, and welfare, while also addressing the interests of landowners by ensuring proper facility construction, decommissioning, and protection against hazards. Additionally, the act allows local governments to adopt consistent local legislation for wind energy facilities within their jurisdictions.
House Bill 1164 aims to allow physicians and healthcare providers to offer cognitive assessments to specific patients. The bill also mandates that insurance policies must cover these assessments for cognitive function for certain patients. An amendment clarifies that this coverage does not reduce or limit other existing benefits.
Senate Bill 154 aimed to amend the existing laws that govern the financial contributions made by members to various state retirement systems and Arkansas public employee retirement plans. This bill directly affects state employees and public employees who are part of these retirement systems. The provided bill text states its purpose is to modify these contribution laws, but it does not specify the particular changes or mechanisms that would alter the contribution amounts or methods.
Senate Resolution 53 honors Terry Kimbrow, President of Central Baptist College, upon the occasion of his upcoming retirement in May 2025. This resolution recognizes his twenty years of service and leadership, highlighting his contributions to the college's growth, academic excellence, and community involvement.
Senate Resolution 21 is a commemorative resolution that formally commends the Maumelle Charter High School Falcons boys' golf team. It recognizes the team for winning the 2024 Class 3A State Championship and directs that a copy of the resolution be presented to their head coach.
Senate Bill 631 amends Arkansas law regarding hearings for the revocation of probation or a suspended sentence. It details the rights of defendants during preliminary and revocation hearings, ensuring they receive notice of the alleged violation and have the opportunity to present evidence and be represented by counsel. The bill introduces a new provision allowing revocation proceedings to be held in a different county or judicial district if a defendant on probation or a suspended sentence is arrested and charged with a violent felony in that different location, provided the court that originally imposed the sentence gives written consent. This aims to modify the jurisdictional rules for such cases.
House Bill 1495, as amended, establishes procedures for transferring a student's permanent school record when they move to a new school. The bill outlines that when a student transfers, their records are to be requested by the receiving institution. It includes a specific provision for foster children, mandating that the receiving public or private school must request and receive their education records according to an existing state statute.
Senate Resolution 50 (SR 50) is a commemorative resolution that commends Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., for 118 years of service and leadership in its communities. The resolution acknowledges the fraternity's history, principles, and contributions, particularly within African American communities and campuses across Arkansas and globally.
