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Legislative briefs Saturday, Apr 8, 2006 By Arkansas News Bureau staff The House voted Friday to suspend a House rule to allow House members to begin raising money for their election campaigns during a three-week recess. The rule prevents members from raising funds until a session formally adjourns, which won't occur until May 1. Some members had expressed concern about not being able to raise money for their campaigns while in session. New majority leader Rep. Steve Harrelson, D-Texarkana, was elected House Majority Leader during a House Democratic Caucus meeting Friday. Harrelson will serve as majority leader during the 2007 session. Reps. Janet Johnson, D-Bryant, and Denny Sumpter, D-West Memphis, were also seeking the leadership position. Johnson was elected Majority Whip. Football star visits chambers Springdale High School quarterback Mitch Mustain visited both the House and Senate on Friday, with the Senate adopting a resolution recognizing Mustain for winning the Parade magazine, USA Today and Gatorade national football player of the year awards. Both chambers adopted a resolution honoring Springdale's football team for its undefeated state championship season in 2005. The House joined Mustain, standing in the House gallery, in a Hog call. Senators posed for photographs with Mustain on the Senate floor. Mustain, who has committed to play football for the University of Arkansas, was escorted to the floor by Sen. Jim Holt, R-Springdale. Holt sponsored the resolutions. Mustain even took questions from senators about the Razorbacks' football future. Bill on smoking in cars adopted The Senate endorsed a bill by Rep. Bob Mathis, D-Hot Springs, on Friday to ban smoking in automobiles when a child is in a child-safey seat in the vehicle. The bill goes to the governor. House Bill 1046, known as the "Arkansas Protection from Secondhand Smoke for Children Act of 2006," provides for a $25 fine for anyone caught smoking in a vehicle if a child younger than 6 or less than 60 pounds is in the vehicle. The fine may be waived on the first offense if the offender enters a smoking-cessation program. "There's no doubt about the health impact upon an infant," of secondhand smoke, Gov. Mike Huckabee said. "I think it's a great bill. I'm glad that it's cleared both houses." Senate passes enhanced "Teacher of the Year" award The Senate passed House Bill 1031, by Rep. Janet Johnson, D-Bryant, on Friday, which would enhance the state's teacher of the year award. The bill adds a year's leave from work for professional development to what had been "a largely ceremonial position," Senate Sponsor Steve Higginbothom, D-Marianna, said. The measure passed 30-1 and goes to the governor. This is part of the package of legislation that Gov. Mike Huckabee requested. |
