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Legislative Briefs Tuesday, Jan 30, 2007 Compiled by Arkansas News Bureau Senate chief of staff resigns Senate Chief of Staff Bill Goodman resigned abruptly Monday afternoon. Sen. David Bisbee, R-Rogers, chairman of the Senate Efficiency Committee gave no details of Goodman's departure following a committee meeting, but said some follow-up action would take place Tuesday. He did not elaborate, but another committee meeting is scheduled upon Senate adjournment today. The resignation came after an unscheduled executive session of the committee, Bisbee said. "It was a personnel matter in executive session, so I can't discuss it," he said. "However, what's done (today) will be in public." Senate President Pro Tempore Jack Critcher, D-Batesville, also said the matter was a personnel matter that that he does not believe it was appropriate to discuss it. Goodman declined comment when contacted by telephone Monday night. Two other members of the committee, Sen. Steve Bryles, D-Blytheville, and Sen. Jim Argue, D-Little Rock said Goodman was forced out without good reason, but declined to elaborate. "Today is one of the most disappointing days in my six years in the state Senate," Bryles said Monday. Goodman, 68, was deputy director of the state Bureau of Legislative Research until being named Senate chief of staff in 2004, replacing Bill Lancaster, who retired. Goodman was hired by then-president pro tempore Sen. Jim Hill, D-Nashville. Goodman, who was supervisor of the Senate's paid staff, told the Associated Press, "I just felt it was time. It is just time." Argue said: "Bill Goodman is one of the most respected members of the legislative staff. I never had a single complaint about him in the two years I was president pro tempore. He was pushed out, and a 30-year veteran employee deserved better." ------- Senate committee endorses bill requiring 30-minute wait at accident scene A bill to require motorists to remain at the scene of an accident for at least 30 minutes received the endorsement Monday of the Senate Committee on Transportation, Technology and Legislative Affairs. House Bill 1008 by Rep. Chris, D-Jonesboro, was approved Jan. 12 by the House. The bill was amended in the Senate to add an exception when it is necessary for a driver to leave the scene to render assistance. The bill advances to the Senate. If approved there, it will go back to the House for consideration of the amendment. ------- Easier background checks on realtors clears Senate A bill to allow prospective real estate agents to take the state's test for a realtor's license while awaiting required criminal background check results passed the Senate 35-0 on Monday. Senate Bill 120 by Sen. Terry Smith, D-Hot Springs, allowed the change because prospective agents were missing opportunities to take the test while awaiting the results of the FBI tests. A real estate agent's license would still not be issued until the background check was successfully cleared. ------- Highway employees' tool allowance bill passes Senate Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department employees who work on highway equipment and facilities would have their allowance for tools increased from $360 to $400 a year under a bill that passed the Senate on Monday. Senate Bill 176 by Sen. Gene Jeffress, D-Louann, passed 35-0 and goes to the House. ------- Bill to increase penalties for repeated indecent exposure goes to governor The Senate passed HB 1013 by Rep. Dawn Creekmore, D-Hensley, 35-0 on Monday, sending the bill to the governor's office. The bill increases penalties for indecent exposure the more the same perpetrator commits the act. A fourth or fifth conviction for indecent exposure within a 10-year period would be a Class D felony, punishable by up to six years in prison and a $10,000 fine. A sixth offense within 10 years of a previous conviction would rise to a Class C felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. The bill would also increase Internet stalking from a Class C felony to Class B, with a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and up to a $15,000 fine. ------- Russellville delegation asks for $2.5 million for river harbor A delegation of businessmen from Russellville and the surrounding area met with lawmakers and governor's staff Monday to request $2.5 million for the River Valley Regional Intermodal Authority. Congress has set aside more than $6 million for development of an facility for rapidly shifting cargoes between rail, truck and river transport. However, state and local sources must come up with $3.7 million to match the federal funds. The money would go to build a river harbor and access roads to it, according to information presented at the meeting. |
