Two bills backed by Family Council have now become law.
HB1369 by Rep. Shepherd, creating a back-to-school tax-free holiday, was signed into law yesterday by Governor Beebe.
SB274 by Senator Gilbert Baker, exempting any used car sold for less than $4,000 from state sales tax, was also signed by the Governor.
SB867 by Senator Madison would prohibit lottery ticket vending machines in Arkansas. It has already passed the Arkansas Senate, and is on its way to the House Rules Committee. The committee could vote on it as early as tomorrow. If it passes, it will go to the entire House of Representatives for a vote.
This is a good bill, and it needs a lot of support from Arkansans. Please call your representative, and ask him or her to support SB867 if and when it comes up for a vote. You can leave a message for your representative at the Capitol by calling (501) 682-6211.
The House Public Health Committee today refused to pass yet another pro-life bill. HB1983 by Rep. David Meeks would have provided stronger, more modern protections for doctors and healthcare workers who refuse to perform abortions, embryonic stem cell research, and a variety of other medical procedures that may violate their conscience.
The bill failed to get the eleven votes it needed to get out of committee. Below is a breakdown of the vote. (more…)