Override Of Gov Hutchinson Gun Bill Veto Clears First Vote In Legislature ualrpublicradio.org - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from ualrpublicradio.org Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Credit Michael Hibblen / KUAR News
Gov. Asa Hutchinson vetoed SB 298, the Arkansas Sovereignty Act of 2021, over concerns it would hinder local and state law enforcement cooperation with federal law enforcement entities. It is Hutchinson’s third veto of the session.
“The partnership between state and local law enforcement officers is essential for the safety of Arkansas citizens. This bill will break that partnership and put the safety of Arkansans at risk,” the governor said.
Citing several legal precedents on gun laws enumerated in the bill, Hutchinson also said its implementation would have the effect of giving opportunities for violent criminals to circumvent prosecution.
GIRLS Act, 2nd Amendment bills approved in legislature, abortion bill signed into law A series of bills received support Wednesday from the Arkansas legislature as the state s legislative session winds down. (Source: ABC/NBC) By Region 8 Newsdesk | April 21, 2021 at 4:52 PM CDT - Updated April 21 at 7:35 PM
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KAIT) - A bill that would prohibit “members of the male sex” from participating in any interscholastic, intercollegiate, intramural or club athletic team or sport that is expressly designed for females, women or girls was approved Wednesday in the state House.
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Missy Irvin (R-Mountain View) and Rep. DeAnn Vaught (R-Horatio) would create the Gender Integrity Reinforcement Legislation for Sports Act.
Amendment selection firms up
The Senate completed action on HJR 1005, to require
60 percent approval by voters for ballot initiatives. Sen. Bart Hester, carrying the measure, in response to questions from Sen. Jim Hendren and Joyce Elliott claimed that the 60 percent requirement applies only to constitutional amendment not to initiated acts. I predict this will be a point of contention because the amendment has been routinely described as applying to initiated acts.
Here’s why I think Hester is, if not wrong, certain to see a challenge of the interpretation: The proposal says
60 percent votes are required for ballot “initiatives” proposed under the Arkansas Constitution, Article 5, Section 1. That section clearly refers to both initiated acts and amendments as well as referendums, or measures sent by the legislature to voters. The proposed amendment DOES allow a 50 percent vote to defeat a referendum.