Monday scene

Pretty slow for being the day before the scheduled recess of the session, but it's still early. Committees will convene within the hour, and the full House will convene at 10:30. I'll post any updates here. There are lots of budget bills that need to be moved to the governor's desk here in the last two days.

Update (9:15 a.m.): House Education will be meeting at 3:30 p.m. 10:15 a.m. today.

Update (9:55 a.m.): Expect a supplemental calendar or two so that a couple of bills can be voted over to the Senate -- one includes the racial profiling bill, which passed out of State Agenicies this morning on the motion of Rep. Harris after he amended it to change a few "shalls" to "mays." The amendment took care of the Municipal League's concerns, but I don't think it addressed the concerns of the Arkansas State Police. Word is that no motion will be made on SB959.

Update (10:30 a.m.): The Conference Committee to consider the level one trauma center is convening now. This is the only committee other than Rules that may meet at a time when the full body has convened for votes (Rule 61 -- House Rules).

Update (11:10 a.m.): No movement in the Conference Committee. Looks like the trauma system is headed for interim study.

Update (11:55 a.m.): We'll reconvene at 1:45 p.m. to work a supplemental calendar. I'll post a link once it's placed online Supplemental Budget, First Supplemental Calendar, Second Supplemental Calendar.

Update (2:45 p.m.): An amendment was just distributed and proposed on SB262, the Dept. of Ed. appropriation. The amendment deleted special language regarding revised restrictions on virtual schools as previously discussed on the blog and failed by a vote of 42-47 for placement on the calendar for the 2nd reading. The Dept. of Ed. budget then passed 59-35.

Update (3:20 p.m.): Senate GIF (SB833) passes the House 98-0 with one voting present and is on its way to the governor's desk. This concludes the bulk of the budget work for this session. SB974 (racial profiling bill) passes with one nay 92-1.