Arkansas House Bill HR1022

Arkansas 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/22
• Refer: 2/14/22
• Failed: 3/15/22

Caption

To Amend The Rules Of The House Of Representatives Of The Ninety-third General Assembly.

Impact

The amendment will necessitate changes in the way House members conduct the Speaker-designate vote. It requires each candidate to be allowed a limited time to address the full assembly before members cast their votes. Moreover, provisions for absentee voting have been included, as members who cannot physically attend the election will now be able to request absentee ballots to ensure they can participate in selecting the Speaker-designate, thus promoting more inclusive engagement in the legislative process.

Summary

House Resolution 1022 aims to amend the rules governing the selection process of the Speaker-designate in the House of Representatives of the Ninety-Third General Assembly. This resolution establishes a public roll call vote as the method for selecting the Speaker-designate, a significant change from previous secret ballot practices. By introducing this transparency, the bill intends to foster accountability among House members during the important election process for leadership roles.

Contention

During discussions surrounding HR1022, various members expressed differing opinions about the implications of making the Speaker-designate election a public roll call vote. Proponents argue that it enhances transparency and accountability in the decision-making process, allowing constituents to know which representatives support which candidates. However, some critics caution that it could lead to political pressure on members during the voting process, thereby influencing their decisions away from personal convictions.

Voting_history

The resolution was subjected to a vote on March 7, 2022, but ultimately, the motion failed, with 24 members in favor and 62 against. This outcome reflects the divided opinions on the proposed changes to the electoral process for the Speaker-designate, highlighting the contentious nature of rules that govern legislative procedures.