Only Two Constitutional Amendments Referred

A Joint State Agencies Committee decided that only two measures would be referred to voters in the 2012 general election.

Today, the 28-member panel voted to send HJR 1001 and SJR 5 for voter consideration. Two other measures were pulled down and three measures were defeated. State lawmakers are allowed to refer up to 3 possible constitutional changes in odd-numbered year legislative sessions for voter approval in the next general election cycle.

HJR 1001 by Rep. Jonathan Barnett (R-Siloam Springs) would add a temporary half-cent sales tax for state highways, if approved by voters. It is one-half of a roads plan advocated by Speaker of the House Robert Moore (D-Arkansas City). The second half of that plan encountered controversy today.

SJR 5 by Sen. Jake Files (R-Fort Smith) would allow cities and counties to create local sales taxing districts for the purposes of financing revenue (STAR) bonds associated with certain projects. Bond programs must be approved by voters within the qualifying districts.

SJR 2 by Sen. Jeremy Hutchinson (R-Little Rock) and HJR 1003 by Rep. Donna Hutchinson (R-Bella Vista) were both withdrawn from consideration. The two measures would both have impacted the independence of the Arkansas Highway Commission, but a decision by the state Highway Commission to change its representative districts may have mollified legislative concerns.

HJR 1004 by Rep. Jim Nickels (D-Sherwood), which would repeal annual sessions and revert to biennial sessions, was defeated by committee members.

HJR 1005 by Rep. Ann Clemmer (R-Benton) was also defeated. It would have required 35% of Arkansas Lottery proceeds to be used for scholarships. Currently, about 25% of lottery revenues go for college aid.

A final measure, HJR 1010 by Rep. Keith Ingram (D-West Memphis), would abolish the offices of Lt. Governor and Land Commissioner. It failed to receive the necessary support from the committee.