Buddy Johnson Named House Parliamentarian

With the retirement of long-time Arkansas House of Representatives Parliamentarian Tim Massanelli, Speaker Robert Moore named Buddy Johnson as his replacement.

Johnson, who has been serving as House Legislative Services Coordinator, has previously served as Assistant Parliamentarian.

He began working for the House in 1985 as its Information Director. Before that, he worked as a news reporter for United Press International and for the Benton Courier.

A native of Ashdown, Johnson holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

He is a member of the National Association of Parliamentarians and its state affiliate and is a member of American Institute of Parliamentarians.

Johnson replaces Parliamentarian Ti

m Massanelli, who has served as Parliamentarian since 1973.  During his service, 19 Speakers of the House, 7 Governors, and over 1,000 members have relied on his expertise.

“I am happy to report that Mr. Massanelli will still be available in an advisory role to assist when needed,” said Speaker Moore.  “I have spoken to Tim at length about his wishes and what is best for the House. I am thankful that Tim will be available to lend his decades of knowledge as we move forward.  I have also been in close contact with Speaker-designate Darrin Williams to make sure I had his full support before making the appointment.”

The Parliamentarian for the Arkansas House assists the Speaker in deciding all points of order. He or she also assists the Speaker in the preparation of the daily House calendar and assigning bills to their appropriate committee.