Arkansas House Report: Ethics reform, protecting children, redistricting

Editor’s note: Rep. Leslee Milam-Post, D-Ozark, provided the following commentary on the previous week of the 88th Arkansas General Assembly.

A monumental vote took place this week in the House Chamber. Members gave overwhelming support to a bi-partisan measure that would tighten the state’s ethics laws and change legislative travel policy.

House Bill 1284 would implement a one-year "cooling off" period, before legislators could become lobbyists. This would apply to any lawmaker running for re-election in 2012.

The measure would also align legislative travel policy with that of other state agencies. Lawmakers would be limited to reimbursement for the least expensive mode of transportation when traveling for state business. For example, if members attend an out-of-state conference, they can choose to drive themselves. However, if it would be cheaper to fly, they will only be reimbursed for the price of a plane ticket.

The House also passed an identical bill from the Senate, and the Senate will next consider the House version. One could argue this legislation does not go far enough. However, this is the biggest change to our state ethics laws that the General Assembly has ever made, and it is an important step in improving government transparency in Arkansas. We must keep moving in the right direction on ethics reform. I am grateful we have the leadership of Speaker Robert Moore.

We also passed HB1254, which prohibits the use of false academic credentials for employment purposes or for gaining acceptance to a higher-education institution in the state. The bill’s sponsor said the measure came about after a constituent told her he was able to purchase a doctorate degree for his dog, by sending a check for $500 to an unaccredited institution.

House Bill 1298 cleared the House this week, as well. It would require local law enforcement and other law officials who are notified when a child is missing to also notify the Arkansas State Police. Ensuring this information is promptly communicated will help make sure our missing children are found quickly and returned home safely.

Another measure geared toward protecting our children is HB1270, passed by the full House. It would require sex offenders who are subject to lifetime registration with the state to also register electronic information, such as Internet screen names and social networking accounts that allow them to communicate with others on the Web. All of the measures passed in the House this week were sent to the Senate for consideration.

Another issue soon to take center stage is that of congressional redistricting. The 2010 U.S. Census data for Arkansas was released this week, and those figures will be used to redraw both congressional and state legislative district lines, according to population shifts. I will keep you updated on that process, as well as other session developments in the days ahead.

You can now watch most committees and House proceedings via live stream at the Arkansas House website.

As always, please contact me at with questions or concerns at (479) 518-0331, or [email protected]