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Arkansas Senate adopts joint rules, approves Senate operating appropriation with emergency clause and adopts resolutions on taxes and forestry
Summary
On Jan. 20, 2025, the Arkansas Senate adopted joint legislative rules, approved an appropriation for Senate expenses with an emergency clause (33-0), and passed concurrent and senate resolutions urging Congress to extend the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and recognizing Arkansas Forestry Day.
LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Senate on Monday moved quickly through its business agenda, adopting joint rules with the House, approving a 2025 appropriation to cover Senate operating expenses that carried an emergency clause, and passing concurrent and senate resolutions on federal tax policy and a forestry recognition day.
The Senate adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 1 to adopt the joint rules of the House of Representatives in the Senate for the 90th General Assembly. The chamber then approved Senate Bill 1, an appropriation for Senate expenses for the 2025 fiscal year; senators approved the bill 33-0 on a roll call, and the emergency clause was adopted. The Senate also passed House Concurrent Resolution 1002 urging the U.S. Congress to permanently extend the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and adopted Senate Resolution 3 to recognize Arkansas Forestry Day at the State Capitol on Jan. 21, 2025.
Why it matters: The appropriation for Senate operations takes immediate effect because of the emergency clause; the concurrent resolution on federal tax law expresses the legislature's position to Congress and states lawmakers' belief that expiration of the cited federal provisions would raise taxes for Arkansas taxpayers. The forestry resolution highlights the state's timber industry and the industry's role in the state economy, as described by the resolution's sponsor.
Senate action and outcomes
- Senate Concurrent Resolution 1 (adoption of joint rules): Presented by Senator Hester and passed by voice vote. The measure adopts joint procedural rules between the Senate and House for the 90th General Assembly and was transmitted to the House.
- Senate Bill 1 (appropriation for Senate expenses, 2025 fiscal year): Presented by Senator Tucker. The bill was approved on a roll-call vote, 33 yes, 0 no; the Senate also adopted an emergency clause so the law takes effect immediately upon enactment. The secretary called the roll and registered the affirmative vote of 33 senators; Senators Gilmore and Hammer were shown on leave.
- House Concurrent Resolution 1002 (urging Congress to extend Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017): Presented by Senator Dodson. The resolution passed by voice vote and was returned to the House. Senator Dodson described the resolution as urging Congress to act to avoid what he said would be higher taxes for constituents if the federal provisions expire at the end of 2025.
- Senate Resolution 3 (Arkansas Forestry Day at State Capitol, Jan. 21, 2025): Presented by Senator Stone and adopted by voice vote. In reading the resolution, Stone cited figures and language included in the resolution text describing the forestry sector's economic and environmental contributions to the state.
What was said: Sponsors largely presented their items briefly and asked for a favorable vote. Senator Dodson characterized HCR 1002 as an urging for congressional action to avoid tax increases for Arkansans. Senator Stone, while presenting SR 3, noted the role of the forestry industry and read the resolution's language describing job counts and other industry benefits.
Process notes and context: Several bills and joint resolutions were reported by committee and placed on the calendar earlier in the session without floor debate in this transcript excerpt. The Senate suspended rule reading of the journal by unanimous consent and used voice votes for several noncontroversial items; SB 1 required a roll call because it carried an emergency clause.
Votes at a glance
- SCR 1 (Adopt joint rules): Presenter: Senator Hester. Outcome: Passed (voice vote). Notes: Transmitted to the House.
- SB 1 (Appropriation for Senate expenses, FY2025): Presenter: Senator Tucker. Outcome: Passed 33-0 (roll call). Emergency clause adopted. Notes: Transmitted to the House.
- HCR 1002 (Urge U.S. Congress to extend Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017): Presenter: Senator Dodson. Outcome: Passed (voice vote). Notes: Returned to the House.
- SR 3 (Recognize Arkansas Forestry Day, Jan. 21, 2025): Presenter: Senator Stone. Outcome: Passed (voice vote). Notes: Resolution transmittal to Arkansas Forestry Association directed by the resolution text.
Other items and announcements
Senator Caldwell recognized members of the Wynne High School Marine Corps Junior ROTC in the galleries. Senator Tucker introduced the doctor and nurse of the day. There were several committee reports read onto the record and numerous bills placed on the calendar; those committee recommendations were read but not debated in the transcript excerpt.
Discussion vs. formal action
Most measures in this excerpt were presented briefly and voted on the same day. The transcript records no substantive floor debate that amended or altered the measures reported here. The only formal recorded roll-call tally in this excerpt was for SB 1 (33-0).
