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Committee clears bill naming St. Louis Southwestern No. 819 as Arkansas' official steam locomotive
Summary
Senators voted to advance HB 1657, a noncontroversial bill to designate St. Louis Southwestern No. 819 — identified as the last steam locomotive built in Arkansas — as the state's official steam locomotive after suspending rules to hear the measure.
The Senate Transportation Committee unanimously advanced a brief, noncontroversial bill to designate an official state steam locomotive.
Senator English presented House Bill 16 57, describing it as "an act to designate the official steam locomotive of the state of Arkansas" and saying it would commemorate the St. Louis Southwestern No. 819 as "the last steam engine produced in the state of Arkansas." The sponsor offered the measure for consideration after the committee voted to suspend the rules to hear a bill that was not on the agenda.
Committee members asked whether there were any opponents; none spoke. The committee recorded a do-pass recommendation and approved the measure by voice vote.
The sponsor and members observed the bill was largely ceremonial and noncontroversial; no fiscal or legal complications were raised in committee. With the committee's approval, HB 16 57 will move forward in the legislative process.
