Senator's bid to name smallmouth bass Arkansas's official game fish dies for lack of second

LITTLE ROCK ' Senator Wallace introduced a bill to make the smallmouth bass the official game fish of Arkansas, saying, "This is simply a bill to make the smallmouth bass the official game fish of the state of Arkansas."

The measure drew a brief exchange over legislative custom. Senator Hill told Wallace he had spoken with Representative Wing and said that among the state's "major 4 fish" there has traditionally been a "gentleman's agreement" not to press one species over the others; Hill said the arrangement is informal and "not written down anywhere." Wallace said he had not been aware of that practice.

Committee members also raised regional concerns. Senator Stearch questioned whether sponsors represented districts along the Red River and noted the river and places such as Heber Springs are known for fish other than smallmouth bass, arguing that naming a single state game fish could overlook local traditions.

At the close of discussion, Wallace said he would "make a motion to pass." No senator seconded the motion, and the chair announced the bill "dies for lack of second." There was no recorded vote, no public testimony, and no amendment offered during the session.

The transcript is not clear about the exact bill identifier referenced at the start of the meeting (it was transcribed variously as "HB 16 60 or 16 99" and "senate bill 6 13"); the committee did not advance any formal legislative action on the measure during this meeting. The chair adjourned the committee with no further business.