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Arkansas SJR 9 draws bipartisan opposition over proposal to give legislature rulemaking power
Summary
Senate Joint Resolution 9, which would let the Legislature supersede court rules, drew extensive public testimony opposing the change; lawyers, bar leaders and advocates warned it would politicize court procedure and invite special‑interest rulemaking.
Senate Joint Resolution 9, a proposal to give the Arkansas General Assembly rulemaking authority that could supersede some court rules, drew widespread opposition at a Senate State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee hearing.
Sen. Blake Ballenger, the sponsor, said the change would let the Legislature act as a policymaking body in areas that sometimes are treated as court "rulemaking," citing examples such as mental‑health facility procedures and courtroom accommodations. "This is important legislation so that we can do our job in representing our constituents," Ballenger said during his presentation.
Opponents said the amendment would…
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