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Committee debates Bill 75 to replace Arkansas statues; sponsor lacks required votes
Summary
Senator Dave Wallace proposed Bill 75 to replace underwhelming statues with new honorees such as Johnny Cash and Daisy Bates; members debated candidate suitability and context, but the sponsor did not have the five votes required to pass in committee.
Senator Dave Wallace presented Bill 75 during the Dec. 6 session, asking the committee to consider replacing one or more Arkansas statues in the U.S. Capitol with figures he said would better represent the state—s contributions. Wallace specifically defended parts of the bill that honor civil-rights leader Daisy Bates and also referenced Johnny Cash as a candidate.
Committee members voiced differing views. Some praised the effort to update and improve Arkansas representation in the Capitol, while others urged more diligence in selecting a figure appropriate for a national setting. "Who?" one member asked rhetorically about potential honorees, and another said Arkansas statuary has historically been "underwhelming." Senator Gardner and others expressed support for replacing or updating statues but recognized the process would involve debate over which individuals best represent the state.
Wallace asked for a "merciful death" if the bill lacked support; a motion to pass was made and seconded, but the sponsor did not have the required five votes. The chair told the sponsor he did not have five votes and the motion failed for lack of the required majority. The committee noted members absent and discussed options such as coming back with an expunged vote or further outreach.
No final action was taken to advance Bill 75; the sponsor indicated he would read the votes and consider next steps.
