Arkansas Senate honors departing members in farewell tributes and adjourns sine die

After completing the morning's business, senators spent much of the remainder of the session delivering farewell remarks for colleagues who will not return for the next General Assembly.

Senator Tucker and others praised Senator Fred Love for 16 years of service and his advocacy on behalf of working families; Love responded, ‘‘This has been an honor serving in this chamber... Truly, I love you all,’’ and thanked colleagues and family for their support. Senator Scott led a roast-and-toast for Senator Reginald Murdock, recalling Murdock's work on economic development, healthcare and education in the Delta; Murdock spoke in return about the personal challenges and rewards of public service.

Speakers across the floor—Senators Gilmore, Blake Johnson, Davis, Flowers, Ledding and others—shared anecdotes about colleagues’ character, family support and legislative accomplishments. Several senators noted staff contributions and the importance of bipartisanship and relationships developed during long service in the legislature.

Before adjourning, the presiding officer noted notice of the passage and return of Senate Bill 1 from the House but said the Senate had sufficiently addressed all items on the special-session call. Senator Hester moved that the Senate adjourn sine die; the presiding officer declared the motion approved and the Senate adjourned sine die, subject to clearing the desk.

The floor tributes and adjournment concluded the first special session of the 90th General Assembly, with senators exchanging personal thanks and good wishes as they depart or continue to public service.