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Senate recognizes state basketball champions, ASMSA science competitors and honors longtime health official
Summary
The Arkansas Senate adopted resolutions congratulating the Barton High School Bears on a 2A state championship, marking an ASMSA day to honor students bound for ISEF, and commending Lloyd Bailey for 48 years with the Arkansas Department of Health.
LITTLE ROCK — Ceremonial items took up the early portion of the Arkansas Senate’s April 22 session as members adopted resolutions recognizing athletic and academic achievements and honoring a public-health official’s long service.
The chamber adopted Senate Resolution 17 to recognize the Barton High School Bears as the 2026 Class 2A state champions after the team finished the season 34–5 and won the title game 89–44. Senator Murdoch urged a "good vote" in support of the resolution; the presiding officer asked those in favor to signify by saying "aye," and the resolution was adopted.
Senator McKee introduced Senate Resolution 29 to congratulate students from the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts who qualified to represent Arkansas at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in May 2026 in Phoenix. Senator Clark and others praised the students’ research and the school’s role as a STEM beacon; the resolution was adopted and the Senate recessed briefly so members could take photos with the students.
Senate Resolution 30 honored Lloyd Bailey on his retirement from the Arkansas Department of Health after 48 years of service (retired 12/31/2025). Senator Hester read the resolution listing Bailey’s roles — including many years as Benton County local health unit administrator and service on multiple public-health boards — and the Senate adopted the resolution. Bailey addressed the chamber and thanked colleagues and public-health employees for their work.
A personal-privilege moment earlier in the morning featured Senator Irvin introducing Victoria Ferguson Banks and members of the Searcy County Quilt Guild and announcing a state-themed quilt will be hung in a Senate hallway for session visitors to view.
What’s next: The Senate’s adopted resolutions are ceremonial; the major legislative business moved forward via the day’s appropriations and budget votes. The chamber scheduled follow-up special-language business and set the next meeting at 11 a.m. the following day.
Sources: Floor proceedings, April 22, 2026, Arkansas State Senate. Quotations and attributions are taken from on-the-record remarks read into the record.
