FAYETTEVILLE -- Northwest Arkansas voters must watch out for a flurry of surprise legislation, said state Rep. David Whitaker, D-Fayetteville. The deadline to file a bill is 5 p.m. Monday.
"We are down to the wire," Whitaker said. "Things will easily get lost in the shuffle -- that's the danger."
Legislators have been known to file 30 or more bills in a day with only a brief description of what the bill will be when they finish them out in the next few days, Whitaker said. That fast pace and volume of paperwork means controversial legislation may go unnoticed, Whitaker said.
Whitaker is among five lawmakers who came to a legislative forum hosted by the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce on Friday. About 40 residents came out to ask their state representatives and senators about bills coming up this session.
Residents asked a slew of questions, including how to figure out which bills are actually filed in earnest.
Washington County resident Holly Childs, who attended the event with her family, said the forum helped her identify the legislators' priorities. Experienced legislators, including Whitaker, know what's important to watch for, she said.
Several controversial measures already have come to light.
Fayetteville residents once again peppered lawmakers with questions about House Bill 1249 allowing concealed weapons on state campuses.
The newest version of the bill removes restrictions sponsor Rep. Charlie Collins, R-Fayetteville, said he had wanted. If it passes as is, anyone with a concealed carry license will be able to walk on campus with a gun, Whitaker said.
Collin's legislation has changed several times and has been influenced by the National Rifle Association of America, said Sen. Uvalde Lindsey, D-Fayetteville. The association's lobbyists were allowed on the senate floor, which is a highly unusual, Whitaker said.
Other legislation being considered includes giving veterans who are 100 percent disabled because of their military service, but not permanently disabled, an exemption from paying property taxes until they recover, said Rep. Jeff Williams, R-Springdale. Currently, only veterans who are permanently and completely disabled receive the benefit, Williams said.
Other legislation being filed is mean to create a conversation, said Rep. Greg Leding, D-Fayetteville.
Leding filed legislation to expand the state's civil rights to include protections for sexual orientation and gender identity. The bill was filed in response to the state Supreme Court saying Fayetteville's civil rights ordinance violates state law, but Leding said he doubts the measure will get out of committee.
NW News on 03/04/2017