State Rep. Danny Watson Weekly Report

Now that the election has concluded, the members elected to serve in the 95th General Assembly will soon be gathering in the House Chamber.

The House Organizational Meeting is scheduled for 9 am on Tuesday, November 19. During this meeting, members will participate in seniority drawings and select seats for the upcoming assembly before proceeding to the committee selection process.

Committees play a crucial role in the legislative process. During a committee meeting, a bill is reviewed, researched, and sometimes revised. Committee meetings also provide an opportunity for public comment.

The vast majority of legislation considered during a legislative session begins in a standing committee.

There are 10 standing committees in the House. These include 5 class “A” committees and 5 class “B” committees.
Each member serves on 1 “A” committee and 1 “B” committee.

Class “A” committees include:
•Education
•Judiciary
•Public Health, Welfare and Labor
•Public Transportation
•Revenue and Taxation

Class “B” Committees include:
•Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs
•Agriculture, Forestry and Economic Development
•City, County and Local Affairs
•Insurance and Commerce
•State Agencies and Governmental Affairs

Each standing committee consists of 20 members including 5 members from each of the 4 House district caucuses.

Pursuant to House Rules, the most senior member of the House of Representatives will select first and will choose a position on a Class “A” standing committee. The seniority rotation procedure will continue until the member with the least seniority makes his or her selection. After the member with the least seniority makes his or her Class “A” standing committee selection, the most senior member will select his or her Class “B” standing committee. The seniority rotation will continue until the member with the least seniority selects his or her Class “B” standing committee.

Selection for the House Budget Committee, Arkansas Legislative Council, and Legislative Joint Auditing will take place after standing committee selection. The Speaker of the House has the authority to make adjustments to committee membership only for the purpose of adjusting the majority-to-minority party ratio on the standing committees.