From the State House of Representatives

When House members return from the spring break recess, they will begin the process reviewing proposed constitutional amendments.

Those hearings will take place in the House State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee. Every member who has filed a proposed constitutional amendment will have the opportunity to present his or her proposal during the committee meetings.

According to the House and Senate Joint Rules, the Senate may recommend one proposed constitutional amendment for consideration by the House and Senate. If that amendment fails to receive a majority vote in the House, the Senate may recommend additional proposed constitutional amendments one at a time until the House affirms one by a majority vote.

Conversely, the House may recommend one proposed constitu - tional amendment to the Senate. If that amendment fails the House can recommend additional amendments one at a time until the Senate affirms one by a majority vote.

A third proposed constitutional amendment can only be considered if the House and Senate approve identical resolutions with a 2/3 vote in both chambers.

Constitutional amendments do not require the Governor’s signature.

Proposed constitutional amendments with a majority vote from both chambers will appear on the November 2024 general election ballot.

From the State Senate

In every regular session the legislature can refer up to three proposed constitutional amendments to voters.

The measures referred during the 2023 session will be on Arkansas general election ballots of November, 2024. If a majority of voters approve, the amendments will become part of the state Constitution.

Individual lawmakers have introduced 33 proposed amendments. Of those, 20 have been filed by senators and 13 by House members. The proposals are in the form of joint resolutions. Senate Joint Resolutions 1 through 20 are proposed amendments, as are HJR 1001 through HJR 1013.

the state in state courts. Currently, there is language in the state Constitution that the state may never be sued in any of its courts. SJR 6 would allow a lawsuit alleging the state had violated the U.S. or state Constitutions, and seeking injunctive, declaratory or monetary relief.

SJR 7 would provide that the Highway Commission should be governed in the same manner as all other state agencies. In 1952 Arkansas voters approved Amendment 42, also known as the Mack-Blackwell amendment, and it grants the Highway Commission a degree of constitutional autonomy that other state agencies do not have.

There are

13 proposed constitutional amendments filed in the House and 20 proposed amendments in the Senate. We have posted the proposals at arkansashouse.org. The website also provides links to watch the committee meetings and House floor proceedings.

The legislature has not chosen the three amendments it will refer. The first step is for the Senate and House Committees on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs to narrow the list of proposals.

It is not mandatory for the legislature to refer any proposed amendments. Legislators could refer just one or two resolutions to next year’s ballot.

SJR 10 would establish the rights of crime victims, such as being notified in a timely manner of all public proceedings arising from the crime. For example, any time the offender is due for sentencing or a parole hearing.

The victim would have a right to full and timely restitution, and would have the right to reasonable protection from the accused and from anyone acting on behalf of the accused.

SJR 8 would establish the taxpayers’ bill of rights. It is a shell, meaning that it consists only of a title and a brief description. In addition to creating a taxpayers’ bill of rights, it would set limits on government spending.

SJR 6 would allow lawsuits against

SJR 3 would provide that no individual would be denied the right to conduct a transaction because of his or her personal opinions or beliefs. Transactions would include purchases and sales of goods and services, either in cash, electronically or by a method normally used by households.

SJR 14 would provide for additional methods of financing firefighting equipment. SJR 17 is also a shell. It would set ethical requirements for elected officials. SJR 13 would legalize the growing of marijuana at home. It is a shell, and would be amended to add details later.

One of the lengthiest proposals is HJR 1002, to authorize the legislature to reduce or eliminate property taxes, both real and personal.

HJR 1003 would create procedures for recalling elected officials, after they have taken office.

A House proposal would allow the General Assembly to set its own salaries. Now, an independent commission sets legislative salaries. Another House resolution would allow lottery scholarship revenue to pay for scholarships at vo-tech schools and technical institutes.

Diamond Marilyn Nichols

Diamond

Marilyn Nichols, age 73, of Cove, Arkansas, passed away on Friday, March 24, 2023, at CHI St. Vincent Hospital in Hot Springs, Arkansas. She was born on Saturday, April 2, 1949, to Cecil and Gladys Wilson in Willcox, Arizona.

Diamond was a strong woman of faith and always lived her life for the Lord. She worked for the Tax Assessor’s office in Visalia, California, and made a loving home for her family. Diamond attended the Noble Learning Center in Cove and dearly loved her church family. She cherished every moment she spent with her children and grandchildren. Diamond was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lawrence Nichols; one son, Steve Squires; two brothers, Robert Wilson and Sonny Wilson; and two sisters, Opal Nelson and Jewel Emberson.

Diamond is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Deidra Squires of Cove; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other relatives and dear friends.

A private family memorial will be held at a later date. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Mary C. Sutton

Ms. Mary C. Sutton, age 81, passed away Wednesday, March 22,

2023, in Mena, Arkansas. She was born April 25, 1941, in Kansas City, Missouri, to the late Raymond L. Myers Sr., and Leona M. Rose.

Ms. Sutton was a nurse’s aide by profession, she enjoyed writing poems, knotting and making peanut brittle. Mary was an introvert who liked to stay to herself, she also loved her cats.

Ms. Sutton is preceded in death by her parents, Raymond L. Myers Sr., and Leona M. Rose; daughters, Linda and Cindy; and by one brother.

She is survived by her sons, John Willett, Tommy Willett, Larry Willett, Robby Birtcher and wife Sonja; grandchildren, Christine, Mary, and Brian of Scotland, Alisha and Ada of Pratt, Kansas, Catherine of Kansas City, Missouri, Jerry, Addam, Kole, and Cydney, of Mena, Arkansas; as well as a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other family, and friends too numerous to mention.

Graveside services for Ms. Sutton will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, March 27, 2023, at Pinecrest Memorial Park, in Mena, Arkansas. Brother Donnie Jewell will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Visitation will be general.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Karen Dean Lewis be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Interment will follow at the Peak Cemetery in Royal, Arkansas. Visitation is general.

Ms. Karen Dean Lewis, age 81, passed away Thursday, March 23, 2023, in Mena, Arkansas. She was born June 30, 1941, Ada, Oklahoma, to the late Arthur Millard Kinsey and Ina Lorean Welch.

Ms. Lewis was factory worker by profession, spending many years working at the US Motors Company. Karen was a devoted member of the New Prospect Primitive Baptist Church in Board Camp, Arkansas. She enjoyed organizing, watching her tv shows, and traveling when she was able. She had a very specific morning routine, waking up her daughter Sabra, and bringing her coffee every morning. She was very proud of her children and loved her grandchildren deeply.

Ms. Lewis is preceded in death by her parents, Arthur Millard Kinsey and Ina Lorean Welch, and by her great-granddaughter, Jadelynn Davis. She is survived by her son, Dana Kinsey and wife Verla; daughter, Sabra Burnett and Bryan Lawrence; grandchildren, Michael Martin, Jessica Shores, Evan Kinsey, Jacque Burnett, Darian Shockley and husband Brett, Justin Kinsey; great-grandchildren, Skylar Landrum, Zea Hamilton, Ashlynn Davis, Zayden Hamilton, and Lane Shockley.

Services for Ms. Lewis will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at the New Prospect Primitive Baptist Church, in Board Camp, Arkansas. Elder Barry Norman will

Pallbearers are Michael Martin, Evan Kinsey, Justin Kinsey, Bryan Lawrence, Brett Shockley, John Burnett.

Honorary Pallbearer is Shane Henry, Dustin Matthews, Emory Zakin, Connery Salter, Nathanael Salter

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Mr. Brian Douglas O’Bar, age 63, passed away Sunday, March 26, 2023, in Mena, Arkansas. He was born August 15, 1959, to the late Dick and Donna O’Bar.

Services for Mr. O’Bar will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Hatfield, Arkansas. There will be no visitation.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Orlene Bernice Head Clift

Orlene Bernice Head Clift, 83, of Mena, AR, went to be with her Lord and savior on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. She was born September 5, 1939, to the late Ores and Beatrice Hass Head in Potter, AR. She married Ray Clift November 15, 1964. They resided in Mena where she worked at Renova/Aalfs manufacturing for over 30 years. When Aalfs Manufacturing closed, she went to school at Rich Mountain Community College and earned a CNA degree. She spent the following years taking care of other people in their homes and children in her home and the 1st Baptist Church nursery. She always loved to stay busy serving and taking care of her family and others. She spent her time sewing, gardening, delivering meals, studying her Bible, and serving in her church. Her favorite pastime was spending time with family, especially her grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, three brothers, Mickey Head, Albert Head, and Ernest Head, and one sister, Emma Jean Hall.

She is survived by two daughters, Tracy (Shane) McCullar and Kay (Keith) Ramsey; four grandsons, Tyler Baker, Cole (Christina) Baker, Keaton Ramsey, Karson (Christian) Ramsey; one great-granddaughter, Natalya Baker; two brothers, Benny (Lori) Head and Bodie Head; one sister, Bethena (Pete) Verhagen; one uncle, Vernon Hass; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to caregivers, Cheryl, Karen, and Sara.

Services for Mrs. Orlene Clift will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 25, 2023, at the First Baptist Church in Mena, Arkansas. Brother Russell Threet will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Visitation is general.

Pallbearers are Tyler Baker, Cole Baker, Keaton Ramsey, Karson Ramsey, Brandon Reynolds, and Noah Reynolds.

Honorary pallbearers are Keith Ramsey and Shane McCullar Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com