TWO HOUSE MEMBERS TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19

LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS POSTPONED

LITTLE ROCK - Arkansas House Speaker Matthew Shepherd announced today that Pre-Session Budget Hearings and all other legislative meetings previously scheduled for the remainder of this week are postponed.  House and Senate leadership agreed to postpone these meetings upon learning that three legislators tested positive for COVID-19.

Rep. Michelle Gray and Rep. Stu Smith individually informed Speaker Shepherd that each has tested positive for COVID-19. Additionally, Senate President Pro Tempore Jim Hendren announced that Sen. Terry Rice has also tested positive.

Speaker Shepherd released the following statement:

“Rep. Gray and Rep. Smith informed me they are doing well. I wish them all a speedy recovery. Leadership and staff are consulting with the Arkansas Department of Health in regards to contact tracing. I am confident, even with this short break, that we can still accomplish the work required in advance of the 2021 Regular Session.”