The third week of the 2021 Regular Session is now underway.

This morning, the House State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee advanced HB1202. This requires counties to post sample ballots on the Secretary of State website at least 20 days before each preferential primary and general election and at least 10 days before each general primary, general runoff, school, or special election.

The afternoon, the House passed several bills, including HB1056. This bill amends the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act by allowing public meetings to be held via phone or video conference during a declared emergency.

The House passed HB1009, which authorizes the Veterinary Medical Examining Board to promulgate rules for the use of telemedicine.

The House also passed HB1013, which amends Arkansas Music Appreciation Day to add James "Jim Dandy" Mangrum, Buddy Jewell, and Mark Lavon "Levon" Helm. September 1 was established as Arkansas Music Appreciation Day by the 92nd General Assembly. The legislation states Arkansas has a proud history of contributing music and musicians to the nation, including Johnny Cash, B. B. King, Glen Campbell, Charlie Rich, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Al Green, Conway Twitty, Floyd Cramer.

The House will reconvene Tuesday at 1 pm.