6/10/05-An effort to give Arkansas legislators special treatment from law enforcement during and between sessions has died.
HB1492, sponsored by Rep. Charles Ormond, D-Morrilton, remained in the House Rules Committee at the close of the session last month, effectively killing it for the year.
The bill sought to exempt lawmakers from being taken into custody for misdemeanors during session – regular or special. The leniency would have extended to the two days before and after that session begins and ends.
Ormond’s bill also would have prevented legislators from being taken into custody on misdemeanors while traveling back and forth to Little Rock for committee meetings between sessions.
Any member of law enforcement who fails to abide by the provision would have faced a fine of $100, payable to the “injured party.”

2/9/05-Arkansas legislators would get special treatment from law enforcement during and between sessions under a bill filed in the House Feb. 8.
HB1492, sponsored by Rep. Charles Ormond, D-Morrilton, would exempt lawmakers from being taken into custody for misdemeanors during session – regular or special. The leniency would extend to the two days before and after that session begins and ends.
The bill also would prevent lawmakers from being taken into custody on misdemeanors while traveling back and forth to Little Rock for committee meetings between sessions.
Any member of law enforcement who fails to abide by the provision would face a fine of $100.
HB1492 has been referred to the House Rules Committee. For House bill status, call 682-7771.