CBS News Staffers on the Verge of Revolt If This Person Is Hired
As Puerto Ricans Call for Independence Their Dreams Are Blocked By Their Chief...
President Trump Closes the Overton Window
The Fake Stream Media’s Pervasive Assault on Black America
Mamdani: More Continuation Than Aberration for New York
President Trump Is Bringing the Spirit of Sports Back to America
Money, Power and Transgender Ideology
Cleaning Up the Swamp Is a Full-Time Job for Trump
Iran's Mullahs Staring Into the Abyss
The Party of Losers Is Not Funny
The Enduring Lie of Socialism
DOJ: Minnesota Duo Orchestrated Kidnappings, Bombings in Africa
Michigan Woman Indicted for Smuggling Illegal Aliens, Children, Across the Northern Border
Tennessee Joins 25-State Coalition Defending Second Amendment Rights for Travelers
DOD Calls Out 'Highly Provocative' Move by Venezuela
Tipsheet

RFRA Bill In AR Legislature: If Not Approved Today, Will Become Law Monday Without Governor's Signature

Update: Arkansas legislators have announced that Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) has signed the revised RFRA bill.

Advertisement

Original post:

If a revised version of the bill that would implement the Religious Freedom Restoration Act in the state of Arkansas is not approved by the state’s House today, it will go into effect even without the Governor’s signature next Monday.

The bill has a five day deadline for the governor to veto after first being approved by the legislature. Hutchinson refused to sign HB 1228 -- similar to legislation passed in Indiana last week -- after it was approved Tuesday by the legislature, sending it back for modification. Without a direct veto from Hutchinson or approval of new language, the original bill will become law Monday.

“He’s already done that on another bill, SB 202...he let it become law,” State Senate Minority Leader Keith Ingram told Townhall.

A modified bill passed the state’s Senate Wednesday, and is currently awaiting approval in the House. The legislature will be in recess tomorrow.

“The House will hear the revised language today,” Ingram said. “This bill will mirror the federal RFRA law -- the other bill had a lot of other language in it.”

Hutchinson faced pressure to veto the bill from state leaders and organizations, and received direct statements from Walmart, Inc., based in Bentonville, Arkansas.

“Today's passage of HB1228 threatens to undermine the spirit of inclusion present throughout the state of Arkansas and does not reflect the values we proudly uphold. For these reasons, we are asking Governor Hutchinson to veto this legislation,” Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said in a statement on Tuesday.

Advertisement

The big box giant took to Twitter Wednesday to commend Hutchinson for his refusal to sign:

The D.C.-based Human Rights Campaign also deeply opposed the bill, gathered signatures for a petition calling for a veto, and held a rally at the state capitol Wednesday.

"It's clear Governor Hutchinson has heard the voices of thousands of Arkansans and millions across the nation, and today's decision to temporarily stop this discriminatory law from advancing is a sign of progress,” Chad Griffin, president of the Human Rights Campaign, said in a statement. “But the proof will be in the pudding, and we must now wait to see what actions and language Governor Hutchinson and the Arkansas Legislature put forward in the coming days and weeks.”

Join the conversation as a VIP Member

Recommended

Trending on Townhall Videos

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement