Bill filing has begun for the legislative session in January and besides Sen. Trent Garner’s usual demagogic rush to capture attention, some items of greater substance have appeared from Rep. Dan Douglas of Bentonville.

Douglas has filed:

Advertisement

* The expected legislation to require Internet merchants to collect the sales tax on sales in Arkansas. It would apply to merchants with more than $100,000 in sales.

* A constitutional amendment to end annual legislative sessions. This would end the even-year “fiscal” sessions that have served little purpose except to swell the per diem of the growing class of otherwise unemployed people who make their living off the public teat. The governor could still call special sessions as needed.

Advertisement

* The end of party primary elections. Instead, Arkansas would move as other states have to what is often called a “jungle primary.” All candidates — Democrat, Republican, independent or other parties — would run in the same election. The top two candidates would go to a runoff in the general election.

Garner? More unconstitutional abortion restrictions. State gun (shotgun). State knife (Bowie). State embarrassment (Garner). (PS: Just joking, darkly, on that last one.)

Advertisement

Be a Part of the Fight

Step up and make a difference by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times, the progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock that's been fighting for truth for 50 years. Our tough, determined, and feisty journalism has earned us over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, all of whom value our commitment to holding the powerful accountable. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing or donating, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be supporting our efforts to hire more writers and expand our coverage. Join us in the fight for truth by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times today.

Previous article Chad Griffin stepping down from leadership of Human Rights Campaign Next article Thursday: The open line and video news roundup