SEN. BOB BALLINGER: Loses first try on bill to limit alimony.

The Senate failed Thursday to approve Sen. Bob Ballinger’s bill that would open the door to reopening all alimony cases and allow a judge to call an end to permanent alimony awards.

The bill nominally aims to put further in place “rehabilitative alimony” — awards for support for spouses until they can train themselves or find work sufficient for support, perhaps after having a role in a marriage where they weren’t main breadwinners.

Advertisement

Ballinger said protections had been written into the law at the suggestion of judges to leave judges with discretion to extend alimony awards. He got strong pushback from women senators, including Sen. Joyce Elliott who observed that the facts were that most alimony went to women. She wondered who or what was the impetus for the law.

A key question was raised by Sen. Will Bond.  SB 147 says the bill was a “material change of circumstance” that would allow a court to modify any past alimony order, not just a new case.

Advertisement

That seemed to give several senators pause. In the roll call, the vote was 13-12, with nine not voting and 18 votes needed for passage. Ballinger had the vote expunged, which means it can get another vote. Roll call will be here in time.

Be a part of something bigger

As a reader of the Arkansas Times, you know we’re dedicated to bringing you tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. For 50 years, we've been fighting the good fight in Little Rock and beyond – with your support, we can do even more. By becoming a subscriber or donating as little as $1 to our efforts, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers to expand our coverage and continue to bring important stories to light. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, it's clear that our readers value our great journalism. Join us in the fight for truth.

Previous article ‘Frida and Movement’ tonight at the Arts Center Next article Senate passes major part of governor’s highway tax bill