LITTLE ROCK (KFSM) – Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson said he won’t sign a bill that passed in both the House and Senate banning future civil rights ordinances.
After it passed in both chambers, Hutchinson said he wouldn’t sign the bill due to being “concerned about the loss of local control.” For that reason, he said he would allow the bill to become law without his signature.
The bill, filed by Sen. Bart Hester, R-Cave Springs, will keep cities in the state from passing civil rights ordinances that are different from the federal law.
The Senate passed the bill on Monday (Feb. 9), and the House passed it on Friday (Feb. 13), according to legislative records.
Hutchinson released the following statement on the issue:
“Senate Bill 202 passed with significant margins in the General Assembly, and I have a high regard for the discussion in the Legislature and respect for the legislative process. As Governor, I recognize the desire to prevent burdensome regulations on businesses across the state. However, I am concerned about the loss of local control. For that reason, I am allowing the bill to become law without my signature.”
