House members have rejected a proposal on how to determine the majority party in Arkansas if neither Republicans nor Democrats hold a majority of statewide offices.
The bill failed in a 46-19 vote on Friday but no one spoke against the proposal. Members who opposed it said after the vote they were concerned about the sponsor's connection to a push to eliminate one of the state's seven constitutional offices.
Rep. Julie Mayberry proposed that the party whose winning candidates have the most combined votes in the latest general election would be designated the majority party, which is allotted more positions on county election boards.
Her husband ran unsuccessfully for the GOP nomination for lieutenant governor last year and had promised to eliminate the position.
Meanwhile also on Friday, House members supported a proposal to change how liquor permits are distributed.
Representatives voted 65-19 for what bill's sponsor says are technical changes requested by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division.
The proposal lessens the number of permits the board may issue in a county and creates an 18-month expiration date for inactive permits.
Democratic Rep. Mary Broadaway of Paragould says the changes will help even the playing field between existing and new businesses.
No one spoke against the bill. Members said after the vote they were worried it would limit competition or promote alcohol sales.
The bill now heads to the Senate.
