LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Arkansas legislators look to go home soon, but not before making history.
A $4.7 billion budget bill was passed one week before Friday's ceremonial Sine Die adjournment, but House members are scheduled to elect a new speaker before business is concluded.
Historians say that if Democratic Rep. Darrin Williams is elected, he'd be the first black speaker of the House in Arkansas. If Rep. Terry Rice is picked, historians say he'd be the first Republican to hold the position since Reconstruction.
The House is currently split with 54 Democrats and 46 Republicans. Legislators expect votes to follow party lines.
New minority and majority leaders for the House will also be elected Friday.
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