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Created page with "{{Infobox officeholder | name=Camille Williams Bennett | birth_date=1960 | birth_place=Place of birth missing | residence=Lonoke, Arkansas, USA | office=Arkansas Sta..."
{{Infobox officeholder
| name=Camille Williams Bennett
| birth_date=1960
| birth_place=Place of birth missing
| residence=Lonoke, Arkansas, USA
| office=[[Arkansas]] State Representative<br> for District 14
| term_start=January 2015
| term_end=January 2017
| preceded=Walls McCrary
| succeeded=Roger Lynch
| party=[[Democratic Party|Democrat]]
| alma_mater=University of Arkansas at [[Little Rock]]
[[University of Missouri]] School of Law
| occupation=[[Attorney]]
| religion=[[United Methodist]]
| spouse=Wayne Otis Bennett, Jr.
| children=No children
| parents=Randall L. Williams (father)}}
'''Camille Williams Bennett''' (born 1960)<ref name=inteli>{{cite web|url=http://www.intelius.com/results.php?ReportType=1&formname=name&qf=Camille&qmi=W&qn=Bennett&qcs=Lonoke%2C+AR&focusfirst=1|title=Camille W. Bennett|publisher=intelius.com|accessdate=April 14, 2015}}</ref> is an [[attorney]] from Lonoke, [[Arkansas]], who is a [[Democratic Party|Democrat]] former one-term state representative for District 14, which includes Arkansas, Jefferson, Lonoke, Prairie, and Pulaski counties in the mostly central portion of her state.<ref name=cwb>{{cite web|url=http://www.arkansashouse.org/member/351/Camille-Bennett|title=Camille Bennett|publisher=Arkansas House of Representatives|accessdate=April 14, 2015}}</ref>
==Background==
Bennett's father, Randall L. Williams (1924-2010), was a state representat6ive for Drew Couty, dates not available, and was a circuit judge for the 11th District from 1970 to 1993, with duties in Arkansas, Jefferson, Desha, and Lincoln counties.<ref name=obit>{{cite web|url=http://www.tributes.com/show/Judge-Randall-L.-Williams-90278792|title=Judge Randall L. Williams|publisher=tributes.com|date=December 16, 2010|accessdate=April 14, 2015}}</ref> The Randall L. Williams Correctional Facility west of Pine Bluff in Jefferson County is named in his honor.
Bennett received a bachelor's degree in [[Political Science]] from the University of Arkansas at [[Little Rock]] and her legal degree from the [[University of Missouri ]] School of Law]] in Columbia,
[[Missouri]]. She is a member of the All Souls Church, the American Heart Association, and the Central Arkansas Rescue Efforts for Animals.<ref name=cwb/> She is married to Wayne Otis Bennett, Jr. (born 1948), of Lonoke.<ref name=inteli/><ref name=obit/>
==Political life==
Bennett is a former elected city attorney for Lonoke, with service dating back to at least 2009. In that capacity, she received a $2,000 annual retainer for attendance at council meetings and as legal counsel to the [[mayor]] and the council.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arkansasleader.com/2009/10/top-story-city-attorney-duties-vary.html|title=City attorney duties vary|author=Joan McCoy|date=October 20, 2009|publisher=''The Arkansas Leader''|accessdate=April 14, 2015}}</ref> Bennett narrowly overcame the statewide tide for [[Republican Party|Republicans]] in the [[general election]] on November 4, 2014. By 86 votes, she defeated her [[Republican Party|GOP]] opponent, Buddy Fisher, 4,252 votes (50.5 percent) to 4,166 (49.5 percent). Fisher had won the May 20 Republican [[primary]] with 64 percent of the votes cast over intra-party rival, Trent Eilts. The position opened when the Democrat Walls McCrary, also of Lonoke, was term-limited and could not seek a fourth term.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ballotpedia.org/Arkansas_House_of_Representatives_elections,_2014|title=Arkansas House of Representatives elections, 2014: District 14|publisher=Ballotpedia.org|accessdate=December 10, 2020}}</ref>
Bennett served on these committee assignments: (1) Judiciary and (2) State Agencies and Governmental Affairs.<ref name=cwb/>
In February 2015, Bennett opposed House Bill 1228, authored by Republican [[Bob Ballinger]] of Carroll County in northwestern Arkansas,<ref name=religiousfreedom/> which prohibits government from imposing a burden on the free exercise of religion. The measure passed the House, seventy-two to twenty.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://votesmart.org/bill/19610/51617/141580/prohibits-government-from-burdening-exercise-of-religion#.VSl8TsstEqQ|title=HB 1228|publisher=Project Vote Smart|accessdate=December 10, 2020}}</ref> Bennett called for a reworking of the legislation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.atlanticbb.net/news/read/category/General/article/the_associated_press-indiana_arkansas_try_to_stem_religious_objections-ap|title=Indiana, Arkansas try to stem religious objections uproar|publisher=Atlantic Broadband|date=April 3, 2015|accessdate=April 14, 2015}}</ref> She claimed the Ballinger bill would establish a "type of religious litmus test" which could impact nearly any law under consideration by the legislature.<ref name=religiousfreedom>{{cite web|url=http://www.fox16.com/story/d/story/opponents-of-religious-freedom-bill-point-out-law/24249/AsrrUGLEdkuquASB01ZrLA|title=Opponents of Religious Freedom Bill Point Out Law Differences, Possible Unintended Consequences|publisher=Fox Channel 16|location=[[Little Rock, Arkansas]]|date=April 1, 2015|accessdate=April 14, 2015}}</ref> The measure was subsequently signed into law in revised form, SB 975, by Republican [[Governor]] [[Asa Hutchinson]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thv11.com/story/news/local/2015/04/02/house-committee-passes-new-rfra-bill-headed-for-full-house/70828864/|title=Gov. Hutchinson signs revised religious freedom bill; HB 1228 recalled|publisher=KTHV-TV|location=[[Little Rock]]|date=April 2, 2015|accessdate=April 14, 2015}}</ref>
In March 2015, Bennett hugged to console a Republican colleague, DeAnn Vaught of Horatio in Sevier County, when Vaught spoke in support of legislation dealing with the reporting of cases of child maltreatment and referred to her own experiences regarding the issue.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2015/mar/17/senate-backs-bill-to-set-up-drug-testin-1/|title=Senate backs bill to set up drug testing for welfare applicants|publisher=arkansasonline.com|author=Claudia Lauer|date=March 17, 2015|accessdate=April 14, 2015}}</ref>
In 2016, Bennett was defeated in her bid for a second term by the Republican Roger Lynch, who polled 5,867 votes (52. percent) to her 5,391 (47.9 percent) .<ref<{{cite web|url=https://ballotpedia.org/Arkansas_House_of_Representatives_elections,_2016|title=Arkansas House of Representatives elections, 2016|publisher=Ballotpedia.com|accessdate=December 10, 2020}}</ref>
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bennett, Camille}}
[[Category:Arkansas]]
[[Category:Attorneys]]
[[Category:Politicians]]
[[Category:Democrats]]
[[Category:United Methodists]]
| name=Camille Williams Bennett
| birth_date=1960
| birth_place=Place of birth missing
| residence=Lonoke, Arkansas, USA
| office=[[Arkansas]] State Representative<br> for District 14
| term_start=January 2015
| term_end=January 2017
| preceded=Walls McCrary
| succeeded=Roger Lynch
| party=[[Democratic Party|Democrat]]
| alma_mater=University of Arkansas at [[Little Rock]]
[[University of Missouri]] School of Law
| occupation=[[Attorney]]
| religion=[[United Methodist]]
| spouse=Wayne Otis Bennett, Jr.
| children=No children
| parents=Randall L. Williams (father)}}
'''Camille Williams Bennett''' (born 1960)<ref name=inteli>{{cite web|url=http://www.intelius.com/results.php?ReportType=1&formname=name&qf=Camille&qmi=W&qn=Bennett&qcs=Lonoke%2C+AR&focusfirst=1|title=Camille W. Bennett|publisher=intelius.com|accessdate=April 14, 2015}}</ref> is an [[attorney]] from Lonoke, [[Arkansas]], who is a [[Democratic Party|Democrat]] former one-term state representative for District 14, which includes Arkansas, Jefferson, Lonoke, Prairie, and Pulaski counties in the mostly central portion of her state.<ref name=cwb>{{cite web|url=http://www.arkansashouse.org/member/351/Camille-Bennett|title=Camille Bennett|publisher=Arkansas House of Representatives|accessdate=April 14, 2015}}</ref>
==Background==
Bennett's father, Randall L. Williams (1924-2010), was a state representat6ive for Drew Couty, dates not available, and was a circuit judge for the 11th District from 1970 to 1993, with duties in Arkansas, Jefferson, Desha, and Lincoln counties.<ref name=obit>{{cite web|url=http://www.tributes.com/show/Judge-Randall-L.-Williams-90278792|title=Judge Randall L. Williams|publisher=tributes.com|date=December 16, 2010|accessdate=April 14, 2015}}</ref> The Randall L. Williams Correctional Facility west of Pine Bluff in Jefferson County is named in his honor.
Bennett received a bachelor's degree in [[Political Science]] from the University of Arkansas at [[Little Rock]] and her legal degree from the [[University of Missouri ]] School of Law]] in Columbia,
[[Missouri]]. She is a member of the All Souls Church, the American Heart Association, and the Central Arkansas Rescue Efforts for Animals.<ref name=cwb/> She is married to Wayne Otis Bennett, Jr. (born 1948), of Lonoke.<ref name=inteli/><ref name=obit/>
==Political life==
Bennett is a former elected city attorney for Lonoke, with service dating back to at least 2009. In that capacity, she received a $2,000 annual retainer for attendance at council meetings and as legal counsel to the [[mayor]] and the council.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arkansasleader.com/2009/10/top-story-city-attorney-duties-vary.html|title=City attorney duties vary|author=Joan McCoy|date=October 20, 2009|publisher=''The Arkansas Leader''|accessdate=April 14, 2015}}</ref> Bennett narrowly overcame the statewide tide for [[Republican Party|Republicans]] in the [[general election]] on November 4, 2014. By 86 votes, she defeated her [[Republican Party|GOP]] opponent, Buddy Fisher, 4,252 votes (50.5 percent) to 4,166 (49.5 percent). Fisher had won the May 20 Republican [[primary]] with 64 percent of the votes cast over intra-party rival, Trent Eilts. The position opened when the Democrat Walls McCrary, also of Lonoke, was term-limited and could not seek a fourth term.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ballotpedia.org/Arkansas_House_of_Representatives_elections,_2014|title=Arkansas House of Representatives elections, 2014: District 14|publisher=Ballotpedia.org|accessdate=December 10, 2020}}</ref>
Bennett served on these committee assignments: (1) Judiciary and (2) State Agencies and Governmental Affairs.<ref name=cwb/>
In February 2015, Bennett opposed House Bill 1228, authored by Republican [[Bob Ballinger]] of Carroll County in northwestern Arkansas,<ref name=religiousfreedom/> which prohibits government from imposing a burden on the free exercise of religion. The measure passed the House, seventy-two to twenty.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://votesmart.org/bill/19610/51617/141580/prohibits-government-from-burdening-exercise-of-religion#.VSl8TsstEqQ|title=HB 1228|publisher=Project Vote Smart|accessdate=December 10, 2020}}</ref> Bennett called for a reworking of the legislation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.atlanticbb.net/news/read/category/General/article/the_associated_press-indiana_arkansas_try_to_stem_religious_objections-ap|title=Indiana, Arkansas try to stem religious objections uproar|publisher=Atlantic Broadband|date=April 3, 2015|accessdate=April 14, 2015}}</ref> She claimed the Ballinger bill would establish a "type of religious litmus test" which could impact nearly any law under consideration by the legislature.<ref name=religiousfreedom>{{cite web|url=http://www.fox16.com/story/d/story/opponents-of-religious-freedom-bill-point-out-law/24249/AsrrUGLEdkuquASB01ZrLA|title=Opponents of Religious Freedom Bill Point Out Law Differences, Possible Unintended Consequences|publisher=Fox Channel 16|location=[[Little Rock, Arkansas]]|date=April 1, 2015|accessdate=April 14, 2015}}</ref> The measure was subsequently signed into law in revised form, SB 975, by Republican [[Governor]] [[Asa Hutchinson]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thv11.com/story/news/local/2015/04/02/house-committee-passes-new-rfra-bill-headed-for-full-house/70828864/|title=Gov. Hutchinson signs revised religious freedom bill; HB 1228 recalled|publisher=KTHV-TV|location=[[Little Rock]]|date=April 2, 2015|accessdate=April 14, 2015}}</ref>
In March 2015, Bennett hugged to console a Republican colleague, DeAnn Vaught of Horatio in Sevier County, when Vaught spoke in support of legislation dealing with the reporting of cases of child maltreatment and referred to her own experiences regarding the issue.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2015/mar/17/senate-backs-bill-to-set-up-drug-testin-1/|title=Senate backs bill to set up drug testing for welfare applicants|publisher=arkansasonline.com|author=Claudia Lauer|date=March 17, 2015|accessdate=April 14, 2015}}</ref>
In 2016, Bennett was defeated in her bid for a second term by the Republican Roger Lynch, who polled 5,867 votes (52. percent) to her 5,391 (47.9 percent) .<ref<{{cite web|url=https://ballotpedia.org/Arkansas_House_of_Representatives_elections,_2016|title=Arkansas House of Representatives elections, 2016|publisher=Ballotpedia.com|accessdate=December 10, 2020}}</ref>
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bennett, Camille}}
[[Category:Arkansas]]
[[Category:Attorneys]]
[[Category:Politicians]]
[[Category:Democrats]]
[[Category:United Methodists]]