Bill > SB453

This bill makes several changes to Arkansas law concerning the Department of Agriculture, primarily consolidating various administrative roles and responsibilities under the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture. Specifically, the bill eliminates several specific director positions, including the State Forester, Director of the Livestock and Poultry Commission, and directors of various divisions, instead transferring their duties and authorities directly to the Secretary. The bill modifies multiple sections of state code to replace references to these individual director roles with the Secretary of Agriculture, and establishes a new confirmation process for the Secretary that includes review by a committee of Senators from agricultural districts. Additionally, the bill specifies the intent to eliminate seven specific positions within the Department of Agriculture, including the Deputy Secretary, Laboratory Director, and General Counsel, with provisions for terminating any currently filled positions. The changes appear designed to streamline the department's organizational structure and centralize administrative authority under the Secretary of Agriculture, while maintaining the core functions of these previously separate roles.

Government Affairs

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=sb453&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R