SB185

Senate Bill 185 amends the appointment and vacancy-filling procedures for the Arkansas Tax Appeals Commission. It clarifies the nomination process by identifying the entities responsible for providing candidate pools, specifically the Arkansas Bar Association, the Arkansas Supreme Court, and the Arkansas Society of Certified Public Accountants. The bill grants the Governor authority to appoint commissioners from these nominated pools or, alternatively, to select individuals who meet the licensure and qualification requirements without formal nomination. It also outlines the responsibilities of the Chief Commissioner and updates the qualifications required for the position. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Chief Commissioner submit an annual report to legislative and executive officials detailing the Commission's case load and performance statistics. Finally, the bill includes an emergency clause to ensure it becomes effective immediately to address vacancy procedures as the Commission begins its operations.