SJR15
A Constitutional Amendment Concerning The Membership Of The State Highway Commission.
Last Action (May 1, 2023): Sine Die adjournment
Sponsors
AI-Generated Summary
This Senate Joint Resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to restructure the Arkansas State Highway Commission by replacing at-large appointments with a district-based system. It divides the state into five specific districts, each represented by a single commissioner who must reside within that district. The bill modifies the appointment process, requiring that Senate advice and consent be provided specifically by senators residing within the appointee's district. It further outlines procedures for the removal of commissioners, including a process involving the Senate, and clarifies how vacancies are to be filled. Additionally, it grants the General Assembly the authority to redistribute counties among districts following each federal decennial census. The amendment is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2025, and includes a phased implementation plan as current commissioners' terms expire.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be the residents of the specific districts defined in the amendment, as they would have a dedicated representative on the State Highway Commission. Additionally, members of the Arkansas Senate would gain increased influence over highway commission appointments and removals within their respective districts, potentially shifting the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches regarding oversight of the state's transportation infrastructure.
Who Might Suffer?
The Governor of Arkansas would be negatively impacted by this bill, as it reduces their executive authority over the appointment of highway commissioners by limiting the scope of confirmation to specific regional senators and providing the legislature with more direct power in the removal and appointment processes. Current or future commissioners who may have preferred the previous at-large appointment model, which allowed for broader state representation rather than geographic restriction, may also be negatively affected.
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