SB403

This bill mandates the consolidation of various boards and commissions under the Arkansas Department of Agriculture to streamline government operations. It formally abolishes several entities, including the Arkansas Milk Stabilization Board, the Arkansas Seed Arbitration Committee, the State Board of Registration for Foresters, the State Board of Registration for Professional Soil Classifiers, the Commission on Water Well Construction, the Private Wetland and Riparian Zone Creation, Restoration, and Conservation Committee, the Veterinary Medical Examining Board, the Abandoned Pesticide Advisory Board, the Arkansas Agriculture Board, and the Red River Commission. All legal authorities, duties, records, contracts, personnel, and fiscal resources belonging to these entities are transferred to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission, the Arkansas Forestry Commission, or the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission. Existing rules, licenses, and standards established by the abolished boards remain in effect until modified by the relevant successor agency. The bill includes an emergency clause to allow for immediate implementation, with the exception of the Red River Commission, which is set for abolition on July 1, 2026.