SB433

Senate Bill 433 abolishes the Arkansas Geological Survey and transfers its authority, duties, personnel, property, and funding to a newly created Office of the State Geologist. This new office is placed within the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission and will operate under the supervision of the Director of Production and Conservation and the Secretary of the Department of Energy and Environment. The bill updates various state statutes to reflect the transfer of responsibilities from the former Survey to the new Office. It mandates that the State Geologist be appointed by the Governor and serve at their pleasure, reporting to the aforementioned directors. Additionally, the bill outlines the administrative powers of the office, including the ability to enter into cooperative agreements with federal agencies and manage investigations into natural resources. The act includes an emergency clause, meaning it would take effect immediately upon passage.