SB506

This bill proposes the transfer of several agricultural promotional boards, including the Arkansas Catfish, Soybean, Rice, Wheat, and Corn and Grain Sorghum Promotion Boards, as well as the Arkansas Beef Council, to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. The transfer is categorized as a cabinet-level department move, which shifts administrative functions, statutory authority, personnel, and budgetary responsibilities from their previous structures directly to the Department of Agriculture. The legislation ensures that existing rules, regulations, and board member selection processes remain in effect following the transition. It also mandates that these entities cooperate with the Department of Agriculture to facilitate the transfer and provides for administrative support from the department moving forward. Finally, the bill modifies board composition for specific entities and declares an emergency, allowing the act to take effect immediately upon passage.