SJR3
A Constitutional Amendment Concerning The Membership Of The State Highway Commission.
Last Action (May 5, 2025): Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
Sponsors
AI-Generated Summary
This Senate Joint Resolution proposes an amendment to the Arkansas Constitution to restructure the State Highway Commission. It replaces the current at-large appointment system with a district-based system, mandating that each of the five commissioners reside in and represent a specific geographic district. The amendment defines five distinct districts comprised of specific counties across the state. It grants senators residing within a commissioner's district the sole authority to provide advice and consent on gubernatorial appointments for that seat. Additionally, the resolution outlines procedures for Senate-led removal of commissioners and establishes a protocol for filling vacancies, including instances where the Governor fails to make an appointment. The proposal includes a phase-in schedule for these district-based requirements beginning January 1, 2027.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be residents of the specific counties grouped into the newly defined districts, as they would have a dedicated commissioner tasked with representing their region's unique transportation needs. Additionally, members of the Arkansas Senate would benefit from increased influence over the appointment and potential removal of commissioners representing their constituent districts.
Who Might Suffer?
The Governor would be negatively impacted by this bill, as their current appointment authority would be significantly constrained by the requirement to select individuals from specific districts and by subjecting those appointments to the advice and consent of only a subset of Senators. Additionally, potential candidates for the commission who reside outside of target districts or lack political support from the specific regional senatorial delegation may find their opportunities for appointment curtailed.
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