HB1461
To Amend The Law Concerning The Evaluation Of Necessity Of Various Commissions And Boards.
Last Action (May 5, 2025): Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
Sponsors
AI-Generated Summary
House Bill 1461 amends Arkansas law regarding the evaluation and oversight of state boards, commissions, committees, and advisory councils. It mandates that state boards report their meeting history and member attendance to the Joint Performance Review Committee (JPRC) by August 1 of each even-numbered year. Failure to submit this report results in the immediate suspension of the board's authority and expenditure powers until compliance is met. The bill requires the JPRC to evaluate the necessity and effectiveness of any board that fails to meet or maintain a quorum for four consecutive scheduled meetings. If a board remains inactive, the JPRC is directed to draft legislation to abolish the entity, revert its authority to the General Assembly, and redirect its funds to the General Revenue Fund. The bill also establishes a process for the JPRC to review the status of constitutional boards, though it treats them differently than standard state boards. These measures are designed to ensure transparency, accountability, and the efficient use of state resources by eliminating inactive or redundant entities.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries include the Arkansas taxpayers and the state government at large, as the bill promotes fiscal responsibility and administrative efficiency by identifying and potentially eliminating redundant or inactive government bodies. The General Assembly also benefits from increased oversight capabilities, allowing for a more streamlined and responsive executive branch structure.
Who Might Suffer?
The primary groups negatively impacted are the members and staff of state boards, commissions, and advisory councils that are currently inactive, failing to meet quorum requirements, or neglecting to maintain mandatory reporting standards. These entities face the risk of suspension of their operational authority, potential defunding, and ultimate abolition, which could disrupt the functions or policy-advising roles they were intended to perform.
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