SB370

Senate Bill 370 mandates the transfer of the Arkansas Wine Producers Council from the Department of Commerce to the Tourism Division of the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism. This administrative move shifts the council’s statutory authority, personnel, property, and budgetary functions to the new department. The bill ensures that all existing rules, orders, and standards established by the council remain in effect during and after the transition. It also updates relevant Arkansas Code sections to reflect the change in oversight and administrative control. Additionally, the bill includes an emergency clause, setting the effective date for the transition to July 1, 2025, to align with state fiscal cycles and ensure continuity of operations.