This bill proposes the transfer of the Arkansas Rural Services Commission and the Rural Services Division from the Department of Commerce to the Department of Agriculture. It outlines the administrative functions and responsibilities that will be transferred, including statutory authority, powers, duties, functions, records, personnel, and financial resources. The bill ensures that existing orders, rules, and regulations from the Arkansas Rural Services Commission and the division remain in effect until amended or repealed. Additionally, it mandates that the Department of Commerce provide necessary information to facilitate this transfer.

The bill also amends various sections of the Arkansas Code to reflect this transition, including changes to the roles of the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and the Rural Services Division. Notably, it deletes references to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission in several contexts and replaces them with the Department of Agriculture. An emergency clause is included, stating that the act is necessary for the preservation of public peace, health, and safety, and it will take effect on July 1, 2023, to align with the appropriation bills of the relevant departments.

Statutes affected:
SB 371: 6-16-1101(a), 15-6-102(a), 15-6-104(e), 15-6-105, 15-6-106(a), 15-6-107(a), 15-41-209(d), 15-47-102(5), 15-47-103(b), 15-47-104(b), 15-47-105(a), 19-5-1136(d), 19-6-811(a), 25-38-211(a), 25-43-202(a), 25-43-302(a)