This bill proposes the transfer of the Arkansas Wine Producers Council from the Department of Commerce to the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism. The transfer is executed through a cabinet-level department transfer, which includes the movement of the council's administrative functions, statutory authority, personnel, and financial resources to the new department. The bill also ensures that any existing orders, rules, or directives established by the council prior to the transfer remain in effect until amended or repealed. Additionally, the Department of Commerce is required to provide necessary information to facilitate this transition.

The bill amends several sections of the Arkansas Code to reflect this transfer, including the creation of the Arkansas Wine Producers Council within the Tourism Division of the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism. It also updates references to the council in relation to funding and administrative functions, ensuring that all financial transactions related to the council are redirected to the new department. An emergency clause is included, stating that the act will take effect on July 1, 2025, to align with the appropriation bills of both departments and to maintain the continuity of services provided by the Arkansas Wine Producers Council.

Statutes affected:
SB 370: 3-5-701(a), 3-5-703(d), 19-5-956(b), 25-43-302(10), 25-43-1302(a)
Act 462: 3-5-701(a), 3-5-703(d), 19-5-956(b), 25-43-302(10), 25-43-1302(a)