This bill amends various provisions related to the Department of Agriculture in Arkansas, primarily transferring responsibilities to the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture. Key changes include redefining the role of the State Apiarist to be the Secretary, and altering the appointment process for the Secretary to require confirmation by a Senate committee focused on agriculture before a full Senate vote. Additionally, the bill allows the Secretary to delegate powers previously held by the Director of the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission and the State Forester, effectively consolidating authority under the Secretary's office.

Furthermore, the bill mandates the elimination of several positions within the Department of Agriculture, including the Deputy Secretary, Laboratory Director, and State Forester, among others. It specifies that these positions should not be filled if they become vacant, and any current occupants will be terminated upon the bill's enactment. The bill aims to streamline the Department's operations and reduce administrative overhead while ensuring that the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture retains comprehensive oversight of its functions.

Statutes affected:
SB 453: 2-22-101(14), 2-33-104, 2-40-206(a), 15-31-103(b), 15-31-104, 15-31-116(b), 15-31-201, 15-31-202(b), 15-31-203, 15-31-205, 15-33-102, 15-57-315(8), 25-38-202(b)