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 instead of the Director of the Division of Plant Industries, and updating the appointment process for the Secretary to require confirmation by a Senate committee focused on agriculture before a full Senate confirmation. Additionally, the bill allows the Secretary to delegate powers and duties previously assigned to various directors within the department, including those of the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission and the State Forester.

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 also ensures that the current Secretary of the Department of Agriculture will be reappointed following the new confirmation process outlined in the legislation.

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)