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Committee hearing on fair funding accountability stalls after debate over continuing-education requirement; sponsor pulls bill
Summary
Senate Bill 400, introduced by Sen. Missy Irvin, drew extended public comment from county fair managers and officials over a proposal to remove a continuing-education requirement tied to state fair funding; the sponsor said she would pull the bill to consider changes after witnesses raised concerns about accountability and audit language.
Senate Bill 400, sponsored by Sen. Missy Irvin (D‑24), would change the state’s oversight and funding process for county and district fairs, including requiring nonprofit status, adding the county extension agent as an ex officio fair-board member, and creating a local review step where a county fair that uses county facilities or funds submits plans to the quorum court for review before applying to the Department of Agriculture for state funding.
A central point of contention in committee testimony was a continuing-education requirement that had appeared in earlier drafts. Several fair managers and volunteers told legislators that continuing-education seminars (convention sessions and seminars provided by the Arkansas Fair Managers Association) are essential training that helps small county fairs run safely and raise funds.…
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