Senate confirms batch of gubernatorial appointments; Grant Hodges approved after separate consideration

The Arkansas Senate on Tuesday confirmed a list of gubernatorial appointments approved by the Senate Rules Committee and later took a separate vote to confirm Grant Hodges to the Arkansas Board of Corrections after a request that his name be considered separately.

Senator Davis presented the list reported by the Rules Committee and moved that the Senate confirm the appointments "with the exception of Grant Hodges to the Arkansas Board of Corrections." The Senate approved the batch by voice vote.

Senator Davis then moved confirmation of Grant Hodges specifically. Senator King rose to speak against Hodges' appointment, saying he did not believe Hodges was qualified for the Board of Corrections. "I do not think with the board of corrections that, mister Hodges is, qualified fat," King said on the floor. King also criticized what he described as a pattern of former lobbyists or people who work for lobbying firms changing titles to avoid reporting requirements, and asked colleagues to vote no.

Senator Hickey asked whether Hodges was registered as a lobbyist. "Just just so my my vote would not be influenced. I didn't know. Is he registered as a lobbyist?" Hickey asked. No registration status was provided on the floor; King described how individuals can be re-titled ("account manager" or "consultant") to avoid lobbyist registration and reporting.

After discussion, the Senate confirmed Grant Hodges by voice vote. The presiding officer announced the motion approved and the appointment confirmed.

The record shows the Rules Committee had met 01/27/2025 and the appointments list for 01/28/2025 was on senators' desks before the floor action.