Senate committee approves bill to codify Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation

A Senate committee voted to advance House Bill 1607 on a voice vote after brief testimony that the measure would codify the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation into statute, rather than leave it under the governor—s executive order.

Catherine Andrews, director of the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation, told the committee the office was created by executive order from Governor Asa Hutchinson in 2021 and has since awarded grants, hosted summits and coordinated with the Department of Commerce and Arkansas Economic Development Commission to grow the outdoor recreation economy. Andrews said the bill mainly codifies the office—s existence and does not create a new budget line or new positions; the office will continue to operate within the Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism using existing agency resources.

Committee members asked how codification would change the office—s work. Andrews said the bill creates a statutory basis for the office—s long-term existence and provides the legislature with oversight and jurisdiction that an executive order does not. Senator Peyton asked which official would review rules for a grant program mentioned in the bill; Andrews said the department—s secretary would ultimately review and approve necessary rules, and that nothing about rule review changes under the bill.

Senator Sullivan asked why the office could not simply remain an executive-branch function; Andrews replied that placing it in statute gives the legislative branch clarity and appropriate oversight over reports and grant appropriations. Senators Peyton and Sullivan both expressed understanding and support; the committee took the bill by motion (mover: Senator Peyton; seconder: Senator Sullivan) and advanced it on a voice vote.