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Committee advances sweeping Department of Agriculture reorganization after contested forester testimony
Summary
Lawmakers passed SB403 (as amended) to consolidate multiple agricultural boards into four main entities and create subcommittees for licensing; consulting foresters warned abolition of the Board of Registration for Foresters could weaken standards and jeopardize reciprocity, while sponsors said amendments address constitutional issues.
The Senate Agriculture Committee advanced a broad reorganization of the Department of Agriculture (SB403 as amended) after extended debate and multiple expert witnesses raised concerns about professional licensing for foresters.
Sen. Blake Johnson said the bill narrows 16 boards and commissions into four main categories (Arkansas Forestry Commission, Livestock and Poultry Commission, Natural Resources Commission and State Plant Board) and creates several subcommittees, including a Veterinary Licensing Subcommittee and a Registered Forester Subcommittee. An amendment adopted in committee clarified fund transfers, preserved the Red River…
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