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Senate committee debates SB 80 to change Arkansas State Plant Board appointments; bill fails to pass
Summary
The Senate Agriculture, Forestry & Economic Development Committee heard testimony for and against SB 80, which would give governors wider authority to appoint nine seats on the Arkansas State Plant Board. After testimony from farmers and industry groups and two motions on the floor, the committee's final voice vote resulted in the chair saying "the noes have it."
The Senate Agriculture, Forestry & Economic Development Committee considered SB 80, a bill that would alter how nine positions on the Arkansas State Plant Board are filled, during a committee meeting that included testimony from farmers and industry representatives.
Senator Dave Wallace, who introduced SB 80 and identified himself for the record as representing District 22, said the bill "is a simple bill that does a lot" and would give governors broader leeway to select appointees rather than leaving those nine seats solely to industry nominations. Wallace framed the change as increasing accountability to elected officials and said constituents raise recurring complaints about plant board decisions.
Charles Williams of Crittenden County, a supporter, told the committee the plant board has shown "the lack of judgment that characterizes the plant board and the astounding absence of wisdom and…
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