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Committee flags move of unpaid road program fund to Department of Agriculture; sponsor asked to note change on Senate floor
Summary
Members noted language moving the unpaid road program fund from AEDC to the Department of Agriculture in the consolidated bill and discussed that the change could unlock matching funds; committee asked the sponsor to highlight the policy shift when presenting to the full Senate.
During review of the consolidated bill, committee members observed a policy change moving the unpaid road program fund from AEDC to the Department of Agriculture. Lawmakers said the reassignment could affect available matching funds and should be presented to the Senate as a notable policy change when the consolidated bill is reported.
A committee member noted a separate bill that had moved roughly $300,000 previously associated with another fund and said shifting the unpaid road program to the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission or Department of Agriculture could multiply matching opportunities.
Martie Garrity said the spreadsheet reflects the change and that sponsors and the governor's office had proposed the reassignment. Committee members agreed it appears to be a substantive change and asked the bill sponsor to point it out on the floor so members are aware of the policy implications.
No vote or formal action was taken during the session; staff recorded the issue as one to track for an amendment or floor notice.
