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Senate committee grills details of plan to create Department of Labor and Licensing
Summary
Senators pressed sponsors of House Bill 1305 over appointment authority, board powers and staff transfers as the measure would consolidate many agencies into a new Department of Labor and Licensing. Members sought clearer language on ‘in consultation,’ bonds and where directors would ultimately answer.
State Senator Barr Hester and Amy Fetcher, chief transformation officer for Governor Hutchinson, presented House Bill 1305 to the Senate State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee, proposing a government reorganization that would consolidate many existing agencies into a new Department of Labor and Licensing.
The bill aims to streamline state government — reducing roughly 40 agencies toward a structure of about 15 — and to move several boards, commissions and functions under the proposed new department. Fetcher described the change as part of a broader transformation effort and said the measure will place many occupational licensing boards and executive directors under a single cabinet secretary.
Senators…
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