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HJR 1010

A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO PROVIDE THAT BY A TWO-THIRDS VOTE, THE SENATE MAY REMOVE MEMBERS OF CERTAIN BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS FOR CAUSE ONLY, AFTER NOTICE AND HEARING.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Unger

HJR 1010 sought to allow the Senate to remove board members for cause with a two-thirds vote after a hearing, enhancing accountability in Arkansas governance.

Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HJR 1010

Summary of HJR 1010: Constitutional Amendment on Removal of Board and Commission Members

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HJR 1010
Title: A Constitutional Amendment to Provide That by a Two-Thirds Vote, the Senate May Remove Members of Certain Boards and Commissions for Cause Only, After Notice and Hearing.
Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment
Introduced: February 10, 2025
Classification: Joint Resolution

Purpose and Intent

HJR 1010 aimed to amend the Arkansas Constitution to establish a formal process for the removal of members from specific boards and commissions. The intent was to ensure that such removals could only occur for cause, following a notice and hearing, and required a two-thirds majority vote from the Senate. This amendment sought to enhance accountability and oversight of appointed officials while maintaining existing removal procedures.

Key Provisions

The proposed amendment included several significant changes to the Arkansas Constitution:

  1. Removal Process:

    • The Senate would have the authority to remove members from various boards and commissions before the expiration of their terms, but only for cause, and only after providing notice and conducting a hearing.
    • A two-thirds vote of the Senate membership would be required for such removals.

  2. Specific Amendments:

    • The amendment would modify existing provisions related to:
      • The Independent Citizens Commission (Article 19, § 31(b))
      • Various other boards and commissions, including those established under Amendment 33, Amendment 35, Amendment 66, and Amendment 98.
    • Each of these amendments would incorporate the new removal process, ensuring uniformity across different commissions.

  3. Supplemental to Existing Methods:

    • The removal process established by this amendment would be supplemental to other removal methods already provided under the Arkansas Constitution or state law.

  4. Effective Date:

    • If passed, the amendment would take effect on January 1, 2027.

  5. Ballot Information:

    • The resolution included provisions for how the amendment would be presented to voters, including a ballot title and popular name.

Impact

  • Affected Parties:

    • The amendment would impact members of various state boards and commissions, enhancing legislative oversight over their conduct.
    • It would also affect the Senate's role in governance, granting it more authority in the oversight of appointed officials.

  • Procedural Aspects:

    • The amendment was set to be presented to voters at the next general election for Representatives and Senators, pending approval by the legislature.

Legislative Actions

  • February 10, 2025: The bill was filed and read for the first time.
  • May 5, 2025: The bill died in the House Committee at Sine Die adjournment, meaning it did not progress to a vote.

Conclusion

HJR 1010 represented an effort to formalize and clarify the process for removing members from certain state boards and commissions in Arkansas. Although it did not advance through the legislative process, the proposal highlighted ongoing discussions about governance, accountability, and the balance of power within state institutions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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