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HB 1461

Road funding.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Michael Crider and 7 co-sponsors

HB 1461 aimed to streamline Arkansas state boards by abolishing inactive ones and enforcing stricter evaluation and reporting, ensuring efficient use of taxpayer resources.

Signed by the Governor
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Bill Summary · HB 1461

Summary of House Bill 1461

Bill Number: HB 1461
Title: To Amend the Law Concerning the Evaluation of Necessity of Various Commissions and Boards
Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment
Introduced: February 12, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1461 aimed to revise the evaluation process for various state boards and commissions in Arkansas. The bill sought to ensure that boards and commissions that are inactive or lack a defined purpose are either re-evaluated or abolished, thereby promoting efficiency and accountability within state government.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed several significant changes to the Arkansas Code § 25-1-106, including:

  1. Definitions:

    • Clarified definitions for "constitutional board or commission" and "state board or commission."

  2. Meeting Requirements:

    • Established that a state board or commission that has not convened a meeting or has met without a quorum for two consecutive regularly scheduled meetings within a two-year period must elect new leadership (chair and vice chair).

  3. Abolition of Inactive Boards:

    • A state board or commission with no prescribed powers or duties that has not met for two years would be abolished.
    • Upon abolition, the controlling agency must report this to the Legislative Council.

  4. Reevaluation Process:

    • If a state board or commission has not met for four consecutive regularly scheduled meetings within two years, the Joint Performance Review Committee must reevaluate its purpose and effectiveness.
    • Findings and recommendations must be reported to the Legislative Council by December 1 of each even-numbered year.

  5. Reporting Requirements:

    • Each state board and commission must submit a report of their meeting dates and attendance records to the Joint Performance Review Committee by August 1 of each even-numbered year.
    • Failure to submit this report could lead to suspension of the board's authority until compliance.

  6. Legislative Action:

    • The Joint Performance Review Committee could draft legislation to abolish inactive boards, which would be submitted to the Governor by November 1 of each even-numbered year.

Impact

The proposed changes would primarily affect state boards and commissions, particularly those that are inactive or lack clear responsibilities. By implementing stricter evaluation and reporting requirements, the bill aimed to streamline state governance and ensure that taxpayer resources are not wasted on ineffective entities.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced on February 12, 2025, and underwent several readings and amendments.
  • Amendment No. 1 was adopted on March 5, 2025, which refined some of the language and provisions.
  • Ultimately, the bill died in the House Committee on May 5, 2025, at Sine Die adjournment, meaning it did not advance to further legislative action.

This summary provides an overview of HB 1461, highlighting its intent, key provisions, potential impacts, and legislative journey.

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

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