WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1934

TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS FORWARD ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE ACT; AND TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS FORWARD ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE WORKING GROUP.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Ben Gilmore and 2 co-sponsors

House Bill 1934 sought to boost Arkansas government efficiency and reduce regulatory burdens, enhancing the business environment but ultimately failed to pass.

Died in House at Sine Die adjournment.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1934

Summary of House Bill 1934: Arkansas Forward Engagement Committee Act

Overview

House Bill 1934, introduced on March 31, 2025, aimed to establish the Arkansas Forward Engagement Committee Act and create a working group to enhance governmental efficiency and foster a business-friendly regulatory environment in Arkansas. The bill ultimately died in the House at Sine Die adjournment on May 5, 2025.

Purpose and Intent

The primary goals of HB 1934 were to:
- Conduct a comprehensive review of state spending and regulations.
- Identify and eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse within government operations.
- Improve operational efficiencies and optimize the use of public resources.
- Address outdated and duplicative regulations that hinder economic development.

Key Provisions

Establishment of the Working Group

  • The bill proposed the creation of the Arkansas Forward Engagement Committee Working Group, which would consist of various state officials and legislative members, including:
    • The Secretary of the Department of Shared Administrative Services (Chair)
    • Secretaries from the Departments of Finance, Commerce, Human Services, and Inspector General
    • The State Personnel Administrator
    • Two members each from the House and Senate, appointed by their respective leaders.

Responsibilities of the Working Group

  • The working group was tasked with:
    • Conducting a comprehensive review of state government spending and regulations.
    • Accepting public submissions regarding inefficiencies and regulatory burdens.
    • Submitting a final report of findings and recommendations to the Speaker of the House and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate by July 1, 2026.

Operational Details

  • The working group was to meet quarterly, with the possibility of more frequent meetings as necessary.
  • Members would serve without compensation, and the Department of Shared Administrative Services would provide staff support.
  • The working group was set to be abolished on January 1, 2027, unless extended by the Governor until January 1, 2029.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1934 would have affected:
- State government operations by promoting efficiency and reducing unnecessary regulations.
- Businesses and individuals in Arkansas by potentially easing regulatory burdens and fostering a more conducive environment for economic growth.

Legislative Actions

  • The bill passed through various stages in the House and Senate but ultimately failed to pass after a ballot sounding on April 10, 2025. It was returned to the House and subsequently died at Sine Die adjournment on May 5, 2025.

Conclusion

While HB 1934 aimed to address significant issues related to government efficiency and regulatory burdens in Arkansas, its failure to pass means that the proposed reforms and the establishment of the working group will not be implemented.

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

Sign in to ask a question.