AR HB1435

Changes the title of "administrative hearing officer" to "administrative law judge" throughout Arkansas Code sections governing the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission (sections 8-1-203, 8-1-204, 8-4-205, 8-4-210, 8-4-219, and 15-58-210).

Maintains that the administrative law judge serves as an agent of the commission, is selected and hired by the commission, and remains independent of the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality.

Preserves all existing duties and responsibilities of the position, including conducting hearings, submitting recommended decisions, and advising the commission on matters of law and procedure.

Allows a position previously appropriated as a hearing officer to be used for the administrative law judge position effective July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016.

Approved March 31, 2015.