HB1851 Summary

• Amends Arkansas Code to standardize appointment procedures across 66 boards, commissions, committees, and administrative bodies by requiring the Governor to "consult" with relevant organizations before making appointments, rather than selecting from submitted lists of nominees.

• Converts numerous appointment methods from mandatory nomination lists (typically 2-4 names per position) to voluntary consultation with professional associations, trade organizations, and other designated groups.

• Adds Senate confirmation requirements to several board appointments that previously lacked this requirement, including the Arkansas Wine Producers Council, Distance Learning Coordinating Council, and various professional licensing boards.

• Modifies membership composition for specific boards, including changing the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission quorum from 5 to 8 members and the Academic Facilities Review Board by replacing two specific positions with two at-large public members.

• Applies consistently across education, health, professional licensing, environmental, public safety, and economic development boards to streamline the appointment process while maintaining stakeholder input through consultation rather than formal nomination procedures.