SB2 Summary

• Implements Amendment 92 of the Arkansas Constitution by establishing a legislative review and approval process for administrative rules before they become effective through the Administrative Rules and Regulations Subcommittee and Joint Budget Committee during legislative sessions.

• Excludes the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission, State Highway Commission, Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department, and institutions of higher education from the definition of "state agency" subject to rule review, with authority to expand this definition in the future.

• Creates a 22-member Administrative Rule and Regulation Review Subcommittee appointed by the Senate and House cochairs of the Joint Budget Committee, with the subcommittee's approval of proposed rules being the default unless a majority votes against approval.

• Replaces the Arkansas Lottery Legislative Oversight Committee with the Legislative Council for oversight of lottery operations, scholarship programs, and related financial matters across numerous state code sections.

• Modifies the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act to require emergency rules be approved under § 10-3-309 before filing with the Secretary of State and changes the effective date of non-emergency rules from 30 days to 10 days after filing.