AR SB469

Transfer administration of the fish and wildlife conservation education program from the Department of Education to the Department of Rural Services, effective immediately upon passage.

Amend Arkansas Code § 6-16-1101 to designate the Department of Rural Services as the administering agency for school education programs in fish and wildlife conservation, hunter education, fishing education, boating education, and related conservation initiatives.

Add to the Department of Rural Services' powers and duties the requirement to administer the conservation education program established under § 6-16-1101 for the benefit of all school districts and conservation districts in the state regardless of population.

Modify Arkansas Code § 15-41-209 to redirect game and fish fine revenues from the Department of Education to the Department of Rural Services for fish and wildlife conservation education grants.

Require the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission to file a written report by October 1 of each even-numbered year to the Legislative Council and Joint Budget Committee detailing fines deposited into the Game Protection Fund and amounts transferred to the Department of Rural Services.