HB1118 Summary

• Creates a new cabinet-level Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism effective July 1, 2019, consolidating parks, tourism, and heritage functions under a single Secretary appointed by the Governor.

• Transfers 22 state entities and agencies into the new department, including the Division of Parks, Division of Tourism, Arkansas Arts Council, Arkansas State Archives, Historic Preservation Program, and various heritage and cultural commissions.

• Repeals the former Department of Parks and Tourism (Title 25, Chapter 13) and reorganizes the Division of Arkansas Heritage as a division within the new consolidated department rather than a separate department.

• Establishes three divisions within the new department: Division of Parks, Division of Tourism, and the Great River Road Division, with the Secretary having authority to delegate duties and appoint division directors.

• Declares an emergency effective date of July 1, 2019 to allow implementation at the start of the fiscal year with minimal disruption to state government operations.