AR HB1618

Transfers all powers, duties, and responsibilities of the State Plant Board regarding catfish processors and commercial bait and ornamental fish to the Department of Agriculture

Replaces references to "State Plant Board" and "Director of the State Plant Board" with "Department of Agriculture" and "Secretary of the Department of Agriculture" throughout Arkansas Code sections 2-5-201 et seq. and 2-6-101 et seq.

Changes enforcement penalties for commercial bait and ornamental fish violations from criminal fines ($25-$500) to civil penalties and certificate suspension/revocation as determined by departmental rules

Consolidates funding by redirecting commercial bait and ornamental fish fees and catfish processor civil penalties into the Livestock and Poultry Special Revenue Fund instead of a separate Commercial Bait and Ornamental Fish Fund

Allows the State Veterinarian in consultation with the Department of Agriculture Secretary to issue orders for isolation, quarantine, disinfection, or destruction of diseased fish to prevent disease spread