AR SB371

Transfers the Arkansas Rural Services Commission and the Rural Services Division of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission from the Department of Commerce to the Department of Agriculture effective July 1, 2023.

All statutory authority, powers, duties, functions, records, personnel, property, and unexpended appropriations of the transferred entities move to the Department of Agriculture.

Amends multiple statutes to replace references to the Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission with the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture as the head of the Rural Services Division.

Existing orders, rules, regulations, directives, and standards issued by the Arkansas Rural Services Commission and division continue in full force and effect after the transfer.

Declares an emergency to ensure the rural development and services continue without funding or operational issues during the transition between departments.