AR SB453

Transfers duties from multiple division directors to the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, including responsibilities previously held by the State Apiarist, Director of the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission, and State Forester

Eliminates seven positions within the Department of Agriculture: Deputy Secretary, Laboratory Director, Director of Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission, Director of Natural Resources Division, Director of Plant Industry Division, State Forester, and General Counsel

Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to be confirmed by a committee of senators whose districts have agriculture as the primary industry before full Senate confirmation, with reappointments following the same process

Designates the Secretary of Agriculture as the State Forester and South Central Interstate Forest Fire Protection Compact administrator, requiring the secretary to hold a bachelor's degree in forestry and have at least 3 years of practical forestry experience

Mandates reappointment and Senate confirmation of the current Secretary within 30 days of the act's effective date