HB1487
To Amend The Number Of Commissioners On The Arkansas Forestry Commission's Committee.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill proposes amendments to the structure of the Arkansas Forestry Commission's committee. Currently, the committee is composed of three registered forester members of the commission and a representative from the University of Arkansas at Monticello. The proposed changes would alter the committee's composition by removing the requirement for the three designated registered forester members of the commission to serve on the committee. Instead, the Chair of the Arkansas Forestry Commission would have the discretion to appoint no less than three registered foresters who are not members of the commission to serve. The Chair could also appoint other registered foresters, including commission members not already on the committee, on an ad hoc basis. The committee's purpose remains to make recommendations to the commission on various matters, including rulemaking, disciplinary issues, ethical complaints, and the evaluation of applications related to forestry practices. The bill aims to adjust the composition of this advisory body. The underlying purpose is to refine the committee's membership to potentially enhance its effectiveness or align with the Chair's strategic vision for forestry oversight in Arkansas. The specific motivations behind these changes are not detailed within the provided text.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill would likely be the Chair of the Arkansas Forestry Commission, who gains increased discretion in appointing committee members. Additionally, registered foresters who are not currently members of the commission but wish to serve on the advisory committee could benefit, as could existing commission members who are not currently designated for the committee but may be appointed on an ad hoc basis. This could lead to a broader pool of expertise being considered for advisory roles.
Who Might Suffer?
The groups potentially negatively impacted by this bill are the three registered forester members of the Arkansas Forestry Commission who are currently designated to serve on the committee. Under the proposed changes, their automatic membership on the committee would cease, and their continued participation would be at the discretion of the Chair. This could lead to a reduction in their direct influence on the committee's recommendations, depending on the Chair's appointment choices.