Arkansas House Bill HB1801

Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/30/23
• Refer: 3/30/23

Caption

To Reorganize The Standing Committees And The Subject Matter Interim Committees Of The House Of Representatives; To Rename The Joint Committee On Energy And The Joint Interim Committee On Energy.

Impact

If passed, this bill would redefine the structure of several standing committees within the House of Representatives. For instance, the Joint Committee on Energy and Environment would be renamed and its duties adjusted for improved operation and focus on energy-related matters. The reorganization is expected to promote a more streamlined decision-making process and could lead to more focused discussions on significant issues impacting Arkansas, especially those related to energy resources and environmental legislation.

Summary

House Bill 1801 proposes a significant reorganization of the standing committees and subject matter interim committees within the Arkansas House of Representatives. The bill seeks to amend the names and duties of various committees to enhance legislative efficiency and better align committee responsibilities with current legislative needs. This reorganization aims to facilitate more effective oversight and coordination of legislative matters, particularly those involving energy and environment issues under the joint committee structure.

Contention

While the bill appears to have broad support based on the intent to improve legislative functionality, there may be concerns regarding how the reorganization affects the representation of various legislative interests. Stakeholders may question whether the changes will effectively address the needs of all constituents or if certain topics could be overshadowed by more dominant committee agendas after the restructuring. Legislative discussions around this bill may surface debates about the balance of power within the committees and whether such changes serve the state’s diverse interests effectively.