14-04-2025
Bill introduced in Arkansas legislature makes third attempt to disassemble state library board
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A bill introduced in the Arkansas legislature on Wednesday is an additional attempt to disassemble the state library board.
Senate Bill 640 would remove all the current members of the state library board and have Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders appoint seven people in their place for staggered terms. Typically, the governor makes library board appointments for seven-year terms.
Jason Rapert calls on Arkansas legislators to abolish state library board
The bill comes after two earlier bills to eliminate the board and turn it over to the Department of Education (DOE) failed to reach the Senate floor after appearing in committee.
Senate Bill 184 intended to abolish both the board and the state Educational Television Commission but was withdrawn by its sponsor, Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Jonesboro), who explained to the committee that he had come to an agreement with the television commission about needed changes.
Sullivan then introduced Senate Bill 536 to turn just the library board over to the DOE, but it failed to clear the committee due to a lack of votes.
Legislation to remove Arkansas Library Board passes in committee hearing
SB640 was introduced by Sen. Jonathan Dismang (R-Searcy). It passed the Senate and committee hearings the day after it was introduced. It is moving quickly through the House and is currently before the House State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee.
The legislature is due to dismiss this Wednesday.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
