Arkansas State Government Reorganization

“State agencies are using consolidation to advance efficiencies. The practice should be applied to other governmental units …” Efficiency Project, 20161

(January 2019) Gov. Asa Hutchinson proposes reorganizing state government from 42 to 15 agencies, the most sweeping consolidation since 1971.

In proposing the reorganization in November, Gov. Hutchinson stated, “This move will increase an agency head’s flexibility to make quicker decisions that will improve the quality and delivery of services.” He also noted:

“This proposal will improve the delivery of services to Arkansas taxpayers by breaking down silos within state government.”2

Policymakers are reviewing the following measures about the reorganization.

HB 1070 would create the Transformation and Efficiencies Act of 2019;

HB 1071 would establish the cabinet-level Department of Veteran Affairs;

HB 1072 would create the cabinet-level Department of Health;

HB 1115 would establish the cabinet-level Department of Corrections;

HB 1116 would create the cabinet-level Department of the Inspector General;

HB 1117 would establish the cabinet-level Department of Agriculture;

HB 1118 would create the cabinet-level Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism;

HB 1165 would establish the cabinet-level Department of the Military;

HB 1166 would create the cabinet-level Department of Human Services;

HB 1215 would establish the cabinet-level Department of Energy and Environment;