Senate committee approves consolidation of three state boards

The State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Senate committee passed Senate Bill 354 after sponsor Senator Kim Hammer urged members to approve consolidating three separate state boards into a single entity. "This issue has actually been brewing for 2 years," Hammer said in his closing remarks, arguing consolidation would preserve expertise while providing backup coverage when members are absent.

Hammer cited his experience on legislative audit and emphasized the need for segregation of duties and sound accounting. He said two of the three boards do not oppose the consolidation and that the governor's office supports the measure. "I think the intent of what the boards are there to do will move forward except for they'll be moving forward as one board," he said.

The motion to pass SB 354 was made by Senator Payton and seconded by Senator Hester. A roll call recorded Senators Hester, Crowell, Payton and Dodson voting "yes," Senators Flowers and Tucker voting "no," and one member not voting; the chair announced passage with "5 yays, 2 nays, and 1 not voting." The committee did not adopt additional amendments during the close of this segment.

The bill now moves to the next procedural steps required under the legislature's rules.