Lawmakers reject highway commission proposal

Arkansas lawmakers shot down a proposal that would change how the state’s highway commissioners are appointed and which areas they represent.

The House public transportation committee on Thursday recommended that lawmakers “do not pass” a bill put forward by Republican Rep. Donna Hutchinson of Bella Vista.

That legislative step sends a strong message and all but ensures it won’t be reconsidered. Committees usually vote on whether to pass a measure.

Since the legislative session began last month, lawmakers have dusted off the “do not pass” motion two other times.

Hutchinson’s bill aimed to clarify which areas highway commissioners represent. Opponents of the bill questioned whether the measure would be constitutional.

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