Bills to combine several state agencies sailed through both the Arkansas Senate and House of Representatives on Wednesday.
Senate Bill 1, sponsored by state Sen. Jim Hendren, R-Gravette, passed unanimously, with 33 voting for the measure. House Bill 1001 by Rep. David Branscum, R-Marshall, passed the House 95-0.
The bills follow the governor's plan to shift the Department of Rural Services and the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority into the Economic Development Commission; the Division of Land Survey into the Arkansas Geographic Information Office; and the Arkansas Building Authority into the Department of Finance and Administration.
The move will eliminate positions through attrition, Hendren said while presenting his bill. Hutchinson previously acknowledged a "potential" for layoffs.
Hutchinson estimates combining the agencies will save $10 million over 5 years.
See Thursday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.