TO TRANSFER AND CONSOLIDATE THE DUTIES OF TRADE-RELATED BOARDS TO THE CODE ENFORCEMENT LICENSING BOARD; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

Senate Bill 493 proposed to establish a new Code Enforcement Licensing Board in Arkansas. This board would consolidate the licensing and administrative responsibilities for various trades, including electrical, HVACR, fire protection, elevator safety, and most plumbing and boiler inspection duties. To achieve this, the bill aimed to abolish several existing boards, such as the Board of Electrical Examiners and the HVACR Licensing Board, transferring their authority, personnel, and funds to the new consolidated board. Existing licenses, rules, and standards from the abolished boards would remain valid until amended by the new Code Enforcement Licensing Board.