Arkansas senators convene for a special legislative session on June 18, 2024. (Mary Hennigan/Arkansas Advocate)
The Arkansas Senate voted Friday to ask Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders to submit her appointments to the Game and Fish Commission for Senate approval.
The legislative body then approved 23 appointments to a range of other state boards and commissions, including one rejected and sent back in June to the Senate Rules, Resolutions and Memorials Committee.
Both the Rules Committee and the full Senate must confirm most gubernatorial appointments. Act 794 of 2023 requires both bodies to meet once every three months to consider these appointments regardless of whether the Legislature is in session.
Sanders announced in June that she selected Chris Caldwell for an open commission seat since Chairman Stan Jones’ term expired. Caldwell’s term is expected to end in 2031.
Caldwell is a political consultant and Sanders’ gubernatorial campaign manager. He also leads two ballot question committees established this year to oppose proposed constitutional amendments on abortion and education and an initiative to expand medical marijuana availability.