An Arkansas House panel has approved reducing the qualifications needed to become state education commissioner so that a former lawmaker supported by Gov. Asa Hutchinson can take the job.
The Education Committee advanced the bill Thursday to the full House in a voice vote.
The commissioner is currently required to hold a master's degree from an accredited institution, have 10 years' experience as a teacher- including five as an administrator- and hold a valid state teacher's license. The change would remove those requirements so long as the deputy commissioner meets the qualifications.
Hutchinson has selected former state Sen. Johnny Key for the position.
