Maxwell Takes Charge With Holden’s "Effective" Absence

Lieutenant Governor Joe Maxwell has served as Acting Governor on a number of occasions to sign into law routine bills passed by the Legislature. He does so when Governor Bob Holden is “effectively” absent from the state. Holden left the state Tuesday – leaving Maxwell in charge … more or less. Prior to heading to Arkansas, Holden signed a document declaring himself “effectively” absent, meaning Maxwell had the authority to sign bills. Holden is back in the state on Wednesday and will sign more bills. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor have worked well together and Holden has allowed Maxwell to sign certain pieces of legislation of interest to the Lieutenant Governor.