House Bill 14-17, sponsored by Senator Blake Johnson, was approved by the committee to designate the mallard as the state duck.

Johnson, a sponsor, said the mallard is the most common duck species found in Arkansas and cited Arkansas Game and Fish figures for waterfowl-related economic activity in 2022. He described the designation as symbolic and requested members' support. Senators asked non-substantive questions about potential effects, and no public testimony was offered in opposition. Senator Sullivan moved the bill; Senator Peyton seconded; the committee approved the bill by voice vote.

The measure is symbolic and contains no appropriation in the committee discussion; proponents described hunting-related economic activity as background context for the designation.