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A R K A N S A S

L E G I S L A T I O N

Summary of Selected Acts

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90th General Assembly

This report identifies and summarizes select acts that may be of interest to our clients. The blue text within the report links to an online site where you can obtain more information about the summarized acts and the primary sponsors of each act. Additional information on legislation may also be accessed on the Arkan-sas General Assembly’s website at www.arkleg.state.ar.us.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS I. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................. 1 II. HEADLINE MAKERS .......................................................................................... 2 III. PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS .............................................. 5 IV. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ............................................................................. 7 V. HEALTH CARE ................................................................................................ 10 VI. EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT ........................................ 15 VII. STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT ............................................................... 22 VIII. ELECTIONS AND ETHICS................................................................................ 28 IX. TAXES ............................................................................................................... 32 X. BANKING .......................................................................................................... 41 XI. LEGAL ............................................................................................................... 44 XII. ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT AND UTILITIES ..................................................... 47 XIII. LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT ............................................................................ 53 XIV. TRANSPORTATION ......................................................................................... 57 XV. RETAIL AND TECHNOLOGY ........................................................................... 60 XVI. CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE ............................................................ 63

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II. HEADLINE MAKERS

AR - HB1183 TO REQUIRE EACH PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL AND PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL TO

OFFER A COURSE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE; TO ESTABLISH A TASK FORCE; AND TO

DECLARE AN EMERGENCY

Primary Sponsor: Representative Bill Gossage (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1183 is now Act 187 (February 24, 2015)Governor Hutchinson made computer science education in Arkansas an important issue duringhis campaign.

AR - HB1648 TO ENSURE THAT POST-ADOPTIVE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED TO PREVENT

RE-HOMING OF ADOPTED CHILDREN.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Greg Leding (D)Last Action: Notification that HB1648 is now Act 1018 (April 2, 2015)Requires adoptive parents to notify DHS immediately when an adopted child is no longer in their care and would require DHS to determine whether to end adoption subsidies in that situation. Aparent who falsely claimed to DHS that an adopted child was still in his or her care would commit aClass A misdemeanor.

AR - HB1676 TO PROHIBIT RE-HOMING OF AN ADOPTED CHILD.

Primary Sponsor: Representative David Meeks (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1676 is now Act 1092 (April 6, 2015)Makes it an unclassified felony to place one’s adopted child with another person or entity without court approval for the purpose of permanently avoiding parental responsibility.

AR - SB53 TO REGULATE THE USE OF CERTAIN DRUGS USED TO INDUCE AN ABORTION;

AND TO PROVIDE FOR DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS FOR ABORTIONS PERFORMED IN

VIOLATION OF THIS ACT.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Missy Irvin (R)Last Action: Notification that SB53 is now Act 139 (February 25, 2015)Bans the use of telemedicine for medication abortions. Requires that a woman who is seeking a medication abortion be physically in a room with a physician when the medication isadministered.

AR - SB472 TO BE KNOWN AS THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM ACT OF 2015; TO

IMPLEMENT MEASURES DESIGNED TO ENHANCE PUBLIC SAFETY AND REDUCE THE

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II. HEADLINE MAKERS

PRISON POPULATION; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Jeremy Hutchinson (R)Last Action: Notification that SB472 is now Act 895 (April 2, 2015)Prison overcrowding has been a major problem in Arkansas recently. Governor Hutchinson outlined a 64 million dollar prison and public safety plan, which this bill is designed to implement.

AR - SB555 TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS GRAIN DEALERS ACT; TO REGULATE GRAIN

DEALERS; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Ronald Caldwell (R)Last Action: Notification that SB555 is now Act 601 (March 24, 2015)Regulates grain dealers for the first time.

AR - SB569 TO BAR THE DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS BY THE STATE TO CERTAIN ENTITIES.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Gary Stubblefield (R)Last Action: Notification that SB569 is now Act 996 (April 6, 2015)Denies all state dollars to Planned Parenthood and any service agency that might referpatients to abortion providers. The Act received some media attention because it may also impacteducation and prevention programs that are not directly connected with abortion.

AR - SB939 THE TEN COMMANDMENTS MONUMENT DISPLAY ACT.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Jason Rapert (R)Last Action: Notification that SB939 is now Act 1231 (April 8, 2015)Allows a monument of the Ten Commandments to be constructed at the State Capitol.

AR - SB975 TO AMEND ARKANSAS LAW CONCERNING THE FREE EXERCISE OF RELIGION;

TO ENACT THE RELIGIOUS FREEDOM RESTORATION ACT; AND TO DECLARE AN

EMERGENCY.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Jeremy Hutchinson (R)Last Action: Notification that SB975 is now Act 975 (April 6, 2015)Establishes the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which prohibits state actions that substantiallyburden a person's exercise of religious rights, unless the burden is in furtherance of a compellinggovernmental interest.

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III. PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

AR - HJR1027 PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE ARKANSAS CONSTITUTION

CONCERNING THE TERMS, ELECTION, AND ELIGIBILITY OF ELECTED OFFICIALS.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Jack Ladyman (R)Last Action: Approved by the Governor (April 8, 2015)Increases the terms for county elected officials from 2 to 4 years.

AR - SJR3 AN AMENDMENT TO THE ARKANSAS CONSTITUTION TO ALLOW THE

GOVERNOR TO RETAIN HIS OR HER POWERS AND DUTIES WHEN ABSENT FROM THE

STATE.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Eddie Joe Williams (R)Last Action: Approved by the Governor. (April 9, 2015)Removes the constitutional provision that gives the Lt. Gov. executive power when theGovernor is out of state.

AR - SJR16 AN AMENDMENT TO THE ARKANSAS CONSTITUTION TO ENCOURAGE JOB

CREATION, JOB EXPANSION, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Jon Woods (R)Last Action: Approved by the Governor. (April 9, 2015)Authorizes cities and counties to "participate" in economic development projects and to issue bondsfor that purpose under Amendment 62. It also removes the cap on bonds issued by the state tofund "super projects" under Amendment 82 and provides common definitions for economicdevelopment projects and services.

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IV. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

AR - HB1214 TO REQUIRE THAT NOTICE BE GIVEN TO GROWERS CONCERNING

ADDITIONAL INVESTMENTS THAT MAY BE REQUIRED UNDER A PRODUCTION CONTRACT;

AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Jon S. Eubanks (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1214 is now Act 1169 (April 7, 2015)Requires production contracts, and mortgages related to them, to contain notice that additionallarge capital investments may be required on the part of the grower during the term of theproduction contract.

AR - HB1235 TO AMEND THE EQUITY INVESTMENT INCENTIVE ACT OF 2007.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Warwick Sabin (D)Last Action: Notification that HB1235 is now Act 164 (February 23, 2015)Amends the Equity Investment Incentive Act of 2007, which incorporates cash investmentsusing convertible financing structures into the award and distribution of equity investment incentivetax credits.

AR - HB1493 TO REVISE AND UPDATE LAWS FOR THE EFFICIENT OPERATION OF THE

ARKANSAS DEVELOPMENT FINANCE AUTHORITY; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Lance Eads (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1493 is now Act 1060 (April 4, 2015)Makes various changes to the laws governing the Development Finance Authority. Thesechanges include, among other things, broadening sources for project funding and moving theadministration of the Farm Mediation Program from the Division of Agriculture Development.

AR - HB1825 TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS AMENDMENT 82 IMPLEMENTATION ACT.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Andy Davis (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1825 is now Act 593 (March 20, 2015)Specifies that the total bonding authority for an Amendment 82 project means 5% of thecurrent general revenue of the state.

AR - HB1880 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Kim Hammer (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1880 is now Act 1043 (April 4, 2015)Amends the laws concerning improvement districts; allows the number of commissioners ofan improvement district to be increased from 3 to 5 or 7 members by city council ordinance or

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IV. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

petition to the city council; amends various other procedures.

AR - SB276 AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

GENERAL IMPROVEMENT APPROPRIATION.

Primary Sponsor: Joint Budget CommitteeLast Action: Notification that SB276 is now Act 150 (February 25, 2015)Appropriates $30,500,000 for grants and other projects of the Economic DevelopmentCommission; appropriates $50,000,000 for the Quick Action Closing Fund.

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V. HEALTH CARE

AR - HB1133 TO CREATE A PROGRAM FOR LICENSURE OF COMMUNITY PARAMEDICS.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Scott Baltz (D)Last Action: Notification that HB1133 is now Act 685 (March 24, 2015)Establishes requirements for licensure as a community paramedic (including existing licensureas a paramedic and completion of an additional training program) and authorizing a communityparamedic to perform particular services.

AR - HB1136 TO AMEND THE PRESCRIPTIVE AUTHORITY OF ADVANCED PRACTICE

REGISTERED NURSES AND PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS; TO EXTEND PRESCRIPTIVE

AUTHORITY TO HYDROCODONE COMBINATION PRODUCTS IF EXPRESSLY AUTHORIZED

BY A PHYSICIAN.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Stephen Magie (D)Last Action: Notification that HB1136 is now Act 529 (March 18, 2015)Allows advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants to prescribehydrocodone combination products if there is authorization by a supervising physician.

AR - HB1239 TO CREATE THE ACHIEVING A BETTER LIFE EXPERIENCE PROGRAM AND TO

PROVIDE NEW AVENUES FOR FINANCIAL SELF-SUFFICIENCY FOR ARKANSANS WITH

DISABILITIES.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Julie Mayberry (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1239 is now Act 1238 (April 8, 2015)Creates the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Program, which allows contributionsto be made to income tax-exempt accounts that are held by disabled individuals to meet theindividual's disability expenses.

AR - HB1363 TO NOTIFY ENROLLEES OF THE HEALTH CARE INDEPENDENCE PROGRAM

OF ITS TERMINATION DATE.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Donnie Copeland (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1363 is now Act 831 (March 31, 2015)Directs the Department of Human Services to notify all persons enrolled in the Health CareIndependence Program that the program and coverage will end on December 31, 2016.

AR - HB1417 TO MODIFY COVERAGE FOR CRANIOFACIAL ANOMALY RECONSTRUCTIVE

SURGERY.

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V. HEALTH CARE

Primary Sponsor: Representative Richard Womack (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1417 is now Act 373 (March 10, 2015)Revises health benefit plan coverage requirements for craniofacial anomaly reconstructivesurgery.

AR - HB1466 TO AMEND CERTAIN SALES LIMITATIONS OF EPHEDRINE AND OTHER

NONPRESCRIPTION DRUGS.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Matthew J. Shepherd (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1466 is now Act 940 (April 2, 2015)Adds a provision to the law placing limits on the sale of ephedrine, pseudoephedrine orphenylpropanolamine that a pharmacist is not precluded from dispensing products containing thoseproducts to new customers.

AR - SB4 CONCERNING TERMINALLY ILL PATIENT ACCESS TO INVESTIGATIONAL DRUGS,

BIOLOGICAL PRODUCTS, OR DEVICES; AND TO CREATE THE RIGHT TO TRY ACT.

Primary Sponsor: Senator John Cooper (R)Last Action: Notification that SB1 is now Act 374 (March 10, 2015)Provides terminally ill patients access to investigational drugs, biological products, or devicesafter considering all other treatment options with a physician; allows manufacturers to make suchtreatments available to terminal patients.

AR - SB96 TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS HEALTH REFORM ACT OF 2015; AND TO DECLARE

AN EMERGENCY.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Jim Hendren (R)Last Action: Notification that SB96 is now Act 46 (February 12, 2015)Creates the Arkansas Health Reform Legislative Task Force to recommend alternativehealthcare coverage models and legislative framework by December 31, 2015; provides that the"Private Option" as currently structured will terminate December 31, 2016.

AR - SB133 TO ENCOURAGE THE USE OF TELEMEDICINE; AND TO DECLARE AN

EMERGENCY.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Cecile Bledsoe (R)Last Action: Notification that SB133 is now Act 887 (April 2, 2015)Creates the Telemedicine Act; encourages the use of telemedicine; requires coverage forhealthcare services delivered through telemedicine on the same basis that services are provided in

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V. HEALTH CARE

person.

AR - SB316 TO REGULATE THE PRIOR AUTHORIZATION PROCEDURE FOR TREATMENT OF

A TERMINAL ILLNESS UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Missy Irvin (R)Last Action: Notification that SB316 is now Act 992 (April 6, 2015)Prohibits insurance providers from requiring patients with a terminal illness to obtain priorauthorization for coverage of pain medication.

AR - SB466 TO REQUIRE A HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN TO DISCLOSE CERTAIN DRUG

FORMULARY INFORMATION.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Missy Irvin (R)Last Action: Notification that SB466 is now Act 1109 (April 22, 2015)Beginning January 1, 2017, health carriers offering a qualified health plan are required topublish on its website all drug formulary information as set forth in the statute.

AR - SB487 TO MODIFY THE DEFINITION OF A THIRD-PARTY ADMINISTRATOR USED BY

MULTIPLE EMPLOYER TRUSTS AND SELF-INSURED PLANS.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Jason Rapert (R)Last Action: Notification that SB487 is now Act 689 (March 26, 2015)Adds pharmacy benefits manager to definition of "third-party administrator" for self-insuredplans, multiple employer trusts, and multiple employer welfare arrangements.

AR - SB542 TO MODIFY THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF A PHARMACY BENEFITS MANAGER AND

PATIENT RIGHTS REGARDING PAYMENT FOR PHARMACISTS SERVICES.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Jason Rapert (R)Last Action: Notification that SB542 is now Act 1025 (April 6, 2015)Requires pharmacy benefits managers to obtain express consent when an individual'sconsent to change provider choice is required; limits patient payments; authorizes the InsuranceCommissioner to seek an injunction.

AR - SB688 TO AMEND THE LAWS REGARDING MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE COST LISTS; AND

TO CREATE ACCOUNTABILITY IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF PRESCRIPTION DRUG PRICING.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Ronald Caldwell (R)

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V. HEALTH CARE

Last Action: Notification that SB688 is now Act 900 (April 2, 2015)Requires pharmacy benefits managers to provide access to each pharmacy and update theirmaximum cost list within 7 days from an increase of 10% or more in pharmacy acquisition costs;amends the appeal procedure.

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VI. EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

AR - HB1241 TO DELAY THE USE OF THE PARTNERSHIP FOR ASSESSMENT OF READINESS

FOR COLLEGE AND CAREERS (PARCC) ASSESSMENT.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Mark Lowery (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1241 is now Act 1074 (April 6, 2015)Delays implementing the PARCC assessment until the 2017-2018 school year. This bill hasbeen in the media because of the controversy surrounding Common Core, with many parents andteachers concerned with the Common Core method of teaching. Superintendents from a number ofschool districts opposed the bill.

AR - HB1242 TO MODIFY THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CREATION OF A SCHOOL

DISTRICT BY DETACHING TERRITORY FROM AN EXISTING SCHOOL DISTRICT.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Mark Lowery (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1242 is now Act 372 (March 10, 2015)Modifies the existing statute by lowering the minimum student attendance for the creation ofa new school district from 4,000 to 2,500 students in average daily membership and deleting theprovision allowing for the creation of a new school district by detaching from an existing one.

AR - HB1263 TO PROVIDE A WAIVER FOR A SCHOOL DISTRICT FROM AN ADMINISTRATIVE

CONSOLIDATION OR REORGANIZATION UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS; AND TO DECLARE

AN EMERGENCY.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Bruce Cozart (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1263 is now Act 377 (March 12, 2015)Allows Department of Education to grant waivers to school districts that fall below the current350-student minimum as long as they are not in academic, fiscal, or facilities distress. This billgained media attention as the Weiner School District was forced to consolidate with Harrisburg in2010 because it fell below the 350-student minimum, notwithstanding that it had high academicscores and was not in any financial trouble.

AR - HB1372 CONCERNING THE CARRYING OF A CONCEALED HANDGUN BY A

CONCEALED HANDGUN LICENSEE ON THE PROPERTY OF A PRIVATE SCHOOL.

Primary Sponsor: Representative David Meeks (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1372 is now Act 933 (April 2, 2015)Allows concealed carry licensees to carry firearms on the property of K-12 private schools orprekindergarten private schools that have voted to allow firearms to be carried on campus.

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VI. EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

AR - HB1581 TO CREATE THE LEGISLATIVE TASK FORCE TO STUDY THE REALIGNMENT OF

HIGHER EDUCATION.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Jeremy Gillam (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1581 is now Act 544 (March 18, 2015)Creates a task force on the realignment of higher education.

AR - HB1611 TO CLARIFY LAWS CONCERNING VACANCIES ON A SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD

OF DIRECTORS.

Primary Sponsor: Representative James Ratliff (D)Last Action: Notification that HB1611 is now Act 843 (March 31, 2015)Sets procedures for filling school board vacancies and sets specific circumstances thatcreate a vacancy on a school board.

AR - HB1623 TO AMEND THE MINIMUM TEACHER COMPENSATION SCHEDULE.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Bruce Cozart (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1623 is now Act 1087 (April 6, 2015)Amends and increases minimum teacher salaries as determined by the compensationschedule.

AR - HB1663 TO AMEND VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF THE ARKANSAS CODE CONCERNING

PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING AMOUNTS; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Bruce Cozart (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1663 is now Act 1248 (April 8, 2015)Increases per student foundation funding and makes various changes to categories oftransportation and school funding.

AR - HB1713 TO AMEND VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF THE ARKANSAS CODE CONCERNING

PUBLIC EDUCATION.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Jon S. Eubanks (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1713 is now Act 846 (March 31, 2015)Makes primarily technical changes including changes to conversion charters, decliningenrollment funding, and issuing bonds.

AR - HB1895 TO AMEND THE COLLEGE AND CAREER COACHES PROGRAM.

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VI. EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Primary Sponsor: Representative Julie Mayberry (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1895 is now Act 960 (April 2, 2015)Removes the priority of school districts located in Tier 3 and Tier 4 counties from the Collegeand Career Coaches Program.

AR - SB154 TO ESTABLISH ADULT EDUCATION CHARTER SCHOOLS.

Primary Sponsor: Senator David Johnson (D)Last Action: Notification that SB154 is now Act 1200 (April 8, 2015)Allows certain entities to establish adult education charter schools.

AR - SB179 TO REQUIRE A SCHOOL DISTRICT SUBJECT TO A DESEGREGATION ORDER TO

NOTIFY THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND TO PROVIDE A COPY OF THE

DESEGREGATION ORDER; TO AMEND THE PUBLIC SCHOOL CHOICE ACT OF 2013; AND TO

DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Alan Clark (R)Last Action: Notification that SB179 is now Act 560 (March 24, 2015)Requires a school district that is subject to a desegregation-related order to notify theDepartment of Education in writing by January 1, 2016.

AR - SB211 TO REQUIRE AN ECONOMIC SECURITY REPORT OF EMPLOYMENT AND

EARNINGS OUTCOMES FOR DEGREES AND CERTIFICATES EARNED AT

STATE-SUPPORTED INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION; AND TO ALLOW STUDENTS

AND PARENTS TO MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Alan Clark (R)Last Action: Notification that SB211 is now Act 852 (April 1, 2015)Requires the Department of Workforce Services to prepare and publish online an economicsecurity report of employment and earning outcomes for degrees and certificates earned atstate-supported institutions of higher learning.

AR - SB212 TO ESTABLISH A STATEWIDE REENGAGEMENT PROGRAM; TO INCREASE HIGH

SCHOOL COMPLETION THROUGH THE DIFFERENTIATED PATHWAY TO A HIGH SCHOOL

DIPLOMA PROGRAM.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Joyce Elliott (D)Last Action: Notification that SB212 is now Act 1260 (April 9, 2015)

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VI. EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Establishes a program to allow instruction for high school credit or two year certificates to beoffered through different methods.

AR - SB226 TO EXPAND THE ARKANSAS COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS PLANNING

PROGRAM BY ALLOWING PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO USE THE ASPIRE ASSESSMENT SYSTEM

AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE ACT EXPLORE AND ACT PLAN OR PSAT.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Missy Irvin (R)Last Action: Notification that SB226 is now Act 989 (April 6, 2015)Allows for schools to administer the Aspire Assessment Test.

AR - SB265 CONCERNING THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS SYSTEM EVERSITY; TO ALLOW

THE EVERSITY TO BE ESTABLISHED AND RECOGNIZED; TO EXEMPT THE EVERSITY FROM

CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF LAW.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Eddie Cheatham (D)Last Action: Notification that SB265 is now Act 306 (March 9, 2015)Exempts the online eVersity which is operated by the University of Arkansas System fromvarious laws and provides for a general framework and goals.

AR - SB368 TO CREATE A COMPREHENSIVE STATEWIDE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

SYSTEM; TO COORDINATE VARIOUS WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS; TO

CREATE AN OFFICE OF SKILLS DEVELOPMENT; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Jane English (R)Last Action: Notification that SB368 is now Act 893 (April 2, 2015)Creates a new statewide workforce development system, with an Office of SkillsDevelopment within the Department of Career Education and a Career Education and WorkforceDevelopment Board to oversee vocation and technical programs.

AR - SB371 TO ALLOW SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO USE CERTAIN CATEGORICAL FUNDS FOR

PARTNERSHIPS WITH STATE-SUPPORTED INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION TO

OFFER CONCURRENT COURSES OR OTHER TECHNICAL EDUCATION OPTIONS.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Jane English (R)Last Action: Notification that SB371 is now Act 994 (April 6, 2015)Allows partners of a state supported institution of higher education to provide concurrentcourses or technical education options for students grades 8-12.

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VI. EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

AR - SB390 AN ACT FOR THE MID-SOUTH COMMUNITY COLLEGE - - WELDING ANNEX

FACILITY GENERAL IMPROVEMENT APPROPRIATION.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Keith Ingram (D)Last Action: Notification that SB390 is now Act 440 (March 17, 2015)Appropriates $1,000,000 for a Welding Annex facility at Mid-South Community College.

AR - SB789 TO ESTABLISH THE OPEN-ENROLLMENT PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL

FACILITIES FUNDING AID PROGRAM.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Jim Hendren (R)Last Action: Notification that SB789 is now Act 739 (March 27, 2015)Creates the Open Enrollment Public Charter School Funding Aid Program to allow someopen enrollment public charter schools to qualify for state funding for school facilities.

AR - SB791 TO ESTABLISH THE ARKANSAS WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY

ACT; TO REPEAL THE TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES OVERSIGHT

BOARD; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Jeremy Hutchinson (R)Last Action: Notification that SB791 is now Act 907 (April 2, 2015)Creates the Workforce Development Board and requires them to develop and implement astate workforce development plan.

AR - SB812 TO AMEND PROVISIONS OF THE ARKANSAS CODE CONCERNING THE

ARKANSAS COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS PROGRAM.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Blake Johnson (R)Last Action: Notification that SB812 is now Act 1216 (April 8, 2015)Removes the requirement that schools must use certain student assessments. Instead, thisallows them to use a readiness assessment approved by the State Board of Education.

AR - SB813 TO AMEND PROVISIONS OF THE ARKANSAS CODE CONCERNING

NORM-REFERENCED ASSESSMENTS.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Blake Johnson (R)Last Action: Notification that SB813 is now Act 1217 (April 8, 2015)Removes the requirement that state-mandated testing of academic performance of studentsinclude augmented, criterion referenced or norm-referenced assessments.

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VI. EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

AR - SB891 TO ESTABLISH THE WORKFORCE INITIATIVE ACT OF 2015.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Jane English (R)Last Action: Notification that SB891 is now Act 1131 (April 7, 2015)Creates a process by which the Department of Higher Education implements certaincontinuation grants.

AR - SB995 TO REQUIRE CERTAIN STATE AGENCIES TO COOPERATE WITH

PROFESSIONAL ENTITIES; AND TO ASSESS THE NEED FOR PROFESSIONALS WITH

SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS WHO CAN RENDER SPECIALIZED SERVICES TO

UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Joyce Elliott (D)Last Action: Notification that SB995 is now Act 920 (April 2, 2015)Requires the study of information from various professional boards to identify andrecommend measures to encourage professionals to work and live in underserved areas.

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VII. STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

AR - HB1163 TO AMEND ARKANSAS LAW CONCERNING THE POLITICAL FREEDOM OF

PUBLIC EMPLOYEES.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Nate Bell (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1163 is now Act 102 (February 19, 2015)Makes it unlawful for any public employer to discipline an employee because the employeeexercised a right or privilege under the Freedom of Information Act.

AR - HB1247 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING REAL PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX

AFFIDAVITS OF COMPLIANCE AND RECEIPTS.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Lanny Fite (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1247 is now Act 165 (February 23, 2015)Repeals obsolete provisions concerning the completion, storage, and audit of real propertytransfer tax affidavits.

AR - HB1356 TO INCLUDE THE ARKANSAS STATE HIGHWAY AND TRANSPORTATION

DEPARTMENT WITHIN THE DEFINITION OF “CLAIMANT AGENCY” FOR THE PURPOSE OF

OBTAINING A SETOFF AGAINST STATE TAX REFUNDS FOR DEBTS OWED TO THE STATE.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Mathew W. Pitsch (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1356 is now Act 531 (March 18, 2015)Adds the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department to the definition of"claimant agency" allowed to claim a setoff against tax refunds.

AR - HB1468 TO MODIFY THE USE OF SHARED LEAVE UNDER THE UNIFORM ATTENDANCE

AND LEAVE POLICY ACT.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Richard Womack (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1468 is now Act 389 (March 12, 2015)Allows shared leave to extend to paternity or maternity leave after the birth, adoption, orfoster of a child. Specifies the documentation recipients of shared leave are required to provide tothe employer.

AR - HB1687 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING BALLOT QUESTIONS; AND TO ADD

CLARITY TO THE FORMAT OF A BALLOT QUESTION.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Bob Ballinger (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1687 is now Act 1036 (April 4, 2015)

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VII. STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Provides a form to be used for proposed ballot questions in county and municipal elections.

AR - HB1688 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING MUNICIPAL REFERENDUM PETITIONS;

AND TO EXTEND THE TIME FOR CIRCULATION OF MUNICIPAL REFERENDUM PETITIONS.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Bob Ballinger (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1688 is now Act 1093 (April 6, 2015)Allows a sponsor to be given 60 days to circulate a municipal referendum petition.

AR - HB1723 TO AMEND ARKANSAS LAW CONCERNING THE LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION,

OR PERMITTING OF ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS, RETURNING MILITARY VETERANS,

AND SPOUSES; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Sue Scott (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1723 is now Act 848 (March 31, 2015)Requires certain licensing boards and commissions to accept military training and experienceas a substitute for education and experience required for a professional license.

AR - HB1793 TO AMEND ARKANSAS LAW CONCERNING REIMBURSABLE EXPENSES, PER

DIEM, AND MILEAGE COMPENSATION FOR MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Bill Gossage (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1793 is now Act 556 (March 20, 2015)Eliminates certain expense claims for all General Assembly members except for committeechairs, vice chairs, co-chairs, and officers of each House.

AR - HB1823 TO PROMOTE, RECRUIT, AND RETAIN A HIGHLY SKILLED WORKFORCE IN

THIS STATE; AND TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING LICENSING, REGISTRATION, AND

CERTIFICATION FOR CERTAIN PROFESSIONS.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Jim Dotson (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1823 is now Act 1066 (April 4, 2015)Requires state licensing entities to adopt rules allowing for reinstatement of professionallicensure with reduced requirements under certain circumstances.

AR - HB1844 TO ESTABLISH A STATE BUSINESS PORTAL WITHIN THE OFFICE OF THE

SECRETARY OF STATE; AND TO PROMOTE EFFICIENT INTERACTIONS BETWEEN

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VII. STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

BUSINESS AND STATE GOVERNMENT.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Jeremy Gillam (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1844 is now Act 1190 (April 7, 2015)Requires the Secretary of State to use cash funds to administer and establish a statebusiness portal that can accept applications for both state and local government business licenses.

AR - HB1851 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING APPOINTMENTS TO AND MEMBERSHIP ON

CERTAIN BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, COMMITTEES, AND OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE BODIES.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Micah S. Neal (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1851 is now Act 1100 (April 6, 2015)Requires that the Governor consult with representatives of relevant industries before makingappointments to various state boards and commissions.

AR - HB1954 TO CREATE THE STATE OF ARKANSAS WORKFORCE RETENTION TASK

FORCE; TO STUDY AND EVALUATE THE WAYS STATE AGENCIES COULD INCREASE

EMPLOYEE RETENTION; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

Primary Sponsor: Representative John W. Walker (D)Last Action: Notification that HB1954 is now Act 1068 (April 4, 2015)Creates a Workforce Retention Task Force which will study ways to retain state employees.

AR - SB2 AN ACT CONCERNING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF ADMINISTRATIVE RULES

AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ARTICLE 5, SECTION 42, OF THE ARKANSAS

CONSTITUTION.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Jonathan Dismang (R)Last Action: Notification that SB2 is now Act 1258 (April 9, 2015)Requires all new administrative rules by a "state agency," as defined by the Act, to beapproved by the Rules and Regulations Subcommittee of the Legislative Council before they canbecome effective.

AR - SB7 TO ABOLISH THE ARKANSAS LOTTERY COMMISSION; TO ESTABLISH THE OFFICE

OF THE ARKANSAS LOTTERY WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND

ADMINISTRATION TO ADMINISTER THE ARKANSAS LOTTERY; AND TO DECLARE AN

EMERGENCY.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Jimmy Hickey (R)

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VII. STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Last Action: Notification that SB7 is now Act 218 (February 26, 2015)Abolishes the nine-member Arkansas Lottery Commission and places the Office of theArkansas Lottery under the state Department of Finance and Administration's Management ServicesDivision.

AR - SB202 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING ORDINANCES OF CITIES AND COUNTIES BY

CREATING THE INTRASTATE COMMERCE IMPROVEMENT ACT AND TO DECLARE AN

EMERGENCY.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Bart Hester (R)Last Action: Notification that SB202 is now Act 137 (February 25, 2015)Prohibits counties, municipalities, and other political subdivisions from adoptinganti-discrimination ordinances on a basis not contained in state law.

AR - SB204 TO CREATE THE TRANSPARENCY IN PRIVATE ATTORNEY CONTRACTS ACT;

AND TO REGULATE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S PROCUREMENT OF CERTAIN CONTRACTS

WITH PRIVATE ATTORNEYS.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Jane English (R)Last Action: Notification that SB204 is now Act 851 (April 1, 2015)Prohibits the Attorney General from entering into contingency fee contracts with a privateattorney unless there is a written determination as to cost effectiveness and public interest; providesenhanced transparency requirements for contingency fee contracts.

AR - SB221 AUTHORIZING COUNTIES TO PURCHASE EXCESS, SURPLUS, OR UNUSED

BRIDGE STEEL OR MATERIALS FROM THE GENERAL CONTRACTOR OF CERTAIN PUBLIC

WORKS PROJECTS.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Jake Files (R)Last Action: Notification that SB221 is now Act 232 (March 2, 2015)Allows counties to purchase surplus bridge material from the general contractor for projectson bridges, state highways, or county roads.

AR - SB382 TO STUDY THE RESTRUCTURING OF VARIOUS STATE AGENCIES INTO

PRINCIPAL DEPARTMENTS AND THE EFFICIENCY AND COST SAVINGS OF CONSOLIDATION

OF THOSE AGENCIES; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Eddie Joe Williams (R)

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VII. STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Last Action: Notification that SB382 is now Act 1202 (April 8, 2015)Requires an efficiency study to be performed on consolidating state agencies into 10 or more"principal departments."

AR - SB600 TO ESTABLISH THE DRUG SCREENING AND TESTING ACT OF 2015.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Blake Johnson (R)Last Action: Notification that SB600 is now Act 1205 (April 8, 2015)Requires the Department of Workforce Services to establish and administer a two-year pilotprogram of suspicion-based drug testing for each applicant who is otherwise eligible for TemporaryAssistance for Needy Families Program.

AR - SB757 TO RESTRICT THE ABILITY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND OTHER ENTITIES

TO REGULATE PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Jim Hendren (R)Last Action: Notification that SB757 is now Act 1002 (April 6, 2015)Establishes procedures for compensating owners when the value of private property isreduced by at least 20% as a result of state and local regulatory programs.

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VIII. ELECTIONS AND ETHICS

AR - HB1002 CONCERNING THE AUTHORITY OF THE ARKANSAS ETHICS COMMISSION TO

INTERPRET ARKANSAS CONSTITUTION, AMENDMENT 94; TO AMEND ARKANSAS LAWS

RESULTING FROM AN INITIATED ACT; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Warwick Sabin (D)Last Action: Notification that HB1002 is now Act 47 (February 13, 2015)Allows the Arkansas Ethics Commission to issue advisory opinions and guidelines on therequirements of Sections 28, 29, and 30 of Article 19 of the Arkansas Constitution.

AR - HB1068 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING NOTICE OF WRITE-IN CANDIDACY; AND

TO SET A DATE PRIOR TO AN ELECTION FOR NOTICE OF WRITE-IN CANDIDACY.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Kim Hammer (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1068 is now Act 26 (February 6, 2015)Adds a provision that requires write-in candidates to notify the county board of electioncommissioners of the candidacy at least 90 days prior to the election.

AR - HB1269 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING A PETITION TO FILE AS AN INDEPENDENT

CANDIDATE FOR OFFICE; TO REQUIRE A FORM FOR ALL PETITIONS; AND TO REQUIRE

VERIFICATION THAT THE PETITION WAS NOT CIRCULATED LONGER THAN THE

PRESCRIBED TIME.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Nate Bell (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1269 is now Act 340 (March 6, 2015)Adds provisions relating to the petition to file as an independent candidate, including aprovision requiring the candidate to submit an affidavit swearing to have complied with the lawsregarding signature collection.

AR - HB1610 TO PROVIDE THAT NO ELECTION MAY BE HELD FOR CERTAIN UNOPPOSED

OFFICES; AND TO PROVIDE A NEW ELECTION PROCEDURE.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Nate Bell (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1610 is now Act 1244 (April 8, 2015)Allows for the reduction of polling places or closure of all polling sites on election day andearly voting when candidates are unopposed.

AR - SB163 TO MAKE REVISIONS TO THE ETHICS LAWS OF ARKANSAS.

Primary Sponsor: Senator David J. Sanders (R)

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VIII. ELECTIONS AND ETHICS

Last Action: Notification that SB163 is now Act 226 (March 2, 2015)Provides new provisions to ethics laws relating to local-option ballot question committees.Provides that a person who expends more than $500 for the purpose of advocating or defeating alocal-option ballot question must file financial reports with the Arkansas Ethics Commission .

AR - SB509 PROVIDING FOR CIVIL LIABILITY FOR WRONGFUL DISSEMINATION OF AN

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION TO INFLUENCE A POLITICAL VOTE.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Alan Clark (R)Last Action: Notification that SB509 is now Act 1111 (April 7, 2015)Allows a victim whose identity is wrongfully misappropriated or misidentified by another person who uses electronic communication to purport to be the victim and who purports to expressthe victim's opinion on a political issue in order to influence a political vote to recover damages notless than $5,000.

AR - SB803 TO ALLOW A CANDIDATE TO RUN FOR MORE THAN ONE FEDERAL OFFICE

SIMULTANEOUSLY.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Bart Hester (R)Last Action: Notification that SB803 is now Act 742 (March 31, 2015)Allows a person to run as a candidate for President or Vice President of the United Stateswhile also running as a candidate for the United States Senate or United States House ofRepresentative in the same election.

AR - SB817 TO AMEND ARKANSAS LAW CONCERNING REGISTRATION AND REPORTING BY

APPROVED POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEES; AND AMENDING PORTIONS OF ARKANSAS

LAW RESULTING FROM INITIATED ACTS.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Eddie Joe Williams (R)Last Action: Notification that SB817 is now Act 909 (April 2, 2015)Allows for a political action committee to submit an electronic registration with the Secretaryof State.

AR - SB860 TO AMEND ARKANSAS LAW CONCERNING INITIATIVES, REFERENDA, AND

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Jimmy Hickey (R)Last Action: Notification that SB860 is now Act 1219 (April 8, 2015)Makes it a Class A misdemeanor for a person to knowingly sign someone else's name to a

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VIII. ELECTIONS AND ETHICS

petition, to knowingly sign his or her name more than one time to a petition, or to knowingly sign apetition when he or she is not legally entitled to do so. Requires paid canvassers to submit to abackground check.

AR - SB967 TO AMEND THE ETHICS LAWS OF THE STATE OF ARKANSAS.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Jon Woods (R)Last Action: Notification that SB967 is now Act 1280 (April 9, 2015)Implements the ethics reforms approved in the 2014 election. Among other changes, it:increases the allowable maximum campaign contributions from $2,000 to $2,700; expandsprohibitions on public officials accepting gifts from lobbyists; defines "planned activity;" creates anaffirmative defense for violations of the gift rules; increases the time a former member of the GeneralAssembly must wait before being eligible to register as a lobbyist from 1 year to 2 years.

AR - SB968 TO AMEND TITLE 6, CHAPTER 14, OF THE ARKANSAS CODE.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Jane English (R)Last Action: Notification that SB968 is now Act 1281 (April 9, 2015)Allows annual school elections to be held on the first Tuesday of November to coincide withthe general election or in September.

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IX. TAXES

AR - HB1007 TO OFFSET THE REVENUES GENERATED BY SALES TAX COLLECTED FROM

OUT-OF-STATE SELLERS BY REDUCING THE INCOME TAX RATES APPLICABLE TO

INDIVIDUALS, TRUSTS, AND ESTATES.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Kelley Linck (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1007 is now Act 709 (March 30, 2015)Requires state income tax rate reductions for those subject to the 4.5% rate, in any amountabove $70 million during the first 12 months of collections that is attributable to any new sales taxeslevied on out-of-state sellers in the future.

AR - HB1073 CONCERNING THE EXTENSION OF THE LOCAL PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX

ASSESSMENT PERIOD AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Justin Boyd (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1073 is now Act 59 (February 13, 2015)Extends the property tax assessment deadline of May 31 to the next business day if thedeadline falls on a weekend or postal holiday.

AR - HB1176 TO AMEND THE PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR DISABLED VETERANS,

SURVIVING SPOUSES, AND MINOR DEPENDENT CHILDREN.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Bob Ballinger (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1176 is now Act 1167 (April 7, 2015)Extends the property tax exemption for disabled veterans, surviving spouses, and dependentchildren to apply once eligibility is established regardless of the original date of the lien or where theperson's homestead is located.

AR - HB1178 TO PROVIDE A SALES AND USE TAX EXEMPTION FOR A LESSEE OF AN

INTERMODAL AUTHORITY IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Mathew W. Pitsch (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1178 is now Act 691 (March 25, 2015)Exempts a lessee of an intermodal authority from state, county, and municipal sales and usetaxes on purchases of tangible personal property and services if the lessee's facility is constructedafter the date of the act, the property is used or consumed at the lessee's facility within theintermodal facility, and the lessee's facility is used to carry out the essential governmental function ofthe intermodal authority.

AR - HB1201 TO PROVIDE QUALIFIED MANUFACTURERS OF STEEL WITH ALTERNATE

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IX. TAXES

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS AND AN EXTENDED CARRY-FORWARD PERIOD FOR THE

INCOME TAX CREDIT ALLOWED FOR WASTE REDUCTION, REUSE, OR RECYCLING

EQUIPMENT.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Joe Jett (D)Last Action: Notification that HB1201 is now Act 692 (March 25, 2015)Allows qualified steel manufacturers to carry forward unused income tax credit for thepurchase of waste reduction, reuse, or recycling equipment for up to 14 years.

AR - HB1235 TO AMEND THE EQUITY INVESTMENT INCENTIVE ACT OF 2007.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Warwick Sabin (D)Last Action: Notification that HB1235 is now Act 164 (February 23, 2015)Amends the Equity Investment Incentive Act of 2007, which incorporates cash investmentsusing convertible financing structures into the award and distribution of equity investment incentivetax credits.

AR - HB1308 TO STAY THE COLLECTION OF DELINQUENT PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES

PENDING APPEAL OF THE PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENT.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Stephen Meeks (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1308 is now Act 1057 (April 4, 2015)Declares that penalties shall not be added to taxes while litigation is pending; requires ataxpayer appealing a property tax assessment to pay the county collector the amount the taxpayerclaims is owed and to pay into the registry of the circuit court the difference between the assessmentand amount claimed.

AR - HB1402 TO AMEND THE INCOME TAX APPLICABLE TO CAPITAL GAINS.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Matthew J. Shepherd (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1402 is now Act 1173 (April 7, 2015)Creates an income tax exemption for capital gains in excess of $10 million made afterJanuary 1, 2014 and a portion of the gain taxpayer net capital gains at different percentagesbeginning at different dates.

AR - HB1406 TO ALLOW THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO SETTLE CERTAIN CORPORATE

FRANCHISE TAX DISPUTES.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Mary Bentley (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1406 is now Act 834 (March 31, 2015)

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IX. TAXES

Authorizes the Secretary of State to settle or compromise disputes concerning corporatefranchise tax if the taxpayer disputes the amount or is insolvent or bankrupt and may waive interestor penalties under certain situations.

AR - HB1427 TO ADOPT RECENT CHANGES TO THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE; TO AMEND

THE ARKANSAS TAX-DEFERRED TUITION SAVINGS PROGRAM; AND TO MAKE TECHNICAL

CORRECTIONS TO THE INCOME TAX LAWS.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Joe Jett (D)Last Action: Notification that HB1427 is now Act 580 (March 20, 2015)Updates the Arkansas Tax-Deferred Tuition Savings Program to adopt the Internal RevenueCode provisions in effect as of January 1, 2015.

AR - HB1434 CONCERNING THE SATISFACTION OF COURT-ORDERED RESTITUTION IN A

CRIMINAL CASE THROUGH INTERCEPTION OF STATE INCOME TAX REFUNDS.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Bob Ballinger (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1434 is now Act 837 (March 31, 2015)Requires a court to order the interception of a defendant's state income tax return when avictim who is due restitution petitions the court through a prosecuting attorney and the defendanthas failed to comply with the terms and conditions of the original restitution order.

AR - HB1436 TO AMEND THE DISTRIBUTION AND USE OF SEVERANCE TAXES; TO CREATE

THE ROAD AND BRIDGE REPAIR, MAINTENANCE, AND GRANTS FUND; AND TO DECLARE

AN EMERGENCY.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Grant Hodges (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1436 is now Act 536 (March 18, 2015)Provides a portion of revenue generated from natural gas severance tax revenue to theArkansas State Highway and Transportation Department to be used for road and bridge repairs.

AR - HB1496 TO CLARIFY THE EFFECT OF ACT 1333 OF 2013 ON DISPOSAL FEES, FUNDS,

AND REPORTS REGARDING APPROVED COMPUTER AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT

RECYCLING PROGRAMS.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Sheilla E. Lampkin (D)Last Action: Notification that HB1496 is now Act 1176 (April 7, 2015)Requires special revenues collected as disposal fees to be allocated annually to regional

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IX. TAXES

solid waste management districts for computer electronic equipment recycling programs; providesprocedures to determine allocation.

AR - HB1662 TO EXEMPT FROM THE SALES AND USE TAX CERTAIN SERVICES AND PARTS

RELATED TO COMMERCIAL JET AIRCRAFT; TO PROVIDE A SALES AND USE TAX

EXEMPTION FOR SALES OF CERTAIN AIRCRAFT; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Joe Jett (D)Last Action: Notification that HB1662 is now Act 1182 (April 7, 2015)Exempts from sales tax the services required to incorporate the parts or to make the parts ofa commercial jet aircraft. Also exempts from sales tax the sale of an aircraft within the state.

AR - HB1866 TO ALLOW A TAXPAYER TO CLAIM A REFUND OR CREDIT FOR AN

OVERPAYMENT OF A STATE TAX DURING THE SAME PERIOD OF TIME THAT THE STATE

MAY ASSESS OVERDUE TAXES.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Mickey Gates (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1866 is now Act 1254 (April 8, 2015)Allows taxpayers, subject to an audit, to file an amended return or verified claim for credit orrefund of a state tax at any time before the audit is performed.

AR - HB1941 TO EXEMPT CERTAIN ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION TAX RECORDS FROM

BEING RELEASED UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT OF 1967.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Micah S. Neal (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1941 is now Act 1102 (April 6, 2015)Exempts from disclosure information related to taxes collected by certain entities orindustries under the Advertising and Promotion Commission Act under the Freedom of InformationAct; however, the total of taxes collected may be released.

AR - SB6 TO CREATE THE MIDDLE CLASS TAX RELIEF ACT OF 2015; TO AMEND THE

INCOME TAX RATES AND BRACKETS FOR INDIVIDUALS, TRUSTS, AND ESTATES; TO

AMEND THE INCOME TAX ON CAPITAL GAINS; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Jonathan Dismang (R)Last Action: Notification that SB6 is now Act 22 (February 9, 2015)Creates the Middle Class Tax Relief Act of 2015; makes various changes to income taxtables for individuals, trusts, and estates; decreases the capital gains tax exemption to 40%; repeals

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IX. TAXES

the 100% capital gains tax exemption for gains over ten million dollars.

AR - SB230 AN ACT TO REQUIRE WINERIES TO COLLECT LOCAL TAXES ON DIRECT

SHIPMENTS OF WINE.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Larry Teague (D)Last Action: Notification that SB230 is now Act 236 (March 2, 2015)Repeals the previous provision exempting wineries from collecting a local tax that would beimposed by municipality or town. The General Assembly feared that the exemption could haveresulted in noncompliance with the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement which could havecaused a ten million dollar annual loss in state and local tax collections.

AR - SB320 TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION TO

ANNUALLY REPORT ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE MULTISTATE TAX COMMISSION; AND TO

ELIMINATE THE MULTISTATE TAX COMPACT ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Bruce Maloch (D)Last Action: Notification that SB320 is now Act 385 (March 12, 2015)Dissolves the Multistate Tax Compact Advisory Committee; requires the Department ofFinance and Administration to prepare annual report on the activities of the Multistate TaxCommission.

AR - SB332 TO AMEND THE LAWS CONCERNING THE SALES AND USE TAX APPLICABLE TO

THE PARTIAL REPLACEMENT AND REPAIR OF CERTAIN MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT

USED IN MANUFACTURING; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Jake Files (R)Last Action: Notification that SB332 is now Act 1107 (April 7, 2015)Allows for limited direct pay authority to permit a user to accrue and remit gross receipts andcompensating use taxes on purchases that include services subject to a refund of tax.

AR - SB341 TO CREATE AN INCOME TAX EXEMPTION FOR PAYMENTS FROM

AGRICULTURAL DISASTER PROGRAMS.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Missy Irvin (R)Last Action: Notification that SB341 is now Act 891 (April 2, 2015)Allows an income tax exemption for payments made to a cattle farmer or cattle rancher froman agricultural disaster program, effective January 1, 2015.

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IX. TAXES

AR - SB383 CONCERNING THE RECOVERY OF UNPAID PUBLIC DEFENDER USER FEES.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Eddie Joe Williams (R)Last Action: Notification that SB383 is now Act 893 (April 2, 2015)Allows the commission to file a claim against a person's state income tax refund for unpaidpublic defender user fees.

AR - SB490 TO IMPROVE THE FAIRNESS OF TAX ADMINISTRATION.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Bill Sample (R)Last Action: Notification that SB490 is now Act 896 (April 2, 2015)Makes various changes to the administration of state taxes, including time limitations,transparency, judicial relief, etc.

AR - SB554 TO AMEND THE LAWS CONCERNING THE COLLECTION, DEPOSIT, AND USE OF

GAS ASSESSMENT FEES; TO DESIGNATE CERTAIN GAS ASSESSMENT FEES AS GENERAL

REVENUE; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

Primary Sponsor: Senator David J. Sanders (R)Last Action: Notification that SB554 is now Act 1046 (April 22, 2015)Requires the first 4 1/2 mills of each gas assessment levied by the Oil and Gas Commissionto be deposited into the general revenue with the balance of the assessments to be deposited to thecredit of the Oil and Gas Commission Fund.

AR - SB570 TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS HISTORIC REHABILITATION INCOME TAX CREDIT

ACT; TO EXTEND THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE ARKANSAS HISTORIC REHABILITATION

INCOME TAX CREDIT ACT; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Bill Sample (R)Last Action: Notification that SB570 is now Act 567 (March 24, 2015)Amends the Arkansas Historic Rehabilitation Income Tax Credit to limit the use of the historicrehabilitation income tax credit to once each 24-month period for each eligible property, effectivebetween January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2027.

AR - SB683 TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE INCENTIVE ACT;

AND TO AMEND THE VALUATION METHODS AND TAXATION OF CERTAIN INTANGIBLE

PERSONAL PROPERTY.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Jake Files (R)

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IX. TAXES

Last Action: Notification that SB683 is now Act 1118 (April 7, 2015)Sets method for calculating taxable value of tangible and intangible property in broadbandentities.

AR - SB756 TO PROVIDE A VALUATION METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE MARKET VALUE

OF OFF-PREMISES ADVERTISING SIGNS; TO PREVENT ADMINISTRATIVE TAX INCREASES;

AND TO RESERVE WITHIN LEGISLATIVE BODIES THE POWER TO SET TAX RATES.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Bart Hester (R)Last Action: Notification that SB756 is now Act 573 (March 24, 2015)Specifies valuation procedures for determining the market value of off-premises advertisingsigns for purposes of property taxes.

AR - SB801 TO EXEMPT FROM SALES AND USE TAXES SAND AND OTHER PROPPANTS

USED DIRECTLY IN CERTAIN MANUFACTURING PROCESSES.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Jason Rapert (R)Last Action: Notification that SB801 is now Act 1125 (April 7, 2015)Expands the exemption from sales and use tax for sand and other proppants to include usesin oil or gas wells.

AR - SB802 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE SALES AND USE TAXES APPLICABLE

TO CERTAIN SERVICES; AND TO EXEMPT CERTAIN SOLID WASTE SERVICES FROM SALES

AND USE TAXES.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Jason Rapert (R)Last Action: Notification that SB802 is now Act 1126 (April 7, 2015)Provides that for tax purposes the sale of "solid wastes" includes yard or food waste, glass,metal, plastic, etc. but does not include saltwater, drilling fluids, hydraulic fracturing fluids, or othermaterials produced from the exploration and development of natural resources.

AR - SB844 TO AMEND THE INCOME TAX CREDIT FOR WASTE REDUCTION, REUSE, OR

RECYCLING EQUIPMENT; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

Primary Sponsor: Senator David Burnett (D)Last Action: Notification that SB844 is now Act 862 (April 1, 2015)Assigns solid waste recycling tax credits to a public retirement system with respect to anAmendment 82 project in which the public retirement system is a proprietor, partner, member, orshareholder; requires the public retirement system to sell or transfer the tax credits to the state.

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IX. TAXES

AR - SB925 TO EXEMPT OUT-OF-STATE BUSINESSES AND THEIR EMPLOYEES FROM

CERTAIN TAXES AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS DURING A DISASTER RESPONSE

PERIOD; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Jake Files (R)Last Action: Notification that SB925 is now Act 864 (April 1, 2015)Establishes the Business Rapid Response to State Disasters Facilitation Act. Provides thatout-of-state businesses that come to Arkansas following disasters for the purpose of disasterresponse and aid are not subject to certain taxes and regulations during the disaster responseperiod.

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X. BANKING

AR - HB1214 TO REQUIRE THAT NOTICE BE GIVEN TO GROWERS CONCERNING

ADDITIONAL INVESTMENTS THAT MAY BE REQUIRED UNDER A PRODUCTION CONTRACT;

AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Jon S. Eubanks (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1214 is now Act 1169 (April 7, 2015)Requires production contracts, and mortgages related to them, to contain notice that additionallarge capital investments may be required on the part of the grower during the term of theproduction contract.

AR - HB1268 CONCERNING THE PROCEDURES FOR ISSUING A WRIT OF GARNISHMENT.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Mary Broadaway (D)Last Action: Notification that HB1268 is now Act 932 (April 2, 2015)Changes the procedure in issuing writs of garnishment; extends the time in which a judgmentcreditor must mail a writ of garnishment to a judgment debtor to 5 days; it also makes technicalchanges to the wording of the existing statute .

AR - HB1553 TO CREATE THE GRAIN, SOYBEAN, AND PEANUT OWNER'S LIEN ACT.

Primary Sponsor: Representative James Ratliff (D)Last Action: Notification that HB1553 is now Act 1082 (April 6, 2015)Allows owners to enforce liens and security interests for transactions between agriculturallenders and producers of grain, soybeans, and peanuts.

AR - HB1584 TO REVISE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR PAYABLE ON DEATH DEPOSIT

ACCOUNTS; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Bill Gossage (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1584 is now Act 586 (March 20, 2015)Revises requirements on payable on death deposit accounts; allows a deposit account tohave a payable on death designation.

AR - HB1641 TO REVISE THE USAGE FEE LIMITATION AT CUSTOMER-BANK

COMMUNICATION TERMINALS.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Reginald Murdock (D)Last Action: Notification that HB1641 is now Act 588 (March 20, 2015)Removes the $2.00 or 2% transaction limit that state-chartered banks may charge in an effortto allow state chartered banks to charge a competitive rate with out-of-state competitors.

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X. BANKING

AR - HB1642 TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS SAVINGS PROMOTION ACT.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Reginald Murdock (D)Last Action: Notification that HB1642 is now Act 589 (March 20, 2015)Allows financial institutions to conduct savings promotion raffles so long as each savingspromotion deposit has an equal chance of winning.

AR - HB1668 TO REGULATE COLLECTION ACTIVITIES AND THE PRACTICES OF

COLLECTION AGENCIES.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Dan M. Douglas (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1668 is now Act 1249 (April 8, 2015)Requires collection agencies operating without a license to pay a fine of $10,000 in order tobe considered retroactively licensed.

AR - SB356 TO PROVIDE FOR ESCHEATMENT OF A UNITED STATES SAVINGS BOND.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Jake Files (R)Last Action: Notification that SB356 is now Act 563 (March 24, 2015)Allows a United States savings bond held or owing in this state to be presumed abandoned ifthe saving bond remains unclaimed for five years after the date of maturity.

AR - SB850 TO REGULATE THE INVESTMENT PRACTICES OF A GUARDIAN OF AN ESTATE;

AND TO MODIFY THE UNIFORM VETERANS' GUARDIANSHIP ACT.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Ronald Caldwell (R)Last Action: Notification that SB850 is now Act 1129 (April 7, 2015)Allows banks or trust companies that are guardians of estates to invest estate funds inshares, securities, investment trusts, and exchange-traded funds.

AR - SB937 TO PERMIT THE RELEASE OF A MORTGAGE, DEED OF TRUST OR OTHER LIEN

BASED ON AN AFFIDAVIT BY AN ATTORNEY OR A TITLE AGENT THAT THE LIEN HAS BEEN

SATISFIED; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Terry Rice (R)Last Action: Notification that SB937 is now Act 918 (April 2, 2015)Allows an affidavit to be executed and recorded in order to authorize the release of amortgage lien and the recovery of property where the lien holder fails to acknowledge thesatisfaction of the lien within 60 days of the request.

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XI. LEGAL

AR - HB1252 TO CLARIFY AND REORGANIZE THE GENERAL VENUE STATUTES FOR CIVIL

ACTIONS.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Mary Broadaway (D)Last Action: Notification that HB1252 is now Act 830 (March 31, 2015)Amends the provisions governing venue in civil actions.

AR - HB1529 TO CREATE THE SUCCESSOR CORPORATION ASBESTOS-RELATED LIABILITY

FAIRNESS ACT.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Rick Beck (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1529 is now Act 1241 (April 8, 2015)Provides that asbestos-related claims are void against successor companies when their totalasbestos-related liabilities exceed the fair market value of the company's assets, as determined atthe time of merger or consolidation, effective January 1, 2020.

AR - HB1638 TO AMEND THE FIRE PREVENTION ACT; AND TO AMEND THE LAW

CONCERNING FIRE PREVENTION.

Primary Sponsor: Representative John Baine (D)Last Action: Notification that HB1638 is now Act 874 (April 1, 2015)Provides that the Americans with Disability Act Standard for Accessible Design will controlwhen there is a conflict with any provision of the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code.

AR - HB1665 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING ABANDONED PROPERTY; AND TO ALTER

THE METHOD BY WHICH NOTICE OF THE ABANDONMENT OF PROPERTY IS PUBLISHED.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Camille Bennett (D)Last Action: Notification that HB1665 is now Act 592 (March 20, 2015)Requires notice of abandoned property to be published in a newspaper of general circulationin each county of the state and specifies the requirements of the notice.

AR - HB1908 TO ESTABLISH A BILL OF RIGHTS FOR A PROPERTY OWNER.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Rick Beck (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1908 is now Act 1101 (April 6, 2015)Requires a circuit court in eminent domain proceedings to impanel a 12-person jury todetermine just compensation; allows the owner to be awarded costs when the final justcompensation is 20% or more above the condemning entity's initial assessment.

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XI. LEGAL

AR - SB529 TO CLARIFY THE DURATION OF JUDGMENT LIENS ON REAL ESTATE.

Primary Sponsor: Senator David Burnett (D)Last Action: Notification that SB529 is now Act 1113 (April 7, 2015)Notes: States that a judgment lien on real estate is not revived or extended by acts or circumstancesthat may toll or renew the limitations period of the judgment.

AR - SB882 TO REGULATE CONSUMER LAWSUIT LENDING.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Jason Rapert (R)Last Action: Notification that SB882 is now Act 915 (April 2, 2015)Provides limits on consumer lawsuit lending transactions; specifies requirements for a contractfor consumer lawsuit lending; makes violations a deceptive and unconscionable tradepractice subject to penalties.

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XII. ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT AND UTILITIES

AR - HB1004 TO REQUIRE ELECTRIC UTILITIES TO COMPENSATE NET-METERING

CUSTOMERS FOR NET EXCESS GENERATION CREDITS IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Stephen Meeks (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1004 is now Act 827 (March 31, 2015)Requires utilities to purchase excess generation credits that are over 24 months old ifrequested by net-metering customers under certain circumstances and requires utility companies tocarry over any excess generation credits indefinitely.

AR - HB1067 TO AMEND THE LAWS REGARDING WATER QUALITY REGULATIONS AND

WASTEWATER DISCHARGE PERMITS; AND TO AUTHORIZE NUTRIENT WATER QUALITY

TRADING, CREDITS, OFFSETS, AND COMPLIANCE ASSOCIATIONS.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Charlie Collins (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1067 is now Act 335 (March 6, 2015)Allows the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission to adopt regulationsgoverning the establishment and implementation of nutrient water quality programs including theprogram scope, eligibility, and threshold treatment requirements.

AR - HB1082 TO AMEND THE SEWER UTILITY COLLECTION ACT; TO REGULATE

COOPERATION BETWEEN WATER AND SEWER UTILITIES IN THE COLLECTION OF

DELINQUENT SEWER BILLS; AND TO ALLOW COOPERATIVE BILLING ARRANGEMENTS.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Andy Davis (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1082 is now Act 336 (March 6, 2015)Requires sewer utilities to provide a signed statement to the water utility, and to post noticeof customer delinquency before termination.

AR - HB1191 TO CLARIFY THE REGULATION OF RATES AND CHARGES UNDER THE

ENERGY CONSERVATION ENDORSEMENT ACT OF 1977.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Charlie Collins (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1191 is now Act 78 (February 13, 2015)Sets certain criteria for opting out of utility-sponsored energy conservation programs andmeasures.

AR - HB1314 TO AMEND THE LAWS CONCERNING NONMUNICIPAL DOMESTIC SEWAGE

TREATMENT WORKS; AND TO REPEAL THE FINANCIAL ASSURANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR

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XII. ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT AND UTILITIES

NONMUNICIPAL DOMESTIC SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Andy Davis (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1314 is now Act 575 (March 20, 2015)Replaces the financial assurance requirement for permitting non-municipal domestic sewagetreatment facilities with an administrative fee to be put in a new trust fund.

AR - HB1433 TO MODIFY THE DEFINITION OF "PUBLIC UTILITY".

Primary Sponsor: Representative Joe Jett (D)Last Action: Notification that HB1433 is now Act 380 (March 12, 2015)Modifies the definition of "public utility" to state that it does not include a person orcorporation that furnishes compressed natural gas as a motor fuel.

AR - HB1496 TO CLARIFY THE EFFECT OF ACT 1333 OF 2013 ON DISPOSAL FEES, FUNDS,

AND REPORTS REGARDING APPROVED COMPUTER AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT

RECYCLING PROGRAMS.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Sheilla E. Lampkin (D)Last Action: Notification that HB1496 is now Act 1176 (April 7, 2015)Requires special revenues collected as disposal fees to be allocated annually to regionalsolid waste management districts for computer electronic equipment recycling programs; providesprocedures to determine allocation.

AR - HB1497 TO CLARIFY THE LAW REGARDING APPLICATIONS, GRANTS AND GRANT

FUNDS FOR THE WASTE TIRE PROGRAM.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Sheilla E. Lampkin (D)Last Action: Notification that HB1497 is now Act 840 (March 31, 2015)Requires the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality to immediately disburse fundsawarded to a solid waste management district through a grant program under section 8-9-405. Italso amends the definition of "waste tire" and excludes that portion processed for beneficial use.

AR - HB1536 TO AUTHORIZE THE ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

TO TRANSFER ELIGIBILITY FOR PAYMENT FOR CORRECTIVE ACTIONS REGARDING

PETROLEUM STORAGE TANKS WHEN NO OWNER IS KNOWN.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Les Eaves (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1536 is now Act 699 (March 25, 2015)Allows the department to transfer the eligibility of a qualified storage tank to a subsequent

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XII. ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT AND UTILITIES

owner or operator.

AR - HB1537 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING CERTAIN FEES UNDER THE ARKANSAS

HAZMAT EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ACT.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Scott Baltz (D)Last Action: Notification that HB1537 is now Act 944 (April 2, 2015)Increases the annual fee to $1,000 for each facility required to file one or more toxic chemicalrelease forms.

AR - HB1592 TO CLARIFY REQUIREMENTS FOR OBTAINING A CERTIFICATE OF PUBLIC

CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY FROM THE ARKANSAS PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION;

AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Rick Beck (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1592 is now Act 842 (March 31, 2015)Notes: Allows the Arkansas Public Service Commission to grant or deny all or part of an applicationfor public convenience and necessity after a hearing.

AR - HB1633 TO ALLOW A UTILITY TO ENTER INTO A POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENT.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Warwick Sabin (D)Last Action: Notification that HB1633 is now Act 1088 (April 6, 2015)Restricts a utility from entering into a power purchase agreement for a term more than 5years unless the commission finds that certain criteria are met.

AR - HB1655 TO REFORM RATE MAKING OF PUBLIC UTILITIES; AND TO DECLARE AN

EMERGENCY.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Charlie Collins (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1655 is now Act 725 (March 30, 2015)Requires an annual review of a public utility's rates to determine whether or not adjustmentsare needed to stay in compliance.

AR - HB1777 PERMITTING A PROCESS SERVER TO ACCESS CERTAIN UTILITY COMPANY

OR UTILITY SYSTEM INFORMATION.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Dwight Tosh (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1777 is now Act 878 (April 1, 2015)

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XII. ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT AND UTILITIES

Requires the release of information to a court-appointed process server.

AR - SB47 TO AUTHORIZE THE ARKANSAS OIL AND GAS COMMISSION TO FORM BRINE

EXPANSION UNITS CONTAINING ONE OR MORE BRINE PRODUCTION WELLS OR BRINE

INJECTION WELLS AND TO CLARIFY THE ANNUAL ADJUSTMENT OF IN-LIEU ROYALTY

PAYMENTS.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Bobby J. Pierce (D)Last Action: Notification that SB47 is now Act 89 (February 17, 2015)Allows the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission to designate brine expansion units in areasadjacent to existing units.

AR - SB183 TO CREATE PROCEDURES FOR OVERSIGHT OF FOSSIL-FUEL-FIRED ELECTRIC

GENERATING UNITS; TO REGULATE CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS; AND TO CREATE

PROCEDURES FOR APPROVAL OF THE STATE PLAN BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Eddie Joe Williams (R)Last Action: Notification that SB183 is now Act 382 (March 12, 2015)Implements procedures for the creation of a "state plan," to be approved by the LegislativeCouncil or the Governor, as required by the EPA's anticipated rule regulating carbon dioxideemissions from power plants.

AR - SB197 TO EXEMPT CERTAIN CUSTOMER AND CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE RECORDS

OF MUNICIPALLY OWNED UTILITY SYSTEMS FROM DISCLOSURE; AND TO DECLARE AN

EMERGENCY.

Primary Sponsor: Senator John Cooper (R)Last Action: Notification that SB197 is now Act 186 (February 25, 2015)Creates exemptions from the Freedom of Information Act for certain municipal utilityinformation such as customer usage data and personal information.

AR - SB667 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE NECESSARY AUTHORIZATION OF A

PUBLIC UTILITY'S EVIDENCE OF INDEBTEDNESS.

Primary Sponsor: Senator David J. Sanders (R)Last Action: Notification that SB667 is now Act 899 (April 2, 2015)Where a public utility is also a regional transmission organization that is within the jurisdictionof the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC"), the debt is authorized by the FERC, and it

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XII. ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT AND UTILITIES

does not create a lien on property in the state, so no commission authorization is required.

AR - SB727 TO MODIFY THE REGULATION OF PUBLIC UTILITIES BY THE ARKANSAS PUBLIC

SERVICE COMMISSION; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Terry Rice (R)Last Action: Notification that SB727 is now Act 1000 (April 6, 2015)Authorizes public utilities to recover certain construction and equipment expenses forrequired compliance with legislation or administrative rules.

AR - SB778 TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR HEARINGS BEFORE THE OIL AND GAS

COMMISSION; AND TO PROVIDE THE OIL AND GAS COMMISSION WITH FLEXIBILITY

REGARDING THE HOLDING OF HEARINGS.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Bruce Maloch (D)Last Action: Notification that SB778 is now Act 906 (April 2, 2015)Changes language requiring a public hearing before new rules or orders by the Arkansas Oiland Gas Commission can be effective to now only require "an opportunity for a public hearing."

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XIII. LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT

AR - HB1116 TO REVISE THE HOURS OF EMPLOYMENT ALLOWED FOR CHILDREN UNDER

SEVENTEEN (17) YEARS OF AGE AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Mark Lowery (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1116 is now Act 162 (February 23, 2015)Lowers the age under which a person is subject to age-based hour restrictions from 18 years

old to 17 years old.

AR - HB1274 TO AMEND THE PAYMENT FOR CLAIMS TO COVERED PUBLIC EMPLOYEES,

DESIGNATED BENEFICIARIES, OR SURVIVORS OF PUBLIC EMPLOYEES.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Greg Leding (D)Last Action: Notification that HB1274 is now Act 341 (March 6, 2015)Extends the applicable $150,000 payment of claims to designated beneficiaries of certainpublic employees killed in the line of duty to firefighters killed from cancers caused from exposure toa known carcinogen during employment.

AR - HB1418 TO AMEND CIVIL SERVICE LAW WITH REGARD TO THE UNIFORMED

SERVICES EMPLOYMENT AND REEMPLOYMENT RIGHTS ACT.

Primary Sponsor: Representative David Whitaker (D)Last Action: Notification that HB1418 is now Act 579 (March 20, 2015)Updates Arkansas' Civil Service Law to the extent necessary to comply with the UniformedServices Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994.

AR - HB1489 TO AMEND THE MAXIMUM BENEFIT PERIOD AND WEEKLY BENEFIT AMOUNT

UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE SERVICES LAW.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Lane Jean (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1489 is now Act 412 (March 16, 2015)Changes the amount of an insured worker's weekly benefit amount to 1/26th of his of heraverage wages for insured work paid during the four quarters of his or her base period, as opposedto 1/26th of the total wages during the one quarter in which the wages were highest. Also limits themaximum potential benefits of an insured worker in a benefit year to 20 times the insured's weeklybenefit amount.

AR - HB1540 TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF EMPLOYMENT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF

WORKFORCE SERVICES LAW.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Robin Lundstrum (R)

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XIII. LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT

Last Action: Notification that HB1540 is now Act 945 (April 2, 2015)Changes the definition of employment to make it easier to qualify as an "independentcontractor."

AR - HB1637 TO ALLOW EMPLOYER REFERENCES TO BE DELIVERED IN VARIOUS MEDIA;

AND TO CLARIFY THE TIMELINESS OF AN EMPLOYMENT REFERENCE CONSENT FORM

FOR AN EMPLOYEE WHO REMAINS WITH AN EMPLOYER FOR LESS THAN SIX MONTHS.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Camille Bennett (D)Last Action: Notification that HB1637 is now Act 949 (April 2, 2015)Allows a current or former employer to disclose information regarding a current or formeremployee's employment history in an electronic format.

AR - HB1957 TO DETERMINE A TIME FRAME FOR A PUBLIC SCHOOL EMPLOYEE TO OPT IN

OR OPT OUT OF MEMBERSHIP IN A LABOR ORGANIZATION.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Grant Hodges (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1957 is now Act 964 (April 2, 2015)Allows a public school employee to join or terminate membership in a labor organization atany time, and prohibits a labor organization or employer from restricting the time that a public schoolemployee may join or terminate that membership.

AR - HB1997 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING RESTRICTIONS ON CURRENT AND

FORMER EMPLOYEES.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Stephen Magie (D)Last Action: Returned to the House as Passed. (March 27, 2015)Makes it a breach of ethical standards for a former state employee to engage in sellingcommodities or services to the state for one year following the date employment ceased foremployees whose previous state salary was more than $15,000.

AR - SB790 TO CLARIFY THE LAW REGARDING EMPLOYEE BENEFITS AND EMPLOYER

CONTRIBUTIONS UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE SERVICES LAW.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Jeremy Hutchinson (R)Last Action: Notification that SB790 is now Act 690 (March 26, 2015)Updates unemployment laws, including clarifying that persons terminated after a positivedrug test are not eligible for unemployment benefits; provides that a determination of liability forunemployment tax is final unless the employer timely requests an administrative determination.

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XIII. LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT

AR - SB842 TO EXEMPT SERVICES PROVIDED BY CERTAIN LEGALLY ADMITTED ALIENS

FROM THE DEFINITION OF EMPLOYMENT UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE

SERVICES LAW.

Primary Sponsor: Senator David J. Sanders (R)Last Action: Notification that SB842 is now Act 1128 (April 7, 2015)Adds to the exclusions from the definition of "employment" agricultural services performed bya legally admitted alien.

AR - SB913 TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "EMPLOYMENT" UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF

WORKFORCE SERVICES LAW.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Bart Hester (R)Last Action: Notification that SB913 is now Act 1133 (April 7, 2015)Adds to the exclusions from the definition of "employment" services performed by full timestudents in the employ of an organized camp (as described in 26 U.S.C. 3306).

AR - SB998 TO PROVIDE FOR THE ENFORCEABILITY OF A COVENANT NOT TO COMPETE

AGREEMENT.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Jeremy Hutchinson (R)Last Action: Notification that SB998 is now Act 921 (April 2, 2015)Significantly changes the law applying to covenants not to compete in most employmentcontexts: adding a presumption that a 2 year non-compete term for an employee is reasonable;eliminating the common law requirement of a geographic restriction on the non-compete area; andauthorizing courts to rewrite the terms of a non-compete to make the agreement reasonable.

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XIV. TRANSPORTATION

AR - HB1258 TO RE-ESTABLISH THE LEGISLATIVE TASK FORCE ON INTERMODAL

TRANSPORTATION AND COMMERCE.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Mathew W. Pitsch (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1258 is now Act 166 (February 23, 2015)Re-establishes the legislative task force on Intermodal Transportation and Commerce tostudy the creation of a new, coordinated multimodal Department of Transportation.

AR - HB1404 TO REGULATE SELF-SERVICE STORAGE FACILITIES; TO ALLOW AN

OPERATOR TO REMOVE MOTORIZED PERSONAL PROPERTY IF AN OCCUPANT IS IN

DEFAULT.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Ron McNair (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1404 is now Act 348 (March 6, 2015)Authorizes operators of self-service storage facilities to remove motor vehicles, trailers, andwatercraft belonging to a delinquent renter; after the property is removed from the facility, theoperator is no longer liable for the personal property.

AR - HB1415 TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS UNIFORM COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSE ACT TO

COMPLY WITH THE FEDERAL COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSE REGULATIONS, AND TO

DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Mary P. "Prissy" Hickerson (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1415 is now Act 578 (March 20, 2015)Revises the definition of "commercial motor vehicle" to incorporate Group A, B, and C vehicles;provides that a third-party driver license tester shall maintain a bond to pay for the retestingof drivers; extends the time a person employed in a military position requiring operation of acommercial motor vehicle has to waive the skills testing from 90 days to 12 months.

AR - HB1613 TO CREATE A DRIVER MONITORING PROGRAM ADMINISTERED BY THE

OFFICE OF DRIVER SERVICES; AND TO AUTHORIZE THE OFFICE OF DRIVER SERVICES TO

FURNISH DRIVER MONITORING REPORTS.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Mary P. "Prissy" Hickerson (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1613 is now Act 702 (March 25, 2015)Creates a driver monitoring program to provide monthly driving reports to insurancecompanies.

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XIV. TRANSPORTATION

AR - SB613 TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS UNPAVED ROADS PROGRAM ACT; TO PROVIDE

GRANTS TO COUNTIES FOR UNPAVED ROAD PROJECTS; AND TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS

UNPAVED ROADS PROGRAM FUND.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Missy Irvin (R)Last Action: Notification that SB613 is now Act 898 (April 2, 2015)Establishes the Arkansas Unpaved Roads Program, which is aimed at providing funding forunpaved road projects throughout the state.

AR - SB755 TO IMPROVE INTRASTATE COMMERCE; TO REGULATE THE PRACTICES OF

THE MOTOR CARRIER INDUSTRY; TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Jon Woods (R)Last Action: Notification that SB755 is now Act 572 (March 24, 2015)Provides that motor carrier transportation contracts that purport to indemnify, defend, or holdharmless the promisee from liability for loss or damage from negligent acts and omissions are voidand unenforceable; provides specific exceptions.

AR - SB800 TO ENSURE THE SAFETY, RELIABILITY, AND COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF

TRANSPORTATION NETWORK COMPANY SERVICES; AND TO PRESERVE AND ENHANCE

ACCESS TO TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS FOR THE STATE'S RESIDENTS AND VISITORS.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Jason Rapert (R)Last Action: Notification that SB800 is now Act 1050 (April 6, 2015)Establishes the Transportation Network Company Services Act which provides regulationsfor companies that use a website, digital network, or software application to operate a networkoffering transportation services.

AR - SB871 CONCERNING ISSUANCE OF A SPECIAL PERMIT FOR TRANSPORTATION OF A

CONTAINERIZED CARGO UNIT AND TO MODIFY RESTRICTIONS AND COMPLIANCE

REQUIREMENTS FOR TRANSPORTATION OF A SPECIAL CARGO UNIT.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Jimmy Hickey (R)Last Action: Notification that SB871 is now Act 740 (March 27, 2015)Provides that a special permit may be issued that authorizes the movement of sealedcontainerized cargo units by one vehicle for a period of either one trip, which must be completedwithin 6 days of the permit's issuance, or for a one year period along a specified route.

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XV. RETAIL AND TECHNOLOGY

AR - HB1315 TO BE KNOWN AS THE "KELSEY SMITH ACT"; TO REQUIRE CERTAIN

COMMUNICATIONS CARRIERS TO COOPERATE WITH A CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION IN

CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Rebecca Petty (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1315 is now Act 405 (March 13, 2015)Requires telecommunication providers to cooperate with law enforcement in providinglocation data on a wireless device in order to respond to a call for emergency services or in anemergency situation that involves the risk of death or serious physical harm.

AR - HB1770 CONCERNING THE REGULATION OF AERONAUTICS; TO RESTRICT THE USE

OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; AND TO PROVIDE

FOR CRIMINAL PENALTIES AND CIVIL LIABILITY.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Matthew J. Shepherd (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1770 is now Act 1019 (April 2, 2015)Prohibits using a "unmanned aircraft system" (drone) to collect surveillance relating to criticalinfrastructure such as power generation facilities and oil refineries.

AR - SB215 TO AMEND THE EXCEPTION TO THE REQUIREMENT THAT A CITY OR TOWN

HAVE A REFERENDUM ELECTION TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

FOR ON-PREMISES CONSUMPTION.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Bill Sample (R)Last Action: Notification that SB215 is now Act 383 (March 12, 2015)Permits a property owners' association with at least 5,000 members to authorize the sale ofalcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption by ordinance. Previously only cities were allowedto authorize by ordinance the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption.

AR - SB745 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE TAX APPLICABLE TO COIN-OPERATED

AMUSEMENT DEVICES; AND TO AMEND THE DEFINITIONS APPLICABLE TO

COIN-OPERATED AMUSEMENT DEVICES.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Jeremy Hutchinson (R)Last Action: Notification that SB745 is now Act 1209 (April 8, 2015)Increases the maximum wholesale value of toys or novelties that may be given tocoin-operated game players accumulating redeemable representations of value to $500.00.

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XV. RETAIL AND TECHNOLOGY

AR - SB1027 TO AUTHORIZE HOLDERS OF VESTED ALCOHOL PERMITS TO USE THE SAME

NAME FOR EACH OF THE BUSINESSES OPERATED BY THE VESTED PERMIT HOLDER.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Jon Woods (R)Last Action: Notification that SB1027 is now Act 1142 (April 7, 2015)Allows a holder of a vested alcohol permit to use the same logo, name, or both for anybusiness that is operated under that permit.

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XVI. CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE

AR - HB1008 TO REGULATE THE FAIRNESS IN THE BIDDING PRACTICES FOR THE

CONSTRUCTION OF PUBLICLY FUNDED PROJECTS; AND TO MODIFY THE RETAINAGE

LAWS OF THE STATE OF ARKANSAS.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Reginald Murdock (D)Last Action: Notification that HB1008 is now Act 866 (April 1, 2015)Authorizes a public agency that is holding 5% of the payment to a contractor to release thosefunds in certain circumstances; requires contractors holding 5% of the payment to a subcontractor torelease those funds if the subcontractor completes 50% of the subcontract.

AR - HB1244 TO CLARIFY THE REAL ESTATE LICENSE LAW, THE DEFINITION OF

"PRINCIPAL BROKER", AND CERTAIN REAL ESTATE LICENSE EXEMPTIONS.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Laurie Rushing (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1244 is now Act 278 (February 27, 2015)Includes a person who assigns options on real estate or improvements to real estate in thedefinition of "principal broker"; includes profits and distributions of an entity in the provisionexempting certain corporate officers, members, or partners from real estate licensure.

AR - HB1392 TO CREATE A GOOD SAMARITAN LAW FOR ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS; TO

AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS; AND TO PROVIDE

PROTECTION TO CERTAIN ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS PROVIDING VOLUNTEER

SERVICES.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Douglas House (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1392 is now Act 534 (March 18, 2015)Notes: Provides that architects and engineers providing volunteer professional services following anatural disaster shall have immunity from damages for personal injury, wrongful death, propertydamage, or other losses related to the architect's and engineer's acts, errors, or omissions inperformance of the professional service.

AR - HB1455 TO MODIFY THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE ARKANSAS APPRAISER LICENSING

AND CERTIFICATION BOARD; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

Primary Sponsor: Representative Justin Boyd (R)Last Action: Notification that HB1455 is now Act 695 (March 25, 2015)Modifies the qualifications for members of the Arkansas Appraiser Licensing and CertificationBoard; requires organizations to annually submit to the governor recommendations for appointmentto the Board.

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XVI. CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE

AR - SB181 TO REGULATE FOUNDATION REPAIR CONTRACTS.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Eddie Joe Williams (R)Last Action: Notification that SB181 is now Act 687 (March 26, 2015)Creates regulations for foundation repair contracts to prevent deceptive business practices.

AR - SB426 TO CREATE THE FAIR AND OPEN COMPETITION IN GOVERNMENTAL

CONSTRUCTION ACT; TO ENSURE FAIRNESS IN GOVERNMENTAL CONSTRUCTION

CONTRACTS.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Jon Woods (R)Last Action: Notification that SB426 is now Act 600 (March 24, 2015)Establishes the Fair and Open Competition in Governmental Construction Act, whichprohibits public agency construction contracts from containing a term that would encourage ordiscourage potential contractors from entering into collective bargaining agreements.

AR - SB488 TO PROHIBIT ENFORCEMENT OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS IN CONSTRUCTION

AGREEMENTS AND CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Jason Rapert (R)Last Action: Notification that SB488 is now Act 1110 (April 7, 2015)Prohibits enforcement of a clause or provision in a construction contract that requireslitigation or arbitration to be conducted in another state; exempts oil and gas contracts.

AR - SB631 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE COST OF WORK AND MATERIALS

REQUIRING A GENERAL CONTRACTOR'S LICENSE.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Bart Hester (R)Last Action: Notification that SB631 is now Act 1048 (April 6, 2015)Increases the project cost threshold that requires management by a licensed generalcontractor from $20,000 to $50,000.

AR - SB726 TO PROMOTE FAIR AND EQUITABLE ALLOCATION OF LIABILITY IN

CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Jake Files (R)Last Action: Notification that SB726 is now Act 1120 (April 7, 2015)Revises the provision that construction contracts with a hold harmless clause areunenforceable under certain circumstances.

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XVI. CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE

AR - SB754 TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE TRAINING AND LICENSURE OF

ELECTRICIANS.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Bart Hester (R)Last Action: Notification that SB754 is now Act 1122 (April 7, 2015)Provides standards for supervision and training of apprentice electricians.

AR - SB814 TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS UNDERGROUND FACILITIES DAMAGE PREVENTION

ACT.

Primary Sponsor: Senator Bobby J. Pierce (D)Last Action: Notification that SB814 is now Act 908 (April 2, 2015)Requires that immediately upon discovery of damage to an underground facility, the personresponsible shall notify the One Call Center and that the facility operator must inspect the damagewithin two days and make repairs within a reasonable time.

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