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HJR 1014

A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT CONCERNING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE STATE OF ARKANSAS; AND AUTHORIZING THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO PROVIDE FOR THE CREATION OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS TO PROMOTE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Howard Beaty and 1 co-sponsor

HJR 1014 aimed to create Economic Development Districts in Arkansas, boosting growth and job creation while offering tax exemptions and financing options for local projects.

Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HJR 1014

Summary of HJR 1014: Constitutional Amendment on Economic Development in Arkansas

Bill Number: HJR 1014
Introduced: February 12, 2025
Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment on May 5, 2025
Classification: Joint Resolution

Purpose and Intent

HJR 1014 proposed an amendment to the Arkansas Constitution aimed at enhancing economic development within the state. The bill sought to empower the General Assembly to create Economic Development Districts (EDDs) to facilitate economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure improvements.

Key Provisions

The main features of HJR 1014 included:

  1. Creation of Economic Development Districts (EDDs):

    • Designation of specific areas within cities, counties, or cooperative regions to promote economic development.
    • EDDs would have the authority to issue bonds for financing projects, which would not count against public debt limits.

  2. Financial Mechanisms:

    • The General Assembly could authorize loans and grants of public money for economic development purposes.
    • EDDs could levy taxes, assessments, or other charges on properties within their boundaries.

  3. Tax Exemptions:

    • Properties within EDDs would be exempt from property taxes unless levied by the district itself.
    • The bill aimed to retain tax exemptions for properties already exempt under existing laws.

  4. Procedural Requirements:

    • Any issuance of bonds or obligations for loans and grants would require a vote from the respective county, city, or municipality.

  5. Amendments Made:

    • House Amendment No. 1 removed the expansion of eminent domain powers and the authority for EDDs to subsidize utility infrastructure.

Impact

  • Local Tax Entities: If approved, local tax entities could experience a decrease in property tax collections due to the tax exemptions for properties within EDDs.
  • Property Owners: Owners of properties in EDDs would not be required to assess their business personal property, and real property would not undergo mandatory county-wide reappraisals.
  • Economic Development: The bill aimed to stimulate economic growth by providing financial resources and infrastructure improvements in designated areas.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced and read for the first time on February 12, 2025, and subsequently referred to the Committee on State Agencies & Governmental Affairs.
  • It underwent amendments and was reported correctly engrossed on March 13, 2025.
  • Ultimately, the bill did not progress beyond the House Committee and was declared dead at Sine Die adjournment on May 5, 2025.

Conclusion

HJR 1014 represented an effort to amend the Arkansas Constitution to foster economic development through the establishment of Economic Development Districts. While it included provisions for financial support and tax exemptions, the bill ultimately did not advance through the legislative process.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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