WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HJR 1008

AN AMENDMENT TO THE ARKANSAS CONSTITUTION CONCERNING THE TAXATION OF PERSONAL PROPERTY AND REAL PROPERTY IN THE STATE OF ARKANSAS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Stephen Meeks

HJR 1008 sought to allow Arkansas lawmakers to reduce or exempt personal property taxes, potentially lowering tax burdens for residents and impacting local revenue.

Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HJR 1008

Summary of HJR 1008: Amendment to the Arkansas Constitution on Property Taxation

Bill Number: HJR 1008
Title: An Amendment to the Arkansas Constitution Concerning the Taxation of Personal Property and Real Property in the State of Arkansas
Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment
Introduced: January 28, 2025
Classification: Joint Resolution

Purpose and Intent

HJR 1008 aimed to propose an amendment to the Arkansas Constitution that would grant the General Assembly the authority to modify property tax rates on personal property. The intent was to provide flexibility in taxation, potentially allowing for reductions or exemptions on personal property taxes, which could impact taxpayers across the state.

Key Provisions

The proposed amendment included several significant changes to the existing tax structure:

  • Authority to Reduce or Eliminate Taxes: The General Assembly would be empowered to:

    • Reduce the rates of taxation on personal property.
    • Exempt personal property from taxation entirely.
    • Establish a maximum rate of taxation for personal property.

  • Modification of Existing Constitutional Provisions: The amendment sought to repeal the requirement that the millage rate for personal property must equal that of real property. This would allow for different tax rates for personal and real property.

  • Legislative Process: Any legislation enacted under this amendment would require a majority vote from both houses of the General Assembly and would supersede any conflicting provisions in the Arkansas Constitution.

  • Effective Date: If approved by voters, the amendment would take effect on or after January 1, 2027.

Impact

Affected Parties

  • Taxpayers: Arkansas voters would have the opportunity to approve or reject changes to property tax provisions, potentially leading to lower taxes on personal property.
  • Local Governments: Changes in tax rates could affect local government revenue from property taxes, impacting funding for public services.

Fiscal Considerations

The fiscal impact of the amendment was described as undetermined, with potential implications for collections of both real and personal property taxes. County assessors and tax collectors would need to update their systems and train staff if the amendment were approved.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced and referred to the Committee on State Agencies & Governmental Affairs on January 28, 2025.
  • It ultimately died in the House Committee on May 5, 2025, at Sine Die adjournment, meaning it did not advance for a vote.

Conclusion

HJR 1008 represented an attempt to amend the Arkansas Constitution to provide more flexibility in property taxation, particularly concerning personal property. While it aimed to empower the General Assembly to adjust tax rates and create exemptions, the bill did not progress through the legislative process.

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

Sign in to ask a question.