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HB 1149

CONCERNING VEGETABLE GARDEN PROTECTION.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Breanne Davis and 1 co-sponsor

House Bill 1149 protects homeowners' rights to grow vegetable gardens on private property, preventing local governments from imposing restrictive regulations.

Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1149

Summary of House Bill 1149: Concerning Vegetable Garden Protection

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1149 was introduced to promote and safeguard the cultivation of vegetable gardens on private residential properties in Arkansas. The bill aims to encourage sustainable practices for growing vegetables and fruits for personal consumption or noncommercial sharing, recognizing this as an important interest of the state.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant provisions:

  1. Definitions:

    • "Prohibit": Refers to actions by local governments that prevent property owners from cultivating vegetable gardens, provided they comply with local laws and zoning requirements.
    • "Vegetable garden": Defined as a plot or elevated soil bed on private property where various edible plants, including vegetables, herbs, and fruits, are grown for personal use or noncommercial sharing.

  2. Cultivation Rights:

    • Individuals are permitted to cultivate vegetable gardens on their own private residential properties or on the properties of others with the owner's permission.
    • Local governments are explicitly prohibited from enacting regulations that would prevent the establishment of vegetable gardens on private residential properties.

Affected Parties

The bill primarily affects:
- Homeowners: Individuals who wish to grow their own vegetables and share them with others.
- Local Governments: Municipalities and counties that would be restricted from imposing regulations that limit vegetable gardening.

Legislative Actions and Timeline

  • Introduced: January 15, 2025
  • Passed House: February 3, 2025
  • Amendment Adopted: February 27, 2025
  • Died in Senate Committee: May 5, 2025, at Sine Die adjournment

The bill underwent several legislative actions, including amendments and committee reviews, but ultimately did not progress past the Senate committee stage.

Conclusion

House Bill 1149 sought to protect the rights of individuals to cultivate vegetable gardens on their properties, reflecting a growing interest in sustainable agriculture and local food production. Despite its introduction and support in the House, the bill did not advance through the Senate, highlighting the challenges faced by similar legislative efforts.

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

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