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SB 31

COURT REVIEW-PERMANENCY HEARNG

104th Regular Session Introduced by Javier Cervantes and 11 co-sponsors

Senate Bill 31 aimed to invalidate discriminatory property covenants, promoting equity in housing, but was vetoed, halting reforms for affected homeowners and real estate professionals.

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Bill Summary · SB 31

Summary of Senate Bill 31 (SB 31)

Bill Overview

Bill Number: SB 31
Title: Relating to Property
Status: Vetoed on July 3, 2025 (Returned from the Governor without approval)
Introduced: January 13, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Discriminatory Restrictive Covenants, Immunity, Invalidation of Covenants, Property

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 31 aimed to address issues related to discriminatory restrictive covenants in property law. The bill sought to invalidate such covenants, which have historically been used to discriminate against certain groups in housing and property ownership. The intent was to promote equity and inclusivity in property transactions and ownership.

Key Provisions

  • Invalidation of Discriminatory Covenants: The bill proposed the removal of any existing discriminatory restrictive covenants from property records, thereby nullifying their legal standing.
  • Immunity Provisions: It included provisions that would grant immunity to individuals or entities that acted in good faith to remove or invalidate these covenants.
  • Administrative Changes: The bill outlined appropriations for the Department of Labor and Licensing, specifically for the Workers' Compensation Commission, to support the implementation of these changes.

Appropriations

The bill included significant financial appropriations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, including:
- Total Appropriated Amount: $11,902,391 for personal services and operating expenses.
- Specific Allocations:
- Regular Salaries: $7,027,198
- Extra Help: $100,000
- Personal Services Matching: $2,454,898
- Overtime: $10,000
- Maintenance and General Operations: $1,305,495

Affected Parties

The bill would have impacted:
- Homeowners and potential homeowners who have been affected by discriminatory covenants.
- Real estate professionals and organizations involved in property transactions.
- The Department of Labor and Licensing, particularly the Workers' Compensation Commission, which would have been responsible for implementing the bill's provisions.

Legislative Timeline

  • January 13, 2025: Bill introduced and passed the first reading.
  • February 25, 2025: Notification that SB 31 is now Act 190.
  • May 2, 2025: Bill enrolled and sent to the Governor.
  • July 3, 2025: Vetoed by the Governor, returning the bill without approval.

Conclusion

Senate Bill 31 represented a significant legislative effort to eliminate discriminatory practices in property law within Arkansas. Despite its passage through various legislative stages, the bill ultimately faced a veto, preventing its implementation and the intended reforms in property ownership practices.

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

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