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HB 1855

FOIA-JUDICIAL BRANCH

104th Regular Session Introduced by Curtis Tarver

Act 818 empowers the Arkansas Department of Agriculture to adjust fire protection district boundaries, enhancing coverage and safety in overlapping or underserved areas.

Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 1855

Summary of House Bill 1855 (Act 818)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1855, now known as Act 818, aims to amend existing laws regarding the powers and duties of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture and the Arkansas Forestry Commission. The primary focus of the bill is to enhance the authority of the Department of Agriculture in managing fire protection district boundaries, particularly in cases where boundaries overlap or are contiguous.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several significant changes to the current legal framework:

  1. Authority to Adjust Boundaries:

    • The Arkansas Forestry Commission, under the Department of Agriculture, is granted the authority to recommend adjustments to fire protection district boundaries that are:
      • Overlapping
      • Abutting areas without fire protection services
      • Contiguous to other districts

  2. Adjustment Process:

    • If a district requests a boundary adjustment, the Department of Agriculture must notify the district regarding the recommendation.
    • The district must file a petition with the county court within 30 days of receiving the recommendation.
    • Public notice of the county court hearing must be published at least one week prior to the hearing.

  3. County Court Decision:

    • The county court will consider the recommended adjustments and can:
      • Accept the recommendation
      • Reject it and maintain existing boundaries
      • Adjust the boundaries as deemed appropriate, with a legal description and map provided in the court order.

  4. Definition of "District":

    • The bill clarifies that "district" includes various entities providing fire protection services, such as:
      • Nonprofit fire protection corporations
      • Volunteer fire departments
      • Rural fire departments
      • Suburban fire improvement districts

Impact

The amendments proposed in HB 1855 are expected to streamline the process of adjusting fire protection district boundaries, thereby improving fire service coverage in areas with overlapping or insufficient protection. This could enhance community safety and ensure that fire protection services are more effectively allocated.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: March 19, 2025
  • Passed House: April 3, 2025
  • Passed Senate: April 14, 2025
  • Enrolled and Transmitted to Governor: April 15, 2025
  • Notification of Act 818: April 17, 2025

This bill reflects an effort to modernize and clarify the responsibilities of the Department of Agriculture and the Arkansas Forestry Commission in managing fire protection services, ultimately benefiting communities across Arkansas.

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

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