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HB 1638

Government and regulatory matters.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Bartels and 1 co-sponsor

HB 1638 updates Arkansas law to recognize the U.S. Space Force, granting its members access to benefits like tax exemptions and special license plates.

First reading: referred to Committee on Government and Regulatory Reform
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Bill Summary · HB 1638

Summary of HB 1638: Modernization of Armed Forces References

Bill Number: HB 1638
Title: To Modernize References to the United States Armed Forces; and to Amend Armed Forces and Uniformed Services Listings to Include the United States Space Force
Status: Now Act 508
Introduced: March 03, 2025
Sponsors: Representatives Painter and Ray, Senator Crowell

Purpose and Intent

The primary aim of HB 1638 is to modernize state law by formally recognizing the United States Space Force as the sixth branch of the United States Armed Forces and the eighth uniformed service of the United States. This bill seeks to update existing references in Arkansas statutes to include the Space Force, ensuring that its members and veterans are eligible for various benefits and protections currently available to other military branches.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant amendments to existing Arkansas laws, specifically:

  • Inclusion of the Space Force: The bill amends various statutes to explicitly include the United States Space Force in definitions and references to the United States Armed Forces.

  • Tax Benefits: Members of the Space Force and veterans will gain access to existing benefits, such as:

    • Income tax exemptions for military compensation and retirement benefits.
    • Eligibility for tax refund check-off and contribution programs.

  • Licensing and Vehicle Operation: The bill allows Space Force members to:

    • Be exempt from certain licensing requirements.
    • Operate motor vehicles registered in foreign states.

  • Special License Plates: The bill includes provisions for the issuance of special license plates for Space Force members.

Impact

Who is Affected?

  • Members and Veterans: Current and former members of the United States Space Force will benefit from the inclusion in state laws, allowing them access to various military-related benefits.

  • Taxpayers: While there are no direct changes to tax obligations for the general taxpayer, Space Force members may experience reduced state tax liabilities due to the newly accessible exemptions.

Fiscal and Resource Implications

  • Cost of Implementation: The Arkansas Integrated Revenue System (AIRS) will require modifications at an estimated cost of $28,000. Additionally, the Office of Motor Vehicle will incur costs of approximately $480 for new decals representing the Space Force.

  • No Direct Taxpayer Impact: The bill does not impose additional filing requirements on taxpayers beyond current processes for proving military service.

Procedural Timeline

  • March 03, 2025: Bill filed and read for the first time.
  • March 18, 2025: House Amendment No. 1 adopted, modifying references from "branch" to "regular" components of the Armed Forces.
  • April 08, 2025: Bill passed by the Senate and returned to the House.
  • April 10, 2025: Notification that HB 1638 is now Act 508.

Conclusion

HB 1638 represents a significant step in modernizing Arkansas law to reflect the establishment of the United States Space Force. By including this branch in various legal references and benefits, the bill aims to ensure that Space Force members receive the same recognition and support as their counterparts in other military branches.

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

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