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HB 1898

INC TX-DEDUCTION FOR TIPS

104th Regular Session Introduced by Jennifer Sanalitro and 1 co-sponsor

Act 837 enhances Arkansas' oversight of alcohol, tobacco, medical marijuana, and gambling by creating new regulatory divisions with law enforcement authority.

Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Dennis Tipsword
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Bill Summary · HB 1898

Summary of House Bill 1898 (Act 837)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1898, now known as Act 837, aims to enhance regulatory oversight and enforcement related to alcohol, tobacco, medical marijuana, and gambling within the State of Arkansas. The bill establishes two new divisions within the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA): the Regulatory Division and the Regulatory Enforcement Division. This restructuring is intended to streamline regulatory functions and improve law enforcement capabilities in these areas.

Key Provisions

  • Creation of Divisions:

    • Regulatory Division: This division will include the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division (ABC), Arkansas Tobacco Control (ATC), the Arkansas Racing Commission, and the newly formed Regulatory Enforcement Division.
    • Regulatory Enforcement Division: This division will function as a law enforcement agency with the authority to investigate violations of laws related to alcohol, tobacco, medical marijuana, and gambling.

  • Appointment of Leadership:

    • The Secretary of the DFA will appoint a Regulatory Administrator to oversee the Regulatory Division and a Director for the Regulatory Enforcement Division. Both will serve at the Secretary's discretion.

  • Law Enforcement Authority:

    • Personnel within the Regulatory Enforcement Division can be designated as agents with full law enforcement authority. These agents will have statewide jurisdiction to conduct investigations and enforce relevant laws and regulations.

  • Reporting Structure:

    • The Director of the Regulatory Enforcement Division will report to the Regulatory Administrator and will present findings from investigations to the appropriate regulatory boards (e.g., Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, Medical Marijuana Commission).

Impact

  • Affected Entities:

    • The bill will impact regulatory bodies overseeing alcohol, tobacco, medical marijuana, and gambling in Arkansas. It will also affect personnel within these divisions, who will now have a unified title of "Regulatory Agent."

  • No Fiscal Impact:

    • According to the fiscal impact statement, the implementation of this bill is not expected to incur additional costs or require additional resources from taxpayers.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: March 31, 2025
  • Passed: The bill was read and passed through both the House and Senate on April 14, 2025.
  • Enrolled: The bill was correctly enrolled and transmitted to the Governor's Office on April 15, 2025.
  • Act Status: The bill was officially notified as Act 837 on April 17, 2025.

This summary provides an overview of House Bill 1898, detailing its purpose, key provisions, and the expected impact on regulatory enforcement in Arkansas.

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

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