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Bill Summary · SB 415

Summary of Senate Bill 415 (SB 415)

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 415 (SB 415) aims to enhance the regulatory framework surrounding the payment practices of businesses that purchase petroleum products from wholesalers in Arkansas. The bill authorizes the Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to maintain a delinquent list of businesses that fail to pay their wholesalers for petroleum products, thereby promoting accountability and ensuring timely payments in the petroleum supply chain.

Key Provisions

SB 415 introduces several significant changes to existing law:

  1. Reporting Delinquencies:

    • Wholesalers of petroleum products can report delinquent payments to the DEQ within two business days after a payment is due.
    • The report must include:
      • Name and address of the delinquent business
      • Amount due for the petroleum products
      • Date of sale and delivery

  2. Delinquent List Maintenance:

    • The DEQ is required to maintain a list of all reported delinquencies.
    • A business reported as delinquent will be "red-tagged," preventing further deliveries of petroleum products until the delinquency is resolved.

  3. Payment Requirements:

    • Delinquent businesses must settle their debts using specific payment methods, including cash, electronic transfers, or certified checks.
    • Wholesalers must report receipt of full payment to the DEQ by the next business day, leading to the removal of the "red tag."

  4. Dispute Resolution:

    • If a business disputes its delinquent status, it can submit a written statement to the DEQ, detailing the reasons for the dispute.
    • Wholesalers can also file statements regarding the delinquency, and the DEQ will review these submissions to determine if the "red tag" should be removed.

Affected Parties

  • Businesses: Any business that purchases petroleum products from wholesalers may be affected, particularly those that may struggle with timely payments.
  • Wholesalers: Petroleum wholesalers will benefit from a clearer process for reporting delinquencies and ensuring payment.
  • Division of Environmental Quality: The DEQ will take on additional responsibilities in managing the delinquent list and resolving disputes.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: March 10, 2025
  • Status: The bill was withdrawn by the author on March 18, 2025, and subsequently adjourned sine die on May 5, 2025. This means that the bill did not progress to a vote or further legislative action during the session.

Conclusion

SB 415 seeks to establish a structured approach to managing payment delinquencies in the petroleum industry, thereby promoting financial responsibility among businesses. While the bill was introduced and discussed, it ultimately did not advance through the legislative process.

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

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