RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL WORKFORCE HOUSING.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kirstin Kahaloa

House Bill 1294 establishes a working group to improve housing for agricultural workers in Arkansas, enhancing their living conditions and supporting the agricultural sector.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.

#agriculturalworkforcehousingworkinggroup #appropriations($) #doa #report

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HB 1294
Introduced: January 29, 2025
Status: Scheduled for Conference Committee Meeting on April 25, 2025, at 9:00 AM in Conference Room 224.
Subject: Agricultural Workforce Housing Working Group, Appropriations, Department of Agriculture (DOA), report.

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1294 aims to address the critical need for agricultural workforce housing in Arkansas. The bill seeks to establish a framework for the development and management of housing solutions tailored specifically for agricultural workers, thereby supporting the agricultural sector's growth and sustainability.

Key Provisions

Establishment of a Working Group: The bill proposes the formation of an Agricultural Workforce Housing Working Group. This group will be responsible for assessing the housing needs of agricultural workers and recommending strategies to improve housing availability and quality.

Appropriations: The bill includes provisions for appropriating funds to support the initiatives outlined by the working group. Specific dollar amounts for these appropriations are not detailed in the current version of the bill.

Reporting Requirements: The working group will be required to submit regular reports to the Department of Agriculture (DOA) and the General Assembly, detailing progress, challenges, and recommendations regarding agricultural workforce housing.

Impact

Who Will Be Affected

Agricultural Workers: The primary beneficiaries of this bill will be agricultural workers who often face challenges in finding affordable and adequate housing.

Farmers and Agricultural Employers: Improved housing solutions may enhance workforce stability and productivity, benefiting employers in the agricultural sector.

Local Communities: Communities that host agricultural workers may see economic benefits from increased housing development and improved living conditions.

Procedural Aspects

Legislative Timeline:

The bill was introduced on January 29, 2025, and has undergone several readings and amendments in various committees.
It was withdrawn by the author on February 20, 2025, but has since been reintroduced and is currently scheduled for a conference committee meeting.

Related Legislation: HB 1294 is related to Senate Bill 498, which may address similar issues regarding agricultural workforce housing.

Conclusion

House Bill 1294 represents a significant step towards addressing the housing needs of agricultural workers in Arkansas. By establishing a dedicated working group and providing for necessary appropriations, the bill aims to create sustainable housing solutions that support the agricultural industry and enhance the quality of life for workers. The upcoming conference committee meeting will be crucial in determining the bill's future and potential amendments.

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