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SB 265

RELATING TO COMPENSATION FOR COURT-APPOINTED REPRESENTATION.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Ron Kouchi

Senate Bill 265 streamlines Arkansas' wastewater and solid waste licensing committees by reducing membership and updating apprenticeship requirements for efficiency.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
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Bill Summary · SB 265

Summary of Senate Bill 265 (SB 265)

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 265 (SB 265) aims to modify the structure and membership of two licensing committees in Arkansas: the Wastewater Licensing Committee and the Solid Waste Licensing Committee. The bill seeks to streamline these committees by reducing their membership and updating certain provisions related to licensing and apprenticeship requirements in the field of environmental management.

Key Provisions

1. Wastewater Licensing Committee

  • Membership Reduction: The committee's membership will be reduced from eight (8) to five (5) members.
    • Composition:
    • Three (3) members will be active wastewater treatment plant operators licensed by the commission.
    • One (1) member will be an employee of a municipality operating a wastewater treatment plant.
    • One (1) member will be a faculty member from an accredited institution related to water resources or sanitary engineering.
    • The Director of the Division of Environmental Quality or a qualified staff member will serve as the executive secretary.

2. Solid Waste Licensing Committee

  • Membership Reduction: The committee's membership will also be reduced from seven (7) to five (5) voting members.
    • Composition:
    • Two (2) members will be solid waste management facility operators licensed by the division.
    • One (1) member will be an employee of a county operating a solid waste management facility.
    • One (1) member will be an employee of a municipality operating a sanitary landfill.
    • One (1) member will represent a regional solid waste management board.
    • Additional provisions include a representative from a solid waste operator training academy serving ex officio without a vote.

3. Apprenticeship Licenses

  • The bill amends the provisions related to apprenticeship licenses in solid waste licensing, allowing for the issuance of two-year apprenticeship licenses to operators-in-training.

4. Environmental Officer Eligibility

  • The eligibility criteria for individuals applying for training as environmental officers will be updated to include current employees of various governmental entities involved in solid waste management.

Impact

  • Affected Parties: The changes will primarily impact members of the Wastewater and Solid Waste Licensing Committees, as well as professionals involved in wastewater treatment and solid waste management in Arkansas.
  • Operational Efficiency: By reducing the number of committee members, the bill aims to enhance decision-making efficiency and streamline the licensing process for environmental professionals.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: February 20, 2025
  • Reported from JDC: February 4, 2025, with a recommendation for passage.
  • Passed Second Reading: March 10, 2025.
  • Amendments: House Amendment No. 1 was adopted on March 11, 2025.
  • Final Actions: The bill was ordered enrolled and delivered to the Governor on March 11, 2025, and subsequently became Act 294.

Related Legislation

  • Companion Bill: House Bill 398 (HB 398) is related to SB 265 and may address similar issues regarding environmental licensing and management.

This summary provides an overview of SB 265, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and the potential impact on environmental management in Arkansas.

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

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