RELATING TO EDUCATION.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Henry Aquino and 5 co-sponsors

Senate Bill 84 prevents Arkansas agencies from halting permit issuance in watersheds, ensuring continuous processing for developers while raising environmental concerns.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.

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Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 84 (SB 84) aims to prohibit state agencies in Arkansas from instituting a moratorium on the issuance of permits in watersheds and other bodies of water. This legislation seeks to ensure that permit applications continue to be processed without interruption, thereby promoting development and resource management in these areas.

Key Provisions

Prohibition on Moratoriums:

The bill establishes that no state agency, including the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Energy and Environment, can impose a moratorium on permit issuance in any watershed or body of water, such as the Buffalo River Watershed.

Approval Requirement:

If a state agency wishes to implement a moratorium, it must first obtain approval from the Legislative Council. This provision adds a layer of legislative oversight to any potential moratoriums.

Enforcement of Existing Moratoriums:

Any existing moratoriums related to watersheds or bodies of water that were instituted before the effective date of this act will become unenforceable once the act takes effect.

Affected Parties

State Agencies: The bill directly impacts state agencies responsible for environmental and agricultural oversight by limiting their authority to impose moratoriums.

Developers and Permit Applicants: Individuals and organizations seeking permits for development or resource extraction in watersheds will benefit from the assurance that their applications will be processed without delay.

Environmental Groups: Organizations focused on conservation may be concerned about the implications of this bill, as it could lead to increased development in sensitive ecological areas.

Procedural Aspects

Introduced: January 21, 2025

Legislative Actions:

The bill was read for the first time and rules were suspended on January 21, 2025.
It was referred to the Agriculture, Forestry & Economic Development Committee on the same day.
The bill was withdrawn from committee and placed on the calendar on April 9, 2025, but was subsequently withdrawn by the author.

Sine Die Adjournment: The legislative session adjourned on May 5, 2025, which may affect the bill's future consideration.

Conclusion

Senate Bill 84 seeks to streamline the permitting process in Arkansas by prohibiting moratoriums on permits in watersheds and other bodies of water. While it aims to facilitate development, it raises potential concerns regarding environmental oversight and conservation efforts. The bill's progress and implications will be closely monitored by various stakeholders in the state.

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