RELATING TO FLOOD MITIGATION.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Shirley Templo

House Bill 1359 streamlines flood mitigation funding in Arkansas, enhancing drainage systems and support for communities vulnerable to flooding through clearer financial management.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.

#appropriation($) #dlnr #drainagesystems #grants #residentialfloodmitigation

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1359 aims to enhance flood mitigation efforts in Arkansas by making technical corrections to existing public finance laws. The bill is designed to streamline the management of funds related to flood mitigation and ensure that resources are effectively allocated for drainage systems and residential flood mitigation projects.

Key Provisions

Technical Corrections: The bill proposes amendments to Title 19 of the Arkansas Code, specifically addressing exemptions from cash fund expenditure laws. This includes repealing obsolete language and making stylistic updates to improve clarity.

Exemptions: The bill clarifies that certain entities, such as the Arkansas Comprehensive Health Insurance Pool and the Arkansas Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Fund, are exempt from specific provisions regarding cash fund expenditures.

Funding Allocation: It outlines the use of the State Insurance Department Trust Fund for:

Covering administrative and regulatory expenses of the State Insurance Department.
Supporting the Arkansas Comprehensive Health Insurance Pool.
Funding capital expenditures and training for certified fire departments.

Legislative Intent: The bill emphasizes that its enactment does not repeal any acts passed during the current legislative session and clarifies how conflicts between this bill and other acts should be resolved.

Affected Parties

State Agencies: The Arkansas Department of Natural Resources (DLNR) and other state agencies involved in flood mitigation and emergency management will be directly impacted by the changes in funding and administrative processes.

Local Governments and Communities: Residential areas prone to flooding will benefit from improved drainage systems and flood mitigation strategies funded through the provisions of this bill.

Insurance Entities: Organizations involved in health and casualty insurance may see changes in their operational guidelines due to the amendments made to the Arkansas Code.

Procedural Aspects

Introduced: January 31, 2025

Status: The bill has been deferred by the committee on WTL as of March 14, 2025, indicating that further discussion or amendments may be needed before it can proceed.

Legislative Journey: The bill has undergone multiple readings and committee reviews, with significant actions occurring between January 31 and February 25, 2025, including passing through the House and Senate.

Conclusion

House Bill 1359 represents a legislative effort to improve flood mitigation strategies in Arkansas through technical corrections to existing laws. By clarifying funding mechanisms and administrative processes, the bill seeks to enhance the state's ability to manage flood risks effectively. As it moves through the legislative process, further discussions will determine its final form and implementation.

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