WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1361

RELATING TO SMALL BUSINESSES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Shirley Templo

HB 1361 updates Arkansas laws on public utilities, clarifies refund processes, and simplifies regulations, benefiting small businesses with potential fee waivers.

The committee(s) on ECD recommend(s) that the measure be deferred.
#appropriation($) #dcca #feewaiver #registrationfees #smallbusinesses
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1361

Summary of House Bill 1361 (HB 1361)

Overview

Bill Number: HB 1361
Title: Relating to Small Businesses
Status: Deferred by the committee(s) on ECD
Introduced: January 31, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Appropriation ($), DCCA, Fee Waiver, Registration Fees, Small Businesses

House Bill 1361 aims to make technical corrections to Title 23 of the Arkansas Code, specifically concerning public utilities and regulated industries. The bill seeks to clarify existing language, correct grammatical errors, and repeal obsolete provisions.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant sections that amend or reenact existing laws:

  1. Correction of Grammatical Errors:

    • Section 1: Changes "Specify" to "Shall specify" in Arkansas Code § 23-3-117(a)(2)(C)(i) regarding contracts for interruptible utility services.

  2. Clarification of Refund Procedures:

    • Section 2: Amends Arkansas Code § 23-55-611(b) to clarify the refund process under the Uniform Money Services Act, ensuring that licensees must refund all money received for transmission within 10 days unless specific conditions are met.

  3. Redesignation of Subdivisions:

    • Section 3: Corrects designation errors in Arkansas Code § 23-55-702(a)(6) related to permissible investments under the Uniform Money Services Act.

  4. Repeal of Obsolete Language:

    • Section 5: Repeals outdated provisions in Arkansas Code § 23-61-503(b) regarding the jurisdiction of the State Insurance Department.
    • Section 6: Updates definitions in the Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace Act to remove obsolete language.

  5. Repeal of Expired Subchapter:

    • Section 7: Repeals Arkansas Code Title 23, Chapter 79, Subchapter 5, which expired in 2016, thus removing outdated regulations concerning the Arkansas Comprehensive Health Insurance Pool.

Impact

The bill primarily affects:
- Public Utilities and Regulated Industries: By clarifying and correcting existing laws, the bill aims to streamline operations and reduce confusion in regulatory compliance.
- Small Businesses: The provisions regarding fee waivers and registration fees may provide financial relief and simplify processes for small business owners.

Procedural Timeline

  • January 31, 2025: Bill filed and deferred by the ECD committee.
  • February 3, 2025: Read for the first time and referred to the Judiciary Committee in the House.
  • February 12, 2025: Passed in the House and transmitted to the Senate.
  • February 20, 2025: Passed in the Senate and returned to the House.
  • February 25, 2025: Notification that HB 1361 is now Act 177.

Conclusion

HB 1361 serves to update and clarify existing laws related to public utilities and regulated industries in Arkansas. By correcting errors and repealing outdated provisions, the bill aims to enhance regulatory clarity and support small businesses in the state.

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

Sign in to ask a question.