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HB 1772

ST FINANCE-CANNABIS REG FUND

104th Regular Session Introduced by Nick Smith and 1 co-sponsor

House Bill 1772 protects vegetable gardens on residential properties in Arkansas, ensuring homeowners can grow food without local bans, promoting sustainability and community resilience.

House Floor Amendment No. 1 Rule 19(c) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 1772

Summary of House Bill 1772: Vegetable Garden Protection

Bill Number: HB 1772
Title: Concerning Vegetable Garden Protection
Status: Now Act 529
Introduced: March 12, 2025
Primary Sponsors: Representative Vaught, Senator B. Davis

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1772 aims to protect and promote the cultivation of vegetable gardens on residential properties in Arkansas. The bill recognizes the importance of sustainable gardening practices for personal consumption and noncommercial sharing, thereby supporting local food production and environmental sustainability.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces a new section to the Arkansas Code, specifically Title 2, Chapter 1, Subchapter 1, which includes the following provisions:

  1. Definition of Vegetable Garden:

    • A "vegetable garden" is defined as a plot of ground or elevated soil bed on residential property where various edible plants, including vegetables, herbs, fruits, and pollinator plants, are cultivated.

  2. Encouragement of Cultivation:

    • The General Assembly expresses its intent to encourage the development of sustainable vegetable and fruit cultivation at all levels, particularly on residential properties.

  3. Rights to Cultivate:

    • Individuals are permitted to cultivate vegetable gardens on their own private property or on the property of others with the owner's permission.

  4. Restrictions on Local Ordinances:

    • Counties, municipalities, and other political subdivisions are prohibited from enacting ordinances that outright ban vegetable gardens on residential properties.
    • However, local governments retain the authority to regulate specific aspects of vegetable gardening, such as:
      • Water usage during drought conditions
      • Fertilizer application
      • Control of invasive species and weeds
      • Size and location restrictions for gardens (e.g., side yards or backyards)

Impact

The enactment of HB 1772 will primarily affect:

  • Homeowners and Residents: Individuals who wish to grow their own food will have greater legal protection to do so without fear of local prohibitions.
  • Local Governments: Municipalities will need to adjust their regulations to comply with the new law, focusing on reasonable regulations rather than outright bans.
  • Community and Environment: The bill promotes local food production, which can enhance community resilience and contribute to environmental sustainability.

Legislative Timeline

  • March 12, 2025: Bill filed and introduced.
  • March 20, 2025: Passed in the House and sent to the Senate.
  • April 1, 2025: Returned from the Senate with a recommendation to pass.
  • April 8, 2025: Passed in the Senate and sent to the Governor's Office.
  • April 10, 2025: Notification that HB 1772 is now Act 529.

This summary provides an overview of House Bill 1772, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on Arkansas residents and local governance.

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

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