Tax credit for employer guard and reserve expenses.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mark Genda

House Bill 1396 promotes cesspool conversion in Arkansas, offering financial aid and tax credits to homeowners, enhancing public health and environmental safety.

Authored by Representative Genda

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Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1396 (HB 1396) aims to address the issue of cesspools in Arkansas by establishing a framework for their conversion and management. The bill seeks to improve public health and environmental conditions by promoting the transition from cesspools to more sustainable wastewater treatment systems.

Key Provisions

HB 1396 includes several significant provisions:

Cesspool Conversion Section:

Establishes guidelines for the conversion of cesspools to approved wastewater treatment systems.
Prioritizes areas with high concentrations of cesspools that pose environmental or health risks.

Appropriation of Funds:

Allocates funding to support the conversion efforts, including grants and financial assistance for property owners.
Specifies the amount of funding available for various projects related to cesspool conversion.

Income Tax Credit:

Introduces an income tax credit for property owners who convert their cesspools to compliant systems, incentivizing participation in the program.

Mandatory Disclosures:

Requires property sellers to disclose the presence of cesspools to potential buyers, ensuring transparency in real estate transactions.

Pilot Program:

Establishes a pilot program to test and evaluate the effectiveness of different cesspool conversion methods and technologies.

Positions and Staffing:

Authorizes the hiring of additional staff within the Department of Health (DOH) to oversee the implementation of the cesspool conversion program.

Affected Parties

Property Owners: Homeowners with cesspools will be directly impacted, as they will have the opportunity to receive financial assistance and tax credits for conversion.

Counties and Local Governments: Local authorities will be involved in the implementation and oversight of the cesspool conversion program.

Department of Health: The DOH will play a crucial role in managing the program, ensuring compliance, and providing guidance to property owners.

Procedural Aspects

Introduced: February 04, 2025

Status: The bill has received notice of discharge of all conferees, indicating it has passed through the necessary legislative processes.

Emergency Clause: An emergency clause has been adopted, allowing the bill to take effect immediately upon passage to address urgent public health concerns.

Conclusion

HB 1396 represents a proactive approach to managing cesspools in Arkansas, aiming to enhance public health and environmental safety. By providing financial incentives and establishing clear guidelines for cesspool conversion, the bill seeks to facilitate a transition to safer wastewater management practices.

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