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Bill

HB 1741

TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS AGRICULTURAL LIMING MATERIALS ACT.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Dave Wallace and 1 co-sponsor

Act 526 enhances Arkansas liming material regulations, ensuring quality for consumers, imposing penalties for deficiencies, and funding agricultural research.

Notification that HB1741 is now Act 526
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Bill Summary · HB 1741

Summary of House Bill 1741 (Act 526)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1741, now known as Act 526, amends the Arkansas Agricultural Liming Materials Act. The primary goal of this legislation is to enhance the regulation of liming materials sold in Arkansas, ensuring that they meet specified quality standards and that consumers are protected from substandard products.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several significant changes to the existing law:

1. Sampling and Analysis

  • The State Plant Board is authorized to take samples of liming materials for official analysis to ensure compliance with quality guarantees.
  • Authorized agents can access manufacturing and storage premises during reasonable business hours to inspect liming materials.

2. Penalties for Deficiencies

  • If a liming material is found to be deficient by 5% or more from its guaranteed analysis, the responsible party (manufacturer, importer, or guarantor) must pay twice the value of the deficiency to the consumer within 30 days of notification.
  • If the consumer cannot be located, the penalties will be paid to the State Plant Board within 45 days.

3. Registration Requirements

  • All liming materials must be registered with the State Plant Board before sale, accompanied by a registration fee of $15.
  • Registrations will expire on June 30 of each year.

4. Quarterly Reporting

  • Registered manufacturers and importers must submit quarterly tonnage reports detailing the total tonnage of liming materials distributed in Arkansas.
  • A fee of 30 cents per ton will be assessed, with specific provisions for transactions between registrants.

5. Funding for Soil Testing and Research

  • A portion of the fees collected will be allocated to the University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture, Soil Testing and Research Fund to support soil testing services and research.

Impact

The amendments introduced by HB 1741 will primarily affect:
- Manufacturers and Importers: They will face stricter regulations and potential penalties for non-compliance.
- Consumers: Enhanced protections will ensure they receive quality liming materials.
- Agricultural Research: Funding for soil testing and research will be bolstered, benefiting agricultural practices in Arkansas.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: March 11, 2025
  • Passed by House: March 20, 2025
  • Passed by Senate: April 8, 2025
  • Signed into Law: April 10, 2025

This legislation represents a significant step toward improving the quality control of agricultural liming materials in Arkansas, ultimately benefiting both consumers and the agricultural sector.

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

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