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Bill

SB 87

TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING COUNTY PLANNING; TO CREATE A PENALTY FOR VIOLATING A SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE; AND TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE MEMBERSHIP OF A COUNTY PLANNING BOARD IN CERTAIN INSTANCES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mark Johnson

Senate Bill 87 aimed to strengthen county planning in Arkansas by enforcing penalties for subdivision violations and ensuring planning board members represent unincorporated areas.

Died on Senate Calendar at Sine Die adjournment.
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Bill Summary · SB 87

Summary of Senate Bill 87 (SB 87)

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 87 (SB 87) was introduced to amend existing laws concerning county planning in Arkansas. The bill aimed to establish penalties for violations of subdivision ordinances and to modify the membership requirements for county planning boards, particularly in larger counties.

Key Provisions

SB 87 proposed several significant changes to the Arkansas Code:

1. Membership of County Planning Boards

  • The bill sought to amend Arkansas Code § 14-17-203(a) to clarify the composition of county planning boards:
    • The board would consist of 5 to 12 members appointed by the county judge and confirmed by the county quorum court.
    • At least one-third of the members must not hold any other elective office or appointment, except for certain planning-related roles.
    • For counties with a population of 200,000 or more (as per the latest federal census) and containing eight or fewer municipalities, the bill specified that:
    • Members must be appointed by the county judge and confirmed by a majority of the quorum court representing unincorporated areas.
    • At least two-thirds of the voting members must reside in unincorporated areas of the county.

2. Penalties for Violating Subdivision Ordinances

  • The bill amended Arkansas Code § 14-17-207(f) to introduce civil penalties for violations of subdivision ordinances:
    • $500 for the first violation.
    • $1,000 for the second violation.
    • $1,500 for the third violation.
    • $2,000 for the fourth violation.
  • Individuals aggrieved by violations could seek an injunction against violators or compel officials to enforce the ordinances.

Affected Parties

  • County Planning Boards: The changes would directly impact how members are appointed and the residency requirements for board members in larger counties.
  • Property Owners and Developers: Those involved in land sales and development would face new penalties for non-compliance with subdivision ordinances.
  • Local Governments: The bill would empower local governments to enforce planning regulations more effectively.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: January 21, 2025
  • Status: The bill died on the Senate calendar at sine die adjournment on May 5, 2025.
  • Amendments: The bill underwent two amendments aimed at refining the language and clarifying the residency requirements for planning board members.
  • Committee Actions: It was reviewed and recommended for passage by the City, County & Local Affairs Committee.

Conclusion

While SB 87 aimed to enhance county planning and enforce subdivision regulations more strictly, it ultimately did not progress past the Senate calendar. The proposed changes reflected an effort to ensure that planning boards are representative of unincorporated areas and to impose penalties for violations that could undermine local planning efforts.

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

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