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HB 1416

TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING FIRE DEPARTMENTS; AND TO ALLOW A VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT SERVICING UNINCORPORATED AREAS OF THE COUNTY TO LEVY DUES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kim Hammer and 1 co-sponsor

House Bill 1416 allows volunteer fire departments in unincorporated areas of Arkansas to levy annual dues, enhancing funding for essential fire protection services.

Notification that HB1416 is now Act 673
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1416

Summary of House Bill 1416 (Act 673)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1416, now known as Act 673, aims to amend existing laws concerning volunteer fire departments in Arkansas. The primary intent of the bill is to empower volunteer fire departments that service unincorporated areas of the county to levy dues. This legislative change is designed to enhance funding for fire protection services in areas that may not have sufficient financial resources.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several significant changes to the law regarding volunteer fire departments:

  1. Levying Dues:

    • Volunteer fire departments servicing unincorporated areas can request the county's quorum court to adopt an ordinance allowing the collection of annual dues.
    • Dues will be collected alongside real property taxes by the county collector.

  2. Election Process:

    • If a request for dues is made, the quorum court must call for an election unless a sufficient petition is filed by registered voters in the district.
    • The special election must be held by August 1 of the year the request is made.

  3. Collection of Delinquent Dues:

    • Volunteer fire departments are authorized to collect delinquent dues through legal proceedings if necessary.

  4. Exemptions:

    • Active members of the volunteer fire department may be exempt from dues at the discretion of the department.
    • Churches served by the department may also be exempt from dues if they are exempt from real property taxes.

  5. Annual Reporting:

    • Volunteer fire departments must file an annual report with the county clerk detailing board members, contact information, and other relevant data.

Affected Parties

  • Volunteer Fire Departments: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are volunteer fire departments operating in unincorporated areas, which will gain a new revenue stream to support their operations.
  • Residents and Businesses: Residents and businesses in these areas may be subject to the new dues, which will be added to their property tax statements.
  • County Officials: The county quorum court and designated officials will be responsible for overseeing the collection and remittance of these dues.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: February 5, 2025
  • Passed by House: April 3, 2025
  • Passed by Senate: April 10, 2025
  • Signed into Law: April 16, 2025

Conclusion

House Bill 1416 represents a significant legislative effort to bolster the financial capabilities of volunteer fire departments serving unincorporated areas in Arkansas. By allowing these departments to levy dues, the bill aims to ensure better fire protection services for communities that may otherwise struggle to fund such essential services.

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

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