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Bill

HB 1901

TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PASSPORT FEES COLLECTED BY COUNTY PASSPORT ACCEPTANCE FACILITIES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Crowell and 1 co-sponsor

HB 1901 allows Arkansas counties to collect and manage passport fees, improving services for residents and ensuring compliance with federal regulations.

Notification that HB1901 is now Act 844
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Bill Summary · HB 1901

Summary of House Bill 1901 (HB 1901)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1901 (HB 1901) aims to amend existing laws regarding the collection of passport fees by county passport acceptance facilities in Arkansas. The bill seeks to clarify the types of fees that can be collected and how those funds are managed, ensuring that counties can effectively operate these facilities while complying with federal regulations.

Key Provisions

HB 1901 introduces several important changes to the law:

  1. Fee Collection:

    • County offices recognized as passport acceptance facilities by the United States Department of State are authorized to collect:
      • Application and execution fees for processing passport applications.
      • Reasonable fees for additional services such as passport photographs, mailing services, and expedited applications, in accordance with federal law as of January 1, 2025.

  2. Fund Management:

    • Fees collected that are not directly remitted to the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Postal Service will be deposited into a newly established fund known as the "passport acceptance facility fund."
    • The funds in this account will be appropriated by the county quorum court and used specifically for the operation of the passport acceptance facility.

Impact

  • Counties: The bill directly affects county governments that operate passport acceptance facilities, providing them with a structured way to manage and utilize the fees collected from passport services.
  • Residents: Arkansas residents seeking passport services will benefit from potentially improved services and facilities, as counties will have dedicated funds to enhance operations.
  • Federal Compliance: The bill ensures that county practices align with federal regulations regarding passport processing, which may streamline operations and improve service delivery.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: March 31, 2025
  • Passed: The bill was passed by both the House and Senate on April 14, 2025.
  • Enrolled: The bill was correctly enrolled and transmitted to the Governor's Office on April 15, 2025.
  • Act Status: As of April 17, 2025, HB 1901 has been enacted as Act 844.

Conclusion

HB 1901 represents a significant update to the management of passport fees at the county level in Arkansas. By establishing clear guidelines for fee collection and fund allocation, the bill aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of passport acceptance facilities across the state.

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

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