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Bill

HB 1730

TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE ISSUANCE AND TRANSFER OF WHOLESALE PERMITS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Matt Brown and 2 co-sponsors

HB 1730 allows new wholesale permits for alcoholic beverages in Arkansas, boosting competition and enabling permit transfers, benefiting current and future wholesalers.

Notification that HB1730 is now Act 830
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1730

Summary of HB 1730: Amendment to Wholesale Permit Law

Bill Number: HB 1730
Title: To Amend the Law Concerning the Issuance and Transfer of Wholesale Permits
Status: Now Act 830
Introduced: March 10, 2025
Sponsors: Rep. M. Brown, Rep. J. Richardson, Sen. Bryant

Purpose and Intent

HB 1730 aims to amend existing laws regarding the issuance and transfer of wholesale permits for alcoholic beverages in Arkansas. The bill seeks to facilitate the issuance of new wholesaler permits, which had been previously restricted, thereby potentially increasing the number of wholesalers operating in the state.

Key Provisions

  • Amendment of Existing Law: The bill amends Arkansas Code § 3-4-609, which previously prohibited the issuance of new wholesaler permits after September 1, 2013.
  • New Permit Issuance:
    • New wholesaler permits under § 3-4-605 may be issued starting July 1, 2026.
    • New minimum wholesaler permits under § 3-4-607 can be issued immediately upon the effective date of the act.
  • Transfer of Existing Permits: Holders of wholesaler permits issued before September 1, 2013, will now be allowed to transfer their permits to other wholesalers, which was previously prohibited.

Impact

  • Wholesalers: The amendment is expected to benefit current and prospective wholesalers by allowing the issuance of new permits and facilitating the transfer of existing permits.
  • Alcoholic Beverage Control Division (ABC): The ABC will be responsible for implementing the new permit issuance process and will require training for its administration and enforcement staff.
  • Fiscal Impact: The ABC may collect additional application and renewal fees as a result of the increased number of permits issued. However, there is no direct taxpayer impact anticipated.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced on March 10, 2025, and underwent an amendment process before being passed.
  • The amendment was adopted on April 2, 2025, and the bill was subsequently passed by both the House and Senate.
  • The final version of the bill was transmitted to the Governor's Office on April 15, 2025, and was signed into law, becoming Act 830 on April 17, 2025.

Conclusion

HB 1730 represents a significant change in the regulatory landscape for wholesalers of alcoholic beverages in Arkansas. By allowing for the issuance of new permits and the transfer of existing ones, the bill aims to enhance competition and accessibility within the wholesale market.

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

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