WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1547

TO AMEND THE WATER AUTHORITY ACT; AND TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "QUALIFIED CORPORATION" UNDER THE WATER AUTHORITY ACT.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Lee Johnson

HB 1547 sought to help Arkansas water nonprofits convert to public bodies, enabling access to tax-exempt funding and potentially lowering water rates for consumers.

WITHDRAWN BY AUTHOR
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1547

Summary of House Bill 1547 (HB 1547)

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HB 1547
Title: To Amend the Water Authority Act; and to Amend the Definition of "Qualified Corporation" Under the Water Authority Act
Status: Withdrawn by Author
Introduced: February 20, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1547 aimed to amend the Water Authority Act in Arkansas, specifically focusing on the definition of "qualified corporation." The intent was to facilitate the conversion of nonprofit corporations involved in water services into public bodies, thereby allowing them to access tax-exempt capital markets. This change was designed to help these entities provide lower water rates to the public and commercial users.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed several amendments to existing Arkansas Code related to the Water Authority Act:

  1. Legislative Intent (Section 1):

    • The bill emphasized the need for nonprofit corporations involved in water services to convert to public bodies to access tax-exempt funding.

  2. Definition of "Qualified Corporation" (Section 2):

    • Revised the definition to include:
      • Nonprofit corporations formed under specific Arkansas nonprofit corporation statutes that provide water services.
      • Other governmental entities that also provide water services.
    • Expanded the definition to include entities involved in wastewater projects.

  3. Conversion Process (Section 3):

    • Outlined the process for a qualified corporation to convert to a water authority, including:
      • Submission of a resolution from the board of directors.
      • Articles of conversion detailing the new authority's name, location, board structure, and service area.
      • Required certifications and fees.

  4. Filing Requirements (Section 4):

    • Specified the filing process with the Secretary of State to dissolve the previous corporate existence upon conversion, with an option to maintain corporate existence if stated in the articles.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1547 would have primarily affected nonprofit corporations involved in the sale, transmission, and distribution of potable water in Arkansas. By allowing these entities to convert to public bodies, the bill aimed to enhance their financial capabilities, potentially resulting in lower water rates for consumers.

Legislative Timeline

  • February 20, 2025: Bill filed and referred to the Committee on Insurance & Commerce.
  • March 17, 2025: Bill withdrawn by the author.

Conclusion

While HB 1547 was withdrawn and did not progress through the legislative process, its provisions highlighted ongoing discussions about improving water service delivery and financial management for water authorities in Arkansas. The proposed changes aimed to modernize the framework under which these entities operate, potentially benefiting both service providers and consumers.

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

Sign in to ask a question.