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HB 1682

TO CREATE THE GOOD NEIGHBOR ACT; AND TO CLARIFY FOOD DONATION LIABILITY AND IMMUNITY.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Sonia Barker and 32 co-sponsors

The Good Neighbor Act protects food donors and nonprofits from liability, boosting food donations to help those in need and enhancing food security in Arkansas.

Notification that HB1682 is now Act 942
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1682

Summary of House Bill 1682: The Good Neighbor Act

Overview

House Bill 1682, now known as Act 942, was introduced in the Arkansas General Assembly on March 5, 2025. The primary purpose of this legislation is to create the Good Neighbor Act, which clarifies the liability and immunity associated with food donations. This act aims to encourage food donation by providing legal protections to donors and organizations involved in the distribution of food.

Key Provisions

Repeal of Existing Law

  • Section 1 of the bill repeals Arkansas Code § 20-57-103, which previously governed the liability of food donors. This section included definitions and conditions under which donors were not liable for donated food.

New Liability and Immunity Framework

  • Section 2 introduces a new section (20-57-105) that outlines the liability protections for food donors and organizations:
    • Definitions: Clarifies terms such as "food," "food product," and "gleaner."
    • Good Faith Donations: Donors of food that does not meet consumer safety standards are protected from civil or criminal liability if:
    • The donation is made in good faith.
    • The donor informs the receiving organization about the condition of the food.
    • Organizational Protections: Nonprofits and religious organizations distributing donated food are also shielded from liability under similar conditions.

Exclusions from Immunity

  • The act does not protect against liability resulting from gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. It also maintains the authority of regulatory agencies to ban the use of food deemed unfit for human consumption.

Notification Requirement

  • Producers and distributors of food products licensed by the state must be notified about the liability and immunity provisions established by this act.

Impact

  • Beneficiaries: The Good Neighbor Act is designed to benefit:

    • Food donors, including individuals, businesses, and gleaners.
    • Charitable organizations, churches, and nonprofits involved in food distribution.
    • Individuals in need of food assistance, as it encourages more food donations.

  • Encouragement of Food Donations: By clarifying legal protections, the act aims to reduce the hesitance of potential donors who may fear liability issues, thereby increasing the volume of food donations to those in need.

Legislative Timeline

  • March 5, 2025: Bill filed and read for the first time.
  • March 12, 2025: Passed in the House and transmitted to the Senate.
  • April 15, 2025: Passed in the Senate and returned to the House.
  • April 21, 2025: Notification that HB 1682 is now Act 942.

Conclusion

The Good Neighbor Act represents a significant step towards enhancing food security in Arkansas by providing essential legal protections for food donors and organizations. By clarifying liability issues, the act is expected to foster a more robust culture of food donation, ultimately benefiting communities across the state.

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

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