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HB 1564

TO MODIFY MOTOR VEHICLE RACING FACILITY PERMITS AND TO SET CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS ON A MOTOR VEHICLE RACING FACILITY IN CERTAIN RURAL LOCATIONS; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Ron Caldwell and 1 co-sponsor

HB 1564 sought to impose stricter regulations on motor vehicle racing facilities in rural Arkansas, enhancing community input and limiting noise and environmental impacts.

WITHDRAWN BY AUTHOR
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1564

Summary of House Bill 1564

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: HB 1564
  • Title: To Modify Motor Vehicle Racing Facility Permits and to Set Certain Restrictions on a Motor Vehicle Racing Facility in Certain Rural Locations; and to Declare an Emergency.
  • Status: Withdrawn by Author
  • Introduced: February 24, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1564 aimed to amend existing laws regarding the permitting of motor vehicle racing facilities in rural areas of Arkansas. The bill sought to establish specific restrictions and requirements for these facilities, particularly focusing on noise levels, environmental impact, and community engagement through public hearings.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed several significant changes to the Arkansas Code, specifically § 8-10-305, including:

  1. Definition of Motor Vehicle Racing Facility:

    • Expanded to include various types of vehicles such as modified automobiles, trucks, all-terrain vehicles, and motorcycles.

  2. Permit Exemptions:

    • New racing facilities constructed after August 31, 2021, located at least one mile from the boundary of cities of the first or second class would be exempt from certain existing regulations.

  3. Permit Application Requirements:

    • Applicants must submit detailed proposals including:
      • Types of vehicles and races.
      • Maximum projected noise levels (not to exceed 75 decibels at the property line).
      • Traffic estimates and spectator counts.
      • Proof of liability insurance of at least $1,000,000.

  4. Public Hearing Process:

    • A public hearing must be scheduled at least 30 days after the permit application is filed, with notifications sent to nearby property owners and residents.

  5. Approval Criteria:

    • The county judge quorum court would evaluate the benefits of the facility against potential negative impacts like noise and air pollution before granting permits.

  6. Annual Renewal and Compliance:

    • Permits would require annual renewal, with the possibility of denial if the facility violates permit conditions or operates differently than represented.

  7. Fines for Non-Compliance:

    • A fine of $1,000 per day would be imposed for violations of the permit requirements.

Impact

The proposed legislation would have impacted:
- Local Communities: Residents near proposed racing facilities would have had a voice in the permitting process through public hearings.
- Racing Facility Operators: New and existing facilities would face stricter regulations regarding noise and environmental impact, potentially affecting operational hours and costs.
- County Governments: Increased responsibilities for permit evaluations and public engagement processes.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was filed on February 24, 2025, and was read and referred to the Committee on City, County & Local Affairs.
  • It was withdrawn by the author on March 5, 2025, before further legislative action could occur.

Conclusion

While HB 1564 aimed to address concerns related to motor vehicle racing facilities in rural Arkansas, its withdrawal indicates that further discussion or revision may be necessary before any legislative changes can be enacted.

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

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