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HB 1991

TO PROVIDE FOR CERTAIN EXCEPTIONS RELATED TO A RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT UNDER THE ARKANSAS FIRE PREVENTION CODE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Josh Bryant and 1 co-sponsor

Act 1020 eases fire access road rules for rural residential developments in Arkansas, reducing costs for builders and streamlining approvals for local governments.

Notification that HB1991 is now Act 1020
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Bill Summary · HB 1991

Summary of House Bill 1991 (Act 1020)

Overview

House Bill 1991, now known as Act 1020, was introduced in the Arkansas General Assembly on April 7, 2025. The primary purpose of this legislation is to provide specific exceptions to the requirements of the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code concerning residential developments.

Key Provisions

The bill amends the Arkansas Code Title 18, Chapter 10, Subchapter 1, by adding a new section (18-10-101) that outlines the following exceptions:

  • Fire Apparatus Access Roads:
    • The Arkansas Fire Prevention Code will not mandate that a residential development maintain two or more separate and approved fire apparatus access roads if:
    • The residential development is not situated within a city of the first class, a city of the second class, or an incorporated town.
    • Each lot within the residential development is at least one acre in size.

Impact

This legislation primarily affects residential developments located outside of larger urban areas (cities of the first and second class, and incorporated towns) in Arkansas. By allowing these developments to forgo the requirement of multiple fire apparatus access roads, the bill aims to reduce regulatory burdens and potentially lower development costs for builders and developers in rural areas.

Who is Affected?

  • Developers and Builders: Those involved in residential development projects in rural areas will benefit from reduced requirements.
  • Local Governments: Municipalities may see changes in how residential developments are approved and regulated, particularly in less populated areas.

Legislative Timeline

  • April 7, 2025: Bill filed.
  • April 8, 2025: First reading and referral to the House Committee on City, County & Local Affairs.
  • April 9, 2025: Returned by the Committee with a recommendation to pass.
  • April 10, 2025: Passed in the House and transmitted to the Senate.
  • April 14, 2025: Returned by the Senate Committee with a recommendation to pass.
  • April 16, 2025: Passed in the Senate and returned to the House.
  • April 22, 2025: Notification that HB1991 is now Act 1020.

Conclusion

Act 1020 represents a significant adjustment to the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, particularly for residential developments in rural areas. By easing access road requirements, the legislation aims to facilitate development while maintaining safety standards appropriate for less densely populated regions.

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

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