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Bill

SB 407

TO REPEAL THE ARKANSAS CATFISH PROCESSOR FAIR PRACTICES ACT OF 1987.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Howard Beaty and 1 co-sponsor

Arkansas repeals its 38-year-old catfish processor fair practices law, eliminating producer protections in contracts and pricing disputes between farmers and processing companies.

Notification that SB407 is now Act 577
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Bill Summary · SB 407

Legislative bill overview

SB 407 repeals the Arkansas Catfish Processor Fair Practices Act of 1987, which was a 38-year-old law regulating business practices between catfish processors and producers. The bill eliminates statutory protections that governed contracts, pricing, and dispute resolution in Arkansas's catfish industry. The measure has already been signed into law as Act 577.

Why is this important

The catfish industry represents a significant agricultural sector in Arkansas, particularly in the Delta region where many farmers depend on catfish production. Repealing this regulatory framework changes the contractual relationship between individual catfish producers and larger processing companies, potentially affecting farm profitability, market stability, and producer protections that existed for nearly four decades.

Potential points of contention

  • Producer protections removed: Farmers lose statutory safeguards regarding contract terms, pricing disputes, and fair dealing practices that may have shielded smaller producers from larger processors' market power
  • Lack of transparency on rationale: The bill summary provides no explicit justification for repealing a 38-year-old law, leaving unclear whether this reflects industry consensus, regulatory modernization, or competitive pressure
  • Market concentration concerns: Without fair practices regulations, the industry may consolidate further, giving processors greater leverage over independent catfish farmers with limited market alternatives

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

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