WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1377

TO REQUIRE A REPORT CONCERNING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUNDING SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS OR PROGRAMS FOR NEW BUSINESSES OR BUSINESSES ESTABLISHED WITHIN THE PREVIOUS FIVE YEARS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kim Hammer and 2 co-sponsors

HB 1377 required Arkansas to report all state economic development funding directed toward new or five-year-old businesses; the bill was withdrawn by its author in February 2025.

WITHDRAWN BY AUTHOR
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1377

Legislative bill overview

HB 1377 would have required the state to produce a comprehensive report documenting all economic development funding that supports new businesses or businesses established within the previous five years. The bill aimed to create transparency regarding how state resources are allocated to startup and early-stage business support programs and organizations.

Why is this important

Economic development spending represents significant public investment, yet detailed tracking of where these funds go and their outcomes is often fragmented across multiple agencies and programs. A consolidated report would help legislators and the public understand the scope, distribution, and effectiveness of startup support initiatives, potentially informing future budget decisions.

Potential points of contention

  • Data collection burden: Compiling comprehensive funding data across multiple state agencies and programs requires coordination and resources that may be costly or administratively complex
  • Defining scope: Determining what qualifies as "economic development funding" versus general business services could be ambiguous, potentially leading to disputes over what should be included
  • Accountability concerns: Advocates might argue the report doesn't go far enough without requiring performance metrics or outcome analysis to justify the spending

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

Sign in to ask a question.