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HB 1520

TO REQUIRE THE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION AND THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION TO RESPOND TO A WRITTEN REQUEST FOR A LEGAL OPINION WITHIN A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF TIME.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Fran Cavenaugh and 1 co-sponsor

House Bill 1520 aimed to ensure the Department of Finance and Administration issues legal opinions within 90 days, improving efficiency for state agencies and legal practitioners.

WITHDRAWN BY AUTHOR
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Bill Summary · HB 1520

Summary of House Bill 1520

Bill Number: HB 1520
Introduced On: February 18, 2025
Status: Withdrawn by Author
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1520 aimed to amend existing laws regarding the issuance of legal opinions by the Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) and the DFA itself. The primary intent of the bill was to establish a clear timeline for responding to written requests for legal opinions, thereby enhancing the efficiency and accountability of the department in providing legal guidance.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed the following specific changes to Arkansas Code Title 26, Chapter 18, Subchapter 3:

  • Response Timeframe for Legal Opinions:
    • The Secretary of the DFA or the DFA would be required to issue a written legal opinion within 90 days of receiving a request.
    • For requests concerning the renewal of previously issued legal opinions, the response time would be reduced to 45 days, provided there were no changes in statutory law, court interpretations, or department rules that would affect the original opinion.

Affected Parties

The bill would have impacted:

  • State Agencies: Agencies seeking legal opinions from the DFA would benefit from a more predictable timeline for receiving guidance.
  • Legal Practitioners: Attorneys and legal advisors working with state agencies would have clearer expectations regarding the timing of legal opinions.
  • Public and Private Entities: Any entity that relies on legal opinions from the DFA for compliance or operational purposes would have experienced improved access to timely legal guidance.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Actions:
    • The bill was filed on February 18, 2025, and was read for the first time, with rules suspended for a second reading before being referred to the Committee on Revenue & Taxation in the House.
    • On March 4, 2025, the bill was withdrawn by its author, Representative Cavenaugh, and Senator Crowell.

Conclusion

While HB 1520 was designed to improve the efficiency of legal opinion issuance by the Department of Finance and Administration, it was ultimately withdrawn before further legislative action could take place. The proposed changes highlighted the need for timely legal guidance within state operations, reflecting ongoing discussions about administrative efficiency in government processes.

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

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