Arkansas House Bill HB1506

Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/23
• Refer: 2/27/23
• Failed: 5/1/23

Caption

To Create A Sales And Use Tax Exemption For Parts Purchased To Repair Agricultural Equipment And Machinery And Timber Equipment And Machinery.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will significantly impact state law by amending the Arkansas Code to include a new section that provides this exemption. The financial relief provided by the exemption could encourage investment in equipment maintenance, thereby potentially increasing productivity within the agricultural and timber sectors. By reducing operational costs, the legislation is expected to have positive economic implications for these industries, which are vital to the state's economy.

Summary

House Bill 1506 is designed to create a sales and use tax exemption for parts purchased to repair agricultural and timber equipment. The bill defines 'agricultural equipment and machinery' as implements used directly in commercial agricultural production and 'timber equipment and machinery' as those used in the commercial production and processing of timber. This exemption aims to alleviate financial burdens on farmers and timber producers by reducing costs associated with equipment maintenance and repair.

Contention

While the bill aims to support the agricultural and timber industries, potential points of contention may arise around the breadth of the exemption. Stakeholders may debate the definition of eligible equipment and whether any parts not explicitly classified as agricultural or timber machinery might be unjustly excluded from the exemption. Additionally, there may be discussions on the fiscal impact of removing sales tax revenue from the state budget, which could affect funding for public services.