Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

Arkansas House Bill HB1707

Introduced
3/27/23  
Refer
3/27/23  
Report Pass
3/29/23  
Engrossed
3/30/23  
Refer
3/31/23  
Report Pass
4/4/23  
Enrolled
4/5/23  
Chaptered
4/10/23  

Caption

To Amend The Arkansas Soil Nutrient Application And Poultry Litter Utilization Act; And To Provide That Nutrient Management Plans And Poultry Litter Management Plans Are Not Public Records.

Impact

The implications of HB 1707 are significant, particularly for those in the agriculture sector who rely on nutrient management as part of their crop production processes. By protecting these plans from being public records, the bill potentially enhances the ability of farmers to operate without public scrutiny regarding their nutrient management strategies. This change could be seen as a necessary measure for ensuring competitiveness and confidentiality in agricultural practices, while also aligning with practices in other states regarding the handling of similar information.

Summary

House Bill 1707 seeks to amend the Arkansas Soil Nutrient Application and Poultry Litter Utilization Act by establishing that nutrient management plans and poultry litter management plans will not be designated as public records. This proposed legislation aims to exempt these plans from public access and inspection, thereby safeguarding sensitive agricultural information from broader disclosure. By doing so, the bill addresses concerns related to the confidentiality of agricultural practices, particularly those involving nutrient application in farming.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1707 appears to be largely favorable among agricultural stakeholders and legislators who advocate for reduced bureaucratic oversight. The concerns about public disclosure of farming practices can resonate with many in the farming community, who often request solitude in managing their agricultural affairs. However, there may also be criticism from those who advocate for transparency and believe that public access to such information could promote better environmental accountability and public trust.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise surrounding the balance between protecting farmers' proprietary information and ensuring community accountability for environmental impacts. Opponents of the bill could argue that lack of transparency might hinder efforts to monitor agricultural practices that could influence local ecosystems. The debate may center on the implications of such exemptions from public access and whether the benefits of confidentiality outweigh the potential risks associated with environmental oversight.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR SB79

To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; To Provide For The Regulation Of Digital Asset Mining Businesses; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SR17

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Acts Of 2023, To Regulate Digital Asset Mining Businesses And Businesses Utilizing A Blockchain Network, And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HR1020

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Acts Of 2023, To Regulate Digital Asset Mining Businesses And Businesses Utilizing A Blockchain Network, And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB37

An Act For The Department Of Education - Arkansas School For The Blind And Arkansas School For The Deaf Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR HR1015

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Amend The Requirements For A Digital Asset Mining Business Or Business Using A Blockchain Network.

AR SR16

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Amend The Requirements For A Digital Asset Mining Business Or Business Using A Blockchain Network.

AR SB78

To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB14

An Act For The Arkansas Public Defender Commission Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR HB1017

An Act For The Arkansas Public Service Commission Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR HB1011

An Act For The Department Of Public Safety - Division Of Emergency Management Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.