Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

Arkansas Senate Bill SB496

Introduced
3/27/23  
Refer
3/27/23  
Report Pass
3/30/23  
Engrossed
4/3/23  
Refer
4/3/23  
Report Pass
4/5/23  

Caption

To Amend The Duties And Membership Of The Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board; To Abolish The State Fire Prevention Commission; And To Declare An Emergency.

Impact

By transferring authority to the Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board, SB496 formulates an organized structure for fire management and response statewide. This change is expected to enhance the coordination and implementation of fire prevention strategies, addressing specific needs in both urban and rural areas. Additionally, it aims to ensure compliance with established standards for the certification of fire departments, enhancing the overall safety and preparedness of Arkansas residents against fire hazards.

Summary

Senate Bill 496 is a significant piece of legislation aimed at reforming fire prevention and protection services in Arkansas. This bill proposes the abolition of the State Fire Prevention Commission, transferring its duties and responsibilities to the Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board. The intent is to streamline fire protection efforts across the state, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of fire prevention services. With this consolidation, the board is tasked with overseeing a comprehensive fire prevention plan, alongside the development of a database to support functional decision-making in fire prevention policy.

Contention

Notably, the bill carries implications for how fire services will be governed and operated within Arkansas. While proponents argue that the consolidation of fire prevention services will lead to better resources and coordination, critics may raise concerns over the loss of local control and specific fire prevention initiatives that may be overshadowed by a centralized authority. The establishment of the Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board represents a major shift in managing fire safety and preparedness, and the ultimate effectiveness of this legislation will depend on its implementation and the responses from local municipalities.

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 SB21

An Act For The Arkansas State Game And Fish Commission Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

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 HB1017

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

AR SB80

To Amend The Revenue Stabilization Law; To Create Funds, To Repeal Funds, And To Make Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1097

To Amend The Revenue Stabilization Law; To Create Funds, To Repeal Funds, And To Make Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB14

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

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 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 HB1038

An Act For The Arkansas Governor's Mansion Commission Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

Similar Bills

GA SB96

Official Code of Georgia Annotated; provisions creating certain boards, panels, authorities, centers, commissions, committees, councils, task forces, and other such bodies; update and modernize

AR HB1766

To Abolish The State Fire Prevention Commission; To Amend The Duties And Membership Of The Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board; To Create The Position Of State Fire Marshal; And To Declare An Emergency.

NH SB59

Establishing a recruitment incentive program within the community college system for public safety communicators and dispatchers and making an appropriation therefor.

CA SB423

Inmate firefighters: postsecondary education: enhanced firefighter training and certification program: local handcrew pilot program.

MN SF2884

Omnibus Pension bill

LA HB757

Provides relative to firefighter training

TX SB646

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Forest Service.

UT HB0041

Utah Retirement Systems Revisions