Arkansas House Bill HB1491

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/25
• Refer: 2/17/25
• Report Pass: 2/19/25
• Refer: 2/20/25
• Report Pass: 4/1/25
• Engrossed: 4/7/25
• Refer: 4/7/25
• Report Pass: 4/10/25
• Enrolled: 4/15/25
• Chaptered: 4/17/25
• Passed: 4/17/25

Caption

Concerning The Excise Tax On Certain Beer And Sake; To Create An Excise Tax Credit For Certain Beer And Sake Produced Using Arkansas Rice; And For Other Purposes.

Impact

The impact of this bill on state laws includes amendments to the existing Arkansas Code concerning the excise tax related to alcoholic beverages. By allowing a tax credit for qualifying products, it provides a direct financial benefit to breweries using Arkansas rice, thereby encouraging the growth of local economies. This could help enhance the competitive edge of local producers against larger manufacturers who may not emphasize local sourcing. Proponents argue this could lead to a revitalization of the local brewing scene and promote sustainability in agricultural practices.

Summary

House Bill 1491 proposes the introduction of an excise tax credit specifically designed for beer and sake that is produced using Arkansas rice. The bill defines 'qualified beer and sake' as those containing at least 20% Arkansas rice, thereby incentivizing local agricultural production and brewing. This legislation aims not only to promote the use of local ingredients but also to provide financial relief for brewers that incorporate Arkansas rice into their products, effectively supporting both the brewing industry and local rice farmers.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding HB 1491 appears to be positive among supporters, including local brewers and agricultural advocates. They view the legislation as a constructive step toward enhancing local production and economic growth. However, there may be a level of skepticism or concern about the potential complexity of implementing the tax credit system and ensuring compliance among brewers. Opponents may argue about the fairness of tax incentives favoring certain products, but these views seem less prevalent in discussions recorded about the bill.

Contestation

While general support for HB 1491 is evident, notable points of contention may arise regarding the specifics of qualifying criteria for the tax credit, such as the threshold for Arkansas rice content and the administrative burden on small breweries. Additionally, there might be debates on whether this approach effectively balances supporting local business interests while not disincentivizing other styles of brewing that do not use local ingredients. The legislation highlights the ongoing discussion around the role of government in supporting local industries versus potential market interference.