AR
Arkansas House Bill HB1547

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas House Bill HB1547

Introduced
2/20/25  

Caption

To Amend The Water Authority Act; And To Amend The Definition Of "qualified Corporation" Under The Water Authority Act.

Impact

The changes made by HB1547 would allow nonprofit corporations engaged in the water industry to reconstitute themselves as public water authorities. Such a transition aligns with broader goals involving fiscal efficiency and better resource management within the state. By providing these corporations with access to capital markets that are tax-exempt, the bill seeks to lower costs associated with water services, ultimately benefiting consumers and ensuring that water remains a comparatively affordable resource.

Summary

House Bill 1547 is a proposal aimed at amending the Water Authority Act in Arkansas. It primarily focuses on redefining the term 'qualified corporation' to include various types of organizations involved in the provision of water services. This includes nonprofit corporations as well as governmental and municipal entities that distribute, transmit, and treat potable water. The amendments are intended to facilitate the ability of these entities to access tax-exempt capital markets, which may lead to lower water rates for consumers.

Contention

Discussions around HB1547 may encounter points of contention related to the implications of classifying nonprofit corporations as public entities. Critics could argue that these changes might blur the lines between governmental responsibilities and those of private organizations. Furthermore, stakeholders may express concerns regarding the level of oversight and regulation these newly classified entities would be subject to, potentially impacting accountability in the provision of essential water services.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR SJR5

An Amendment To The Arkansas Constitution To Authorize A County, City, Town, Or Other Municipal Corporation To Fund And Administer A Water System Customer Assistance Program.

AR SB498

To Amend The Building Authority Division Act; And To Amend The Definition Of "unpaved Trail Project".

AR HB1764

To Amend The Law Regarding A Municipal Water Provider That Provides Water To Another Municipality; And To Authorize A Municipal Water Provider To Shut Off The Water Supply To Another Municipality For Nonpayment.

AR SR14

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; And To Regulate The Impact On Water Usage And The Electric Grid By Blockchain Networks And Digital Asset Mining.

AR HR1017

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; And To Regulate The Impact On Water Usage And The Electric Grid By Blockchain Networks And Digital Asset Mining.

AR SB74

To Amend The Authority Of A Surrogate Under The Arkansas Healthcare Decisions Act.

AR SB518

To Amend The Medicaid Fraud Act And The Medicaid Fraud False Claims Act; And To Update Language And Definitions To Reflect Changes Within The Healthcare System;.

AR SB205

To Assist Small Business Owners To Form A Legal Entity In This State; And To Clarify The Procedures And Standards Used For Name Availability For Certain Corporations And Limited Liability Companies.

AR HB1558

To Amend The Prior Authorization Transparency Act; And To Modify The Medication-assisted Treatment Under The Prior Authorization Transparency Act.

AR HB1405

To Amend The Definition Of Election Media; And To Amend The Definition Under Election Law.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.