AR
Arkansas House Bill HB1682

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas House Bill HB1682

Introduced
3/5/25  
Refer
3/5/25  
Report Pass
3/11/25  
Engrossed
3/12/25  
Refer
3/12/25  
Report Pass
4/9/25  
Enrolled
4/16/25  
Chaptered
4/21/25  

Caption

To Create The Good Neighbor Act; And To Clarify Food Donation Liability And Immunity.

Impact

The Arkansas Good Neighbor Act modifies existing laws to repeal prior provisions on food donation liability which may have deterred potential donors due to fears of legal repercussions. By redefining the parameters of liability, the bill is expected to increase the volume of food donations to local charities, food banks, and nonprofit organizations. This move aligns with public health goals to reduce food waste while simultaneously providing assistance to low-income individuals and families who may struggle to access nutritious food options.

Summary

House Bill 1682, known as the Arkansas Good Neighbor Act, aims to enhance the legal framework surrounding food donations by providing liability immunity to donors and nonprofit organizations. This legislation seeks to encourage food donations to charities by clarifying and expanding the protections available for both donors and the organizations that distribute food, thus increasing access to food resources for those in need. The bill clarifies that if food donated is fit for human consumption at the time of donation and the donor informs the recipient of the food's condition, they will not face civil or criminal liability for any resulting harm, unless negligence is proven.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the legislation's potential shortcomings in food safety oversight. Critics may argue that the Act's liability immunity for donors could inadvertently foster a system where food safety standards become lax, thereby endangering recipients if food items are not properly handled or disclosed. Additionally, the bill requires that donors inform the nonprofits about the food's condition to maintain immunity, which might create ambiguity regarding the responsibilities of donors and their adherence to safety practices. Consequently, while promoting food donations, the balance between encouraging charitable action and ensuring public safety will be a critical point of discussion.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR HB1645

To Create The Arkansas Healthy Food Retail Act Of 2023; And To Provide Financial Incentives For Healthy Food Retailers In Underserved Communities.

AR HB1661

To Repeal The Sales And Use Tax On Food And Food Ingredients; And To Exempt Food And Food Ingredients From Sales And Use Tax.

AR SB396

To Create The Social Media Safety Act; To Require Age Verification For Use Of Social Media; And To Clarify Liability For Failure To Perform Age Verification For Use Of Social Media And Illegal Retention Of Data.

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 HB1346

To Create A Sales And Use Tax Exemption For The Purchase Of A Business Vehicle By A Food Pantry; And To Create A One-time Rebate Of State Sales And Use Tax For The Purchase Of A Business Vehicle In 2022 By A Food Pantry.

AR HB1615

To Create The Conscience Protection Act; And To Amend The Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

AR SB351

To Create A Cause Of Action For Breach Of An Implied Covenant Of Good Faith And Fair Dealing.

AR HB1725

To Inform The Public Of Health Risks Caused By Vapor Products, E-liquid Products, And Alternative Nicotine Products; And To Ensure The Safety Of Arkansas Youth.

AR HB1421

To Create An Income Tax Credit For Contributions To Certain Rural Hospital Organizations; And To Create The Helping Enhance Access To Rural Treatment (heart) Act.

AR HB1020

To Amend The Uniform Limited Liability Company Act; And To Revise Charging Orders Under The Uniform Limited Liability Company Act.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.