Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas House Bill HB1804

Introduced
3/17/25  
Refer
3/17/25  

Caption

To Amend The Law Concerning The Levy Of The Gross Receipts Tax, As Affirmed By Referred Act 19 Of 1958; To Provide A Sales Tax Exemption For Utility Vegetation Line Management Services.

Impact

The implications of HB 1804 on state law could be significant, particularly in how it encourages utility companies to maintain their easements and manage vegetation without the extra burden of sales tax. By reducing operational costs, the bill could promote better environmental management practices and enhance safety in utility service delivery. Furthermore, the sales tax exemption is geared towards facilitating the effective removal of potential hazards such as tree overgrowth that could disrupt utility services.

Summary

House Bill 1804 aims to amend the existing law concerning the gross receipts tax in Arkansas by introducing a sales tax exemption specifically for utility vegetation line management services. This amendment will impact how utility companies manage vegetation around their infrastructures such as power and gas lines. The bill outlines specific definitions for services covered under this exemption, including tree trimming, brush removal, and chemical vegetation treatments, all of which are vital for maintaining safe and accessible utility operations.

Conclusion

Overall, HB 1804 represents a strategic legislative move aimed at supporting utility management while navigating the complexities of environmental impacts. As the bill progresses, the dialogue between utility companies, regulatory bodies, and community members will be critical in shaping its final implementation and ensuring that it meets both operational needs and environmental stewardship goals.

Contention

While the bill has noteworthy support for its intention to streamline utility operations, there could be points of contention regarding the potential overreach of the utilities in vegetation management. Stakeholders, including environmental groups and local residents, may express concerns about how these services are conducted and the environmental implications of extensive vegetation removal. Additionally, discussions around the definition of 'vegetation line management services' could lead to varied interpretations that might affect how the bill is enforced.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR HB1190

To Provide A Sales And Use Tax Exemption For Certain Utilities Used By A Swine Farm.

AR SB441

To Amend The Sales And Use Tax Laws Concerning Exemptions Related To Certain Machinery And Equipment; And To Allow A Sales And Use Tax Exemption For Certain Machinery And Equipment Placed In Inventory.

AR HB1654

To Provide Sales And Use Tax Exemptions For Data Centers; And To Provide A Sales And Use Tax Exemption For Data Center Equipment, Data Center Costs, Certain Services Provided To A Data Center, And Electricity Used By A Data Center.

AR SB541

To Create A Sales And Use Tax Exemption For Certain Items And Services Sold To A Cemetery.

AR HB1191

To Amend The Law Concerning Management And Sale Of Tax Delinquent Lands By The Commissioner Of State Lands; And To Standardize The Use Of The Term "parcel".

AR HB1465

To Provide A State Sales Tax Exemption For Disabled Veterans.

AR HB1341

To Amend The Law Concerning County Collectors' Tax Bills And Receipts.

AR HB1195

To Amend The Sales Tax Levied On Certain Services; And To Exempt Residential Cleaning And Janitorial Work From The Sales Tax.

AR SB566

To Amend The Law Concerning The Sales Tax Applicable To Sales Of Park Model Units; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB394

To Amend The Law Concerning The Collection Of Sales And Use Tax On Motorboats; And To Subject Certain Used Motorboats To A Special Rate Of Tax.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.