Arkansas House Bill HB1928

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/31/25
• Refer: 3/31/25
• Report Pass: 4/2/25
• Engrossed: 4/3/25
• Refer: 4/3/25
• Report Pass: 4/8/25
• Enrolled: 4/15/25
• Chaptered: 4/17/25
• Passed: 4/17/25

Caption

To Amend The Arkansas Soil Nutrient Application And Poultry Litter Utilization Act.

Impact

The enactment of HB 1928 is expected to have significant implications for agriculture in Arkansas, particularly by formalizing the legal status of nutrient management plans. This could enhance the overall efficiency of nutrient application in farming operations, thereby potentially improving crop yields while safeguarding water quality from nutrient runoff. Proponents may argue that the law will facilitate more robust agricultural practices by providing clearer guidelines and reducing uncertainty surrounding regulatory compliance for farmers.

Summary

House Bill 1928 seeks to amend the Arkansas Soil Nutrient Application and Poultry Litter Utilization Act, primarily affecting how nutrient management plans and poultry litter management plans are regulated within the state. The bill stipulates that an approved nutrient management plan will constitute a permit for nutrient application, which will protect the plan holders from civil or criminal liability related to the application of nutrients as outlined in their plans. This provision seeks to establish clearer legal frameworks for farmers and agricultural operations concerning nutrient application practices, aligning with agricultural requirements for sustainability.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 1928 appears to be supportive among agricultural stakeholders who see the bill as a necessary step toward improving regulatory frameworks governing nutrient application. Many in the farming community have expressed that the current regulations can be burdensome and unclear, so the changes proposed in this bill might ease some of these challenges. In contrast, there may be apprehensions among environmental advocacy groups regarding potential negative impacts on water quality and environmental sustainability, expressed during discussions around the bill.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB 1928 revolve around the balance between supporting agricultural efficiency and protecting environmental health. Critics of the bill may express concern that the protection from civil and criminal liability for nutrient application could undermine the enforcement of existing environmental laws, potentially leading to increased nutrient runoff issues. The implications of how these plans are enforced could lead to debates on whether the amendments address environmental protections adequately or prioritize agricultural flexibility to an extent that poses risks to local ecosystems.