AR
Arkansas Senate Bill SB322

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas Senate Bill SB322

Introduced
2/26/25  
Refer
2/26/25  
Report Pass
3/13/25  
Engrossed
3/18/25  
Refer
3/18/25  
Report Pass
4/2/25  
Enrolled
4/9/25  
Chaptered
4/14/25  

Caption

To Amend The Law Concerning Construction And Development; And To Allow Third Parties To Perform Plan Reviews And Site Inspections.

Impact

The legislation modifies existing laws to facilitate the use of private professionals in the regulatory framework for construction and development. By enabling third-party inspections, the bill intends to alleviate potential backlogs in the permit approval processes experienced by local governments. This has the potential to enhance efficiency in project initiation, allowing for quicker turnarounds on permits and reducing delays which may hinder economic growth and development in the state.

Summary

Senate Bill 322 addresses the laws concerning construction and development in Arkansas by permitting third parties to perform plan reviews and site inspections. This bill aims to streamline the approval process for building projects by allowing private professional providers, such as licensed architects and engineers, to conduct reviews and inspections required for construction projects. Furthermore, it establishes the parameters within which these providers can operate, ensuring that their evaluations are comparable to those conducted by local government officials.

Contention

Despite its intended benefits, SB322 has faced scrutiny regarding the implications for local government authority and public safety. Some opponents argue that the reliance on private inspectors could undermine the thoroughness of the inspections traditionally conducted by governmental bodies, leading to a compromise in regulatory standards that safeguard public safety. There are concerns over accountability and the potential for conflicts of interest, as private providers are paid by those applying for the permits they review, raising questions about the integrity and objectivity of their assessments.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR SB392

An Act To Amend The Law Concerning Body Art; And To Amend The Law Concerning The Cosmetology Technical Advisory Committee.

AR SB275

To Amend The Law Concerning Electioneering; To Amend The Law Concerning Polling Sites And Vote Centers; And To Amend The Law Concerning The Designation Of Polling Sites By County Boards Of Election Commissioners.

AR SB495

To Create The Protect Arkansas Act; To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning Sentencing And Parole; To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning Certain Criminal Offenses; And To Create The Legislative Recidivism Reduction Task Force.

AR HB1616

To Amend The Law Concerning Publication Of Notice; To Allow The Publication Of Notice On A Website; To Amend The Law Concerning Counties And Municipalities And Publication; And To Amend The Law Concerning Elections.

AR HB1360

To Allow Residential Electricians To Perform Work On Three And Four Family Homes; And To Amend The Law Concerning Definitions Of Electricians.

AR SB322

To Amend The Duties Of The State Board Of Barber Examiners; And To Aid In The Administration Of The State's Barber Laws.

AR SB235

To Create The Arkansas Absentee Voter Integrity Act Of 2023; To Amend The Law Concerning Counting Absentee Ballots; To Amend The Law Concerning Elections; And To Amend The Law Concerning The Duties Of The Secretary Of State.

AR SB273

To Amend Election Law Concerning Polling Sites; And To Amend The Location Of Vote Centers.

AR SB356

To Abolish Inactive State Entities; To Amend The Law Concerning The Reporting Of Boards And Commissions; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB389

To Amend The Law Concerning Members Of Local School Boards Of Directors; To Amend The Law Concerning School Elections; And To Amend The Date On Which An Election Of A School District Board Of Directors Shall Be Held.

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