Arkansas Senate Bill SB574

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/28/25
• Refer: 3/31/25
• Report Pass: 4/1/25
• Engrossed: 4/8/25
• Refer: 4/8/25
• Report Pass: 4/9/25
• Enrolled: 4/15/25
• Chaptered: 4/18/25
• Passed: 4/18/25

Caption

To Require A Municipality That Operates A Waterworks System Or Sewage System To Provide Service To County Property In Certain Instances.

Impact

The impact of SB574 extends to local government operations and intergovernmental relations within Arkansas. By enforcing that municipalities must serve county properties, the bill can facilitate better resource allocation and service delivery to areas previously underserved. This could enhance public health and safety through improved access to water and sewage services, especially in rural or less populated areas. The legislation is likely to streamline processes between municipalities and counties regarding infrastructure and service agreements.

Summary

Senate Bill 574 requires municipalities that operate a waterworks or sewage system to provide services to county-owned properties located within their boundaries when requested by the county judge. The bill mandates that counties pay for the connection costs and the service rates that other customers are charged. This legislative change aims to clarify and standardize the responsibilities of municipalities concerning service provision to county properties, enabling more consistent access to essential services for all county residents.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB574 appears generally positive as it promotes cooperation between municipal and county governments. Supporters view the bill as a necessary step for ensuring that necessary services are accessible to all citizens, regardless of property ownership location. However, there may be concerns regarding the financial implications for counties, especially in budget-strapped regions where funding for such services may already be limited.

Contention

Potential points of contention regarding SB574 could arise from the cost-sharing provisions and the interpretation of 'necessary services.' Some municipalities may express concern about the burden of providing services to county-owned properties, particularly if this leads to increased demands on their waterworks or sewage systems. Additionally, the stipulation that counties must pay for connection costs may raise questions about fairness and equity, especially for counties with limited financial resources.