Arkansas House Bill HB1528

Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/1/23
• Refer: 3/2/23
• Failed: 5/1/23

Caption

To Require A Ballot Measure Before A Fire Protection District Can Be Created; And To Require That The Value Of Real Property In The Fire Protection District Match The Value As Determined By The County Assessor.

Impact

The enactment of HB1528 would significantly influence the legislative framework surrounding local fire protection initiatives. By requiring a ballot measure, the bill ensures that the formation of fire protection districts is contingent upon the approval of the electorate, thereby empowering local communities to assert control over their emergency services. Additionally, tying property assessments to those determined by the county assessor seeks to prevent discrepancies and potential fiscal mismanagement within fire districts, promoting consistency in funding and resource allocation for fire services.

Summary

House Bill 1528 seeks to amend existing laws governing fire protection districts in Arkansas by implementing new requirements for their establishment. Specifically, the bill mandates that a ballot measure must be held before any fire protection district can be created, ensuring direct public involvement in the process. Furthermore, it stipulates that the assessed value of real property within a fire protection district must align with the valuation determined by the county assessor. This dual requirement aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the establishment of fire protection services across the state.

Contention

While proponents of HB1528 argue that it strengthens democratic processes by introducing necessary checks on the establishment of fire protection districts, critics may contend that such requirements could delay or hinder the creation of essential firefighting services in areas that urgently need them. The requirement for a public vote could be seen as an obstacle, particularly in communities where immediate firefighting responses are crucial for public safety. Therefore, the debate around this bill may center on balancing the need for local governance with the urgent operational demands of fire safety.