Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

Arkansas House Bill HB1616

Introduced

3/13/23

Refer

3/13/23

Failed

5/1/23

Caption

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.

Impact

The implications of HB 1616 are significant as it aligns local government practices with the growing trend of digital communication. By allowing official notices to be published online, the bill could streamline informational dissemination and potentially reduce costs associated with traditional print publications. This move is designed to enhance transparency and ensure that citizens have easy access to important notifications regarding public hearings, elections, and other governmental actions.

Summary

House Bill 1616 seeks to amend existing laws related to the publication of notices by local government units. The bill permits counties and municipalities to publish notices on a designated website instead of solely relying on newspaper publications. This shift aims to modernize the publication process and enhance accessibility for residents hoping to stay informed about local government actions and decisions. Under the proposed amendments, a notice must still maintain its legislative requirements regarding timing and frequency, with clear guidelines established for digital publications.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1616 is generally positive among proponents who advocate for modernization and efficiency in government communication. Supporters argue that broader access to information through the internet will engage more citizens in local governance. However, skepticism exists regarding the potential exclusion of residents who may not have reliable internet access, raising concerns about equitable access to information for all community members.

Contention

Notable points of contention include concerns from those worried about the adequacy of online publication as a sole means of communication. Critics argue that significant segments of the population may not have the means to access digital notices, which could lead to less informed public participation in local governance. Additionally, there are apprehensions about the reliability of online platforms versus established newspaper publications, which many view as a trusted source of information.

Latest HB1616 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR HB1023

An Act To Make An Appropriation For State Turnback For Counties And Municipalities By The Office Of The Treasurer Of State For The Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2025; And For Other Purposes.

AR SB80

To Amend The Revenue Stabilization Law; To Create Funds, To Repeal Funds, And To Make Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1097

To Amend The Revenue Stabilization Law; To Create Funds, To Repeal Funds, And To Make Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SR2

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill Amending The Revenue Stabilization Law, Creating Funds, Repealing Funds, And Making Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts.

AR HR1011

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill Amending The Revenue Stabilization Law, Creating Funds, Repealing Funds, And Making Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts.

AR SB79

To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; To Provide For The Regulation Of Digital Asset Mining Businesses; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB78

To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HR1009

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business.

AR SR5

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business.

AR HR1010

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Revenue Stabilization Law, To Create Funds, To Repeal Funds, And To Make Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts.