Senate Bill 289 has been introduced which would amend certain provisions of Chapter 200 (Municipal Authority Over Utilities) of the Arkansas Code.
The bill’s sponsors include:
- Senator Jane English (North Little Rock)
- Representative Mark Lowery (Maumelle)
- Representative Carlton Wing (North Little Rock)
Provisions of the bill include an amendment to Ark. Code § 14-200-101(a) addressing municipal jurisdiction over utilities. This definition is revised to include water utilities, adding it to electric, gas, sewer, or telephone companies.
The bill also amends Ark. Code 14-200-101(b)(1)(A)(iii) addressing franchise fees for utilities. The word “public” is added, along with a revision addressing the cap on the franchise fee.
The bill also addresses Ark. Code § 25-30-319(b) regarding franchise fees by deleting (b) and adding the following language:
A participating public agency shall not require a public body created under this subchapter to pay a franchise fee under authority of other law.
A copy of the bill can be found here.
by Walter Wright
February 13, 2019
Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard, P.L.L.C.