Bill > SB84

This bill prohibits state agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Energy and Environment, from instituting a moratorium (a temporary prohibition or suspension) on issuing permits in watersheds, specifically mentioning the Buffalo River Watershed, without first obtaining approval from the Legislative Council. The bill requires that any existing moratoriums related to watersheds or other bodies of water that were in place before the bill's effective date will become unenforceable. The key purpose appears to be preventing state agencies from unilaterally stopping permit issuances in water-related areas without legislative oversight. By mandating approval from the Legislative Council, the bill ensures that such significant regulatory actions must go through a deliberative process and receive formal approval before being implemented. This provision aims to provide greater transparency and accountability in environmental permitting processes and limit the unilateral power of state agencies to halt permit activities in watersheds.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=sb84&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R