Bill > HB1436

This bill establishes location restrictions for food processing plants that also operate a slaughterhouse within first-class cities in Arkansas. Specifically, such facilities are prohibited from being located within two miles of churches, public schools, or densely populated residential areas. The bill defines a "food processing plant" as a commercial operation that processes food for human consumption and sells processed food to other entities, explicitly excluding retail stores, convenience stores, food markets, delicatessens, restaurants, and cafeterias. The legislation allows first-class cities to maintain their regulatory authority over such facilities, including the ability to determine whether a food processing plant violates the location restrictions. Importantly, the bill does not apply to food processing plants already in operation on the effective date of the legislation. This bill appears aimed at creating separation between industrial food processing and slaughterhouse facilities and sensitive community spaces like schools, churches, and residential neighborhoods, potentially addressing concerns about noise, odor, traffic, or other potential disruptions.

Government Affairs

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1436&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R