Bill > HB1522

This bill amends Arkansas state law to provide a clear process for determining population data for newly incorporated municipalities when federal census data is not immediately available. Specifically, the bill modifies three sections of Arkansas Code related to municipal funding: the Municipal Aid Fund, municipal sales tax for capital improvements, and highway revenue distribution. In each case, the bill changes the language from "if" to "when" a municipality incorporates during a census year, and mandates that the Arkansas Geographic Information Systems Office will calculate the municipality's population based on the most recent federal decennial census until new census data becomes available. The bill includes an emergency clause explaining the urgent need for this legislation, which stems from ensuring that newly incorporated municipalities can receive appropriate turnback funds and county sales and use tax revenues without significant delays. The emergency provisions allow the bill to take effect immediately upon gubernatorial approval, the expiration of the governor's review period, or a veto override, with the goal of enabling new municipalities to quickly provide essential services to their residents.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1522&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R