Bill > SB324

This bill amends the Arkansas state law regarding county planning board membership by making several key modifications. Currently, a county judge may create a county planning board with the approval of the county quorum court, and the bill maintains this basic structure. The bill specifically changes the language to clarify that the planning board shall consist of between five and twelve members, who are appointed by the county judge and confirmed by the county quorum court. The bill introduces two significant new requirements: first, at least one-third of the board members cannot hold other elective offices or appointments (with exceptions for municipal or zoning board memberships), and second, a majority of the board's voting members must reside in unincorporated areas of the county. These changes aim to ensure more diverse representation and a focus on rural county planning by preventing the board from being dominated by urban or municipal officials. The modifications seek to improve local governance by creating a more balanced and locally representative planning board.

Government Affairs

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=sb324&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R