Bill > SB478

This bill creates the Arkansas Diesel Engine Freedom Act of 2025, which aims to prohibit state enforcement of federal regulations on certain diesel engines operating solely within Arkansas. The bill asserts that federal mandates requiring diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) in engines used exclusively within the state are unconstitutional, based on the argument that such regulations exceed Congress's interstate commerce powers. The legislation defines "exempt engines" as diesel engines operated solely within Arkansas that do not require DEF, and establishes that the manufacture, sale, and installation of such engines are lawful. State entities are prohibited from enforcing federal diesel regulations that infringe on "exempt engine rights" and face significant penalties for doing so, including a $5,000 civil penalty per violation, potential suspension of enforcement authority for 12 months, and potential termination and five-year employment prohibition for public officials who violate the act. The bill fundamentally challenges federal emissions regulations by claiming state sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment and seeks to protect Arkansas businesses and individuals from what it characterizes as federal overreach in regulating intrastate commercial activities.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=sb478&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R