Bill > HB1855

This bill amends the laws governing fire protection district boundaries and the powers of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. Specifically, the bill expands the Department of Agriculture's authority to recommend adjustments to fire protection district boundaries in three scenarios: districts with overlapping boundaries, districts abutting areas without fire protection service, and contiguous districts. The bill establishes a formal process for districts to request boundary recommendations, which includes filing a petition with the county court, providing public notice of a hearing, and allowing the county court to accept, reject, or modify the recommended boundary changes. The bill broadly defines "district" to include various types of fire protection entities such as nonprofit fire corporations, volunteer fire departments, and county-created fire service districts. The county court is given the final decision-making power, with requirements to create a new fire protection district map if boundaries are altered and to provide a legal description and map of any boundary changes. This legislation aims to provide a more flexible and structured approach to managing fire protection district boundaries to ensure efficient and comprehensive fire protection services.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1855&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R