The bill amends the existing laws regarding the creation and authority of municipal airport commissions in Arkansas. Key changes include the requirement for a city council or other governing body to enact an ordinance to create an airport commission composed of seven qualified citizens, with at least two members having aviation experience, including one with a pilot aeronautical rating. The bill also specifies that commissioners will be appointed by the mayor and confirmed by a three-fourths vote of the city council, with different rules for municipalities in metropolitan areas with populations over one million. Additionally, it introduces provisions for the appointment of commissioners in nationally ranked airports and outlines their authority regarding airport management and contract approvals.

The bill further clarifies the removal process for commissioners, the authority of the city council or governing body to set commissioner salaries, and the requirement for monthly meetings. It emphasizes the need for transparency by mandating the commissioners to keep records of revenues and expenditures and submit reports to the governing body. An emergency clause is included, stating that the bill is necessary for the efficient operation of municipal airports, particularly in light of existing vacancies that hinder the commission's ability to function effectively.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB379 Original - 3-7-2023 03:47 PM: 14-359-104(b), 14-359-105(a), 14-359-109(a)
Old version SB379 V2 - 3-13-2023 09:43 AM: 14-359-104, 03-13-2023, 14-359-105(a), 14-359-106, 14-359-107, 14-359-108, 14-359-109(a), 14-359-110(a), 14-359-115, 14-359-118(a), 14-359-118(c)
SB 379: 14-359-104, 03-13-2023, 14-359-105(a), 14-359-106, 14-359-107, 14-359-108, 14-359-109(a), 14-359-110(a), 14-359-115, 14-359-118(a), 14-359-118(c)