This bill establishes new requirements and regulations for individuals planning to conduct crop residue burns in Arkansas. It mandates that such burns must be reported to the Department of Agriculture for approval prior to commencement and must adhere to the Arkansas Voluntary Smoke Management Guidelines for Row Crop Burning. Additionally, the bill clarifies that crop residue burns are permissible in counties with burn bans unless deemed unsafe by the Forestry Division of the Department of Agriculture.

The legislation also addresses liability issues, stating that individuals who follow the outlined requirements will not be held liable for damages or injuries resulting from the burn, unless negligence can be proven. Conversely, those who violate the regulations will face significant civil penalties, starting at $25,000 for the first violation and escalating to $75,000 for subsequent violations. The bill further allows for appeals against civil penalties and stipulates that collected fines will support the Agri Scholarship Program.