This bill proposes significant changes to the membership and structure of the Licensing Committees for both wastewater and solid waste management in Arkansas. Specifically, the membership of the "Wastewater Licensing Committee" will be reduced from eight to five members, with adjustments to the qualifications of the members. The new composition will include three licensed wastewater treatment plant operators, one municipal employee, and one representative from the Division of Environmental Quality. Similarly, the "Solid Waste Licensing Committee" will also see its membership reduced from seven to five voting members, with a similar restructuring of qualifications, including two licensed solid waste management facility operators and representatives from municipalities and regional boards.

Additionally, the bill eliminates apprenticeship licenses from solid waste licensing, changing the duration of licenses from one year to two years, and modifies the eligibility criteria for individuals applying for training as environmental officers to include employees from planning and development districts. These changes aim to streamline the licensing process and enhance the efficiency of the committees overseeing wastewater and solid waste management in the state.

Statutes affected:
SB 265: 8-5-204(a), 8-6-904(a), 8-6-905(2), 8-6-2010(a)