The proposed bill aims to prohibit state agencies from instituting a moratorium on the issuance of permits in watersheds and other bodies of water, including the Buffalo River Watershed. It introduces a new section to the Arkansas Code, specifically 15-23-107, which states that a moratorium can only be established if a state agency first obtains approval from both the Senate and House Committees on Agriculture, Forestry, and Economic Development. If approved, the moratorium will remain valid until June 30 of the second year following the approval. Additionally, state agencies must report on existing moratoriums by November 1 of each even-numbered year.

Furthermore, the bill addresses existing moratoriums that were instituted before the effective date of the act. These moratoriums must go through the new approval process within thirty days to remain enforceable; otherwise, they will become unenforceable. This provision ensures that all moratoriums are subject to legislative oversight, thereby increasing accountability and transparency in the management of water resources.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB290 V2 - 3-31-2025 02:34 PM: 10-3-309(f)
Old version SB290 V3 - 4-2-2025 10:14 AM: 10-3-309(f)