The bill, SB307, introduces the Generating Arkansas Jobs Act of 2025, which amends existing laws related to public utilities in Arkansas. It requires that new construction or operation of public service facilities obtain a certificate from the Arkansas Public Service Commission (PSC) to ensure public convenience and necessity. The bill establishes a framework for public utilities to notify the PSC of their intent to recover strategic investments through a rider, while also clarifying exemptions for generation and transmission cooperatives. Additionally, it mandates that the PSC issue a certificate within six months if the application aligns with public interest and revises the notification process for proposed rate changes by cooperatives, reducing the threshold for member-consumer petitions from fifteen percent to ten percent.

Furthermore, the bill outlines provisions for investor-owned utilities to recover costs associated with strategic investments, including those that are abandoned or suspended, and establishes criteria for determining the reasonableness of such costs. It emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in cost recovery, ensuring that any imprudently incurred costs are refunded to customers. The bill also streamlines the certification process for major utility facilities, allowing for expedited approvals and reducing regulatory burdens. Overall, SB307 aims to enhance Arkansas's utility infrastructure, support economic growth, and ensure reliable energy services for residents while maintaining regulatory oversight and customer protection.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB307 V2 - 3-11-2025 05:16 PM: 23-3-201(a), 23-3-201(b), 03-11-2025, 23-3-201, 23-4-901, 23-4-902, 23-4-402, 23-4-405, 23-4-418, 23-4-620, 23-4-634, 23-4-903, 23-4-905, 23-4-906, 23-4-908, 23-4-907, 23-4-909, 23-4-1102, 23-4-1104(a), 23-4-1105(a), 23-4-1106, 23-18-104, 23-4-1303, 23-4-1301, 23-2-423, 23-18-202, 23-18-502(a), 23-18-503, 23-18-503(6), 23-18-504(a), 23-18-508, 23-18-510, 23-18-501, 23-18-513, 23-18-517, 26-35-705, 23-18-514, 23-18-516(a), 23-18-517(a), 23-18-519(a)
Old version SB307 Original - 2-25-2025 04:46 PM: 23-3-201(a), 23-3-201(b), 23-3-201, 23-4-901, 23-4-902, 23-4-402, 23-4-405, 23-4-418, 23-4-620, 23-4-634, 23-4-903, 23-4-905, 23-4-906, 23-4-908, 23-4-907, 23-4-909, 23-4-1102, 23-4-1104(a), 23-4-1105(a), 23-4-1106, 23-18-104, 23-4-1303, 23-4-1301, 23-18-202, 23-18-502(a), 23-18-503, 23-18-503(6), 23-18-504(a), 23-18-508, 23-18-510, 23-18-513, 23-18-517, 26-35-705, 23-18-514, 23-18-516(a), 23-18-517(a), 23-18-519(a)
SB 307: 23-3-201(a), 23-3-201(b), 23-3-201, 23-4-901, 23-4-902, 23-4-402, 23-4-405, 23-4-418, 23-4-620, 23-4-634, 23-4-903, 23-4-905, 23-4-906, 23-4-908, 23-4-907, 23-4-909, 23-4-1102, 23-4-1104(a), 23-4-1105(a), 23-4-1106, 23-18-104, 23-4-1303, 23-4-1301, 23-18-202, 23-18-502(a), 23-18-503, 23-18-503(6), 23-18-504(a), 23-18-508, 23-18-510, 23-18-513, 23-18-517, 26-35-705, 23-18-514, 23-18-516(a), 23-18-517(a), 23-18-519(a)
Act 373: 23-3-201(a), 23-3-201(b), 03-11-2025, 23-3-201, 23-4-901, 23-4-902, 23-4-402, 23-4-405, 23-4-418, 23-4-620, 23-4-634, 23-4-903, 23-4-905, 23-4-906, 23-4-908, 23-4-907, 23-4-909, 23-4-1102, 23-4-1104(a), 23-4-1105(a), 23-4-1106, 23-18-104, 23-4-1303, 23-4-1301, 23-2-423, 23-18-202, 23-18-502(a), 23-18-503, 23-18-503(6), 23-18-504(a), 23-18-508, 23-18-510, 23-18-501, 23-18-513, 23-18-517, 26-35-705, 23-18-514, 23-18-516(a), 23-18-517(a), 23-18-519(a)