The proposed bill, SB322, amends existing laws in Arkansas to facilitate the involvement of third parties, specifically "private professional providers" such as licensed engineers and architects, in the construction and development process. It introduces a structured approval process for permit requests, requiring local government officials to inform applicants about the completeness of their applications within five business days. If local officials are unable to review applications in this timeframe, applicants can request the use of a private professional provider at the local government's expense. The bill also mandates that local officials act on permit requests within a specified timeframe, with provisions for automatic approval if they fail to do so.

Additionally, SB322 outlines the responsibilities of private professional providers, including conducting plan reviews, ensuring compliance with regulations, and certifying their findings. It establishes a framework for addressing plan deficiencies, allowing applicants to dispute identified issues or submit revisions. The bill also addresses the liabilities of private providers, requiring them to maintain professional liability insurance, while granting local governments immunity from liability related to actions taken by these providers. Overall, the legislation aims to streamline the permitting and inspection processes while ensuring accountability and adherence to local and state regulations.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB322 Original - 2-26-2025 02:34 PM: 14-1-503, 17-30-101, 17-15-102
Old version SB322 V2 - 3-17-2025 02:00 PM: 14-1-503, 03-17-2025, 17-30-101, 17-15-102, 17-38-301, 14-1-504, 14-1-505
SB 322: 14-1-503, 17-30-101, 17-15-102
Act 591: 14-1-503, 03-17-2025, 17-30-101, 17-15-102, 17-38-301, 14-1-504, 14-1-505