The bill amends existing laws in Arkansas to facilitate the use of third-party professionals, referred to as "private professional providers," for conducting plan reviews and site inspections in construction and development projects. It establishes 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 cannot complete their review in this timeframe, applicants can request a private professional provider at the local government's expense. The bill also mandates that applicants submit the provider's review report to local officials within five days, and if officials do not respond within ten business days, the permit request is automatically approved.

Furthermore, the legislation outlines the responsibilities and liabilities of private professional providers, including the necessity for them to maintain professional liability insurance with specified coverage limits. Local governments are granted immunity from liability for actions taken by these providers and may set certification requirements for them. The bill also requires local governments to provide a schedule of regulatory fees and includes exemptions for certain facilities, such as hospitals and airports, from specific provisions. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the permitting process while ensuring compliance with relevant codes and regulations.

Statutes affected:
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
Old version SB322 Original - 2-26-2025 02:34 PM: 14-1-503, 17-30-101, 17-15-102
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