The bill amends the existing regulations regarding the Certificate of Need required for obtaining permits for solid waste landfills and transfer stations in Arkansas. It introduces a new definition for "host community," which refers to the nearest governmental unit with zoning authority within a twelve-mile radius of the proposed site. Additionally, the bill stipulates that applicants for new permits or permit expansions must obtain a Certificate of Need from the relevant regional solid waste management board before submitting their application to the Division of Environmental Quality. If more than four years pass from the issuance of the Certificate of Need during the application process, the applicant must provide an updated Certificate of Need.

Furthermore, the bill requires that the application petition includes a resolution from the city council or a minute order from the quorum court if the closest governmental unit is not a municipality. This resolution must be voted on during a regularly scheduled meeting and signed by the appropriate local officials. These amendments aim to enhance the regulatory framework surrounding solid waste management and ensure that local communities have a say in the permitting process.

Statutes affected:
HB 1776: 8-6-702, 8-6-706(a), 8-6-706(b)