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 is defined as the nearest governmental unit with zoning authority within a twelve-mile radius of the proposed site. Additionally, the bill stipulates that before submitting a permit application, applicants must obtain a Certificate of Need from the relevant regional solid waste management board. It also establishes that if more than four years pass during the permit application process since the issuance of the initial Certificate of Need, the applicant must provide an updated certificate.

Furthermore, the bill requires that the application petition must include a resolution from the city council or a minute order from the quorum court if the closest governmental unit is not a municipality, reflecting the host community's decision. 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 voice in the permitting process.

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