This bill amends the law regarding the process by which a city of the first class can be reduced to a city of the second class in Arkansas. Specifically, it updates the criteria for such a reduction based on population size and the type of census used. The bill stipulates that a city of the first class may be reclassified if the most recent federal decennial census indicates that its population is less than seven thousand five hundred (7,500) inhabitants, as opposed to the previous threshold of five thousand (5,000).

Additionally, the bill changes the procedural requirements for initiating this reduction. Instead of adopting a resolution, the municipal corporation's council must now request the grade reduction through an ordinance. These changes aim to clarify the population threshold and streamline the process for cities seeking to change their classification.

Statutes affected:
HB 1783: 14-37-114(a)
Act 834: 14-37-114(a)