The 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 this classification change based on population size and the type of census used. The amendment specifies that a city of the first class may be reduced to a second-class city if the most recent federal decennial census indicates a population of 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. This change aims to streamline the process and ensure that the classification reflects the current population accurately.

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