The bill aims to amend the law regarding municipal authority over utilities by revising the definition of "public utility" in Arkansas Code Title 14, Chapter 200. Specifically, it clarifies that the term "public utility" encompasses any electric, gas, sewer, water, or telephone company, as well as any utility providing similar services. However, it excludes certain entities, such as those defined under 23-1-101(9)(B)(ii), consolidated utility districts, and specific water or light commissions.

In the amendment, the legal language pertaining to the exclusion of water or light commissions has been updated. The previous reference to the commission under Arkansas Code 14-201-101 et seq. has been deleted, and the new language specifies the commission under Arkansas Code 14-201-101 to 14-201-129. This change aims to provide clearer guidelines regarding which entities are classified as public utilities and which are not, thereby enhancing the regulatory framework for municipal utilities in Arkansas.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1814 Original - 3-17-2025 02:51 PM: 14-200-101(a)
Old version HB1814 V2 - 4-2-2025 02:28 PM: 14-200-101(a)
HB 1814: 14-200-101(a)