The bill amends the Arkansas Soil Nutrient Application and Poultry Litter Utilization Act to clarify and enhance the regulations surrounding nutrient management and poultry litter management plans. Key amendments include the stipulation that designated nutrient applications within nutrient surplus areas must adhere to specific time, place, and manner restrictions as determined by the commission, which will be included in the nutrient management and poultry litter management plans. Additionally, the bill establishes that an approved nutrient management plan serves as a permit for nutrient application and protects the plan holder from civil or criminal liability related to the application of nutrients, provided it is consistent with the approved plan.

Further provisions in the bill state that administrative violations of the nutrient management and poultry litter management plans will not lead to criminal or civil actions, nor will they provide grounds for private rights of action, except for enforcement of the plans' terms. The bill also defines what constitutes an "approved nutrient management plan" and an "approved poultry litter management plan," ensuring that these plans are recognized as valid unless revoked or replaced by a more recent plan. Overall, the amendments aim to streamline the regulatory framework while providing legal protections for those adhering to approved management plans.

Statutes affected:
HB 1928: 15-20-1106(c), 15-20-1107(d), 15-20-1107, 15-20-1108(e), 15-20-1108