The proposed legislation amends the existing Used Tire Recycling and Accountability Act, renaming it the Tire Management and Recycling Act, and establishes a new Waste Tire Abatement Fund while repealing the Used Tire Recycling Fund. The bill aims to improve public health and environmental protection by setting standards for the management of recyclable, waste, and used tires, addressing risks such as disease vectors and fire hazards. Key changes include the removal of previous accountability measures related to the electronic uniform used tire manifest system, the introduction of a new definition for "abatement," and an expanded definition of "beneficial use" to encompass civil engineering purposes. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of waste tire site owners and operators, requiring them to submit plans for tire removal and disposal to the Division of Environmental Quality.

Additionally, the legislation introduces new provisions for tire transporters, including licensing requirements and penalties for repeated license suspensions. It modifies the fee structure for tire retailers, reducing the fee for each new tire sold from three dollars to one dollar and fifty cents, while allowing retailers to retain a portion of the fees for administrative costs. The Waste Tire Abatement Fund will be financed through penalties, interest earnings, and federal funds, and will support various initiatives, including grants for waste tire site abatement. The bill also establishes a tire accountability board for oversight and mandates that waste tire abatement grants be accompanied by manifests demonstrating proper disposal or recycling. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the regulatory framework for waste tire management in Arkansas, ensuring better environmental protection and accountability.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB606 V2 - 4-3-2025 02:05 PM: 8-6-1002(b), 19-5-1148, 04-03-2025, 8-9-404, 8-9-401, 19-6-301, 8-9-404(a), 8-9-404(d), 19-5-203, 8-9-404(b), 8-9-404(c)
Old version SB606 Original - 4-1-2025 05:30 PM: 8-6-1002(b), 19-5-1148, 8-9-404, 8-9-401, 19-6-301, 8-9-404(a), 8-9-404(d), 19-5-203, 8-9-404(b), 8-9-404(c)
SB 606: 8-6-1002(b), 19-5-1148, 8-9-404, 8-9-401, 19-6-301, 8-9-404(a), 8-9-404(d), 19-5-203, 8-9-404(b), 8-9-404(c)