TO AUTHORIZE AN OWNER OF A PUBLIC WATERWORKS SYSTEM TO EXPEND PUBLIC FUNDS AND TO ISSUE BONDS TO PAY FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF LEAD AND CERTAIN GALVANIZED CUSTOMER SERVICE LINES.

HB 1462 authorizes public water providers in Arkansas to use utility rate revenue and issue bonds to replace lead and certain galvanized customer service lines serving homes and businesses. The bill specifies that water providers must obtain property owner consent before replacing lines on private property and clarifies they won’t assume ownership or maintenance responsibilities for replaced lines unless agreed otherwise. It directly affects water utilities and their customers, enabling them to fund these health-related infrastructure upgrades using existing public finance mechanisms. The bill was introduced on February 12, 2025, but was withdrawn by its author on March 18, 2025.