TO ESTABLISH THE FARMER PROTECTION ACT.

Senate Bill 315, titled the "Farmer Protection Act," aims to prevent large financial institutions from discriminating against Arkansas agriculture producers. The bill prohibits financial institutions with over $100 billion in assets from denying or restricting financial services to farmers based on their greenhouse gas emissions, use of fossil-fuel derived fertilizer, or reliance on fossil-fuel powered machinery. It creates a rebuttable presumption of discrimination if such an institution with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments denies services to a farmer. The Arkansas Attorney General and the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture are responsible for enforcing these provisions, with powers to investigate and assess civil penalties.