TO PROVIDE TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY FOR PUBLIC UTILITIES; AND TO REQUIRE CERTAIN PUBLIC UTILITIES TO REPORT TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Senate Bill 643 aims to increase transparency and accountability for electric and gas utilities in Arkansas. It requires public utilities with over 3,000 ratepayers to submit annual reports to the Legislative Council, starting in 2026. These reports must detail expenses recovered through rates, specifically for political influence activities, advertising, charitable giving, and political contributions. The bill defines these activities broadly to include efforts to influence legislation, elections, or public opinion on utility rates.