Rules

This House resolution in Arkansas authorizes a legislator to introduce a bill that would regulate certain residential properties owned by business entities, such as corporations or limited liability companies. The proposed law would require these entities to clearly disclose that buyers are purchasing an ownership interest in the company rather than direct title to the home, and it would prohibit the entities from restricting how owners transfer their interests or charging fees for those transfers. Additionally, the bill mandates that any disputes be settled in state or federal courts and ensures that owners cannot be discriminated against based on the protections of the federal Fair Housing Act. The legislation also includes specific enforcement powers for the Attorney General and excludes properties owned by religious organizations or nonprofit groups from these new rules.

This bill authorizes the introduction of a new law to create the Equal Distribution County Turnback Fund, which would provide additional money to Arkansas counties. The fund would be financed by directing the first $150 million of certain state tax revenues each year into this specific account. Once the fund reaches a balance of $150 million, the state treasurer would distribute $2 million to every county in the state. Counties receiving these funds must use 90% of the money for infrastructure projects like roads and water systems, while the remaining 10% must support fire departments, law enforcement, or community projects. The bill also includes an emergency clause to allow the law to take effect quickly, though it has not yet been enacted as it died in committee.

This bill is a procedural measure that authorizes a senator to introduce legislation amending Arkansas laws governing Industrial Development Authorities. The proposed changes would require board members to live within the municipality or county they represent and allow local governments to remove board members for good cause with a two-thirds vote. Additionally, the bill clarifies that these authorities must follow local zoning and planning rules and repeals their ability to use eminent domain for property acquisition. Because this specific text only grants permission to introduce further legislation rather than enacting policy itself, it does not directly alter the powers of industrial development authorities or affect the public.

This bill, which did not advance beyond committee, would update Arkansas laws to regulate digital asset mining businesses and clarify the authority of local governments. It requires mining operations to comply with existing state and local rules, pay all applicable taxes, and use specific noise-reduction techniques like liquid cooling or fully enclosed equipment. The legislation also prohibits local governments from banning home mining, requiring permits for it, or imposing stricter noise limits on mining than on other data centers.

This bill authorizes the introduction of legislation to change how Arkansas regulates digital asset mining. It removes the current exemption that allows individuals and businesses mining cryptocurrency at home to operate without a money transmitter license. Under the proposed changes, anyone engaged in home or commercial digital asset mining would be required to obtain a license by September 1, 2026. The bill is currently a procedural resolution that died in committee and does not become law.