The 86th General Assembly is now in recess with adjournment sine die on or before May 1st. There were 2,816 bills filed this session, we tracked and closely monitored over 100 bills related to the residential construction industry. We are pleased to tell you that we have had another successful session for the Arkansas Homebuilders Association!

This session we were able to successfully pass a number of pieces of legislation. HB 1456, our PEX Legislation by Representative Johnny Hoyt of Morrilton, is now Act 466. This bill brings the Arkansas plumbing code in line with the International Plumbing Code standards. Homes will now be able to be constructed using plumbing materials other than copper. Senator Dave Bisbee of Rogers sponsored our Proof of Workers Compensation legislation, SB 79 which is now Act 398. This was the clean up bill written to provide clarity to those who have to abide by and enforce the current Arkansas Code. Act 693, formally HB 2361, was sponsored by Representative Lance Reynolds of Quitman. This legislation makes theft from a permitted construction site that totals over $500 a Class B felony.

We know that impact fee legislation was a concern for many members, and we appreciate the time and effort of Mr. Bill Burkhart and his group for all of their work in attempting to draft legislation. However, when they brought the legislation to Senator Bisbee, we learned that the Senator was in the process of introducing some changes to his original impact fee legislation from 2003. Senator Bisbee’s SB 298 is now Act 310.

Unfortunately, SB 783, our Right to Repair Legislation by Senator Bisbee and Representative Kevin Anderson of Rogers , did not have the same success. This bill was met with a number of opponents, including Governor Beebe, who singled this out as tort reform. There was an agreement in place by a number of different groups that no tort reform legislation would be passed this session. Senator Robert Thompson, an attorney from Paragould , worked with Senator Bisbee and staff from the Governor’s Office in an attempt to resolve the concerns of Governor Beebe. It is Senator Thompson’s belief that there is current case law that sheds light on the fact this is not tort reform but simply a codifying of current case law. Senator Thompson has agreed to work with us through the interim to try and craft this legislation. We strongly believe that having an attorney in control of the bill will greatly enhance our ability to get this legislation through the Judiciary Committees.

Representative Lindsley Smith of Fayetteville introduced HB 2247 that would have allowed municipalities to authorize Inclusionary zoning that could have been detrimental to our industry. Armed with information from our National Association, our Executive Director Julie Mills testified in opposition to the bill, and it was defeated in committee.

A special thank you to your Executive Director Julie Mills and to your entire Legislative Committee! Julie and the Committee were continually working with us to pass and defeat critical legislation. Julie’s leadership and tireless dedication were commendable throughout the session.

Following this report you will find a complete final track with the last five actions taken on each bill. We would like to thank you for your continued trust and support. We look forward to working with you in the interim and during any special sessions to help with the progression of the goals of the Arkansas Homebuilders Association.

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