SB417

Senate Bill 417 amends Arkansas law regarding civil liability for damage caused to public bridges by motor vehicles. It clarifies that operators are liable for bridge damage resulting from careless, negligent, illegal operation, or by exceeding posted weight or width limits, regardless of whether they hold an overweight permit from the Arkansas Department of Transportation. The bill establishes that a person convicted of such violations is civilly liable to the county or road improvement district responsible for the bridge. Recoverable damages under this act include the full cost of replacing the bridge or damaged portion without accounting for depreciation, as well as the costs associated with debris removal and structural clearing. This legislation is intended to ensure that entities responsible for bridge damage bear the full financial burden of repairs and reconstruction.