HR1009

This bill amends the Arkansas Data Centers Act of 2023 to regulate digital asset mining businesses. It establishes specific noise-reduction requirements for these facilities, such as using liquid cooling, sound-dampening enclosures, or maintaining physical distance from residential or commercial structures. The bill also prohibits local governments from enacting ordinances that restrict or require special approval for home-based digital asset mining. Furthermore, it forbids 'prohibited foreign-party-controlled' entities from owning or holding an interest in digital asset mining businesses within Arkansas, defining these entities based on citizenship or control by countries subject to specific international arms regulations. The legislation grants the Attorney General authority to investigate potential foreign ownership violations, issue subpoenas, and seek civil penalties or judicial foreclosure against non-compliant businesses. Finally, the bill includes an emergency clause, citing potential impacts on public peace, health, and safety as the justification for immediate implementation.