SB290

Senate Bill 290 prohibits state agencies in Arkansas from instituting a moratorium on the issuance of permits related to watersheds or bodies of water, specifically targeting limitations on agricultural production such as livestock and poultry operations. The bill establishes that a state agency may only institute such a moratorium by promulgating a formal rule, following the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act or other applicable administrative law, and obtaining review and approval from the legislature. Any moratorium approved under these conditions will expire after four years unless the agency successfully petitions the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee for an extension. The bill includes exemptions for emergency rules intended to protect public health, safety, or welfare, or to ensure compliance with federal law. It also clarifies that the legislation does not grant new authority for a moratorium to agencies that do not currently possess such powers. Finally, the bill specifies transition rules for existing liquid animal waste management regulations.