HB1690

House Bill 1690 proposes the transfer of the Nuclear Planning and Response Program from the Arkansas Department of Health to the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management (ADEM) effective July 1, 2025. This transfer includes all associated statutory authority, personnel, records, property, and funding mechanisms. The bill amends existing state code to reflect that ADEM will henceforth oversee the program, including continuous environmental radiation surveillance and the formulation of emergency response plans for nuclear-powered electricity generating facilities. Utilities that operate these nuclear facilities will continue to fund the program through fees and assessments, with the process now administered by ADEM. Additionally, the bill updates administrative language regarding grant distribution to local governments for radiological response preparedness. An emergency clause is included, requiring the transfer to be enacted promptly.