SB493
To Transfer And Consolidate The Duties Of Trade-related Boards To The Code Enforcement Licensing Board; And To Declare An Emergency.
Last Action (May 5, 2025): Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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AI-Generated Summary
Senate Bill 493 proposes the consolidation of several state licensing and regulatory boards into a newly created Code Enforcement Licensing Board. Specifically, the bill abolishes the Board of Electrical Examiners, the HVACR Licensing Board, the Arkansas Fire Protection Licensing Board, and the Elevator Safety Board. It also transfers the plumbing-related duties (excluding plan review) currently held by the Department of Health and the State Board of Health to the new board. Additionally, the bill transfers boiler safety administration from the Department of Labor and Licensing to the new entity. The legislation creates the Code Enforcement Licensing Board Fund to handle the financial operations of these consolidated functions. The bill includes various technical amendments to state code, such as increasing the allowable distance for line voltage power wiring by HVACR licensees from 10 feet to 75 feet. It declares an emergency to take effect immediately upon enactment.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries would likely be the state government and administrative agencies, as the consolidation is designed to centralize and potentially streamline oversight of various building trades. Licensed professionals, such as HVACR contractors, may benefit from the expanded scope of work allowed by the amendment increasing the distance for line voltage power wiring. General public safety may theoretically benefit from a more cohesive regulatory approach to building codes, assuming the consolidation improves efficiency and enforcement consistency.
Who Might Suffer?
The primary entities negatively impacted are the existing independent boards and their associated personnel, as their organizations are being abolished and their authority transferred. Current employees within the affected state departments who may face restructuring or job displacement due to the consolidation may also be negatively impacted. Furthermore, specific interest groups or trade professionals who previously relied on the specialized expertise and distinct representation of the separate, industry-specific boards may feel their influence is diluted under a singular, larger, and potentially less specialized regulatory body.
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