Daily Legislative Update: April 12, 2024

STATE CHAMBER/AIA LEGISLATIVE RECEPTION ON MONDAY

The State Chamber/AIA invites members, public officials, candidates, and community leaders to join us at our annual Big Tent Legislative Reception at 1200 W. Capitol Avenue on Monday, April 15, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. As always, this event is free-of-charge. We look forward to seeing you there!

TODAY AT THE CAPITOL

The House and Senate are in recess until 1:00 p.m. on Monday, April 15.

YESTERDAY AT THE CAPTIOL

The Senate considered nine resolutions, eight of which sought authority to file a non-appropriation bill. Seven resolutions were approved. All address crypto mining and seek to amend the Arkansas Data Centers Act of 2023 (Act 851). This law prohibits localities from passing ordinances specifically aimed at regulating crypto mines.

SR5 by Sen. Josh Bryant would require crypto mines to adopt sound reduction techniques, be located at least 2,000 feet away from the nearest residential or commercial building, or be moved to an area zoned for commercial use. The proposal would also allow local governments to pass crypto-mine-specific noise and zoning ordinances. The resolution calls for citizens and entities subject to the federal International Traffic in Arms Regulations to be barred from owning more than 15% of a crypto mine in Arkansas. The language is modeled after Act 636, a law the legislature passed last year aimed at restricting Chinese ownership of agricultural land.

SR17 by Sen. Missy Irvin would establish a 60-decibel limit on crypto mines and a 40-decibel limit on businesses that utilize a blockchain network. The proposal also bans any ownership stake in a crypto mine from someone who is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Sen. Bryan King proposed SR11, SR12, SR13, SR14, SR15, and SR16. All were adopted except SR11. These resolutions address a wide range of issues related to regulating crypto mining.

WHEN TO EXPECT OUR LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

The State Chamber/AIA will closely monitor non-appropriation legislation during the fiscal session, ensuring that you receive the most relevant information related to business and industry in Arkansas. Since non-appropriation legislation accounts for a small fraction of legislative activity during this session, updates will only be released when there are new developments.