HB1280 Summary

• Amends Arkansas Code § 15-58-102 to clarify legislative findings regarding surface coal mining as a significant economic activity and the state's responsibility to regulate it in compliance with the federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977

• Modifies § 15-58-106 to update language regarding exempt activities and clarify that non-coal minerals are regulated under the Arkansas Quarry Operation, Reclamation, and Safe Closure Act

• Updates § 15-58-204 to change emergency rule effectiveness from 120 days to 180 days and replace references to "agency" with "Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality"

• Revises § 15-58-207 and 15-58-208 to replace "legislative public hearing" with "public hearing" and update procedural language for rulemaking and permit proceedings

• Restructures § 15-58-402 to reorganize abandoned mine reclamation fund spending priorities into three priority categories (Priority I, II, and III) with specific definitions and conditions for use of federal funding

• Clarifies § 15-58-404 lien procedures for reclaimed properties, including conditions for lien filing, amount limitations based on appraised value increases, and exemptions for certain pre-1977 surface owners