AR HB1129

Amends Arkansas Code § 14-284-403(a)(2) to clarify that insurance premium tax moneys apportioned to fire departments may be based on fire protection needs rather than population if the county intergovernmental cooperation council notifies the quorum court of such needs.

Expands eligibility for insurance premium tax funds to include non-certified fire departments, provided all moneys are spent on equipment, training, capital improvements, insurance for buildings, utility costs, or other necessary service upgrades.

Declares inactive fire departments ineligible to receive funds, with moneys that would have been apportioned to them redistributed to active departments based on fire protection needs.

Amends Arkansas Code § 14-284-404 to explicitly authorize use of insurance premium tax funds for building insurance and utility costs in addition to training and equipment purchase.

Amends Arkansas Code § 14-284-406(a)(2) to allow municipalities serving designated unincorporated areas to use insurance premium tax funds for training, equipment, building insurance, and utility costs related to fire protection.