AR SB787

Amends Arkansas Code Title 18, Chapter 15, Subchapter 1 to add section 18-15-103 requiring all eminent domain proceedings in Arkansas to comply with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. § 4601 et seq.) as in effect on January 1, 2013

Exempts from the federal compliance requirement eminent domain actions by the State Highway Commission, Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department, counties, municipalities, privately owned utilities, electric cooperatives, publicly owned utilities, utilities owned by improvement districts, railroads, and video service providers

Declares an emergency based on findings that citizens' property is frequently condemned by political subdivisions, citizens often lack means to obtain legal representation, and the act creates protections for property rights guaranteed by the Arkansas Constitution

Provides that the act becomes effective immediately upon gubernatorial approval, expiration of the veto period without action, or override of a gubernatorial veto by the legislature