HB 1521 Summary

• Amends Arkansas Code § 8-4-316 to allow counties to burn vegetative storm debris after declaring a county-level disaster emergency under § 12-75-108, in addition to state or federal disaster declarations.

• Limits open burning to 4 pre-authorized sites per county designated by the county judge and pre-authorized by the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality, with the director able to authorize additional sites if the disaster warrants it.

• Restricts open burning to Monday through Friday during daylight hours, excludes state and federal holidays, and requires completion within 120 days of disaster designation (extendable to 240 days maximum with director approval).

• Prohibits open burning within 500 feet of residences without written permission and within 1,000 feet of schools, and requires adequate firefighting personnel available at each site.

• Prohibits burning of nonvegetative debris (tires, construction materials, household waste) and allows the director to relocate sites or stop burning if air quality standards are violated.