AR HB1829

Amends Arkansas Code § 14-208-102(a)(1) regarding municipal acquisition of rural water service properties and customers when annexed areas are included within municipal boundaries.

Preserves rural water service's right to continue operations and extend water service in their assigned service area unless the municipality elects to purchase all customers, distribution properties, and facilities within the annexed areas, excluding water sources, treatment plants, and storage serving customers outside the annexed areas.

Defines "continue operations" as continuing to set meters, read meters, and supply water.

Grants municipalities exclusive rights to conduct water system inspections within the municipality, issue and regulate water system permits, and regulate water service to property within corporate limits even if the service is part of a rural water service's assigned service area.

Approved April 5, 2017.