HB1965 Summary

• Creates the Arkansas Delta Music Trail Act and establishes a 9-member Arkansas Delta Music Commission within the Department of Arkansas Heritage to develop tourism programs and tax incentives for art projects along seven designated music highways (Rock 'n' Roll Highway 67, Louis Jordan Memorial Highway, Levon Helm Memorial Highway, Sister Rosetta Tharpe Memorial Highway, Americana Music Highway, Johnny Cash Memorial Highway, and Delta Rhythm & Bayous Highway).

• Provides income tax credits up to $25,000 or 100% of qualified expenses (whichever is less) for persons who create and install approved art projects within 2 miles of designated music highways; unused credits may be carried forward for 5 consecutive tax years.

• Limits approval of qualified expenses to $250,000 per calendar year, with funds allocated proportionally among highways based on their lengths and at least one-third of approved projects visible from a designated highway.

• Requires the Arkansas Department of Transportation to erect appropriate signage along designated music highways and at art projects that receive certificates of completion from the commission.

• Requires the commission to submit biennial reports by December 31 of even-numbered years detailing approved expenses, economic development opportunities, and benefits realized.