AR SB301

State agencies must return all fines collected under § 20-7-101 for COVID-19 health directive violations during the public health emergency from March 11, 2020, through February 28, 2021, and any subsequent extensions.

Fines must be returned by June 30, 2021, for violations occurring between March 11, 2020, and February 28, 2021; for subsequent emergency extensions, agencies have 60 days from collection to return fines.

State agencies shall not return fines to long-term care facilities, nursing homes, residential care facilities, assisted living facilities, hospitals, hospice facilities, human development centers, or any residential entity housing 25 or more people.

State agencies continue collecting and keeping fines for violations that would have been unlawful violations regardless of the public health emergency.

The bill declares an emergency to take effect immediately upon Governor approval, veto expiration, or veto override, citing arbitrary enforcement and negative economic impact on small businesses.