Loading chat...

AR SB525

Bill

Status

Failed

5/5/2025

Primary Sponsor

Mark Johnson

Click for details

Origin

Senate

95th General Assembly (2025 Regular)

AI Summary

  • Transfers municipal incorporation approval authority from county courts to the Secretary of State, who will conduct hearings, review petitions, and issue incorporation orders

  • Reduces the signature requirement for incorporation petitions from 200 qualified voters to 75 qualified voters (or a majority of residents, whichever is greater)

  • Requires county clerks to verify petition signatures within 30 days and forward verified petitions to the Secretary of State

  • Replaces the county court's discretionary "right and proper" approval standard with a new requirement that petitioners submit a business plan addressing continuation of police, fire, utilities, and trash services

  • Requires the Secretary of State to publish hearing notices on their website at least 3 weeks before the hearing and authorizes the Secretary to promulgate rules implementing the new process

Legislative Description

To Amend The Law Concerning Incorporation And Organization Of Municipalities; And To Transfer Incorporation Duties To The Secretary Of State.

Last Action

Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.

5/5/2025

Committee Referrals

City, County and Local Affairs4/3/2025
City, County & Local Affairs3/19/2025

Full Bill Text

No bill text available