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Committee advances measure to extend interest-free loans for rural fire districts; separate bill on one-access subdivision rule draws heated debate
Summary
Lawmakers approved a bill increasing the repayment term on interest-free loans for qualifying volunteer fire departments. Separately, a contentious House bill proposing a carve-out to the state fire code’s two‑access rule for large rural subdivisions prompted testimony from developers and fire-service leaders before it also passed committee.
The committee unanimously approved a sponsor-request bill to expand an existing program that helps rural fire departments finance equipment and infrastructure. Separately, lawmakers debated a House bill that would exempt certain large-acreage, rural subdivisions from an Arkansas Fire Prevention Code appendix that requires a second access for developments above 30 homes or requires sprinklers for all homes.
Loan term extension for rural fire protection State Representative Bart Schultz introduced a straightforward change to the Rural Fire Protection program (Act 36 of 1979). The existing program offers interest-free loans up to $15,000 to qualifying volunteer fire departments for equipment; Schultz said the bill lengthens the loan term from 3 to 5 years for applicants who meet criteria set by the state Forestry agency. No committee members opposed the proposal; the bill passed on a voice vote.
House bill on single-access subdivisions prompts safety debate House Bill 1991 would amend the state fire code appendix governing vehicular access for subdivisions. Current code language says subdivisions of 31 or more dwellings must have a second entrance or require sprinklers in all homes. Representative Paul Childress and local real-estate witnesses said in parts of their counties long, deep tracts with only one legal frontage can’t physically accommodate a second entrance; they said the rule depresses land values, reduces development feasibility and eventually restricts housing supply and affordability in fast-growing counties.
Fire chiefs, state fire officials and firefighter associations urged caution Chief Ben Hammond, speaking for the Arkansas Association of Fire Chiefs and identifying himself as a former fire marshal, and Brad Moore, legislative chair of the State Firefighters Association and a current municipal fire marshal, urged the committee not to override the state fire code without using the existing appeals and variance processes in the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code. Hammond noted the code’s appendix intentionally provides a path for local authorities to seek a variance from the state fire marshal when unique circumstances arise and said the state code was designed to protect logistics for responding crews.
Key points of contention Developers and real-estate speakers argued the rule disproportionately harms rural acreage owners and said local planning bodies often do not enforce the code uniformly; they requested flexibility or a county-level variance path so some large but deep tracts could be developed without sprinkler requirements. Fire-service witnesses said sprinklers and secondary access are proven safety measures and recommended using the state appeals board and fire marshal’s variance process rather than statutory carve-outs.
Committee outcome and next steps Although several lawmakers suggested possible compromises — for example, letting county judges or county authorities review exceptions case-by-case — the committee voted to advance the bill. Sponsors said they are open to refining the text next session, including potential local‑control or variance language.
