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Committee approves bill letting local governments allow UTVs on selected streets
Summary
HB 1606 would let local governing bodies authorize utility task vehicles (UTVs) on specified streets if vehicles meet safety standards and registration/insurance requirements. The committee passed the measure as amended to remove an engine-size restriction, and members discussed electric UTV inclusion.
Senator Tyler Deese presented HB 1606 as a permissive local-control bill allowing cities to adopt ordinances to permit utility task vehicles (UTVs) on designated streets and highways. Deese said the bill retains equipment and safety requirements (lights, seat belts, operator license) and requires registration and insurance.
Committee members and witnesses discussed whether the bill should explicitly include non-gas-powered UTVs. Several members and stakeholders noted Arkansas manufacturers produce electric UTVs; committee members asked whether the 900 cc internal combustion engine threshold in the draft should be removed to avoid excluding electric models. The sponsor and other senators agreed to pull the bill briefly and return with a verbal amendment; the committee later adopted an amendment deleting lines that had limited coverage to 900 cc engines and passed the bill as amended.
Supporters said the law would leave final route and access decisions to local governments and the county judge for roads under county control. Sponsors said registration, insurance and safety requirements would remain in place. The committee recorded no public opposition during the hearing.
