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Committee passes amendment to require majority of county planning-board members live in unincorporated areas
Summary
The committee approved SB324 as amended to change an existing two-thirds residency requirement for county planning boards to a majority requirement, a compromise sponsors said balances representation while remaining permissive for counties.
Little Rock — The Senate City, County & Local Affairs Committee voted to "do pass as amended" on Senate Bill 324 on Oct. 12, 2025, approving an amendment that changes a two-thirds residency requirement to a simple majority for county planning boards.
Sen. Mark Johnson (District 17), sponsor of SB324, told the committee the amendment narrows the bill's change to a single line: instead of requiring that at least two-thirds of a county planning board reside in unincorporated areas, the amended bill requires a majority. "This bill is simple," Johnson said in his explanation.
Supporters said the change addresses complaints from residents in unincorporated areas who said they lacked adequate representation on boards that regulate land use outside municipalities. Johnson and other supporters described the amendment as a negotiated compromise with county officials. "If it's a board of five, that would be three; if it's a board of seven, that would be four," Johnson said, explaining the majority rule.
Sen. Bryant, who spoke in support, said the change helps ensure representation from people who live in unincorporated areas while preserving access to members with different planning experience. "At least the majority, 50 plus 1, understands and respects what it is to live unincorporated," Bryant said.
Committee members asked whether the change had been discussed with county judges and the Association of Counties. Johnson said most county leaders had been consulted and that the amendment was intended as a compromise; he noted Pulaski County's judge raised fewer concerns than some others. The bill received a "do pass as amended" recommendation and will move forward.
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Votes at a glance: Committee adopted the amendment changing "two-thirds" to "majority," then voted to "do pass as amended." The committee voice vote passed; no detailed roll-call tally appears in the transcript excerpt.
