Senate panel hears split testimony on Bill 1700, which would change property-manager licensing

The Arkansas Senate Insurance & Commerce Committee on Thursday heard competing testimony on Bill 1700, legislation that would create exemptions affecting whether some property managers must hold a real estate license.

Proponents argued the bill would reduce regulatory burdens; opponents warned it could remove oversight that currently protects tenants.

Daniel Brown, testifying that he works in property management, opened with a personal appeal that reshaped prepared remarks and urged the committee to consider tenants as the bill—s primary victims. "We're missing the tenants. There's not 1 tenant sitting in this room. They can't afford to be here," Brown said, asking senators to vote for whatever helps tenants most.

Attorney and national instructor Dale Carlton, speaking against the bill, highlighted three concerns he said should guide the committee—s approach: people, education and legal issues. Carlton said about "34 to 35…