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After lengthy testimony on capacity and local control, senator pulls consumer-protection water bill
Summary
Senate Bill 554 on consumer protections for water customers drew extensive opposition from Hot Springs officials and water providers, who warned the measure could force cities to serve beyond available capacity; Senator Clark pulled the bill after debate and testimony about Lake Hamilton allocations, improvement districts and local decision-making.
Senate Bill 554, presented by Senator Clark as a consumer-protection measure, prompted extended testimony and heated questioning in the City, County & Local Affairs Committee before the sponsor withdrew the bill.
City Manager Bill Burrow of Hot Springs told the committee the bill "adds an additional section" to state code and is "contrary" to specific Arkansas code sections; he warned the measure would turn what the city views as a local utility-management issue into a state-mandated…
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