HB1499
To Amend The Sale And Purchase Procedure For Public Property.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill proposes amendments to the sale and purchase procedures for public property in Arkansas. It modifies existing Arkansas Code § 22-6-601, which governs how state agencies handle real estate transactions. The bill clarifies which state agencies are subject to these procedures, excluding several specific commissions and institutions of higher education. A significant change involves the requirement for state agencies to submit proposals for land sales or purchases to the Building Authority Division for approval *before* obtaining an appraisal. If the proposal is approved, a qualified appraiser will then be engaged, with notice to the Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services. The appraisal will then be submitted to the Building Authority Division for assessment and recommendation to the Secretary. The bill also adds provisions regarding the acceptance of donated land, requiring certification to the Building Authority Division and gubernatorial approval. Finally, it mandates that state agencies consult the Arkansas Buildings & Sites Database before purchasing real property to identify available state-owned alternatives.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
['State agencies involved in real estate transactions (except those exempted) would have a more defined process for selling or purchasing public property. The Building Authority Division and the Department of Transformation and Shared Services would gain increased oversight and involvement in these transactions through the approval and recommendation processes. The Governor would retain final approval for donated land. The Arkansas Economic Development Commission Building Authority Division would benefit from increased use of the Arkansas Buildings & Sites Database. Ultimately, the state of Arkansas could potentially benefit from more streamlined, transparent, and potentially cost-effective land transactions through enhanced review and the consideration of existing state-owned properties.']
Who Might Suffer?
['State agencies that were previously able to conduct land sales and purchases with fewer procedural steps or less oversight may find the new requirements more time-consuming and complex. The requirement to obtain approval from the Building Authority Division before appraisal could potentially delay transactions. The inclusion of the Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services and the Building Authority Division in the appraisal review process adds layers of bureaucracy. While not explicitly stated as negative impacts, the added steps and required consultations could create additional administrative burdens and potentially slow down the acquisition or disposition of public property.']