reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 15 - NATURAL RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-76-324) › Subtitle 1 - DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIC AND NATURAL RESOURCES GENERALLY (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-14-108) › Chapter 11 - PUBLICITY AND TOURISM (§§ 15-11-101 — 15-11-905) › Subchapter 2 - STATE PARKS, RECREATION, AND TRAVEL COMMISSION (§§ 15-11-201 — 15-11-212) › Section 15-11-211 - Disposal of railroad track material

(a)
The State Parks, Recreation, and Travel Commission and the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism are authorized to dispose of rail and other railroad track material by gift or contract to a regional intermodal facilities authority organized pursuant to the Regional Intermodal Facilities Act, §
14-143-101
et seq., a metropolitan port authority organized pursuant to the Metropolitan Port Authority Act of 1961, §
14-185-101
et seq., or a planning and development district recognized by §
14-166-202
.
(b)
A regional intermodal facilities authority, a metropolitan port authority, or a planning and development district may receive and acquire the property described in subsection (a) of this section upon such terms and conditions acceptable to it and shall use the property for railroad purposes in accordance with the power and authority conferred by law.
(c)
If a regional intermodal facilities authority, a metropolitan port authority, or a planning and development district subsequently sells the property described in subsection (a) of this section, the net proceeds received from disposition of the property, after deduction of all costs and expenses related thereto, shall be remitted to the commission and the department.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 5630, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 2007, No. 679, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 15 - NATURAL RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-76-324) › Subtitle 1 - DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIC AND NATURAL RESOURCES GENERALLY (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-14-108) › Chapter 11 - PUBLICITY AND TOURISM (§§ 15-11-101 — 15-11-905) › Subchapter 2 - STATE PARKS, RECREATION, AND TRAVEL COMMISSION (§§ 15-11-201 — 15-11-212) › Section 15-11-212 - Enforcement of state law - Statewide jurisdiction

A person designated as and employed as a law enforcement officer by the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism shall:
(1)
Be a certified law enforcement officer under §
12-9-101
et seq.; and
(2)
Have statewide law enforcement jurisdiction and authority.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 5631, eff. 7/1/2019.
Added by Act 2017, No. 202,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 15 - NATURAL RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-76-324) › Subtitle 1 - DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIC AND NATURAL RESOURCES GENERALLY (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-14-108) › Chapter 11 - PUBLICITY AND TOURISM (§§ 15-11-101 — 15-11-905) › Subchapter 3 - TOURIST INFORMATION BUREAUS (§§ 15-11-301 — 15-11-306) › Section 15-11-301 - Creation

The Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism is authorized and directed to establish, as funds are provided therefor, and to maintain and operate at or near the federal interstate highway points of entry into this state tourist information bureaus to perform the functions and duties as provided by this subchapter.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 5532 [
sic
], eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1965, No. 515, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 9-210.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 15 - NATURAL RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-76-324) › Subtitle 1 - DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIC AND NATURAL RESOURCES GENERALLY (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-14-108) › Chapter 11 - PUBLICITY AND TOURISM (§§ 15-11-101 — 15-11-905) › Subchapter 3 - TOURIST INFORMATION BUREAUS (§§ 15-11-301 — 15-11-306) › Section 15-11-302 - Department duties

Tourist information bureaus established pursuant to this subchapter shall:
(1)
Be open to the public at regular business hours and, during tourist seasons, shall be operated at such other hours as may be determined by the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism;
(2)
Be situated at or near federal interstate highway points of entry into this state and be located convenient to access by the motoring public;
(3)
Be staffed by persons trained and informed concerning:
(A)
The highways of this state;
(B)
Sites of historical interest and importance;
(C)
State parks and other public and private recreational facilities;
(D)
Annual festivals, fairs, and other events of local, regional, or statewide importance of interest and appeal to tourists;
(E)
The population of the state and the various counties and cities;
(F)
The agricultural and industrial economy of the state;
(G)
The natural and human resources that make the State of Arkansas attractive to industry and tourists; and
(H)
Such other information and data concerning this state as may be deemed advisable by the department;
(4)
Maintain files, reference books, and sources of information to answer questions and to furnish information to tourists;
(5)
(A)
Maintain facilities for the display of brochures, circulars, and other literature furnished the department by hotels, motels, restaurants, and other business establishments publicizing services for the accommodation and convenience of tourists.
(B)
Provided, that the tourist information bureaus shall display the literature for the information and benefit of tourists without favoritism or prejudice to any business establishment; and
(6)
Perform such other duties as determined by the department to be in furtherance of the purposes and intent of this subchapter.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 5633, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1965, No. 515, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 9-211.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 15 - NATURAL RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-76-324) › Subtitle 1 - DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIC AND NATURAL RESOURCES GENERALLY (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-14-108) › Chapter 11 - PUBLICITY AND TOURISM (§§ 15-11-101 — 15-11-905) › Subchapter 3 - TOURIST INFORMATION BUREAUS (§§ 15-11-301 — 15-11-306) › Section 15-11-303 - Commission duties

In furtherance of the purposes of this subchapter, the State Parks, Recreation, and Travel Commission shall:
(1)
Encourage the assistance and cooperation of public agencies and private businesses throughout the state in promoting the tourist industry;
(2)
Have the authority to accept gifts, grants, and donations of property, both real and personal, to be used in furtherance of the purposes of this subchapter;
(3)
Reject for display at any tourist information bureau any brochure, pamphlet, or other literature which is misleading or contains false representations; and
(4)
Make reasonable rules and perform such other duties as may be in furtherance of the purposes of this subchapter.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 1101, eff. 7/24/2019.
Acts 1965, No. 515, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 9-212.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 15 - NATURAL RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-76-324) › Subtitle 1 - DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIC AND NATURAL RESOURCES GENERALLY (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-14-108) › Chapter 11 - PUBLICITY AND TOURISM (§§ 15-11-101 — 15-11-905) › Subchapter 3 - TOURIST INFORMATION BUREAUS (§§ 15-11-301 — 15-11-306) › Section 15-11-304 - Preferential treatment or consideration

In accepting gifts, grants, and donations, the State Parks, Recreation, and Travel Commission shall not make any agreement whereby the person or firm making the gift, grant, or donation shall receive any special consideration or preference from the commission or any tourist information bureau in the performance of the respective duties provided in this subchapter.
Acts 1965, No. 515, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 9-213.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 15 - NATURAL RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-76-324) › Subtitle 1 - DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIC AND NATURAL RESOURCES GENERALLY (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-14-108) › Chapter 11 - PUBLICITY AND TOURISM (§§ 15-11-101 — 15-11-905) › Subchapter 3 - TOURIST INFORMATION BUREAUS (§§ 15-11-301 — 15-11-306) › Section 15-11-305 - Cooperation with other state agencies

The State Highway Commission, the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission, and all other state agencies are requested to cooperate and assist the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism with respect to tourist information bureaus established under the provisions of this subchapter.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 5634, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1965, No. 515, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 9-214.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 15 - NATURAL RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-76-324) › Subtitle 1 - DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIC AND NATURAL RESOURCES GENERALLY (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-14-108) › Chapter 11 - PUBLICITY AND TOURISM (§§ 15-11-101 — 15-11-905) › Subchapter 3 - TOURIST INFORMATION BUREAUS (§§ 15-11-301 — 15-11-306) › Section 15-11-306 - Authority to lease facilities

(a)
The Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism may lease existing buildings and facilities for operation as tourist information bureaus at or near the major highway points of entry into this state and may pay the necessary cost of maintenance, upkeep, and operation of the leased buildings and facilities.
(b)
If it becomes necessary for the department to cease to operate any tourist information bureau in the state as a result of the shortage of funds, the State Parks, Recreation, and Travel Commission shall lease the tourist information bureau facility to a municipality or county in which the tourist information bureau is located or to a nonprofit organization approved by the commission for an annual lease payment of ten dollars ($10.00) per year to be operated by the lessee in a manner approved by the commission.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 5635, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 374,§ 21, eff. 8/1/2017.
Acts 1965, No. 174, § 1; 1981, No. 931, § 28; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 9-215, 9-216.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 15 - NATURAL RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-76-324) › Subtitle 1 - DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIC AND NATURAL RESOURCES GENERALLY (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-14-108) › Chapter 11 - PUBLICITY AND TOURISM (§§ 15-11-101 — 15-11-905) › Subchapter 4 - REGIONAL TOURIST PROMOTION AGENCIES (§§ 15-11-401 — 15-11-410) › Section 15-11-401 - Definitions

As used in this subchapter:
(1)
"Commission" means the State Parks, Recreation, and Travel Commission or the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism or any successor agency designated by law to promote tourist travel and vacation business in Arkansas;
(2)
"Natural planning regions" means the respective counties composing each of the fourteen (14) natural planning regions as defined by the Arkansas Economic Development Council and which are outlined on the records and maps maintained by the council as natural planning regions of this state existing on August 6, 1969;
(3)
"Regional tourist promotion agency" means a corporation organized pursuant to the provisions of the Arkansas Nonprofit Corporation Act, §
4-28-201
et seq., or the Arkansas Nonprofit Corporation Act of 1993, §
4-33-101
et seq., established for the purposes authorized in this subchapter and which is recognized by the commission or its successor agency as qualifying under the provisions of this subchapter; and
(4)
"Tourism division" means the Tourism Division of the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism or its successor agency.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 5637, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 5636, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1969, No. 310, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 9-221; Acts 1995, No. 1296, § 49; 1997, No. 540, § 38.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 15 - NATURAL RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-76-324) › Subtitle 1 - DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIC AND NATURAL RESOURCES GENERALLY (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-14-108) › Chapter 11 - PUBLICITY AND TOURISM (§§ 15-11-101 — 15-11-905) › Subchapter 4 - REGIONAL TOURIST PROMOTION AGENCIES (§§ 15-11-401 — 15-11-410) › Section 15-11-402 - Formation

(a)
(1)
Any group of interested citizens and residents of counties composing a natural planning region of this state and who are residents of counties representing not less than fifty percent (50%) of the total population of the region, but in no event fewer than fifteen (15) individuals, who shall form a nonprofit corporation pursuant to the provisions of the Arkansas Nonprofit Corporation Act, §§
4-28-201
-
4-28-206
and
4-28-209
-
4-28-224
, for the purpose of promoting tourist travel and vacation business in the counties composing the natural planning region and whose charters, bylaws, and purposes are in compliance with the rules promulgated by the State Parks, Recreation, and Travel Commission or the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism pursuant to the provisions of this subchapter may apply for recognition by the commission as a regional tourist promotion agency under this subchapter.
(2)
However, upon approval of the commission, a county in one (1) natural planning region of the state may be included within the area composing a different and adjacent natural planning region if and when experience establishes that the county tourist values are more closely identified with the other natural planning region.
(b)
(1)
In addition, any two (2) or more natural planning regions may merge to form a single regional tourist agency to represent the total area of the respective natural planning regions.
(2)
However, no more than one (1) nonprofit corporation may be designated as the regional tourist promotion agency for the combined natural planning regions.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 1102, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 5638, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1969, No. 310, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 9-222.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 15 - NATURAL RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-76-324) › Subtitle 1 - DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIC AND NATURAL RESOURCES GENERALLY (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-14-108) › Chapter 11 - PUBLICITY AND TOURISM (§§ 15-11-101 — 15-11-905) › Subchapter 4 - REGIONAL TOURIST PROMOTION AGENCIES (§§ 15-11-401 — 15-11-410) › Section 15-11-403 - Designation

(a)
The State Parks, Recreation, and Travel Commission or the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, upon receipt of a copy of incorporation papers, constitution, bylaws, and resolutions, if any, of a nonprofit corporation applying for recognition as a regional tourist promotion agency under the provisions of this subchapter, is authorized to designate the applying corporation as a regional tourist promotion agency under the provisions of this subchapter, provided that the commission shall determine:
(1)
That the applying agency is established under the Arkansas Nonprofit Corporation Act, §§
4-28-201
-
4-28-206
and
4-28-209
-
4-28-224
, and has a constitution and bylaws governing the activities and purposes of the corporation which are in compliance with the rules of the commission established in furtherance of the purposes of this subchapter;
(2)
That the charter, constitution, or bylaws of the applying agency provide for the selection of a board of directors and successor members on the boards, of persons who have demonstrated knowledge of and interest in the tourist travel and vacation business in the various counties composing the region to be served by the agency; and
(3)
That the applying agency has furnished a proposed plan and demonstration of financial resources to establish and promote an active tourist travel and vacation business promotion program within the region as provided in this subchapter.
(b)
Upon determining that an applying corporation is eligible for designation as a regional tourist promotion agency under the provisions of this subchapter, the commission, upon a majority vote of the full membership of the commission, shall designate the agency as the participating regional tourist promotion agency under the provisions of this subchapter for the region and shall certify that fact to the applying agency.
(c)
The commission is authorized to revoke its designation of any regional tourist promotion agency or to suspend the regional tourist promotion agency from participation in the provisions of this subchapter whenever the commission shall determine that the regional tourist promotion agency is not complying with this subchapter or with the rules and regulations of the commission or has failed to comply with the terms of any grant made to the regional tourist promotion agency pursuant to the provisions of this subchapter.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 1103, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 5639, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1969, No. 310, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 9-223.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 15 - NATURAL RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-76-324) › Subtitle 1 - DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIC AND NATURAL RESOURCES GENERALLY (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-14-108) › Chapter 11 - PUBLICITY AND TOURISM (§§ 15-11-101 — 15-11-905) › Subchapter 4 - REGIONAL TOURIST PROMOTION AGENCIES (§§ 15-11-401 — 15-11-410) › Section 15-11-404 - Administrative agency

The Tourism Division is designated as the administrative agency of this state to act under the authority of the State Parks, Recreation, and Travel Commission or the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism in administering the provisions of this subchapter.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 5640, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1969, No. 310, § 7; 1975, No. 281, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 9-227; Acts 1995, No. 1296, § 50.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 15 - NATURAL RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-76-324) › Subtitle 1 - DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIC AND NATURAL RESOURCES GENERALLY (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-14-108) › Chapter 11 - PUBLICITY AND TOURISM (§§ 15-11-101 — 15-11-905) › Subchapter 4 - REGIONAL TOURIST PROMOTION AGENCIES (§§ 15-11-401 — 15-11-410) › Section 15-11-405 - Grants generally

(a)
All grants under the provisions of this subchapter shall be on a matching basis with the applying regional tourist promotion agency furnishing one-third (1/3) of the funds and the state grant being two (2) times the amount of the funds supplied by the applying regional tourist promotion agency.
(b)
Upon approval of each application and the making of a grant by the State Parks, Recreation, and Travel Commission in accordance therewith, the commission or the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism shall give notice to the applying regional tourist promotion agency of the approval and grant and shall direct the regional tourist promotion agency to proceed with its promotional program as described in its application and to use therefor funds allocated by the regional tourist promotion agency for such purposes.
(c)
Upon the furnishing of evidence to the commission that the particular regional tourist promotion agency has proceeded in accordance with the terms of the application, the grant allocated to the regional tourist promotion agency shall be paid to the regional tourist promotion agency by the Tourism Division.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 5641, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1969, No. 310, § 7; 1975, No. 281, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 9-227; Acts 1995, No. 1296, § 50.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 15 - NATURAL RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-76-324) › Subtitle 1 - DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIC AND NATURAL RESOURCES GENERALLY (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-14-108) › Chapter 11 - PUBLICITY AND TOURISM (§§ 15-11-101 — 15-11-905) › Subchapter 4 - REGIONAL TOURIST PROMOTION AGENCIES (§§ 15-11-401 — 15-11-410) › Section 15-11-406 - Grants from Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism

(a)
(1)
Upon approval of the State Parks, Recreation, and Travel Commission, the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism may make grants from funds specifically appropriated for such purposes to regional tourist promotion agencies, to assist such regional tourist promotion agencies in the financing of promotional and advertising programs, and to encourage and stimulate tourist travel and vacation business within the natural planning region.
(2)
Before a grant under subdivision (a)(1) of this section may be made:
(A)
(i)
The regional tourist promotion agency shall have made application to the commission or the department for such a grant and shall have set forth therein the promotion and advertising program and project proposed to be undertaken for the purpose of encouraging and stimulating the tourist travel and vacation business within the natural planning region.
(ii)
The application shall further state, under oath or affirmation, the amount of funds held by or committed or subscribed to the regional tourist promotion agency for application to the purposes described in this section and the amount of the grant for which application is made; and
(B)
(i)
If after review of the application the commission is satisfied that the program of the regional tourist promotion agency appears to be in accord with the purposes of this subchapter, the commission shall authorize the making of a matching grant to the regional tourist promotion agency equal to the funds of the regional tourist promotion agency allocated by the regional tourist promotion agency to the program described in the application.
(ii)
However, the state grant shall not exceed an amount equal to the total amount apportioned to the natural planning region as outlined in this subchapter.
(b)
(1)
Funds appropriated to the department for tourism or museum grants may be used to make grants to cities and counties for the purpose of feasibility studies for tourism attractions.
(2)
A grant made under subdivision (b)(1) of this section shall:
(A)
Be on a one-to-one dollar matching basis; and
(B)
Not exceed fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) in state funds per grant.
(3)
The department may promulgate rules to administer the grant program under this subsection.
(4)
After awarding a grant under this subsection, the Secretary of the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism shall notify members of the General Assembly who represent the district in which the grantee is located.
Amended by Act 2023, No. 344,§ 23, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 5642, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1969, No. 310, § 4; 1971, No. 368, § 1; 1973, No. 336, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 9-224.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 15 - NATURAL RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-76-324) › Subtitle 1 - DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIC AND NATURAL RESOURCES GENERALLY (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-14-108) › Chapter 11 - PUBLICITY AND TOURISM (§§ 15-11-101 — 15-11-905) › Subchapter 4 - REGIONAL TOURIST PROMOTION AGENCIES (§§ 15-11-401 — 15-11-410) › Section 15-11-407 - Federal funds

(a)
The State Parks, Recreation, and Travel Commission or the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism is authorized to accept gifts, grants, or donations from the United States Government or agencies thereof, and some private individuals, foundations, or concerns to be used in furtherance of the purposes of this subchapter.
(b)
(1)
The commission shall annually review the amount of funds appropriated by the General Assembly and other funds that may be available therefor.
(2)
(A)
The commission shall apportion the funds at the beginning of each fiscal year on an equal basis to the various participating regional tourist promotion agencies or associations recognized by the commission.
(B)
However, each natural planning region shall be eligible for at least one thousand dollars ($1,000) annually but shall not be eligible for more than twenty percent (20%) of the appropriation made to the commission for the purposes set forth in this subchapter.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 5643, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1969, No. 310, § 5; 1973, No. 336, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 9-225.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 15 - NATURAL RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-76-324) › Subtitle 1 - DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIC AND NATURAL RESOURCES GENERALLY (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-14-108) › Chapter 11 - PUBLICITY AND TOURISM (§§ 15-11-101 — 15-11-905) › Subchapter 4 - REGIONAL TOURIST PROMOTION AGENCIES (§§ 15-11-401 — 15-11-410) › Section 15-11-408 - Matching state funds - Use, reversion, and reallocation

(a)
(1)
The State Parks, Recreation, and Travel Commission shall promulgate reasonable rules regarding the use of matching funds that are available to the respective regional tourist promotion agencies.
(2)
The funds available to each regional tourist promotion agency may be used for needed approved tourist promotion and advertising or research programs designed to encourage and stimulate the visitor and vacation business within the natural planning region and for operational and administrative expenses, as may have been approved by the commission or the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism.
(b)
(1)
Matching funds available for operational and administrative expenses shall be limited to ten percent (10%) of the funds allocated to the regional tourist promotion agency.
(2)
It is the intent of this section that no more than ten percent (10%) of the funds made available to a regional tourist promotion agency shall be used for operational or administrative expenses.
(c)
(1)
After six (6) months, unused state funds allocated to a regional tourist promotion agency shall revert to the commission to be reapportioned on a pro rata basis to participating regional tourist promotion agencies with active programs.
(2)
However, no one (1) regional tourist promotion agency shall receive in excess of twenty percent (20%) of the funds appropriated for grants under the provisions of this subchapter.
(d)
In the event sufficient regional or local funds cannot be raised to match the state funds appropriated for the matching fund program by January 1 of each year, those state funds not applied for shall revert to the advertising and promotion budget of the Tourism Division.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 1104, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 5645, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 5644, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1969, No. 310, § 6; 1971, No. 368, § 2; 1973, No. 336, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 9-226; Acts 1991, No. 283, § 1; 1995, No. 1296, § 50.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 15 - NATURAL RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-76-324) › Subtitle 1 - DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIC AND NATURAL RESOURCES GENERALLY (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-14-108) › Chapter 11 - PUBLICITY AND TOURISM (§§ 15-11-101 — 15-11-905) › Subchapter 4 - REGIONAL TOURIST PROMOTION AGENCIES (§§ 15-11-401 — 15-11-410) › Section 15-11-409 - Investigations and audits

The State Parks, Recreation, and Travel Commission or the Tourism Division from time to time may make such investigations and audits and require each participating regional tourist promotion agency to furnish such evidence or proof to determine that all funds granted under the provisions of this subchapter are being handled and expended for the purposes as approved by the commission or the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism in awarding the grant.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 5646, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1969, No. 310, § 7; 1975, No. 281, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 9-227; Acts 1995, No. 1296, § 50.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 15 - NATURAL RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-76-324) › Subtitle 1 - DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIC AND NATURAL RESOURCES GENERALLY (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-14-108) › Chapter 11 - PUBLICITY AND TOURISM (§§ 15-11-101 — 15-11-905) › Subchapter 4 - REGIONAL TOURIST PROMOTION AGENCIES (§§ 15-11-401 — 15-11-410) › Section 15-11-410 - Brochures and other printed matter

(a)
Any brochures and other printed materials produced by the regional tourist promotion agencies or municipalities with state matching funds under the provisions of §§
15-11-401
-
15-11-409
shall not be subject to state printing contracts.
(b)
However, all such brochures and other printed matter shall be printed by Arkansas printing firms.
Acts 1971, No. 368, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 9-228.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 15 - NATURAL RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-76-324) › Subtitle 1 - DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIC AND NATURAL RESOURCES GENERALLY (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-14-108) › Chapter 11 - PUBLICITY AND TOURISM (§§ 15-11-101 — 15-11-905) › Subchapter 5 - ARKANSAS TOURISM DEVELOPMENT ACT (§§ 15-11-501 — 15-11-512) › Section 15-11-501 - Title

This subchapter shall be referred to and may be cited as the "Arkansas Tourism Development Act".
Acts 1997, No. 291, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 15 - NATURAL RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-76-324) › Subtitle 1 - DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIC AND NATURAL RESOURCES GENERALLY (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-14-108) › Chapter 11 - PUBLICITY AND TOURISM (§§ 15-11-101 — 15-11-905) › Subchapter 5 - ARKANSAS TOURISM DEVELOPMENT ACT (§§ 15-11-501 — 15-11-512) › Section 15-11-502 - Legislative intent

The General Assembly finds and declares that the general welfare and material well-being of the citizens of the State of Arkansas depend, in large measure, upon the development of tourism attractions in the state, and that it is in the best interests of the state to induce the creation of new or the expansion of existing tourism attractions within the state in order to advance the public purposes of relieving unemployment by preserving and creating jobs that would not exist if not for the inducements to be offered by the state to approved companies, and by preserving and creating sources of tax revenues for the support of public services provided by the state. The authority prescribed by this subchapter and the purposes to be accomplished under the provisions of this subchapter are proper governmental and public purposes for which public moneys may be expended. The inducement of the creation or expansion of tourism attraction projects is of paramount importance, mandating that the provisions of this subchapter be liberally construed and applied in order to advance public purposes.
Acts 1997, No. 291, § 2.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 15 - NATURAL RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-76-324) › Subtitle 1 - DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIC AND NATURAL RESOURCES GENERALLY (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-14-108) › Chapter 11 - PUBLICITY AND TOURISM (§§ 15-11-101 — 15-11-905) › Subchapter 5 - ARKANSAS TOURISM DEVELOPMENT ACT (§§ 15-11-501 — 15-11-512) › Section 15-11-504 - Evaluation standards - Tourism attraction project applications

(a)
The Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission shall establish standards for the making of applications for inducements to eligible companies and their tourism attraction projects by the promulgation of administrative rules in accordance with the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, §
25-15-201
et seq.
(b)
With respect to each eligible company making an application to the director for inducements and with respect to the tourism attraction project described in the application, the director shall make inquiries and request materials of the applicant that shall include, but shall not be limited to:
(1)
Marketing plans for the tourism attraction project that target individuals who are not residents of the state;
(2)
A description and location of the tourism attraction project;
(3)
Capital and other anticipated expenditures for the tourism attraction project that indicate that the total cost of the tourism attraction project shall exceed the amounts specified in §
15-11-503(4)
;
(4)
The anticipated employment and wages to be paid at the tourism attraction project;
(5)
Business plans which indicate the average number of days in a year in which the tourism attraction project will be in operation and open to the public; and
(6)
The anticipated revenues and expenses generated by the tourism attraction project.
(c)
The Arkansas Economic Development Commission shall analyze the data made available by the eligible company and collect and analyze additional information as is necessary to determine that the tourism attraction project will:
(1)
Develop a marketing plan that targets at least twenty-five percent (25%) of its visitors from among persons who are not residents of the state;
(2)
Have costs in excess of the amounts specified in §
15-11-503(4)
;
(3)
Have a significant and positive economic impact on the state considering, among other factors, the extent to which the tourism attraction project will compete directly with existing tourism attractions in the state and the amount by which increased tax revenues from the tourism attraction project will exceed the sales tax credit allowed pursuant to §
15-11-507
;
(4)
Produce sufficient revenues and public demand to be operating and open to the public on a regular and persistent basis; and
(5)
Not adversely affect existing employment in the state.
Amended by Act 2023, No. 652,§ 6, eff. 8/1/2023.
Amended by Act 2023, No. 652,§ 5, eff. 8/1/2023.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 1105, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 453, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1997, No. 291, § 4; 1999, No. 1135, § 2; 2005, No. 2308, § 2.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 15 - NATURAL RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-76-324) › Subtitle 1 - DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIC AND NATURAL RESOURCES GENERALLY (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-14-108) › Chapter 11 - PUBLICITY AND TOURISM (§§ 15-11-101 — 15-11-905) › Subchapter 5 - ARKANSAS TOURISM DEVELOPMENT ACT (§§ 15-11-501 — 15-11-512) › Section 15-11-505 - Standards for preliminary and final approval of companies and projects

(a)
The Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission shall establish standards for final approval of eligible companies and their tourism attraction projects by the promulgation of administrative rules in accordance with the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, §
25-15-201
et seq.
(b)
The director shall obtain the review and advice of the Secretary of the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism prior to designating an entity as an approved company eligible for the tourism incentive.
(c)
The director may give approval by designating an eligible company as an approved company and authorizing the undertaking of the tourism attraction project.
(d)
The director shall review the information that has been made available to the director in order to determine whether the tourism attraction project will further the purposes of this subchapter.
(e)
The criteria for final approval of eligible companies and tourism attraction projects shall include, but shall not be limited to, the criteria set forth in §
15-11-504(c)
.
(f)
After a review of the relevant materials, other information made available to the director, the completion of other inquiries, and the review and advice of the Secretary of the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, the director may give final approval to the eligible company's application for a tourism attraction project and may grant the approval to the eligible company in the form of a financial incentive agreement.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 1106, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 454, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1997, No. 291, § 5; 1999, No. 1135, § 3; 2005, No. 2308, § 3; 2007, No. 1039, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 15 - NATURAL RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-76-324) › Subtitle 1 - DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIC AND NATURAL RESOURCES GENERALLY (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-14-108) › Chapter 11 - PUBLICITY AND TOURISM (§§ 15-11-101 — 15-11-905) › Subchapter 5 - ARKANSAS TOURISM DEVELOPMENT ACT (§§ 15-11-501 — 15-11-512) › Section 15-11-508 - Liberal construction

This subchapter shall be construed liberally to effectuate the legislative intent, and the purpose of this subchapter is complete and independent authority for the performance of each and every act and thing authorized by this subchapter, and all powers granted by this subchapter shall be broadly interpreted to effectuate such intent and purposes and not as a limitation of powers.
Acts 1997, No. 291, § 8.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 15 - NATURAL RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-76-324) › Subtitle 1 - DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIC AND NATURAL RESOURCES GENERALLY (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-14-108) › Chapter 11 - PUBLICITY AND TOURISM (§§ 15-11-101 — 15-11-905) › Subchapter 5 - ARKANSAS TOURISM DEVELOPMENT ACT (§§ 15-11-501 — 15-11-512) › Section 15-11-509 - Tourism attraction project income tax credit

(a)
Tourism attraction projects meeting the eligibility requirements under §
15-11-503(14)(A)
are entitled to receive an income tax credit based upon a percentage of the payroll of the new full-time permanent employees working at the tourism attraction project.
(b)
Upon notification from the Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission that an approved company has entered into a tourism attraction project agreement and is entitled to the income tax credit provided by this section, the Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration shall provide the approved company with such forms and instructions as are necessary to claim those credits.
(c)
(1)
The approved company shall certify the number and payroll of the new full-time permanent employees to the Revenue Division of the Department of Finance and Administration.
(2)
Upon certification by the approved company, the Department of Finance and Administration shall authorize an income tax credit equal to four percent (4%) of the payroll of the new full-time permanent employees of the approved tourism attraction project qualifying for benefits under this act.
(d)
To be counted as a net new full-time permanent employee for the purpose of qualifying for the tax credits provided by this section, the employee in the position or job must have been an Arkansas taxpayer during the year in which the tax credits were earned.
(e)
In the event it is found that any approved company receiving the benefits contained in this section has failed to comply with the conditions contained in this act, that approved company shall be disqualified from receiving any further benefits under this act and shall be liable for payment of such additional income taxes as may be due after the income tax credits provided for in this section are disallowed, plus interest.
(f)
If the department determines that an approved company is no longer qualified to participate in this act, the department shall decertify the approved company. Any approved company so decertified shall not receive any benefits under this act.
(g)
For tourism attraction projects receiving final approval after March 1, 1999, the credit may be applied against the approved company's income tax liability for the succeeding nine (9) years or until the credit is entirely used, whichever occurs first.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 463, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1999, No. 1135, § 5; 2001, No. 899, § 3; 2005, No. 2308, § 6.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 15 - NATURAL RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-76-324) › Subtitle 1 - DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIC AND NATURAL RESOURCES GENERALLY (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-14-108) › Chapter 11 - PUBLICITY AND TOURISM (§§ 15-11-101 — 15-11-905) › Subchapter 5 - ARKANSAS TOURISM DEVELOPMENT ACT (§§ 15-11-501 — 15-11-512) › Section 15-11-510 - Special rules for certain lodging facilities

(a)
A lodging facility may qualify as a tourism attraction project, as defined in §
15-11-503
, entitled to the benefits of this subchapter even though the lodging costs represent one hundred percent (100%) of the total tourism attraction project costs, provided the approved costs for the lodging facility exceed five million dollars ($5,000,000), and:
(1)
The lodging facility is attached to a convention center containing a minimum of seventy-five thousand square feet (75,000 sq. ft.); or
(2)
(A)
The lodging facility contains a minimum of twelve thousand square feet (12,000 sq. ft.) of meeting or exhibit space.
(B)
The benefits provided by this subchapter shall not be available to a lodging facility with approved costs exceeding five million dollars ($5,000,000) and containing a minimum of twelve thousand square feet (12,000 sq. ft.) of meeting or exhibit space unless the Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission designates the lodging facility as an approved company and authorizes the undertaking of the tourism attraction project prior to April 1, 2011.
(b)
(1)
A lodging facility qualifying as a tourism attraction project under this section shall be entitled to the sales tax benefits as provided in §
15-11-507(b)(1)(A)
, provided that all other requirements of this subchapter regarding tourism attraction projects are satisfied.
(2)
The sales tax credit shall be available only against the increased state sales tax liability for the tourism attraction project.
(c)
A lodging facility located within a Natural State Initiative Opportunity Zone is not subject to the requirements of subsection (a) of this section.
Amended by Act 2023, No. 652,§ 7, eff. 8/1/2023.
Acts 1999, No. 1135, § 6; 2005, No. 2308, § 7; 2007, No. 1039, § 2; 2009, No. 672, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 15 - NATURAL RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-76-324) › Subtitle 1 - DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIC AND NATURAL RESOURCES GENERALLY (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-14-108) › Chapter 11 - PUBLICITY AND TOURISM (§§ 15-11-101 — 15-11-905) › Subchapter 5 - ARKANSAS TOURISM DEVELOPMENT ACT (§§ 15-11-501 — 15-11-512) › Section 15-11-512 - Natural State Initiative Pilot Program

(a)
There is created a program to be known as the "Natural State Initiative Pilot Program".
(b)
The program shall be developed, implemented, and administered by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission in consultation with the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism.
(c)
The purpose of the program is to:
(1)
Promote both Arkansas's growing outdoor recreation industry and the economic impact of outdoor infrastructure investment;
(2)
Recruit new outdoor recreation businesses to Arkansas, expand existing outdoor recreation businesses, and foster entrepreneurial growth by using economic development incentives, site selection services, funding, and training resources within the commission; and
(3)
Implement Natural State Initiative Opportunity Zones.
(d)
The commission and the department shall work cooperatively to accomplish the purposes of the program.
(e)
(1)
The Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, in consultation with the Secretary of the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, shall establish no more than four (4) Natural State Initiative Opportunity Zones.
(2)
(A)
The Natural State Initiative Opportunity Zones shall be located within or no more than one-eighth (1/8) of a mile outside the boundaries of a state park, a cultural or historic site, or a cultural or educational center.
(B)
In designating the location of the Natural State Initiative Opportunity Zones, the director shall take into account the need for geographic diversity in the locations of the Natural State Initiative Opportunity Zones and the potential for economic development opportunities within the proposed Natural State Initiative Opportunity Zones.
(3)
The director shall establish the Natural State Initiative Opportunity Zones through the promulgation of rules in accordance with the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, §
25-15-201
et seq.
Added by Act 2023, No. 652,§ 8, eff. 8/1/2023.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 15 - NATURAL RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-76-324) › Subtitle 1 - DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIC AND NATURAL RESOURCES GENERALLY (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-14-108) › Chapter 11 - PUBLICITY AND TOURISM (§§ 15-11-101 — 15-11-905) › Subchapter 6 - KEEP ARKANSAS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION (§§ 15-11-601 — 15-11-604) › Section 15-11-601 - Creation - Membership

(a)
(1)
There is created the "Keep Arkansas Beautiful Commission", to be composed of nine (9) members appointed by the Governor subject to confirmation by the Senate.
(2)
Two (2) members shall be appointed from each Arkansas congressional district and the remaining member shall be appointed from the state at large.
(b)
(1)
The term of office of the initial members of the commission shall be determined by lot as follows:
(A)
The term of office of two (2) of the initial members shall expire on January 14, 2003;
(B)
The term of office of two (2) of the initial members shall expire on January 14, 2002;
(C)
The term of office of two (2) of the initial members of the commission shall expire on January 14, 2001;
(D)
The term of office of one (1) of the initial members of the commission shall expire on January 14, 2000;
(E)
The term of office of one (1) of the initial members of the commission shall expire on January 14, 1999; and
(F)
The term of office of one (1) of the initial members of the commission shall expire on January 14, 1998.
(2)
All successor members, other than those appointed to fill unexpired terms, shall serve six-year terms to expire on January 14 of the sixth year.
(c)
All vacancies shall be filled by appointment by the Governor and each appointment shall be subject to confirmation by the Senate.
(d)
(1)
The Governor shall designate the member to chair the organizational meeting of the commission, at which meeting the commission shall select from its membership a chair, a vice chair, and such other officers as it determines appropriate.
(2)
The officers shall serve as such for such period of time as determined by the commission.
(e)
Before entering upon his or her duties as a member of the commission, each member shall take and subscribe and file in the office of the Secretary of State an oath to support the United States Constitution and the Arkansas Constitution and to perform faithfully the duties of the office upon which he or she is about to enter.
(f)
Members of the commission shall serve without compensation for their service but may receive expense reimbursement and a stipend of eighty-five dollars ($85.00) per day in accordance with §
25-16-901
et seq.
(g)
The Director of the Administrative Office of the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Commission shall serve as ex officio Secretary of the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Commission and shall have no vote on matters coming before the commission.
Acts 1997, No. 1278, § 1; 2001, No. 1650, § 7.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 15 - NATURAL RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-76-324) › Subtitle 1 - DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIC AND NATURAL RESOURCES GENERALLY (§§ 15-1-101 — 15-14-108) › Chapter 11 - PUBLICITY AND TOURISM (§§ 15-11-101 — 15-11-905) › Subchapter 6 - KEEP ARKANSAS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION (§§ 15-11-601 — 15-11-604) › Section 15-11-602 - Administrative office - Director - Duties

(a)
The Administrative Office of the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Commission shall be located within the State Parks Division.
(b)
The Director of the Administrative Office of the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Commission shall be employed by the Director of the State Parks Division with the approval of the Secretary of the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism.
(c)
The Director of the Administrative Office of the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Commission shall develop and administer all programs and projects of the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Commission and perform such other duties that the Director of the State Parks Division deems necessary and appropriate to foster and promote the awareness of all Arkansans as to the need to protect Arkansas's natural environment.
Amended by Act 2023, No. 304,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2023.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 5647, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1997, No. 1278, § 2.