Arkansas House Passes Bills to Restrict Crypto-Mining: Potential Changes to Act 851

The Arkansas House passed two bills that could restrict crypto-mining, signaling a potential shift in the state’s stance on the industry. Last year, a majority of legislators supported a law protecting crypto mines, but concerns over noise, foreign ownership, and proximity to residential areas have prompted a reevaluation.

Senator Breanne Davis, who previously supported the protections, now advocates for specific changes to address the industry’s challenges. Others, like House representative Stephen Meeks, are pushing for broader regulations to provide relief to affected communities.

While one bill addressing crypto passed the Senate, only two out of eight bills presented to the House were approved. This leaves room for further discussion and potential lawmaking in the current fiscal session or next year.

In addition to the crypto-mining bills, the House also advanced a plan to revamp state employee pay, including raises and a potential bonus system. Both sets of legislation will undergo further review before potentially becoming law. Stay tuned for updates on these evolving issues in Arkansas.