Current:Home > NewsArkansas lawmakers approve new restrictions on cryptocurrency mines after backlash over ’23 law -Elevate Capital Network
Arkansas lawmakers approve new restrictions on cryptocurrency mines after backlash over ’23 law
View
Date:2025-04-12 23:01:53
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Arkansas lawmakers on Wednesday gave final approval to new restrictions on cryptocurrency mining operations after facing backlash for limiting local governments’ ability to regulate them last year.
The majority-Republican House overwhelmingly approved the Senate-backed measures, sending them to GOP Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ desk. The bills were among the few non-budget issues on the agenda for a legislative session lawmakers expect to wrap up Thursday.
The bills are intended to address complaints about a law passed last year on cryptocurrency mines, which are data centers requiring large amounts of computing power and electricity. Local officials and residents who live near the operations complained that last year’s law interfered with addressing complaints about the mines’ noise and impact on the community.
The measures require the facilities to apply noise-reduction techniques, and requires crypto mining businesses to get a permit from the state to operate. It also removes portions of the 2023 law that limited local governments’ ability to enact measures regulating the sound decibels generated by the facilities.
“Let’s do what we can to help those who have been impacted in a negative way, and work for better solutions,” Republican Rep. Rick McClure said before the vote.
Sponsors of the measure have described the bills as a stop-gap until lawmakers return for next year’s regular session and take up more comprehensive changes.
The legislation also prohibits businesses and individuals from several countries, including China, from owning crypto mining operations in the state.
Democratic Rep. Andrew Collins, who voted against both bills, said he was concerned about the way that limit was worded and the impact it could have on foreign investment.
“We’re casting a net that is both too wide and too narrow,” Collins said during a committee hearing on the bills Tuesday. “It’s going to catch people up who are totally innocent, and it’s going to miss a lot of people who are either home-grown or are from countries not on this list.”
Lawmakers passed the legislation as the House and Senate gave initial approval to bills detailing the state’s $6.3 billion budget for the coming year. Both chambers are expected to give final approval to that legislation Thursday.
Sanders plans to sign the crypto mining bills into law, her office said.
veryGood! (5167)
Related
- Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving time
- Reduce, reuse, redirect outrage: How plastic makers used recycling as a fig leaf
- Elderly couple who trafficked meth in Idaho, Northwest, sentenced to years in prison
- Power Rangers’ Jason Faunt Reveals Surprising Meaning Behind Baby Girl’s Name
- What were Tom Selleck's juicy final 'Blue Bloods' words in Reagan family
- Hilary Duff’s Husband Matthew Koma Shares Hilarious Shoutout to Her Exes for Valentine’s Day
- Man who stuffed three Burmese pythons in his pants sentenced in smuggling attempt
- Prison deaths report finds widespread missteps, failures in latest sign of crisis in federal prisons
- Don't let hackers fool you with a 'scam
- Russia court sentences American David Barnes to prison on sexual abuse claims dismissed by Texas authorities
Ranking
- Buckingham Palace staff under investigation for 'bar brawl'
- Israel launches series of strikes in Lebanon as tension with Iran-backed Hezbollah soars
- Management issues at Oregon’s Crater Lake prompt feds to consider terminating concession contract
- Endangered right whale floating dead off Georgia is rare species’ second fatality since January
- The White House is cracking down on overdraft fees
- Kansas City mom and prominent Hispanic DJ dies in a mass shooting after Chiefs’ victory parade
- John Calipari's middling Kentucky team may be college basketball's most interesting story
- How do you use Buy Now, Pay Later? It likely depends on your credit score
Recommendation
Spooky or not? Some Choa Chu Kang residents say community garden resembles cemetery
A Florida man was imprisoned 37 years for a murder he didn’t commit. He’s now expected to get $14M
Israel launches series of strikes in Lebanon as tension with Iran-backed Hezbollah soars
Los Angeles firefighters injured in explosion of pressurized cylinders aboard truck
Woman dies after Singapore family of 3 gets into accident in Taiwan
Man charged with setting fires at predominantly Black church in Rhode Island
Mystery Behind Pregnant Stingray With No Male Companion Will Have You Hooked
The Excerpt podcast: At least 21 shot after Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade