Section 14-234-801 - Findings - Definitions(a) The General Assembly finds that:(1) Oversight of providers in the state is primarily handled by the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission and the Department of Health;(2) The oversight of these providers is spread out and results in the inability of a single state entity to monitor and help initiate necessary changes in public access of water, rate structures, the sustainability of the providers, and the protection of consumer rights;(3) While local control is important, the current landscape of providers has the potential to create inefficiencies in service and instability in fiscal management;(4) Combining smaller providers may be necessary in some areas in order to guarantee dependable and plentiful provision of water and to avoid unsustainable rate increases;(5) Many providers have an aging workforce, and there is a need for education of the governing bodies of these providers concerning the importance of recruiting and retaining an expert workforce; and(6) Training of local, state, and federal leaders on issues surrounding provider personnel, finances, compliance, and environmental factors is needed.(b) As used in this subchapter: (1) "Commission" means the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission;(2) "Provider" means any provider of retail water service; and(3) "Provider board" means the governing body of a provider, whether the governing body is organized as a board, commission, committee, council, or other type of entity.Added by Act 2021, No. 605,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.