TO AUTHORIZE THE INTRODUCTION OF A NONAPPROPRIATION BILL TO REQUIRE A DIGITAL ASSET MINING BUSINESS TO PAY A FEE FOR EXTRAORDINARY ELECTRICAL ENERGY USAGE.

This bill authorizes a new state law that requires digital asset mining businesses in Arkansas to pay fees to the Department of Energy and Environment for consuming unusually large amounts of electricity. The fee structure charges between $25,000 and $100,000 annually depending on how many megawatts of power the business uses in a single month. Companies must submit estimates of their energy usage before starting operations and provide accurate records by the end of each year, with penalties for false reporting. Revenue generated from these fees is split among state agencies to fund oversight, monitoring for fraud, and energy-related concerns.