TO TRANSFER THE NUCLEAR PLANNING AND RESPONSE PROGRAM FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO THE DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

HB 1690 moves Arkansas' Nuclear Planning and Response Program from the Department of Health to the Division of Emergency Management within the Department of Public Safety, effective July 1, 2025. The transfer includes all program assets - staff, records, contracts, funds, and responsibilities - while existing radiation surveillance rules and regulations remain in effect. The bill amends statutes to clarify the Division of Emergency Management’s role in managing nuclear emergency planning, radiation monitoring, and public safety protocols near nuclear facilities. This law, now Act 583, updates administrative oversight but does not change funding mechanisms or public safety requirements.