REPEAL Minority Business Enterprise and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Loan Mobilization Program Rules, 15 CAR pt. 149

The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (the “AEDC”) is proposing to repeal its existing Minority Business Enterprise and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Loan Mobilization Program Rules. AEDC maintains that the proposed repeal is necessary to maintain compliance with Act 116, enacted during the 2025 Regular Session. Specifically, the rule repeal is necessary to maintain compliance with Ark. Code Ann. § 25-1-130, which prohibits the state from engaging in discrimination or preferential treatment on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin. The repeal of this rule serves to maintain statutory compliance and limit AEDC’s liability.

A public hearing was held on this rule on October 7, 2025. The public comment period expired October 28, 2025. The commission indicated it received no public comments. Isaac Linam, an attorney with the Bureau of Legislative Research, asked the following question: QUESTION: You indicated the repeal of this rule has no financial impact. Are appropriated funds or other revenues or funds allocated to this program? If so, what is the status of those funds? RESPONSE: Any funds that would otherwise have been used related to this rule would continue to be used for existing liabilities of the loan guarantee program. The authorized appropriation for the loan guarantee program totals $629,081.57. There are existing liabilities for that program that are significantly greater than the authorized appropriation (approximately $2 Million). The Commission does not anticipate any savings based on the repeal of this rule. No new obligations will be incurred as a result of the repeal.

• Rule packet: C.2.b. REPEAL Minority Business Enterprise and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Loan and Acts 2025 No 116
• ALC summary agenda Feb 19, 2026
• ALC agenda Feb 19, 2026
• ALC meeting video Feb 19, 2026
• Arkansas Register, April 2026