STOP HB1444 & SJR 15
Protect Arkansas Ratepayers & Landowners
Big Tech & Utilities Win—Arkansans Lose
Arkansas lawmakers are considering HB1444 and SJR 15, two bills that would give massive tax breaks to tech companies and utilities while raising electric rates and threatening private property rights.
These bills benefit out-of-state corporations at the expense of Arkansas homeowners, farmers, small businesses, and ratepayers.
What Are HB1444 & SJR 15?
HB1444: Special Tax Breaks for Tech Companies
· Eliminates sales and use taxes on data center equipment, services, and electricity.
· Helps Big Tech avoid paying their fair share of state taxes while everyday businesses still have to pay full rates.
· Encourages huge electricity consumption, increasing strain on the grid.
SJR 15: Giving Corporations More Power Over Land & Infrastructure
· Allows for the creation of Economic Development Districts (EDDs), which can issue bonds and take public money to build infrastructure for tech companies.
· Expands eminent domain, meaning landowners could be forced to sell property for data center projects.
· Removes local control over zoning, allowing utilities and corporations to place data centers where they want without sufficient public oversight.
Who Wins & Who Loses?
Who Benefits?
· Tech Companies & Data Centers – Get huge tax breaks and cheap energy while avoiding Arkansas taxes.
· Utilities (Entergy & Electric Cooperatives) – Gain high-revenue corporate customers, expanding infrastructure at ratepayers’ expense.
Who Loses?
· Arkansas Homeowners & Small Businesses – Higher electricity bills as costs of new power infrastructure are passed to ratepayers.
· Farmers & Rural Landowners – Risk eminent domain seizures and loss of property rights.
· Local Communities – See minimal job creation, as data centers are highly automated.
· Natural Resources – Data centers consume enormous amounts of energy and water, straining local resources.
The Hidden Dangers of These Bills
1. Higher Electric Bills for Arkansas Residents
· Data centers use huge amounts of electricity, forcing utilities to expand power generation.
· Instead of Big Tech paying for this, the cost will be passed on to ratepayers.
· Other states with data center booms have seen rising energy prices as a result.
2. Landowners Could Be Forced to Sell Property
· SJR 15 allows eminent domain to be used for economic development districts.
· This means private landowners could be forced to sell their property to make way for data centers and infrastructure.
· Farmers and rural residents could lose land at unfair prices.
3. Big Tech Gets a Free Ride While Arkansas Businesses Pay Full Taxes
· HB1444 exempts data centers from state sales and use taxes, shifting the tax burden to small businesses.
· Local businesses, farmers, and homeowners get no such exemptions.
What Can You Do to Stop This?
1. Contact Your Legislators
Tell them to vote NO on HB1444 & SJR 15 and to protect ratepayers, landowners, and local businesses.
· Find your legislator here: https://districtfinder.youraedi.com/
· Call or email them: https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Legislators/List
2. Spread the Word
· Share this page with friends, family, and neighbors.
· Use social media hashtag: #StopARDataCenters.
Demand transparency on how these bills will impact electricity prices and property rights.
Arkansas Deserves Better!
We need economic growth that benefits all Arkansans—not just tech giants and utility companies. Let’s fight for fair policies that protect ratepayers, landowners, and our local economy.
**Take Action Today!**