Section 14-1-602 - Legislative findings and intent

(a) The General Assembly finds that: (1) The data centers industry began its modern version in the 1980s, and the industry has seen accelerated growth since 2008;(2) Data centers have seen global growth with the expansion of bandwidth, the need for analytical data research, and digital currency;(3) Data centers, digital currency, and blockchain technology are legal in all fifty (50) states; and(4) Guidance for future industry growth is needed in Arkansas to protect Arkansans from fraudulent business practices.(b) Through the enactment of this subchapter, the General Assembly intends to recognize that data centers create jobs, pay taxes, and provide general economic value to local communities and this state.Amended by Act 2024, No. 174,§ 1, eff. 5/3/2024.Added by Act 2023, No. 851,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2023.