HB1289
To Amend The Duties Of The Arkansas Waterways Commission; And To Create An Arkansas Waterways Commission Police Force.
Last Action (Jan. 29, 2025): WITHDRAWN BY AUTHOR
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AI-Generated Summary
House Bill 1289 amends the duties of the Arkansas Waterways Commission to authorize the creation of a dedicated police force. The commission is granted the power to protect and police its own property in cooperation with existing local law enforcement agencies. Specifically, the commission may appoint one or more certified law enforcement officers to safeguard commission property and personnel. These officers are authorized to carry weapons in the performance of their duties. Additionally, the bill grants these officers the authority to make arrests for violations occurring on commission property, regardless of whether the arrest occurs on or off the property, in accordance with state law.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries are the Arkansas Waterways Commission, which gains enhanced authority and security over its facilities, and the State of Arkansas, which benefits from increased protection of public property and infrastructure. Additionally, local law enforcement agencies may benefit from the supplemental assistance provided by the new commission-specific police force.
Who Might Suffer?
Parties that may be negatively impacted include individuals who face potential increased law enforcement presence, oversight, and arrest authority by commission-appointed officers. Additionally, taxpayers may bear the financial costs associated with recruiting, training, equipping, and maintaining a new law enforcement unit within the commission.
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