HB1415
To Require Local Law Enforcement To Respond To A Request For A Fire Inquiry.
Last Action (May 5, 2025): Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
Sponsors
AI-Generated Summary
House Bill 1415 amends Arkansas Code § 12-13-112(a) to establish a mandatory response requirement for local law enforcement. The bill stipulates that municipal and county law enforcement officers must respond to a request from a fire official regarding whether a fire investigation is necessary. This legislation aims to increase coordination between fire officials and local police departments during the initial assessment of fire incidents. It modifies existing state law that previously empowered the Director of the Arkansas State Police or their deputies to conduct fire-related inquiries by adding the specific mandate for local law enforcement cooperation. The act does not specify the timeline or method of response, focusing instead on the duty to respond to such requests.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill are fire officials, who gain a legal mechanism to compel local law enforcement assistance in determining if a fire incident warrants a formal investigation. Additionally, the public may benefit from more thorough and coordinated investigations into fire-related crimes, potentially leading to increased public safety and accountability.
Who Might Suffer?
Municipal and county law enforcement agencies may be negatively impacted by this bill, as they will face additional mandatory duties that could strain existing personnel resources and time. Local governments may also face increased operational costs associated with responding to these mandatory requests for fire inquiries.
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