HB1648

House Bill 1648 seeks to grant members of municipal fire department bomb squads the authority to make arrests in specific situations. To exercise this power, a bomb squad member must successfully complete a part-time law enforcement officer training course approved by the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training. The authority to arrest is limited to explosives-related offenses or instances where the member is assisting a law enforcement agency. The bill also amends state law to include these trained bomb squad members within the legal definition of a 'certified law enforcement officer.' Additionally, the bill includes an emergency clause, which would make the legislation effective immediately upon the Governor's approval, citing the need to address imminent explosive hazards and protect public safety.