HB1289
To Amend The Duties Of The Arkansas Waterways Commission; And To Create An Arkansas Waterways Commission Police Force.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill proposes to amend the duties of the Arkansas Waterways Commission and establish an Arkansas Waterways Commission Police Force. It grants the commission the authority to protect and police its property in cooperation with existing law enforcement agencies. The bill also allows the commission to appoint individuals as Arkansas Waterways Commission law enforcement officers. These officers would assist state law enforcement in protecting commission property and persons. The proposed law outlines specific powers for these officers, including the authority to make arrests for violations occurring on commission property, regardless of whether the arrestee is on or off the property at the time of arrest, under specified legal conditions. Additionally, these officers would be permitted to carry weapons while performing their duties. Crucially, any appointed law enforcement officer of the commission would be required to be a certified law enforcement officer according to state standards.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be the Arkansas Waterways Commission and its property. By creating a dedicated police force, the commission would have enhanced capabilities for the protection and policing of its assets, potentially leading to improved security and enforcement of regulations on its properties. The public who utilize or interact with Arkansas Waterways Commission property could also benefit from increased safety and order. Furthermore, certified individuals appointed as law enforcement officers for the commission would gain official law enforcement roles with defined powers and responsibilities.
Who Might Suffer?
The groups most directly negatively impacted could be individuals who violate laws or regulations on Arkansas Waterways Commission property, as they would face a new layer of law enforcement with arrest powers. Existing local and state law enforcement agencies might experience a shift in jurisdictional responsibilities or a need to coordinate more closely with the newly formed commission police force. Additionally, the establishment of a new police force may involve increased costs for the state or the commission, which could indirectly impact taxpayers or other state programs if funding is diverted.