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SB 521

FINANCE-TECH

104th Regular Session Introduced by Don Harmon

SB 521 extends law enforcement training reimbursement from 18 to 24 months, easing financial burdens on agencies and encouraging officer retention and mobility.

Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments
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Bill Summary · SB 521

Summary of Senate Bill 521 (SB 521)

Overview

Senate Bill 521 (SB 521) is a legislative proposal introduced in the Arkansas General Assembly aimed at amending existing laws related to law enforcement training reimbursement. The bill seeks to extend the time frame during which law enforcement agencies are required to reimburse training costs when an officer is hired by a different agency.

Main Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of SB 521 is to enhance the recruitment and retention of law enforcement officers by providing a more favorable reimbursement structure for training costs. By extending the reimbursement period from 18 months to 24 months, the bill aims to alleviate financial burdens on law enforcement agencies that invest in training their officers.

Key Provisions

  1. Reimbursement Timeline Extension:

    • The bill extends the reimbursement period for law enforcement training costs from 18 months to 24 months after the completion of training.

  2. Reimbursement Amounts:

    • The bill modifies the reimbursement percentages based on the time elapsed since training completion:
      • 0-12 months: 100% reimbursement
      • 12-24 months: 50% reimbursement
      • 24-30 months: 60% reimbursement
      • 30-36 months: 40% reimbursement
      • 36-42 months: 20% reimbursement

  3. Notification Requirements:

    • Law enforcement agencies must notify the Division of Law Enforcement Standards and Training upon the employment or separation of officers, ensuring that the previous agency that funded training is informed.

  4. Eligibility for Reimbursement:

    • Private communities with populations over 5,000 that employ certified law enforcement officers are also eligible for reimbursement under this act.

  5. Effective Date:

    • The provisions of this act will take effect on January 1, 2026.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Law Enforcement Agencies: Local and state law enforcement agencies that pay for officer training will benefit from the extended reimbursement timeline, potentially improving their financial management.
  • Law Enforcement Officers: Officers who transition between agencies within the specified time frame will see a more structured reimbursement process, which may encourage them to seek employment in different jurisdictions.
  • Private Communities: Larger private communities that employ certified officers will also be able to recoup training costs, promoting better resource allocation.

Procedural Aspects

  • SB 521 was introduced on March 19, 2025 and has been carried over to the 2024 Regular Session. It has undergone several legislative actions, including passing through committees and being reported correctly enrolled. The bill is currently awaiting further action in the legislative process.

Conclusion

Senate Bill 521 represents a significant adjustment to the law enforcement training reimbursement framework in Arkansas. By extending the reimbursement period and modifying the reimbursement structure, the bill aims to support law enforcement agencies in managing training costs and enhancing officer retention and recruitment efforts.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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