WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1648

Social service benefit kiosk pilot program.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Ragen Hatcher

HB 1648 aimed to empower municipal fire department bomb squads in Arkansas to make arrests during explosives incidents, enhancing public safety and response effectiveness.

First reading: referred to Committee on Family, Children and Human Affairs
#agencies;familyandsocialservicesadministration(fssa) #generalassembly;noncode #generalassembly;pilotprogram #socialservices;socialsecuritydisability
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1648

Summary of House Bill 1648

Bill Number: HB 1648
Title: To Amend the Law Concerning Municipal Fire Departments; To Allow a Member of a Municipal Fire Department Bomb Squad to Make Arrests Under Certain Circumstances; and To Declare an Emergency.
Status: Died on House Calendar at Sine Die adjournment
Introduced: March 03, 2025
Sponsor: Representative S. Meeks

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1648 aimed to amend existing laws regarding municipal fire departments in Arkansas, specifically granting members of municipal fire department bomb squads the authority to make arrests under certain conditions. The bill was introduced with the intent to enhance public safety by allowing trained bomb squad members to act decisively during explosives-related incidents.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed the following significant changes to the Arkansas Code:

  1. Authority to Make Arrests:

    • Members of municipal fire department bomb squads would be authorized to make arrests for:
      • Violations related to explosives incidents or offenses.
      • Assisting law enforcement agencies in the state.

  2. Requirements for Arrest Authority:

    • To qualify for this authority, bomb squad members must:
      • Successfully complete a part-time law enforcement officer course approved by the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training.
      • Act in their official capacity as bomb squad members.

  3. Definition of Certified Law Enforcement Officer:

    • The bill amended the definition of "certified law enforcement officer" to include qualified bomb squad members, thereby integrating them into the framework of law enforcement personnel.

  4. Emergency Clause:

    • The bill included an emergency clause, stating that the lack of arrest authority for bomb squad members posed a risk to public safety during explosives-related incidents. The act was deemed immediately necessary for the preservation of public peace, health, and safety.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1648 would have:
- Enhanced the operational capabilities of municipal fire department bomb squads, allowing them to respond more effectively to explosives-related threats.
- Provided a legal framework for bomb squad members to engage in law enforcement activities, potentially reducing response times and improving public safety outcomes during emergencies.

Legislative Timeline

  • March 03, 2025: Bill filed and read for the first time; rules suspended for a second reading and referred to the Judiciary Committee.
  • April 03, 2025: Returned by the committee with a "Do Pass" recommendation.
  • April 07, 2025: Read for the third time but failed.
  • May 05, 2025: Died on the House Calendar at Sine Die adjournment.

Conclusion

House Bill 1648 sought to empower municipal fire department bomb squads in Arkansas by granting them arrest authority under specific circumstances. Despite its potential benefits for public safety, the bill ultimately did not progress through the legislative process and was not enacted.

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

Sign in to ask a question.