TO ALLOW A MUNICIPAL PORT AUTHORITY TO ESTABLISH A POLICE FORCE; AND TO ESTABLISH THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF A MUNICIPAL PORT AUTHORITY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Bart Hester and 2 co-sponsors

HB 1711 allows Arkansas municipal port authorities to create their own police forces, enhancing security and law enforcement at ports to protect people and property.

Recommended for study in the Interim by the Committee on CITY, COUNTY & LOCAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE- HOUSE

Summary of House Bill 1711

Bill Number: HB 1711
Title: To Allow a Municipal Port Authority to Establish a Police Force; and to Establish the Powers and Duties of a Municipal Port Authority Law Enforcement Officer
Status: Recommended for study in the Interim by the Committee on City, County & Local Affairs Committee - House
Introduced: March 10, 2025

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1711 aims to empower municipal port authorities in Arkansas by allowing them to establish their own police forces. This legislation seeks to enhance security and law enforcement capabilities at municipal ports, ensuring the protection of persons, property, and facilities associated with these authorities.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several significant changes to existing laws regarding municipal port authorities:

Establishment of Police Force:

Municipal port authorities can establish and organize their own police forces.
They may appoint one or more law enforcement officers to support local law enforcement agencies.

Funding:

Municipal port authorities can fund their police forces through:
- Fees collected from port operations.
- Grants applicable to law enforcement.

Jurisdiction:

The police force will have concurrent jurisdiction with local municipal and county law enforcement agencies over the facilities of the municipal port authority.

Powers and Duties of Officers:

Officers will be certified law enforcement personnel and will have the authority to:
- Maintain order and decorum on port property.
- Protect property and prevent unlawful activities.
- Cooperate with other law enforcement agencies.
- Eject trespassers and regulate vehicle and watercraft operations on port property.
- Patrol adjacent areas, including navigable waterways up to five miles from port facilities.

Rule Promulgation:

Municipal port authorities are authorized to create rules governing the operation and organization of their police forces.

Impact

This bill is expected to impact municipal port authorities by:
- Enhancing their ability to manage security and law enforcement independently.
- Providing a structured approach to funding and organizing a police force.
- Potentially improving safety and order at municipal ports, which are critical for trade and transportation.

Procedural Timeline

March 10, 2025: Bill filed and read for the first time.

March 18, 2025:

Bill read a second time and referred to the Committee on City, County & Local Affairs.
Amendment No. 1 adopted, modifying certain provisions.

April 7, 2025: Bill withdrawn by the author and recommended for study in the Interim.

This summary provides a clear overview of HB 1711, outlining its purpose, key provisions, and potential implications for municipal port authorities in Arkansas.