WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1849

TO ALLOW FOR THE CROSS DEPUTIZATION OF MUNICIPAL, COUNTY, STATE, AND TRIBAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ON FEDERALLY-RECOGNIZED TRIBAL LAND WITHIN THE STATE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Justin Boyd and 1 co-sponsor

HB 1849 aimed to enhance law enforcement on tribal lands in Arkansas by allowing cross deputization among municipal, county, state, and tribal agencies for better public safety.

Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1849

Summary of House Bill 1849

Bill Number: HB 1849
Title: To Allow for the Cross Deputization of Municipal, County, State, and Tribal Law Enforcement on Federally-Recognized Tribal Land Within the State
Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment
Introduced: March 18, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1849 aimed to facilitate cooperation among various law enforcement agencies by allowing for the cross deputization of municipal, county, state, and tribal law enforcement on federally-recognized tribal lands within Arkansas. The intent was to enhance law enforcement effectiveness and jurisdictional clarity on tribal lands, thereby improving public safety and legal enforcement in these areas.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed the following significant changes to Arkansas law:

  • Cross Deputization Agreements:

    • Municipalities, counties, and the state could enter into agreements with federally-recognized tribal nations.
    • These agreements would enable law enforcement agencies from different jurisdictions to enforce tribal, state, and local laws on tribal lands and surrounding areas.

  • Authority Expansion:

    • The cross deputization would grant law enforcement officers the authority to operate across jurisdictional lines, thereby allowing for a more unified approach to law enforcement on tribal lands.

Affected Parties

The bill would have impacted:

  • Law Enforcement Agencies:

    • Municipal, county, state, and tribal law enforcement agencies would have gained the ability to collaborate more effectively.

  • Tribal Nations:

    • Federally-recognized tribal nations within Arkansas would have been able to engage in cooperative law enforcement efforts with state and local agencies.

  • Residents and Visitors:

    • Individuals living on or visiting tribal lands could have benefited from improved law enforcement presence and response capabilities.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Timeline:
    • March 18, 2025: The bill was filed and read for the first time. It was then referred to the Committee on State Agencies & Governmental Affairs.
    • May 5, 2025: The bill died in the House Committee at Sine Die adjournment, meaning it did not progress to a vote or further consideration.

Conclusion

While HB 1849 sought to create a framework for enhanced law enforcement collaboration on tribal lands in Arkansas, it ultimately did not advance through the legislative process. The proposal highlighted ongoing discussions about jurisdictional challenges and the need for cooperative law enforcement strategies in areas where tribal and state laws intersect.

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

Sign in to ask a question.