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HB 1692

TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING POLYGRAPH EXAMINERS AND VOICE STRESS ANALYSIS EXAMINERS; AND TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS AND PRIVATE SECURITY AGENCIES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Matt Brown and 1 co-sponsor

HB 1692 strengthens public safety in Arkansas by enforcing stricter background checks and licensing for polygraph examiners, private investigators, and security personnel.

Notification that HB1692 is now Act 678
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Bill Summary · HB 1692

Summary of House Bill 1692 (Act 678)

Bill Number: HB 1692
Title: To Amend the Law Concerning Polygraph Examiners and Voice Stress Analysis Examiners; and to Amend the Law Concerning Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies
Status: Enacted as Act 678
Introduced: March 5, 2025
Authors: Representative M. Brown, Senator J. Petty

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1692 aims to update and clarify the qualifications and regulatory framework for polygraph examiners, voice stress analysis examiners, private investigators, and private security agencies in the state of Arkansas. The bill seeks to enhance public safety by ensuring that individuals in these professions meet specific legal and ethical standards.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several amendments to existing laws, primarily focusing on background checks and licensing requirements:

  1. Polygraph Examiners:

    • Qualifications: Applicants for polygraph examiner and intern licenses must complete a criminal background check and must not have been convicted of felonies, Class A misdemeanors, or crimes involving violence or moral turpitude.
    • Denial of License: Grounds for denial, suspension, or revocation of licenses now include arrests or indictments for serious offenses, including those that have been sealed or expunged.

  2. Voice Stress Analysis Examiners:

    • Similar to polygraph examiners, applicants must undergo state and national criminal background checks and meet the same criteria regarding past convictions.

  3. Private Investigators and Security Agencies:

    • Application Requirements: Applicants must disclose any criminal records, including sealed or expunged offenses.
    • Training Requirements: Private security officers must complete initial training and refresher training annually, with a two-year exemption from retraining after meeting initial requirements.

  4. Commissioned Security Officers:

    • The bill repeals a previous requirement for law enforcement notification regarding commission applications, streamlining the process.
    • New identification card requirements for commissioned officers are established, including personal identification and employment details.

Impact

  • Professionals Affected: The bill directly impacts polygraph examiners, voice stress analysis examiners, private investigators, and private security personnel in Arkansas.
  • Public Safety: By enforcing stricter background checks and licensing criteria, the bill aims to enhance the integrity and reliability of professionals in these fields, thereby improving public trust and safety.

Procedural Timeline

  • March 5, 2025: Bill filed and read for the first time.
  • March 17, 2025: Passed in the House and sent to the Senate.
  • April 10, 2025: Passed in the Senate and returned to the House.
  • April 16, 2025: Notification that HB 1692 is now Act 678.

This summary provides an overview of the essential aspects of HB 1692, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and the impact on relevant professions within Arkansas.

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

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