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Bill

Bill

HB 1887

TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING STATEWIDE CHILD ABDUCTION RESPONSE TEAMS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Shad Pearce and 1 co-sponsor

Act 658 mandates multi-agency collaboration in Arkansas to enhance child abduction responses, ensuring effective rescue and prevention efforts for endangered children.

Notification that HB1887 is now Act 658
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Bill Summary · HB 1887

Summary of House Bill 1887 (Act 658)

Overview

House Bill 1887, now known as Act 658, was introduced in the Arkansas General Assembly on March 20, 2025. The primary purpose of this legislation is to amend existing laws concerning the formation and operation of statewide child abduction response teams in Arkansas.

Key Provisions

The bill outlines several important changes and provisions regarding the collaboration of state agencies in responding to child abduction cases:

  1. Collaboration of Agencies:

    • The bill mandates a multi-agency collaboration to rescue abducted or endangered children. The following agencies are specified to participate:
      • Office of the Attorney General
      • Division of Arkansas State Police
      • Criminal Justice Institute
      • Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission
      • Arkansas Sheriffs' Association
      • Division of Emergency Management
      • Arkansas Association of Chiefs of Police
      • Division of Community Correction
      • Office of the Prosecutor Coordinator

  2. Memorandum of Understanding:

    • Each agency is required to execute a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that outlines the guidelines for implementing one or more statewide child abduction response teams. This MOU will ensure that all agencies coordinate their resources effectively.

  3. Response and Prevention:

    • The Division of Arkansas State Police is tasked with responding to child abduction incidents and providing preventative measures against such incidents.

  4. Certification of Teams:

    • The Criminal Justice Institute is responsible for coordinating the certification and recertification of each statewide child abduction response team, ensuring that teams are adequately trained and prepared to respond to abduction cases.

Impact

The enactment of HB 1887 is expected to enhance the state's ability to respond to child abduction cases through improved coordination among various law enforcement and emergency management agencies. By formalizing the collaboration and establishing clear guidelines, the bill aims to streamline efforts to locate and protect endangered children more effectively.

Legislative Timeline

  • March 20, 2025: Bill filed and read for the first time.
  • April 4, 2025: Passed through the House and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
  • April 10, 2025: Passed in the Senate and returned to the House.
  • April 16, 2025: Notification that HB 1887 is now Act 658.

This legislation represents a significant step forward in enhancing child safety and ensuring that state resources are effectively utilized in the event of child abductions.

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

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