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Bill

HB 1780

TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE RETENTION OF PROPERTY RELATED TO A FELONY INVESTIGATION.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jimmy Gazaway and 1 co-sponsor

Act 684 streamlines property retention in felony cases, allowing quicker returns to individuals when no prosecution occurs, enhancing clarity for law enforcement and affected parties.

Notification that HB1780 is now Act 684
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Bill Summary · HB 1780

Summary of House Bill 1780 (Act 684)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1780, now enacted as Act 684, amends existing laws regarding the retention of property related to felony investigations in the state of Arkansas. The primary intent of this legislation is to clarify the conditions under which property seized during a felony investigation may be retained or released, thereby streamlining the process and ensuring that property is not held longer than necessary.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces specific amendments to Arkansas Code § 13-4-409(a), which governs the retention of items in the possession of a county sheriff's office during a felony investigation. The key changes include:

  • Retention Period: Items related to a felony investigation must be retained until the statute of limitations for the most serious potential crime has lapsed.
  • Conditions for Release: The bill specifies two conditions under which property may be released:
    1. By a court order.
    2. By the prosecuting attorney if it is determined that there will be no prosecution related to the felony investigation.

Affected Parties

This legislation impacts several stakeholders, including:

  • County Sheriff's Offices: Responsible for the retention and management of seized property.
  • Prosecuting Attorneys: Given the authority to release property when no prosecution will occur.
  • Individuals whose property is seized: This bill provides clarity and potentially expedites the return of property to individuals when no charges are filed.

Legislative Process and Timeline

House Bill 1780 was introduced on March 13, 2025, and underwent several legislative actions before being enacted:

  • March 13, 2025: Bill filed and referred to the House Judiciary Committee.
  • April 1, 2025: Recommended for passage with amendments.
  • April 2, 2025: Amendment No. 1 adopted, and the bill was engrossed.
  • April 10, 2025: Passed by both the House and Senate.
  • April 16, 2025: Official notification that the bill is now Act 684.

Conclusion

Act 684 represents a significant update to the laws governing the retention of property in felony investigations in Arkansas. By clarifying the conditions for retention and release, the legislation aims to protect the rights of individuals while ensuring that law enforcement agencies can effectively manage evidence related to criminal investigations.

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

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