Bill > HB1415

This bill amends Arkansas state law to clarify and expand the roles and responsibilities of ex officio deputies in fire prevention and investigation. Specifically, the bill modifies two sections of Arkansas Code related to the State Fire Marshal and fire investigations. First, it clarifies that the State Fire Marshal, mayors, members of fire departments, and peace officers are all considered ex officio deputies to the Director of the Division of Arkansas State Police, with a responsibility to investigate the cause, origin, and circumstances of fires within their jurisdiction. Second, the bill explicitly grants the State Fire Marshal the authority to request that the Division of Arkansas State Police conduct an inquiry if the Fire Marshal has reason to believe arson has been committed. This provides a more formal mechanism for the State Fire Marshal to initiate state police investigations into potential arson cases, enhancing the state's ability to investigate and potentially prosecute fire-related crimes.

Government Affairs

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1415&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R