Bill > HB1516

This bill proposes several amendments to laws concerning the Department of Agriculture, focusing on four key areas. First, it updates provisions related to veterinary inspections and disease control, clarifying that veterinary inspectors from the Department of Agriculture can enter properties to examine animals potentially infected with contagious diseases, and establishes a fine of up to $300 for owners who fail to comply with department rules. Second, the bill modifies how fines from forestry-related law enforcement activities are handled, establishing a new Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement Fund into which these fines will be deposited as special revenues. Third, the bill creates a legal framework for this new fund, specifying its sources of revenue and stipulating that the funds will be used exclusively for the department's law enforcement functions. Finally, the bill introduces a provision allowing the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture to award a retiring or deceased law enforcement officer's service pistol to the officer or, in the case of a deceased officer, to their spouse (if legally eligible to possess a firearm). These changes aim to streamline the department's operations, provide clearer guidelines for enforcement, and recognize the service of agricultural law enforcement officers.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1516&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R