Bill > SB521

This bill amends Arkansas law concerning law enforcement training reimbursement by extending and modifying the time period and conditions under which law enforcement agencies can recover training costs when an officer moves to a new agency. The key changes include expanding the reimbursement window from 18 to 24 months after training completion, adjusting the reimbursement percentages based on when the officer is hired (100% if hired within 12 months, 50% if hired between 12-24 months), and establishing new procedural requirements for reimbursement requests. Specifically, reimbursement requests must now be in writing, contain an itemized list of costs, and be submitted within six months of hiring the officer. The bill also requires the Division of Law Enforcement Standards and Training to notify the previous employing agency when an officer who was trained within the past 24 months is hired by a new agency. If a law enforcement agency fails to reimburse training costs, the Treasurer of State can withhold the amount from the agency's municipal aid or appropriated funds. The bill will become effective on January 1, 2026, and applies to law enforcement agencies as defined in existing state law.

Government Affairs

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=sb521&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R