Bill > HB1898

This bill creates two new divisions within the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration: the Regulatory Division and the Regulatory Enforcement Division. The Regulatory Division will be led by a Regulatory Administrator appointed by the department secretary, who will oversee several existing regulatory bodies including the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division, Arkansas Tobacco Control, the Arkansas Racing Commission, and the new Regulatory Enforcement Division. The Regulatory Enforcement Division will be led by an Enforcement Director who reports to the Regulatory Administrator and will be designated as a law enforcement agency. The division's agents will have statewide law enforcement authority and will be empowered to investigate violations related to tobacco, alcohol, medical marijuana, and gambling, including violations of rules set by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, Medical Marijuana Commission, and Tobacco Control Board. These agents will be considered full-time law enforcement officers and can present their investigation findings to the relevant boards or refer cases to prosecuting attorneys or other law enforcement agencies. The bill essentially consolidates and formalizes enforcement functions across these regulatory areas, providing a more centralized and structured approach to regulatory oversight.

Government Affairs

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1898&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R