AR HB1529

Designates the Workers' Compensation Fraud Investigation Unit of the State Insurance Department as a law enforcement agency with authority to investigate workers' compensation fraud, related criminal violations, and other insurance fraud matters.

Requires investigators in the Workers' Compensation Fraud Investigation Unit to be certified law enforcement officers under Arkansas law with statewide law enforcement jurisdiction and authority.

Establishes a minimum of three years of state-certified law enforcement experience or equivalent national or military law enforcement experience as required for personnel hired as specialized law enforcement officers.

Designates the Criminal Investigation Division of the State Insurance Department as a law enforcement agency and applies the same certification and experience requirements to its investigators.

Requires designated personnel in both units to meet qualifications established by the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training before exercising law enforcement powers.