AR HB1871

Amends Arkansas Code § 20-19-104 to modify the voluntary certification program for animal control officers, removing "animal control officers" from the certification requirement while maintaining certification standards for animal shelters based on Humane Society of the United States standards.

Establishes a new mandatory certification program under Arkansas Code § 20-19-105 requiring all animal control officers employed by state, county, municipal, or other governmental agencies to obtain certification.

Requires a minimum score of 80% on a certification examination based on National Animal Control Association courses or equivalent, with Level I certification requiring 40 hours of instruction and Level II requiring 32 hours.

Mandates 10 hours of continuing education every 2 years to maintain certification, with documentation submitted to the Department of Health; reasonable fees may be charged to cover program costs.

Exempts animal control officers hired before January 1, 2002 from initial certification training but requires them to complete continuing education; persons with national animal control certification may be issued state certification without examination.