AR HB1342

Allows nonimmigrants legally admitted to the United States under a Compact of Free Association to serve as certified law enforcement officers in Arkansas, in addition to U.S. citizens.

Applicants admitted under a Compact of Free Association must become Arkansas state citizens before commencing employment as police officers with the Division of Arkansas State Police.

Creates new eligibility requirement in Arkansas Code § 12-9-124 allowing certified law enforcement officers to be either U.S. citizens or nonimmigrants admitted under a Compact of Free Association entered into on or before January 1, 2021.

Amends Arkansas Code § 12-9-304(j) to permit auxiliary law enforcement officers to be either U.S. citizens or nonimmigrants admitted under a Compact of Free Association entered into on or before January 1, 2021, with a minimum age of 21 years.

Employment hiring must be based strictly on efficiency regardless of race, gender, religion, or political affiliation.