AR SB294

Repeals Arkansas Code § 12-27-132, which previously allowed Division of Community Correction parole or probation officers to receive pistols upon retirement or death.

Amends Arkansas Code § 12-27-143 to consolidate service weapon award provisions under the Department of Corrections for all employees with at least 20 years of service, upon retirement, or upon retirement due to line-of-duty injury.

Expands eligibility to receive the service weapon to include the employee, the employee's spouse, or surviving children if eligible under state and federal firearm laws.

Establishes priority for multiple surviving children, awarding the weapon to the oldest eligible surviving child, and if ineligible, to the next-oldest eligible surviving child.

Transfers authority to award weapons from the Division of Community Correction to the Director of the Division of Correction, Director of the Division of Community Correction, Board of Corrections, or Secretary of the Department of Corrections.