The bill amends various laws concerning the Department of Agriculture, specifically addressing the control of contagious diseases, the classification of fines related to forest resources, and the establishment of a new fund for law enforcement. It updates the authority of veterinary inspectors by replacing references to the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission with the Department of Agriculture. Additionally, it modifies the penalties for non-compliance with rules regarding reportable diseases, establishing a fine not to exceed $300 and maintaining liability for damages caused by infected animals.

Furthermore, the bill creates the Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement Fund, which will collect fines from violations related to wildland fires, timber theft, and unlawful dumping, previously deposited into the State Forestry Fund. This fund will be used exclusively for the department's law enforcement functions. The bill also introduces a provision allowing the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture to award the service pistol of a retiring or deceased law enforcement officer to the officer or their eligible spouse, recognizing their service.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1516 V2 - 2-25-2025 09:23 AM: 2-40-106, 02-25-2025, 15-31-113, 15-31-114, 19-6-301
Old version HB1516 Original - 2-18-2025 10:49 AM: 2-40-106, 15-31-113, 15-31-114, 19-6-301
HB 1516: 2-40-106, 15-31-113, 15-31-114, 19-6-301
Act 326: 2-40-106, 02-25-2025, 15-31-113, 15-31-114, 19-6-301