This bill amends the law regarding municipal port authorities in Arkansas by allowing them to establish their own police forces. It introduces a new section, 14-186-216, which outlines the powers and duties of municipal port authority law enforcement officers. The bill grants municipal port authorities the authority to appoint law enforcement officers, apply for grants to fund their police forces, and utilize fees collected from their operations for this purpose.

Additionally, the bill specifies the responsibilities of the appointed law enforcement officers, which include protecting property, maintaining order, preventing unlawful conduct, and cooperating with other law enforcement agencies. Officers will have the authority to arrest individuals for violations occurring on port authority property, carry weapons, and regulate vehicle and watercraft operations within their jurisdiction. The bill also allows municipal port authorities to create rules governing the operation and organization of their police forces.