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 permits these authorities to appoint law enforcement officers to assist in protecting the authority's property and facilities, and to apply for grants to fund their police operations. Additionally, it specifies that the funding for the police force can come from fees collected by the port authority and from grants received.

The bill also details the responsibilities and powers of the appointed law enforcement officers, which include protecting property, maintaining order, preventing unlawful assemblies, 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 on the authority's grounds. Furthermore, the bill allows the municipal port authority to create rules governing the organization and operation of their police force.