The bill amends Arkansas Code 13-4-409(a) regarding the retention of property related to felony investigations. It stipulates that items in the possession of a county sheriff's office must be retained until the statute of limitations for the most serious crime they could be connected to has lapsed. However, the bill introduces specific conditions under which these items may be released before the statute of limitations expires.

The new legal language allows for the release of items if ordered by a court or if the prosecuting attorney determines that there will be no prosecution related to the felony investigation or that the item is not needed for prosecution. This amendment aims to clarify the circumstances under which property can be returned to its owner, thereby streamlining the process and potentially reducing the burden on law enforcement agencies.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1780 Original - 3-13-2025 01:40 PM: 13-4-409(a)
Old version HB1780 V2 - 4-2-2025 10:19 AM: 13-4-409(a)
HB 1780: 13-4-409(a)