TO AMEND THE DUTIES OF THE ARKANSAS WATERWAYS COMMISSION; AND TO CREATE AN ARKANSAS WATERWAYS COMMISSION POLICE FORCE.

HB 1289 would allow the Arkansas Waterways Commission to create its own law enforcement officers to protect the Commission's property and personnel. These officers must be certified law enforcement professionals and would have the authority to make arrests for violations occurring on Commission property, while working alongside local police. The bill also permits these officers to carry weapons for duty-related purposes. This change would directly affect the Commission's security operations at its facilities, giving it more direct control over property protection.