TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING REIMBURSEMENT; AND TO EXTEND THE TIME PERIOD AFTER COMPLETION OF TRAINING FOR WHICH REIMBURSEMENT IS REQUIRED.

Police agencies repay training costs for longer

Beginning January 1, 2026, Arkansas extends the police training repayment window to 24 months after training ends. Agencies hiring officers trained at state-funded or city-run academies must repay the agency that paid for training. The new job must require an academy training certificate. Repayment is 100% for hires within 12 months and 50% for hires after 12 months through 24 months. Covered costs include salary, travel, food, lodging, and other training costs, including equipment costs that cannot be recovered. The agency seeking repayment must send a written, itemized request within six months after the hire. No repayment is required if that agency fired the officer. Private communities with more than 5,000 residents that employ certified officers also qualify for repayment and can pass it to contractors that paid training costs. The state treasurer must collect unpaid amounts by withholding government aid or funds assigned to the hiring agency. Agencies must immediately report officer hires, appointments, and separations to the Division of Law Enforcement Standards and Training. For officers trained within the past 24 months, the division must notify the previous agency that paid training costs.