TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING CIVIL OFFICE HOLDINGS; AND TO ALLOW A JUSTICE OF THE PEACE TO ALSO SERVE AS A POLICE OFFICER IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.

HB 1212 would amend Arkansas law to allow justices of the peace to also serve as city police officers or school resource officers under specific conditions. The bill adds an exception to existing rules that generally prohibit county officials from holding multiple civil offices, permitting justices of the peace to work in these law enforcement roles outside their local district. This change would directly affect current or future justices of the peace who hold or seek such police positions. The provision applies only to roles described in a separate section of state law (§ 6-10-128) and does not apply to new appointments. The bill was introduced in January 2025 but withdrawn by its author in March 2025.