Ark. Code § 14-284-126

Current with legislation from 2024 Fiscal and Special Sessions.
Section 14-284-126 - Residency requirement - Definition
(a)
(1) As used in this section, "firefighter" means a full-time, paid member of a fire protection district who is employed by the board of commissioners of a fire protection district and whose primary duty is fighting fires.
(2) "Firefighter" does not include the chief or head of the fire protection district.
(b) A residency requirement for a fire protection district may be established by ordinance or resolution for firefighters or persons applying to be a firefighter only if the fire protection district:
(1) Uses full-time, paid firefighters and volunteer firefighters;
(2) Is a volunteer fire department; or
(3) Uses part-time, paid firefighters and firefighters who are paid an appearance fee.
(c) A residency requirement that is enacted under subsection (b) of this section shall not affect the residency or employment status of a firefighter who is employed with the fire protection district at the time the residency requirement is adopted.
(d) For the purpose of hiring, a fire protection district may give preference to a person applying to be a firefighter who is a resident of the state or a county adjacent to the county in which the fire protection district is located.
(e) This section does not affect a fire protection district's policies concerning:
(1) The use of a vehicle owned by the fire protection district by a firefighter who is not on duty; or
(2) Firefighters who, based on their assignment, are required to respond to an emergency or call out within a specific time period.

Ark. Code § 14-284-126

Added by Act 2023, No. 487,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2023.