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Committee approves bill tying sheriff pay to law-enforcement certification; quorum courts to set pay floors
Summary
The committee passed House Bill 1725 to let quorum courts set sheriff salaries at the statutory minimum when an elected or appointed sheriff lacks law-enforcement certification; sponsors said the change is intended to encourage certification and professional training.
Representative Bart Shultz, sponsor of House Bill 1725, introduced the measure with testimony from Sheriff Sean Stevens of Independence County and Mark Whitmore of the Association of Counties. "What we're bringing before you today is House Bill 17 25," Shultz said, adding that the measure would amend compensation rules for sheriffs and encourage certification.
Sheriff Sean Stevens said many sheriffs work to obtain academy training after taking office, and he argued a certified sheriff better understands "what they can and cannot do." Mark Whitmore described the bill as a local-government response to recent incidents in which uncertified sheriffs were removed from office: the measure would allow quorum courts to set the sheriff's pay at a statutory minimum for officeholders who do not hold certification or an equivalent eight-year-service exemption.
The bill requires a candidate or appointee to submit qualifications to the county clerk prior to taking office, giving the quorum court information it needs to set salary within the existing statutory range. Proponents said the requirement is intended to encourage elected sheriffs to complete the 13-week academy and other certification steps rather than to bar candidates from seeking office. As Representative Shultz said in closing, "This bill in no way restricts anyone from running. Once again, wanna just reiterate that."
Committee members raised questions about local control and the bill's mandatory language. Representative McKenzie pointed out that the bill uses "shall" rather than "may," obligating quorum courts across Arkansas to set a pay disparity if an incoming sheriff lacks certification. Supporters said the framework preserves local control by letting each quorum court set salaries within statutory ranges while providing an incentive for certification.
Members also asked practical questions about timing and budget process: because county budgets are set in the fall, a newly elected sheriff who lacks certification could require a quorum court to amend its budget before the incoming term begins. Whitmore explained the bill's procedural language is meant to ensure quorum courts have the candidate's qualification information in time to adjust the budget if needed.
After discussion, the committee voted "do pass" by voice vote. No roll-call tallies were recorded in the transcript.
