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Little Rock board adopts firefighter bill of rights after three readings; emergency clause approved
Summary
The Little Rock City Board of Directors on Oct. 6 adopted an ordinance establishing a firefighter bill of rights after three readings and approved an emergency clause. The ordinance was part of a grouped package of ordinances the board adopted that included procurement and franchise measures.
The Little Rock City Board of Directors on Oct. 6 adopted an ordinance to establish a firefighter bill of rights for the city, providing protections for firefighters during disciplinary proceedings.
The ordinance was read in a grouped series of readings (first, second and third) during the evening’s meeting. The board adopted the grouped ordinances on a final vote and separately approved an emergency clause for the ordinance listed as item 31.
Mayor Frank Scott Jr. opened the meeting with a proclamation for Fire Prevention Week and Interim Fire Chief Michael Doan described the department’s community education work; Matt Stallings, during citizens communications, also expressed support for the firefighter bill of rights as a local-option framework to govern investigations and discipline.
The ordinance appeared on the consent/grouped ordinances docket and was advanced through the required readings before final adoption. The record shows the items in the grouped reading included multiple procurement and franchise items in addition to the firefighter bill of rights; the clerk read the ordinance language in each reading and the board voted to adopt.
No separate roll-call vote tally for the firefighter bill of rights is specified in the transcript beyond the board’s announcement that the grouped ordinances passed and that the emergency clause on item 31 carried by voice vote. The transcript does not specify amendments to the ordinance or additional conditions.
Implementation details such as effective date, any required implementing rules, or administrative responsibilities were not specified in the portions of the transcript provided.
The adoption came amid public comment earlier in the meeting supporting the bill; Matt Stallings said the measure represents cooperation between firefighters and administration to ensure fair treatment in disciplinary processes.
