The Fayetteville City Council has unanimously passed a proposal sponsored by Mayor Molly Rawn to establish a Bill of Rights for firefighters in the city. The proposal comes in conjunction with Act 686, which was passed by Arkansas lawmakers during the 2025 legislative session and went into effect Aug. 5. Act 686 recommends that municipalities in the state establish a Bill of Rights for firefighters in an attempt to better protect them in various situations. “This came through from state legislation that was enabling legislation,” Rawn said. “It does not force cities to adopt this ordinance, but it allows us to do so.” Rawn said ahead of the vote she was proud to be the first.
A memo for the Aug. 19 city council meeting said the ordinance would establish a Firefighter Bill of Rights, which “provides basic protections for the firefighters regarding personnel disciplinary and promotional actions.” The ordinance is not expected to impact the budget, according to the memo. A filing attached to the city council agenda explained what exactly would be in a Firefighter Bill of Rights in Fayetteville. Here’s a breakdown of what it says:
- During an investigation for possible misconduct, a firefighter should not be punished for refusing to participate when off duty. A firefighter should be made aware of the nature of the investigation, as well as the investigative party, before interrogation. During an interrogation, which must be held at a reasonable place, only one person can ask questions at a time and the questioning should last for a reasonable amount of time with reasonable periods of rest.
- When considering a promotion, a firefighter is not required to disclose income, assets, property, debts, or expenditures.
- A firefighter should not be kept from participating in political activity unless on duty or operating in an official capacity.
- A firefighter shouldn’t be retaliated against for exercising rights or reporting a concern, participating in an investigation, or cooperating with any other proceeding.
The council voted unanimously to approve the ordinance on Aug. 19.
