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Statutes: Arkansas

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Statutes: Arkansas

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

The statutes are current through the 2023 Regular Session and the 2023 First Extraordinary Session of the 94th Arkansas General Assembly. For additional statutes, you can access the entire Arkansas Code here.

Title 5. Criminal Offenses

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

Subtitle 1. General Provisions

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

Chapter 4. Disposition of Offenders

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

Subchapter 2. Fines, Costs, and Restitution

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

5-4-201. Imposition of fines

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A defendant convicted of a felony may be sentenced to pay a fine:

(1) Not exceeding fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) if the conviction is of a Class A felony or Class B felony;

(2) Not exceeding ten thousand dollars ($10,000) if the conviction is of a Class C felony or Class D felony; or

(3) In accordance with a limitation of the statute defining the felony if the conviction is of an unclassified felony.

(b) A defendant convicted of a misdemeanor may be sentenced to pay a fine:

(1) Not exceeding two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) if the conviction is of a Class A misdemeanor;

(2) Not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000) if the conviction is of a Class B misdemeanor;

(3) Not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500) if the conviction is of a Class C misdemeanor; or

(4) In accordance with a limitation of the statute defining the misdemeanor if the conviction is of an unclassified misdemeanor.

(c) A defendant convicted of a violation may be sentenced to pay a fine:

(1) Not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100) if the violation is defined by the Arkansas Criminal Code or defined by a statute enacted subsequent to January 1, 1976, that does not prescribe a different limitation on the amount of the fine; or

(2) In accordance with a limitation of the statute defining the violation if that statute prescribes limitations on the amount of the fine.

(d)(1) Notwithstanding a limit imposed by this section, if the defendant has derived pecuniary gain from commission of an offense, then upon conviction of the offense the defendant may be sentenced to pay a fine not exceeding two (2) times the amount of the pecuniary gain.

(2) As used in this subsection, “pecuniary gain” means the amount of money or the value of property derived from the commission of the offense, less the amount of money or the value of property returned to the victim of the crime or seized by or surrendered to a lawful authority prior to the time sentence is imposed.

(e) An organization convicted of an offense may be sentenced to pay a fine authorized by subsection (d) of this section or not exceeding two (2) times the maximum fine otherwise authorized upon conviction of the offense by subsection (a), (b), or (c) of this section.

(f)(1) Notwithstanding a limit imposed by this section or the section defining the felony offense, if a defendant has derived pecuniary gain from the commission of a felony offense under § 5-68-201 et seq., § 5-68-301 et seq., the Arkansas Law on Obscenity, § 5-68-401 et seq., or § 5-68-501 et seq., then upon conviction of the felony offense, the defendant may be sentenced to pay a fine not exceeding two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000).(2) As used in this subsection, “derived pecuniary gain” means that a defendant received income, benefit, property, money, or anything of value from the commission of a felony offense under § 5-68-201 et seq., § 5-68-301 et seq., the Arkansas Law on Obscenity, § 5-68-401 et seq., or § 5-68-501 et seq.

Subchapter 4. Imprisonment

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

5-4-401. Felonies--Misdemeanors--Incarceration

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A defendant convicted of a felony shall receive a determinate sentence according to the following limitations:

(1) For a Class Y felony, the sentence shall be not less than ten (10) years and not more than forty (40) years, or life;

(2) For a Class A felony, the sentence shall be not less than six (6) years nor more than thirty (30) years;

(3) For a Class B felony, the sentence shall be not less than five (5) years nor more than twenty (20) years;

(4) For a Class C felony, the sentence shall be not less than three (3) years nor more than ten (10) years;

(5) For a Class D felony, the sentence shall not exceed six (6) years; and

(6) For an unclassified felony, the sentence shall be in accordance with a limitation of the statute defining the felony.

(b) A defendant convicted of a misdemeanor may be sentenced according to the following limitations:

(1) For a Class A misdemeanor, the sentence shall not exceed one (1) year;

(2) For a Class B misdemeanor, the sentence shall not exceed ninety (90) days;

(3) For a Class C misdemeanor, the sentence shall not exceed thirty (30) days; and

(4) For an unclassified misdemeanor, the sentence shall be in accordance with a limitation of the statute defining the misdemeanor.

Subtitle 2. Offenses Against the Person

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

Chapter 11. Kidnapping and Related Offenses

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

5-11-102. Kidnapping--Elements

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A person commits the offense of kidnapping if, without consent, the person restrains another person so as to interfere substantially with the other person’s liberty with the purpose of:

(1) Holding the other person for:

(A) Ransom or reward; or

(B) Any other act to be performed or not performed for the other person’s return or release;

(2) Using the other person as a shield or hostage;

(3) Facilitating the commission of any felony or flight after the felony;

(4) Inflicting physical injury upon the other person;

(5) Engaging in sexual intercourse, deviate sexual activity, or sexual contact with the other person;

(6) Terrorizing the other person or another person; or

(7) Interfering with the performance of any governmental or political function.

(b)(1) Kidnapping is a Class Y felony.

(2) However, kidnapping is a Class B felony if the defendant shows by a preponderance of the evidence that he or she or an accomplice voluntarily released the person restrained alive and in a safe place prior to trial.

Chapter 13. Assault and Battery

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

Subchapter 2. Offenses Generally

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

5-13-201. Battery in the first degree

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A person commits battery in the first degree if:

(1) With the purpose of causing serious physical injury to another person, the person causes serious physical injury to any person by means of a deadly weapon;

(2) With the purpose of seriously and permanently disfiguring another person or of destroying, amputating, or permanently disabling a member or organ of that other person’s body, the person causes such an injury to any person;

(3) The person causes serious physical injury to another person under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life;

(4) Acting alone or with one (1) or more other persons:

(A) The person commits or attempts to commit a felony; and

(B) In the course of and in furtherance of the felony or in immediate flight from the felony:

(i) The person or an accomplice causes serious physical injury to any person under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life; or

(ii) Another person who is resisting the felony or flight causes serious physical injury to any person;

(5) With the purpose of causing serious physical injury to an unborn child or to a woman who is pregnant with an unborn child, the person causes serious physical injury to the unborn child;

(6) The person knowingly causes physical injury to a pregnant woman in the commission of a felony or a Class A misdemeanor, and in so doing, causes serious physical injury to the pregnant woman’s unborn child, and the unborn child is subsequently born alive;

(7) The person knowingly, without legal justification, causes serious physical injury to a person he or she knows to be sixty (60) years of age or older or twelve (12) years of age or younger;

(8) With the purpose of causing physical injury to another person, the person causes physical injury to any person by means of a firearm; or

(9) The person knowingly causes serious physical injury to any person four (4) years of age or younger under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life.

(b) It is an affirmative defense in any prosecution under subdivision (a)(4) of this section in which the defendant was not the only participant that the defendant:

(1) Did not commit the battery or in any way solicit, command, induce, procure, counsel, or aid the battery’s commission;

(2) Was not armed with a deadly weapon;

(3) Reasonably believed that no other participant was armed with a deadly weapon; and

(4) Reasonably believed that no other participant intended to engage in conduct that could result in serious physical injury.

(c)(1) Except as provided in subdivisions (c)(2) and (3) of this section, battery in the first degree is a Class B felony.

(2) Battery in the first degree is a Class Y felony under the circumstances described in subdivision (a)(2) or subdivision (a)(9) of this section.

(3) Battery in the first degree is a Class Y felony if the injured person is a law enforcement officer or an employee of a correctional facility, and is acting in the line of duty.

(d) As used in this section, “employee of a correctional facility” means a person who is employed by or working under a professional services contract with the Department of Correction or the Department of Community Correction.

5-13-202. Battery in the second degree

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A person commits battery in the second degree if:

(1) With the purpose of causing physical injury to another person, the person causes serious physical injury to another person;

(2) With the purpose of causing physical injury to another person, the person causes physical injury to another person by means of a deadly weapon other than a firearm;

(3) The person recklessly causes serious physical injury to another person:

(A) By means of a deadly weapon;

(B) While operating or in actual physical control of a motor vehicle or motorboat if at the time:

(i) The person is intoxicated; or

(ii) The alcohol concentration in the person’s breath or blood is eight-hundredths (0.08) or more based upon the definition of alcohol concentration in § 5-65-204; or

(C) Who is four (4) years of age or younger; or

(4) The person knowingly, without legal justification, causes physical injury to or incapacitates a person he or she knows to be:

(A)(i) A law enforcement officer, firefighter, code enforcement officer, or employee of a correctional facility while the law enforcement officer, firefighter, code enforcement officer, or employee of a correctional facility is acting in the line of duty.

(ii) As used in this subdivision (a)(4)(A):

(a)(1) “Code enforcement officer” means an individual charged with the duty of enforcing a municipal code, municipal ordinance, or municipal regulation as defined by a municipal code, municipal ordinance, or municipal regulation.

(2) “Code enforcement officer” includes a municipal animal control officer; and

(b) “Employee of a correctional facility” includes a person working under a professional services contract with the Division of Correction, the Division of Community Correction, or the Division of Youth Services;

(B) A teacher or other school employee while acting in the course of employment;

(C) An individual sixty (60) years of age or older or twelve (12) years of age or younger;

(D) An officer or employee of the state while the officer or employee of the state is acting in the performance of his or her lawful duty;

(E) While performing medical treatment or emergency medical services or while in the course of other employment relating to his or her medical training:

(i) A physician;

(ii) A person licensed as emergency medical services personnel, as defined in § 20-13-202;

(iii) A licensed or certified healthcare professional; or

(iv) Any other healthcare provider; or

(F) An individual who is incompetent, as defined in § 5-25-101.

(b)(1) Battery in the second degree under subdivision (a)(3)(B) of this section is a Class C felony.

(2) Otherwise, battery in the second degree is a Class D felony.(c) As used in this section, “motorboat” means the same as defined in § 5-65-102.

5-13-203. Battery in the third degree

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A person commits battery in the third degree if:

(1) With the purpose of causing physical injury to another person, the person causes physical injury to any person;

(2) The person recklessly causes physical injury to another person;

(3) The person negligently causes physical injury to another person by means of a deadly weapon;

(4) The person purposely causes stupor, unconsciousness, or physical or mental impairment or injury to another person by administering to the other person, without the other person’s consent, any drug or other substance; or

(5) The person knowingly causes physical contact with a first responder by spitting, throwing, or otherwise transferring bodily fluids, pathogens, or human waste onto the person of the first responder.

(b)(1) Battery in the third degree under subdivisions (a)(1)–(4) of this section is a Class A misdemeanor.(2) Battery in the third degree under subdivision (a)(5) of this section is a Class A misdemeanor with a mandatory fine of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) and a mandatory minimum sentence of at least thirty (30) days of imprisonment for which the defendant is required to serve at least thirty (30) days before being released from imprisonment.

5-13-204. Aggravated assault

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A person commits aggravated assault if, under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life, he or she purposely:

(1) Engages in conduct that creates a substantial danger of death or serious physical injury to another person;

(2) Displays a firearm in such a manner that creates a substantial danger of death or serious physical injury to another person; or

(3) Impedes or prevents the respiration of another person or the circulation of another person’s blood by applying pressure on the chest, throat, or neck or by blocking the nose or mouth of the other person.

(b) Aggravated assault is a Class D felony.

(c) The provisions of this section do not apply to:

(1) A law enforcement officer acting within the scope of his or her duty; or

(2) A person acting in self-defense or the defense of a third party.

5-13-205. Assault in the first degree

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A person commits assault in the first degree if he or she:

(1) Recklessly engages in conduct that creates a substantial risk of death or serious physical injury to another person; or

(2) Purposely impedes or prevents the respiration of another person or the circulation of another person’s blood by applying pressure on the throat or neck or by blocking the nose or mouth of the other person.

(b) Assault in the first degree is a Class A misdemeanor.

(c) It is a defense to prosecution under subdivision (a)(2) of this section if the other person consented to the impeding or prevention of his or her respiration or circulation of blood.

5-13-206. Assault in the second degree

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A person commits assault in the second degree if he or she recklessly engages in conduct that creates a substantial risk of physical injury to another person.

(b) Assault in the second degree is a Class B misdemeanor.

5-13-207. Assault in the third degree

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A person commits assault in the third degree if he or she purposely creates apprehension of imminent physical injury in another person.

(b) Assault in the third degree is a Class C misdemeanor.

Chapter 14. Sexual Offenses

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

Subchapter 1. General Provisions

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

5-14-103. Rape

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A person commits rape if he or she engages in sexual intercourse or deviate sexual activity with another person:

(1) By forcible compulsion;

(2) Who is incapable of consent because he or she is:

(A) Physically helpless;

(B) Mentally defective; or

(C) Mentally incapacitated;

(3)(A) Who is less than fourteen (14) years of age.

(B) It is an affirmative defense to a prosecution under subdivision (a)(3)(A) of this section that the actor was not more than three (3) years older than the victim; or

(4)(A) Who is a minor and the actor is the victim’s:

(i) Guardian;

(ii) Uncle, aunt, grandparent, step-grandparent, or grandparent by adoption;

(iii) Brother or sister of the whole or half blood or by adoption; or

(iv) Nephew, niece, or first cousin.

(B) It is an affirmative defense to a prosecution under subdivision (a)(4)(A) of this section that the actor was not more than three (3) years older than the victim.

(b) It is no defense to a prosecution under subdivision (a)(3) or subdivision (a)(4) of this section that the victim consented to the conduct.

(c)(1) Rape is a Class Y felony.

(2) Except as provided under § 5-4-104(c)(2), a person who pleads guilty or nolo contendere to or is found guilty of rape involving a victim who is less than fourteen (14) years of age shall be sentenced to a minimum term of imprisonment of twenty-five (25) years.

(d)(1) A court may issue a permanent no contact order when:

(A) A defendant pleads guilty or nolo contendere; or

(B) All of the defendant’s appeals have been exhausted and the defendant remains convicted.

(2) If a judicial officer has reason to believe that mental disease or defect of the defendant will or has become an issue in the case, the judicial officer shall enter orders consistent with § 5-2-327 or § 5-2-328, or both.(e) A person convicted of rape is subject to § 9-10-121.

5-14-112. Indecent exposure

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A person commits indecent exposure if, with the purpose to arouse or gratify a sexual desire of himself or herself or of any other person, the person exposes his or her sex organs:

(1) In a public place or in public view; or

(2) Under circumstances in which the person knows the conduct is likely to cause affront or alarm.

(b)(1) Except as provided in subdivisions (b)(2) and (b)(3) of this section, indecent exposure is a Class A misdemeanor.

(2) Indecent exposure is a Class D felony:

(A) For a fourth or fifth conviction within ten (10) years of a previous conviction; or

(B) If a person is in the custody of a correctional facility or a detention facility at the time the person exposes his or her sex organs.

(3) For a sixth conviction and each successive conviction within ten (10) years of a previous conviction, indecent exposure is a Class C felony.

(c) A woman is not in violation of this section for breastfeeding a child in a public place or any place where other individuals are present.

5-14-113. Sexual extortion

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A person commits the offense of sexual extortion if:

(1) With the purpose to coerce another person to engage in sexual contact or sexually explicit conduct, the person communicates a threat to:

(A) Damage the property or harm the reputation of the other person; or

(B) Produce or distribute a recording of the other person engaged in sexually explicit conduct or depicted in a state of nudity;

(2) With the purpose to produce or distribute a recording of a person in a state of nudity or engaged in sexually explicit conduct, the person communicates a threat to:

(A) Damage the property or harm the reputation of the other person; or

(B) Produce or distribute a recording of the other person engaged in sexually explicit conduct or depicted in a state of nudity;

(3) The person knowingly causes another person to engage in sexual contact or sexually explicit conduct or to produce or distribute a recording of a person in a state of nudity or engaged in sexually explicit conduct by communicating a threat to:

(A) Damage the property or harm the reputation of the other person; or

(B) Produce or distribute a recording of the other person engaged in sexually explicit conduct or depicted in a state of nudity; or

(4) The person knowingly demands payment of money or receipt of anything of value by communicating a threat to distribute a recording of a person engaged in sexually explicit conduct or depicted in a state of nudity.

(b) Sexual extortion is a Class B felony.

5-14-124. Sexual assault in the first degree

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A person commits sexual assault in the first degree if:

(1) The person engages in sexual intercourse or deviate sexual activity with a minor who is not the actor’s spouse and the actor is:

(A) Employed with the Division of Correction, the Division of Community Correction, the Department of Human Services, or any city or county jail or a juvenile detention facility, and the victim is in the custody of the Division of Correction, the Division of Community Correction, the Department of Human Services, any city or county jail or juvenile detention facility, or their contractors or agents;

(B) Employed by or contracted with the Division of Community Correction, a local law enforcement agency, a court, or a local government and the actor is supervising the minor while the minor is on probation, parole, or post-release supervision or for any other court-ordered reason;

(C) A mandated reporter under § 12-18-402(b) and is in a position of trust or authority over the victim and uses the position of trust or authority to engage in sexual intercourse or deviate sexual activity; or

(D) An employee in the victim’s school or school district, a temporary caretaker, or a person in a position of trust or authority over the victim; or

(2) The person is a teacher, principal, athletic coach, or counselor in a public or private school in kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) and the actor:

(A) Engages in sexual intercourse or deviate sexual activity with a person who is not the actor’s spouse and the victim is:

(i) Less than twenty-one (21) years of age; and

(ii) A student enrolled in the public or private school employing the actor; and

(B) Is in a position of trust or authority over the victim and uses his or her position of trust or authority over the victim to engage in sexual intercourse or deviate sexual activity.

(b) It is no defense to a prosecution under this section that the victim consented to the conduct.

(c) It is an affirmative defense to a prosecution under subdivision (a)(1)(D) of this section that the actor was not more than three (3) years older than the victim.

(d) Sexual assault in the first degree is a Class A felony.

5-14-125. Sexual assault in the second degree

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A person commits sexual assault in the second degree if the person:

(1) Engages in sexual contact with another person by forcible compulsion;

(2) Engages in sexual contact with another person who is incapable of consent because he or she is:

(A) Physically helpless;

(B) Mentally defective; or

(C) Mentally incapacitated;

(3) Being eighteen (18) years of age or older, engages in sexual contact with another person who is less than fourteen (14) years of age;

(4)(A) Engages in sexual contact with a minor and the actor is:

(i) Employed with the Division of Correction, the Division of Community Correction, any city or county jail, or any juvenile detention facility, and the minor is in custody at a facility operated by the agency or contractor employing the actor;

(ii) Employed by or contracted with the Division of Community Correction, a local law enforcement agency, a court, or a local government and the actor is supervising the minor while the minor is on probation, parole, or post-release supervision or for any other court-ordered reason;

(iii) A mandated reporter under § 12-18-402(b) and is in a position of trust or authority over the minor; or

(iv) The minor’s guardian, an employee in the minor’s school or school district, a temporary caretaker, or a person in a position of trust or authority over the minor.

(B) For purposes of subdivision (a)(4)(A) of this section, consent of the minor is not a defense to a prosecution;

(5)(A) Being a minor, engages in sexual contact with another person who is:

(i) Less than fourteen (14) years of age; and

(ii) Not the person’s spouse.

(B) It is an affirmative defense to a prosecution under this subdivision (a)(5) that the actor was not more than:

(i) Three (3) years older than the victim if the victim is less than twelve (12) years of age; or

(ii) Four (4) years older than the victim if the victim is twelve (12) years of age or older; or

(6) Is a teacher, principal, athletic coach, or counselor in a public or private school in a grade kindergarten through twelve (K-12), in a position of trust or authority, and uses his or her position of trust or authority over the victim to engage in sexual contact with a victim who is:

(A) A student enrolled in the public or private school; and

(B) Less than twenty-one (21) years of age.

(b)(1) Sexual assault in the second degree is a Class B felony.

(2) Sexual assault in the second degree is a Class D felony if committed by a minor with another person who is:

(A) Less than fourteen (14) years of age; and

(B) Not the person’s spouse.

5-14-126. Sexual assault in the third degree

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A person commits sexual assault in the third degree if the person:

(1) Engages in sexual intercourse or deviate sexual activity with another person who is not the actor’s spouse, and the actor is:

(A) Employed with the Division of Correction, Division of Community Correction, Department of Human Services, or any city or county jail, the victim is in the custody of the Division of Correction, Division of Community Correction, Department of Human Services, or any city or county jail, and the actor is in a position of trust or authority over the victim and uses the position of trust or authority to engage in sexual intercourse or deviate sexual activity;

(B) Employed by or contracted with the Division of Community Correction, a local law enforcement agency, a court, or a local government and the actor is supervising the person while the person is on probation, parole, or post-release supervision or for any other court-ordered reason;

(C) Employed or contracted with or otherwise providing services, supplies, or supervision to an agency maintaining custody of inmates, detainees, or juveniles, the victim is in the custody of the Division of Correction, Division of Community Correction, Department of Human Services, or any city or county jail, and the actor is in a position of trust or authority over the victim and uses the position of trust or authority to engage in sexual intercourse or deviate sexual activity; or

(D) A mandated reporter under § 12-18-402(b) or a member of the clergy and is in a position of trust or authority over the victim and uses the position of trust or authority to engage in sexual intercourse or deviate sexual activity; or

(2)(A) Being a minor, engages in sexual intercourse or deviate sexual activity with another person who is less than fourteen (14) years of age.

(B) It is an affirmative defense under this subdivision (a)(2) that the actor was not more than three (3) years older than the victim.

(b) It is no defense to a prosecution under this section that the victim consented to the conduct.

(c) Sexual assault in the third degree is a Class C felony.

5-14-127. Sexual assault in the fourth degree

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A person commits sexual assault in the fourth degree if the person:

(1) Being twenty (20) years of age or older:

(A) Engages in sexual intercourse or deviate sexual activity with another person who is:

(i) Less than sixteen (16) years of age; and

(ii) Not the person’s spouse; or

(B) Engages in sexual contact with another person who is:

(i) Less than sixteen (16) years of age; and

(ii) Not the person’s spouse; or

(2) Engages in sexual contact with another person who is not the actor’s spouse, and the actor is employed with the Division of Correction, Division of Community Correction, Department of Human Services, or any city or county jail, and the victim is in the custody of the Division of Correction, Division of Community Correction, Department of Human Services, or a city or county jail.

(b)(1) Sexual assault in the fourth degree under subdivisions (a)(1)(A) and (a)(2) of this section is a Class D felony.

(2) Sexual assault in the fourth degree under subdivision (a)(1)(B) of this section is a Class A misdemeanor if the person engages only in sexual contact with another person as described in subdivision (a)(1)(B) of this section.

Chapter 16. Voyeurism

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

5-16-101. Crime of video voyeurism

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) It is unlawful for a person to use a camera, videotape, photo-optical, photoelectric, or other image recording device for the purpose of secretly observing, viewing, photographing, filming, or videotaping another person who is present in a residence, place of business, school, or other structure, or a room or particular location within that structure, if the other person:

(1) Is in a private area out of public view;

(2) Has a reasonable expectation of privacy; and

(3) Has not consented to the observing, viewing, photographing, filming, or videotaping.

(b) It is unlawful for a person to knowingly use an unmanned vehicle or aircraft, a camcorder, a motion picture camera, a photographic camera of any type, or other equipment that is concealed, operated in a manner to escape detection, or disguised to secretly or surreptitiously videotape, film, photograph, record, or view by electronic means another person:

(1) For the purpose of viewing any portion of the other person’s body and for which the other person has a reasonable expectation of privacy;

(2) Without the knowledge or consent of the other person; and

(3) Under circumstances in which the other person has a reasonable expectation of privacy.

(c)(1) A person who violates subsection (a) of this section upon conviction is guilty of a:

(A) Class D felony for a first or second offense;

(B) Class C felony for a third or subsequent offense; or

(C) Class C felony if the victim is under fourteen (14) years of age.

(2)(A) A person who violates subsection (b) of this section upon conviction is guilty of a Class B misdemeanor.

(B) However, a person who violates subsection (b) of this section upon conviction is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor if the person:

(i) Distributed or transmitted the video recording, film, or photo to another person;

(ii) Posted the video recording, film, or photo in a format accessible by another person via the internet; or

(iii) Has previously been convicted of a violation of this section or § 5-16-102.

(d) This section does not apply to:

(1) Video recording or monitoring conducted under a court order from a court of competent jurisdiction;

(2) Security monitoring operated by or at the direction of an occupant of a residence;

(3) Security monitoring operated by or at the direction of the owner or administrator of a place of business, school, or other structure;

(4) Security monitoring operated in a motor vehicle used for public transit;

(5) Security monitoring and observation associated with a correctional facility, regardless of the location of the monitoring equipment;

(6) Video recording or monitoring conducted by a law enforcement officer within the official scope of his or her duty; or(7) Videotaping under § 12-18-615(b).

Subtitle 3. Offenses Involving Families, Dependents, etc.

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

Chapter 26. Offenses Involving the Family

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

Subchapter 3. Domestic Battering and Assault

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

5-26-302. Definitions

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

As used in this subchapter:

(1) (A) “Dating relationship” means a romantic or intimate social relationship between two (2) individuals that is determined by examining the following factors:

(i) The length of the relationship;

(ii) The type of the relationship; and

(iii) The frequency of interaction between the two (2) individuals involved in the relationship.

(B) “Dating relationship” does not include a casual relationship or ordinary fraternization between two (2) individuals in a business or social context;

(2) “Family or household member” means:

(A) A spouse;

(B) A former spouse;

(C) A parent;

(D) A child, including any minor residing in the household;

(E) (i) Persons related by blood within the fourth degree of consanguinity.

(ii) The degree of consanguinity is computed pursuant to § 28-9-212;

(F) Persons who presently or in the past have resided or cohabited together;

(G) Persons who have or have had a child in common; or

(H) Persons who are presently or in the past have been in a dating relationship together;

(3) “Harass” means an act of harassment as prohibited by § 5-71-208;

(4) “Intimidate” means to force into or deter from an action by inducing fear;

(5) “Sexual nature” means that an image, picture, video, or voice or audio recording depicts actual or simulated:

(A) Sexual intercourse;

(B) Deviate sexual activity;

(C) Bestiality;

(D) Masturbation;

(E) Sadomasochistic abuse for the purpose of sexual stimulation; or

(F) Lewd exhibition of the:

(i) Genitals or pubic area of any person; or

(ii) Breast of a female; and

(6) “State of nudity” means:

(A) The appearance of a human anus, human genitals, or a female breast below a point immediately above the top of the areola; or

(B) A state of dress that fails to opaquely cover a human anus, human genitals, or a female breast below a point immediately above the top of the areola.

5-26-303. Domestic battering in the first degree

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A person commits domestic battering in the first degree if:

(1) With the purpose of causing serious physical injury to a family or household member, the person causes serious physical injury to a family or household member by means of a deadly weapon;

(2) With the purpose of seriously and permanently disfiguring a family or household member or of destroying, amputating, or permanently disabling a member or organ of a family or household member’s body, the person causes such an injury to a family or household member;

(3) The person causes serious physical injury to a family or household member under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life;

(4) The person knowingly causes serious physical injury to a family or household member he or she knows to be sixty (60) years of age or older or twelve (12) years of age or younger;

(5) The person:

(A) Commits any act of domestic battering as defined in § 5-26-304 or § 5-26-305; and

(B) For conduct that occurred within the ten (10) years preceding the commission of the current offense, the person has on two (2) previous occasions been convicted of any act of battery against a family or household member or aggravated assault on a family or household member, as defined by the laws of this state or by the equivalent laws of any other state or foreign jurisdiction;

(6) With the purpose of causing physical injury to a family or household member, the person causes physical injury to a family or household member by means of a firearm; or

(7) The person knowingly causes serious physical injury to a family or household member who is four (4) years of age or younger under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life.

(b)(1) Domestic battering in the first degree is a Class B felony.

(2) However, domestic battering in the first degree is a:

(A) Class Y felony under subdivision (a)(2) or subdivision (a)(7) of this section; or

(B) Class A felony under subsection (a) of this section if:

(i) Committed against a woman the person knew or reasonably should have known was pregnant; or

(ii) The person committed one (1) or more of the following offenses within five (5) years of the offense of domestic battering in the first degree:

(a) Domestic battering in the first degree;

(b) Domestic battering in the second degree, § 5-26-304;

(c) Domestic battering in the third degree, § 5-26-305;

(d) Aggravated assault on a family or household member, § 5-26-306; or

(e) A violation of an equivalent penal law of this state or of another state or foreign jurisdiction.

5-26-304. Domestic battering in the second degree

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A person commits domestic battering in the second degree if:

(1) With the purpose of causing physical injury to a family or household member, the person causes serious physical injury to a family or household member;

(2) With the purpose of causing physical injury to a family or household member, the person causes physical injury to a family or household member by means of a deadly weapon;

(3) The person recklessly causes serious physical injury to a family or household member:

(A) By means of a deadly weapon; or

(B) Who is four (4) years of age or younger; or

(4) The person knowingly causes physical injury to a family or household member he or she knows to be sixty (60) years of age or older or twelve (12) years of age or younger.

(b)(1) Domestic battering in the second degree is a Class C felony.

(2) However, domestic battering in the second degree is a Class B felony if:

(A) Committed against a woman the person knew or reasonably should have known was pregnant; or

(B) The person committed one (1) or more of the following offenses within five (5) years of the offense of domestic battering in the second degree:

(i) Domestic battering in the first degree, § 5-26-303;

(ii) Domestic battering in the second degree;

(iii) Domestic battering in the third degree, § 5-26-305;

(iv) Aggravated assault on a family or household member, § 5-26-306; or

(v) A violation of an equivalent penal law of this state or of another state or foreign jurisdiction.

5-26-305. Domestic battering in the third degree

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A person commits domestic battering in the third degree if:

(1) With the purpose of causing physical injury to a family or household member, the person causes physical injury to a family or household member;

(2) The person recklessly causes physical injury to a family or household member;

(3) The person negligently causes physical injury to a family or household member by means of a deadly weapon; or

(4) The person purposely causes stupor, unconsciousness, or physical or mental impairment or injury to a family or household member by administering to the family or household member, without the family or household member’s consent, any drug or other substance.

(b)(1) Domestic battering in the third degree is a Class A misdemeanor.

(2) However, domestic battering in the third degree is a Class D felony if:

(A) Committed against a woman the person knew or reasonably should have known was pregnant; or

(B) The person committed one (1) or more of the following offenses within five (5) years of the offense of domestic battering in the third degree:

(i) Domestic battering in the first degree, § 5-26-303;

(ii) Domestic battering in the second degree, § 5-26-304;

(iii) Domestic battering in the third degree;

(iv) Aggravated assault on a family or household member, § 5-26-306; or

(v) A violation of an equivalent penal law of this state or of another state or foreign jurisdiction.

5-26-306. Aggravated assault on a family or household member

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A person commits aggravated assault on a family or household member if, under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life, the person purposely:

(1) Engages in conduct that creates a substantial danger of death or serious physical injury to a family or household member;

(2) Displays a firearm in a manner that creates a substantial danger of death or serious physical injury to a family or household member; or

(3) Impedes or prevents the respiration of a family or household member or the circulation of a family or household member’s blood by applying pressure on the chest, throat, or neck or by blocking the nose or mouth of the family or household member.

(b) Aggravated assault on a family or household member is a Class D felony.

5-26-307. First degree assault on a family or household member

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A person commits first degree assault on a family or household member if the person recklessly engages in conduct that creates a substantial risk of death or serious physical injury to a family or household member.

(b) First degree assault on a family or household member is a Class A misdemeanor.

5-26-308. Second degree assault on a family or household member

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A person commits second degree assault on a family or household member if the person recklessly engages in conduct that creates a substantial risk of physical injury to a family or household member.

(b) Second degree assault on a family or household member is a Class B misdemeanor.

5-26-309. Third degree assault on a family or household member

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A person commits third degree assault on a family or household member if the person purposely creates apprehension of imminent physical injury to a family or household member.

(b) Third degree assault on a family or household member is a Class C misdemeanor.

5-26-314. Unlawful distribution of sexual images or recordings

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A person commits the offense of unlawful distribution of sexual images or recordings if, being eighteen (18) years of age or older, with the purpose to harass, frighten, intimidate, threaten, or abuse another person, the actor distributes an image, picture, video, or voice or audio recording of the other person to a third person by any means if the image, picture, video, or voice or audio recording:

(1) Is of a sexual nature or depicts the other person in a state of nudity; and

(2) The other person is a family or household member of the actor or another person with whom the actor is in a current or former dating relationship.

(b) The fact that an image, picture, video, or voice or audio recording was created with the knowledge or consent of the other person or that the image, picture, video, or voice or audio recording is the property of a person charged under this section is not a defense to prosecution under this section.

(c) Unlawful distribution of sexual images or recordings is a Class A misdemeanor.

(d) (1) Upon the pretrial release of a person charged under this section, the court shall enter an order consistent with Rules 9.3 and 9.4 of the Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure and shall give notice to the person charged under this section of the penalties contained in Rule 9.5 of the Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure.

(2) An order under subdivision (d)(1) of this section remains in effect during the pendency of any appeal of a conviction under this section.

Subchapter 5. Custody and Visitation

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

5-26-501. Interference with visitation

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a)(1) A person commits the offense of interference with visitation if, knowing that he or she has no lawful right to do so, he or she takes, entices, or keeps any minor from any person entitled by a court decree or order to the right of visitation with the minor.

(2) A person claiming interference with visitation shall provide a copy of the signed court order or decree regarding custody or visitation rights to a law enforcement officer as proof of the interference with visitation.

(b)(1) Interference with visitation is a Class C misdemeanor.

(2) However, interference with visitation is a:

(A) Class D felony for any offense if the minor is taken, enticed, or kept outside of the State of Arkansas; or

(B) Class A misdemeanor for a third or subsequent offense.

(c) It is an affirmative defense to a prosecution that:

(1) A person or lawful guardian committed the act to protect the minor from imminent physical harm if the defendant’s:

(A) Belief that physical harm was imminent is reasonable; and

(B) Conduct in withholding visitation rights was a reasonable response to the harm believed to be imminent;

(2) A person or lawful guardian committed the act based on a reasonable belief that the person entitled to visitation would remove the minor from the jurisdiction of the court;

(3) The act was committed with the mutual consent of all parties having a right to custody and visitation of the minor; or

(4) The act was otherwise authorized by law.

5-26-502. Interference with court-ordered custody

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A person commits the offense of interference with court-ordered custody if the person:

(1) Knowing that he or she has no lawful right to do so, takes, entices, or keeps any minor from any person entitled by a court decree or order to the right of custody of the minor;

(2) Without lawful authority, knowingly or recklessly takes or entices, or aids, abets, hires, or otherwise procures another person to take or entice, any minor or any incompetent person from the custody of:

(A) The parent of the minor or incompetent person;

(B) The guardian of the minor or incompetent person;

(C) A public agency having lawful charge of the minor or incompetent person;

(D) Any other lawful custodian; or

(E) A person described in subdivisions (a)(2)(A), (B), or (D) of this section while the custodian and minor are being housed at a shelter as defined in § 9-4-102;

(3)(A) Has been awarded custody or granted an adoption or guardianship of a juvenile pursuant to or arising out of a dependency-neglect action pursuant to the Arkansas Juvenile Code of 1989, § 9-27-301 et seq., and subsequently places the juvenile in the care or supervision of any person:

(i) From whom the juvenile was removed; or

(ii) The court has specifically ordered not to have care, supervision, or custody of the juvenile.

(B) Subdivision (a)(3)(A) of this section shall not be construed to prohibit a placement described in subdivision (a)(3)(A) of this section if the person who has been granted custody, adoption, or guardianship obtains a court order to that effect from the juvenile division of circuit court that made the award of custody, adoption, or guardianship; or

(4) Accepts or acquiesces in taking physical custody for any length of time of a juvenile who was removed from the person or if the court has specifically ordered that the person not have care, supervision, or custody of the juvenile pursuant to or arising out of a dependency-neglect action pursuant to the Arkansas Juvenile Code of 1989, § 9-27-301 et seq.

(b)(1)(A) Interference with court-ordered custody under subdivision (a)(1) of this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

(B) However, interference with court-ordered custody under subdivision (a)(1) of this section is a Class D felony if the minor is:

(i) Taken, enticed, or kept outside the State of Arkansas; or

(ii) Taken from any person entitled by a court decree or order to the right of custody of the minor while the custodian and minor are being housed at a shelter as defined in § 9-4-102, even if the minor is not taken outside the State of Arkansas.

(2) Interference with court-ordered custody under subdivision (a)(2) of this section is a Class C felony.

(3)(A) Interference with court-ordered custody under subdivision (a)(3) of this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

(B) However, any subsequent offense of interference with court-ordered custody under subdivision (a)(3) of this section shall constitute a Class C felony.

(4)(A) Interference with court-ordered custody under subdivision (a)(4) of this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

(B) However, any subsequent offense of interference with court-ordered custody under subdivision (a)(4) of this section shall constitute a Class C felony.

(c)(1) In every case prior to serving a warrant for arrest on a person charged with the offense of interference with court-ordered custody, the police officer or other law enforcement officer shall inform the Department of Health and Human Services of the circumstances of any minor named in the information or indictment as having been taken, enticed, or kept from the custodian in a manner constituting interference with court-ordered custody or placed with a person prohibited under subdivision (a)(3) of this section.

(2) A representative of the department shall be present with the arresting police officer or law enforcement officer to take the minor into temporary custody of the department pending further proceedings by a court of competent jurisdiction.

(d)(1) A court of competent jurisdiction shall determine the immediate custodial placement of any minor pursuant to a petition brought by the department or an agency of the department to determine if there is probable cause to believe the minor may be:

(A) Removed from the jurisdiction of the court;

(B) Abandoned; or

(C) Outside the immediate care or supervision of a person lawfully entitled to custody.

(2) Except in a situation arising under subdivisions (a)(3) or (4) of this section, the court shall immediately give custody to the lawful custodian if it finds that the lawful custodian is present before the court.

(e)(1) A petitioner shall comply with the requirements of § 9-27-312 with regard to the giving of a notice and the setting of a hearing.

(2) The petitioner is immune from liability with respect to any conduct undertaken pursuant to this section unless it is determined that the petitioner acted with actual malice.

5-26-503. Interference with custody

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A person commits the offense of interference with custody if without lawful authority he or she knowingly takes, entices, or keeps, or aids, abets, hires, or otherwise procures another person to take, entice, or keep any minor from the custody of:

(1) The parent of the minor including an unmarried woman having legal custody of an illegitimate child under § 9-10-113;

(2) The guardian of the minor;

(3) A public agency having lawful charge of the minor; or

(4) Any other lawful custodian.

(b) Interference with custody is a Class C felony.

(c)(1) In every case prior to serving a warrant for arrest on a person charged with the offense of interference with custody, the police officer or other law enforcement officer shall inform the Department of Human Services of the circumstances of any minor named in the information or indictment as having been taken, enticed, or kept from the parent, guardian, or custodian in a manner constituting interference with custody.

(2) A representative of the department shall be present with the arresting police officer or law enforcement officer to take the minor into temporary custody of the department pending further proceedings by a court of competent jurisdiction.

(d)(1) A court of competent jurisdiction shall determine the immediate custodial placement of any minor taken into custody by the department under subsection (c) of this section pursuant to a petition brought by the department to determine if there is probable cause to believe the minor may be:

(A) Removed from the jurisdiction of the court;

(B) Abandoned; or

(C) Outside the immediate care or supervision of a person lawfully entitled to custody.

(2) The court shall immediately give custody to the lawful custodian if it finds that the lawful custodian is present before the court.

(e)(1) The department shall comply with the requirements of § 9-27-312 with regard to the giving of a notice and the setting of a hearing on a petition filed under subsection (d) of this section.

(2) The department is immune from liability with respect to any conduct undertaken pursuant to this section unless it is determined that the department acted with actual malice.

Subtitle 4. Offenses Against Property

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

Chapter 37. Forgery and Fraudulent Practices

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

Subchapter 1. General Provisions

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

5-37-101. Definitions

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

As used in this chapter:

(1) “Coin machine” means a coin box, turnstile, vending machine, receptacle, or other mechanical or electronic device designed to receive a coin or bill of a certain denomination or token made for that purpose, and in return for the insertion or deposit of the coin, bill, or token, to offer, to provide, to assist in providing, or to permit the acquisition of property or public or private service;

(2) “Credit card” means any instrument or device issued with or without fee by an issuer for use in obtaining money, goods, services, or anything else of value on credit;

(3) (A) “Deception” means:

(i) Creating or reinforcing a false impression, including a false impression of fact, law, value, or intention or other state of mind that the actor does not believe to be true;

(ii) Preventing another person from acquiring information that would affect his or her judgment of a transaction;

(iii) Failing to correct a false impression that the actor knows to be false and that the actor created or reinforced or that the actor knows to be influencing another person to whom the actor stands in a fiduciary or confidential relationship;

(iv) Failing to disclose a lien, adverse claim, or other legal impediment to the enjoyment of property that the actor transfers or encumbers in consideration for the property or service obtained or in order to continue to deprive another person of that other person’s property, whether the impediment is or is not valid or is or is not a matter of official record; or

(v) Employing any other scheme to defraud.

(B) As to a person’s intention to perform a promise, “deception” shall not be inferred solely from the fact that the person did not subsequently perform the promise.

(C) “Deception” does not include:

(i) Falsity as to a matter having no pecuniary significance; or

(ii) Puffing by a statement unlikely to deceive an ordinary person in the group addressed;

(4) “Electronic cash register” means a device that keeps a register or supporting document by means of an electronic device or computer system designed to record transaction data for the purpose of computing, compiling, or processing retail sales transaction data or a transaction report;

(5) “Enterprise” means any entity of one (1) or more persons, corporate or otherwise, public or private, engaged in business, commercial, professional, industrial, charitable, social, political, or governmental activity;

(6) “Financial institution” means any organization or enterprise held out to the public as a place of deposit of funds or medium of savings;

(7)

(A) “Slug” means an object that by virtue of its size, shape, or any other quality is capable of being inserted, deposited, or otherwise used in a coin machine as a substitute for a genuine coin, bill, or token.

(B) The value of a slug is deemed to be the value of the coin, bill, or token for which it is capable of being substituted;

(8) “Transaction data” means information concerning one (1) or more sales transactions, including without limitation the following:

(A) The items purchased by each customer;

(B) The price for each item purchased;

(C) A taxability determination for each item purchased;

(D) A segregated tax amount for each taxed item purchased;

(E) The amount of cash or credit tendered for each purchase;

(F) The net amount returned to the customer in change;

(G) The date and time of the purchase;

(H) The name, address, and identification number of the vendor; and

(I) The receipt or invoice number of the transaction;

(9) “Transaction report” means a report that includes without limitation:

(A) The sales, taxes collected, media totals, and discount voids at an electronic cash register that is printed on cash register tape at the end of the day or shift; and

(B) Each action at an electronic cash register that is stored electronically;

(10) “Utter” means to transfer, pass, or deliver or cause to be transferred, passed, or delivered to another person any written instrument, or to attempt to do so;

(11) (A) “Value” means:

(i) The market value of the property or service at the time and place of the offense;

(ii) If the market value of the property cannot be ascertained, the cost of replacing the property within a reasonable time after the offense; or

(iii) In the case of a written instrument, other than a written instrument having a readily ascertainable market value:

(a) The amount due and collectible at maturity less any part that has been satisfied if the written instrument constitutes evidence of a debt; or

(b) The greatest amount of economic loss that the owner might reasonably suffer by virtue of the loss of the written instrument if the written instrument is other than evidence of a debt.

(B) If the actor gave consideration for or had a legal interest in the property or service, the amount of the consideration or the value of the interest shall be deducted from the value of the property or service to determine value; and

(12)

(A) “Written instrument” means any paper, document, or other material containing written or printed matter or its equivalent.

(B) “Written instrument” includes any money, token, stamp, seal, badge, trademark, retail sales receipt, universal product code label or other evidence or symbol of value, right, privilege, or identification that is capable of being used to the advantage or disadvantage of any person.

Subchapter 2. Offenses Generally

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

5-37-201. Forgery

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A person forges a written instrument if, with purpose to defraud, the person makes, completes, alters, counterfeits, possesses, or utters any written instrument that purports to be or is calculated to become or to represent if completed the act of:

(1) A person who did not authorize that act;

(2) A fictitious person; or

(3) A person who authorized an act that was not authorized by law.

(b) A person commits forgery in the first degree if he or she forges a written instrument that is:

(1) Money, a security, a postage or revenue stamp, or other instrument issued by a government; or

(2) A stock, bond, or similar instrument representing an interest in property or a claim against a corporation or its property.

(c) A person commits forgery in the second degree if he or she forges a written instrument that is:

(1) A deed, will, codicil, contract, assignment, check, commercial instrument, credit card, or other written instrument that does or may evidence, create, transfer, terminate, or otherwise affect a legal right, interest, obligation, or status;

(2) A public record, or an instrument filed or required by law to be filed, or an instrument legally entitled to be filed in a public office or with a public servant; or

(3) A written instrument officially issued or created by a public office, public servant, or government agent.

(d) Forgery in the first degree is a Class B felony.

(e) Forgery in the second degree is a Class C felony.

5-37-207. Fraudulent use of a credit card or debit card

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A person commits the offense of fraudulent use of a credit card or debit card, if with purpose to defraud, he or she uses a credit card, credit card account number, debit card, or debit card account number to obtain property or a service with knowledge that:

(1) The credit card, credit card account number, debit card, or debit card account number is stolen;

(2) The credit card, credit card account number, debit card, or debit card account number has been revoked or cancelled;

(3) The credit card, credit card account number, debit card, or debit card account number is forged; or

(4) For any other reason his or her use of the credit card, credit card account number, debit card, or debit card account number is unauthorized by either the issuer or the person to whom the credit card or debit card is issued.

(b) Fraudulent use of a credit card or debit card is a:

(1) Class B felony if the value of all moneys, goods, or services obtained during any six-month period is twenty five thousand dollars ($25,000) or more;

(2) Class C felony if the value of all moneys, goods, or services obtained during any six-month period is less than twenty five thousand dollars ($25,000) but more than five thousand dollars ($5,000);

(3) Class D felony if the value of all moneys, goods, or services obtained during any six-month period is five thousand dollars ($5,000) or less but more than one thousand dollars ($1,000); or

(4) Class A misdemeanor if the value of all moneys, goods, or services obtained during any six-month period is one thousand dollars ($1,000) or less.

5-37-208. Criminal impersonation

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a)(1) A person commits criminal impersonation in the first degree if, with the purpose to induce a person to submit to pretended official authority for the purpose to injure or defraud the person, the person:

(A) Pretends to be a law enforcement officer by wearing or displaying, without authority, any uniform or badge by which a law enforcement officer is lawfully distinguished; or

(B) Uses a motor vehicle or motorcycle designed, equipped, or marked with an emblem, logo, marking, decal, insignia, or design so as to resemble a motor vehicle or motorcycle belonging to a federal, state, or local law enforcement agency or law enforcement officer.

(2) Criminal impersonation in the first degree is a Class D felony.

(b)(1) A person commits criminal impersonation in the second degree if the person does an act in his or her pretended or assumed capacity or character with the purpose to injure, defraud, harass, or intimidate another person and the actor:

(A) Assumes a false identity;

(B) Pretends to be a representative of a person or organization;

(C) Pretends to be an officer or employee of the government other than a law enforcement officer described in subsection (a) of this section;

(D) Pretends that he or she is a law enforcement officer when the person is not a law enforcement officer;

(E) Pretends to have a handicap or disability; or

(F) Pretends that he or she is a member of the United States Armed Forces or National Guard.

(2) Criminal impersonation in the second degree is a:

(A) Class D felony if:

(i) The victim of the offense is an animal owner; and

(ii) An animal of the owner is seized as a result of the offense; or

(B) Class A misdemeanor if otherwise committed.

(c) As used in this section:

(1) “Animal” means the same as defined in § 5-62-102; and

(2) “Owner” means the same as defined in § 5-62-102.

(d) A circuit court or district court in which a charge is filed under subsection (a) of this section may immediately order the removal of any emblems, logos, markings, decals, insignia, or designs that are the subject of a criminal charge under this section.

5-37-227. Financial identity fraud -- Nonfinancial identity fraud -- Restitution -- Venue

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A person commits financial identity fraud if the person:

(1) For his or her benefit or the benefit of a third party, accesses, obtains, records, or submits to a financial institution another person’s identifying information with a purpose to create, obtain, or open a credit account, debit account, or financial resource without the authorization of the other person;

(2) Uses a scanning device, re-encoder, or a skimmer for the purpose of appropriating a financial resource, financial sight order information, or payment card information of another person to his or her own use or to the use of a third party without the authorization of the other person; or

(3) Transfers to another person a financial resource, a financial sight order, or payment card information knowing that the other person is not entitled to obtain or possess the financial resource, financial sight order, or payment card information.

(b) A person commits nonfinancial identity fraud if he or she knowingly obtains another person’s identifying information without the other person’s authorization and uses the identifying information for any unlawful purpose, including without limitation:

(1) To avoid apprehension or criminal prosecution;

(2) To harass another person; or

(3) To obtain or to attempt to obtain a good, service, real property, or medical information of another person.

(c) As used in this section:

(1) “Check” means the same as defined in § 4-60-101;

(2) “Debit card” means the same as defined in § 4-88-702;

(3) “Disabled person” means the same as defined in § 4-88-201;

(4) “Elder person” means the same as defined in § 4-88-201;

(5) “Financial institution” includes without limitation a credit card company, bank, or any other type of lending or credit company or institution;

(6) “Financial resource” includes without limitation a credit card, debit card, or any other type of line of credit or loan;

(7) “Financial sight order or payment card information” means financial information that is:

(A) Contained on either side of a check or similar sight order or payment card; or

(B) Encoded on the magnetic strip or stripe of a payment card;

(8) “Identifying information” includes without limitation a:

(A) Social Security number;

(B) Driver’s license number;

(C) Checking account number;

(D) Savings account number;

(E) Credit card number;

(F) Debit card number;

(G) Personal identification number;

(H) Electronic identification number;

(I) Digital signature; or

(J) Any other number or information that can be used to access a person’s financial resources;

(9) “Payment card” means a debit card or credit card;

(10) “Re-encoder” means an electronic device that places encoded information from the computer chip or magnetic strip or stripe of a payment card onto the computer chip or magnetic strip or stripe of a different payment card, or any electronic medium that allows an authorized transaction to occur;

(11) “Scanning device” means a scanner, reader, or any other electronic device that is used to access, read, scan, obtain, memorize, or store, temporarily or permanently, information encoded on the magnetic strip or stripe of a payment card; and

(12) “Skimmer” means an electronic, photographic, visual imaging, recording, or other device capable of accessing, reading, recording, capturing, copying, imaging, scanning, reproducing, or storing in any manner financial sight order or payment card information.

(d) The provisions of this section do not apply to any person who obtains another person’s driver’s license or other form of identification for the sole purpose of misrepresenting the actor’s age.

(e)(1) Except as provided in subdivision (e)(2) of this section, financial identity fraud is a Class C felony.

(2) Financial identity fraud is a Class B felony if the victim is an elder person or a disabled person.

(f)(1) Except as provided in subdivision (f)(2) of this section, nonfinancial identity fraud is a Class D felony.

(2) Nonfinancial identity fraud is a Class C felony if the victim is an elder person or a disabled person.

(g)(1) In addition to any penalty imposed under this section, a violation of this section constitutes an unfair or deceptive act or practice as defined by the Deceptive Trade Practices Act, § 4-88-101 et seq.

(2) Any remedy, penalty, or authority granted to the Attorney General or another person under the Deceptive Trade Practices Act, § 4-88-101 et seq., is available to the Attorney General or that other person for the enforcement of this section.

(h)(1)(A) In addition to any penalty imposed under this section, upon conviction for financial identity fraud or nonfinancial identity fraud, a court may order the defendant to make restitution to any victim whose identifying information was appropriated or to the estate of the victim under § 5-4-205.

(B) In addition to any other authorized restitution, the restitution order described in subdivision (h)(1)(A) of this section may include without limitation restitution for the following financial losses:

(i) Any costs incurred by the victim in correcting the credit history or credit rating of the victim; and

(ii) Any costs incurred in connection with any civil or administrative proceeding to satisfy any debt, lien, or other obligation resulting from the theft of the victim’s identifying information, including lost wages and attorney’s fees.

(C) The court also may order restitution for financial loss to any other person or entity that suffers a financial loss from a violation of subsection (a) or subsection (b) of this section.

(2) A judgment entered under this section and § 5-4-205 does not bar a remedy available in a civil action to recover damages relating to financial identity fraud or nonfinancial identity fraud.

(i) Venue for any criminal prosecution under this section or any civil action to recover damages relating to financial identity fraud or nonfinancial identity fraud is proper in any of the following venues:

(1) In the county where the violation occurred;

(2) If the violation was committed in more than one (1) county, or if the elements of the offense were committed in more than one (1) county, then in any county where any violation occurred or where an element of the offense occurred;

(3) In the county where the victim resides; or

(4) In the county where property that was fraudulently used or attempted to be used was located at the time of the violation.

5-37-228. Identity theft passport

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) The Attorney General in cooperation with any law enforcement agency may issue an identity theft passport to a person who:

(1) Is a resident of this state;

(2) Learns or reasonably suspects that he or she is a victim of financial identity fraud; and

(3) Has filed a police report citing that he or she is a victim of financial identity fraud as prohibited by § 5-37-227.

(b)

(1) A person who learns or reasonably suspects that he or she is the victim of financial identity fraud may contact the local law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction over the city or county where the person resides.

(2) The local law enforcement agency:

(A) Shall make a police report of the matter whether or not the local law enforcement agency has jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute a crime of financial identity fraud against the victim;

(B) Shall provide the victim with a copy of the police report; and

(C) May refer the police report to a law enforcement agency with jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute a crime of financial identity fraud.

(3) Nothing in this section interferes with the discretion of a local law enforcement agency to allocate resources for an investigation of a crime.

(4) A police report filed by a victim of financial identity fraud under this section is not required to be counted as an open case for purposes such as compiling open case statistics.

(c) (1) After the victim has filed a police report with any local law enforcement agency, the victim may apply for an identity theft passport by sending to the office of the Attorney General:

(A) A copy of the police report;

(B) An application for an identity theft passport; and

(C) Any other supporting documentation requested by the Attorney General.

(2) The Attorney General shall process the application and supporting police report and may issue the victim of financial identity fraud an identity theft passport in the form of a card or certificate.

(d) (1) A victim of financial identity fraud may present the victim’s identity theft passport issued under this section to:

(A) A law enforcement agency to help prevent the victim’s arrest or detention for an offense committed by a person other than the victim, who is using the victim’s identity;

(B) Any creditor of the victim to aid in the creditor’s investigation and establishment of whether a fraudulent charge was made against an account in the victim’s name or whether an account was opened using the victim’s identity; or

(C) Any other entity to aid in the entity’s investigation of whether the victim’s identity was fraudulently obtained or used without the victim’s consent.(2)

(A) Acceptance of the identity theft passport presented by the victim to a law enforcement agency, creditor, or other entity under subdivision (d)(1) of this section is at the discretion of the law enforcement agency, creditor, or other entity.

(B) A law enforcement agency, creditor, or other entity may consider the identity theft passport as well as surrounding circumstances and available information concerning the offense of financial identity fraud against the victim in determining whether to accept the identity theft passport.

(e)

(1) An application for an identity theft passport under subsection (c) of this section and any supporting documentation are not public records.

(2) The Attorney General may provide access to an application under subsection (a) of this section and supporting documentation to another criminal justice or law enforcement agency in this state or another state.

Chapter 39. Burglary, Trespass, and Other Intrusions

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

Subchapter 2. Offenses Generally

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

5-39-203. Criminal trespass

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A person commits criminal trespass if he or she purposely enters or remains unlawfully in or upon:

(1) A vehicle of another person;

(2) The premises owned or leased by another person; or

(3) Critical infrastructure.

(b) Criminal trespass is a:

(1) Class D felony if:

(A) The person has two (2) or more convictions for a Class A misdemeanor violation of this section or § 5-39-305; or

(B) The premises is critical infrastructure;

(2) Class A misdemeanor if:

(A) At the time of the criminal trespass, the person is in possession of one (1) or more of the following:

(i) A killing device;

(ii) A harvesting device;

(iii) A device primarily used for the location and unearthing of buried or submerged artifacts; or

(iv) A tool designed to gain entry into a structure by breaking a lock or breaking through a fence, including without limitation a boltcutter;

(B) The person is on premises containing a commercial fishing or fish breeding operation and at that time is in possession of a fishing pole or net designed to capture fish; or

(C) The person has a prior conviction for a violation of this section;

(3) Class B misdemeanor if:

(A) The vehicle or premises involved is an occupiable structure; or

(B) The conduct involves the removal of a posted sign, a fence, or a portion of a fence as defined in § 2-39-102; or

(4) Class C misdemeanor if otherwise committed.

(c) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that:

(1) The person was a guest or invitee;

(2) The person was required to enter upon the premises of the other person for a business reason or for health and safety reasons;

(3) The person was authorized by law to enter upon the premises;

(4) The privately owned premises were made open to the public; or

(5) The person owns or is employed by a person or entity that owns property adjoining the premises and is traveling over the premises with good faith or for a legitimate reason.

(d) This section does not apply to the following persons who are acting in the line of duty or within the scope of their employment:

(1) A law enforcement officer;

(2) A firefighter;

(3) An emergency first responder;

(4) An employee of a state agency, court, or school who is tasked with monitoring, supervising, or making direct contact with a minor or the parents of a minor concerning the well-being of the minor; or

(5) An employee of a federal, state, or local agency, commission, board, political subdivision, school district, or municipality who has entered onto or remains on the premises for a purpose directly relating to the employee’s employment with the federal, state, or local agency, commission, board, political subdivision, school district, or municipality.

(e)(1) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section if the person who enters the premises of another person is:

(A) Temporarily on the premises of the other person for the sole purpose of recovering livestock, a dog, or any other domesticated animal; and

(B) Either:

(i) The owner of the livestock, dog, or other domesticated animal; or

(ii) An employee or agent of the owner of the livestock, dog, or other domesticated animal.

(2) A person who enters the premises of another person as described in subdivision (e)(1) of this section is subject to civil liability for any property damage that occurs in the course of recovering the livestock, dog, or other domesticated animal.

(f) A person aggrieved by a violation of this section is granted a private cause of action against the person who violated this section and is entitled to recover:

(1) Actual damages caused by the violation;

(2) Reasonable attorney’s fees; and(3) Punitive damages.

Subtitle 5. Offenses Against the Administration of Government

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

Chapter 53. Offenses Relating to Judicial and Other Official Proceedings

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

Subchapter 1. General Provisions

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

5-53-134. Violation of a protection order

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a)(1) A person commits the offense of violation of an order of protection if:

(A) A circuit court or other court with competent jurisdiction has issued a temporary order of protection or an order of protection against the person pursuant to the Domestic Abuse Act of 1991, § 9-15-101 et seq.;

(B) The person has received actual notice or notice pursuant to the Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure of a temporary order of protection or an order of protection pursuant to the Domestic Abuse Act of 1991, § 9-15-101 et seq.; and

(C) The person knowingly violates a condition of an order of protection issued pursuant to the Domestic Abuse Act of 1991, § 9-15-101 et seq.

(2) A person commits the offense of violation of an out-of-state order of protection if:

(A) The court of another state, a federally recognized Indian tribe, or a territory with jurisdiction over the parties and matters has issued a temporary order of protection or an order of protection against the person pursuant to the laws or rules of the other state, federally recognized Indian tribe, or territory;

(B) The person has received actual notice or other lawful notice of a temporary order of protection or an order of protection pursuant to the laws or rules of the other state, the federally recognized Indian tribe, or the territory;

(C) The person knowingly violates a condition of an order of protection issued pursuant to the laws or rules of the other state, the federally recognized Indian tribe, or the territory; and

(D) The requirements of § 9-15-302 concerning the full faith and credit for an out-of-state order of protection have been met.

(3)(A) A service member commits the offense of violation of a military order of protection if:

(i) The commanding general, a military judge, or a special courts-martial convening authority as authorized by § 12-64-406(b) issues a military order of protection against the service member;

(ii) The service member receives actual notice or other lawful notice of the military order of protection as authorized under United States Department of Defense Instruction 6400.06, as it existed on January 1, 2017; and

(iii) The service member knowingly violates a condition of the military order of protection.

(B) A prosecution against a service member for the offense of violation of a military order of protection does not prohibit the commanding general or military commander who issued the military order of protection from pursuing appropriate disciplinary action against the service member under the Military Code of Arkansas.

(b)(1) Except as provided in subdivision (b)(2) of this section, violation of an order of protection under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

(2) Violation of an order of protection under this section is a Class D felony if:

(A) The offense is committed within five (5) years of a previous conviction for violation of an order of protection under this section; and

(B) The order of protection was issued after a hearing of which the person received actual notice and at which the person had an opportunity to participate.

(c)(1) A law enforcement officer may arrest and take into custody without a warrant a person whom the law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe:

(A) Is subject to an order of protection issued under the laws of this state; and

(B) Has violated the terms of the order of protection, even if the violation did not take place in the presence of the law enforcement officer.

(2) Under § 9-15-302, a law enforcement officer or law enforcement agency may arrest and take into custody without a warrant a person whom the law enforcement officer or law enforcement agency has probable cause to believe:

(A) Is subject to:

(i) An order of protection issued under the laws or rules of another state, a federally recognized Indian tribe, or a territory; or

(ii) A military order of protection; and

(B) Has violated the terms of the order of protection issued under the laws or rules of the other state, federally recognized Indian tribe, or territory, or the military order of protection, even if the violation did not take place in the presence of the law enforcement officer.

(3)(A) If a service member is in the custody of a law enforcement agency as authorized in subdivision (c)(2) of this section, the law enforcement agency shall notify the office of the Adjutant General of the Arkansas National Guard within twenty-four (24) hours from the time the service member was placed in the custody of the law enforcement agency.

(B)(i) The Arkansas National Guard shall take custody of the service member within forty-eight (48) hours from the time the service member was placed in the custody of the law enforcement agency.

(ii) However, if the Arkansas National Guard does not take custody of the service member as required by subdivision (c)(3)(B)(i) of this section, the law enforcement agency shall release the service member.

(d) It is an affirmative defense to a prosecution under this section if:

(1) The parties have reconciled prior to the violation of the order of protection;

(2) The petitioner for the order of protection:

(A) Invited the defendant to come to the petitioner’s residence or place of employment listed in the order of protection; and

(B) Knew that the defendant’s presence at the petitioner’s residence or place of employment would be in violation of the order of protection;

(3) The petitioner for the order of protection arranged or invited the defendant into meeting at a location or took affirmative steps to communicate with the defendant with the promise that the petitioner would not report the defendant to law enforcement for violating the order of protection; or

(4) The petitioner for the order of protection visited the residence or place of employment of the defendant on his or her own accord and without any threat, duress, or coercion on the part of the defendant.

(e) Any law enforcement officer acting in good faith and exercising due care in making an arrest for domestic abuse in an effort to comply with this subchapter shall have immunity from civil or criminal liability.

(f) As used in this section:

(1) “Military order of protection” means an official command directed at a service member for the purpose of preventing violent and threatening acts against a person who:

(A) Is the current or former spouse of the service member;

(B) Is or was a child, step-child, parent, step-parent, sibling, guardian, or ward of the service member;

(C) Is residing or cohabitating or in the past has resided or cohabitated with the service member;

(D) Has or had a child in common with the service member;

(E) Is or has been in a dating relationship with the service member as defined by § 9-15-103;

(F) Has had an intimate sexual relationship with the service member; or

(G) Has made allegations against the service member of violations of the punitive article of sexual misconduct as defined by § 12-64-845; and

(2) “Service member” means a person serving in:

(A) Any branch or reserve component of the United States Armed Forces; or(B) The National Guard of any state.

Subtitle 6. Offenses Against Public Health, Safety, or Welfare

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

Chapter 60. General Provisions

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

Subchapter 1. General Provisions

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

5-60-120. Interception and recording of communications

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) It is unlawful for a person to intercept a wire, landline, oral, telephonic communication, or wireless communication, and to record or possess a recording of the communication unless the person is a party to the communication or one (1) of the parties to the communication has given prior consent to the interception and recording.

(b) Any violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

(c)(1) It is not unlawful for the act to be committed by a person acting under the color of law.

(2) It is an exception to the application of subsection (a) of this section that an officer, employee, or agent of a public telephone utility or company that is licensed by a federal or state agency to provide wire or wireless telecommunication service to the public provides information, facilities, or technical assistance to a person acting under the color of law to intercept a wire, wireless, oral, or telephonic communication.

(3) It is not unlawful under this section for an operator of a switchboard, or an officer, employee, or agent of any public telephone utility or telecommunications provider whose facilities are used in the transmission of a wire communication to intercept, disclose, or use that communication in the normal course of his or her employment while engaged in any activity which is a necessary incident to the rendition of his or her service or to the protection of the rights or property of the telecommunications provider or public telephone utility of the communication.

(d) The provisions of this section do not apply to a:

(1) Telecommunication service offered by a telecommunications provider or public telephone utility; or

(2) Federal Communications Commission licensed amateur radio operator.

(e) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to prohibit or restrict a Federal Communications Commission licensed amateur radio operator or anyone operating a police scanner from intercepting a communication for pleasure.

(f) Consistent with the provisions of 18 U.S.C. § 2703, as it existed on January 1, 2003, the issuance of a court order for disclosure of a customer communication or record to a governmental entity requiring the information as part of an ongoing criminal investigation is not prohibited by the laws of this state.

(g) Consistent with the provisions of 18 U.S.C. §§ 3122–3127, as they existed on January 1, 2003, the issuance of a court order authorizing or approving the installation and use of a pen register or a trap-and-trace device as part of an ongoing criminal investigation is not prohibited by the laws of this state.

Chapter 71. Riots, Disorderly Conduct, Etc.

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

Subchapter 2. Offenses Generally

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

5-71-208. Harassment

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A person commits the offense of harassment if, with purpose to harass, annoy, or alarm another person, without good cause, he or she:

(1) Strikes, shoves, kicks, or otherwise touches a person, subjects that person to offensive physical contact or attempts or threatens to do so;

(2) In a public place, directs obscene language or makes an obscene gesture to or at another person in a manner likely to provoke a violent or disorderly response;

(3) Follows a person in or about a public place;

(4) In a public place repeatedly insults, taunts, or challenges another person in a manner likely to provoke a violent or disorderly response;

(5) Engages in conduct or repeatedly commits an act that alarms or seriously annoys another person and that serves no legitimate purpose; or

(6) Places a person under surveillance by remaining present outside that person’s school, place of employment, vehicle, other place occupied by that person, or residence, other than the residence of the defendant, for no purpose other than to harass, alarm, or annoy.

(b) Harassment is a Class A misdemeanor.

(c) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section if the actor is a law enforcement officer, licensed private investigator, attorney, process server, licensed bail bondsman, or a store detective acting within the reasonable scope of his or her duty while conducting surveillance on an official work assignment.

(d)(1) Upon pretrial release of the defendant, a judicial officer shall enter a no contact order in writing consistent with Rules 9.3 and 9.4 of the Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure and shall give notice to the defendant of penalties contained in Rule 9.5 of the Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure.

(2) This no contact order remains in effect during the pendency of any appeal of a conviction under this section.

(3) The judicial officer or prosecuting attorney shall provide a copy of this no contact order to the victim and arresting agency without unnecessary delay.

(e) If the judicial officer has reason to believe that mental disease or defect of the defendant will or has become an issue in the case, the judicial officer shall enter orders consistent with § 5-2-327 or § 5-2-328, or both.

5-71-209. Harassing communications

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) As used in this section, “electronic device” includes a computer, cell phone, tablet, smartphone, or any other device that connects to the internet or is used in the electronic transmission of communication or information.

(b) A person commits the offense of harassing communications if:

(1) With the purpose to harass, annoy, or alarm another person, the person:

(A) Communicates with a person, anonymously or otherwise, by telephone, telegraph, mail, email, message delivered to an electronic device, or any other form of written or electronic communication, in a manner likely to harass, annoy, or cause alarm;

(B) Makes a telephone call or causes a telephone to ring repeatedly, with no purpose of legitimate communication, regardless of whether a conversation ensues;

(C) Knowingly permits any telephone or electronic device under his or her control to be used for any purpose prohibited by this section;

(D) Threatens by telephone, in writing, or by electronic communication, including without limitation by text message, social media post, facsimile transmission, email, and internet service to take an action against another person that is known by the person to be unlawful; or

(E) Places two (2) or more telephone calls anonymously, at an hour or hours known by the person to be inconvenient to another person, in an offensively repetitious manner or without a legitimate purpose of communication, and by this action knowingly annoys or alarms the other person; or

(2) With the purpose to frighten, intimidate, or distress emotionally another person, the person:

(A) Communicates by telephone to another person that a person has been injured, killed, or is ill when the communication is known by the person to be false; or

(B) Communicates with another person by any method described in subdivision (b)(1) of this section, without legitimate purpose in a manner the person knows, or reasonably should know, would frighten, intimidate, or cause emotional distress to a similarly situated person of reasonable sensibilities.

(c) An offense involving use of a telephone or electronic device may be prosecuted in the county where the defendant was located when he or she used the telephone or electronic device, or in the county where the telephone made to ring by the defendant or the electronic device that received a message or email from the defendant was located.

(d) Harassing communications is a Class A misdemeanor.

(e)(1) Upon the pretrial release of the defendant, a judicial officer shall enter a no contact order in writing consistent with Rule 9.3 and Rule 9.4 of the Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure and shall give notice to the defendant of penalties contained in Rule 9.5 of the Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure.

(2) The no contact order under subdivision (e)(1) of this section remains in effect during the pendency of any appeal of a conviction under this section.

(3) The judicial officer or prosecuting attorney shall provide a copy of the no contact order under subdivision (e)(1) of this section to the victim and arresting agency without unnecessary delay.

(f) If the judicial officer has reason to believe that mental disease or defect of the defendant will or has become an issue in the case, the judicial officer shall enter orders consistent with § 5-2-327 or § 5-2-328, or both.

5-71-229. Stalking

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a)(1) A person commits stalking in the first degree if he or she knowingly engages in a course of conduct that would place a reasonable person in the victim’s position under emotional distress and in fear for his or her safety or a third person’s safety, and the actor:

(A) Does so in contravention of an order of protection consistent with the Domestic Abuse Act of 1991, § 9-15-101 et seq., or a no contact order as set out in subdivision (a)(2)(A) of this section, protecting the same victim, or any other order issued by any court protecting the same victim;

(B) Has been convicted within the previous ten (10) years of:

(i) Stalking in the second degree;

(ii) Terroristic threatening, § 5-13-301, or terroristic act, § 5-13-310; or

(iii) Stalking or threats against another person’s safety under the statutory provisions of any other state jurisdiction; or

(C) Is armed with a deadly weapon or represents by word or conduct that he or she is armed with a deadly weapon.

(2)(A) Upon pretrial release of the defendant, a judicial officer shall enter a no contact order in writing consistent with Rules 9.3 and 9.4 of the Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure and shall give notice to the defendant of penalties contained in Rule 9.5 of the Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure.

(B) The no contact order remains in effect during the pendency of any appeal of a conviction under this subsection.

(C) The judicial officer or prosecuting attorney shall provide a copy of the no contact order to the victim and the arresting law enforcement agency without unnecessary delay.

(D) If the judicial officer has reason to believe that mental disease or defect of the defendant will or has become an issue in the case, the judicial officer shall enter orders consistent with § 5-2-327 or § 5-2-328, or both.

(3) Stalking in the first degree is a Class B felony.

(b)(1) A person commits stalking in the second degree if he or she knowingly engages in a course of conduct that harasses another person and makes a terroristic threat with the purpose of placing that person in imminent fear of death or serious bodily injury or placing that person in imminent fear of the death or serious bodily injury of his or her immediate family.

(2)(A) Upon pretrial release of the defendant, a judicial officer shall enter a no contact order in writing consistent with Rules 9.3 and 9.4 of the Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure and shall give notice to the defendant of penalties contained in Rule 9.5 of the Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure.

(B) The no contact order remains in effect during the pendency of any appeal of a conviction under this subsection.

(C) The judicial officer or prosecuting attorney shall provide a copy of the no contact order to the victim and arresting law enforcement agency without unnecessary delay.

(D) If the judicial officer has reason to believe that mental disease or defect of the defendant will or has become an issue in the case, the judicial officer shall enter orders consistent with § 5-2-327 or § 5-2-328, or both.

(3) Stalking in the second degree is a Class C felony.

(c)(1) A person commits stalking in the third degree if he or she knowingly commits an act that would place a reasonable person in the victim’s position under emotional distress and in fear for his or her safety or a third person’s safety.

(2)(A) Upon pretrial release of the defendant, a judicial officer shall enter a no contact order in writing consistent with Rules 9.3 and 9.4 of the Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure and shall give notice to the defendant of penalties contained in Rule 9.5 of the Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure.

(B) The no contact order remains in effect during the pendency of any appeal of a conviction under this subsection.

(C) The judicial officer or prosecuting attorney shall provide a copy of the no contact order to the victim and arresting law enforcement agency without unnecessary delay.

(D) If the judicial officer has reason to believe that mental disease or defect of the defendant will or has become an issue in the case, the judicial officer shall enter orders consistent with § 5-2-327 or § 5-2-328, or both.

(3) Stalking in the third degree is a Class A misdemeanor.

(d) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section if the actor is a law enforcement officer, licensed private investigator, attorney, process server, licensed bail bondsman, or a store detective acting within the reasonable scope of his or her duty while conducting surveillance on an official work assignment.

(e) It is not a defense to a prosecution under this section that the actor was not given actual notice by the victim that the actor’s conduct was not wanted.

(f) As used in this section:

(1)(A) “Course of conduct” means a pattern of conduct composed of two (2) or more acts, separated by at least thirty-six (36) hours, but occurring within one (1) year, including without limitation an act in which the actor directly, indirectly, or through a third party by any action, method, device, or means follows, monitors, observes, places under surveillance, threatens, or communicates to or about a person or interferes with a person’s property.

(B)(i) “Course of conduct” does not include constitutionally protected activity.

(ii) If the defendant claims that he or she was engaged in a constitutionally protected activity, the court shall determine the validity of that claim as a matter of law and, if found valid, shall exclude that activity from evidence;

(2)(A) “Emotional distress” means significant mental suffering or distress.

(B) “Emotional distress” does not require that the victim sought or received medical or other professional treatment or counseling; and(3) “Harasses” means an act of harassment as prohibited by § 5-71-208.

Chapter 73. Weapons

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

Subchapter 1. Possession and Use Generally

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

5-73-103. Firearm possession--Restrictions

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section or unless authorized by and subject to such conditions as prescribed by the Governor, or his or her designee, or the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, or other bureau or office designated by the United States Department of Justice, no person shall possess or own any firearm who has been:

(1) Convicted of a felony;

(2) Adjudicated mentally ill; or

(3) Committed involuntarily to any mental institution.

(b)(1) Except as provided in subdivisions (b)(2) and (3) of this section, a determination by a jury or a court that a person committed a felony constitutes a conviction for purposes of subsection (a) of this section even though the court suspended imposition of sentence or placed the defendant on probation.

(2) Subdivision (b)(1) of this section does not apply to a person whose case was dismissed and expunged under § 16-93-301 et seq. or § 16-98-303(g).

(3) The determination by the jury or court that the person committed a felony does not constitute a conviction for purposes of subsection (a) of this section if the person is subsequently granted a pardon explicitly restoring the ability to possess a firearm.

(c)(1) A person who violates this section commits a Class B felony if:

(A) The person has a prior violent felony conviction;

(B) The person’s current possession of a firearm involves the commission of another crime; or

(C) The person has been previously convicted under this section or a similar provision from another jurisdiction.

(2) A person who violates this section commits a Class D felony if he or she has been previously convicted of a felony and his or her present conduct or the prior felony conviction does not fall within subdivision (c)(1) of this section.

(3) Otherwise, the person commits a Class A misdemeanor.

(d) The Governor may restore without granting a pardon the right of a convicted felon or an adjudicated delinquent to own and possess a firearm upon the recommendation of the chief law enforcement officer in the jurisdiction in which the person resides, so long as the underlying felony or delinquency adjudication:

(1) Did not involve the use of a weapon; and

(2) Occurred more than eight (8) years ago.

(e) As used in this section, “felony” means any state or federal felony, excluding a federal or state felony offense for which the person convicted has completed his or her sentence and pertaining to:

(1) An antitrust violation;

(2) An unfair trade practice;

(3) Restraint of trade; or

(4) Another offense relating to the regulation of business practices.

Subchapter 3. Concealed Handguns

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

5-73-308. Issuance of licenses; denial, suspension, and revocation of licenses

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a)(1)(A) The Director of the Department of Arkansas State Police may deny a license if within the preceding five (5) years the applicant has been found guilty of one (1) or more crimes of violence constituting a misdemeanor or for the offense of carrying a weapon.

(B) The director may revoke a license if the licensee has been found guilty of one (1) or more crimes of violence within the preceding three (3) years.

(2) Subdivision (a)(1) of this section does not apply to a misdemeanor that has been expunged or for which the imposition of sentence was suspended.

(3) Upon notification by any law enforcement agency or a court and subsequent written verification, the director shall suspend a license or the processing of an application for a license if the licensee or applicant is arrested or formally charged with a crime that would disqualify the licensee or applicant from having a license under this subchapter until final disposition of the case.

(b)(1) The director may deny a license to carry a concealed handgun if the sheriff or chief of police, if applicable, of the applicant’s place of residence submits an affidavit that the applicant has been or is reasonably likely to be a danger to himself or herself or others or to the community at large, as demonstrated by past patterns of behavior or participation in an incident involving unlawful violence or threats of unlawful violence, or if the applicant is under a criminal investigation at the time of applying for a license to carry a concealed handgun.

(2) Within one hundred twenty (120) days after the date of receipt of the items listed in § 5-73-311(a), the director shall:

(A) Issue the license; or

(B) Deny the application based solely on the ground that the applicant fails to qualify under the criteria listed in this subchapter.

(3)(A) If the director denies the application, the director shall notify the applicant in writing, stating the grounds for denial.

(B) The decision of the director is final.

5-73-309. License--Requirements

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

The Director of the Division of Arkansas State Police shall issue a license to carry a concealed handgun if the applicant:

(1) Is a citizen of the United States or a permanent legal resident;

(2)(A) Is a resident of the state and has been a resident continuously for ninety (90) days or longer immediately preceding the filing of the application.

(B) However, subdivision (2)(A) of this section does not apply to any:

(i) Active duty member of the United States Armed Forces who submits documentation of his or her active duty status; or

(ii) Spouse of an active duty member of the United States Armed Forces who submits documentation of his or her spouse’s active duty status;

(3) Is at least:

(A) Twenty-one (21) years of age; or

(B) Eighteen (18) years of age and is:

(i) Currently a federally recognized commissioned or noncommissioned officer or an enlisted member on active duty in the United States Armed Forces;

(ii) In the National Guard or a reserve component of the United States Armed Forces; or

(iii) A former member of the United States Armed Forces who has been honorably discharged;

(4) Does not suffer from a mental or physical infirmity that prevents the safe handling of a handgun and has not threatened or attempted suicide;

(5) Has not been convicted of a felony in a court of this state, of any other state, or of the United States unless:

(A) The applicant is subsequently granted a pardon by the Governor or the President of the United States explicitly restoring his or her ability to possess a firearm;

(B) The applicant was sentenced prior to March 13, 1995, and the record of conviction has been sealed or expunged under Arkansas law; or

(C) The applicant’s offense was dismissed and sealed or expunged under § 16-93-301 et seq. or § 16-98-303(g);

(6)(A) Is not subject to any federal, state, or local law that makes it unlawful to receive, possess, or transport any firearm, and has had his or her background check successfully completed through the Division of Arkansas State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System;

(B) The director shall not consider a person’s status as a qualifying patient or designated caregiver under the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment of 2016, Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 98, § 2, in determining whether an applicant is eligible to be issued a license to carry a concealed handgun under this subchapter.

(7)(A) Does not chronically or habitually abuse a controlled substance to the extent that his or her normal faculties are impaired.

(B) It is presumed that an applicant chronically and habitually uses a controlled substance to the extent that his or her faculties are impaired if the applicant has been voluntarily or involuntarily committed to a treatment facility for the abuse of a controlled substance or has been found guilty of a crime under the provisions of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, § 5-64-101 et seq., or a similar law of any other state or the United States relating to a controlled substance within the three-year period immediately preceding the date on which the application is submitted.

(C) An applicant shall not be considered to chronically or habitually abuse a controlled substance based solely on the applicant’s status as a qualifying patient or designated caregiver under the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment of 2016, Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 98.

(8)(A) Does not chronically or habitually use an alcoholic beverage to the extent that his or her normal faculties are impaired.

(B) It is presumed that an applicant chronically and habitually uses an alcoholic beverage to the extent that his or her normal faculties are impaired if the applicant has been voluntarily or involuntarily committed as an alcoholic to a treatment facility or has been convicted of two (2) or more offenses related to the use of alcohol under a law of this state or similar law of any other state or the United States within the three-year period immediately preceding the date on which the application is submitted;

(9) Desires a legal means to carry a concealed handgun to defend himself or herself;

(10) Has not been adjudicated mentally incompetent;

(11)(A) Has not been voluntarily or involuntarily committed to a mental health institution or mental health treatment facility.

(B) An applicant who voluntarily sought mental health treatment at a mental health institution or mental health treatment facility may obtain a license under this subchapter if a circuit court grants his or her petition under § 5-73-327;

(12) Is not a fugitive from justice or does not have an active warrant for his or her arrest;

(13) Has satisfactorily completed a training course as prescribed and approved by the director; and

(14) Signs a statement of allegiance to the United States Constitution and the Arkansas Constitution.

Title 9. Family Law

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

Subtitle 2. Domestic Relations

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

Chapter 10. Paternity

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

Subchapter 1. General Provisions.

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

9-10-113. Custody of child born outside of marriage

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) When a child is born to an unmarried woman, legal custody of that child shall be in the woman giving birth to the child until the child reaches eighteen (18) years of age unless a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order placing the child in the custody of another party.

(b) A biological father, provided he has established paternity in a court of competent jurisdiction, may petition the circuit court in the county where the child resides for custody of the child.

(c) The court may award custody to the biological father upon a showing that:

(1) He is a fit parent to raise the child;

(2) He has assumed his responsibilities toward the child by providing care, supervision, protection, and financial support for the child; and

(3) It is in the best interest of the child to award custody to the biological father.

(d) When in the best interest of a child, visitation shall be awarded in a way that assures the frequent and continuing contact of the child with the mother and the biological father.

9-10-114. Paternal visitation rights

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

When any circuit court in this state determines the paternity of a child and orders the father to make periodic payments for support of the child, the court may also grant reasonable visitation rights to the father and may issue such orders as may be necessary to enforce the visitation rights.

9-10-121. Termination of certain parental rights for putative fathers convicted of rape

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) All rights of a putative father to custody, visitation, or other contact with a child conceived as a result of a rape shall be terminated immediately upon conviction of the rape in which the child was conceived under § 5-14-103.

(b) The biological mother of a child conceived as a result of rape may petition the court under § 9-10-104 to reinstate the parental rights of a putative father terminated under subdivision (a) of this section.

(c) A putative father to a child conceived as a result of rape shall pay child support as provided under § 9-10-109.

(d) A child conceived as a result of rape is entitled to:

(1) Child support under § 9-10-109; and

(2) Inheritance under § 28-9-201 et seq.

Chapter 12. Divorce and Annulment

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

Subchapter 3. Actions for Divorce or Alimony

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

9-12-301. Grounds for divorce

Updated: 
January 3, 2024
(a) A plaintiff who seeks to dissolve and set aside a covenant marriage shall state in his or her petition for divorce that he or she is seeking to dissolve a covenant marriage as authorized under the Covenant Marriage Act of 2001, § 9-11-801 et seq.
(b) The circuit court shall have power to dissolve and set aside a marriage contract, not only from bed and board, but from the bonds of matrimony, for the following causes:
(1) When either party, at the time of the contract, was and still is impotent;
(2) When either party shall be convicted of a felony or other infamous crime;
(3) When either party shall:
(A) Be addicted to habitual drunkenness for one (1) year;
(B) Be guilty of such cruel and barbarous treatment as to endanger the life of the other; or
(C) Offer such indignities to the person of the other as shall render his or her condition intolerable;
(4) When either party shall have committed adultery subsequent to the marriage;
(5) When husband and wife have lived separate and apart from each other for eighteen (18) continuous months without cohabitation, the court shall grant an absolute decree of divorce at the suit of either party, whether the separation was the voluntary act of one (1) party or by the mutual consent of both parties or due to the fault of either party or both parties;
(6)(A) In all cases in which a husband and wife have lived separate and apart for three (3) consecutive years without cohabitation by reason of the incurable insanity of one (1) of them, the court shall grant a decree of absolute divorce upon the petition of the sane spouse if the proof shows that the insane spouse has been committed to an institution for the care and treatment of the insane for three (3) or more years prior to the filing of the suit, has been adjudged to be of unsound mind by a court of competent jurisdiction, and has not been discharged from such adjudication by the court and the proof of insanity is supported by the evidence of two (2) reputable physicians familiar with the mental condition of the spouse, one (1) of whom shall be a regularly practicing physician in the community wherein the spouse resided, and when the insane spouse has been confined in an institution for the care and treatment of the insane, that the proof in the case is supported by the evidence of the superintendent or one (1) of the physicians of the institution wherein the insane spouse has been confined.
(B)(i) In all decrees granted under this subdivision (b)(6), the court shall require the plaintiff to provide for the care and maintenance of the insane defendant so long as he or she may live.
(ii) The trial court will retain jurisdiction of the parties and the cause from term to term for the purpose of making such further orders as equity may require to enforce the provisions of the decree requiring the plaintiff to furnish funds for such care and maintenance.
(C)(i) Service of process upon an insane spouse shall be had by service of process upon the duly appointed, qualified, and acting guardian of the insane spouse or upon a duly appointed guardian ad litem for the insane spouse, and when the insane spouse is confined in an institution for the care of the insane, upon the superintendent or physician in charge of the institution wherein the insane spouse is at the time confined.
(ii) However, when the insane spouse is not confined in an institution, service of process upon the duly appointed, qualified, and acting guardian of the insane spouse or duly appointed guardian ad litem and thereafter personal service or constructive service on an insane defendant by publication of warning order for four (4) weeks shall be sufficient; and
(7) When either spouse legally obligated to support the other, and having the ability to provide the other with the common necessaries of life, willfully fails to do so.

9-12-307. Matters which must be proved

Updated: 
January 3, 2024
(a) To obtain a divorce, the plaintiff must prove, but need not allege, in addition to a legal cause of divorce:
(1)(A) A residence in the state by either the plaintiff or defendant for sixty (60) days next before the commencement of the action and a residence in the state for three (3) full months before the final judgment granting the decree of divorce.
(B) No decree of divorce, however, shall be granted until at least thirty (30) days have elapsed from the date of the filing of the complaint.
(C) When personal service cannot be had upon the defendant or when the defendant fails to enter his or her appearance in the action, no decree of divorce shall be granted the plaintiff until the plaintiff has maintained an actual residence in the State of Arkansas for a period of not less than three (3) full months;
(2) That the cause of action and cause of divorce occurred or existed in this state or, if out of the state, that it was a legal cause of divorce in this state, the laws of this state to govern exclusively and independently of the laws of any other state as to the cause of divorce; and
(3) That the cause of divorce occurred or existed within five (5) years next before the commencement of the suit.
(b) “Residence” as used in subsection (a) of this section is defined to mean actual presence, and upon proof of that the party alleging and offering the proof shall be considered domiciled in the state, and this is declared to be the legislative intent and public policy of the State of Arkansas.

9-12-312. Alimony--Child support--Bond--Method of payment

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a)(1) When a decree is entered, the court shall make an order concerning the care of the children, if there are any, and an order concerning alimony, if applicable, as are reasonable from the circumstances of the parties and the nature of the case.

(2) Unless otherwise ordered by the court or agreed to by the parties, the liability for alimony shall automatically cease upon the earlier of:

(A) The date of the remarriage of the person who was awarded the alimony;

(B) The establishment of a relationship that produces a child or children and results in a court order directing another person to pay support to the recipient of alimony, which circumstances shall be considered the equivalent of remarriage;

(C) The establishment of a relationship that produces a child or children and results in a court order directing the recipient of alimony to provide support of another person who is not a descendant by birth or adoption of the payor of the alimony, which circumstances shall be considered the equivalent of remarriage;

(D) The living full time with another person in an intimate, cohabitating relationship;

(E) The death of either party; or

(F) Any other contingencies as set forth in the order awarding alimony.

(3)(A) In determining a reasonable amount of child support, initially or upon review to be paid by the noncustodial parent, the court shall refer to the most recent revision of the family support chart.

(B)(i) The incarceration of a parent shall not be treated as voluntary unemployment for the purpose of establishing or modifying an award of child support.

(ii) As used in subdivision (a)(3)(B)(i) of this section, “incarceration” means a conviction that results in a sentence of confinement to a local jail, state or federal correctional facility, or state psychiatric hospital for at least one hundred eighty (180) days excluding credit for time served before sentencing.

(C) It shall be a rebuttable presumption for the award of child support that the amount contained in the family support chart is the correct amount of child support to be awarded.

(D) Only upon a written finding or specific finding on the record that the application of the child support chart would be unjust or inappropriate, as determined under established criteria set forth in the family support chart, shall the presumption be rebutted.

<Text of (a)(4) as amended by Acts of 2019, Act 907, § 1.>

(4)(A)(i) The family support chart shall be revised at least one (1) time every four (4) years by a committee to be appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to ensure that the support amounts are appropriate for child support awards.

(ii) The committee shall also establish the criteria for deviation from use of the chart amount.

(B)(i) The committee shall revise the family support chart to be based on payor income and recipient income and no longer rely on the payor income based family support chart.

(ii) The committee shall revise the family support chart as required under subdivision (a)(4)(B)(i) of this section on or before March 1, 2020.

<Text of (a)(4) as amended by Acts of 2019, Act 904, § 1.>

(4)(A)(i) The family support chart shall be reviewed and revised, if appropriate, at least once every four (4) years by a committee to be appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to ensure that the support amounts are appropriate for child support awards.

(ii) The members of the committee shall include:

(a) One (1) or more members of the General Assembly;

(b) One (1) or more judges of the Court of Appeals;

(c) One (1) or more judges of a circuit court;

(d) The Administrator of the Office of Child Support Enforcement of the Revenue Division of the Department of Finance and Administration or his or her designee;

(e) An employee of an organization that provides legal services to low-income individuals; and

(f) One (1) or more attorneys who are licensed to practice law in the State of Arkansas.

(iii) The Supreme Court shall publish the following on a public website:

(a) The names of each member of the committee;

(b) The reports of the committee;

(c) The effective date of the family support chart; and

(d) The anticipated date on which the committee will next review the family support chart.

(B) The committee shall:

(i) Establish the criteria for deviation from use of the chart amount; and

(ii) Consider:

(a) Economic data on the cost of raising children;

(b) Labor market data;

(c) How the amounts listed in the family support chart impact a parent who has a family income below two hundred percent (200%) of the federal poverty level;

(d) Factors that influence employment rates and payment compliance rates among noncustodial parents; and

(e) Case data and payment compliance rates based on whether there was a deviation from the family support chart, default order, imputed income, or low income adjustment.

(5) The Supreme Court shall:

(A) Approve the family support chart and criteria after revision by the committee for use in this state; and

(B) Publish the family support chart and criteria through per curiam order of the court on a public website.

(6)(A) The court may provide for the payment of child support beyond the eighteenth birthday of the child to address the educational needs of a child whose eighteenth birthday falls before graduation from high school so long as such child support is conditional on the child remaining in school.

(B) The court also may provide for the continuation of support for an individual with a disability that affects the ability of the individual to live independently from the custodial parent.

(7) Both a person paying alimony and a person receiving alimony are entitled to petition the court for a review, modification, or both of the court’s alimony order at any time based upon a significant and material change of circumstances.

(b)(1) Alimony may be awarded under proper circumstances concerning rehabilitation to either party in fixed installments for a specified period of time so that the payments qualify as periodic payments within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code.

(2) When a request for rehabilitative alimony is made to the court, the payor may request or the court may require the recipient to provide a plan of rehabilitation for the court to consider in determining:

(A) Whether or not the plan is feasible; and

(B) The amount and duration of the award.

(3) If the recipient fails to meet the requirements of the rehabilitative plan, the payor may petition the court for a review to determine if rehabilitative alimony shall continue or be modified.

(4) A person paying alimony is entitled to petition the court for a review, modification, or both of the court’s alimony order at any time based upon a significant and material change of circumstances.

(c)(1) When the order provides for payment of money for the support and care of any children, the court, in its discretion, may require the person ordered to make the payments to furnish and file with the clerk of the court a bond or post security or give some other guarantee such as life insurance in an amount and with such sureties as the court shall direct.

(2) The bond, security, or guarantee is to be conditioned on compliance with that part of the order of the court concerning the support and care of the children.

(3) If action is taken due to a delinquency under the order, proper advance notice to the noncustodial parent shall be given.

(d)(1) All orders requiring payments of money for the support and care of any children shall direct the payments to be made through the registry of the court unless the court in its discretion determines that it would be in the best interest of the parties to direct otherwise.

(2) However, in all cases brought under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act1 or in which the income of the noncustodial parent is subject to withholding, the court shall order that all payments be made through the Arkansas child support clearinghouse in accordance with § 9-14-801 et seq.

(e)(1)(A) Except as set forth in subdivision (e)(5) of this section, all orders directing payments through the registry of the court or through the Arkansas child support clearinghouse shall set forth a fee to be paid by the noncustodial parent or obligated spouse in the amount of thirty-six dollars ($36.00) per year.

(B) The fee shall be collected from the noncustodial parent or obligated spouse at the time of the first support payment and during the anniversary month of the entry of the order each year thereafter, or nine dollars ($9.00) per quarter at the option of the obligated parent, until no children remain minor and the support obligation is extinguished and any arrears are completely liquidated.

(2) The clerk, upon direction from the court and as an alternative to collecting the annual fee during the anniversary month each year after entry of the order, may prorate the first fee collected at the time of the first payment of support under the order to the number of months remaining in the calendar year and thereafter collect all fees as provided in this subsection during the month of January of each year.

(3)(A) Payments made for this fee shall be made annually in the form of a check or money order payable to the clerk of the court or other legal tender that the clerk may accept.

(B) This fee payment shall be separate and apart from the support payment, and under no circumstances shall the support payment be reduced to fulfill the payment of this fee.

(4) Upon the nonpayment of the annual fee by the noncustodial parent within ninety (90) days, the clerk may notify the payor under the order of income withholding for child support who shall withhold the fee in addition to any support and remit it to the clerk.

(5) In counties where an annual fee is collected and the court grants at least two thousand five hundred (2,500) divorces each year, the court may require that the initial annual fee be paid by the noncustodial parent or obligated spouse before the filing of the order.

(6)(A) All moneys collected by the clerk as a fee as provided in this subsection shall be used by the clerk’s office to offset administrative costs as a result of this subchapter.

(B) At least twenty percent (20%) of the moneys collected annually shall be used to purchase, maintain, and operate an automated data system for use in administering the requirements of this subchapter.

(C) The acquisition and update of software for the automated data system shall be a permitted use of these funds.

(D) All fees collected under this subsection shall be paid into the county treasury to the credit of the fund to be known as the “support collection costs fund”.

(E) Moneys deposited into this fund shall be appropriated and expended for the uses designated in this subdivision (e)(6) by the quorum court at the direction of the clerk of the court.

(f)(1) The clerk of the court shall maintain accurate records of all child support orders and payments made under this section and shall post to individual child support account ledgers maintained in the clerk’s office all payments received directly by the Office of Child Support Enforcement of the Revenue Division of the Department of Finance and Administration and reported to the clerk by the office.

(2) The office shall provide the clerk with sufficient information to identify the custodial and noncustodial parents, a docket number, and the amount and date of payment.

(3) The clerk shall keep on file information provided by the office for audit purposes.

(g) The clerk may accept the support payment in any form of cash or commercial paper, including personal check, and may require that the custodial parent or nonobligated spouse be named as payee thereon.

9-12-314. Alteration of allowances

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) The court, upon application of either party, may make such alterations from time to time, as to the allowance of alimony and maintenance as may be proper and may order any reasonable sum to be paid for the support of the wife or the husband during the pending of a complaint for a divorce.

(b) Any decree, judgment, or order that contains a provision for the payment of money for the support and care of any child or children through the registry of the court or through the Arkansas child support clearinghouse shall be final judgment as to any installment or payment of money that has accrued until the time either party moves through proper motion filed with the court and served on the other party to set aside, alter, or modify the decree, judgment, or order.

(c) The court may not set aside, alter, or modify any decree, judgment, or order that has accrued unpaid support prior to the filing of the motion. However, the court may offset against future support to be paid those amounts accruing during time periods other than reasonable visitation in which the noncustodial parent had physical custody of the child with the knowledge and consent of the custodial parent.

(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the jurisdiction of the court to proceed to enforce a decree, judgment, or order for the support of a minor child or children through contempt proceedings when the arrearage is reduced to judgment under subsection (b) of this section.

Chapter 13. Child Custody and Visitation

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

Subchapter 1. General Provisions

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

9-13-101. Award of custody

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a)(1)(A)(i) In an action for divorce, the award of custody of a child of the marriage shall be made without regard to the sex of a parent but solely in accordance with the welfare and best interest of the child.

(ii) In determining the best interest of the child, the court may consider the preferences of the child if the child is of a sufficient age and mental capacity to reason, regardless of chronological age.

(iii) In an action for divorce, an award of joint custody is favored in Arkansas.

(iv)(a) In an action concerning an original child custody determination in a divorce or paternity matter, there is a rebuttable presumption that joint custody is in the best interest of the child.

(b) The presumption that joint custody is in the best interest of the child may be rebutted:

(1) If the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that joint custody is not in the best interest of the child;

(2) If the parties have reached an agreement on all issues related to custody of the child;

(3) If one (1) of the parties does not request sole, primary, or joint custody; or

(4) If a rebuttable presumption described in subsection (c) or subsection (d) of this section is established by the evidence.

(c) The circuit court may enter an order to reduce areas of conflict in a manner determined appropriate by the court.

(B) When a court order holds that it is in the best interest of a child to award custody to a grandparent, the award of custody shall be made without regard to the sex of the grandparent.

(2)(A) Upon petition by a grandparent who meets the requirements of subdivision (a)(2)(B)(i) or subdivision (a)(2)(B)(ii) of this section, a circuit court shall grant the grandparent a right to intervene pursuant to Rule 24(a) of the Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure.

(B)(i) A grandparent shall be entitled to notice and shall be granted an opportunity to be heard in any child custody proceeding involving a grandchild who is twelve (12) months of age or younger when:

(a) The grandchild resided with the grandparent for at least six (6) continuous months prior to the grandchild’s first birthday;

(b) The grandparent was the primary caregiver for and financial supporter of the grandchild during the time the grandchild resided with the grandparent; and

(c) The continuous custody occurred within one (1) year of the date the child custody proceeding was initiated.

(ii) A grandparent shall be entitled to notice and shall be granted an opportunity to be heard in any child custody proceeding involving a grandchild who is twelve (12) months of age or older when:

(a) The grandchild resided with this grandparent for at least one (1) continuous year regardless of age;

(b) The grandparent was the primary caregiver for and financial supporter of the grandchild during the time the grandchild resided with the grandparent; and

(c) The continuous custody occurred within one (1) year of the date the child custody proceeding was initiated.

(iii) Notice to a grandparent shall be given by the moving party.

(3) For purposes of this section, “grandparent” does not mean a parent of a putative father of a child.

(4)(A) The party that initiates a child custody proceeding shall notify the circuit court of the name and address of any grandparent who is entitled to notice under the provisions of subdivision (a)(2) of this section.

(B) The notice shall be in accordance with § 16-55-114.

(5) As used in this section, “joint custody” means the approximate and reasonable equal division of time with the child by both parents individually as agreed to by the parents or as ordered by the court.

(b)(1)(A)(i) When in the best interest of a child, custody shall be awarded in such a way so as to assure the frequent and continuing contact of the child with both parents consistent with subdivision (a)(1)(A) of this section.

(ii) To this effect, the circuit court shall consider awarding joint custody of a child to the parents in making an order for custody.

(iii) If, at any time, the circuit court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that one (1) parent demonstrates a pattern of willfully creating conflict in an attempt to disrupt a current or pending joint-custody arrangement and the circuit court is unable to enter an order that will reduce areas of conflict caused by the disruptive parent, the circuit court may deem such behavior as a material change of circumstances and may change a joint custody order to an order of primary custody to the nondisruptive parent.

(iv) If a modification of a child custody decree is based on the active duty status of a parent as a member of the United States Armed Forces deployed outside of the United States or the federal active duty status of a parent as a member of a state National Guard or reserve component:

(a) Any modification of the child custody decree shall:

(1) Be temporary; and

(2) Revert back to the previous child custody decree at the end of the deployment or federal active duty unless both parties consent to a modification that continues after the deployment or federal active duty; and

(b) The deployment or federal active duty status shall be considered the equivalent of daily parental presence and parental involvement with the child.

(v) Child support under a joint custody order is issued at the discretion of the court and shall:

(a) Be consistent with Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 10 – Arkansas Child Support Guidelines; or

(b) Deviate from Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 10 – Arkansas Child Support Guidelines as permitted by the rule.

(vi) A court shall consider the best interest of the child when making a child custody determination.

(vii)(a) A parent who is not granted sole, primary, or joint custody of his or her child is entitled to reasonable parenting time with the child unless the court finds after a hearing that parenting time between the parent and the child would seriously endanger the physical, mental, or emotional health of the child.

(b) At the request of a party, a court shall issue a written order that:

(1) Is specific as to the frequency, timing, duration, condition, and method of scheduling parenting time with a parent who is not granted sole, primary, or joint custody of his or her child; and

(2) Takes into consideration the developmental age of the child.

(B) If a grandparent meets the requirements of subdivision (a)(2)(B)(i) or subdivision (a)(2)(B)(ii) of this section and is a party to the proceedings, the circuit court may consider the continuing contact between the child and a grandparent who is a party, and the circuit court may consider orders to assure the continuing contact between the grandparent and the child.

(2) To this effect, in making an order for custody, the court may consider, among other facts, which party is more likely to allow the child or children frequent and continuing contact with the noncustodial parent and the noncustodial grandparent who meets the requirements of subdivision (a)(2)(B)(i) or subdivision (a)(2)(B)(ii) of this section.

(3) After a hearing on the merits of a child custody action, if a court determines that the presumption in subdivision (a)(1)(A)(iv)(a) of this section is rebutted, the court shall enter a written order that includes the following:

(A) Facts, findings, and conclusions of law concerning the basis for the court’s determination; and

(B) A parenting time schedule that:

(i) Maximizes the amount of time that each parent has with the child; and

(ii) Is consistent with the best interest of the child.

(c)(1) If a party to an action concerning custody of or a right to visitation with a child has committed an act of domestic violence against the party making the allegation or a family or household member of either party and such allegations are proven by a preponderance of the evidence, the circuit court must consider the effect of such domestic violence upon the best interests of the child, whether or not the child was physically injured or personally witnessed the abuse, together with such facts and circumstances as the circuit court deems relevant in making a directive pursuant to this section.

(2) There is a rebuttable presumption that it is not in the best interest of the child to be placed in the custody of an abusive parent in cases in which there is a finding by a preponderance of the evidence that the parent has engaged in a pattern of domestic abuse.

(d)(1) If a party to an action concerning custody of or a right to visitation with a child is a sex offender who is required to register under the Sex Offender Registration Act of 1997, § 12-12-901 et seq., the circuit court may not award custody or unsupervised visitation of the child to the sex offender unless the circuit court makes a specific finding that the sex offender poses no danger to the child.

(2) There is a rebuttable presumption that it is not in the best interest of the child to be placed in the care or custody of a sex offender or to have unsupervised visitation with a sex offender.

(3) There is a rebuttable presumption that it is not in the best interest of the child to be placed in the home of a sex offender or to have unsupervised visitation in a home in which a sex offender resides.

(e)(1) The Director of the Administrative Office of the Courts is authorized to establish an attorney ad litem program to represent children in circuit court cases in which custody is an issue.

(2) When a circuit judge determines that the appointment of an attorney ad litem would facilitate a case in which custody is an issue and further protect the rights of the child, the circuit judge may appoint a private attorney to represent the child.

(3)(A) The Supreme Court, with the advice of the circuit judges, shall adopt standards of practice and qualifications for service for attorneys who seek to be appointed to provide legal representation for children in custody cases.

(B)(i) In extraordinary cases, the circuit court may appoint an attorney ad litem who does not meet the required standards and qualifications.

(ii) The attorney may not be appointed in subsequent cases until he or she has made efforts to meet the standards and qualifications.

(4) When attorneys are appointed pursuant to subdivision (e)(2) of this section, the fees for services and reimbursable expenses shall be paid from funds appropriated for that purpose to the Administrative Office of the Courts.

(5)(A) When a circuit judge orders the payment of funds for the fees and expenses authorized by this section, the circuit judge shall transmit a copy of the order to the office, which is authorized to pay the funds.

(B) The circuit court may also require the parties to pay all or a portion of the expenses, depending on the ability of the parties to pay.

(6) The office shall establish guidelines to provide a maximum amount of expenses and fees per hour and per case that will be paid pursuant to this section.

(7) In order to ensure that each judicial district will have an appropriate amount of funds to utilize for ad litem representation in custody cases, the funds appropriated shall be apportioned based upon a formula developed by the office and approved by the Arkansas Judicial Council, Inc. and the Administrative Rules Subcommittee of the Legislative Council.

(8)(A) The office shall develop a statistical survey that each attorney who serves as an ad litem shall complete upon the conclusion of the case.(B) Statistics shall include the ages of children served, whether the custody issue arises at a divorce or post-divorce stage, whether psychological services were ordered, and any other relevant information.

9-13-102. Sibling visitation rights

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

The circuit courts of this state, upon petition from any person who is a brother or sister, regardless of the degree of blood relationship or, if the person is a minor, upon petition by a parent, guardian, or next friend in behalf of the minor, may grant reasonable visitation rights to the petitioner so as to allow the petitioner the right to visit any brother or sister, regardless of the degree of blood relationship, whose parents have denied such access. The circuit courts may issue any further order that may be necessary to enforce the visitation rights.

9-13-103. Visitation rights of grandparents when the child is in the custody of a parent

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) For purposes of this section:

(1) “Child” means a minor under eighteen (18) years of age of whom the custodian has control and who is:

(A) The grandchild of the petitioner; or

(B) The great-grandchild of the petitioner;

(2) “Counseling” means individual counseling, group counseling, or other intervention method;

(3) “Custodian” means the custodial parent of the child with the authority to grant or deny grandparental visitation;

(4) “Mediation service” means any formal or informal mediation; and

(5) “Petitioner” means any individual who may petition for visitation rights under this section.

(b) A grandparent or great-grandparent may petition a circuit court of this state for reasonable visitation rights with respect to his or her grandchild or grandchildren or great-grandchild or great-grandchildren under this section if:

(1) The marital relationship between the parents of the child has been severed by death, divorce, or legal separation;

(2) The child is illegitimate and the petitioner is a maternal grandparent or great-grandparent of the illegitimate child;

(3) The child is illegitimate, the petitioner is a paternal grandparent or great-grandparent of the illegitimate child, and paternity has been established by a court of competent jurisdiction;

(4) The court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the primary custodian of the child is unfit;

(5)(A) The court finds by clear and convincing evidence that there are compelling circumstances to overcome the presumption that the parental decision is in the best interest of the child.

(B) In determining the best interest of the child, the court may consider one (1) or more of the following factors:

(i) The love, affection, and other emotional ties that exist between the petitioner and the child;

(ii) The length and quality of the relationship between the petitioner and the child;

(iii) The mental and physical health of the petitioner, the parent, and the child;

(iv) The potential detriments and benefits to the child if visitation is granted or denied;

(v) The wishes and preferences of the child as to visitation;

(vi) The motivation of the parent in denying or prohibiting visitation between the petitioner and the child;

(vii) The motivation of the grandparent or great-grandparent in petitioning for visitation with child;

(viii) Any history of abuse or neglect of the child;

(ix) Any history of domestic violence in the home of the child;

(x) Whether there has been a court-ordered termination of the parental rights of a parent to whom the petitioner is related; and

(xi) Any other factor that impacts the best interest of the child; or

(6) A stepparent of either biological parent of the child adopts the child due to the death of the biological parent of the child.

(c)(1) There is a rebuttable presumption that a custodian’s decision denying or limiting visitation to the petitioner is in the best interest of the child.

(2) To rebut the presumption, the petitioner shall prove by a preponderance of the evidence the following:

(A) The petitioner has established a significant and viable relationship with the child for whom he or she is requesting visitation; and

(B) Visitation with the petitioner is in the best interest of the child.

(d) To establish a significant and viable relationship with the child, the petitioner must prove by a preponderance of the evidence the following:

(1) The child resided with the petitioner for at least six (6) consecutive months with or without the current custodian present;

(2) The petitioner was the caregiver to the child on a regular basis for at least six (6) consecutive months;

(3) The petitioner had frequent or regular contact with the child for at least twelve (12) consecutive months; or

(4) Any other facts that establish that the loss of the relationship between the petitioner and the child is likely to harm the child.

(e) To establish that visitation with the petitioner is in the best interest of the child, the petitioner shall prove by a preponderance of the evidence the following:

(1) The petitioner has the capacity to give the child love, affection, emotional support, and guidance;

(2) The loss of the relationship between the petitioner and the child is likely to:

(A) Harm the child;

(B) Cause emotional distress to the child;

(C) Result in the emotional abuse of the child; or

(D) Result in the emotional neglect of the child;

(3) The petitioner is willing to cooperate with the custodian if visitation with the child is allowed; and

(4) Awarding grandparent visitation would not interfere with the parent-child relationship.

(f)(1) An order granting or denying visitation rights to grandparents and great-grandparents shall be in writing and shall state any and all factors considered by the court in its decision to grant or deny visitation under this section.

(2)(A) If the court grants visitation to the petitioner or petitioners, the visits may occur without regard to which parent has physical custody of the child.

(B) Visits with a paternal grandparent or great-grandparent may occur even when the child is in the custody of the mother, and visits with a maternal grandparent or great-grandparent may occur even when the child is in the custody of the father.

(3)(A) If the court grants visitation to the petitioner under this section, then the visitation shall be exercised in a manner consistent with all orders regarding custody of or visitation with the child unless the court makes a specific finding otherwise.

(B) If the court finds that the petitioner’s visitation should be restricted or limited in any way, then the court shall include the restrictions or limitations in the order granting visitation.

(4) An order granting or denying visitation rights under this section is a final order for purposes of appeal.

(5) After an order granting or denying visitation has been entered under this section, the custodian or petitioner may petition the court for the following:

(A) Contempt proceedings if one (1) party to the order fails to comply with the order;

(B) To address the issue of visitation based on a change in circumstances; or

(C) To address the need to add or modify restrictions or limitations to visitation previously awarded under this section.

(g)(1) A court may order mediation services to resolve a visitation issue under this section if:

(A) Mediation services are available;

(B) Both parties agree to participate in mediation services; and

(C) One (1) or both of the parties agree to pay for mediation services.

(2) Records, notes, reports, or discussions related to the mediation service shall not be used by the court to determine visitation under this section.

(h)(1) A court may order counseling to address underlying matters surrounding the visitation issue under this section if:

(A) Counseling is available;

(B) Both parties agree to participate in counseling; and

(C) One (1) or both of the parties agree to pay for counseling.

(2) Records, notes, reports, or discussions related to the counseling shall not be used by the court to determine visitation under this section.

(i) This section does not apply to dependency-neglect proceedings conducted under the Arkansas Juvenile Code of 1989, § 9-27-301 et seq.

9-13-104. Public schools; transfer of children between parents

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) In order to avoid continuing child custody controversies from involving public school personnel and to avoid disruptions to the educational atmosphere in our public schools, the transfer of a child between the child’s custodial parent and noncustodial parent, when both parents are present, is prohibited from taking place on the real property of a public elementary or secondary school on normal school days during normal hours of school operations.

(b) The provisions of this section shall not prohibit one (1) parent, custodial or noncustodial, from transporting the child to school and the other parent, custodial or noncustodial, from picking up the child from school at prearranged times on prearranged days if prior approval has been made with the school’s principal.

9-13-105. Criminal records check

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) Any parent of a minor child in a circuit court case may petition the court to order a criminal records check of the other parent of the minor child or other adult members of the household eighteen (18) years of age or older who reside with the parent for custody and visitation determination purposes.

(b) If the court determines there is reasonable cause to suspect that the other parent or other adult members of the household eighteen (18) years of age or older who reside with the parent may have engaged in criminal conduct that would be relevant to the issue of custody of the minor child or visitation privileges, the court may order a criminal records check through the Arkansas Crime Information Center, including a check of the sex offender registry, § 12-12-901 et seq.

(c) The court shall review the results of the criminal records check, and if it deems appropriate, provide the results to the petitioning parent.

(d) Any costs associated with conducting a criminal records check shall be borne by the petitioning party.
 

9-13-106. Custody of minor children; representation by attorney ad litem in probate court

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) The Director of the Administrative Office of the Courts is authorized to establish attorney ad litem programs to represent children in guardianship cases in circuit court when custody is an issue.
(b) When a circuit judge determines that the appointment of an attorney ad litem would facilitate a case in which custody is an issue and further protect the rights of the child, the circuit judge may appoint a private attorney to represent the child.
(c)(1) The Supreme Court, with advice of the circuit judges, shall adopt standards of practice and qualifications for service for attorneys who seek to be appointed to provide legal representation for children in guardianship cases.
(2)(A) In extraordinary cases, the circuit court may appoint an attorney ad litem who does not meet the required standards and qualifications.
(B) The attorney may not be appointed in subsequent cases until he or she has made efforts to meet the standards and qualifications.
(d) When attorneys are appointed pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, the fees for services and reimburseable expenses shall be paid from funds appropriated for that purpose to the Administrative Office of the Courts.
(e)(1) When a judge orders the payment of funds for the fees and expenses authorized by this section, the judge shall transmit a copy of the order to the office, which is authorized to pay the funds.
(2) The court may also require the parties to pay all or a portion of the expenses, depending on the ability of the parties to pay.
(f) The office shall establish guidelines to provide a maximum amount of expenses and fees per hour and per case that will be paid pursuant to this section.
(g) In order to ensure that each judicial district will have an appropriate amount of funds to utilize for ad litem representation in custody cases, the funds appropriated shall be apportioned based upon a formula developed by the office, promulgated by rule, and approved by the Arkansas Judicial Council and the Legislative Council.
(h)(1) The office shall develop a statistical survey that each attorney who serves as an ad litem shall complete upon the conclusion of the case.
(2) Statistics shall include:
(A) The ages of children served;
(B) Whether the custody issue arises at a divorce or post-divorce stage;
(C) Whether psychological services were ordered; and
(D) Any other relevant information.

9-13-107. Visitation rights of grandparents when the parent does not have custody of the child

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) For purposes of this section:

(1) “Child” means a minor under eighteen (18) years of age who is:

(A) The grandchild of the petitioner; or

(B) The great-grandchild of the petitioner; and

(2) “Petitioner” means any individual who may petition for visitation rights under this section.

(b) A grandparent or great-grandparent may petition the circuit court that granted the guardianship or custody of a child for reasonable visitation rights with respect to his or her grandchild or grandchildren or great-grandchild or great-grandchildren under this section if the child is in the custody or under the guardianship of a person other than one (1) or both of his or her natural or adoptive parents.

(c) Visitation with the child may be granted only if the court determines that visitation with the petitioner is in the best interest and welfare of the child.

(d)(1) An order granting or denying visitation rights to grandparents and great-grandparents under this section shall be in writing and shall state any and all factors considered by the court in its decision to grant or deny visitation.

(2)(A) If the court grants visitation to the petitioner under this section, then the visitation shall be ordered and exercised in a manner consistent with an order for grandparent visitation with a child awarded under § 9-13-103, which is distinct from a custody and visitation schedule awarded to a parent in a divorce case, unless the court makes a specific finding otherwise.

(B) If the court finds that the petitioner’s visitation should be restricted, limited, or expanded in any way, then the court shall include the restrictions, limitations, or expansions in the order granting visitation.

(3) An order granting or denying visitation rights under this section is a final order for purposes of appeal.

(4) After an order granting or denying visitation has been entered under this section, a party may petition the court for the following:

(A) Contempt proceedings if one (1) party to the order fails to comply with the order;

(B) To address the issue of visitation based on a change in circumstances; or

(C) To address the need to add or modify restrictions or limitations to visitation previously awarded under this section.

9-13-108. Visitation--Preference of child

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

In an action under this subchapter concerning a person’s right to visitation with a minor child, the circuit court may consider the preferences of the child if the child is of a sufficient age and capacity to reason, regardless of chronological age.

9-13-109. Drug testing--Proceedings concerning child custody, visitation, or the welfare of a child

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) For purposes of this section, “drug” means any controlled substance as defined by the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, § 5-64-101 et seq.

(b) In a proceeding concerning child custody, child visitation, or the welfare of a child, the court may order drug testing of a party upon application of a party or by its own motion.

(c) The court may assess the cost of the drug testing to a party or parties or otherwise order or arrange payment of the cost of drug testing.

9-13-110. Parents who are members of the armed services

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) As used in this section:

(1) “Armed forces” means the National Guard and the reserve components of the armed forces, the United States Army, the United States Navy, the United States Marine Corps, the United States Coast Guard, and the United States Air Force, and any other branch of the military and naval forces or auxiliaries of the United States or Arkansas; and

(2) “Mobilized parent” means a parent who:

(A) Is a member of the armed forces; and

(B) Is called to active duty or receives orders for duty that is outside the state or country.

(b) A court shall not permanently modify an order for child custody or visitation solely on the basis that one (1) of the parents is a mobilized parent.

(c)(1) A court of competent jurisdiction shall determine whether a temporary modification to an order for child custody or visitation is appropriate for a child or children of a mobilized parent.

(2) The determination under this subsection (c) includes consideration of any and all circumstances that are necessary to maximize the mobilized parent’s time and contact with his or her child that is consistent with the best interest of the child, including without limitation:

(A) The ordered length of the mobilized parent’s call to active duty;

(B) The mobilized parent’s duty station or stations;

(C) The opportunity that the mobilized parent will have for contact with the child through a leave, a pass, or other authorized absence from duty;

(D) The contact that the mobilized parent has had with the child before the call to active military duty;

(E) The nature of the military mission, if known; and

(F) Any other factor that the court deems appropriate under the circumstances.

(d) This section shall not limit the power of a court of competent jurisdiction to permanently modify an order of child custody or visitation in the event that a parent volunteers for permanent military duty as a career choice regardless of whether the parent volunteered for permanent military duty while a member of the armed forces.

Subchapter 3. Personal Records of Child

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

9-13-301. Non-custodial parent with visitation rights; right to scholastic records of child

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) As used in this subchapter:

(1) “Child” means any person under eighteen (18) years of age;

(2) “College” means any public institution of higher education.

(b) Any noncustodial parent who has been awarded visitation rights by the court with respect to a child shall be provided upon request a copy of the current scholastic records of the child by the school district or college attended by the child.

9-13-302. Refusal of school to provide records; penalty

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

Refusal by any school district or college official or employee having custody or control of student scholastic records to provide such records to any person entitled to receive a copy under the provisions of this subchapter shall be an unclassified misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500).

Subchapter 4. International Child Abduction Prevention Act

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

9-13-401. Citation

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

This subchapter shall be known as the “International Child Abduction Prevention Act”.

9-13-402. Definitions

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

As used in this subchapter:

(1) “Child” means a minor under eighteen (18) years of age who is the subject of a custody or visitation;

(A) Matter currently pending before a court; or

(B) Order that has been issued by a court;

(2) “Court” means any circuit court of competent jurisdiction;

(3) “Custodian” means the custodial parent, legal guardian, or lawful custodian of the child as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in the State of Arkansas;

(4) “Dual nationality” means the simultaneous possession of citizenship in two (2) countries;

(5)(A) “Human rights” means the basic principles that recognize each child’s freedom and right to be protected from abuse and neglect.

(B) “Human rights” includes the protection of children from:

(i) Abuse and neglect;

(ii) Arranged marriages;

(iii) Child labor;

(iv) Genital mutilation;

(v) Sexual exploitation;

(vi) Slavery;

(vii) Torture and the deprivation of liberty; and

(viii) Armed conflicts.

(C) “Human rights” includes the right of children to:

(i) Survive and develop;

(ii) A name from birth;

(iii) Be granted a nationality;

(iv) Freedom of expression;

(v) Freedom of thought, conscience, and religion; and

(vi) A free and compulsory education;

(6) “International child abduction” means the act of taking away, enticing away, withholding, keeping, or concealing a child from his or her parent or custodian by removing the child from the United States;

(7) “Parent” means the biological or adoptive parent of a child;

(8) “Registration” means the official act of notification or documentation of the birth, name, or lineage of an individual; and

(9) “Security professional” means:

(A) A bodyguard;

(B) An off-duty certified law enforcement officer;

(C) A person who holds a license issued by the State of Arkansas or another state; or

(D) A person who has past experience or training as a professional in the area of securing the safety of persons.

9-13-403. Prevention of international child abduction

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

A custodian or parent may petition or move the court under this subchapter to determine whether one (1) or more of the measures described in § 9-13-406 is necessary to protect a child from the risk of international child abduction.

9-13-404. Considerations of the court

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

To determine a matter under this subchapter, the court shall consider:

(1) The best interests of the child;

(2) The right of a parent for frequent and continuing contact with his or her child;

(3) The rights of a custodian under an order from a court of competent jurisdiction in the State of Arkansas;

(4) The risk of the child’s becoming a victim of international child abduction by a parent, custodian, or any person acting on the behalf of the parent or custodian, based on the court’s evaluation of the risk factors described in § 9-13-405;

(5) Any obstacles to locating, recovering, or returning the child if the child is a victim of international child abduction; and

(6) The potential physical or psychological harm to the child if the child is a victim of international child abduction.

9-13-405. Abduction risk factors

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) To determine if there is a risk of international child abduction, the court shall consider:

(1)(A) Whether the parent, custodian, or anyone acting on behalf of the parent or custodian has committed international child abduction as defined in § 9-13-402(6).

(B) In defense of this factor, the parent or custodian may establish that he or she had a good faith belief that his or her conduct was necessary to avoid imminent harm to the child;

(2) Whether the parent, custodian, or anyone acting on behalf of the parent or custodian has threatened to commit the act of international child abduction as defined in § 9-13-402(6);

(3) Whether the parent, custodian, or anyone acting on behalf of the parent or custodian has attempted to commit the act of international child abduction as defined in § 9-13-402(6);

(4) Whether the parent, custodian, or anyone acting on behalf of the parent or custodian has taken a step that constitutes an overt act toward the accomplishment of international child abduction as defined in § 9-13-402(6);

(5)(A) Whether the parent or custodian lacks a financial reason to stay in the United States.

(B) Evidence of this factor shall include, but not be limited to, evidence that the parent or custodian is:

(i) Financially independent;

(ii) Able to work outside of the United States; or

(iii) Unemployed;

(6) Whether the parent, custodian, or anyone acting on behalf of the parent or custodian has recently engaged in activities that could facilitate the removal of the child from the United States by the parent or custodian, including, but not limited to:

(A) Quitting a job;

(B) Selling a primary residence;

(C) Terminating a lease;

(D) Closing bank accounts;

(E) Liquidating other assets;

(F) Hiding or destroying documents;

(G) Applying for a passport or visa for the parent, custodian, or child;

(H) Applying to obtain birth certificate, school records, or medical records of the child;

(I) Making travel arrangements for the parent, custodian, or child; or

(J) Purchasing airline, railway, cruise ship, or other travel tickets for the parent, custodian, or child;

(7) Whether the parent or custodian has a history of:

(A) Child abuse;

(B) Domestic violence;

(C) Marital instability; or

(D) Not cooperating with the other parent or custodian;

(8) Whether the parent or custodian has a criminal history;

(9) Whether the parent or custodian has a history of violating court orders;

(10) Whether the parent or custodian:

(A) Has strong familial, emotional, or cultural ties to another country, particularly a country that is not a signatory to or compliant with the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction; and

(B) Lacks strong ties to the United States, regardless of whether the parent or custodian is a citizen or permanent resident of the United States; or

(11) Any other factor that the court finds to be relevant to the determination of the risk for international child abduction.

(b) If the court finds that there is credible evidence of a risk of international child abduction based on the court’s consideration of the factors in subsection (a) of this section, then the court shall also consider evidence regarding the following factors to evaluate the risk of international child abduction:

(1) Whether the parent or custodian is undergoing a change in status with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services of the Department of Homeland Security that would adversely affect his or her ability to remain legally in the United States;

(2) Whether the parent’s or custodian’s application for United States citizenship has been denied by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services of the Department of Homeland Security;

(3) Whether the parent, custodian, or anyone acting on behalf of the parent or custodian has forged or presented misleading or false evidence to obtain a visa, a passport, a social security card, or any other identification card or has made any misrepresentations to the United States Government; or

(4) Whether the foreign country to which the parent or custodian has ties:

(A) Presents obstacles to the recovery and return of a child who is abducted to that country from the United States;

(B) Has no legal mechanisms for immediately and effectively enforcing an order issued by a court of this state regarding the possession of or access to the child;

(C) Has laws or practices that would:

(i) Enable the parent, custodian, or any person acting on behalf of the parent or custodian to obtain registration of the child with the country for the purposes of citizenship or for other purposes;

(ii) Enable the parent, custodian, or any person acting on the behalf of the parent or custodian to obtain for the child a passport or other travel documents from the country;

(iii) Allow entry of the child into the country without a passport or other travel documents;

(iv) Bestow nationality of the country on the child through automatic acquisition or other means;

(v) Not recognize, accept, or allow dual nationality of citizens of the country;

(vi) Enable the parent, custodian, or any person acting on the behalf of the parent or custodian to prevent the child’s other parent or custodian from contacting the child without due cause;

(vii) Restrict the child’s other parent or custodian from freely traveling to or exiting from the country because of that parent’s or custodian’s gender, nationality, or religion; or

(viii) Restrict the child’s ability to legally leave the country after the child reaches the age of majority because of the child’s gender, nationality, or religion;

(D) Is included by the United States Department of State on a list of state sponsors of terrorism;

(E) Is a country for which the United States Department of State has issued a travel warning to United States citizens regarding travel to the country;

(F) Does not have an embassy of the United States in the country;

(G) Is engaged in any active military action or war, including a civil war;

(H) Is a party to and compliant with the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, according to the most recent report on compliance issued by the United States Department of State;

(I) Does not provide for the extradition of a perpetrator of international child abduction or the return of the child to the United States; or

(J) Poses a risk that the child’s physical health or safety would be endangered in the country because of specific circumstances relating to the child or because of human rights violations that are being committed against children.

9-13-406. Abduction prevention measures

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) If the court finds that it is in the best interest of the child to take measures to protect the child from international child abduction under this subchapter, then the court may take any of the following actions:

(1) Appoint a person as the sole managing custodian of the child other than the parent or custodian who presents a risk of international child abduction;

(2) Change the existing order regarding custody or visitation to avoid the risk of international child abduction;

(3) Order supervised visitation to prevent the child from becoming a victim of international child abduction for any of the following who present a risk of international child abduction under this subchapter:

(A) The parent;

(B) The custodian; or

(C) Any other individual who has been granted visitation rights;

(4) Enjoin the parent, custodian, or any person acting on behalf of the parent or custodian who presents a risk of international child abduction from:

(A) Disrupting or removing the child from the school or child care facility in which the child is enrolled; or

(B) Approaching the child at any location other than a site designated for supervised visitation;

(5) Order passport and travel controls, including controls that prohibit the parent, custodian, or any person acting on the behalf of the parent or custodian who presents a risk of international child abduction:

(A) From removing the child from this state or the United States;

(B) To surrender any passport issued in the child’s name, including any passport issued in the name of both the parent and the child; and

(C) From applying on behalf of the child for a new or replacement passport or international travel visa;

(6) Require the parent or custodian who presents a risk of international child abduction to provide:

(A) To the Office of Children’s Issues within the United States Department of State and the relevant foreign consulate or embassy:

(i) Written notice of the court-ordered passport and travel restrictions for the child; and

(ii) A properly authenticated copy of the court order detailing the restrictions and documentation of the parent’s or custodian’s agreement to the restrictions; and

(B) To the court, proof of receipt of the written notice required by subdivision (a)(6)(A)(i) of this section by the Office of Children’s Issues within the United States Department of State and the relevant foreign consulate or embassy;

(7) Order the parent, custodian, or person acting on behalf of the parent or custodian who presents a risk of international child abduction to execute a bond or deposit security in an amount sufficient to offset the cost of recovering the child if the child is abducted by that person to a foreign country;

(8) Authorize the appropriate law enforcement agencies to take measures to prevent the child from becoming a victim of international child abduction; or

(9) Include in the court’s order provisions that:

(A) Identify the United States as the country of habitual residence of the child;

(B) Define the basis for the court’s exercise of jurisdiction under the Uniform Child-Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, § 9-19-101 et seq.;

(C) State the manner in which notice and opportunity to be heard were given to other parties to the matter, including the parent or custodian;

(D) State a thorough description of the following:

(i) Who has custody of the child;

(ii) Who has visitation rights with the child;

(iii) Whose visitation rights must be supervised;

(iv) The specific requirements of any ordered supervised visitation as applied to each person with visitation rights; and

(v) Any other limitations regarding custody or visitation; and

(E) State that a party’s violation of the order may subject the party to a civil penalty, a criminal penalty under § 5-26-501 et seq., or to both civil and criminal penalties.

(b)(1) If a court orders supervised visitation under subdivision (a)(3) of this section, the court shall order the supervised visitation to continue until the court finds that supervised visitation is no longer necessary or until the child reaches eighteen (18) years of age.

(2) If the court orders supervised visitation under subdivision (a)(3) of this section, the court’s order regarding supervised visitation shall require:

(A) That the supervisor be present with the child at all times;

(B) That the supervised visitation takes place at all times at a visitation center or other location that is adequate to prevent the child from becoming a victim of international child abduction; and

(C) The usage of all necessary security professionals, protocols, procedures, or devices that are:

(i) Adequate to prevent the child from becoming a victim of international child abduction;

(ii) Available in the geographic area of the supervised visitation location; and

(iii) Recognized in the security profession as effective in securing a location and the safety of a person.

(c) The court shall consider the requests of the parent or custodian who does not pose a risk of international child abduction when determining the best methods to prevent the international abduction of a child at risk of becoming a victim of international child abduction.

9-13-407. Ex parte relief

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A court shall immediately conduct an ex parte hearing if a petitioner:

(1) Alleges that:

(A) An emergency exists; and

(B) His or her child is in imminent danger of becoming a victim of international child abduction as defined under § 9-13-402(6); and

(2) Requests an ex parte hearing on the issue seeking temporary and immediate relief.

(b) At an ex parte hearing under this section, a court may grant the temporary relief necessary to prevent the child from becoming a victim of international child abduction until a full hearing on the matter can be held if the petitioner presents credible evidence that supports his or her allegation that his or her child is in imminent danger of becoming a victim of international child abduction.

(c) A temporary order issued under this section shall not be effective for more than ninety (90) days.

Chapter 14. Spousal and Child Support

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

Subchapter 1. General Provisions

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

9-14-101. Jurisdictional consent

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) Any person who establishes or acquires a marital domicile in this state, who contracts marriage in this state, or who becomes a resident of this state while legally married, and subsequently absents himself or herself from the state leaving a dependent natural or adopted child in this state and fails to support the child as required by the laws of this state, is deemed to have consented and submitted to the jurisdiction of the courts of this state as to any cause of action brought against that person for the support and maintenance of the child.

(b) In an action to establish paternity or to establish or enforce a child support obligation in regard to a child who is the subject of the action, a person is deemed to have consented and submitted to the jurisdiction of the courts of this state if any of the following circumstances exists:

(1) The person engaged in sexual intercourse with the child’s mother in this state during the period of the child’s conception or the affected child was conceived in this state;

(2) The person resides or has resided with the child in this state.

(c) Service of process upon any person who is deemed by this section to have consented and submitted to the jurisdiction of the courts of this state may be made pursuant to Rule 4 of the Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure.

9-14-102. Deduction from salary

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) As used in this section:

(1) “Political subdivision thereof” means all cities of the first class, cities of the second class, incorporated towns and counties and their agencies, boards, commissions, institutions and other instrumentalities, and school districts; and

(2) “State of Arkansas” means all agencies, boards, commissions, institutions, and other instrumentalities of the state.

(b)(1) When a person is ordered by a court of record to pay for the support of his or her children under eighteen (18) years of age, the court, at the time an order of support is made or any time thereafter, upon a showing of good cause, shall order his or her employer, former employer, the auditor, comptroller, or disbursing officer of any pension fund, the State of Arkansas or any political subdivision thereof, or the United States to deduct from all moneys due or payable to the person, the entitlement to which is based upon remuneration for employment, past or present, such amounts as the court may find to be necessary to comply with its order for the support of the children under eighteen (18) years of age.

(2) In determining good cause, the court may take into consideration evidence of the degree of the respondent’s past financial responsibility, credit references, credit history, and any other matter the court considers relevant in determining the likelihood of payment in accordance with the support order.

(c)(1) Any order for support that orders that the payment be made to the support collection unit shall order the respondent’s employer, former employer, the auditor, comptroller, or disbursing officer of any pension fund, the State of Arkansas or any political subdivision thereof, or the United States to deduct from all moneys due or payable to the person, the entitlement to which is based upon remuneration for employment, past or present, such amounts as the court may find to be necessary to comply with its orders for the support of the children under eighteen (18) years of age.

(2)(A) However, any such support order shall provide that no such deduction shall be made unless and until the support collection unit established by the appropriate social services district has determined that the person is delinquent in making a specified number of payments determined by the court in the order and a copy of the order and determination has been served upon the person’s employer, former employer, the auditor, comptroller, or disbursing officer of any pension fund, the State of Arkansas or any political subdivision thereof, or the United States.

(B) Additionally, the person shall be given notice of the determination at least fifteen (15) days prior to service of the order and determination on the employer, former employer, the auditor, comptroller, or disbursing officer of any pension fund, the State of Arkansas or any political subdivision thereof, or the United States.

(C) If the person pays all arrearages within the fifteen-day period, the order and determination shall not be served and no deduction shall be required by reason of the determination, but the payment shall not affect or otherwise limit any determination made as a result of any subsequent delinquencies.

(3) The employer, former employer, the auditor, comptroller, or disbursing officer of any pension fund, the State of Arkansas or any political subdivision thereof, or the United States shall deduct the amount as ordered from the moneys due or payable and forward it monthly as directed in the order.

(d)(1) The court shall require the person to provide the court with his or her full name, address, and social security number.

(2) However, a social security number may be required only when permitted under federal law.

9-14-103. Quarterly financial report

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a)(1)(A) Upon application of any interested person to any judge of any court of record having jurisdiction of the cause of action, the court may require any person receiving as guardian of the person, either by adoption of law or order of any court, any funds, moneys, credits, goods, chattels, or anything of value for the support, maintenance, care, or custody of a minor child to file a verified quarterly report of all moneys or goods received therefor.

(B) The report shall state the items, goods, or services, the date purchased, and from whom purchased.

(2) The quarterly report shall be filed with the clerk of the court or other body rendering the original order or decree between the first and fifteenth day of the calendar month immediately following the end of each calendar quarter.

(b)(1) This section shall apply to all awards, orders, or decrees made by any court or legally constituted body making such award.

(2) Any report required to be made under this section shall be a public record.

(c) It is the purpose of this section and the intention of the General Assembly that any funds, moneys, credits, chattels, goods, or anything of value that have been or are ordered, decreed, adjudged, adjudicated, or awarded for the use and benefit of any minor child shall be used and inure solely to the use and benefit of the minor child for which it is or was ordered paid.

9-14-104. Contempt proceedings; insanity plea

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) Whenever a person pleads insanity in contempt proceedings before a circuit judge for failure to make family support payments as ordered by the circuit judge or whenever the circuit judge has reason to believe that the defense of insanity will be raised or become an issue in the case, the circuit judge shall postpone all proceedings in the cause. He or she shall forthwith commit the contemnor to the Arkansas State Hospital where the contemnor will remain under observation for such time as the court will direct, but not exceeding one (1) month.

(b) The circuit judge shall order the director or his or her designee of the Arkansas State Hospital to direct some competent physician or physicians employed by the Arkansas State Hospital to conduct observation and investigations of the mental conditions of the contemnor and to prepare a written report thereof. On issuing the order, the circuit judge shall direct the circuit clerk to notify the attorneys in the case of the issuance of the order.

(c) The action of the court in committing the contemnor for examination shall not preclude the plaintiff or contemnor from calling expert witnesses to testify at the trial. The expert witnesses shall have free access to the contemnor for the purposes of observation and examination during the period of his or her commitment to the Arkansas State Hospital for examination.

(d) The Arkansas State Hospital shall indicate separately the contemnor’s mental condition at the time of the alleged act of contempt. This report shall be certified by the director or his or her designee of the Arkansas State Hospital, under his or her seal, or by an affidavit duly subscribed and sworn to by him or her before a notary public who shall add his or her certificate and affix his or her seal thereto.

(e) It is the specific intent of this section only to affect those laws pertaining to mental health. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to repeal or modify the provisions of §§ 20-64-701 – 20-64-707. No other laws shall be affected in any manner, nor shall the inclusion of those laws within the mental health laws in any way repeal or affect those laws as they otherwise apply.

9-14-105. Support petitions

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

 

(a) The circuit courts in the several counties in this state shall have exclusive jurisdiction in all civil cases and matters relating to the support of a minor child or support owed to a person eighteen (18) or older that accrued during that person’s minority.

(b) The following may file a petition to require the parent or parents of a minor child to provide support for the minor child:

(1) Any parent having physical custody of a minor child;

(2) Any other person or agency to whom physical custody of a minor child has been given or relinquished;

(3) A minor child by and through his or her guardian or fictive kin; or

(4) The Office of Child Support Enforcement of the Revenue Division of the Department of Finance and Administration when a person to whom physical custody has been relinquished or awarded, parent, or putative father:

(A) Is receiving assistance under the Transitional Employment Assistance Program, Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or the Foster Care Program of Title IV-E of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 670 et seq.;

(B) Is receiving child support services under 45 C.F.R. § 302.33, as it existed on January 1, 2023; or

(C) Has contracted with the Department of Finance and Administration for child support services.

(c)(1) Any person eighteen (18) years of age or above to whom support was owed during his or her minority may file a petition for a judgment against the nonsupporting parent or parents.

(2) Upon hearing, a judgment may be entered upon proof by a preponderance of the evidence for the amount of support owed and unpaid for the last three (3) years prior to the petitioner reaching the age of majority.

(d) As used in this subchapter:

(1) “Minor child” means a child less than eighteen (18) years of age; and

(2) “Payor parent” means a parent with an obligation to pay support.

(e) Any action filed pursuant to this subchapter may be brought at any time up to and including five (5) years from the date the child reaches eighteen (18) years of age.

(f) This section shall apply to all actions pending as of March 29, 1991, and filed thereafter and shall retroactively apply to all child support orders now existing.

9-14-106. Parents--Amount of support--Definition--Retroactivity of initial order

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a)(1)(A) In determining a reasonable amount of support initially or upon review to be paid by a parent, the court shall refer to the most recent revision of the family support chart.

(B) It shall be a rebuttable presumption for the award of child support that the amount contained in the family support chart is the correct amount of child support to be awarded.

(C) Only upon a written finding that the application of the family support chart would be unjust or inappropriate as determined under established criteria set forth in the family support chart shall the presumption be rebutted.

(D)(i) The incarceration of a parent shall not be treated as voluntary unemployment for purposes of determining a reasonable amount of support either initially or upon review.

(ii) As used in subdivision (a)(1)(D)(i) of this section, “incarceration” means a conviction that results in a sentence of confinement to a local jail, state or federal correctional facility, or state psychiatric hospital for at least one hundred eighty (180) days, excluding credit for time served before sentencing.

(2)(A) The court may provide for a partial abatement or reduction of the stated child support amount for any period of extended visitation with the payor parent.

(B) The court shall consider whether an adjustment in child support is appropriate, giving consideration to the fixed obligations of the physical custodian or payee parent that are attributable to the minor child, to the increased costs of the payor parent associated with the minor child’s visit, and to the relative incomes of both parents.

(C) Abatement or reduction of the family support chart amount and justification of the abatement or reduction shall be clearly set forth in the written findings of the court.

(D)(i) The payor parent shall provide written notification within ten (10) days, when abatement or reduction of child support should occur due to extended visitation, to the clerk of the court responsible for receipt of the child support payment, the payor parent’s employer, if income withholding is in effect, and the Office of Child Support Enforcement of the Revenue Division of the Department of Finance and Administration when applicable.

(ii) It is the responsibility of the payor parent to notify the clerk of the court responsible for receipt of the child support payment, the payor parent’s employer, if income withholding is in effect, and the office, when applicable, when abatement or reduction should stop and payment of child support should resume.

(E) If the payor parent fails to exercise extended visitation periods, the child support shall not be abated or reduced.

(b) Subsequent to the finding by the court that the payor parent should be ordered to pay support for the minor child, the court shall follow the same procedure and requirements as set forth in the laws of this state applicable to child support orders and judgments entered by the circuit courts in cases involving separation or divorce of the parents of the minor child.

(c)(1) An initial support order for child support may be made retroactive for a period no earlier than three (3) years before the date that the petition, complaint, or other initial pleading was filed or from the birth of the child, if the child is less than three (3) years of age, except as otherwise provided under § 9-14-105 and as provided in subdivision (c)(2) of this section.

(2) If the parent ordered to pay support was not served with the petition, complaint, or other initial pleading under Rule 4 of the Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure and the court finds that the parent was not intentionally evading service, the child support order shall be effective no earlier than three (3) years before the date of service or from the birth of the child, if the child is less than three (3) years of age.

(3) As used in this section:

(A) “Initial support order” means the same as defined in § 9-14-236; and

(B) “Payor parent” means the same as defined in § 9-14-201.

9-14-107. Change in payor income warranting modification

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a)(1) A change in the gross income of the payor or payee parent in an amount equal to or more than twenty percent (20%) shall constitute a material change of circumstances sufficient to petition the court for modification of child support.

(2)(A)(i) Any time a court orders child support, the court shall order each parent to provide proof of income for the previous calendar year to:

(a)(1) The other parent or the physical custodian of the minor child.

(2) The court shall also order each parent to provide proof of income for a previous calendar year whenever requested in writing by certified mail by the other parent or physical custodian of the minor child, but not more than one (1) time a year; and

(b) The Office of Child Support Enforcement of the Revenue Division of the Department of Finance and Administration, when applicable.

(ii) Whenever a parent or the physical custodian of the minor child requests proof of income in writing, the parent receiving the request shall respond by certified mail within fifteen (15) days.

(B) If the parent receiving the request fails to provide proof of income as directed by the court or fails to respond to a written request for proof of income, the parent receiving the request may be subject to contempt of court.

(C) If a parent requesting information or the office has to petition the court to obtain the information, the parent requesting information or the office may be entitled to recover costs and a reasonable attorney’s fee.

(D) Once notified of a material change in circumstances sufficient to petition for modification and when applicable, the office shall file a motion within thirty (30) days for modification of child support.

(E)(i) All income information received by the office shall be used only as permitted and required by law.

(ii) All income information received by a parent or the physical custodian of the minor child shall be treated confidentially and used for child support purposes only.

(3)(A) The incarceration of a parent shall not be treated as voluntary unemployment for purposes of determining a reasonable amount of support either initially or upon review.

(B) As used in subdivision (a)(3)(A) of this section, “incarceration” means a conviction that results in a sentence of confinement to a local jail, state or federal correctional facility, or state psychiatric hospital for at least one hundred eighty (180) days, excluding credit for time served before sentencing.

(b) A change in a parent’s ability to provide health insurance may constitute a material change of circumstances sufficient to petition the court for modification of child support according to the family support chart.

(c)(1) The office shall, at least one (1) time every three (3) years, without regard to a material change of circumstances, review cases in its enforcement caseload in which there has been an assignment under Title IV-A of the Social Security Act1 or upon the request of either parent or the physical custodian of the minor child and petition for adjustment if appropriate.

(2) An inconsistency between the existing child support award and the amount of child support that results from application of the family support chart shall constitute a material change of circumstances sufficient to petition the court for modification of child support according to the family support chart after appropriate deductions unless:

(A) The inconsistency does not meet a reasonable quantitative standard established by the State of Arkansas in accordance with subsection (a) of this section;

(B) The inconsistency is due to the fact that the amount of the current child support award resulted from a rebuttal of the guideline amount and there has not been a change of circumstances that resulted in the rebuttal of the guideline amount; or

(C) The inconsistency is due solely to a revision of the family support chart.

(d) Any modification of a child support order shall be effective as of the date of service on the other party of the file-marked notice of a motion for increase or decrease in child support unless otherwise ordered by the court.(e) When a person is ordered by a court of record to pay for the support of his or her minor child, the court, at the time an order of support is made or any time thereafter, upon a showing of good cause, may order periodic drafts of his or her accounts at a financial institution to deduct moneys due or payable for child support in amounts the court may find to be necessary to comply with its order for the support of the minor child.

9-14-108. Transfer between local jurisdictions

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a)(1) The court where the final adjudication of child support is rendered shall retain jurisdiction of all matters following the entry of the decree.

(2)(A) If more than six (6) months subsequent to the final adjudication, however, each of the parties to the action has established a residence in a county of another judicial district within the state, one (1) or both of the parties may petition the court that entered the final adjudication to request that the case be transferred to another county.

(3)(A) The case shall not be transferred absent a showing that the best interest of the parties justifies the transfer.

(B) If a justification for transfer of the case has been made, there shall be an initial presumption for transfer of the case to the county of residence of the physical custodian of the child.

(b)(1) At the request of the person seeking to transfer the case to another judicial district, upon proper motion and affidavit, notice and payment of a refiling fee, the court shall enter an order transferring the case and the refiling fee and charging the clerk of the court to transmit forthwith certified copies of all records pertaining to the case to the clerk of court in the judicial district where the case is being transferred.

(2) An affidavit shall accompany the motion to transfer and recite that the parent or parents, the physical custodian, and the Office of Child Support Enforcement of the Revenue Division of the Department of Finance and Administration, as appropriate, have been notified in writing that a request has been made to transfer the case to another judicial district.

(3) Notification pursuant to this section must inform each recipient that any objection must be filed within twenty (20) days from the date of receipt of the affidavit and motion for transfer.

(c) The circuit clerk receiving a transferred case shall within fourteen (14) days of receipt set up a case file, docket the case, and afford the case full faith and credit as if the case had originated in that judicial district.

9-14-109. Automatic assignment of rights

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) By accepting public assistance for or on behalf of a dependent child, which public assistance is provided by the Department of Human Services under the Transitional Employment Assistance Program, i.e., Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, the recipient thereof shall be deemed to have assigned to the appropriate division of the Department of Human Services and the Office of Child Support Enforcement of the Revenue Division of the Department of Finance and Administration any rights to child support from any other person as the recipient may have:

(1) In his or her own behalf or on behalf of any other family member for whom the recipient is receiving such assistance; and

(2) Accrued at the time such assistance, or any portion thereof, is accepted, to the extent possible under federal law.

(b) The appropriate division of the Department of Human Services shall give notice in writing to each applicant for such assistance. The notice shall state that acceptance of the assistance will invoke the provisions of subsection (a) of this section and will result in an automatic assignment under subsection (a) of this section.

(c) When a child is placed in the custody of the Department of Human Services, any right to support from any person on behalf of the child shall be deemed to have been assigned to the appropriate division of the Department of Human Services and the office for the period of time that the child remains in the custody of the state.

9-14-110. Arkansas registry of child support orders

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) As used in this section, “child support order” means a judgment, decree, or order, whether temporary, final, or subject to modification, issued by a court or an administrative agency of competent jurisdiction, for the support and maintenance of a child, including a child who has attained the age of majority under the law of the issuing state, or a child and the parent with whom the child is living, that provides for monetary support, health care, arrearages, or reimbursement, and that may include related costs and fees, interest and penalties, income withholding, attorney’s fees, and other relief.

(b)(1)(A) Not later than October 1, 1998, the Office of Child Support Enforcement of the Revenue Division of the Department of Finance and Administration will establish and maintain an automated registry of child support orders, to be known as the “Arkansas Registry of Child Support Orders”.

(B) The registry will contain abstracts of child support orders and other information on each child support case in the state established or modified on or after October 1, 1998.

(C) The registry will further contain abstracts of all child support orders for cases in which services are being provided by the Office of Child Support Enforcement pursuant to Title IV-D of the Social Security Act. [FN1]

(2) Abstracts of child support orders and other information on each child support case will include information as required by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, as specified in federal regulations, including, but not limited to, names, social security numbers, or other uniform identification numbers, and case identification numbers that will identify individuals who owe or are owed child support or on whose behalf the establishment of support obligations is sought and the name of the county in which the case is filed.

(3)(A) Each child support case in the registry for which services are being provided under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act will include the amount of monthly or other periodic support owed under the order, and other amounts, including arrearages, interest, or late penalties and fees, that are due or overdue under the order, information on moneys collected and distributed on each case, the birthdate of any child for whom the order requires support, and the amount of any lien imposed with respect to the support order.

(B) Payment history information on Title IV-D child support cases maintained in the registry will be provided by the Office of Child Support Enforcement.

(c)(1) From time to time, as may be required, the Office of Child Support Enforcement will consult with the Administrative Office of the Courts to appropriately revise the statistical case data reporting system of the Administrative Office of the Courts in order to meet requirements of the registry.

(2) The Administrative Office of the Courts will advise all clerks of court or other court personnel responsible for completion of the case data reporting of any revised statistical reporting requirements.

(3) It is the specific intent of the General Assembly that the registry be established and maintained by modification to the case information reporting system currently administered through the Administrative Office of the Courts without imposing duplicate reporting requirements on the clerks of court.

(d)(1) The Office of Child Support Enforcement will have access to statistical case information compiled by the Administrative Office of the Courts for the purpose of administering the registry.

(2) The cost of development and maintenance of the registry will be the responsibility of the Office of Child Support Enforcement.

(3) The cost of collection, storing, and retrieval of data for the registry will be the responsibility of the Office of Child Support Enforcement.

Subchapter 2. Enforcement Generally

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

9-14-202. Remedies not considered exclusive

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

The remedies provided in this subchapter shall not be exclusive of other remedies presently existing.

9-14-206. Office of Child Support Enforcement

Updated: 
January 3, 2024
(a) There is established an organizational unit to be called the Office of Child Support Enforcement of the Revenue Division of the Department of Finance and Administration that shall administer the state plan for child support enforcement required under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act.
(b) The office is designated as the single public entity for the administration of income withholding of support payments in accordance with federal law.
(c)(1) The office is hereby designated as a law enforcement agency and may employ a child support officer in counties where the court grants at least two thousand five hundred (2,500) divorces each year to assist in the service of civil and criminal process and to enforce child support orders in this state.
(2) The officers shall be duly certified law enforcement officers pursuant to § 12-9-101 et seq. and shall have the same power to execute, serve, and return all lawful warrants including warrants of arrest issued by the State of Arkansas or any political subdivision thereof.
(d)(1)(A) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (c) of this section, in all counties in cases in which the sheriff has returned the service papers “non est”, the office may employ a child support officer or contract with a process server to assist in the service of civil and criminal process and to enforce child support orders in this state.
(B) A child support officer so employed shall be a duly certified law enforcement officer pursuant to § 12-9-101 et seq.
(2) Process servers contracting with the office or its agent shall be appointed by the circuit court pursuant to Rule 4 of the Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure or Rule 6.3 of the Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure.
(3) A child support officer or process server shall have authority to execute, serve, and return all lawful warrants of arrest issued by the State of Arkansas or any political subdivision thereof.
(4) In any county wherein the sheriff chooses to transfer the responsibility of service of process in Title IV-D child support cases to the office, the office or its agent may employ a child support officer or contract with a process server as set forth in this subsection.

9-14-237. Expiration of child support obligation

Updated: 
January 3, 2024
(a)(1) Unless a court order for child support specifically extends child support after these circumstances, a payor parent’s duty to pay child support for a child shall automatically terminate by operation of law:
(A) When the child reaches eighteen (18) years of age unless the child is still attending high school;
(B) If the child is still attending high school, upon the child’s high school graduation or the end of the school year after the child reaches nineteen (19) years of age, whichever is earlier;
(C) When the child:
(i) Is emancipated by a court of competent jurisdiction;
(ii) Marries; or
(iii) Dies;
(D) Upon the marriage of the parents of the child to each other; or
(E) Upon the entry of a final decree of adoption or an interlocutory decree of adoption that has become final under the Revised Uniform Adoption Act, § 9-9-201 et seq., and thereby relieves the payor parent of all parental rights and responsibilities.
(2) However, any unpaid child support obligations owed under a judgment or in arrearage pursuant to a child support order shall be satisfied pursuant to § 9-14-235.
(b)(1) If the payor parent has additional child support obligations after the duty to pay support for a child terminates, then either the payor parent, payee parent, physical custodian, or the Office of Child Support Enforcement of the Revenue Division of the Department of Finance and Administration, within thirty (30) days subsequent to the expiration of the ten-day period allowed for the notification as provided in subdivision (b)(5) of this section, may file a motion with a court of competent jurisdiction requesting that the court determine the amount of the child support obligation for the remaining children.
(2) The remaining obligations, subsequent to the expiration of the thirty-day period contained in subdivision (b)(1) of this section, shall be adjusted by operation of law to an amount to be determined by using the most recent version of the family support chart pursuant to § 9-12-312(a)(3) for any remaining children for whom an obligation for child support exists.
(3) If the most recent child support order either was entered before the adoption of revised Administrative Order No. 10 by the Supreme Court on April 2, 2020, and the remaining obligations cannot be adjusted by operation of law without both parents’ income, or the support amount, as indicated by the most recent child support order, deviated from the family support chart, then the issue of the amount of the payor parent’s child support obligation shall be decided by a court of competent jurisdiction.
(4)(A) In the event a review is requested, the court shall apply the family support chart for the remaining number of children from the date of the termination of the duty, subject to any changed circumstances, which shall be noted in writing by the court.
(B) Deviation from the family support chart shall be noted in the court order or on the record, as appropriate.
(5)(A) The payor parent shall provide written notification of the termination of the duty of support to the payee parent, the physical custodian, the clerk of the court responsible for receipt of the child support payments, the payor parent’s employer, if income withholding is in effect, and the office, if applicable, within ten (10) days of the termination of the duty of support.
(B) The payor parent shall enclose with the written notification of termination a copy of the most recent child support order.
(C) The notification shall state the name and age of each child for whom the obligation to pay child support has ceased and the name and age of children set out in prior terminations of child support made pursuant to this subsection.
(c) No statute of limitations shall apply to an action brought for the collection of a child support obligation of arrearage against any party who leaves or remains outside the State of Arkansas with the purpose to avoid the payment of child support.

9-14-239. Suspension of license for failure to pay child support

Updated: 
January 3, 2024
(a) As used in this section:
(1) “Department” means the Department of Finance and Administration or its duly authorized agents;
(2) “License” means an Arkansas driver’s license issued pursuant to the Motor Vehicle Driver’s License Act, § 27-16-101 et seq., and § 27-20-101 et seq., or an occupational, professional, or business license regulated under Title 17 of this Code and all other licenses regulated under Titles 2-6, 8, 9, 14, 15, 20, 22, 23, and 27 of this Code;
(3) “Office” means the Office of Child Support Enforcement of the Revenue Division of the Department of Finance and Administration;
(4) “Other licensing entity” means any other state agency, department, board, commission, municipality, or any entity within the State of Arkansas or the United States that issues or renews an occupational, professional, or business license regulated under Title 17 of this Code and all other licenses regulated under Titles 2-6, 8, 9, 14, 15, 20, 22, 23, and 27 of this Code; and
(5) “Permanent license plate” means the license plate, issued by the department, that by law must be affixed to every vehicle as defined by § 27-14-1002 and every motorized cycle as defined by § 27-20-101.
(b)(1)(A) Unless an obligor executes an installment agreement or makes other necessary and proper arrangements with the office, the office shall notify the department or other licensing entity to suspend the license or permanent license plate of the obligor whenever the office determines that one (1) of the following conditions exists:
(i) The obligor is delinquent on a court-ordered child support payment or an adjudicated arrearage in an amount equal to three (3) months’ obligation or more; or
(ii) The obligor is the subject of an outstanding failure to appear warrant, a body attachment, or a bench warrant related to a child support proceeding.
(B) Prior to the notification to suspend the license of the obligor, the office shall determine whether the obligor holds a license or permanent license plate with the department or other licensing entity.
(2)(A) The office shall notify the obligor that a request will be made to the department to suspend the license or permanent license plate sixty (60) days after the notification unless a hearing with the office is requested in writing within thirty (30) days to determine whether one (1) of the conditions of suspension does not exist.
(B) Notification shall be sufficient under this subdivision (b)(2) if mailed to the obligor at either the last known address provided to the court by the obligor pursuant to § 9-14-205 or to the address used by the obligor on the license or the application for a permanent license plate.
(c) Following a determination by the office under subdivision (b)(1) of this section, the office shall notify the department or other licensing entity to suspend the license or permanent license plate of the obligor.
(d)(1) The department or other licensing entity, upon receipt of the notification, shall immediately suspend the license or permanent license plate of the obligor.
(2) This suspension shall remain in effect until the department or other licensing entity is notified by the office to release the suspension.
(e)(1) If the obligor enters into an installment agreement or makes other necessary and proper arrangements with the office to pay child support, the office shall immediately notify the department or other licensing entity to restore the license or permanent license plate of the obligor.
(2) In the case of fraud or mistake, the office shall immediately notify the department or other licensing entity to restore the license or permanent license plate of the obligor, as appropriate.
(f) The office and the department are authorized to promulgate rules necessary to carry out this section in the interests of justice and equity.
(g) The office is authorized to seek an injunction in the circuit court of the county in which the child support order was entered, restraining the obligor from driving or from any licensed or permitted activity during the time the obligor’s license or permanent license plate is suspended.
(h)(1)(A) Any obligor whose license or permanent license plate has been suspended may appeal to the circuit court of the county in which the child support order was entered or transferred, within thirty (30) days after the effective date of the suspension, by filing a petition with a copy of the notice of the suspension attached, or with a copy of the final administrative hearing decision of the office, with the clerk of the circuit court and causing a summons to be served on the Administrator of the Office of Child Support Enforcement of the Revenue Division of the Department of Finance and Administration.
(B) For persons paying child support pursuant to § 9-17-501 or § 9-17-507, the foreign order shall be registered by the office pursuant to § 9-17-601 et seq.
(2) The case shall be tried de novo.
(3) The circuit judges are vested with jurisdiction to determine whether the petitioner is entitled to a license or permanent license plate or whether the decision of the hearing officer should be affirmed, modified, or reversed.
(i) Nothing provided in this section shall be interpreted to prohibit the circuit court from suspending a permanent license plate or a license through contempt proceedings resulting from the nonpayment of child support.

9-14-241. Referrals for criminal prosecution

Updated: 
January 3, 2024
(a) The Office of Child Support Enforcement of the Revenue Division of the Department of Finance and Administration shall refer to the prosecuting attorney of the appropriate judicial district for prosecution under § 5-26-401 and any other applicable criminal statute, all cases in which:
(1) The office has had enforcement responsibility for at least twelve (12) consecutive months;
(2) More than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) in child support is owed and remains unpaid; and
(3) Regular child support payments are not being received.
(b) A referral under subsection (a) of this section shall contain the following information:
(1) An affidavit signed by the custodian of the child receiving court-ordered child support payments stating:
(A) Whether or not anything of value has been received from the person obligated to make the child support payments in lieu of child support payments;
(B) Any known income sources of the person obligated to make the child support payments; and
(C) A request that the criminal offense of nonsupport be prosecuted;
(2) An affidavit from the office detailing the:
(A) Date the child support arrearage began to accrue;
(B) Name of each recipient and the amount of unpaid child support owed to each recipient; and
(C) Last known address of the person obligated to make the child support payments;
(3) A certified copy of the court order and any modifications of the court order mandating payment of child support;
(4) A certified copy of the payment history of the person obligated to make the child support payments; and
(5) A list of possible witnesses and known contact information.
(c) Within thirty (30) days of receiving a referral under this section, the prosecuting attorney will send the office a:
(1) Copy of the criminal information or arrest warrant if a decision to file charges has been made; or
(2) Notice of any deficiencies in the referral.
(d) Nothing in this section limits the ability of the office with respect to a case over which it has enforcement responsibility to:
(1) Refer the case for criminal prosecution if the elements of the crime of nonsupport under § 5-26-401 appear to be present; or
(2) Continue to pursue all available civil remedies in connection with the case.

Chapter 15. Domestic Abuse

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

Subchapter 1. General Provisions.

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

9-15-101. Purpose.

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

The purpose of this chapter is to provide an adequate mechanism whereby the State of Arkansas can protect the general health, welfare, and safety of its citizens by intervening when abuse of a member of a household by another member of a household occurs or is threatened to occur, thus preventing further violence. The General Assembly has assessed domestic abuse in Arkansas and believes that the relief contemplated under this chapter is injunctive, and therefore, equitable in nature. The General Assembly of the State of Arkansas hereby finds that this chapter is necessary to secure important governmental interests in the protection of victims of abuse and the prevention of further abuse through the removal of offenders from the household and other injunctive relief for which there is no adequate remedy in current law. The General Assembly hereby finds that this chapter shall meet a compelling societal need and is necessary to correct the acute and pervasive problem of violence and abuse within households in this state. The equitable nature of this remedy requires the legislature to place proceedings contemplated by this chapter under the jurisdiction of the chancery courts.

9-15-102. Title.

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as “The Domestic Abuse Act of 1991”.

9-15-103. Definitions

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

As used in this chapter:

(1) “County where the petitioner resides” means the county in which the petitioner physically resides at the time the petition is filed and may include a county where the petitioner is located for a short-term stay in a domestic violence shelter;

(2)(A) “Dating relationship” means a romantic or intimate social relationship between two (2) individuals that shall be determined by examining the following factors:

(i) The length of the relationship;

(ii) The type of the relationship; and

(iii) The frequency of interaction between the two (2) individuals involved in the relationship.

(B) “Dating relationship” shall not include a casual relationship or ordinary fraternization between two (2) individuals in a business or social context;

(3) “Domestic abuse” means:

(A) Physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or the infliction of fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury, or assault between family or household members; or

(B) Any sexual conduct between family or household members, whether minors or adults, that constitutes a crime under the laws of this state;

(4) “Family or household members” means spouses, former spouses, parents and children, persons related by blood within the fourth degree of consanguinity, in-laws, any children residing in the household, persons who presently or in the past have resided or cohabited together, persons who have or have had a child in common, and persons who are presently or in the past have been in a dating relationship together; and

(5) “In-laws” means persons related by marriage within the second degree of consanguinity.

(6) “Commercial mobile radio service” means commercial mobile service as defined in 47 U.S.C. § 332; and

(7) “Wireless telephone service provider” means a commercial mobile radio service provider or reseller.

Subchapter 2. Judicial Proceedings.

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

9-15-201. Petition - Requirements generally.

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) All petitions under this chapter shall be verified.

(b) The petition shall be filed in the county where the petitioner resides, where the alleged incident of abuse occurred, or where the respondent may be served.

(c)(1) A petition for relief under this chapter may be filed in the circuit court.

(2) A petition for relief under this chapter may be filed in a pilot district court if the jurisdiction is established by the Supreme Court under Amendment 80, Section 7 of the Arkansas Constitution and if the cases are assigned to the pilot district court through the Court Administrative Plan under the Arkansas Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 14.

(d) A petition may be filed by:

(1) Any adult family or household member on behalf of himself or herself;

(2) Any adult family or household member on behalf of another family or household member who is a minor, including a married minor;

(3) Any adult family or household member on behalf of another family or household member who has been adjudicated an incompetent; or

(4) An employee or volunteer of a domestic-violence shelter or program on behalf of a minor, including a married minor.

(e)(1) A petition for relief shall:

(A) Allege the existence of domestic abuse;

(B) Disclose the existence of any pending litigation between the parties; and

(C) Disclose any prior filings of a petition for an order of protection under this chapter.

(2) The petition shall be accompanied by an affidavit made under oath that states the specific facts and circumstances of the domestic abuse and the specific relief sought.

(f) The petition may be filed regardless of whether there is any pending litigation between the parties.

(g) A person’s right to file a petition, or obtain relief hereunder shall not be affected by his or her leaving the residence or household to avoid abuse.

9-15-202. Filing fees

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a)(1) The court, clerks of the court, and law enforcement agencies shall not require any initial filing fees or service costs.

(2) A claim or counterclaim for other relief, including without limitation divorce, annulment, separate maintenance, or paternity shall not be asserted in an action brought under this subchapter except to the extent permitted in this subchapter.

(b)(1) Established filing fees may be assessed against the respondent at the full hearing.

(2) Filing fees under this section shall be collected by the county official, agency, or department designated under § 16-13-709 as primarily responsible for the collection of fines assessed in circuit court and shall be remitted on or before the tenth day of each month to the office of county treasurer for deposit to the county administration of justice fund.

(3) The county shall remit on or before the fifteenth day of each month all sums received in excess of the amounts necessary to fund the expenses enumerated in § 16-10-307(b) and (c) during the previous month from the uniform filing fees provided for in § 21-6-403, the uniform court costs provided for in § 16-10-305, and the fees provided for in this section to the Administration of Justice Funds Section of the Office of Administrative Services of the Department of Finance and Administration for deposit into the State Administration of Justice Fund.

(c)(1) The abused in a domestic violence petition for relief for a protection order sought under this subchapter shall not bear the cost associated with its filing or the costs associated with the issuance or service of a warrant and witness subpoena.

(2) This subsection does not prohibit a judge from assessing costs against a petitioner if the allegations of abuse are determined after a hearing to be false.

(d)(1) An additional court cost of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) shall be assessed and remitted to the Administration of Justice Funds Section within the Department of Finance and Administration by the court clerk for deposit as special revenues into the Domestic Violence Shelter Fund if a person is a convicted perpetrator of domestic abuse or is the respondent on a permanent order of protection entered by a court under the Domestic Abuse Act of 1991, § 9-15-101 et seq.

(2) The court clerk shall disburse all court costs collected each month under subdivision (d)(1) of this section to the Administration of Justice Funds Section by the fifteenth working day of the following month.

9-15-203. Petition - Form.

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) The circuit clerk shall provide simplified forms and clerical assistance to help petitioners with the writing and filing of a petition under this chapter if the petitioner is not represented by counsel.

(b) The petition form shall not require or suggest that a petitioner include his or her social security number or the social security number of the respondent in the petition.

(c)(1)(A) A petitioner may omit his or her home address or business address from all documents filed with the court.

(B) If a petitioner omits his or her home address, the petitioner shall provide the court with a mailing address.

(2) If disclosure of a petitioner’s home address is necessary to determine jurisdiction or consider venue, the court may order the disclosure of the petitioner’s home address:

(A) After receiving the petitioner’s consent;

(B) Orally and in chambers, out of the presence of the respondent, and a sealed record to be made; or

(C) After a hearing, if the court takes into consideration the safety of the petitioner and finds the disclosure in the interest of justice.

9-15-204. Hearing - Service.

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a)(1) When a petition for an order of protection is filed pursuant to this chapter, the court shall order a hearing to be held on the petition for the order of protection not later than thirty (30) days from the date on which the petition for an order of protection is filed or at the next court date, whichever is later.

(2) A denial of an ex parte temporary order of relief does not deny the petitioner the right to a full hearing on the merits.

(b)(1) Service of a copy of the petition, the ex parte temporary order of protection, if issued, and notice of the date and place set for the hearing described in subdivision (a)(1) of this section shall be made upon the respondent:

(A) At least five (5) days before the date of the hearing; and

(B) In accordance with the applicable rules of service under the Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure.

(2) If service cannot be made on the respondent, the court may set a new date for the hearing.

(c) This section does not preclude the court from setting an earlier hearing.

9-15-205. Relief generally - Duration.

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) At the hearing on the petition filed under this chapter, upon a finding of domestic abuse as defined in § 9-15-103, the court may provide the following relief:

(1) Exclude the abusing party from the dwelling that the parties share or from the residence of the petitioner or victim;

(2) Exclude the abusing party from the place of business or employment, school, or other location of the petitioner or victim;

(3)(A) Award temporary custody or establish temporary visitation rights with regard to minor children of the parties.

(B)(i) If a previous child custody or visitation determination has been made by another court with continuing jurisdiction with regard to the minor children of the parties, a temporary child custody or visitation determination may be made under subdivision (a)(3)(A) of this section.

(ii) The order shall remain in effect until the court with original jurisdiction enters a subsequent order regarding the children;

(4) Order temporary support for minor children or a spouse, with such support to be enforced in the manner prescribed by law for other child support and alimony awards;

(5) Allow the prevailing party a reasonable attorney’s fee as part of the costs;

(6) Prohibit the abusing party directly or through an agent from contacting the petitioner or victim except under specific conditions named in the order;

(7) Direct the care, custody, or control of any pet owned, possessed, leased, kept, or held by either party residing in the household; and

(8)(A) Order other relief as the court deems necessary or appropriate for the protection of a family or household member.

(B) The relief may include, but not be limited to, enjoining and restraining the abusing party from doing, attempting to do, or threatening to do any act injuring, mistreating, molesting, or harassing the petitioner.

(b) Any relief granted by the court for protection under the provisions of this chapter shall be for a fixed period of time not less than ninety (90) days nor more than ten (10) years in duration, in the discretion of the court, and may be renewed at a subsequent hearing upon proof and a finding by the court that the threat of domestic abuse still exists.

9-15-206. Temporary order.

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) When a petition for an order of protection under this chapter alleges an immediate and present danger of domestic abuse or that the respondent is scheduled to be released from incarceration within thirty (30) days and upon the respondent’s release there will be an immediate and present danger of domestic abuse, the court shall grant a temporary order of protection pending a full hearing if the court finds sufficient evidence to support the petition.

(b) An ex parte temporary order of protection may:

(1) Include any of the orders provided in §§ 9-15-203 and 9-15-205; and

(2) Provide the following relief:

(A) Exclude the abusing party from the dwelling that the parties share or from the residence of the petitioner or victim;

(B) Exclude the abusing party from the place of business or employment, school, or other location of the petitioner or victim;

(C) Award temporary custody or establish temporary visitation rights with regard to minor children of the parties;

(D) Order temporary support for minor children or a spouse, with such support to be enforced in the manner prescribed by law for other child support and alimony awards;

(E) Prohibit the abusing party directly or through an agent from contacting the petitioner or victim except under specific conditions named in the order; and

(F)(i) Order such other relief as the court considers necessary or appropriate for the protection of a family or household member.

(ii) The relief may include without limitation enjoining and restraining the abusing party from doing, attempting to do, or threatening to do an act injuring, mistreating, molesting, or harassing the petitioner.

(c) An ex parte temporary order of protection is effective until the date of the hearing described in § 9-15-204.

(d) Incarceration or imprisonment of the abusing party shall not bar the court from issuing an ex parte temporary order of protection.

9-15-207. Protection order - Enforcement - Penalties - Criminal jurisdiction.

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) Any order of protection granted under this chapter is enforceable by a law enforcement agency with proper jurisdiction.

(b) An order of protection shall include a notice to the respondent or party restrained that:

(1) A violation of the order of protection is a Class A misdemeanor carrying a maximum penalty of one (1) year’s imprisonment in the county jail or a fine of up to one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both;

(2) A violation of an order of protection under this section within five (5) years of a previous conviction for violation of an order of protection is a Class D felony;

(3) It is unlawful for an individual who is subject to an order of protection or convicted of a misdemeanor of domestic violence to ship, transport, or possess a firearm or ammunition under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(8) and (9) as it existed on January 1, 2019;

(4) A conviction of violation of an order of protection under this section within five (5) years of a previous conviction for violation of an order of protection is a Class D felony;

(5) A person who is a respondent or an enjoined party is restrained from harassing, stalking, or threatening a person named in an order of protection as a family or household member, a child of the family or household member, or a child of the respondent or enjoined party; and

(6) A person who is a respondent or an enjoined party is restrained from engaging in other conduct that would place a person named in an order of protection as a family or household member, a child of the family or household member, or a child of the respondent or enjoined party in reasonable fear of bodily injury.

(c) For respondents eighteen (18) years of age or older or emancipated minors, jurisdiction for the criminal offense of violating the terms of an order of protection is with the circuit court or other courts having jurisdiction over criminal matters.

(d)(1) In the final order of protection, the petitioner’s home or business address may be excluded from notice to the respondent.

(2) A court shall also order that the petitioner’s copy of the order of protection be excluded from any address where the respondent happens to reside.

(e) A law enforcement officer shall not arrest a petitioner for the violation of an order of protection issued against a respondent.

(f) When a law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe that a respondent has violated an order of protection and has been presented verification of the existence of the order of protection, the officer may arrest the respondent without a warrant whether or not the violation occurred in the presence of the officer if the order of protection was obtained according to this chapter and the Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure.

(g) An order of protection issued by a court of competent jurisdiction in any county of this state is enforceable in every county of this state by any court or law enforcement officer.

(h) An order of protection shall include either:

(1) A finding that the respondent presents a credible threat to the physical safety of a person named in an order of protection as a family or household member, a child of the family or household member, or a child of the respondent or enjoined party; or

(2) An explicit prohibition against the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against the person named in the order of protection as a family or household member, a child of the family or household member, or a child of the respondent or enjoined party which would reasonably be expected to cause bodily injury.

9-15-208. Law enforcement assistance

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) When an order of protection is issued under this chapter, upon request of the petitioner the circuit court may order a law enforcement officer with jurisdiction to accompany the petitioner and assist in placing the petitioner in possession of the dwelling or residence or to otherwise assist in execution or service of the order of protection.

(b) The court may also order a law enforcement officer to assist the petitioner in returning to the residence and getting personal effects.

9-15-209. Modification of orders.

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

Any order of protection issued by the court pursuant to a petition filed as authorized herein may be modified upon application of either party, notice to all parties, and a hearing thereon.

9-15-210. Contempt proceedings.

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

When a petitioner or any law enforcement officer files an affidavit with a court which has issued an order of protection under the provisions of this chapter alleging that the respondent or person restrained has violated the order, the court may issue an order to the respondent or person restrained requiring that person to appear and show cause why he should not be found in contempt.

9-15-211. Jurisdiction generally.

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

If any provision of this chapter granting jurisdiction in the chancery court is held invalid or if, for some reason the chancery court cannot exercise jurisdiction under this chapter, then pursuant to Arkansas Constitution, Article 7, § 11, the circuit court shall have jurisdiction over such matters.

9-15-212. Effect of no contact order.

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

A no contact order shall prohibit the person from making contact, directly or through an agent, except under such conditions as may be provided in the order.

9-15-213. Police conduct and procedure.

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

All law enforcement officers shall follow the same procedures as outlined in § 16-90-1107.

9-15-214. Denial of relief prohibited.

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

The court shall not deny a petitioner relief solely because the act of domestic or family violence and the filing of the petition did not occur within one hundred twenty (120) days.

9-15-215. Factors in determining custody and visitation.

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) In addition to other factors that a court shall consider in a proceeding in which the temporary custody of a child or temporary visitation by a parent is at issue and in which the court has made a finding of domestic or family violence, the court shall consider:
(1) As primary the safety and well-being of the child and of the parent who is the plaintiff of domestic or family violence; and
(2) The defendant’s history of causing physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or causing reasonable fear of physical harm, bodily injury, or assault to another person.
(b) If a parent is absent or relocates because of an act of domestic or family violence by the other parent, the absence or relocation is not a factor that weighs against the parent in determining custody or visitation.
(c) There shall be a rebuttable presumption that it is not in the best interest of the child to be placed in the custody of an abusive parent in cases where there is a finding, by a preponderance of the evidence, that a pattern of abuse has occurred.

9-15-216. Mutual orders of protection - Separate orders of protection.

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a court shall not grant a mutual order of protection to opposing parties.
(b) Separate orders of protection restraining each opposing party may only be granted in cases where each party:
(1) Has properly filed and served a petition for a protection order;
(2) Has committed domestic abuse as defined in § 9-15-103;
(3) Poses a risk of violence to the other; and
(4) Has otherwise satisfied all prerequisites for the type of order and remedies sought.

9-15-218. Commercial mobile radio service accounts--Transfer order

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) Commencing July 1, 2017, at an initial or subsequent hearing on a petition filed under this subchapter, to ensure that the petitioner may maintain his or her existing wireless telephone number and the wireless numbers of minor children in the petitioner’s care, the court may issue an order directing a wireless telephone service provider to transfer the billing responsibility for and rights to the wireless telephone number or numbers to the petitioner if the petitioner:

(1) Is not the account holder; and

(2) Proves by a preponderance of the evidence that the petitioner and any minor children in the petitioner’s care are the primary users of the wireless telephone numbers that will be ordered transferred by a court under this subsection.

(b)(1) An order transferring the billing responsibility for and rights to the wireless telephone number or numbers to a petitioner under subsection (a) of this section shall be a separate order that is directed to the wireless telephone service provider.

(2) The order shall list:

(A) The name and billing telephone number of the account holder;

(B) The name and contact information of the petitioner to whom the telephone number or numbers will be transferred; and

(C) Each telephone number to be transferred to the petitioner.

(3) The court shall ensure that the petitioner’s contact information is not provided to the account holder in proceedings held under this subchapter.

(4) The order shall be served on the wireless telephone service provider’s agent for service of process listed with the Secretary of State.

(5) The wireless service provider shall notify the requesting party if the wireless telephone service provider cannot operationally or technically effectuate the order due to certain circumstances, including when:

(A) The account holder has already terminated the account;

(B) Differences in network technology prevent the functionality of a device on the network; or

(C) There are geographic or other limitations on network or service availability.

(c)(1) Upon a wireless telephone service provider’s transfer of billing responsibility for and rights to a wireless telephone number or numbers to a petitioner under subsection (b) of this section, the petitioner shall assume:

(A) Financial responsibility for the transferred wireless telephone number or numbers;

(B) Monthly service costs; and

(C) Costs for any mobile device associated with the wireless telephone number or numbers.

(2) A transfer ordered under subdivision (c)(1) of this section does not preclude a wireless telephone service provider from applying any routine and customary requirements for account establishment to the petitioner as part of the transfer of billing responsibility for a wireless telephone number or numbers and any devices attached to that number or numbers, including without limitation identification, financial information, and customer preferences.

(d) This section does not affect the ability of the court to apportion the assets and debts of the parties, or the ability to determine the temporary use, possession, and control of personal property under § 9-12-301 et seq.

(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, a wireless telephone service provider, or an officer, employee, assign, or agent of the wireless telephone service provider is not civilly liable for action taken in compliance with an order issued under this subchapter or for a failure to process an order issued under this subchapter.

Subchapter 3. Orders of Protection from Other Jurisdictions

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

9-15-302. Full faith and credit

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(1) Meets the requirements of subsection (b) or subsection (c) of this section and is issued by a court of another state, a federally recognized Indian tribe, or a territory; or

(2) Is a military order of protection as defined under § 5-53-134(f)(1).

(b) An order of protection issued by a court of another state, a federally recognized Indian tribe, or a territory meets the requirements of this section if:

(1) The court had jurisdiction over the parties and matters under the laws of the other state, the federally recognized Indian tribe, or the territory; and

(2)(A) Reasonable notice and opportunity to be heard was given to the person against whom the order was sought sufficient to protect that person’s right to due process.

(B) In the case of ex parte orders, notice and opportunity to be heard must be provided within the time required by the laws or rules of the other state, the federally recognized Indian tribe, or the territory and, in any event, within a reasonable time after the order is issued sufficient to protect the due process rights of the party against whom the order is enforced.

(c) An order of protection issued against both the petitioner and the respondent by a court of another state, a federally recognized Indian tribe, or a territory shall not be enforceable against the petitioner unless:

(1) The respondent filed a cross or counter petition, complaint, or other written pleading seeking an order of protection;

(2) The issuing court made specific findings against both the petitioner and the respondent; and

(3) The issuing court determined that each party was entitled to an order.

(d)(1) A person seeking recognition and enforcement of an out-of-state order of protection under this section may present a copy of the order of protection to the local law enforcement office in the city or county where enforcement of the order may be necessary.

(2) After receiving a copy of the order of protection, the local law enforcement office shall enter the order into the Arkansas Crime Information Center’s protection order registry file.

(3) There shall be no fee for entering the out-of-state order of protection.

(4) The law enforcement office shall not notify the party against whom the order has been issued that an out-of-state order of protection has been entered in this state.

(5) Entry of the out-of-state order of protection into the center’s protection order registry file shall not be required for enforcement of the order of protection in this state.

(e)(1)(A) When enforcing an out-of-state order of protection, a law enforcement officer shall determine if there is probable cause to believe that an out-of-state order of protection exists.

(B) A law enforcement officer may rely upon:

(i) An out-of-state order of protection that has been provided to the officer by any source; or

(ii)(a) The statement of any person protected by an out-of-state order of protection that the order exists; and

(b) Verification by the clerk of the court of the other state, the federally recognized Indian tribe, or the territory in writing, by telephone, or by facsimile transmission or other electronic transmission.

(2)(A) When enforcing an out-of-state order of protection, a law enforcement officer shall determine if there is probable cause to believe that the terms of the order have been violated.

(B) The law enforcement officer may rely upon:

(i) Any events he or she witnessed;

(ii) The statement of any person who claims to be a witness; or

(iii) Any other evidence.

(3) A law enforcement officer shall not refuse to enforce the terms of the order of protection on the grounds that the order has not been filed with the local law enforcement office or entered into the center’s protection order registry file unless the law enforcement officer has a reasonable belief that the order is not authentic on its face.

9-15-303. Immunity from liability.

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) Law enforcement officers and law enforcement agencies shall be immune from civil or criminal liability if acting in good faith in an effort to comply with this subchapter.

(b) A military order of protection as defined under § 5-53-134(f)(1) shall be enforced by law enforcement of this state according to the provisions of § 9-15-101 et seq.

Chapter 19. Uniform Child-Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (1997)

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

Subchapter 1. General Provisions

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

9-19-101. Short title

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

This chapter may be cited as the Uniform Child-Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act.

9-19-102. Definitions

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

In this chapter:

(1) “Abandoned” means left without provision for reasonable and necessary care or supervision.

(2) “Child” means an individual who has not attained eighteen (18) years of age.

(3) “Child-custody determination” means a judgment, decree, or other order of a court providing for the legal custody, physical custody, or visitation with respect to a child. The term includes a permanent, temporary, initial, and modification order. The term does not include an order relating to child support or other monetary obligation of an individual.

(4) “Child-custody proceeding” means a proceeding in which legal custody, physical custody, or visitation with respect to a child is an issue. The term includes a proceeding for divorce, separation, neglect, abuse, dependency, guardianship, paternity, termination of parental rights, and protection from domestic violence, in which the issue may appear. The term does not include a proceeding involving juvenile delinquency, contractual emancipation, or enforcement under subchapter 3 of this chapter.

(5) “Commencement” means the filing of the first pleading in a proceeding.

(6) “Court” means an entity authorized under the law of a state to establish, enforce, or modify a child-custody determination.

(7) “Home state” means the state in which a child lived with a parent or a person acting as a parent for at least six (6) consecutive months immediately before the commencement of a child-custody proceeding. In the case of a child less than six (6) months of age, the term means the state in which the child lived from birth with any of the persons mentioned. A period of temporary absence of any of the mentioned persons is part of the period.

(8) “Initial determination” means the first child-custody determination concerning a particular child.

(9) “Issuing court” means the court that makes a child-custody determination for which enforcement is sought under this chapter.

(10) “Issuing state” means the state in which a child-custody determination is made.

(11) “Modification” means a child-custody determination that changes, replaces, supersedes, or is otherwise made after a previous determination concerning the same child, whether or not it is made by the court that made the previous determination.

(12) “Person” means an individual, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture, government; governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality; public corporation; or any other legal or commercial entity.

(13) “Person acting as a parent” means a person, other than a parent, who:

(A) has physical custody of the child or has had physical custody for a period of six (6) consecutive months, including any temporary absence, within one (1) year immediately before the commencement of a child-custody proceeding; and

(B) has been awarded legal custody by a court or claims a right to legal custody under the law of this state.

(14) “Physical custody” means the physical care and supervision of a child.

(15) “State” means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.

(16) “Tribe” means an Indian tribe or band, or Alaskan Native village, which is recognized by federal law or formally acknowledged by a state.

(17) “Warrant” means an order issued by a court authorizing law enforcement officers to take physical custody of a child.

9-19-103. Proceedings governed by other law

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

This chapter does not govern an adoption proceeding or a proceeding pertaining to the authorization of emergency medical care for a child.

9-19-104. Application to Indian tribes

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A child-custody proceeding that pertains to an Indian child as defined in the Indian Child Welfare Act, 25 U.S.C. § 1901 et seq., is not subject to this chapter to the extent that it is governed by the Indian Child Welfare Act.

(b) A court of this state shall treat a tribe as if it were a state of the United States for the purpose of applying subchapters 1 and 2 of this chapter.

(c) A child-custody determination made by a tribe under factual circumstances in substantial conformity with the jurisdictional standards of this chapter must be recognized and enforced under subchapter 3 of this chapter.

9-19-105. International application of act

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A court of this state shall treat a foreign country as if it were a state of the United States for the purpose of applying subchapters 1 and 2 of this chapter.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c) of this section, a child-custody determination made in a foreign country under factual circumstances in substantial conformity with the jurisdictional standards of this chapter must be recognized and enforced under subchapter 3 of this chapter.

(c) A court of this state need not apply this chapter if the child custody law of a foreign country violates fundamental principles of human rights.

9-19-106. Effect of child-custody determination

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

A child-custody determination made by a court of this state that had jurisdiction under this chapter binds all persons who have been served in accordance with the laws of this state or notified in accordance with § 9-19-108 or who have submitted to the jurisdiction of the court, and who have been given an opportunity to be heard. As to those persons, the determination is conclusive as to all decided issues of law and fact except to the extent the determination is modified.

9-19-107. Priority

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

If a question of existence or exercise of jurisdiction under this chapter is raised in a child-custody proceeding, the question, upon request of a party, must be given priority on the calendar and handled expeditiously.

9-19-108. Notice to persons outside state

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) Notice required for the exercise of jurisdiction when a person is outside this state may be given in a manner prescribed by the law of this state for service of process or by the law of the state in which the service is made. Notice must be given in a manner reasonably calculated to give actual notice but may be by publication if other means are not effective.

(b) Proof of service may be made in the manner prescribed by the law of this state or by the law of the state in which the service is made.

(c) Notice is not required for the exercise of jurisdiction with respect to a person who submits to the jurisdiction of the court.

9-19-109. Appearance and limited immunity

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A party to a child-custody proceeding, including a modification proceeding, or a petitioner or respondent in a proceeding to enforce or register a child-custody determination, is not subject to personal jurisdiction in this state for another proceeding or purpose solely by reason of having participated, or of having been physically present for the purpose of participating, in the proceeding.

(b) A person who is subject to personal jurisdiction in this state on a basis other than physical presence is not immune from service of process in this state. A party present in this state who is subject to the jurisdiction of another state is not immune from service of process allowable under the laws of that state.

(c) The immunity granted by subsection (a) of this section does not extend to civil litigation based on acts unrelated to the participation in a proceeding under this chapter committed by an individual while present in this state.

9-19-110. Communication between courts

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A court of this state may communicate with a court in another state concerning a proceeding arising under this chapter.

(b) The court may allow the parties to participate in the communication. If the parties are not able to participate in the communication, they must be given the opportunity to present facts and legal arguments before a decision on jurisdiction is made.

(c) Communication between courts on schedules, calendars, court records, and similar matters may occur without informing the parties. A record need not be made of the communication.

(d) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c) of this section, a record must be made of a communication under this section. The parties must be informed promptly of the communication and granted access to the record.

(e) For the purposes of this section, “record” means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.

9-19-111. Taking testimony in another state

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) In addition to other procedures available to a party, a party to a child-custody proceeding may offer testimony of witnesses who are located in another state, including testimony of the parties and the child, by deposition or other means allowable in this state for testimony taken in another state. The court on its own motion may order that the testimony of a person be taken in another state and may prescribe the manner in which and the terms upon which the testimony is taken.

(b) A court of this state may permit an individual residing in another state to be deposed or to testify by telephone, audiovisual means, or other electronic means before a designated court or at another location in that state. A court of this state shall cooperate with courts of other states in designating an appropriate location for the deposition or testimony.

(c) Documentary evidence transmitted from another state to a court of this state by technological means that do not produce an original writing may not be excluded from evidence on an objection based on the means of transmission.

9-19-112. Cooperation between courts; preservation of records

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A court of this state may request the appropriate court of another state to:

(1) hold an evidentiary hearing;

(2) order a person to produce or give evidence pursuant to procedures of that state;

(3) order that an evaluation be made with respect to the custody of a child involved in a pending proceeding;

(4) forward to the court of this state a certified copy of the transcript of the record of the hearing, the evidence otherwise presented, and any evaluation prepared in compliance with the request; and

(5) order a party to a child-custody proceeding or any person having physical custody of the child to appear in the proceeding with or without the child.

(b) Upon request of a court of another state, a court of this state may hold a hearing or enter an order described in subsection (a) of this section.

(c) Travel and other necessary and reasonable expenses incurred under subsections (a) and (b) of this section may be assessed against the parties according to the law of this state.

(d) A court of this state shall preserve the pleadings, orders, decrees, records of hearings, evaluations, and other pertinent records with respect to a child-custody proceeding until the child attains eighteen (18) years of age. Upon appropriate request by a court or law enforcement official of another state, the court shall forward a certified copy of those records.

Subchapter 2. Jurisdiction

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

9-19-201. Initial child-custody jurisdiction

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) Except as otherwise provided in § 9-19-204, a court of this state has jurisdiction to make an initial child-custody determination only if:

(1) this state is the home state of the child on the date of the commencement of the proceeding, or was the home state of the child within six (6) months before the commencement of the proceeding and the child is absent from this state but a parent or person acting as a parent continues to live in this state;

(2) a court of another state does not have jurisdiction under subdivision (a)(1) of this section, or a court of the home state of the child has declined to exercise jurisdiction on the ground that this state is the more appropriate forum under § 9-19-207 or § 9-19-208, and:

(A) the child and the child’s parents, or the child and at least one (1) parent or a person acting as a parent, have a significant connection with this state other than mere physical presence; and

(B) substantial evidence is available in this state concerning the child’s care, protection, training, and personal relationships;

(3) all courts having jurisdiction under subdivision (a)(1) or (2) of this section have declined to exercise jurisdiction on the ground that a court of this state is the more appropriate forum to determine the custody of the child under § 9-19-207 or § 9-19-208; or

(4) no court of any other state would have jurisdiction under the criteria specified in subdivision (a)(1), (2), or (3) of this section.

(b) Subsection (a) of this section is the exclusive jurisdictional basis for making a child-custody determination by a court of this state.

(c) Physical presence of, or personal jurisdiction over, a party or a child is not necessary or sufficient to make a child-custody determination.

9-19-202. Exclusive, continuing jurisdiction

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) Except as otherwise provided in § 9-19-204, a court of this state which has made a child-custody determination consistent with § 9-19-201 or § 9-19-203 has exclusive, continuing jurisdiction over the determination until:

(1) a court of this state determines that neither the child, nor the child and one (1) parent, nor the child and a person acting as a parent have a significant connection with this state and that substantial evidence is no longer available in this state concerning the child’s care, protection, training, and personal relationships; or

(2) a court of this state or a court of another state determines that the child, the child’s parents, and any person acting as a parent do not presently reside in this state.

(b) A court of this state which has made a child-custody determination and does not have exclusive, continuing jurisdiction under this section may modify that determination only if it has jurisdiction to make an initial determination under § 9-19-201.

9-19-203. Jurisdiction to modify determination

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

Except as otherwise provided in § 9-19-204, a court of this state may not modify a child-custody determination made by a court of another state unless a court of this state has jurisdiction to make an initial determination under § 9-19-201(a)(1) or (2) and:

(1) the court of the other state determines it no longer has exclusive, continuing jurisdiction under § 9-19-202 or that a court of this state would be a more convenient forum under § 9-19-207; or

(2) a court of this state or a court of the other state determines that the child, the child’s parents, and any person acting as a parent do not presently reside in the other state.

9-19-204. Temporary emergency jurisdiction

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A court of this state has temporary emergency jurisdiction if the child is present in this state and the child has been abandoned or it is necessary in an emergency to protect the child because the child, or a sibling or parent of the child, is subjected to or threatened with mistreatment or abuse.

(b) If there is no previous child-custody determination that is entitled to be enforced under this chapter, and a child-custody proceeding has not been commenced in a court of a state having jurisdiction under §§ 9-19-201 – 9-19-203, a child-custody determination made under this section remains in effect until an order is obtained from a court of a state having jurisdiction under §§ 9-19-201 – 9-19-203. If a child-custody proceeding has not been or is not commenced in a court of a state having jurisdiction under §§ 9-19-201 – 9-19-203, a child-custody determination made under this section becomes a final determination, if it so provides and this state becomes the home state of the child.

(c) If there is a previous child-custody determination that is entitled to be enforced under this chapter, or a child-custody proceeding has been commenced in a court of a state having jurisdiction under §§ 9-19-201 – 9-19-203, any order issued by a court of this state under this section must specify in the order a period that the court considers adequate to allow the person seeking an order to obtain an order from the state having jurisdiction under §§ 9-19-201 – 9-19-203. The order issued in this state remains in effect until an order is obtained from the other state within the period specified or the period expires.

(d) A court of this state which has been asked to make a child-custody determination under this section, upon being informed that a child-custody proceeding has been commenced in, or a child-custody determination has been made by, a court of a state having jurisdiction under §§ 9-19-201 – 9-19-203, shall immediately communicate with the other court. A court of this state which is exercising jurisdiction pursuant to §§ 9-19-201 – 9-19-203, upon being informed that a child-custody proceeding has been commenced in, or a child-custody determination has been made by, a court of another state under a statute similar to this section shall immediately communicate with the court of that state to resolve the emergency, protect the safety of the parties and the child, and determine a period for the duration of the temporary order.

9-19-205. Notice; opportunity to be heard; joinder

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) Before a child-custody determination is made under this chapter, notice and an opportunity to be heard in accordance with the standards of § 9-19-108 must be given to all persons entitled to notice under the law of this state as in child-custody proceedings between residents of this state, any parent whose parental rights have not been previously terminated, and any person having physical custody of the child.

(b) This chapter does not govern the enforceability of a child-custody determination made without notice or an opportunity to be heard.

(c) The obligation to join a party and the right to intervene as a party in a child-custody proceeding under this chapter are governed by the law of this state as in child-custody proceedings between residents of this state.

9-19-206. Simultaneous proceedings

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) Except as otherwise provided in § 9-19-204, a court of this state may not exercise its jurisdiction under this subchapter if, at the time of the commencement of the proceeding, a proceeding concerning the custody of the child has been commenced in a court of another state having jurisdiction substantially in conformity with this chapter, unless the proceeding has been terminated or is stayed by the court of the other state because a court of this state is a more convenient forum under § 9-19-207.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in § 9-19-204, a court of this state, before hearing a child-custody proceeding, shall examine the court documents and other information supplied by the parties pursuant to § 9-19-209. If the court determines that a child-custody proceeding has been commenced in a court in another state having jurisdiction substantially in accordance with this chapter, the court of this state shall stay its proceeding and communicate with the court of the other state. If the court of the state having jurisdiction substantially in accordance with this chapter does not determine that the court of this state is a more appropriate forum, the court of this state shall dismiss the proceeding.

(c) In a proceeding to modify a child-custody determination, a court of this state shall determine whether a proceeding to enforce the determination has been commenced in another state. If a proceeding to enforce a child-custody determination has been commenced in another state, the court may:

(1) stay the proceeding for modification pending the entry of an order of a court of the other state enforcing, staying, denying, or dismissing the proceeding for enforcement;

(2) enjoin the parties from continuing with the proceeding for enforcement; or

(3) proceed with the modification under conditions it considers appropriate.

9-19-207. Inconvenient forum

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A court of this state which has jurisdiction under this chapter to make a child-custody determination may decline to exercise its jurisdiction at any time if it determines that it is an inconvenient forum under the circumstances and that a court of another state is a more appropriate forum. The issue of inconvenient forum may be raised upon motion of a party, the court’s own motion, or request of another court.

(b) Before determining whether it is an inconvenient forum, a court of this state shall consider whether it is appropriate for a court of another state to exercise jurisdiction. For this purpose, the court shall allow the parties to submit information and shall consider all relevant factors, including:

(1) whether domestic violence has occurred and is likely to continue in the future and which state could best protect the parties and the child;

(2) the length of time the child has resided outside this state;

(3) the distance between the court in this state and the court in the state that would assume jurisdiction;

(4) the relative financial circumstances of the parties;

(5) any agreement of the parties as to which state should assume jurisdiction;

(6) the nature and location of the evidence required to resolve the pending litigation, including testimony of the child;

(7) the ability of the court of each state to decide the issue expeditiously and the procedures necessary to present the evidence; and

(8) the familiarity of the court of each state with the facts and issues in the pending litigation.

(c) If a court of this state determines that it is an inconvenient forum and that a court of another state is a more appropriate forum, it shall stay the proceedings upon condition that a child-custody proceeding be promptly commenced in another designated state and may impose any other condition the court considers just and proper.

(d) A court of this state may decline to exercise its jurisdiction under this chapter if a child-custody determination is incidental to an action for divorce or another proceeding while still retaining jurisdiction over the divorce or other proceeding.

9-19-208. Jurisdiction declined by reason of conduct

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) Except as otherwise provided in § 9-19-204 or by other law of this state, if a court of this state has jurisdiction under this chapter because a person seeking to invoke its jurisdiction has engaged in unjustifiable conduct, the court shall decline to exercise its jurisdiction unless:

(1) the parents and all persons acting as parents have acquiesced in the exercise of jurisdiction;

(2) a court of the state otherwise having jurisdiction under §§ 9-19-201 – 9-19-203 determines that this state is a more appropriate forum under § 9-19-207; or

(3) no court of any other state would have jurisdiction under the criteria specified in §§ 9-19-201 – 9-19-203.

(b) If a court of this state declines to exercise its jurisdiction pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, it may fashion an appropriate remedy to ensure the safety of the child and prevent a repetition of the unjustifiable conduct, including staying the proceeding until a child-custody proceeding is commenced in a court having jurisdiction under §§ 9-19-201 – 9-19-203.

(c) If a court dismisses a petition or stays a proceeding because it declines to exercise its jurisdiction pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, it shall assess against the party seeking to invoke its jurisdiction necessary and reasonable expenses including costs, communication expenses, attorney’s fees, investigative fees, expenses for witnesses, travel expenses, and child care during the course of the proceedings, unless the party from whom fees are sought establishes that the assessment would be clearly inappropriate. The court may not assess fees, costs, or expenses against this state unless authorized by law other than this chapter.

9-19-209. Information to be submitted to court

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) In a child-custody proceeding, each party, in its first pleading or in an attached affidavit, shall give information, if reasonably ascertainable, under oath as to the child’s present address or whereabouts, the places where the child has lived during the last five (5) years, and the names and present addresses of the persons with whom the child has lived during that period. The pleading or affidavit must state whether the party:

(1) has participated, as a party or witness or in any other capacity, in any other proceeding concerning the custody of or visitation with the child and, if so, identify the court, the case number, and the date of the child-custody determination, if any;

(2) knows of any proceeding that could affect the current proceeding, including proceedings for enforcement and proceedings relating to domestic violence, protective orders, termination of parental rights, and adoptions and, if so, identify the court, the case number, and the nature of the proceeding; and

(3) knows the names and addresses of any person not a party to the proceeding who has physical custody of the child or claims rights of legal custody or physical custody of, or visitation with, the child and, if so, the names and addresses of those persons.

(b) If the information required by subsection (a) of this section is not furnished, the court, upon motion of a party or its own motion, may stay the proceeding until the information is furnished.

(c) If the declaration as to any of the items described in subdivisions (a)(1)-(3) of this section is in the affirmative, the declarant shall give additional information under oath as required by the court. The court may examine the parties under oath as to details of the information furnished and other matters pertinent to the court’s jurisdiction and the disposition of the case.

(d) Each party has a continuing duty to inform the court of any proceeding in this or any other state that could affect the current proceeding.

(e) If a party alleges in an affidavit or a pleading under oath that the health, safety, or liberty of a party or child would be jeopardized by disclosure of identifying information, the information must be sealed and may not be disclosed to the other party or the public unless the court orders the disclosure to be made after a hearing in which the court takes into consideration the health, safety, or liberty of the party or child and determines that the disclosure is in the interest of justice.

9-19-210. Appearance of parties and child

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) In a child-custody proceeding in this state, the court may order a party to the proceeding who is in this state to appear before the court in person with or without the child. The court may order any person who is in this state and who has physical custody or control of the child to appear in person with the child.

(b) If a party to a child-custody proceeding whose presence is desired by the court is outside this state, the court may order that a notice given pursuant to § 9-19-108 include a statement directing the party to appear in person with or without the child and informing the party that failure to appear may result in a decision adverse to the party.

(c) The court may enter any orders necessary to ensure the safety of the child and of any person ordered to appear under this section.

(d) If a party to a child-custody proceeding who is outside this state is directed to appear under subsection (b) of this section or desires to appear personally before the court with or without the child, the court may require another party to pay reasonable and necessary travel and other expenses of the party so appearing and of the child.

Subchapter 3. Enforcement

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

9-19-301. Definitions

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

In this subchapter:

(1) “Petitioner” means a person who seeks enforcement of an order for return of a child under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction or enforcement of a child-custody determination.

(2) “Respondent” means a person against whom a proceeding has been commenced for enforcement of an order for return of a child under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction or enforcement of a child-custody determination.

9-19-302. Enforcement under Hague Convention

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

Under this subchapter a court of this state may enforce an order for the return of the child made under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction as if it were a child-custody determination.

9-19-303. Duty to enforce

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A court of this state shall recognize and enforce a child-custody determination of a court of another state if the latter court exercised jurisdiction in substantial conformity with this chapter or the determination was made under factual circumstances meeting the jurisdictional standards of this chapter and the determination has not been modified in accordance with this chapter.

(b) A court of this state may utilize any remedy available under other law of this state to enforce a child-custody determination made by a court of another state. The remedies provided in this subchapter are cumulative and do not affect the availability of other remedies to enforce a child-custody determination.

9-19-304. Temporary visitation

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A court of this state which does not have jurisdiction to modify a child-custody determination, may issue a temporary order enforcing:

(1) a visitation schedule made by a court of another state; or

(2) the visitation provisions of a child-custody determination of another state that does not provide for a specific visitation schedule.

(b) If a court of this state makes an order under subdivision (a)(2) of this section, it shall specify in the order a period that it considers adequate to allow the petitioner to obtain an order from a court having jurisdiction under the criteria specified in subchapter 2 of this chapter. The order remains in effect until an order is obtained from the other court or the period expires.

9-19-305. Registration of child-custody determination

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A child-custody determination issued by a court of another state may be registered in this state, with or without a simultaneous request for enforcement, by sending to the appropriate circuit court in this state:

(1) a letter or other document requesting registration;

(2) two (2) copies, including one (1) certified copy, of the determination sought to be registered, and a statement under penalty of perjury that to the best of the knowledge and belief of the person seeking registration the order has not been modified; and

(3) except as otherwise provided in § 9-19-209, the name and address of the person seeking registration and any parent or person acting as a parent who has been awarded custody or visitation in the child-custody determination sought to be registered.

(b) On receipt of the documents required by subsection (a) of this section, the registering court shall:

(1) cause the determination to be filed as a foreign judgment, together with one (1) copy of any accompanying documents and information, regardless of their form; and

(2) serve notice upon the persons named pursuant to subdivision (a)(3) of this section and provide them with an opportunity to contest the registration in accordance with this section.

(c) The notice required by subdivision (b)(2) of this section must state that:

(1) a registered determination is enforceable as of the date of the registration in the same manner as a determination issued by a court of this state;

(2) a hearing to contest the validity of the registered determination must be requested within twenty (20) days after service of notice; and

(3) failure to contest the registration will result in confirmation of the child-custody determination and preclude further contest of that determination with respect to any matter that could have been asserted.

(d) A person seeking to contest the validity of a registered order must request a hearing within twenty (20) days after service of the notice. At that hearing, the court shall confirm the registered order unless the person contesting registration establishes that:

(1) the issuing court did not have jurisdiction under subchapter 2 of this chapter;

(2) the child-custody determination sought to be registered has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court having jurisdiction to do so under subchapter 2 of this chapter; or

(3) the person contesting registration was entitled to notice, but notice was not given in accordance with the standards of § 9-19-108, in the proceedings before the court that issued the order for which registration is sought.

(e) If a timely request for a hearing to contest the validity of the registration is not made, the registration is confirmed as a matter of law and the person requesting registration and all persons served must be notified of the confirmation.

(f) Confirmation of a registered order, whether by operation of law or after notice and hearing, precludes further contest of the order with respect to any matter that could have been asserted at the time of registration.

9-19-306. Enforcement of registered determination

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A court of this state may grant any relief normally available under the law of this state to enforce a registered child-custody determination made by a court of another state.

(b) A court of this state shall recognize and enforce, but may not modify, except in accordance with subchapter 2 of this chapter, a registered child-custody determination of a court of another state.

9-19-307. Simultaneous proceedings

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

If a proceeding for enforcement under this subchapter is commenced in a court of this state and the court determines that a proceeding to modify the determination is pending in a court of another state having jurisdiction to modify the determination under subchapter 2 of this chapter, the enforcing court shall immediately communicate with the modifying court. The proceeding for enforcement continues unless the enforcing court, after consultation with the modifying court, stays or dismisses the proceeding.

9-19-308. Expedited enforcement of child-custody determination

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A petition under this subchapter must be verified. Certified copies of all orders sought to be enforced and of any order confirming registration must be attached to the petition. A copy of a certified copy of an order may be attached instead of the original.

(b) A petition for enforcement of a child-custody determination must state:

(1) whether the court that issued the determination identified the jurisdictional basis it relied upon in exercising jurisdiction and, if so, what the basis was;

(2) whether the determination for which enforcement is sought has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court whose decision must be enforced under this chapter and, if so, identify the court, the case number, and the nature of the proceeding;

(3) whether any proceeding has been commenced that could affect the current proceeding, including proceedings relating to domestic violence, protective orders, termination of parental rights, and adoptions and, if so, identify the court, the case number, and the nature of the proceeding;

(4) the present physical address of the child and the respondent, if known;

(5) whether relief in addition to the immediate physical custody of the child and attorney’s fees is sought, including a request for assistance from law enforcement officials and, if so, the relief sought; and

(6) if the child-custody determination has been registered and confirmed under § 9-19-305, the date and place of registration.

(c) Upon the filing of a petition, the court shall issue an order directing the respondent to appear in person with or without the child at a hearing and may enter any order necessary to ensure the safety of the parties and the child. The hearing must be held on the next judicial day after service of the order unless that date is impossible. In that event, the court shall hold the hearing on the first judicial day possible. The court may extend the date of hearing at the request of the petitioner.

(d) An order issued under subsection (c) of this section must state the time and place of the hearing and advise the respondent that at the hearing the court will order that the petitioner may take immediate physical custody of the child and the payment of fees, costs, and expenses under § 9-19-312, and may schedule a hearing to determine whether further relief is appropriate, unless the respondent appears and establishes that:

(1) the child-custody determination has not been registered and confirmed under § 9-19-305 and that:

(A) the issuing court did not have jurisdiction under subchapter 2 of this chapter;

(B) the child-custody determination for which enforcement is sought has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court having jurisdiction to do so under subchapter 2 of this chapter;

(C) the respondent was entitled to notice, but notice was not given in accordance with the standards of § 9-19-108, in the proceedings before the court that issued the order for which enforcement is sought; or

(2) the child-custody determination for which enforcement is sought was registered and confirmed under § 9-19-304, but has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court of a state having jurisdiction to do so under subchapter 2 of this chapter.

9-19-309. Service of petition and order

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

Except as otherwise provided in § 9-19-311, the petition and order must be served, by any method authorized by the law of this state, upon respondent and any person who has physical custody of the child.

9-19-310. Hearing and order

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) Unless the court issues a temporary emergency order pursuant to § 9-19-204, upon a finding that a petitioner is entitled to immediate physical custody of the child, the court shall order that the petitioner may take immediate physical custody of the child unless the respondent establishes that:

(1) the child-custody determination has not been registered and confirmed under § 9-19-305 and that:

(A) the issuing court did not have jurisdiction under subchapter 2 of this chapter;

(B) the child-custody determination for which enforcement is sought has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court of a state having jurisdiction to do so under subchapter 2 of this chapter; or

(C) the respondent was entitled to notice, but notice was not given in accordance with the standards of § 9-19-108, in the proceedings before the court that issued the order for which enforcement is sought; or

(2) the child-custody determination for which enforcement is sought was registered and confirmed under § 9-19-305 but has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court of a state having jurisdiction to do so under subchapter 2 of this chapter.

(b) The court shall award the fees, costs, and expenses authorized under § 9-19-312 and may grant additional relief, including a request for the assistance of law enforcement officials, and set a further hearing to determine whether additional relief is appropriate.

(c) If a party called to testify refuses to answer on the ground that the testimony may be self-incriminating, the court may draw an adverse inference from the refusal.

(d) A privilege against disclosure of communications between spouses and a defense of immunity based on the relationship of husband and wife or parent and child may not be invoked in a proceeding under this subchapter.

9-19-311. Warrant to take physical custody of child

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) Upon the filing of a petition seeking enforcement of a child-custody determination, the petitioner may file a verified application for the issuance of a warrant to take physical custody of the child if the child is immediately likely to suffer serious physical harm or be removed from this state.

(b) If the court, upon the testimony of the petitioner or other witness, finds that the child is imminently likely to suffer serious physical harm or be removed from this state, it may issue a warrant to take physical custody of the child. The petition must be heard on the next judicial day after the warrant is executed unless that date is impossible. In that event, the court shall hold the hearing on the first judicial day possible. The application for the warrant must include the statements required by § 9-19-308(b).

(c) A warrant to take physical custody of a child must:

(1) recite the facts upon which a conclusion of imminent serious physical harm or removal from the jurisdiction is based;

(2) direct law enforcement officers to take physical custody of the child immediately; and

(3) provide for the placement of the child pending final relief.

(d) The respondent must be served with the petition, warrant, and order immediately after the child is taken into physical custody.

(e) A warrant to take physical custody of a child is enforceable throughout this state. If the court finds on the basis of the testimony of the petitioner or other witness that a less intrusive remedy is not effective, it may authorize law enforcement officers to enter private property to take physical custody of the child. If required by exigent circumstances of the case, the court may authorize law enforcement officers to make a forcible entry at any hour.

(f) The court may impose conditions upon placement of a child to ensure the appearance of the child and the child’s custodian.

9-19-312. Costs, fees, and expenses

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) The court shall award the prevailing party, including a state, necessary and reasonable expenses incurred by or on behalf of the party, including costs, communication expenses, attorney’s fees, investigative fees, expenses for witnesses, travel expenses, and child care during the course of the proceedings, unless the party from whom fees or expenses are sought establishes that the award would be clearly inappropriate.

(b) The court may not assess fees, costs, or expenses against a state unless authorized by law other than this chapter.

9-19-313. Recognition and enforcement

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

A court of this state shall accord full faith and credit to an order issued by another state and consistent with this chapter which enforces a child-custody determination by a court of another state unless the order has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court having jurisdiction to do so under subchapter 2 of this chapter.

9-19-314. Appeals

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

An appeal may be taken from a final order in a proceeding under this subchapter in accordance with the Supreme Court Rules of Appellate Procedure. Unless the court enters a temporary emergency order under § 9-19-204, the enforcing court may not stay an order enforcing a child-custody determination pending appeal.

9-19-315. Role of prosecutor or public official

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) In a case arising under this chapter or involving the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, the prosecuting attorney may take any lawful action, including resort to a proceeding under this subchapter or any other available civil proceeding to locate a child, obtain the return of a child, or enforce a child-custody determination if there is:

(1) an existing child-custody determination;

(2) a request to do so from a court in a pending child-custody proceeding;

(3) a reasonable belief that a criminal statute has been violated; or

(4) a reasonable belief that the child has been wrongfully removed or retained in violation of the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.

(b) A prosecuting attorney acting under this section acts on behalf of the court and may not represent any party.

9-19-316. Role of law enforcement

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

At the request of a prosecuting attorney acting under § 9-19-315, a law enforcement officer may take any lawful action reasonably necessary to locate a child or a party and assist a prosecuting attorney with responsibilities under § 9-19-315.

9-19-317. Costs and expenses

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

If the respondent is not the prevailing party, the court may assess against the respondent all direct expenses and costs incurred by the prosecuting attorney and law enforcement officers under § 9-19-315 or § 9-19-316.

Subchapter 4. Miscellaneous Provisions

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

9-19-401. Application and construction

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

In applying and construing this chapter, consideration must be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to its subject matter among states that enact it.

Title 11. Labor and Industrial Relations

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

Chapter 5. Working Conditions Generally

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

Subchapter 1. General Provisions

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

11-5-115. Prevention of workplace violence.

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) If an employer or an employer’s employee or invitee has:
(1) Suffered unlawful violence by an individual as defined by § 5-13-310, terroristic act; § 5-14-103, rape; §§ 5-13-201 - 5-13-203, battery; or §§ 5-26-301 - 5-26-309, domestic battering and assault on a family or household member; or a crime of violence as defined by § 5-73-202(2);

(2) Received a threat of violence by an individual which can reasonably be construed as a threat which may be carried out at the work site as defined by § 5-13-301, terroristic threatening; § 5-38-202, threatening a catastrophe; §§ 5-13-204 - 5-13-207, assault; or §§ 5-26-304 - 5-26-306, domestic battering; or

(3) Been stalked or harassed at the work site as defined by § 5-71-213, loitering; § 5-39-203, criminal trespass; § 5-71-208, harassment; or § 5-71-229, stalking, the employer may, in addition to, or instead of, filing criminal charges against the individual, seek a temporary restraining order, a preliminary injunction, or an injunction under Arkansas Rule of Civil Procedure 65 prohibiting further unlawful acts by that individual at the work site, which shall include any place at which work is being performed on behalf of the employer.

(b)(1) Proof by a preponderance of the evidence of any action described in subsection (a) of this section shall constitute irreparable harm or damage to the employer or employer’s employee or invitee.

(2) Upon the granting of any restraining order, preliminary injunction, or injunction, the court may, among other appropriate orders:

(A) Order the defendant not to visit, assault, molest, or otherwise interfere with the employer or the employer’s operations or the employer’s employee or invitee at the employer’s work site;

(B) Order the defendant to cease stalking the employer’s employee or invitee at the employer’s work site;

(C) Order the defendant to cease harassment of the employer or the employer’s employee or invitee at the employer’s work site;

(D) Order the defendant not to abuse or injure the employer, including the employer’s property, or the employer’s employee or invitee at the employer’s work site;

(E) Order the defendant not to telephone the employer or the employer’s employee or invitee at the employer’s work site; or

(F) Such other necessary and appropriate relief as is deemed appropriate in the discretion of the court.

(c) When necessary to protect the employer or the employer’s employee, invitee, or property, and when authorized by the court, temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions, and injunctions granted under this section may be served upon the defendant by a peace officer, sheriff, constable, police officer, other law enforcement officer whose duty it is to preserve the peace, or by any other person authorized by law to serve process, with appropriate orders to the officials to enforce the court’s order.

(d) Unless specifically modified or terminated by the issuing judge, all orders and injunctions issued under this section shall have statewide validity and may be enforced by the issuing court for any violation anywhere in the state and by any court of competent jurisdiction within the state for violations which may occur within that court’s jurisdiction.

(e) All orders and injunctions issued under this section shall contain language directing appropriate law enforcement agencies to enforce the court’s orders.

(f) Unless lack of good faith is shown by clear and convincing evidence, an employer and an employer’s agents who act in accord with this section shall be presumed to be acting in good faith and are immune from civil liability for actions taken under this section.

(g) Any employer, or its employee or invitee, which does not utilize the procedures of this section shall not be liable for negligence, nor shall evidence of the same be admissible as evidence of negligence.

(h)(1) This section is not applicable in circumstances where an employee or the employee’s representative is engaged in union organizing, union activity, a labor dispute, or any activity or action arguably protected by the National Labor Relations Act.

(2) Nothing in this section is intended to change the act’s preemptive regulation of legally protected activities nor to change the right of the State of Arkansas and its courts to regulate activities not protected by the act.

Title 12. Law Enforcement, Emergency Management, and Military Affairs

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

Subtitle 2. Law Enforcement Agencies and Programs

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

Chapter 12. Crime Reporting and Investigations

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

Subchapter 2. Arkansas Crime Information Center

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

12-12-215. Protection order registry

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) In addition to other duties as provided, the Arkansas Crime Information Center shall maintain a registry of all orders of protection and temporary orders of protection issued by a court of this state or registered in this state.

(b)(1) Upon receipt of an authorized order of protection, temporary order of protection, or any modification or cancellation of such orders, a court clerk shall immediately forward a copy to the sheriff of the county for service.

(2) The sheriff shall immediately enter, or cause to be entered, such orders and any subsequent modifications or cancellations, into the center system.

(3) If the sheriff does not have a center terminal and entries are made by another agency that does have a center terminal, that agency shall make such entries immediately upon receipt of information from the sheriff.

(4) Only orders which are consistent with § 9-15-302(b) may be entered into the center system.

(c) Information contained in the registry shall be determined by the Supervisory Board for the Arkansas Crime Information Center. Orders of protection and temporary orders of protection required to be entered into the center system shall include, at a minimum, the full name and date of birth of the subject of the order for proper identification.

(d) Information contained in the registry shall be deemed confidential and shall be available at all times only to courts, law enforcement, and prosecuting attorneys.

Title 16. Practice, Procedure, and Courts

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

Subtitle 7. Particular Proceedings and Remedies

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

Chapter 127. Stalker Liability Act

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

16-127-102. Civil liability for stalking

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) A person may recover actual damages, and if applicable, punitive damages, reasonable attorney’s fees, and court costs against another person if he or she proves by a preponderance of the evidence that another person knowingly engaged in a course of conduct towards the person that would place a reasonable person in the person’s position under emotional distress or in fear for his or her safety or a third person’s safety.

(b) The definitions at § 5-71-229(f) apply to this chapter.

(c) A cause of action under subdivision (a)(1) of this section may be maintained whether or not the person who is alleged to have engaged in a course of conduct prohibited under § 5-71-229 has been charged or convicted under § 5-71-229.

(d) The existence or the termination of a cause of action under subdivision (a)(1) of this section does not prevent the criminal prosecution of a person for violation of § 5-71-229.

(e) A person shall commence a cause of action under subdivision (a)(1) of this section against another person one (1) year or less after the most recent conduct prohibited under § 5-71-229 by the other person toward the aggrieved party.

Title 18. Property

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

Subtitle 2. Real Property

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

Chapter 16. Landlord and Tenant

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

Subchapter 1. General Provisions

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

18-16-112. Protection for Victims of Domestic Abuse

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) As used in this section:
(1) “Documented incident of domestic abuse” means evidence of domestic abuse contained in an order of a court of competent jurisdiction;
(2) “Domestic abuse” means:
(A) The infliction of physical injury or the creation of a reasonable fear that physical injury or harm will be inflicted upon a member of a household by a member or former member of the household; or
(B) The commission of a sex crime or act of stalking upon a member of a household;
(3) “Domestic abuse offender” means a person identified in a documented incident of domestic abuse as performing any act of domestic abuse;
(4) “Sex crime” includes without limitation:
(A) The following offenses:
(i) Rape, § 5-14-103;
(ii) Sexual indecency with a child, § 5-14-110;
(iii) Sexual assault in the first degree, § 5-14-124;
(iv) Sexual assault in the second degree, § 5-14-125;
(v) Sexual assault in the third degree, § 5-14-126;
(vi) Sexual assault in the fourth degree, § 5-14-127;
(vii) Incest, § 5-26-202;
(viii) Engaging children in sexually explicit conduct for use in visual or print medium, § 5-27-303;
(ix) Transportation of minors for prohibited sexual conduct, § 5-27-305;
(x) Employing or consenting to the use of a child in a sexual performance, § 5-27-402;
(xi) Pandering or possessing visual or print medium depicting sexually explicit conduct involving a child, § 5-27-304;
(xii) Producing, directing, or promoting a sexual performance by a child, § 5-27-403;
(xiii) Promoting prostitution in the first degree, § 5-70-104;
(xiv) Indecent exposure, § 5-14-112, if a felony level offense;
(xv) Exposing another person to human immunodeficiency virus when a person who has tested positive for human immunodeficiency virus was ordered by the sentencing court to register as a sex offender, § 5-14-123;
(xvi) Kidnapping pursuant to § 5-11-102(a) when the victim is a minor and the offender is not the parent of the victim;
(xvii) False imprisonment in the first degree and false imprisonment in the second degree, §§ 5-11-103 and 5-11-104, when the victim is a minor and the offender is not the parent of the victim;
(xviii) Permitting abuse of a minor pursuant to § 5-27-221;
(xix) Computer child pornography, § 5-27-603;
(xx) Computer exploitation of a child, § 5-27-605;
(xxi) Permanent detention or restraint when the offender is not the parent of the victim, § 5-11-106; and
(xxii) Distributing, possessing, or viewing matter depicting sexually explicit conduct involving a child, § 5-27-602;
(B) An attempt, solicitation, or conspiracy to commit any offense enumerated in subdivision (a)(4)(A) of this section; and
(C) An adjudication of guilt for an offense of the law of another state, for a federal offense, for a tribal court offense, or for a military offense:
(i) That is similar to any offense enumerated in subdivision (a)(4)(A) of this section; or
(ii) When that adjudication of guilt requires registration under another state’s sex offender registration laws;
(5) “Stalking” means following or loitering near a person with the purpose of annoying, harassing, or committing an assault or battery against the person; and
(6) “Victim of domestic abuse” means a person or a member of the person’s household who is identified in a documented incident of domestic abuse within:
(A) The immediately preceding sixty (60) days; or
(B) Sixty (60) days of the termination of a residential tenancy by the person, a member of the person’s household, or landlord because of domestic abuse.

(b) If a residential tenant, an applicant for a residential tenancy, or a member of the tenant or applicant’s household is a victim of domestic abuse as evidenced by a documented incident of domestic abuse:
(1) With respect to the victim of domestic abuse, a landlord shall not terminate or fail to renew a residential tenancy, refuse to enter into a residential tenancy, or otherwise retaliate in the leasing of a residence because of the domestic abuse; and
(2)(A) At the residential tenant’s expense and with the landlord’s prior consent, a landlord or a residential tenant other than a domestic abuse offender may change the locks to the residential tenant’s residence.
(B) The landlord or residential tenant shall furnish the other a copy of the new key to the residential tenant’s residence immediately after changing the locks or as soon after changing the locks as possible if either the landlord or residential tenant is unavailable.

(c) Notwithstanding a conflicting provision in a domestic abuse offender’s residential tenancy agreement, if a domestic abuse offender is under a court order to stay away from a co-tenant residing in the domestic abuser’s offender’s residence or the co-tenant’s residence:
(1) The domestic abuse offender under the court order may access either residence only to the extent permitted by the court order or another court order;
(2) A landlord may refuse access by a domestic abuse offender to the residence of a victim of domestic abuse unless the domestic offender is permitted access by court order; and
(3) A landlord may pursue all available legal remedies against the domestic abuse offender, including without limitation an action:
(A) To terminate the residential tenancy agreement of the domestic abuse offender;
(B) To evict the domestic abuse offender whether or not a residential tenancy agreement between the landlord and domestic abuse offender exists; and
(C) For damages against the domestic abuse offender:
(i) For any unpaid rent owed by the domestic abuse offender; and
(ii) Resulting from a documented incident of domestic abuse.

(d) A landlord is entitled to a court order terminating the residential tenancy agreement of a person or evicting a person, or both, under subdivision (c)(3)(A) or (B) of this section upon proof that the person is a domestic abuse offender under this section.

(e) A landlord is immune from civil liability if the landlord in good faith:
(1) Changes the locks under subdivision (b)(2) of this section; or
(2) Acts in accordance with a court order under subsection (c) of this section.

(f) A residential tenant may not waive in a residential tenancy the residential tenant’s right to request law enforcement assistance or other emergency assistance.

Title 27. Transportation

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

Subtitle 2. Motor Vehicle Registration and Licensing

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

Chapter 16. Driver's Licenses Generally

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

Subchapter 8. Issuance of Licenses and Permits

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

27-16-811. Exception to disclosing residence address--Address confidentiality program

Updated: 
January 3, 2024

(a) As used in this section, “licensee” means a person who is applying for, renewing, or requesting a change to his or her driver’s license issued or to be issued under this chapter and who is:

(1) The victim of domestic violence; or

(2) The dependent of a victim of domestic violence.

(b) A licensee shall qualify for the exception for disclosing a residence address under this section if he or she:

(1) Presents a valid order of protection issued under the Domestic Abuse Act of 1991, § 9-15-101 et seq.;

(2) Presents an affidavit in which the licensee states that he or she:

(A) Is a victim of domestic violence, or is the dependent of a victim of domestic violence; or

(B) Fears further acts of domestic violence, or resides with the victim of domestic violence and fears further acts of domestic violence against his or her parent, custodian, or guardian; and

(3) Agrees to the terms of participation in the address confidentiality program.

(c)(1) A licensee who participates in the address confidentiality program under this section shall be issued a driver’s license that discloses a post office box address in lieu of his or her residence address.

(2)(A) The licensee shall provide to the Department of Finance and Administration his or her residence address, which shall be kept on file with the department for as long as the licensee holds a license that displays a post office box in lieu of a residence address.

(B) The licensee shall update his or her residence address and post office box address with the department if a change occurs.

(3)(A) The department shall only disclose the residence address to a person who:

(i) Presents a compelling reason for access to the residence address in an affidavit;

(ii) Presents valid identification to the department; and

(iii) Is not a person against whom the order of protection has been entered or who is related by blood or marriage to the person against whom the order of protection has been entered.

(B) The department shall maintain a record of each and every person to whom the department discloses the residence address.

(C) The department shall provide written notice to the licensee that advises him or her of a disclosure to a third party.

(D)(i) The department shall accept complaints from the licensee if the licensee objects to the disclosure to a third party.

(ii) The department shall refer a complaint to the prosecuting attorney for prosecution for perjury or another offense relating to judicial or other official proceedings under § 5-53-101 et seq. related to a false compelling reason stated in an affidavit under subdivision (c)(3)(A)(i) of this section.

(d) The Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration shall promulgate rules and forms to administer the address confidentiality program under this section.