The bill amends the law concerning sexual solicitation in Arkansas by changing the classification of the offense. Specifically, it reclassifies sexual solicitation from an unclassified misdemeanor to a structured offense with defined penalties. For a first offense, the penalties include up to 90 days of imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $2,000. For a second or subsequent offense, the bill elevates the classification to a Class D felony, which carries more severe consequences.

Additionally, the bill introduces new financial penalties for individuals convicted of sexual solicitation. It mandates a fine of $250 to be deposited into the Safe Harbor Fund for Sexually Exploited Children, along with an additional fine that varies based on the classification of the offense. If the offense is a misdemeanor, the additional fine is $1,000; if it is a felony, the fine increases to $2,500, both of which are to be deposited into the Human Trafficking Victim Support Fund.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1564 Original - 3-7-2023 08:15 AM: 5-70-103(b)
Old version HB1564 V2 - 3-29-2023 10:58 AM: 5-70-103(b), 5-70-103(d)
HB 1564: 5-70-103(b), 5-70-103(d)