The bill amends Arkansas Code 5-39-201(b) to establish an enhanced penalty for individuals convicted of commercial burglary when the target is a pharmacy. Specifically, it introduces a new subdivision that stipulates a five-year additional term of imprisonment for such offenses. The bill outlines that a prosecuting attorney must provide written notification to the defendant regarding the potential for this enhanced sentence, which can be included in the information or indictment.

Furthermore, the bill specifies that any enhanced sentence imposed will be consecutive to other sentences and that individuals convicted under this new provision will not be eligible for earned release credits for the enhanced portion of their sentence. This legislative change aims to deter commercial burglaries targeting pharmacies, thereby enhancing the protection of these establishments.

Statutes affected:
HB 1758: 5-39-201(b)
Act 837: 5-39-201(b)