The bill establishes new requirements and restrictions regarding who is authorized to perform venous blood draws in connection with criminal offenses. It amends Arkansas Code 5-65-204(c) to specify that blood may be drawn by individuals who are licensed or certified when a person consents, when a law enforcement officer requests it based on exigent circumstances, or when a warrant or court order is issued. The previous requirement that blood samples taken at the request of law enforcement based on exigent circumstances could only be drawn by a physician or licensed nurse has been removed, allowing for broader authorization.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the rights of individuals regarding venous blood draws by amending Arkansas Code 5-65-204(d) to state that if an individual requests an additional test, it is not subject to certain limitations if performed at a licensed medical facility. This change aims to ensure that individuals have the opportunity for further testing without the constraints previously imposed, thereby enhancing their rights in the context of criminal investigations involving blood draws.

Statutes affected:
SB 525: 5-65-204(c), 5-65-204(d)