This bill amends existing laws regarding capital murder, murder in the first degree, and manslaughter by adding a misdemeanor controlled substance offense to the list of predicate offenses for these crimes. Specifically, it modifies the definitions of predicate felonies in Arkansas Code 5-10-101, 5-10-102, and 5-10-104 to include violations of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act that involve the actual delivery of a controlled substance. The language changes replace the term "felony" with "offense" in several instances, clarifying the scope of the offenses that can lead to these serious charges.

The amendments aim to broaden the circumstances under which individuals can be charged with capital murder, first-degree murder, and manslaughter by including certain misdemeanor drug offenses. This change reflects a legislative intent to address the serious implications of drug-related activities that may lead to fatal outcomes, thereby enhancing the legal framework surrounding violent crimes associated with drug offenses.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1630 Original - 2-27-2025 04:56 PM: 5-10-101(a)
Old version HB1630 V2 - 3-19-2025 02:34 PM: 5-10-101(a), 5-10-102(a), 5-10-104(a)
HB 1630: 5-10-101(a)
Act 599: 5-10-101(a), 5-10-102(a), 5-10-104(a)