The proposed bill seeks to modernize Arkansas law by officially recognizing the United States Space Force as a branch of the United States Armed Forces. It introduces new legal language that acknowledges the establishment of the Space Force on December 20, 2019, and ensures that its members and veterans are eligible for existing programs. The bill replaces the term "armed forces" with "United States Armed Forces" throughout various sections of the Arkansas Code, explicitly including the Space Force alongside other military branches such as the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. This update aims to clarify definitions and provisions related to military service, including employment rights, educational opportunities for military children, and legal protections for service members.

Additionally, the bill addresses specific provisions regarding the conduct of military personnel, including prohibitions against sexual misconduct in leadership positions and the responsibilities of military recruiters. It also outlines exemptions for military personnel in professional contexts, such as healthcare and legal matters, ensuring their service is recognized within state regulations. The bill further amends various sections related to retirement systems, tax exemptions, and special license plates for military personnel and veterans, while establishing grant programs to assist families of National Guard members and reserve components. Overall, the bill aims to modernize and clarify the legal framework surrounding military service in Arkansas, reflecting the current structure of the United States Armed Forces.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1638 Original - 3-3-2025 12:02 PM: 5-37-218(a), 5-73-101, 5-73-105, 5-73-104, 5-73-119(e), 5-73-120(c), 6-4-302, 6-17-306(b), 7-1-101(36), 9-13-110(a), 9-21-102(18), 12-60-102(13), 12-60-102, 12-61-108(c), 12-61-110(b), 12-61-111(a), 12-62-406, 12-62-413(a), 12-62-802(5), 12-63-305(a), 12-63-401(f), 12-63-404(a), 12-64-817(1), 12-64-824(7), 12-64-841(3), 12-64-851(a), 14-2-102(b), 16-47-213, 16-56-118, 16-112-118(a), 17-1-101(a), 17-20-103(a), 17-82-302(1), 17-83-104(2), 17-96-102, 19-5-1095(b), 19-5-1127(c), 20-64-205(2), 20-64-205(5), 21-2-105(b), 21-4-301(4), 23-64-302(9), 24-2-503(a), 24-4-501(b), 24-4-501, 24-6-104(a), 24-7-610(a), 26-51-306(c), 26-51-307(e), 26-51-2506(i), 27-14-704(a), 27-16-603(1), 27-24-203(6), 27-24-209(c), 27-24-210(a), 27-24-1313(a)
Old version HB1638 V2 - 3-18-2025 10:45 AM: 5-37-218(a), 5-73-101, 5-73-105, 5-73-104, 5-73-119(e), 5-73-120(c), 6-4-302, 6-17-306(b), 7-1-101(36), 9-13-110(a), 9-21-102(18), 03-18-2025, 12-60-102(13), 12-60-102, 12-61-108(c), 12-61-110(b), 12-61-111(a), 12-62-406, 12-62-413(a), 12-62-802(5), 12-63-305(a), 12-63-401(f), 12-63-404(a), 12-64-817(1), 12-64-824(7), 12-64-841(3), 12-64-851(a), 14-2-102(b), 16-47-213, 16-56-118, 16-112-118(a), 17-1-101(a), 17-20-103(a), 17-82-302(1), 17-83-104(2), 17-96-102, 19-5-1095(b), 19-5-1127(c), 20-64-205(2), 20-64-205(5), 21-2-105(b), 21-4-301(4), 23-64-302(9), 24-2-503(a), 24-4-501(b), 24-4-501, 24-6-104(a), 24-7-610(a), 26-51-306(c), 26-51-307(e), 26-51-2506(i), 27-14-704(a), 27-16-603(1), 27-24-203(6), 27-24-209(c), 27-24-210(a), 27-24-1313(a)
HB 1638: 5-37-218(a), 5-73-101, 5-73-105, 5-73-104, 5-73-119(e), 5-73-120(c), 6-4-302, 6-17-306(b), 7-1-101(36), 9-13-110(a), 9-21-102(18), 12-60-102(13), 12-60-102, 12-61-108(c), 12-61-110(b), 12-61-111(a), 12-62-406, 12-62-413(a), 12-62-802(5), 12-63-305(a), 12-63-401(f), 12-63-404(a), 12-64-817(1), 12-64-824(7), 12-64-841(3), 12-64-851(a), 14-2-102(b), 16-47-213, 16-56-118, 16-112-118(a), 17-1-101(a), 17-20-103(a), 17-82-302(1), 17-83-104(2), 17-96-102, 19-5-1095(b), 19-5-1127(c), 20-64-205(2), 20-64-205(5), 21-2-105(b), 21-4-301(4), 23-64-302(9), 24-2-503(a), 24-4-501(b), 24-4-501, 24-6-104(a), 24-7-610(a), 26-51-306(c), 26-51-307(e), 26-51-2506(i), 27-14-704(a), 27-16-603(1), 27-24-203(6), 27-24-209(c), 27-24-210(a), 27-24-1313(a)