The bill aims to modernize Arkansas law by officially recognizing the United States Space Force as a branch of the United States Armed Forces. It establishes legislative findings that acknowledge the Space Force's creation on December 20, 2019, and ensures that members and veterans of the Space Force are eligible for existing programs and benefits. Key amendments include replacing the term "armed forces" with "United States Armed Forces" throughout various sections of the Arkansas Code, explicitly listing the Space Force alongside other military branches such as the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. The bill also updates definitions related to military service, employment protections, and legal proceedings to reflect this inclusion.

Additionally, the bill addresses specific legal provisions concerning military personnel, such as the suspension of statutes of limitations for claims during wartime and examination credits for veterans seeking professional licenses. It clarifies the definition of "armed forces reserve," specifies that National Guard members are included in the definition of the United States Armed Forces, and outlines eligibility criteria for free prior service credit for public employees who served in the military. The bill also includes provisions for special license plates for retired members and veterans, ensuring that the language used is consistent and inclusive of all relevant military branches.

Statutes affected:
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)
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)
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)
Act 508: 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)