The bill amends the existing law regarding the criminal offense of obstructing governmental operations in Arkansas. It introduces a new provision that makes it an offense for a person to knowingly fail to appear in court after receiving a subpoena, specifically for testimony at a trial or court hearing. This addition is marked as subdivision (a)(5) in the amended text. The bill also clarifies the classification of offenses, stating that obstructing governmental operations under the new subdivision (a)(5) is classified as a Class C misdemeanor, while other forms of obstruction, such as using or threatening physical force, remain classified as a Class A misdemeanor.

Additionally, the bill removes the previous provision that allowed for a second or subsequent offense of obstructing governmental operations under subdivision (a)(4) to be classified as a Class A misdemeanor. Instead, it establishes that any obstruction not specifically classified will be treated as a Class C misdemeanor. The bill retains certain exemptions from the definition of obstructing governmental operations, including unlawful flight and refusal to submit to arrest, ensuring that individuals are not penalized for actions that do not involve affirmative interference with governmental functions.