The proposed legislation, known as "Maighen's Law," seeks to amend the Sex Offender Registration Act of 1997 in Arkansas. The bill introduces new criteria for lifetime registration of sex offenders, specifically adding a provision that requires lifetime registration for offenders who, at the time of their offense, were over 24 years old and the victim was under 15 years old. This addition aims to enhance the protection of minors and ensure that offenders who exploit significant age differences are subject to stricter registration requirements.

Additionally, the bill removes a previous condition that allowed for lifetime registration based on repeated failures to comply with registration and reporting requirements, thereby streamlining the criteria for lifetime registration. The overall intent of the legislation is to strengthen the state's response to serious sex offenses and improve public safety by ensuring that certain offenders remain registered for life.

Statutes affected:
SB 393: 12-12-919(a)
Act 362: 12-12-919(a)