The bill aims to amend Arkansas's jurisdiction over federal lands, specifically to enhance the state's ability to address juvenile justice matters on military bases. It establishes legislative findings that highlight concerns raised by the U.S. Senate regarding the protection of children of service members in Department of Defense schools and military installations. The bill proposes to extend the state's jurisdiction over juvenile justice to areas of exclusive federal jurisdiction, allowing for the investigation and adjudication of juvenile cases referred by the U.S. government. Additionally, it mandates that the Legislative Council approve extensions of concurrent jurisdiction when the General Assembly is not in session and requires reciprocal agreements between the U.S. Department of Defense and state or local governments to be filed with the county clerk.

Key amendments to existing Arkansas law include the addition of a new subsection to the juvenile justice code, granting exclusive jurisdiction to the circuit court over cases involving juveniles alleged to be delinquent due to acts committed on military installations. The bill also modifies the provisions regarding the cession of jurisdiction to the federal government, allowing for juvenile justice jurisdiction in cases referred by the U.S. and establishing a framework for local agreements related to services and responsibilities at federal installations. Furthermore, it updates the process for transmitting jurisdictional notices to ensure timely consideration by the Legislative Council when the General Assembly is not in session.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1815 V2 - 3-31-2025 12:17 PM: 9-27-306, 22-7-101, 03-31-2025, 22-7-102(b)
Old version HB1815 Original - 3-17-2025 02:55 PM: 9-27-306, 22-7-101, 22-7-102(b)
HB 1815: 9-27-306, 22-7-101, 22-7-102(b)
Act 687: 9-27-306, 22-7-101, 03-31-2025, 22-7-102(b)