The bill amends the Arkansas Juvenile Code of 1989 to clarify definitions and procedures regarding juvenile delinquency. It redefines "delinquent juvenile" to specify that it refers to a juvenile who is ten years old or older at the time of the alleged offense and has committed acts that would be prosecutable as felonies or misdemeanors if committed by an adult. Additionally, the definition of "juvenile" is expanded to include individuals who are eighteen years of age or older but were under eighteen at the time of the alleged offense, as well as those adjudicated delinquent or in need of services prior to turning eighteen.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the procedures for the disposition of delinquent juveniles, stating that a court may commit a delinquent juvenile to the Division of Youth Services for acts committed while under eighteen. It also specifies that an order of commitment must indicate that the juvenile is adjudicated delinquent and provide details about the underlying facts of the case. The changes aim to streamline the legal framework surrounding juvenile delinquency and ensure that the definitions and processes are clear and consistent.

Statutes affected:
SB 488: 9-27-303(15), 9-27-303(33), 9-28-206, 9-28-208(a)