The bill amends the Arkansas Juvenile Code of 1989 to clarify definitions and criteria regarding juvenile delinquency. It redefines "delinquent juvenile" to specify that a juvenile must be at least ten years old at the time of the offense and includes various offenses that would be prosecutable if committed by an adult. The bill also updates the definition of "juvenile" to include individuals under eighteen years of age at the time of the offense, even if they have since reached the age of majority, and specifies that the juvenile division retains jurisdiction over certain cases.

Additionally, the bill modifies the procedures for the disposition of delinquent juveniles, allowing courts to commit juveniles to the Division of Youth Services for acts committed while under eighteen. It also clarifies that no juvenile found solely in criminal contempt may be committed to the Division of Youth Services. The order of commitment must now explicitly state that the juvenile is adjudicated delinquent and provide details regarding the underlying facts of the adjudication.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB488 V2 - 4-3-2025 09:36 AM: 9-27-303(15), 9-27-303(33), 9-28-206, 9-28-208(a)
Old version SB488 Original - 3-17-2025 04:34 PM: 9-27-303(15), 9-27-303(33), 9-28-206, 9-28-208(a)
SB 488: 9-27-303(15), 9-27-303(33), 9-28-206, 9-28-208(a)
Act 755: 9-27-303(15), 9-27-303(33), 9-28-206, 9-28-208(a)