The proposed bill amends the Domestic Abuse Act of 1991 to strengthen protections for victims of domestic violence. Key enhancements include provisions for remote testimony during hearings, allowing victims to participate safely without being physically present. The bill expands the definitions of domestic abuse to include behaviors that interfere with personal liberty and mental well-being, introducing terms such as "course of control" and "disturbing the peace." Additionally, it mandates the Arkansas Child Abuse/Rape/Domestic Violence Commission to create an informational pamphlet on domestic violence resources, which will be distributed by circuit clerks to assist petitioners. The bill also revises the petition filing process, ensuring that petitions can be filed without personal addresses to protect privacy and emphasizing clerical assistance for unrepresented victims.

Moreover, the bill amends Arkansas Code 9-15-205(a) to broaden the relief options available to courts during hearings for protection orders, including provisions for the care and possession of animals and protections for the petitioner's utilities and insurance. It allows for expedited hearings in cases of alleged violations of protection orders and outlines the responsibilities of sheriff's offices in serving orders. The bill repeals Arkansas Code 9-15-219, which defined "course of control" and "disturbing the peace," and introduces new sections for remote testimony and the definition of domestic violence intervention programs. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance victim safety, hold perpetrators accountable, and streamline the legal processes for obtaining and enforcing protection orders.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1829 Original - 3-18-2025 01:40 PM: 9-15-103, 9-15-201, 9-15-203, 9-15-205(a), 9-15-219
Old version HB1829 V2 - 3-19-2025 03:39 PM: 9-15-103, 03-19-2025, 9-15-201, 9-15-203, 9-15-205(a), 9-15-219
HB 1829: 9-15-103, 9-15-201, 9-15-203, 9-15-205(a), 9-15-219