This bill amends the conditions under which negligent homicide is defined and prosecuted in Arkansas, specifically in relation to operating vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft. It establishes that a person commits negligent homicide if they negligently cause the death of another while operating such vehicles under various circumstances, including being intoxicated, having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more, passing a stopped school bus, being fatigued, or having any amount of a controlled substance in their system. The bill also introduces a definition for "controlled substance," which includes fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine.

Additionally, the bill repeals the ability of prosecuting attorneys or defendants to subpoena certain individuals before a hearing or trial, specifically those involved in the calibration and operation of chemical analysis instruments for bodily substances. This change aims to streamline the legal process by removing the requirement for subpoenas in these cases, allowing for a more efficient handling of negligent homicide cases related to substance use.

Statutes affected:
HB 1948: 5-10-105(a), 5-10-105(c), 5-65-206(d)