This bill amends the conditions under which negligent homicide is committed in Arkansas, specifically in relation to operating a vehicle, aircraft, or watercraft. It introduces new criteria for negligent homicide, including causing death while operating a vehicle with any amount of a controlled substance present in the person's system, as determined by a chemical test. The bill also defines "controlled substance" to include fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine. Additionally, it clarifies that the method of chemical testing must comply with existing laws.

Furthermore, the bill repeals the ability of prosecuting attorneys or defendants to subpoena certain individuals before a hearing or trial, which previously allowed them to compel testimony from individuals involved in the chemical analysis of bodily substances. This change aims to streamline the legal process related to negligent homicide cases and reduce the burden of pre-trial subpoenas.

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