Bill > HB1613

This bill makes several key changes to the Domestic Abuse Act of 1991 in Arkansas: 1. It expands the definition of "domestic abuse" to include a pattern of behavior that unreasonably interferes with a person's free will and personal liberty ("course of control"), as well as a pattern of behavior that unreasonably destroys a person's mental or emotional calm ("disturbing the peace"). 2. It amends the requirements for obtaining an order of protection, including allowing petitions to be filed with the circuit clerk rather than just in circuit court. 3. It grants courts additional authority in orders of protection, such as directing the care and control of pets, restricting certain financial actions by the abuser, and requiring the abuser to complete a domestic violence intervention program. 4. It allows for remote appearances and expedited hearings in certain circumstances within an order of protection case. 5. It imposes new duties on sheriffs' offices regarding the service of orders of protection. 6. It creates a new domestic violence intervention program to be certified by the Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Overall, the bill aims to enhance protections and support for victims of domestic abuse in Arkansas.