Bill > SB5

This bill creates a new criminal offense called "prescription drug harm or homicide" in Arkansas, which would specifically target executive officers of pharmaceutical companies. The law applies to executives who introduce a prescription drug to the market, knowingly hide or withhold evidence about the drug's dangerous effects, and where a person in Arkansas uses the drug and subsequently suffers serious physical injury or death. If convicted, the executive could face an unclassified felony with imprisonment ranging from one year to life. The bill also establishes a new "Prescription Drug Harm or Homicide Offense Fund" to be managed by the Attorney General, which can receive federal grants, state appropriations, and other authorized revenues to support prosecuting this offense. Notably, the bill is temporary and will expire on December 31, 2026, at which point the newly created legal provisions can be removed from the Arkansas Code, and any remaining funds in the special fund will be transferred to the General Revenue Fund Account. The bill carefully defines key terms like "executive officer," "pharmaceutical company," and "uses" to provide clarity on its scope and application.

Justice

https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=sb5&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R