Bill > HB1263

This bill creates a new criminal offense in Arkansas related to electronic monitoring devices, specifically targeting individuals who are required to wear such devices as a condition of probation, parole, post-release supervision, or pending criminal charges. The bill defines an electronic monitoring device as a location-tracking device approved by the Board of Corrections that meets Federal Communications Commission regulations. A person commits this new offense if they knowingly remove the device from their body or fail to properly charge it in a way that prevents location tracking. The offense is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, which typically carries potential penalties of up to one year in jail and/or a fine. The bill provides a legal defense if the device removal or charging failure was due to an emergency or unforeseen circumstance, and the person acted as a reasonable person would in that situation. Additionally, upon conviction, the defendant will be required to pay restitution for any damage, loss, or destruction of the electronic monitoring device. The law aims to ensure that individuals under supervision or with pending criminal charges remain trackable and comply with court-ordered monitoring requirements.

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https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1263&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R