Bill > HB1535

This bill enhances the legal consequences for individuals convicted of raping a child twelve years of age or younger by introducing mandatory chemical castration through medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) treatment. The treatment will be administered by the Department of Corrections and must be preceded by a medical expert's determination that the defendant is an appropriate candidate, which must occur within 60 days of sentencing. The court can specify the duration of the treatment, ranging from a specific number of years to the defendant's entire life. If the defendant is imprisoned, the MPA treatment will begin one week before their release. The bill provides an alternative option where the defendant can voluntarily choose physical castration instead. Critically, if the defendant knowingly fails to appear for or refuses the MPA treatment, they will be convicted of a Class Y felony, which is the most serious felony classification in Arkansas. The bill aims to provide a stringent legal mechanism to prevent repeat offenses and protect children from sexual abuse by chemically reducing the offender's sexual drive and potential for reoffending.

Justice

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1535&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R