Bill > HB1563

This bill adds a new felony offense to the list of "restricted release felonies" in Arkansas law, specifically the crime of "knowingly exposing another person to fentanyl in the first degree" as defined in Arkansas Code § 5-13-214(b). By adding this offense to the restricted release felony category, the bill will impact an offender's eligibility for release and the procedures surrounding their potential release after conviction. The change will apply to offenses committed on or after January 1, 2025, meaning that individuals convicted of this specific fentanyl-related crime after that date will face more stringent release restrictions. The term "restricted release felony" typically means that the offender has limited options for early release or parole, and must serve a larger portion of their sentence before being considered for potential release.