Bill > SB355

This bill amends Arkansas' law on obstructing governmental operations by adding a new provision that makes it a criminal offense to knowingly fail to appear in court after being personally served with a subpoena for a criminal trial or hearing. Specifically, the bill introduces a fifth category of obstruction: failing to show up to testify when formally summoned by a judge or court clerk. The penalty for this new offense is classified as a Class C misdemeanor, which typically involves potential fines and/or a short jail sentence. The bill maintains the existing provisions about obstructing, impairing, or hindering governmental functions, including refusing to provide information in child support cases or falsely identifying oneself to law enforcement. The amendment continues to specify different misdemeanor levels for various types of obstruction, with more serious offenses like using physical force being classified as a Class A misdemeanor. The bill also preserves existing exceptions to the law, such as not applying to situations involving unlawful flight from charges or resistance to what a person reasonably believes is an unlawful action by a public servant.

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https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=sb355&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R