Bill > SB477

This bill creates a new criminal offense called "Theft of Equipment Rental Services" in Arkansas law. The bill defines an equipment rental service as a commercial service that provides equipment for rent or lease, and establishes that a person can commit this offense in two ways: 1) by failing to return rented equipment after the lease period has expired, thereby depriving the owner of the equipment, or 2) by causing damage to the rented equipment that prevents it from being rented out again without repairs. The severity of the offense is determined by the value of the unauthorized equipment use or damage, ranging from a Class A misdemeanor (for damages or unauthorized use valued at $1,000 or less) to a Class B felony (for damages or unauthorized use valued at $25,000 or more). The bill provides a legal defense if the person fully compensates the equipment owner for both the additional rental time and any damages. Additionally, upon conviction, the court must order the offender to pay full restitution to the equipment rental service, covering both the extended rental period and repair costs.

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https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=sb477&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R