Bill > HB1829

This bill amends the Arkansas Domestic Abuse Act to expand and clarify protections for victims of domestic violence. The bill significantly broadens the legal definition of domestic abuse to include "course of control" and "disturbing the peace," which now encompass a wider range of behaviors such as isolating a person from support networks, controlling their movements and communications, and engaging in patterns of behavior that destroy a person's mental or emotional calm. The bill introduces new provisions that allow courts more flexibility in protecting victims, including the ability to take remote testimony, grant exclusive care of pets, prohibit utility service cancellations, and restrict insurance policy changes. It also mandates that county sheriff's offices designate officers to serve protection orders quickly and maintain detailed logs of service attempts. Additionally, the bill establishes guidelines for domestic violence intervention programs, emphasizing accountability for abusers and promoting victim safety. The legislation aims to provide comprehensive protection for domestic abuse victims by offering more nuanced legal tools and expanding the understanding of what constitutes abusive behavior beyond physical violence.

Justice

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1829&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R