Bill > HB1979

This bill amends Arkansas law to expand warrantless search provisions to include individuals placed on suspended imposition of sentence (SIS), alongside existing provisions for probationers, parolees, and those on post-release supervision. Under the proposed amendment, individuals receiving a suspended imposition of sentence would be required to agree to a waiver allowing law enforcement officers to conduct warrantless searches of their person, residence, motor vehicle, personal property, and electronic devices at any time, without needing probable cause or articulable suspicion. The searches must be conducted in a "reasonable manner" but do not require specific justification. If a person refuses to sign this waiver, they would be ineligible for suspended imposition of sentence. The bill defines "residence" to include garages and outbuildings on the property. This legislation effectively expands law enforcement's search authority for individuals under SIS, potentially reducing their Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches by making warrantless searches a mandatory condition of their sentence.

Justice

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1979&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R