HB1647

House Bill 1647 creates a new criminal offense in Arkansas titled 'Offensive relations with a child.' The bill defines the offense as an individual aged 21 or older knowingly placing their open mouth on the mouth of a child 13 years of age or younger with the specific intent to entice or induce the child into sexual intercourse, deviate sexual activity, or sexual contact. The offense is classified as a Class A misdemeanor. The legislation explicitly states that it is not a defense for the accused to claim they did not know the child's age or believed the child to be 14 or older. Finally, the bill includes an emergency clause, allowing it to take effect immediately upon approval to address public safety concerns regarding the protection of children.