everything you want to know (and don't) about arkansas politics

Republican Sponsorship
Public Safety

HB1665

To Amend The Law Concerning Registered Sex Offender Entering Upon A School Campus.

Failed

Last Action (May 1, 2023): Died in House Committee at Sine Die Adjournment

Sponsors

AI-Generated Summary

House Bill 1665 amends Arkansas law regarding the presence of registered sex offenders on public school campuses. The bill prohibits individuals assessed as Level 3 or Level 4 sex offenders from entering public school grounds if their underlying offense involved a victim younger than eighteen years of age. Additionally, the legislation removes a previous statutory exemption that allowed Level 3 offenders to access school campuses for fee-based or ticketed school-sponsored events, provided they were parents, guardians, or related to a student and provided prior written notice. By repealing this specific exception, the bill effectively broadens the restrictions preventing certain sex offenders from attending school-related events on campus premises.

Potential Impact Analysis

Who Might Benefit?

The primary beneficiaries are students, parents, and school administrators, as the bill increases restrictions on the presence of certain high-risk sex offenders on school property. By removing exceptions for attendance at school-sponsored events, the bill seeks to enhance the perceived safety and security of the learning environment for minors.

Who Might Suffer?

The primary group negatively impacted consists of individuals required to register as Level 3 or Level 4 sex offenders who have relatives currently enrolled in public schools. These individuals lose their legal ability to attend school-sponsored events on campus, such as sports games or performances, even if they are parents or legal guardians of enrolled students and adhere to previous notification protocols.

Read Full Bill on arkleg.state.ar.us