SB548
To Amend The Law Concerning Warrants Of Arrest; And To Require That Notice Of A Warrant Be Sent To The Person Named In The Arrest Warrant.
Last Action (March 20, 2025): Sine Die adjournment
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AI-Generated Summary
Senate Bill 548 proposes an amendment to Arkansas Code § 16-81-104 regarding the procedures for arrest warrants. The bill mandates that once an arrest warrant is issued, a copy of the warrant must be sent via certified mail to the individual named in the warrant. For misdemeanor offenses or violations, this notice must be sent within ten days of the warrant's issuance. For felony offenses, the notice must be provided within sixty days. The primary objective is to ensure that individuals are formally notified of an outstanding warrant at their current or last known address.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries include individuals who have an active arrest warrant issued against them, as they would receive formal notice regarding the existence of the warrant. This may allow them to proactively address legal matters, retain counsel, or arrange for a voluntary surrender, potentially avoiding more aggressive arrest procedures.
Who Might Suffer?
Law enforcement agencies and judicial offices would be negatively impacted by the increased administrative and financial burdens associated with tracking addresses and processing certified mail for all issued warrants. Furthermore, there is a potential risk that providing advance notice could alert individuals who might otherwise attempt to evade arrest, destroy evidence, or pose a threat to the public, thereby complicating police operations.
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