Table of Contents

Although we strive to be as accurate and complete as possible, our researchers are not attorneys, and state laws contain nuances and gaps. Users must accept all risks associated with actions taken based on this information. Please help us improve by reporting any errors or omissions via our form at https://narsol.org/wiki-response/

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ACCESSING ARKANSAS’ LINKS:

  1. Right click and open this link in a new window: https://www.lexisnexis.com/hottopics/arcode/Default.asp
  2. If you get a dialogue window asking you to accept terms, click “accept.”
  3. Leave the window open.
  4. Return to this Wiki page; you will be able to go directly to the desired statute(s) by clicking on them or by copying and pasting the statute number into the search window.
  5. After you close your browser, you will need to repeat this process the next time that you look for a statute or statutes.

Arkansas’ registry laws are codified at Title 12 (Law Enforcement), Subtitle 2 (Agencies and Programs), Chapter 12 (Crime Reporting and Investigations), Subchapter 9 (Sex Offender Registration Act of 1997).

Arkansas Laws Regarding Registration

Who must register?

Section 12-12-903(13)(A)

What information must be provided?

Section 12-12-908(b)

How frequently must information be verified? And for how long?

4 times yearly for “sexually dangerous;” twice yearly all others.
Section 12-12-906(h)(1) and Section 12-12-906(g)(1)

Length of requirement: life
Section 12-12-919

Does the state categorize by levels/tiers?

Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4.
People are either registered for 15 years or a lifetime depending on the level of offense. Level 4 offenders register for a lifetime. While level 1 to 3 offenders register for 15 years
Level 1: A.C.A. §12-12-913 (a)(1)(2)(b) Information only available to law enforcement
Level 2: A.C.A. § 12-12-913(j)(1)(B)
Level 3 and 4: A.C.A. § 12-12-913(j)(1)(A)
A.C.A. §12-12-913

Does the state use risk assessment when assigning tiers or levels?

Only for “Sexually Dangerous Persons” and “Juveniles Adjudicated Delinquents.”
Section 12-12-917 and Section 12-12-922

Does anyone remain privately registered? If so, who?

Level I
Section 12-12-913

Is there a registration fee?

No

Are there special restrictions even after supervision ends?

Residency resstrictions for Level III and IV.
Section 5-14-128

Levels II, III, and IV may not hold a position of public trust.
Section 12-12-929

Levels III and IV are prohibited from recording a person under 14 years of age.
Section 12-12-928

Is there a process for removal from the registry?

Termination of obligation to register.
Section 12-12-919

What are the registration requirements for someone visiting the state?

Section 12-12-903(10)(B)(iv)

What are the registration requirements for someone moving to the state to live or to attend school?

Sections 12-12-906 (a)(2)(A)(i) and (a)(2)(B)(i)

State Laws Regarding Sexual Offenses and Offenders, other than registration

What sexual offenses can people be convicted of, and what are the ranges of sentences?

Use the link in the beginning instructions to navigate to:
A.C.A. Tit. 5, Subtit. 2., Ch. 14, Subch. 1
A.C.A. Tit. 5, Subtit. 3., Ch. 27

Does the state have lifetime supervision?

No

Does the state have indeterminate sentencing?

No

What are the general rules and regulations about probation, parole, and conditional release? Note: county supervision conditions may differ from county to county and from the state level.

Section 5-4-303

What are the state civil commitment laws?

Not applicable

Age of consent is 16 years old

Section 5-14-127(a)

Are there “Romeo and Juliet” laws or other laws specific to young people?

Yes; age gap
Section 5-14-110(a)(2)(B)

Mistake of age defense
Section 5-14-102(c), (d)

Info for State Advocates

Are felons allowed to vote? If so, when is this right restored?

Yes, Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 51, §11(d)(2)(A-D)

Restoration of Voting Rights for Convicted Felons
https://static.ark.org/eeuploads/pulaski/Felon_Restoration_of_Voting_Rights_Brochure.pdf

What does the state say about persons who are required to register?

Arkansas Dept. of Public Safety
https://www.ark.org/offender-search/index.php
Arkansas Crime Information Center

https://dps.arkansas.gov/crime-info-support/arkansas-crime-information-center/community-information/sex-offender-information/

How is the state's legislature organized?

https://www.arkansashouse.org/programs/5/kids-in-the-house
http://www.arkansashouse.org/about-the-house/information-resources

Search bills by key words:
https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Search

Best keywords are:

Sexual offense; sex offender; sex offender registration

How to sign up for notifications of bill movement:

Set up account for bill tracking:
https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/TrackingLogin

What are the important legislative committees for our issues?

JUDICIARY COMMITTEE- HOUSE
https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/Committees/Detail?code=820&ddBienniumSession=2021%2F2021R
JUDICIARY COMMITTEE – SENATE
https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/Committees/Detail?code=420&ddBienniumSession=2019%2F2020F

Contact info for state legislators can be found at:

http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/assembly/2017/2018F/Pages/LegislatorSearchResults.aspx?member=&committee=All&chamber=

Other Useful State Information

Contact information for state registry office

323 CENTER STREET, SUITE 200,
LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS 72201
(501) 682-2007 (800) 482-8982
OAG@ARKANSASAG.GOV
https://arkansasag.gov/

NARSOL state affiliate website or blog:

Arkansas Time After Time
http://www.arkansastimeaftertime.org/

Other helpful state advocacy groups:

Response needed.

Other registrant-friendly state support groups:

Response needed.

Other helpful information

http://www.sexoffenderresource.com/arkansas/