AR HB1457

Creates new offense of "defrauding a prospective adoptive parent" under Arkansas Code Title 5, Chapter 26, Subchapter 2

Defines offense as knowingly obtaining financial benefits (prenatal, delivery, postnatal care, housing, food, clothing, medical expenses, or general maintenance) from prospective adoptive parents with intent to defraud while not consenting to or completing the adoption process

Establishes graduated felony and misdemeanor penalties based on aggregate financial benefit: Class B felony for $2,500 or more or prior conviction under this section; Class C felony for $500 to $2,499; Class A misdemeanor for less than $500

Applies to persons with stated or unstated intention to begin adoption process, whether or not the minor is known to them