AR HB2003

Amends Arkansas Code § 5-13-202 to add a new provision making battery in the second degree a felony when a person purposely impedes or prevents respiration or blood circulation by applying pressure to the throat/neck or blocking the nose/mouth.

Amends Arkansas Code § 5-13-204 to add aggravated assault as a Class D felony when a person purposely impedes or prevents respiration or blood circulation through throat/neck pressure or nose/mouth blocking under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to human life.

Amends Arkansas Code § 5-26-304(a) to add domestic battering in the second degree charges when a person purposely impedes or prevents respiration or blood circulation of a family or household member through pressure on throat/neck or blocking nose/mouth.

Amends Arkansas Code § 5-26-306 to add aggravated assault on a family or household member charges when respiration or blood circulation is purposely impeded or prevented through throat/neck pressure or nose/mouth blocking, and makes technical corrections to existing language.

Makes technical corrections to clarify definitions of "code enforcement officer" and "employee of a correctional facility" in battery statutes, including contractors and municipal animal control officers.