AR HB1236

Amends Arkansas Code § 5-4-205(b) to allow courts to order defendants to pay reasonable living expenses for dependents of victims killed in felonies involving violence.

Restitution requirement applies only when the defendant committed a felony involving violence as defined in § 5-4-501(d)(2) and the victim died as a result of that felony.

Restitution ordered under this provision does not prevent the victim's estate from pursuing additional civil remedies available by law.

Courts may use the Child Support Guidelines contained in Appendix Administrative Order Number 10 of Arkansas Code Title 9 as a reference to calculate reasonable living expenses for dependents.

"Dependent" is defined as either a person under 18 years of age or a person 18 or older for whom the victim was a legal guardian, with no limit on the amount of restitution or number of dependents.