AR HB1376

Amends Arkansas Criminal Code § 5-1-102(13)(B)(i)(a) to expand the definition of "person" to include an unborn child in utero at any stage of development for purposes of assault and battery offenses (§§ 5-10-101 through 5-10-105) and drug-related crimes (§ 5-13-210).

Allows assault and battery charges to be filed against an unborn child as the victim, making it a criminal offense to commit such acts against a pregnant woman that result in injury or death to the unborn child.

Establishes legislative intent encouraging circuit judges and prosecuting attorneys to permit women charged under § 5-13-210 (drug crimes) while carrying an unborn child to enter substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation rather than face criminal conviction.