AR HB1706

Establishes new Arkansas Code section 12-12-108 requiring law enforcement agencies to investigate domestic violence complaints in a manner that enables prosecution without victim testimony.

Requires investigations to collect evidence sufficient for prosecutors to achieve guilty verdicts based on evidence independent of victim testimony, provided probable cause exists that an offense was committed.

Authorizes evidence collection including witness statements, properly obtained statements from alleged offenders, medical records, photographs or other media, and other physical evidence.

Permits use of victim statements that qualify as exclusions or exceptions to Rule 802 of the Arkansas Rules of Evidence.

Bill was approved on April 1, 2015.