AR HB1361

Amends Arkansas Code § 9-11-802 to add a definition of "emotional abuse" as an ongoing pattern of nonphysical behavior that controls, intimidates, demeans, punishes, or isolates another person through degradation, humiliation, or fear, resulting in depression or feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness.

Modifies Arkansas Code § 9-11-808(a)(3) to add emotional abuse as grounds for divorce under the Covenant Marriage Act, alongside existing physical and sexual abuse provisions.

Modifies Arkansas Code § 9-11-808(b)(3) to add emotional abuse as grounds for legal separation or divorce under the Covenant Marriage Act, alongside existing physical and sexual abuse provisions.

Applies emotional abuse grounds to cases where the other spouse has abused the spouse seeking divorce/separation or a child of one of the spouses.