AR HB1417

Authorizes law enforcement to impound motor vehicles of persons arrested for sexual solicitation offenses under § 5-70-101 et seq. if the vehicle was used in the offense and the person is the owner or lessee, with impoundment mandatory for prior convictions or in designated high-crime areas.

Establishes a $500 impoundment fee collected by law enforcement and remitted monthly to the Human Trafficking Victim Support Fund, with full refunds available if charges are dismissed or the person is found not guilty.

Modifies sexual solicitation penalties from Class B misdemeanor (first offense: up to 90 days imprisonment and/or $2,000 fine) to Class A misdemeanor (second offense: up to 1 year imprisonment and/or $3,500 fine), and requires $250 fine paid to Safe Harbor Fund for Sexually Exploited Children.

Creates Human Trafficking Victim Support Fund administered by the Attorney General to provide grants to nonprofits and religious organizations offering services to trafficking victims including residential housing, health, and social services.

Requires school districts to provide 30 minutes annual professional development to licensed personnel on recognizing warning signs of child human trafficking and reporting procedures, with training counting toward state accreditation requirements.