AR HB1420

Creates the Arkansas Domestic Violence Shelter Act establishing a grant program administered by the Department of Finance and Administration to fund domestic violence shelters that meet specified program, fiscal, and training requirements.

Requires funded shelters to provide 24/7 emergency housing, crisis hotlines, counseling, court advocacy, and peer support services to domestic abuse victims and their minor children, with staff trained in crisis intervention, case management, and safety planning.

Establishes a Domestic Violence Shelter Fund financed by $25 court costs assessed against persons convicted of domestic abuse or subject to permanent protection orders under the Domestic Abuse Act.

Imposes operational standards on shelters including nondiscrimination policies, confidentiality agreements for staff, board governance, uniform recordkeeping, and annual compliance evaluations by the department.

Directs the Department of Finance and Administration to provide annual reports to legislative committees detailing domestic violence incidence, shelter descriptions, and number of persons assisted by funded shelters.