AR HB1550

Amends Arkansas Code § 5-54-131 to redefine the offense of absconding, which occurs when a person knowingly leaves a designated residence while under house arrest ordered as a condition of criminal release.

Expands absconding to include leaving a designated area while wearing an electronic monitoring device ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction or by a sheriff or the sheriff's designee.

Clarifies that a determination by a sheriff or designee placing a person on electronic monitoring remains valid until changed by the sheriff or designee.

Includes failure to report to a designated place or time to submit to custody of the Department of Correction or Department of Community Correction to serve a court-ordered period of incarceration as absconding.

Classifies the offense of absconding as a Class D felony.