AR HB1635

Adds new categories of habitual offenders under Arkansas Code § 5-4-501 for repeat sex offenders convicted of Class A, B, C, D, or Y felonies requiring sex offender registration, with extended prison sentences ranging from 15 to 60 years or life depending on felony class.

Requires a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years imprisonment for any habitual offender convicted of rape where the victim was less than 14 years old.

Expands sexual assault in the first degree under § 5-14-124 to include school employees (teachers, principals, athletic coaches, counselors) engaging in sexual conduct with students under 21 years of age who are in a position of trust or authority.

Increases penalties for sex offender registration violations: first offense is a Class C felony, and second or subsequent offenses are a Class B felony; also elevates the base offense for living near schools, parks, youth centers, daycares, or churches from Class D to Class C felony.

Restructures and clarifies § 12-12-904 regarding failure to comply with sex offender registration and reporting requirements, while preserving affirmative defenses for delayed address reporting due to eviction, natural disaster, or unforeseen circumstances.