AR HB1655

Courts must notify persons convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence offenses that it is unlawful to ship, transport, or possess firearms or ammunition under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(8) and (9)) and Arkansas law (§ 5-73-103).

Courts must indicate on conviction records that domestic violence convictions prohibit firearm possession and transmit these records to the Arkansas Crime Information Center for entry into the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.

Adds definition of "misdemeanor offense involving domestic violence" to Arkansas law as a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence as defined in federal law (18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(33)).

Prohibits persons convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence offenses from possessing or owning firearms, establishing this as a firearm prohibition category alongside felony convictions and mental health adjudications.

Conviction does not constitute a firearm prohibition unless the defendant was represented by counsel (or waived counsel) and, if jury trial was available, either had a jury trial or knowingly waived the right to one; exceptions apply for sealed convictions or those with pardons and restored firearm rights.