AR SB12

Establishes that children engaged in unsupervised activities are not considered neglect if the child can avoid immediate danger and significant harm, including walking or biking to school, outdoor play, remaining in a vehicle for less than 15 minutes in safe temperatures, or staying home before/after school with parental contact provisions.

Makes acts of parents, guardians, custodians, or foster parents permitting unsupervised activities under the new neglect definition non-criminal offenses under Arkansas Code Title 5, Chapter 27.

Requires the Department of Human Services and Department of Arkansas State Police to close child maltreatment investigations against parents or guardians alleged to have permitted only the specified unsupervised activities.

Establishes legislative findings that children benefit from unsupervised time for development and resilience, and that parents are best positioned to assess safety risks for their children.

Declares legislative intent to protect parents' and guardians' inherent right to raise their children and permit age-appropriate unsupervised activities including playing outside, walking to school, and bicycling.