AR HB1526

Amends Arkansas Code § 5-2-606 to establish that a person has no duty to retreat before using physical force if lawfully present, not engaged in criminal activity, and not involved in criminal gang activity.

Amends Arkansas Code § 5-2-607 to replace the duty to retreat standard with a "Stand Your Ground" provision allowing use of deadly physical force without retreating if the person is lawfully present, reasonably believes they face imminent threat of death or serious injury, is not the initial aggressor, and is not engaged in criminal activity.

Establishes exceptions to the no-retreat rule including cases where a person is unable to retreat with complete safety, is in their dwelling or its curtilage and was not the original aggressor, or is a law enforcement officer.

Amends Arkansas Code § 5-2-615 to clarify that a pregnant woman may use physical or deadly force to protect her unborn child under the same standards as self-defense, without obligation to retreat unless she can ensure both her safety and her unborn child's safety simultaneously.