HB1579 Summary

• Creates the Terrorism Offender Registration Act of 2021, establishing a statewide registry for persons convicted of terrorism offenses under Arkansas Code § 5-54-201 et seq. and substantially similar offenses under other jurisdictions' laws

• Requires terrorism offenders to register with local law enforcement within 5 calendar days of moving to Arkansas, provide DNA samples and fingerprints, pay a mandatory $250 fee, and verify their registration every 6 months in person

• Mandates collection and reporting of comprehensive offender information including name, address, employment, vehicle details, computers, email addresses, social media accounts, passports, and immigration documentation to the Arkansas Crime Information Center

• Establishes penalties for violations including Class C felony charges for failure to register or report address changes, and Class A misdemeanor for failure to pay required fees

• Allows registered offenders to petition for termination of registration requirements 15 years after initial registration upon demonstrating no adjudication for terrorism offenses during that period and that they do not pose a threat to public safety; prohibits registered offenders from holding positions of public trust in law enforcement or public safety agencies