AR HB1588

Amends Arkansas Code § 5-13-202(a)(3) to add a new category to second-degree battery: recklessly causing serious physical injury to a person who is 4 years of age or younger.

Removes the provision allowing second-degree battery charges when operating a motor vehicle or motorboat while intoxicated or with alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more from the general battery statute.

Amends Arkansas Code § 5-26-304(a)(3) to add a new category to domestic battering in the second degree: recklessly causing serious physical injury to a family or household member who is 4 years of age or younger.

Removes the motor vehicle/motorboat intoxication provision from the domestic battering statute, leaving only deadly weapon and young child victim provisions.

Bill was approved on April 1, 2021.