HB 1721 - Arkansas Phoenix Act of 2021

• Extends statute of limitations for domestic violence offenses to 5 years after expiration for first and second degree domestic battering and aggravated assault, or 3 years after expiration for third degree domestic battering and first degree assault on family/household members, when new evidence emerges (DNA, audio/video recordings, photographs, written communications, defendant confession, or reports from three or more other victims)

• Requires all new law enforcement officers to complete at least 20 hours of training in domestic violence covering 20 specific topics including dynamics of abuse, victim safety, lethal assessment, orders of protection, and emergency assistance

• Mandates training include historical and current context on communities of color impacted by incarceration and violence, civil remedies, and community resources

• Permits training instructors to include domestic violence experts, victims, and rehabilitated offenders with direct service experience

• Continues existing requirement for 20 hours of child abuse training covering current law, child sexual abuse, and behavioral indicators