AR HB1724

Adds a new statute (9-15-219) to Arkansas Code defining "course of control" as a pattern of behavior that unreasonably interferes with a person's free will and personal liberty, including isolation from support systems, deprivation of necessities, controlling movements and communications, and compelling conduct through intimidation or threats based on immigration status.

Defines "disturbing the peace" as a pattern of behavior that unreasonably destroys the mental or emotional calm of a family or household member, explicitly including course of control as a form of disturbing the peace.

Authorizes courts to issue ex parte orders of protection enjoining parties from engaging in course of control or disturbing the peace through 17 enumerated acts including molesting, attacking, stalking, threatening, harassing, destroying property, and coming within a specified distance.

Permits courts to grant petitioners exclusive care, possession, or control of animals owned or possessed by either party or a minor in the household, and prohibit respondents from contacting, taking, or harming the animal.

Enacted in response to documented increases in domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic and the use of isolation as a control tactic by abusers.