AR SB177

Expands the definition of "vital public facility or essential infrastructure" to include county jails, city jails, public detention facilities, and temporary holding facilities for detained persons.

Creates a new offense of "impairing or disrupting the operation of a vital public facility or essential infrastructure" with penalties ranging from Class A misdemeanor to Class B felony depending on circumstances, including death resulting from the disruption.

Establishes Class C felony as the base penalty for impairing or disrupting vital public facilities, with Class A misdemeanor for fighting or tumultuous behavior, and Class B felony if death results from the disruption.

Adds "vital public facility or essential infrastructure" as a protected target under Arkansas arson statutes for both intentional and reckless burning offenses.

Amends the definition of "public utility" in the criminal code to reference the definition in § 23-1-101.