SB13 Summary

• Creates the Arkansas Human Heartbeat and Human Life Civil Justice Act establishing civil liability for performing or aiding abortion, with exceptions only to save the pregnant woman's life in a medical emergency.

• Allows any Arkansas resident or in-state entity (except government officials) to bring civil actions against persons or entities who perform abortions in violation of the law or knowingly aid/abet violations, including those paying for abortions.

• Provides statutory damages of at least $10,000 per violation, plus injunctive relief and attorney's fees to prevailing claimants; prohibits awarding costs or attorney's fees to defendants.

• Defines "unborn child" as an individual organism of the species Homo sapiens from fertilization until live birth, and exempts pregnant women from criminal charges and civil liability for obtaining abortions.

• Declares an emergency effective date, stating the law becomes effective upon Governor approval, expiration of veto period, or veto override, citing burden on healthcare system and increased in-state abortion rates.