HR 1012 Summary

• Authorizes introduction of the Arkansas Human Heartbeat and Human Life Civil Justice Act, which prohibits abortion except to save the life of a pregnant woman in a medical emergency.

• Establishes private civil liability allowing any person or entity (except state/government actors) to sue those who perform, induce, or aid abortion violations, with statutory damages of at least $10,000 per abortion.

• Prohibits public enforcement by state officials or agencies; violations are enforced exclusively through private civil actions brought within three years of the cause of action.

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

• Includes comprehensive severability clause and declares an emergency effective upon Governor approval, citing increased abortions in Arkansas and persons from other states seeking abortions as urgent public health concerns.