HB1613 Summary

• Expands the definition of domestic abuse to include "course of control" (isolating, depriving, controlling, or compelling someone through intimidation or force) and "disturbing the peace" (molesting, attacking, stalking, threatening, harassing, or related acts)

• Allows courts to permit parties and children to testify remotely outside the physical presence of other parties in domestic abuse proceedings, with cross-examination rights preserved

• Requires sheriffs' offices to designate at least one officer to serve protection orders and mandates service attempts within 2 hours; establishes expedited hearings when protection order violations are alleged

• Authorizes courts to order respondents to complete certified domestic violence intervention programs operated under specified principles, including holding abusers accountable while promoting victim safety

• Grants the Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence responsibility for certifying intervention programs and establishes that battering is a pattern of behavior requiring accountability, not an addiction or disease