AR SB459

Establishes 10 years of age as the minimum age for adjudicating a juvenile as delinquent in Arkansas, amending the Arkansas Juvenile Code of 1989

Children under 10 who cause the death of another person would be adjudicated as part of a "family in need of services" matter rather than as delinquent juveniles

Cites scientific research indicating children under 10 lack impulse control, future orientation, and the intellectual capacity to fully understand consequences of their actions or form criminal intent (mens rea)

Aligns Arkansas with states including Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Kansas, which have set minimum delinquency age at 10 with no exceptions

Maintains court supervision and access to services/treatment for young children who engage in otherwise delinquent behavior, while removing the delinquency label