AR
Arkansas House Bill HB1437

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas House Bill HB1437

Introduced
2/10/25  
Refer
2/10/25  
Report Pass
2/13/25  
Engrossed
2/17/25  
Refer
2/17/25  
Report Pass
2/19/25  
Enrolled
2/20/25  
Chaptered
2/25/25  

Caption

To Prohibit A Person Required To Register As A Sex Offender From Entering A Water Park, Swimming Area, Or Children's Playground Of A Public Park.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1437 will amend existing statutes related to the rights and restrictions on sex offenders in Arkansas. This bill will create clear legal barriers preventing designated offenders from entering certain recreational facilities, which would likely lead to strict enforcement protocols in these public areas. The implementation of this legislation is expected to result in an increased law enforcement presence at water parks and playgrounds to ensure compliance and address tensions between recreational enjoyment and public safety.

Summary

House Bill 1437 aims to enhance public safety by prohibiting individuals required to register as sex offenders from entering specified recreational areas, including water parks and children's playgrounds located within public parks in Arkansas. The bill is targeted specifically at those assessed as Level 3 or Level 4 offenders under the established Sex Offender Registration Act of 1997. By imposing this restriction, the bill seeks to create a safer environment for children in areas frequented by families and minors, highlighting the state's commitment to safeguarding public spaces from individuals who have committed serious offenses.

Contention

The primary points of contention surrounding HB 1437 revolve around the balance between protecting the public, especially children, and the civil rights of those required to register as sex offenders. Advocates for the bill argue that it is a necessary preventive measure to ensure child safety in public spaces. Conversely, opponents may argue that such restrictions can unfairly penalize individuals who have served their sentences and are attempting to reintegrate into society. This debate touches on broader themes of rehabilitation versus public safety and the lasting impact of labeling individuals based on past offenses.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR HB1665

To Amend The Law Concerning Registered Sex Offender Entering Upon A School Campus.

AR HB1125

To Prohibit A Registered Sex Offender From Purchasing, Owning, Possessing, Using, Or Operating An Unmanned Aircraft For Private Use.

AR HB1004

To Amend The Sex Offender Registration Act Of 1997 To Include Disclosure Of A Sex Offender's Address To The Public; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB96

Regarding The Termination Of The Obligation To Register As A Sex Offender; And To Require Notification To A Victim Of A Sex Offender's Application To Terminate An Obligation To Register.

AR SB495

To Create The Protect Arkansas Act; To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning Sentencing And Parole; To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning Certain Criminal Offenses; And To Create The Legislative Recidivism Reduction Task Force.

AR HB1029

To Authorize Delayed Release From Prison For Certain Sex Offenders Until The Sex Offender Has Served At Least Eighty Percent (80%) Of His Or Her Sentence.

AR HB1157

To Require Public School Districts And Open-enrollment Public Charter Schools To Provide Information To Public School Students Regarding Water Safety Education Courses And Swimming Lessons.

AR SB71

To Prohibit Discrimination Or Preferential Treatment By The State Of Arkansas And Other Public Entities.

AR HB1468

To Create The Given Name Act; And To Prohibit Requiring Employees Of Public Schools And State-supported Institutions Of Higher Education To Use A Person's Preferred Pronoun, Name, Or Title Without Parental Consent.

AR SB458

To Amend The Public School Choice Act Of 2015; And To Amend The Eligibility Of Children Of Active Duty Uniformed Services Personnel To Participate In The Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.