Arkansas amends video voyeurism law to eliminate romantic relationship defense

On March 21, 2025, the Arkansas Legislature introduced Senate Bill 555, a significant piece of legislation aimed at addressing issues related to video voyeurism and domestic abuse. The bill proposes amendments to existing laws, enhancing protections for victims and clarifying legal definitions.

The primary purpose of SB555 is to extend the statute of limitations for prosecuting certain offenses, particularly those involving public servants and video voyeurism. Under the proposed amendments, the time frame for prosecuting offenses committed by public servants would be extended to five years after leaving office or five years after the offense is discovered, whichever is sooner. However, this extension would not exceed ten years from the date of the offense. Additionally, the bill stipulates that victims of video voyeurism have one year from the discovery of the offense to initiate prosecution.

A notable provision of SB555 is the clarification regarding defenses in cases of video voyeurism. The bill explicitly states that being in a romantic relationship with the victim does not serve as a defense against prosecution, thereby strengthening legal accountability for offenders.

Furthermore, the bill amends the definition of "domestic abuse" to include acts of video voyeurism as a form of abuse between family or household members. This inclusion aims to provide broader protections for victims and recognizes the serious nature of such offenses within domestic contexts.

The introduction of SB555 has sparked discussions among lawmakers and advocacy groups. Supporters argue that the bill is a necessary step toward protecting victims of domestic violence and sexual offenses, while critics express concerns about potential overreach and the implications for privacy rights.

The economic and social implications of SB555 are significant, as it seeks to enhance the legal framework surrounding domestic abuse and voyeurism, potentially leading to increased reporting of such crimes and greater accountability for offenders. Experts suggest that by clarifying these laws, the bill could empower victims to come forward, knowing that the legal system is more equipped to handle their cases.

As the legislative process unfolds, SB555 is expected to undergo further debates and possible amendments. The outcome of this bill could have lasting effects on the legal landscape regarding domestic abuse and privacy rights in Arkansas, making it a critical issue for both lawmakers and constituents alike.