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Committee approves clarification that out‑of‑state protective‑order convictions count toward repeat‑offender enhancements
Summary
House Bill 17‑64 was passed to clarify that repeat protective‑order violations or convictions in other states can be counted for enhancement purposes in Arkansas; sponsor said the bill closes a loophole so out‑of‑state repeat offenders are treated the same as in‑state offenders.
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted to pass House Bill 17‑64, a clarifying measure concerning how repeat convictions for violations of orders of protection are counted for enhancement in Arkansas.
Representative Kendon Underwood, District 16, explained the bill is not changing the substantive penalties for violations of orders of protection, but clarifies that repeat convictions in other states may be counted the same as repeat convictions in Arkansas when determining enhancements. Underwood said the change prevents people from receiving a de facto pass on enhancements by committing repeat offenses outside the state and then returning to Arkansas.
Committee members asked clarifying questions and sponsors said the bill simply harmonizes how the enhancement provisions apply across state lines. No public testimony for or against was recorded; the committee moved to pass the bill, seconded and approved by voice vote.
