On Apr. 18, ARK LEG enacted bill on criminalizing harms against staff.
ARK LEG enacted bill (SB 597) to create a criminal offense related to threat of harm against a financial institution employee, covered in new rule ARK LEG 5-60-126.
Now assigned to Act 769, which was changed from Act 770, as notified by the senate.
Bill Provisions
Defined by bill as the threat of harm upon a financial institution employee.
Bill defines financial institution employee as an employee who performs financial institution services and is employed by a State or national bank or trust company.
This definition in the bill includes employees employed at a state or federal savings and loan association; State or federal credit union; or mortgage loan lender.
Sets out criteria in which a person commits the offense of a threat of harm upon a financial institution employee including extreme indifference to employee's safety.
Includes, those engaged in conduct that threatens or creates a potential danger to the financial institution employee while such employee fulfils his or her employment.
Bill details criminal offense of such harm, and assigns it as a class B misdemeanor.
Legislative History
On Apr. 1, 2025, bill was introduced in Senate; On Apr. 7, 2025, bill passed Senate.
On Apr. 7, 2025, bill was introduced in House; On Apr. 14, 2025, bill passed House.
On Apr. 15, 2025, bill sent to governor; On Apr. 18, 2025, bill approved, Act 769.
Effectiveness
Act effective 91 days after legislature adjourned sine die (May 5), so Aug. 4, 2025.
Regulators
ARK LEG
Entity Types
Bank; CU; Fiduciary; MG Orig; SLHC
Reference
Bill SB597, Act 769, PR, 4/18/2025; Citation: *ARK LEG* 5-60-126;
