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HB 1947

TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE OFFENSE OF POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Nicole Clowney and 1 co-sponsor

HB 1947 aimed to toughen penalties for possession of drug paraphernalia in Arkansas, introducing a tiered system to deter repeat offenders of harmful substances.

Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HB 1947

Summary of House Bill 1947

Bill Number: HB 1947
Title: To Amend the Law Concerning the Offense of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment
Introduced: April 01, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1947 aimed to amend existing laws regarding the possession of drug paraphernalia in the state of Arkansas. The bill sought to clarify and modify the penalties associated with the possession of such paraphernalia, particularly in relation to specific controlled substances.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed several significant changes to Arkansas Code § 5-64-443(a), which governs the possession of drug paraphernalia:

  1. Classification of Offenses:

    • The bill maintained that possession of drug paraphernalia with the intent to use it for introducing controlled substances into the body or for storing controlled substances is a violation of the law.
    • It established a tiered penalty system based on the number of offenses:
      • First Offense: Classified as an unclassified misdemeanor, punishable by:
      • Imprisonment for 24 hours to 1 year
      • A fine ranging from $150 to $1,000
      • Second Offense (within 10 years):
      • Unclassified misdemeanor
      • Imprisonment for 7 days to 1 year
      • A fine ranging from $400 to $3,000
      • Third Offense (within 10 years):
      • Unclassified misdemeanor
      • Imprisonment for 90 days to 1 year
      • A fine ranging from $900 to $5,000
      • Fourth or Subsequent Offense (within 10 years):
      • Classified as an unclassified felony
      • Imprisonment for 1 to 6 years
      • A fine ranging from $900 to $5,000

  2. Specific Controlled Substances:

    • The bill specifically mentioned penalties for possession of paraphernalia associated with methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, or cocaine, indicating a focus on substances deemed particularly harmful.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1947 would have affected individuals charged with possession of drug paraphernalia in Arkansas, particularly those with prior offenses. The tiered penalty structure aimed to create a more stringent approach to repeat offenders, potentially serving as a deterrent against drug-related offenses.

Legislative Timeline

  • April 01, 2025: Bill filed.
  • April 02, 2025: Read for the first time, rules suspended, read a second time, and referred to the House Judiciary Committee.
  • May 05, 2025: The bill died in the House Committee at Sine Die adjournment, meaning it did not progress further in the legislative process.

In summary, HB 1947 sought to amend the penalties for possession of drug paraphernalia, introducing a structured approach to repeat offenses, but ultimately did not advance beyond the committee stage.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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