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HB 1663

TO PROHIBIT AN AWARD OF ALIMONY OR TERMINATE ALIMONY FOR A PERSON WHO HAS BEEN FOUND TO HAVE COMMITTED AN ACT OF CIVIL OR CRIMINAL DOMESTIC ABUSE WHEN THE VICTIM WOULD BE THE PAYOR OF ALIMONY.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Karilyn Brown and 1 co-sponsor

House Bill 1663 aimed to protect domestic abuse victims by denying alimony to abusers and allowing termination of alimony for those convicted of such offenses.

Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HB 1663

Summary of House Bill 1663

Bill Number: HB 1663
Title: To Prohibit an Award of Alimony or Terminate Alimony for a Person Who Has Been Found to Have Committed an Act of Civil or Criminal Domestic Abuse When the Victim Would Be the Payor of Alimony.
Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment
Introduced: March 04, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1663 aims to amend existing Arkansas law regarding alimony awards in cases involving domestic abuse. The bill seeks to ensure that individuals found guilty of committing acts of domestic abuse or related offenses cannot receive alimony from their victims. This legislation is intended to protect victims of domestic abuse by preventing their abusers from benefiting financially through alimony.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes the following significant changes to Arkansas Code Title 9, Chapter 12, Subchapter 3:

  1. Denial of Alimony for Abusers:

    • If a person seeking alimony is found to have committed an act of domestic abuse against the victim (who is also the respondent in the alimony petition), the court must deny the alimony request.

  2. Termination of Alimony for Convicted Abusers:

    • If a person currently receiving alimony is later found guilty of domestic abuse against the payor (the victim), the court may terminate the alimony from the date of the abuse finding or conviction.
    • Specific offenses that would trigger this provision include:
      • Domestic Battering (1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree)
      • Aggravated Assault on a Family or Household Member
      • Assault on a Family or Household Member (1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree)

  3. Material Change in Circumstances:

    • A finding or conviction of domestic abuse will be considered a significant and material change in circumstances, allowing for the modification or termination of alimony.

Affected Parties

  • Victims of Domestic Abuse: The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be individuals who have been victims of domestic abuse, as it aims to prevent their abusers from receiving financial support through alimony.
  • Abusers: Individuals found guilty of domestic abuse or related offenses would be directly impacted, as they would be barred from receiving alimony.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Timeline:
    • The bill was filed on March 4, 2025, and was read and referred to the House Judiciary Committee on the same day.
    • The bill ultimately died in the House Committee on May 5, 2025, during the Sine Die adjournment, meaning it did not advance for further consideration or voting.

Conclusion

House Bill 1663 aimed to strengthen protections for victims of domestic abuse in Arkansas by prohibiting abusers from receiving alimony. Although the bill was introduced and discussed, it did not progress through the legislative process and ultimately did not become law.

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

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