Arkansas Bill Concerning the Offense of Indecent Exposure (HB 1986)

HB 1986 would expand the definition of “indecent exposure” to make it a crime for a person to knowingly expose his or her sex organs to a person of the opposite biological sex:

• In a public place or in public view; or
• Under circumstances in which the person could reasonably believe the conduct is likely to cause affront or alarm.

Indecent exposure is considered a Class A misdemeanor in Arkansas.

If passed, transgender individuals would be at risk of conviction for using public accommodations that conform to their gender identity.

STATUS

Passed the house on March 17, 2017, by a 65-3 vote.

People