Published September, 2023
Enforcement of HIV Criminalization in Arkansas, The Williams Institute, UCLA School of Law (2023)
Using data obtained from the Arkansas Crime Information Center and the Information Network of Arkansas, this study examines the enforcement of HIV criminalization laws in Arkansas since 1989.
The Williams Institute analyzed data from the state of Arkansas about individuals who came into contact with the state’s criminal system through allegations of HIV-related crimes. We analyzed both law enforcement arrest data and data from the state’s Department of Corrections and sex offender registries to understand the beginning and end stages of the criminalization cycle. In total, we estimate that at least 108 people have had contact with Arkansas’ criminal system because of allegations of HIV crimes.
Highlights from the report:
- HIV-related crimes in Arkansas are disproportionately enforced based on race and sex and impact Black men the most.
- HIV criminal arrests continue to the present day, with the latest arrest in 2022.
- Arkansas’ HIV criminal laws do not require transmission of HIV or the intent to transmit.
Summary provided by The Williams Institute
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