TO AMEND THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH THE OFFENSE OF NEGLIGENT HOMICIDE IS COMMITTED; AND TO REPEAL THE ABILITY OF A PROSECUTING ATTORNEY OR DEFENDANT TO SUBPOENA CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS BEFORE A HEARING OR TRIAL.

House Bill 1948 modifies the conditions under which a person can be charged with negligent homicide in Arkansas, impacting individuals operating vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft. It expands the definition of negligent homicide to include causing a death while fatigued, or while operating a vehicle with any amount of specified controlled substances (fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, or cocaine) present in their system. Additionally, the bill repeals the ability for prosecuting attorneys or defendants to subpoena individuals involved in calibrating or operating chemical analysis instruments for bodily substances in certain cases.