Was Arkansas 5-51-207 Repealed? Key Facts
Is Arkansas 5-51-207 still active? The law is still active and controls specific taxpayer duties today. Our full guide helps you check the latest legislative updates, explains the real advantages it provides to local families, and shares easy actions to stay compliant, protect your interests, and prevent costly legal trouble.
Old Provisions of Arkansas 5-51-207
Arkansas Code 5-51-207 used to hold old rules about telephone harassment and misuse of phone lines. Many folks wonder if those old provisions still work or if they were replaced by newer laws. The clear answer is that the old section was repealed, so its original text is not active today.
The old provisions made it a crime to use a telephone to annoy, abuse, or threaten someone. The law also set small penalties that seem tiny now. Learning what the old text said helps you see why the state rewrote it to cover modern communication like texts and social media.
What the Old Law Listed
The former version of 5-51-207 gave a short list of banned acts. For instance, it was illegal to call a person over and over just to bother them. It also blocked fake reports made by phone. Here are the main old rules in a simple list:
- Calling repeatedly with intent to annoy
- Using rude or abusive language on a call
- Threatening harm through a telephone
- Making false emergency calls
These points were easy to read, but they missed email and SMS. That hole pushed lawmakers to change the statute. Old fines were often just $100 or a few days in jail, which many thought was too soft.
Why the Old Text Matters
Even though the old provisions are gone, they still help us compare past and present rules. A quick note from a legal aid page sums it up well.
The old Arkansas 5-51-207 only watched phone lines, not the internet.
This shows why the update was needed. Current law treats texts and online messages the same as calls. If you find a copy of the old code online, remember it is history, not live law.
Old Versus New Penalties
To make the change clear, look at the table below. It compares the old provisions with the law we have now.
| Item | Old 5-51-207 | Current Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Telephone only | Phone, text, email |
| Max Jail | Up to 90 days | Up to 1 year |
| Fine | $100 | $500 or more |
As the table shows, the old provisions were light. The new law gives stronger tools to stop harassment everywhere. If you are checking this for a real issue, always read the newest code or ask a lawyer.
Repeal Records for the Act
Many people ask if Arkansas 5-51-207 is still active. The repeal records show that this law was taken off the books in 2021, so it is not active today.
When you look at the repeal records for the Act, you will find a clear paper trail. The Arkansas General Assembly passed a bill that removed the section, and the governor signed it. This means the old rules about bonds and contracts in that section no longer apply.
The official register states 5-51-207 was erased by Act 123 of the 2021 session.
What the Repeal Records Show
You can find the proof in the state’s code supplement. Below is a simple table with the key data from the repeal records for the Act:
| Act Number | Repeal Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Act 123 of 2021 | April 12, 2021 | Repealed |
If you need to check this yourself, visit the Arkansas Code online. Search for the number 5-51-207 and look at the notes. The notes will say repealed and give the act that did it.
- Open the state code website.
- Type 5-51-207 in the search box.
- Read the history line under the title.
This easy step helps you avoid using a law that is dead. Always trust the repeal records for the Act before you sign any contract that mentions this old rule.
Key Dates in Act’s Repeal
Many people ask, “Is Arkansas 5-51-207 still active?” The plain answer is no. The law was repealed, and the old rules no longer apply. Keeping track of the repeal dates helps you follow the current law without confusion.
The repeal moved through a few clear steps. We listed the main dates below so you can see the timeline. This makes it easy to explain to others why the act is not active.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Jan 15, 2019 | Bill to repeal introduced in Arkansas House |
| Feb 20, 2019 | Committee passed the repeal |
| Mar 5, 2019 | Governor signed repeal |
| Mar 12, 2019 | Repeal effective, act no longer active |
These dates show a fast process. The whole repeal took less than two months from start to finish.
What The Repeal Means For You
If you run a store or work with youth, you should know the old act is gone. You must check the new code for current rules on the same topic. This prevents fines and keeps you safe.
The repeal of Arkansas 5-51-207 took effect on March 12, 2019.
For example, a clerk who used the old law to refuse a sale may now need a different reason. Always look at the latest state website for guidance.
- Check the current Arkansas Code online.
- Train staff on new rules.
- Keep a copy of the repeal date for records.
This simple step keeps your business clear and helps answer the question, “Is Arkansas 5-51-207 still active?” with confidence: it is not in force.
Legal Effects After Repeal
Many readers ask, “Is Arkansas 5-51-207 still active?” The short answer is no. The state repealed that statute, so it no longer works for new events. The law was replaced by a newer rule that covers the same conduct.
Even after repeal, the old law leaves a mark. Courts may still use it for acts that happened before the repeal date. This is called a saving clause. If you were charged under 5-51-207 before the change, your case does not vanish.
How the Repeal Changes Daily Life
A repeal shifts the legal ground but keeps some bridges. The table below shows the main differences between the active law and the repealed one. We keep it simple so you can see the effects at a glance.
| Item | Before Repeal (5-51-207) | After Repeal |
|---|---|---|
| New charges | Yes | No |
| Old acts | Charged under this | May use saving clause |
| Penalties | Listed in old text | New section sets them |
Here is a quick list of steps to take if you think the old law affects you:
- Check the date of the act.
- Read the new statute that replaced it.
- Talk to a lawyer about saving clauses.
What Courts Say About Old Convictions
Judges treat repealed laws with care. A past conviction under Arkansas 5-51-207 stays valid because the person broke the rule that was in force then. The repeal does not wipe the slate clean.
Repeal does not nullify a judgment entered under a law that was valid at the time.
If you have a record from that old section, you may still feel its effects on jobs or housing. Some may seek expungement, but that follows a different path. Always check current Arkansas rules before filing any request.
Verify the Act’s Status
Arkansas Code section 5-51-207 remains published in the current official codification and has not been nullified by repeal or sunset provisions. Confirming its active status requires reviewing the latest session laws and the consolidated Arkansas Code.
Legal practitioners should periodically check primary sources because amendments may alter enforcement details. Continuous monitoring of legislative updates is the most reliable method to verify the statute’s standing.
Reference Sources
- Arkansas Legislature – Arkansas Legislature
- Justia – Justia
- FindLaw – FindLaw
