(a) As used in this section:
(1) “Costume” means an outfit worn to create the appearance or characteristic of a particular period, person, place, or thing; and
(2) “Halloween-related event” means an event involving children organized around and concerning the celebration of Halloween that occurs any time during the two (2) weeks before or after October 31 of each year, including without limitation:
(A) Trick-or-treating;
(B) A costume party; and
(C) An event involving the wearing of a costume or the handing out of candy to children.
(b) It is unlawful for a person who is required to register under the Sex Offender Registration Act of 1997, § 12-12-901 et seq., and who has been assessed as a Level 3 or Level 4 offender to knowingly:
(1) Distribute candy or any item to a minor as part of a Halloween-related event; or
(2) Wear a mask or other costume as part of a Halloween-related event if a minor is present at the Halloween-related event.
(c) It is not an offense under:
(1) Subdivision (b)(1) of this section if the person is a parent or guardian of a minor to whom the candy or item is distributed; or
(2) Subdivision (b)(2) of this section if the person is a parent or guardian of all minors present at the Halloween-related event.
(d) A violation of this section is a Class D felony.
(e) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the person was:
(1) Wearing a costume for a legitimate work-related event or purpose during normal business hours; or
(2) Engaged in the commercial or retail sale of candy or other Halloween-related merchandise.
Structure Arkansas Code
Subtitle 2 - Offenses Against the Person
Subchapter 1 - General Provisions
§ 5-14-110. Sexual indecency with a child
§ 5-14-111. Public sexual indecency
§ 5-14-123. Exposing another person to human immunodeficiency virus
§ 5-14-124. Sexual assault in the first degree
§ 5-14-125. Sexual assault in the second degree
§ 5-14-126. Sexual assault in the third degree
§ 5-14-127. Sexual assault in the fourth degree
§ 5-14-129. Registered offender working with children prohibited
§ 5-14-131. Registered offender living near victim or having contact with victim prohibited
§ 5-14-132. Registered offender prohibited from entering upon school campus — Exception