Arkansas AG Pushes for Action on Loitering, Cites Safety Concerns

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Attorney General Tim Griffin held a press conference on Thursday, July 10, regarding the “unacceptable level” of loitering happening across Arkansas.

“Loitering in and around public roadways, intersections and traffic stops has grown to an unacceptable level,” Griffin said. “Anyone who has spent time in Arkansas’s larger municipalities over the past few years has undoubtedly had to watch out for people walking into the street, putting everyone’s safety at risk.”

He said too many people are leaving trash behind after loitering for hours in places such as intersections, sidewalks and parking lots. Griffin then makes a direct call for law enforcement to begin enforcing the law that addresses the issue.

“Act 255 of 2023 fixed the previous constitutional issues with the statute by removing the language at issue, and our law now prohibits individuals from loitering in a harassing or threatening manner, in a way likely to cause alarm to another person, or under circumstances that create a traffic hazard or impediment. This law is constitutionally sound, and local law enforcement should enforce it.

“Federal courts have established that panhandling, by itself, is protected by the First Amendment, and I absolutely respect those decisions. It’s one thing to simply ask people for help. It’s a very different thing to ignore and disregard the laws that keep our streets safe and orderly.

“My office stands ready to help enforce our loitering statute.”

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