Sponsor: Senator Bryan King
This Arkansas Senate Bill 6, filed by Senator Bryan King, aims to create a new criminal offense called "vaccine harm."
Key Provisions:
- Definition of Vaccine Harm: An executive officer of a pharmaceutical company commits "vaccine harm" if they knowingly withhold information about a vaccine's dangerous effects, and someone in Arkansas dies or is seriously injured after receiving that vaccine.
- Penalty: Vaccine harm would be an unclassified felony punishable by 1 year to life in prison.
- Funding: The bill creates a "Vaccine Harm Offense Fund" to support prosecuting these cases. This fund would be sourced from federal grants, state appropriations, and other legal revenue.
- Expiration: The law would expire on December 31, 2026, with related code sections and remaining funds transferred to the General Revenue Fund.
Important Note: This bill specifically targets executives of pharmaceutical companies who knowingly conceal information about vaccine risks. It does not apply to healthcare providers or facilities.