Drivers react to push by Arkansas attorney general for law enforcement crackdown on loitering near busy intersections

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin is urging local law enforcement and city officials to begin enforcing a state law aimed at curbing loitering near busy intersections, calling it a growing public safety issue.

In a press conference Thursday, Griffin pointed to increasing reports of individuals standing in or near roadways—often asking for money or interacting with drivers—and said the practice is not only illegal under state law, but also dangerous.

“It’s come to my attention that we’ve got a problem,” Griffin said. “Well, the good news is, we can fix it. We’ve got a law on the books that fixes it. This is illegal. This is a misdemeanor.”

The law he referred to, Act 255 of 2023, updated the state’s loitering statute to address prior constitutional concerns. It now prohibits loitering in a harassing, threatening, or hazardous manner—especially when it disrupts traffic or puts pedestrians and drivers at risk.

“It’s a Class C misdemeanor,” Griffin said. “It’s punishable up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine,” Griffin said. “This has been on the books for a long time—then why is it happening?”

In Little Rock, Vice Mayor B.J. Wyrick said she has already taken action, distributing a copy of the law to the city’s board of directors this past Tuesday and working with the city attorney to draft an ordinance allowing the Little Rock Police Department to begin enforcement. The ordinance has not yet come before the board of directors for a vote. However, Wyrick remains hopeful it will pass.

“They have a lot of issues in the city… but I do feel like it’s important that we address this as best we can,” Wyrick said. “It’s not the only issue we’re dealing with, but I think it’s one we can take action on—and that sends a message to our community that we’re paying attention.”

Public reaction has been mixed. Some drivers said they support the crackdown for safety reasons, while others believe enforcement should be accompanied by compassion.

“I think it is so very dangerous and it’s a problem and we need to get it fixed,” said driver Arianna Goodman.

“If the Attorney General is so concerned about them, then he can get them off the street—but put them in a home,” said driver Steven Lamonte Womack.

State Sen. Mark Johnson (R-District 17), who sponsored Act 255, said constituent support for the bill has been strong across party lines.

“When I sponsored the bill originally, I got a lot of unsolicited support from people from all across the state,” Johnson said.

Griffin maintains that the law is not about punishing, but about ensuring public safety for all and order at high-traffic intersections.