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The laws, and links to the actual text

Every entry links to the primary source rather than to our summary of it. We track what is currently enforceable, because struck-down laws keep circulating as though they still apply — which in Arkansas is a live problem.

Last reviewed 5 September 2026Tracking 11 lawsCurrently unenforceable 2
National Child Search Assistance Act34 U.S.C. §41308
FederalIn effect

Bars any law enforcement agency from imposing a waiting period before accepting a missing child report, and requires the child to be entered into the state system and NCIC within two hours. This is the law behind "you do not have to wait 24 hours."

Read §41308 (Cornell LII) 
Not legal advice

This is a plain-language index maintained by a prevention-education company, not a law firm. Statutes change, injunctions get lifted, and compliance deadlines move. Read the linked text, and talk to a lawyer before you rely on any of it.