This bill amends the law concerning the Fifth Judicial District of Arkansas by establishing an additional circuit judgeship to address the needs identified by the Judicial Resources Assessment Committee. The committee found that the current caseloads necessitate one additional circuit judge to ensure the efficient administration of justice. The bill outlines the election process for this new judgeship, which will be filled during the 2024 nonpartisan judicial general election, with the judge taking office on January 1, 2025.

The bill also makes specific amendments to existing legal language, including the qualifications and terms for the new judgeship. It specifies that the additional circuit judge will be elected from the district, will serve a term of six years, and will receive the same salary and allowances as other circuit court judges. Furthermore, the counties within the Fifth Judicial District are required to provide necessary facilities and resources for the new judgeship, including a court reporter and trial court administrator, with their salaries fixed and paid according to existing laws for circuit court personnel.

Statutes affected:
SB 437: 16-13-1303