The bill amends Arkansas law to alleviate the financial burdens placed on juveniles and their guardians in relation to unexcused absences and juvenile court proceedings. It caps the civil penalty for unexcused absences at $500 and removes additional court costs and reasonable fees. The bill also renames Arkansas Code Title 9, Chapter 27 to "Proceedings Involving Juveniles" and updates the definition of "juvenile" to include individuals under 18 years of age under the jurisdiction of the criminal or juvenile division of circuit court. Key provisions include establishing a rebuttable presumption of indigence for juveniles, ensuring they receive appointed counsel at no cost, and prohibiting the imposition of diversion fees on juveniles and their families.

Significant deletions from current law include the removal of provisions that allowed for the assessment of probation fees, court costs, and fines against juveniles and their guardians. The bill clarifies that juveniles and their guardians are not liable for costs related to medical treatment while in custody or for DNA sample costs. It also vacates any civil judgments or financial obligations against juveniles or their guardians entered before the bill's effective date, rendering them void and uncollectible. The Administrative Office of the Courts is tasked with establishing procedures to vacate unpaid balances and unsatisfied civil judgments by January 1, 2024, with any savings redirected to community initiatives as part of a reinvestment plan developed by the Division of Youth Services.

Statutes affected:
HB 1754: 6-18-222(a), 9-27-303(33), 9-27-316(b), 9-27-323, 6-18-222, 16-13-326, 5-70-102, 5-70-103, 9-27-330(a), 9-27-330, 9-27-331(d), 9-27-357, 5-14-103, 5-14-124, 5-14-125, 5-26-202, 5-10-101, 5-10-102, 5-10-103, 5-11-102, 5-12-103, 5-13-310, 5-13-211, 9-27-367, 9-27-332(a), 9-27-602(d), 16-10-305, 16-87-201, 16-87-213(a), 16-87-218(c), 16-87-218