This bill proposes an appropriation for the expenses of the Judicial Branch of Government, specifically for the Auditor of State, the Arkansas House of Representatives, and the Arkansas Senate for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. The bill allocates a total of $830,000 for various judicial expenses, including $80,000 for district judges' travel expense reimbursement, $350,000 for special or recalled judges for the circuit courts, and $400,000 for trial judges' expenses. Additionally, it appropriates $368,000 for interim expense reimbursements for representatives and $200,000 for interim expense reimbursements for senators.
The bill includes provisions for the disbursement of these funds, designating the Auditor of State, the Secretary of the Senate, and the Chief of Staff of the House of Representatives as disbursing officers for their respective appropriations. It also establishes guidelines for the reimbursement process, including a requirement for requests to be submitted within sixty days of the travel or expense. An emergency clause is included, stating that the act is necessary for the immediate preservation of public peace, health, and safety, and will take effect on July 1, 2025.