The bill amends the law regarding the State Administration of Justice Fund in Arkansas, reflecting a shift in the judicial system's structure and funding priorities. It highlights the transition from numerous part-time judges to a unified system of seventy full-time district court judges, as mandated by Amendment 80 of the Arkansas Constitution. The bill emphasizes the need for efficient use of the State Administration of Justice Fund and outlines the General Assembly's intent to discontinue financial support for the Arkansas District Judges Council, Inc., which is no longer deemed necessary.
Key changes include the deletion of funding allocations to the Arkansas District Judges Council, Inc., specifically for its Executive Director, from the list of entities receiving distributions from the State Administration of Justice Fund. This deletion is accompanied by a reallocation of funds to various state programs and agencies, ensuring that resources are directed towards essential services such as drug abuse prevention, law enforcement training, and public legal aid. The bill aims to streamline the distribution process and prioritize funding for critical judicial and public safety initiatives.
Statutes affected: HB 1407: 16-10-310(b), 16-10-310(c)
Act 162: 16-10-310(b), 16-10-310(c)