This bill amends the law regarding how installment payments made by criminal defendants in circuit court are allocated. Specifically, it modifies Arkansas Code 16-13-226 to change the initial classification of these payments. Previously, installment payments were deemed to be collections of court costs until those costs were fully collected, after which any remaining payments would represent restitution and fines. The new language specifies that payments will now be "allocated in accordance with" the provisions of 5-4-208, which suggests a more structured approach to how these payments are distributed.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that once court costs, restitution, and fines are fully paid, any remaining installment payments will be allocated to other amounts due as ordered by the circuit court. It also maintains that any municipal or county legislation regarding alternative methods of installment payment allocation that was adopted before January 1, 2017, will continue to be in effect until it is repealed by the respective governing body.