The bill amends Arkansas law to alleviate the financial burdens on juveniles and their guardians in relation to juvenile court proceedings. It establishes a civil penalty for unexcused school absences, capping it at $500 without additional court costs. The definition of "juvenile" is updated to clarify the age range and circumstances for juvenile status, and a rebuttable presumption of indigence is introduced for juveniles seeking appointed counsel, ensuring legal representation at no cost, subject to funding by the General Assembly. The bill also outlines that diversion agreements should be implemented without costs to juveniles or their guardians, and successful completion of such agreements allows for record expungement at no charge.

Additionally, the bill removes previous provisions that allowed for the assessment of court costs, probation fees, and fines on juveniles and their guardians, reinforcing a focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. It mandates that treatment plans and evaluations be provided at no cost, and that DNA samples taken from juveniles for serious offenses also incur no costs. The legislation further establishes that any existing judgments against juveniles or their guardians for related financial obligations prior to the bill's effective date will be voided, with procedures in place to vacate unpaid balances. Overall, the bill aims to promote fair legal representation and support for juveniles while minimizing financial liabilities for families involved in the juvenile justice system.

Statutes affected:
SB 340: 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