The bill amends Arkansas law concerning fees, expenses, and costs associated with juvenile court proceedings, aiming to alleviate the financial burden on juveniles and their guardians. It establishes a civil penalty for parents or guardians of up to $500 for unexcused school absences, while also renaming Arkansas Code Title 9, Chapter 27 to "Proceedings Involving Juveniles" and updating the definition of "juvenile" to include individuals under 18 years of age under the jurisdiction of the criminal or juvenile division of a circuit court. The bill ensures that juveniles and their guardians are not charged for legal representation or diversion fees, with the appointment of counsel provided at no cost, contingent on funding from the General Assembly.

Additionally, the legislation removes various financial obligations previously imposed on juveniles and their guardians, such as probation fees and court costs, and mandates that treatment plans, aftercare plans, and court-ordered evaluations be provided at no cost. It establishes a rebuttable presumption of indigency for juveniles, allowing them to receive legal representation without needing to file a certificate of indigency. The bill also voids existing judgments against juveniles or their guardians for fines, fees, costs, or taxes related to juvenile matters prior to the bill's effective date, directing the Administrative Office of the Courts to discharge outstanding balances without requiring action from the affected parties. Any savings from these changes will be reinvested into community initiatives.

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