The bill amends Arkansas law to alleviate financial burdens on juveniles and their guardians involved in the juvenile justice system. It revises penalties for unexcused school absences by capping civil penalties at $500 and eliminates additional court costs and fees. The definition of "juvenile" is expanded to include individuals under 18 under the jurisdiction of the criminal or juvenile division of a circuit court. A rebuttable presumption of indigence is established for juveniles seeking appointed counsel, ensuring legal representation is provided at no cost, contingent upon funding from the General Assembly. The bill also mandates that diversion agreements and related services, such as evaluations and treatment, be provided at no cost to families, while allowing for the expungement of records upon successful completion of these agreements.

Significant deletions from current law include the removal of fees that could be assessed against juveniles and their guardians, such as probation fees and court costs, as well as the elimination of parental responsibility for court-ordered mental health services. The bill ensures that juveniles and their guardians are not liable for costs associated with commitment, detention, or electronic monitoring. Additionally, it establishes that juveniles are presumed indigent for legal representation without needing to file a certificate of indigency, and it vacates any existing judgments or liens related to fines or fees from juvenile matters. The Administrative Office of the Courts is tasked with automatically vacating these obligations by January 1, 2024, redirecting any savings from the collection of these fines to 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