The bill seeks to reform the funding and structure of state district courts in Arkansas by eliminating the financial responsibility of cities and counties for the salaries of state district court judges. Instead, the salaries will be determined by an independent citizens commission and funded through the Constitutional Officers Fund. The legislation also aims to transition to a unified state system of district courts, establishing seventy full-time judges by January 1, 2025. Additionally, the bill modifies existing laws related to the administration of justice funds, allowing counties and cities to retain up to fifty percent of uniform court costs and filing fees collected in district court matters, while also expanding the use of these funds for district court costs and related expenses.

Moreover, the bill introduces a new fee structure for court technology, imposing a $15 fee for criminal and traffic cases, which will be directed to the Judicial Fine Collection Enhancement Fund. It repeals previous provisions that required local jurisdictions to share the costs of judges' salaries and streamlines the process for determining these salaries. The bill also clarifies the conditions under which defendants may pay fines in installments, including the assessment of monthly fees and their allocation to various funds. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the efficiency and financial structure of the judicial system in Arkansas while ensuring uniform compensation for district court judges.

Statutes affected:
HB 1661: 19-5-205, 16-10-209(5), 16-10-307, 24-8-318, 21-6-403, 9-15-202, 16-10-305, 16-10-308, 16-17-705, 16-10-602, 16-10-307(c), 16-10-308(c), 16-10-603(b), 16-10-604(b), 16-13-704, 9-15-202(d), 16-10-305(h), 16-13-712, 16-17-121, 16-17-108, 16-17-1104, 16-17-1106, 16-17-1107, 21-6-416(b)
Act 371: 19-5-205, 16-10-209(5), 16-10-307, 24-8-318, 21-6-403, 9-15-202, 16-10-305, 16-10-308, 16-17-705, 16-10-602, 16-10-307(c), 16-10-308(c), 16-10-603(b), 16-10-604(b), 16-13-704, 9-15-202(d), 16-10-305(h), 16-13-712, 16-17-121, 16-17-108, 16-17-1104, 16-17-1106, 16-17-1107, 21-6-416(b)