The bill seeks to amend Arkansas laws concerning specialty court programs, particularly focusing on the sealing of records upon successful completion of these programs. It repeals Arkansas Code 5-4-906, which previously governed the record sealing process for pre-adjudication probation programs. The bill updates the definition of specialty court programs to encompass drug courts, mental health courts, veterans courts, and DWI/BWI specialty courts, while removing outdated language. It also modifies the membership of the Specialty Court Program Advisory Committee, allowing judges to be appointed by the Arkansas District Judges Judicial Council, Inc., and establishes a structured evaluation process for these programs to ensure they meet national standards.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new subchapter titled "Specialty Court Programs," detailing the procedures for case dismissal and record sealing, and grants judges the authority to dismiss cases based on prosecutorial recommendations. It clarifies eligibility criteria for participants, excluding those with violent felony charges, and emphasizes the need for judicial intervention in drug court programs. The bill establishes a Division of Specialty Court Programs within the Administrative Office of the Courts, responsible for training and managing a statewide information system. It also outlines financial responsibilities for offenders, including user fees, and mandates data collection on program success rates. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the effectiveness, accountability, and accessibility of specialty court programs in Arkansas.

Statutes affected:
HB 1835: 5-4-906, 16-90-1401, 10-3-2901(b), 16-10-139, 5-4-901, 16-98-301, 16-93-1701, 9-27-801, 16-98-302(b), 16-10-141, 16-17-707, 16-10-141(b), 5-4-907, 16-10-701, 16-98-304, 16-101-104, 16-93-104(a), 16-10-143, 16-10-144, 19-11-709(d), 16-102-101, 16-101-101, 16-98-303, 16-90-1403(b), 16-98-302, 16-98-306, 9-27-334, 16-98-305, 16-93-1202, 12-12-901, 5-70-102, 5-39-201(a), 5-39-201(b), 5-39-202, 5-65-103, 16-10-305, 12-27-125(b), 14-14-1313, 16-98-303(b), 10-3-2901, 16-100-101(2), 16-100-202(b), 16-100-204, 16-100-208, 16-9-1602, 16-101-106, 16-93-1202(10), 16-102-102(d), 16-102-102(g)
Act 691: 5-4-906, 16-90-1401, 10-3-2901(b), 16-10-139, 5-4-901, 16-98-301, 16-93-1701, 9-27-801, 16-98-302(b), 16-10-141, 16-17-707, 16-10-141(b), 5-4-907, 16-10-701, 16-98-304, 16-101-104, 16-93-104(a), 16-10-143, 16-10-144, 19-11-709(d), 16-102-101, 16-101-101, 16-98-303, 16-90-1403(b), 16-98-302, 16-98-306, 9-27-334, 16-98-305, 16-93-1202, 12-12-901, 5-70-102, 5-39-201(a), 5-39-201(b), 5-39-202, 5-65-103, 16-10-305, 12-27-125(b), 14-14-1313, 16-98-303(b), 10-3-2901, 16-100-101(2), 16-100-202(b), 16-100-204, 16-100-208, 16-9-1602, 16-101-106, 16-93-1202(10), 16-102-102(d), 16-102-102(g)