The bill amends existing laws regarding installment fees collected in circuit and district courts in Arkansas, specifically altering the distribution of these fees. It mandates that one-half of the installment fees collected in both circuit and district courts be remitted into the State Treasury as general revenue, rather than being directed to the Administration of Justice Funds Section. This change applies to the additional installment fee assessed in district court as well. Additionally, the bill modifies the court technology fee structure, removing certain provisions and ensuring that fees collected are also directed to the State Treasury as general revenue.

Furthermore, the bill establishes the Justice System Fee Task Force, which is tasked with studying the various fees imposed within the Arkansas justice system. The task force will analyze the effectiveness and purpose of these fees, their impact on individuals involved in the justice system, and will make recommendations for potential alterations or eliminations of these fees. The task force is composed of ten members from various sectors, including government and judicial representatives, and is required to submit a final report by December 1, 2026, detailing its findings and recommendations. The task force will dissolve on December 31, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB575 Original - 3-28-2025 03:48 PM: 16-13-704(b), 21-6-416(b), 27-16-508(b), 27-16-808(b)
Old version SB575 V2 - 4-3-2025 09:37 AM: 5-65-119(a), 5-65-304(d), 5-65-310(f), 16-13-704(b), 21-6-416(b), 27-16-508(b), 27-16-808(b)
SB 575: 16-13-704(b), 21-6-416(b), 27-16-508(b), 27-16-808(b)