This bill amends existing Arkansas law to stipulate that only a court, rather than a jury, will determine the punishment for defendants charged with felonies or misdemeanors, with the exception of capital murder cases. Specifically, it removes the requirement for a jury to fix punishment in these cases and instead mandates that the court will handle sentencing. The bill also clarifies that the court may consider evidence from the trial when determining an appropriate sentence and allows for additional proceedings if necessary.

Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the intent behind these changes, highlighting the technical nature of sentencing, the need for consistent and predictable outcomes, the costs associated with incarceration, and the benefits of having trained judicial officers manage sentencing. The amendments aim to streamline the sentencing process and ensure that it is conducted in a manner that serves the public interest.