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SB 341

AN ACT FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE FOR COURTS FEES, EXPENSES AND COSTS IMPOSED ON A JUVENILE OR PARENT, GUARDIAN, OR CUSTODIAN OF A JUVENILE APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Alan Clark

Arkansas bill proposes court funding to manage juvenile case fees and costs for families, died in committee without passage.

Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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Bill Summary · SB 341

Legislative bill overview

SB 341 proposed an appropriation allocation to the Arkansas Administrative Office for Courts specifically for handling fees, expenses, and costs imposed on juveniles or their parents, guardians, and custodians during the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The bill underwent amendment before dying in committee at the end of the legislative session without passage.

Why is this important

Juvenile court fees and costs can create significant financial burdens on low-income families, potentially affecting access to justice and creating barriers to rehabilitation services. This appropriation would have addressed the administrative costs associated with these fee structures, which could impact how courts manage juvenile cases and whether fees are waived or reduced for indigent families.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact unclear: The bill text does not specify the appropriation amount, making it difficult to assess whether funding was adequate or excessive for the stated purpose
  • Fee structure implications: Questions about whether this funding would maintain or expand fee collection practices versus reducing financial barriers for vulnerable families
  • Accountability mechanisms: Potential concern about how the appropriated funds would be tracked and whether they would actually reduce costs imposed on juveniles and families or simply subsidize court operations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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