Summary of House Bill 1644 (HB 1644)
Overview
House Bill 1644 (HB 1644) is a legislative measure introduced in the Arkansas General Assembly aimed at clarifying the compensation and appointment process for retired judges serving as special judges. The bill was introduced on March 3, 2025, and has since been enacted as Act 370.
Purpose and Intent
The primary intent of HB 1644 is to:
- Clarify the ability of retired judges to serve as special judges immediately upon their retirement.
- Address the increasing demand for special judges in the state, ensuring that the judicial system can operate efficiently and effectively.
Key Provisions
The bill includes the following significant provisions:
1. Immediate Appointment: It explicitly states that a retired judge may serve as a special judge immediately upon leaving office, aligning with Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 80, § 13.
2. Compensation Adjustment: The bill amends Arkansas Code § 16-10-902 to include a new subsection that outlines the compensation framework for retired judges appointed as special judges.
3. Retroactive Application: The provisions of this act are retroactively applicable from January 1, 2025.
Affected Parties
- Retired Judges: The bill directly impacts retired judges by allowing them to transition into special judge roles without delay, thereby increasing their opportunities for service.
- Judicial System: The legislation aims to alleviate the current shortage of available special judges, which is critical for maintaining the timely administration of justice in Arkansas.
Emergency Clause
The bill includes an emergency clause, which states that:
- The need for immediate clarification and action is essential due to the high number of requests for special judges compared to the available retired judges.
- The act will take effect immediately upon approval by the Governor, or if not acted upon, will become effective after the Governor's veto period expires.
Legislative Timeline
- March 3, 2025: Bill filed and introduced.
- March 10, 2025: Passed in the House and transmitted to the Senate.
- March 12, 2025: Returned from the Senate with a recommendation to pass.
- March 18, 2025: Passed in the Senate and returned to the House.
- March 20, 2025: Notification that HB 1644 is now Act 370.
Conclusion
HB 1644 serves a critical function in the Arkansas judicial system by ensuring that retired judges can quickly assume special judge roles, thereby addressing the current demand for judicial services. The bill's emergency status underscores its importance in maintaining the efficiency and effectiveness of the state's legal proceedings.
