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HB 1178

RELATING TO EDUCATION.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 17 co-sponsors

HB 1178 clarifies court fine distribution, supports small towns without courts, and allows them to hire attorneys, enhancing legal representation and financial fairness.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
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Bill Summary · HB 1178

Summary of House Bill 1178 (HB 1178)

Overview

House Bill 1178 (HB 1178) is a legislative proposal introduced in the Arkansas General Assembly on January 21, 2025. The bill aims to amend existing laws related to municipal ordinance violations, the contracting of municipal attorneys, and the collection and distribution of sums by district courts. The bill has been referred to the Education and Finance Committees and has undergone several amendments before being passed.

Purpose and Intent

The primary objectives of HB 1178 are to:
1. Clarify the Law: Provide clearer guidelines regarding the collection and distribution of fines and fees collected by district courts.
2. Support Municipalities: Establish mechanisms for cities and towns that do not operate a district court or have a police department to receive appropriate distributions from district court collections.
3. Facilitate Legal Representation: Allow cities of the second class and incorporated towns to contract attorneys for legal representation in municipal matters.

Key Provisions

1. Contracting of Municipal Attorneys

  • The bill amends Arkansas Code § 14-42-112 to allow cities of the second class and incorporated towns that do not have a city attorney to contract an attorney for legal representation.

2. Accounting and Distribution of Court Collections

  • Amendments to Arkansas Code § 16-17-707 require district court clerks to maintain separate accounting records for:
    • Fines and fees collected from municipal ordinance violations.
    • Fines and fees from county ordinances and state laws.
    • Civil and small claims cases.
  • The bill specifies how collected sums are to be distributed among municipalities and counties, ensuring that towns without a district court can still receive their fair share of collected fines.

3. Cost Sharing for District Court Expenses

  • Changes to Arkansas Code § 16-17-1203 outline the procedures for cost-sharing among towns and cities that contribute to the operational expenses of the nearest district court.

Impact

  • Municipalities: Cities and towns that lack a police department or district court will benefit from clearer guidelines on receiving funds from district court collections.
  • Legal Representation: The ability to contract attorneys will enhance legal support for smaller municipalities, particularly in handling ordinance violations.
  • District Courts: The bill aims to streamline the financial operations of district courts, ensuring proper accounting and distribution of collected fines.

Legislative Timeline

  • January 21, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to committees.
  • April 1, 2025: Multiple amendments adopted, and the bill was engrossed.
  • April 15, 2025: Passed by both the House and Senate.
  • April 22, 2025: Notification that HB 1178 is now Act 993.

Conclusion

HB 1178 represents a significant step towards improving the legal framework surrounding municipal ordinance violations and district court operations in Arkansas. By clarifying existing laws and providing support for smaller municipalities, the bill aims to enhance the efficiency and fairness of the judicial process at the local level.

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

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