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Bill Summary · HB 1407

Summary of House Bill 1407

Bill Number: HB 1407
Title: Relating to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism
Introduced: February 5, 2025
Status: Reported from ECD (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 495) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to FIN.

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1407 aims to amend the law concerning the State Administration of Justice Fund in Arkansas. The bill is designed to ensure the efficient use of funds allocated for the administration of justice and to support various state programs and agencies that contribute to the judicial system.

Key Provisions

  1. Legislative Findings:

    • The bill outlines the transition of Arkansas's judicial system from numerous part-time judges to a unified system with 70 full-time district court judges.
    • It emphasizes the need for the Administrative Office of the Courts to assist in forming the Arkansas District Judges Judicial Council.

  2. Amendments to Fund Distribution:

    • The bill amends Arkansas Code § 16-10-310(b) to specify how revenue from the State Administration of Justice Fund is distributed to various state programs and agencies.
    • Monthly allocations will be made to:
      • The Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas
      • The Public Health Fund and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Fund
      • The Arkansas State Police
      • The Prosecutor Coordinator's office
      • The Administrative Office of the Courts, among others.

  3. Priority of Allocations:

    • The bill also amends § 16-10-310(c)(1)(A) to establish a priority for funding allocations if the fund's balance is insufficient. The first allocations will go to:
      • The Court Reporter's Fund
      • The Arkansas District Judges Council, Inc.
      • The Administrative Office of the Courts for the Trial Court Administrator Fund.

Impact

  • Affected Entities:

    • The bill will impact various state agencies, including the Arkansas District Judges Council, the Administrative Office of the Courts, and law enforcement agencies.
    • It will also affect programs related to drug abuse prevention and treatment, as well as legal aid services.

  • Funding Implications:

    • By clarifying the distribution of funds, the bill aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the judicial system in Arkansas, ensuring that necessary resources are allocated to support judicial operations and related services.

Procedural Timeline

  • February 5, 2025: Bill filed and read for the first time.
  • February 7, 2025: Recommended for passage with amendments by the ECD committee.
  • February 12, 2025: Passed Second Reading as amended and referred to the FIN committee.
  • February 20, 2025: Read the third time and passed in both the House and Senate.
  • February 25, 2025: Notification that HB 1407 is now Act 162.

This summary provides an overview of House Bill 1407, detailing its purpose, key provisions, and the potential impact on Arkansas's judicial system and related programs.

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

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