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SB 356

TO ALLOW DISCLOSURE TO A JUDGE OF INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM THE ARKANSAS CRIME INFORMATION CENTER BY THE OFFICE OF CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT OR CRIME VICTIMS REPARATIONS BOARD.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Josh Bryant and 1 co-sponsor

Senate Bill 356 aimed to allow judges access to criminal history records from the Arkansas Crime Information Center, enhancing decisions on child support and victim reparations.

Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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Bill Summary · SB 356

Summary of Senate Bill 356 (SB 356)

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 356 (SB 356) was introduced to amend existing laws regarding the disclosure of information obtained from the Arkansas Crime Information Center (ACIC). The primary intent of the bill was to allow the Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) and the Crime Victims Reparations Board to disclose certain information to judges in Arkansas courts. This change aimed to enhance the judicial process by providing judges with access to relevant criminal history records when necessary.

Key Provisions

  • Disclosure Authorization: SB 356 proposed to permit OCSE and the Crime Victims Reparations Board to disclose information obtained from ACIC to:
    • District court judges
    • Circuit court judges
    • Judges of the Court of Appeals
    • Justices of the Supreme Court
  • Current Law Context: Under existing law, information from ACIC can only be disclosed under specific circumstances, such as:
    • For the performance of duties by OCSE or the Crime Victims Reparations Board
    • Upon court order
  • Amendment to Arkansas Code: The bill aimed to amend Arkansas Code § 12-12-211(b)(3)(A) to include the new provision allowing judges to request this information.

Affected Parties

  • Judicial System: Judges in various courts would have gained access to critical information that could assist in making informed decisions regarding cases involving child support and crime victim reparations.
  • OCSE and Crime Victims Reparations Board: These agencies would have had the authority to provide information directly to judges, potentially streamlining processes related to their functions.

Fiscal Impact

  • The fiscal impact statement indicated that there would be no financial implications associated with the implementation of this bill. No additional resources or taxpayer funding would be required.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: March 3, 2025
  • Committee Review: The bill was read for the first time, rules were suspended, and it was read a second time before being referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
  • Outcome: SB 356 ultimately died in the Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment on May 5, 2025, meaning it did not progress to a vote or further consideration.

Conclusion

Senate Bill 356 aimed to improve the judicial process by allowing judges access to important criminal history information from the ACIC, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the OCSE and Crime Victims Reparations Board. However, the bill did not advance beyond the committee stage and was not enacted into law.

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

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