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HB 1624

TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS LAW CONCERNING THE MEMBERSHIP OF COUNTY LAW LIBRARY BOARDS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Justin Boyd and 1 co-sponsor

HB 1624 aimed to enhance Arkansas county law library boards by adjusting membership, adding judges, and improving resource access, but it ultimately did not pass.

Died on Senate Calendar at Sine Die adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HB 1624

Summary of House Bill 1624

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: HB 1624
  • Title: To Amend the Arkansas Law Concerning the Membership of County Law Library Boards
  • Status: Died on Senate Calendar at Sine Die adjournment
  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Sponsors: Representative Gazaway (Primary), Senator J. Boyd

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1624 aimed to amend existing Arkansas law regarding the composition and governance of county law library boards. The intent was to enhance the structure and functionality of these boards by adjusting membership requirements and terms of service for board members.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed several significant changes to Arkansas Code § 16-23-102 concerning county law library boards:

  1. Board Composition:

    • The board would consist of 3 to 5 practicing attorneys appointed by the county court, based on nominations from the county bar association or a regional bar association if no local bar exists.
    • In counties with fewer than three practicing attorneys, the board could include legal residents who are qualified electors of the county.

  2. Judicial Appointments:

    • The bill introduced the requirement for the board to include:
      • One circuit court judge residing in or presiding over a circuit court in the county.
      • One district court judge residing in or presiding over a district court in the county.
    • These judges would serve two-year terms, beginning on January 1 following a general election.

  3. Operational Authority:

    • The board would oversee the operation and maintenance of the county law library and manage its property.
    • The board would have the authority to direct the expenditure of funds for library operations and could use excess funds for improvements in the administration of justice.

  4. Disposal of Property:

    • The board could dispose of personal property deemed junk or of no value through various methods, including sale or destruction.

  5. Agreements with Institutions:

    • The board could enter into agreements with educational institutions for the operation and maintenance of the law library, potentially enhancing resources available to the public and legal community.

Impact

  • Who Would Be Affected:

    • The bill would primarily impact county law library boards, practicing attorneys, judges, and the legal community within Arkansas counties. It aimed to improve access to legal resources and enhance the administration of justice.

  • Procedural Aspects:

    • The bill was introduced on February 27, 2025, and underwent several legislative actions, including passing the House and being reviewed by the Senate Judiciary Committee. However, it ultimately died on the Senate calendar on May 5, 2025, after failing to pass in the Senate.

Conclusion

While HB 1624 sought to modernize and improve the governance of county law library boards in Arkansas, it did not progress to enactment. The proposed changes reflected an effort to adapt to the needs of the legal community and enhance the functionality of law libraries across the state.

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

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