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SB 575

TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING INSTALLMENT FEES COLLECTED IN CIRCUIT AND DISTRICT COURTS; TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING DRIVER'S LICENSE REINSTATEMENT FEES; AND TO CREATE THE JUSTICE SYSTEM TASK FORCE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Carol Dalby and 1 co-sponsor

Senate Bill 575 reforms driver's license reinstatement fees and court installment fees, redistributing funds and creating a task force for ongoing justice system improvements.

Notification that SB575 is now Act 989
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 575

Summary of Senate Bill 575 (SB 575)

Bill Title: To Amend the Law Concerning Installment Fees Collected in Circuit and District Courts; To Amend the Law Concerning Driver's License Reinstatement Fees; and To Create the Justice System Task Force.

Bill Number: SB 575
Status: Now Act 989
Introduced: March 28, 2025
Effective Date: Sections 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, and 9 effective July 1, 2026.

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 575 aims to reform the collection and distribution of fees associated with driver's license reinstatement and installment payments in Arkansas's circuit and district courts. Additionally, the bill establishes the Justice System Task Force to evaluate and recommend further improvements to the justice system.

Key Provisions

1. Driver's License Reinstatement Fees

  • Distribution Changes: The bill amends the distribution of fees collected after a driver's license suspension due to driving under the influence or refusal to submit to a chemical test. The new distribution is as follows:
    • 7% to the Public Health Fund for the Office of Alcohol Testing.
    • 33% to the Constitutional Officers Fund and State Central Services Fund for administrative support of driver's licensing programs.
    • 10% as general revenue for various funds under the Revenue Stabilization Law.
    • 50% to the Division of Arkansas State Police Fund.

2. Installment Fees in Courts

  • Circuit and District Courts: The bill modifies how installment fees are collected and distributed in both circuit and district courts. Key changes include:
    • 50% of the installment fee collected in both courts will be remitted monthly to the Judicial Fine Collection Enhancement Fund.
    • An additional $5.00 monthly installment fee will be assessed in district court for individuals paying fines on an installment basis.

3. Creation of the Justice System Task Force

  • The bill establishes a task force to review and recommend improvements to the justice system, with a sunset provision that the task force will expire on December 31, 2026.

4. Repeals and Amendments

  • Several sections of the Arkansas Code concerning the classification of certain driver's license reinstatement fees as special revenue are repealed, streamlining the revenue classification process.

Impact

Who is Affected?

  • Drivers: Individuals whose licenses have been suspended will see changes in the fees they must pay for reinstatement.
  • Court Systems: Circuit and district courts will have revised processes for collecting and distributing installment fees.
  • Public Health Programs: Funding for alcohol testing and related health programs will be impacted by the new fee distributions.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill underwent multiple readings and amendments in both the Senate and House before being passed and enrolled. It was delivered to the Governor on April 16, 2025, and subsequently became Act 989.

Conclusion

Senate Bill 575 represents a significant reform in the management of fees related to driver's license reinstatement and court installment payments in Arkansas. By establishing the Justice System Task Force, the bill also aims to foster ongoing improvements in the state's justice system.

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

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