Bill
HB 1284
HB 1284 aimed to protect individuals from losing their driver's licenses due to unpaid fines, promoting fair treatment for those facing financial hardship.
Bill Number: HB 1284
Title: To Amend the Law Concerning the Suspension or Revocation of a Person's Driver's License for Failure to Pay a Court-Ordered Fine; and to Amend the Law Concerning a Restricted Driver's Permit.
Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment
Introduced: January 28, 2025
Sponsor: Representative Unger
House Bill 1284 aimed to reform the existing laws regarding the suspension or revocation of a person's driver's license or motor vehicle registration due to nonpayment of court-ordered fines. The bill sought to eliminate the court's authority to request such suspensions or revocations, thereby providing individuals with greater protection against losing their driving privileges solely due to financial inability to pay fines.
Removal of Suspension Authority: The bill proposed to amend Arkansas Code § 16-13-708 to prohibit courts from requesting the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) to suspend or revoke a person's driver's license or motor vehicle registration for failing to make satisfactory payment arrangements for a court-ordered fine.
Hearing Requirement: Under current law, a court must hold a hearing regarding nonpayment before requesting suspension. HB 1284 sought to eliminate this requirement, effectively preventing courts from initiating suspension actions based solely on nonpayment.
Restricted Driver's Permit: The bill also aimed to amend provisions related to restricted driving permits, allowing individuals whose licenses are suspended to obtain permits for specific purposes, such as attending court appearances, work, or medical appointments.
Reinstatement of Licenses: The bill included provisions for automatic reinstatement of a driver's license or vehicle registration without a fee if a person is acquitted or has their case dismissed regarding nonpayment.
Affected Individuals: The primary beneficiaries of this bill would have been individuals facing financial hardship who were at risk of losing their driving privileges due to unpaid fines. This change would have aimed to reduce the negative consequences of license suspensions on employment and daily life.
Fiscal Impact: The Department of Finance and Administration indicated that there would be no fiscal impact associated with the implementation of this bill.
Procedural Changes: If enacted, training and review sessions would have been required for staff at the State Revenue Office, Office of Driver Services, and Office of Motor Vehicle to ensure proper understanding and implementation of the new provisions.
In summary, HB 1284 represented an effort to reform the legal framework surrounding driver’s license suspensions due to unpaid fines, aiming to alleviate the burden on individuals unable to pay and to promote fairer treatment within the judicial system. However, the bill ultimately did not progress beyond the committee stage.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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