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HB 1661

TO AMEND THE LAWS CONCERNING STATE DISTRICT COURTS; TO ELIMINATE THE OBLIGATION OF CITIES AND COUNTIES TO PAY THE SALARIES OF STATE DISTRICT COURT JUDGES; AND TO AMEND THE LAWS CONCERNING DISTRICT COURT CLERKS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Alan Clark and 1 co-sponsor

HB 1661 shifts state district court judges' salaries to state funding, relieving local governments and creating a county justice fund for essential legal services.

Notification that HB1661 is now Act 371
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Bill Summary · HB 1661

Summary of House Bill 1661 (HB 1661)

Overview

House Bill 1661 (HB 1661) is a legislative act aimed at amending the laws governing state district courts in Arkansas. The primary intent of the bill is to eliminate the financial obligation of cities and counties to pay the salaries of state district court judges, thereby streamlining the funding process for the judicial system.

Key Provisions

  • Elimination of Local Salary Payments: The bill removes the requirement for cities and counties to fund the salaries of state district court judges. Instead, these salaries will be paid from the Constitutional Officers Fund, as established by the Arkansas Constitution and relevant state laws.

  • Amendments to District Court Clerk Laws: The bill includes amendments to existing laws concerning district court clerks, although specific changes are not detailed in the provided text.

  • Creation of County Administration of Justice Fund: The bill establishes a fund in each county, known as the "county administration of justice fund," which will be used to cover expenses related to the administration of justice. This fund will finance various county agencies and programs, including:

    • Prosecuting attorney fund
    • Public defender/indigent defense fund
    • County law library
    • District court operational costs

  • Retention of Court Costs: The bill allows counties to retain a portion of court costs and filing fees collected, ensuring that funding levels for justice administration remain consistent with historical amounts.

Impact

  • Judicial System: The bill is expected to enhance the efficiency of the judicial system by centralizing the funding of judges' salaries at the state level, thus relieving local governments of this financial burden.

  • Counties and Cities: Local governments will no longer be responsible for paying judges' salaries, which may free up resources for other local needs. However, they will still be required to maintain funding for various justice-related programs through the newly created county administration of justice fund.

  • Judges and Court Clerks: State district court judges will continue to receive their salaries from state funds, ensuring that their compensation is consistent and not subject to local financial fluctuations.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: March 04, 2025
  • Passed: March 18, 2025
  • Enrolled and Transmitted to Governor: March 19, 2025
  • Act Status: Became Act 371 on March 20, 2025

Conclusion

HB 1661 represents a significant shift in the funding structure for state district court judges in Arkansas, aiming to create a more efficient and centralized system for judicial compensation. By relieving local governments of this obligation, the bill seeks to enhance the administration of justice while ensuring that necessary funding for court operations and related services remains intact.

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

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