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HB 1896

TO CREATE THE JUNK FEE ELIMINATING ACT OF 2025; TO ABOLISH THE INFORMATION NETWORK OF ARKANSAS; AND TO TRANSFER ANY REMAINING DUTIES OF THE INFORMATION NETWORK OF ARKANSAS TO THE DIVISION OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jonathan Dismang and 1 co-sponsor

House Bill 1896 abolishes the Information Network of Arkansas, streamlining state operations and reducing junk fees, impacting agencies and citizens' interactions with services.

Notification that HB1896 is now Act 716
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Bill Summary · HB 1896

Summary of House Bill 1896: Junk Fee Eliminating Act of 2025

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1896, titled the Junk Fee Eliminating Act of 2025, aims to abolish the Information Network of Arkansas (INA) and transfer its remaining duties to the Division of Information Systems. The bill seeks to streamline state operations by eliminating what are referred to as "junk fees" associated with the INA and consolidating its functions within a more centralized agency.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant provisions:

  1. Abolition of the Information Network of Arkansas:

    • The INA is officially abolished, and all its authority, duties, functions, records, contracts, personnel, property, and unexpended balances of appropriations are transferred to the Division of Information Systems.

  2. Transfer of Responsibilities:

    • The Division of Information Systems will assume all statutory powers, duties, and functions previously held by the INA, including budgeting and purchasing responsibilities.

  3. Continuation of Existing Regulations:

    • Orders, rules, directives, registrations, licensing, or standards established by the INA prior to the bill's effective date will remain in effect until amended or repealed under the law.

  4. Amendments to Existing Codes:

    • The bill amends various sections of the Arkansas Code, including:
      • Arkansas Code § 12-12-1507: Clarifies the release of criminal history information and the role of the Division of Arkansas State Police.
      • Arkansas Code § 16-92-118: Adjusts the responsibilities for electronic collection of fines in circuit and district courts.
      • Repeal of the Information Network of Arkansas Fund: All funds received by the INA will no longer be deposited into a separate fund.

  5. Transaction Fees:

    • The Administrative Office of the Courts or the Division of Information Systems may charge transaction fees for electronic payments of court-ordered fines.

Impact

The enactment of HB 1896 will primarily affect:
- State Agencies: The transition of responsibilities from the INA to the Division of Information Systems may lead to changes in how state agencies process information and manage funds.
- Court Systems: The bill impacts how fines are collected and processed in the court system, potentially streamlining operations and reducing costs associated with the INA.
- Public: Citizens may experience changes in how they interact with state services, particularly regarding fees associated with electronic payments.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: March 31, 2025
  • Passed: April 10, 2025 (after multiple readings and committee recommendations)
  • Enacted: April 16, 2025, when HB 1896 was officially designated as Act 716.

This summary provides an overview of the Junk Fee Eliminating Act of 2025, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and the anticipated impact on state operations and the public.

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

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