Arkansas courts would receive fiscal-year funding and operating authority

The act would set maximum staffing levels and authorize spending for the Administrative Office of the Courts and its programs. The provisions cover regular and temporary employees, court administration, dispute resolution, dependency-neglect representation, court technology, education, grants, specialty courts, drug courts, juror reimbursement, and other listed programs. Spending would come only from the listed state, federal, cash, or special funds and would remain subject to state budget and procurement laws. The appropriations include operating costs, salaries, grants, training, court interpreters, security, technology, and other purposes listed in the act. The staffing limits and appropriations apply to the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, with the act taking effect July 1, 2026 if enacted.

The Administrative Office of the Courts could move certain appropriations between approved line items after required state budget approval. The authority covers dependency-neglect representation, court automation, and county juror reimbursement appropriations. Transfers for dependency-neglect representation and court automation require approval from the Chief Fiscal Officer and the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee. Transfers for county juror reimbursement require prior approval and must move matching state funding to the County Juror Reimbursement Fund. District judge continuing-education money could be used only if federal safety funds are granted and transferred to reimburse the program. These transfer and reimbursement provisions would apply from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.

District courts would not assess a $17.50 installment fee against a defendant, and the Administrative Office of the Courts could issue implementation guidance. The rule covers defendants in district-court departments who are authorized to pay fines over time. Assessment and collection would be carried out in a way that minimizes financial hardship for people paying fines by installments. The guidance authority is permissive, while the prohibition on the specified fee is mandatory if the act takes effect. The provision would apply from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.