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1 State of Arkansas As Engrossed: S4/7/25
2 95th General Assembly
A Bill
3 Regular Session, 2025 SENATE BILL 72
4
5 By: Joint Budget Committee
6
7
8 For An Act To Be Entitled
9 AN ACT TO MAKE AN APPROPRIATION FOR PERSONAL SERVICES
10 AND OPERATING EXPENSES FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE
11 OF THE COURTS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30,
12 2026; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
13
14
15 Subtitle
16 AN ACT FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF
17 THE COURTS APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-
18 2026 FISCAL YEAR.
19
20
21 BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ARKANSAS:
22
23 SECTION 1. REGULAR SALARIES - OPERATIONS. There is hereby established
24 for the Administrative Office of the Courts for the 2025-2026 fiscal year,
25 the following maximum number of regular employees.
26
27 Maximum Annual
28 Maximum Salary Rate
29 Item Class No. of Fiscal Year
30 No. Code Title Employees 2025-2026
31 (1) Q004N AOC DIRECTOR 1 GRADE EXE04
32 (2) Q008N AOC DEPUTY DIRECTOR 1 GRADE EXE03
33 (3) Q260C AOC COURT APPLICATIONS BUSINESS DIR 1 GRADE IST12
34 (4) D143C AOC JUDICIAL CHIEF IT SECURITY ARCHITECT 1 GRADE IST11
35 (5) Q088C AOC COMPUTER SUPPORT MANAGER 1 GRADE IST09
36 (6) Q219C AOC DATA QUALITY MANAGER 2 GRADE IST09
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As Engrossed: S4/7/25 SB72
1 (7) Q048C AOC SOFTWARE ENGINEER 2 GRADE IST06
2 (8) Q114C AOC COMPUTER SUPPORT ANALYST II 2 GRADE IST05
3 (9) Q014C AOC SPECIALTY COURT COORDINATOR 1 GRADE SGS12
4 (10) Q058C AOC JUDICIAL BRANCH EDUCATION DIRECTOR 1 GRADE SGS12
5 (11) Q050C AOC COURT INTERPRETER SERVICES DIRECTOR 1 GRADE SGS11
6 (12) Q071C AOC FISCAL OFFICER 1 GRADE SGS11
7 (13) Q104C AOC PERSONNEL MANAGER 2 GRADE SGS10
8 (14) Q082C AOC INTERPRETER SC:L 1 GRADE SGS10
9 (15) Q069C AOC CASA COORDINATOR 1 GRADE SGS10
10 (16) G309C AOC GRANTS MANAGER 1 GRADE SGS10
11 (17) Q258C AOC JUVENILE JUSTICE SPECIALIST 1 GRADE SGS10
12 (18) Q089C AOC OFFICE MANAGER 1 GRADE SGS10
13 (19) Q057C AOC PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER 1 GRADE SGS10
14 (20) Q081C AOC SPANISH INTERPRETER 4 GRADE SGS10
15 (21) Q070C AOC REGIONAL FUNCTIONAL SPECIALIST 6 GRADE SGS09
16 (22) Q289C AOC DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST 1 GRADE SGS08
17 (23) Q113C AOC EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT 5 GRADE SGS08
18 (24) Q102C AOC JUDICIAL EDUCATION SPECIALIST 1 GRADE SGS08
19 (25) A142C AOC PAYROLL SERVICES SPECIALIST 1 GRADE SGS08
20 (26) Q105C AOC RESEARCH ANALYST 1 GRADE SGS08
21 (27) Q009C AOC MANAGING ATTORNEY 2 GRADE SPC10
22 (28) Q019C AOC SENIOR STAFF ATTORNEY 3 GRADE SPC06
23 MAX. NO. OF EMPLOYEES 47
24
25 SECTION 2. EXTRA HELP - OPERATIONS. There is hereby authorized, for
26 the Administrative Office of the Courts - Operations for the 2025-2026 fiscal
27 year, the following maximum number of part-time or temporary employees, to be
28 known as "Extra Help", payable from funds appropriated herein for such
29 purposes: two (2) temporary or part-time employees, when needed, at rates of
30 pay not to exceed those provided in the Uniform Classification and
31 Compensation Act, or its successor, or this act for the appropriate
32 classification.
33
34 SECTION 3. APPROPRIATION - OPERATIONS. There is hereby appropriated,
35 to the Administrative Office of the Courts, to be payable from the State
36 Central Services Fund, for personal services and operating expenses of the
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1 Administrative Office of the Courts - Operations for the fiscal year ending
2 June 30, 2026, the following:
3
4 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
5 NO. 2025-2026
6 (01) REGULAR SALARIES $3,873,747
7 (02) EXTRA HELP 5,000
8 (03) PERSONAL SERVICES MATCHING 1,260,512
9 (04) MAINT. & GEN. OPERATION
10 (A) OPER. EXPENSE 619,627
11 (B) CONF. & TRAVEL 35,000
12 (C) PROF. FEES 45,000
13 (D) CAP. OUTLAY 164,500
14 (E) DATA PROC. 0
15 (05) JUDICIAL EDUCATION 400,000
16 (06) COURT INTERPRETER FEES 519,350
17 TOTAL AMOUNT APPROPRIATED $6,922,736
18
19 SECTION 4. REGULAR SALARIES - DISPUTE RESOLUTION COMMISSION. There is
20 hereby established for the Administrative Office of the Courts - Dispute
21 Resolution Commission for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the following maximum
22 number of regular employees.
23
24 Maximum Annual
25 Maximum Salary Rate
26 Item Class No. of Fiscal Year
27 No. Code Title Employees 2025-2026
28 (1) Q020C AOC ADR PROGRAM COORDINATOR 1 GRADE SGS12
29 (2) Q132C AOC ADR TRAINING COORDINATOR 1 GRADE SGS08
30 (3) Q113C AOC EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT 1 GRADE SGS08
31 MAX. NO. OF EMPLOYEES 3
32
33 SECTION 5. APPROPRIATION - DISPUTE RESOLUTION COMMISSION - STATE.
34 There is hereby appropriated, to the Administrative Office of the Courts, to
35 be payable from the State Central Services Fund, for personal services,
36 operating expenses and grants of the Administrative Office of the Courts -
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1 Dispute Resolution Commission - State for the fiscal year ending June 30,
2 2026, the following:
3
4 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
5 NO. 2025-2026
6 (01) REGULAR SALARIES $223,578
7 (02) PERSONAL SERVICES MATCHING 75,116
8 (03) MAINT. & GEN. OPERATION
9 (A) OPER. EXPENSE 35,514
10 (B) CONF. & TRAVEL 15,000
11 (C) PROF. FEES 31,604
12 (D) CAP. OUTLAY 0
13 (E) DATA PROC. 0
14 (04) ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION GRANTS 25,000
15 TOTAL AMOUNT APPROPRIATED $405,812
16
17 SECTION 6. APPROPRIATION - ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION COMMISSION -
18 CASH. There is hereby appropriated, to the Administrative Office of the
19 Courts, to be payable from the cash fund deposited in the State Treasury as
20 determined by the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, for operating expenses,
21 fees and services of the Administrative Office of the Courts - Alternative
22 Dispute Resolution Commission - Cash for the fiscal year ending June 30,
23 2026, the following:
24
25 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
26 NO. 2025-2026
27 (01) MAINT. & GEN. OPERATION
28 (A) OPER. EXPENSE $125,000
29 (B) CONF. & TRAVEL 30,000
30 (C) PROF. FEES 120,000
31 (D) CAP. OUTLAY 0
32 (E) DATA PROC. 0
33 TOTAL AMOUNT APPROPRIATED $275,000
34
35 SECTION 7. APPROPRIATION - HEARING & VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS - STATE. There
36 is hereby appropriated, to the Administrative Office of the Courts, to be
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As Engrossed: S4/7/25 SB72
1 payable from the State Central Services Fund, for operating expenses for
2 reasonable accommodations for persons with hearing and visual impairments to
3 act as a venire person or juror for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, the
4 following:
5
6 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
7 NO. 2025-2026
8 (01) AUXILIARY AIDS-HEARING & VISUAL
9 IMPAIRMENTS $10,000
10
11 SECTION 8. APPROPRIATION - DISTRICT JUDGES CONTINUING EDUCATION -
12 STATE. There is hereby appropriated, to the Administrative Office of the
13 Courts, to be payable from the State Central Services Fund, for operating
14 expenses for a continuing education program for District Judges for the
15 fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, the following:
16
17 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
18 NO. 2025-2026
19 (01) MAINT. & GEN. OPERATION
20 (A) OPER. EXPENSE $60,000
21 (B) CONF. & TRAVEL 20,000
22 (C) PROF. FEES 0
23 (D) CAP. OUTLAY 0
24 (E) DATA PROC. 0
25 TOTAL AMOUNT APPROPRIATED $80,000
26
27 SECTION 9. REGULAR SALARIES - DIVISION OF DEPENDENCY-NEGLECT
28 REPRESENTATION. There is hereby established for the Administrative Office of
29 the Courts - Division of Dependency-Neglect Representation for the 2025-2026
30 fiscal year, the following maximum number of regular employees.
31
32 Maximum Annual
33 Maximum Salary Rate
34 Item Class No. of Fiscal Year
35 No. Code Title Employees 2025-2026
36 (1) Q191C AOC DATA ANALYST 1 GRADE IST06
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1 (2) Q019C AOC SENIOR STAFF ATTORNEY 2 GRADE SPC06
2 (3) Q029C AOC AD LITEM ATTORNEY 34 GRADE SPC05
3 (4) Q113C AOC EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT 1 GRADE SGS08
4 MAX. NO. OF EMPLOYEES 38
5
6 SECTION 10. APPROPRIATION - DIVISION OF DEPENDENCY-NEGLECT
7 REPRESENTATION. There is hereby appropriated, to the Administrative Office
8 of the Courts, to be transferred from the State Administration of Justice
9 Fund, and to be payable from the State Central Services Fund, for personal
10 services and operating expenses of the Administrative Office of the Courts -
11 Division of Dependency-Neglect Representation for the fiscal year ending June
12 30, 2026, the following:
13
14 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
15 NO. 2025-2026
16 (01) REGULAR SALARIES $3,307,962
17 (02) PERSONAL SERVICES MATCHING 1,060,799
18 (03) MAINT. & GEN. OPERATION
19 (A) OPER. EXPENSE 566,514
20 (B) CONF. & TRAVEL 10,000
21 (C) PROF. FEES 1,405,816
22 (D) CAP. OUTLAY 0
23 (E) DATA PROC. 0
24 (04) LOCAL CASA PROGRAM GRANTS 1,750,000
25 (05) ATTORNEY AD LITEM FEES/REIMBURSEMENTS 396,750
26 TOTAL AMOUNT APPROPRIATED $8,497,841
27
28 SECTION 11. REGULAR SALARIES - COURT AUTOMATION. There is hereby
29 established for the Administrative Office of the Courts - Court Automation
30 for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the following maximum number of regular
31 employees.
32
33 Maximum Annual
34 Maximum Salary Rate
35 Item Class No. of Fiscal Year
36 No. Code Title Employees 2025-2026
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As Engrossed: S4/7/25 SB72
1 (1) Q012N AOC CIS DIVISION DIRECTOR 1 GRADE IST15
2 (2) Q015N AOC APPLICATIONS DIRECTOR 1 GRADE IST12
3 (3) Q261C AOC IT PROJECT MANAGEMENT OFFICE DIR 1 GRADE IST12
4 (4) Q062N AOC SYSTEMS DIRECTOR 1 GRADE IST12
5 (5) N187N CIS DIVISION ASSISTANT DIRECTOR 1 GRADE IST12
6 (6) Q259C AOC JUDICIAL CHIEF IT SECURITY OFFICER 1 GRADE IST11
7 (7) Q005C AOC DATABASE ADMINISTRATOR 2 GRADE IST11
8 (8) Q140C AOC DEVELOPMENT TEAM MANAGER 1 GRADE IST10
9 (9) Q028C AOC TECHNICAL TEAM MANAGER 1 GRADE IST10
10 (10) Q136C AOC INFORMATION SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR 2 GRADE IST09
11 (11) Q016C AOC PROGRAM MANAGER 1 GRADE IST09
12 (12) Q190C AOC PROJECT MANAGER II 3 GRADE IST07
13 (13) Q138C AOC QUALITY ASSURANCE LEAD 1 GRADE IST07
14 (14) Q139C AOC IT SECURITY ANALYST 1 GRADE IST06
15 (15) Q142C AOC SOFTWARE ENGINEER 4 GRADE IST06
16 (16) Q049C AOC TECHNICAL ANALYST 3 GRADE IST06
17 (17) Q101C AOC WEBSITE DEVELOPER 1 GRADE IST06
18 (18) Q135C AOC BUSINESS ANALYST 4 GRADE IST06
19 (19) Q191C AOC DATA ANALYST 1 GRADE IST06
20 (20) Q189C AOC PROJECT ANALYST 2 GRADE IST06
21 (21) Q137C AOC QUALITY ASSURANCE COORDINATOR 1 GRADE IST06
22 (22) Q300C AOC QUALITY ENGINEER 1 GRADE IST06
23 (23) Q068C AOC APPLICATIONS SPECIALIST 8 GRADE IST05
24 MAX. NO. OF EMPLOYEES 43
25
26 SECTION 12. APPROPRIATION - COURT AUTOMATION. There is hereby
27 appropriated, to the Administrative Office of the Courts, to be payable from
28 the Judicial Fine Collection Enhancement Fund, for personal services,
29 operating expenses and other costs associated with the state court automation
30 system by the Administrative Office of the Courts - Court Automation for the
31 fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, the following:
32
33 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
34 NO. 2025-2026
35 (01) REGULAR SALARIES $3,598,673
36 (02) PERSONAL SERVICES MATCHING 1,167,176
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1 (03) MAINT. & GEN. OPERATION
2 (A) OPER. EXPENSE 2,450,000
3 (B) CONF. & TRAVEL 25,000
4 (C) PROF. FEES 50,000
5 (D) CAP. OUTLAY 801,590
6 (E) DATA PROC. 0
7 TOTAL AMOUNT APPROPRIATED $8,092,439
8
9 SECTION 13. APPROPRIATION - COURT AUTOMATION - CASH. There is hereby
10 appropriated, to the Administrative Office of the Courts, to be payable from
11 the cash fund deposited in the State Treasury as determined by the Chief
12 Fiscal Officer of the State, for operating expenses and other costs
13 associated with the state court automation system of the Administrative
14 Office of the Courts - Court Automation - Cash for the fiscal year ending
15 June 30, 2026, the following:
16
17 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
18 NO. 2025-2026
19 (01) MAINT. & GEN. OPERATION
20 (A) OPER. EXPENSE $150,000
21 (B) CONF. & TRAVEL 0
22 (C) PROF. FEES 0
23 (D) CAP. OUTLAY 0
24 (E) DATA PROC. 0
25 TOTAL AMOUNT APPROPRIATED $150,000
26
27 SECTION 14. APPROPRIATION - DISTRICT JUDGES & CLERKS CONTINUING
28 EDUCATION. There is hereby appropriated, to the Administrative Office of the
29 Courts, to be payable from the District Court Judge and District Court Clerk
30 Education Fund, for operating expenses for the purpose of providing
31 continuing education to District Court Judges and District Courts Clerks by
32 the Administrative Office of the Courts - District Court Judges & Clerks
33 Continuing Education for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, the following:
34
35 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
36 NO. 2025-2026
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As Engrossed: S4/7/25 SB72
1 (01) MAINT. & GEN. OPERATION
2 (A) OPER. EXPENSE $100,000
3 (B) CONF. & TRAVEL 10,000
4 (C) PROF. FEES 10,000
5 (D) CAP. OUTLAY 0
6 (E) DATA PROC. 0
7 TOTAL AMOUNT APPROPRIATED $120,000
8
9 SECTION 15. REGULAR SALARIES - COURT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM - FEDERAL.
10 There is hereby established for the Administrative Office of the Courts -
11 Court Improvement - Federal for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the following
12 maximum number of regular employees.
13
14 Maximum Annual
15 Maximum Salary Rate
16 Item Class No. of Fiscal Year
17 No. Code Title Employees 2025-2026
18 (1) Q056C AOC CIP PROGRAM MANAGER 1 GRADE SGS10
19 MAX. NO. OF EMPLOYEES 1
20
21 SECTION 16. APPROPRIATION - COURT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM - FEDERAL. There
22 is hereby appropriated, to the Administrative Office of the Courts, to be
23 payable from the federal funds as designated by the Chief Fiscal Officer of
24 the State, for personal services, operating expenses and grants of the
25 Administrative Office of the Courts - Court Improvement Program - Federal for
26 the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, the following:
27
28 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
29 NO. 2025-2026
30 (01) REGULAR SALARIES $67,947
31 (02) PERSONAL SERVICES MATCHING 23,527
32 (03) MAINT. & GEN. OPERATION
33 (A) OPER. EXPENSE 350,000
34 (B) CONF. & TRAVEL 150,000
35 (C) PROF. FEES 30,000
36 (D) CAP. OUTLAY 0
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As Engrossed: S4/7/25 SB72
1 (E) DATA PROC. 0
2 (04) DEPENDENCY NEGLECT GRANTS 140,000
3 TOTAL AMOUNT APPROPRIATED $761,474
4
5 SECTION 17. REGULAR SALARIES - ACCESS & VISITATION MEDIATION - FEDERAL.
6 There is hereby established for the Administrative Office of the Courts
7 Access & Visitation Mediation - Federal for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the
8 following maximum number of regular employees.
9
10 Maximum Annual
11 Maximum Salary Rate
12 Item Class No. of Fiscal Year
13 No. Code Title Employees 2025-2026
14 (1) Q121C AOC DIRECTOR ACCESS & VISITATION 1 GRADE SGS07
15 MAX. NO. OF EMPLOYEES 1
16
17 SECTION 18. APPROPRIATION - ACCESS & VISITATION MEDIATION - FEDERAL.
18 There is hereby appropriated, to the Administrative Office of the Courts, to
19 be payable from the federal funds as designated by the Chief Fiscal Officer
20 of the State, for personal services and operating expenses of the
21 Administrative Office of the Courts - Access & Visitation Mediation - Federal
22 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, the following:
23
24 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
25 NO. 2025-2026
26 (01) REGULAR SALARIES $43,010
27 (02) PERSONAL SERVICES MATCHING 17,933
28 (03) MAINT. & GEN. OPERATION
29 (A) OPER. EXPENSE 10,000
30 (B) CONF. & TRAVEL 0
31 (C) PROF. FEES 85,000
32 (D) CAP. OUTLAY 0
33 (E) DATA PROC. 0
34 TOTAL AMOUNT APPROPRIATED $155,943
35
36 SECTION 19. REGULAR SALARIES - COURT SECURITY GRANTS. There is hereby
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1 established for the Administrative Office of the Courts - Court Security
2 Grants for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the following maximum number of regular
3 employees.
4
5 Maximum Annual
6 Maximum Salary Rate
7 Item Class No. of Fiscal Year
8 No. Code Title Employees 2025-2026
9 (1) Q133C AOC DIR OF SEC & EMER PREPAREDNESS 1 GRADE LES09
10 MAX. NO. OF EMPLOYEES 1
11
12 SECTION 20. APPROPRIATION - COURT SECURITY GRANTS. There is hereby
13 appropriated, to the Administrative Office of the Courts, to be payable from
14 the State Central Services Fund, for personal services, operating expenses
15 and security grants of the Administrative Office of the Courts - Court
16 Security Grants for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, the following:
17
18 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
19 NO. 2025-2026
20 (01) REGULAR SALARIES $97,565
21 (02) PERSONAL SERVICES MATCHING 30,331
22 (03) MAINT. & GEN. OPERATION
23 (A) OPER. EXPENSE 25,000
24 (B) CONF. & TRAVEL 3,000
25 (C) PROF. FEES 5,000
26 (D) CAP. OUTLAY 0
27 (E) DATA PROC. 0
28 (04) SECURITY GRANTS 500,000
29 TOTAL AMOUNT APPROPRIATED $660,896
30
31 SECTION 21. APPROPRIATION - COUNTY JUROR REIMBURSEMENT. There is
32 hereby appropriated, to the Administrative Office of the Courts, to be
33 payable from the County Juror Reimbursement Fund, for reimbursing Arkansas
34 counties for the costs of jurors by the Administrative Office of the Courts -
35 County Juror Reimbursement for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, the
36 following:
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As Engrossed: S4/7/25 SB72
1
2 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
3 NO. 2025-2026
4 (01) COUNTY JUROR REIMBURSEMENTS $850,000
5
6 SECTION 22. APPROPRIATION - COURT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM. There is hereby
7 appropriated, to the Administrative Office of the Courts, to be payable from
8 the cash fund deposited in the State Treasury as determined by the Chief
9 Fiscal Officer of the State, for operating expenses of the Administrative
10 Office of the Courts - Court Management Program for the fiscal year ending
11 June 30, 2026, the following:
12
13 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
14 NO. 2025-2026
15 (01) MAINT. & GEN. OPERATION
16 (A) OPER. EXPENSE $25,000
17 (B) CONF. & TRAVEL 0
18 (C) PROF. FEES 0
19 (D) CAP. OUTLAY 0
20 (E) DATA PROC. 0
21 TOTAL AMOUNT APPROPRIATED $25,000
22
23 SECTION 23. APPROPRIATION - USDOT CASE MANAGEMENT. There is hereby
24 appropriated, to the Administrative Office of the Courts, to be payable from
25 the federal funds as designated by the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, for
26 operating expenses for the US Department of Transportation Case Management
27 Program of the Administrative Office of the Courts - USDOT Case Management
28 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, the following:
29
30 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
31 NO. 2025-2026
32 (01) MAINT. & GEN. OPERATION
33 (A) OPER. EXPENSE $484,000
34 (B) CONF. & TRAVEL 0
35 (C) PROF. FEES 0
36 (D) CAP. OUTLAY 0
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1 (E) DATA PROC. 0
2 TOTAL AMOUNT APPROPRIATED $484,000
3
4 SECTION 24. APPROPRIATION - COURT INTERPRETERS. There is hereby
5 appropriated, to the Administrative Office of the Courts, to be payable from
6 the cash fund deposited in the State Treasury as determined by the Chief
7 Fiscal Officer of the State, for operating expenses associated with fees from
8 Court Interpreter candidates and interpreter fees ordered by judges for the
9 fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, the following:
10
11 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
12 NO. 2025-2026
13 (01) MAINT. & GEN. OPERATION
14 (A) OPER. EXPENSE $10,000
15 (B) CONF. & TRAVEL 0
16 (C) PROF. FEES 15,000
17 (D) CAP. OUTLAY 0
18 (E) DATA PROC. 0
19 TOTAL AMOUNT APPROPRIATED $25,000
20
21 SECTION 25. APPROPRIATION - SPECIALTY COURT PROGRAM. There is hereby
22 appropriated, to the Administrative Office of the Courts, to be payable from
23 the Specialty Court Program Fund, for costs associated with the Specialty
24 Court Program and providing assistance and support to the Specialty Court
25 Advisory Committee for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, the following:
26
27 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
28 NO. 2025-2026
29 (01) SPECIALTY COURT PROGRAM $300,000
30
31 SECTION 26. APPROPRIATION - CASA PROGRAM. There is hereby
32 appropriated, to the Administrative Office of the Courts, to be payable from
33 the Arkansas Court Appointed Special Advocates Program Fund, for operating
34 expenses and grants to local CASA programs statewide of the Administrative
35 Office of the Courts - CASA Program for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026,
36 the following:
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As Engrossed: S4/7/25 SB72
1
2 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
3 NO. 2025-2026
4 (01) CASA PROGRAM EXPENSES $10,000
5
6 SECTION 27. APPROPRIATION - DRUG COURT ENHANCEMENT. There is hereby
7 appropriated, to the Administrative Office of the Courts, to be payable from
8 the federal funds as designated by the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, for
9 operating expenses of the Administrative Office of the Courts - Drug Court
10 Enhancement for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, the following:
11
12 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
13 NO. 2025-2026
14 (01) MAINT. & GEN. OPERATION
15 (A) OPER. EXPENSE $2,021,851
16 (B) CONF. & TRAVEL 964,359
17 (C) PROF. FEES 3,677,807
18 (D) CAP. OUTLAY 0
19 (E) DATA PROC. 0
20 (02) GRANTS AND AID 2,498,223
21 (03) ADULT TREATMENT COURT PROGRAM 28,640
22 TOTAL AMOUNT APPROPRIATED $9,190,880
23
24 SECTION 28. APPROPRIATION - AOC STATEWIDE SOFTWARE LICENSE. There is
25 hereby appropriated, to the Administrative Office of the Courts, to be
26 payable from the cash fund deposited in the State Treasury as determined by
27 the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, for costs associated with software
28 licensing for district and circuit courts of the Administrative Office of the
29 Courts - Statewide Software License for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026,
30 the following:
31
32 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
33 NO. 2025-2026
34 (01) MAINT. & GEN. OPERATION
35 (A) OPER. EXPENSE $30,000
36 (B) CONF. & TRAVEL 0
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As Engrossed: S4/7/25 SB72
1 (C) PROF. FEES 0
2 (D) CAP. OUTLAY 0
3 (E) DATA PROC. 0
4 TOTAL AMOUNT APPROPRIATED $30,000
5
6 SECTION 29. APPROPRIATION - JUVENILE JUSTICE REFORM. There is hereby
7 appropriated, to the Administrative Office of the Courts, to be payable from
8 the federal funds as designated by the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, for
9 operating expenses associated with Juvenile Justice Racial and Ethnic
10 Disparities Reform Initiative of the Administrative Office of the Courts -
11 Juvenile Justice Reform for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, the
12 following:
13
14 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
15 NO. 2025-2026
16 (01) MAINT. & GEN. OPERATION
17 (A) OPER. EXPENSE $353,774
18 (B) CONF. & TRAVEL 13,914
19 (C) PROF. FEES 632,312
20 (D) CAP. OUTLAY 0
21 (E) DATA PROC. 0
22 TOTAL AMOUNT APPROPRIATED $1,000,000
23
24 SECTION 30. APPROPRIATION - ACCOUNTABILITY COURT FUND. There is hereby
25 appropriated, to the Administrative Office of the Courts, to be payable from
26 the Accountability Court Fund, for operating expenses and grants and aid of
27 the Administrative Office of the Courts - Accountability Court Fund for the
28 fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, the following:
29
30 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
31 NO. 2025-2026
32 (01) ACCOUNTABILITY COURT EXPENSES $400,000
33
34 SECTION 31. APPROPRIATION - ADULT DRUG COURT. There is hereby
35 appropriated, to the Administrative Office of the Courts, to be payable from
36 the cash fund deposited in the State Treasury as determined by the Chief
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As Engrossed: S4/7/25 SB72
1 Fiscal Officer of the State, for operating expenses and grants and aid of the
2 Administrative Office of the Courts - Adult Drug Court Program for the fiscal
3 year ending June 30, 2026, the following:
4
5 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
6 NO. 2025-2026
7 (01) ADULT DRUG COURT EXPENSES $1,000,000
8
9 SECTION 32. APPROPRIATION - SPECIALTY COURTS. There is hereby
10 appropriated, to the Administrative Office of the Courts, to be payable from
11 the State Central Services Fund, for operating expenses and grants for
12 specialty courts of the Administrative Office of the Courts for the fiscal
13 year ending June 30, 2026, the following:
14
15 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
16 NO. 2025-2026
17 (01) MAINT. & GEN. OPERATION
18 (A) OPER. EXPENSE $0
19 (B) CONF. & TRAVEL 0
20 (C) PROF. FEES 2,800,000
21 (D) CAP. OUTLAY 0
22 (E) DATA PROC. 0
23 (02) GRANTS AND AID 1,700,000
24 TOTAL AMOUNT APPROPRIATED $4,500,000
25
26 SECTION 33. APPROPRIATION - COURTHOUSE LACTATION FACILITIES. There is
27 hereby appropriated, to the Administrative Office of the Courts, to be
28 payable from the cash fund deposited in the State Treasury as determined by
29 the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, for operating expenses and grants for
30 the construction, maintenance, renovation, equipping or purchase of lactation
31 facilities for Arkansas Courthouses for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026,
32 the following:
33
34 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
35 NO. 2025-2026
36 (01) COURTHOUSE LACTATION FACILITIES $100,000
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As Engrossed: S4/7/25 SB72
1
2 SECTION 34. APPROPRIATION - BYRNE JAG GRANT. There is hereby
3 appropriated, to the Administrative Office of the Courts, to be payable from
4 the federal funds as designated by the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, for
5 grants and aid to improve collaborative efforts with behavioral health and
6 criminal justice stakeholders for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, the
7 following:
8
9 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
10 NO. 2025-2026
11 (01) GRANTS AND AID $150,000
12
13 SECTION 35. APPROPRIATION - COURT TECHNOLOGY INITATIVE. There is
14 hereby appropriated, to the Administrative Office of the Courts, to be
15 payable from the federal funds as designated by the Chief Fiscal Officer of
16 the State, for operating expenses for advancing the case management system in
17 Arkansas for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, the following:
18
19 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
20 NO. 2025-2026
21 (01) MAINT. & GEN. OPERATION
22 (A) OPER. EXPENSE $0
23 (B) CONF. & TRAVEL 0
24 (C) PROF. FEES 4,027,500
25 (D) CAP. OUTLAY 0
26 (E) DATA PROC. 0
27 TOTAL AMOUNT APPROPRIATED $4,027,500
28
29 SECTION 36. SPECIAL LANGUAGE. NOT TO BE INCORPORATED INTO THE ARKANSAS
30 CODE NOR PUBLISHED SEPARATELY AS SPECIAL, LOCAL AND TEMPORARY LAW. FUND
31 TRANSFER. Federal funds received by the Arkansas State Police from the
32 United States Department of Transportation from safety incentive funds
33 received under 23 USC Section 402 for the "State and Community Highway Safety
34 Program" may be granted to the Administrative Office of the Courts and
35 deposited into the State Central Services Fund to reimburse expenditures by
36 the Administrative Office of the Courts for operating expenses of the
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As Engrossed: S4/7/25 SB72
1 Continuing Education Program for District Judges as appropriated in the
2 District Judges Continuing Education - State appropriation herein. The
3 appropriation to the Administrative Office of the Courts provided in the
4 District Judges Continuing Education - State appropriation may be expended
5 only in the event that federal funds have been granted and will be
6 transferred from the Arkansas State Police to reimburse the Continuing
7 Education Program for District Judges.
8 The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2024
9 2025 through June 30, 2025 2026.
10
11 SECTION 37. SPECIAL LANGUAGE. NOT TO BE INCORPORATED INTO THE ARKANSAS
12 CODE NOR PUBLISHED SEPARATELY AS SPECIAL, LOCAL AND TEMPORARY LAW.
13 DEPENDENCY-NEGLECT REPRESENTATION APPROPRIATION TRANSFER AUTHORITY. The
14 Administrative Office of the Courts shall receive approval from the Chief
15 Fiscal Officer of the State and Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint Budget
16 Committee to transfer funds and appropriations between line items Regular
17 Salaries, Personal Services Matching, Operating Expense, Professional Fees
18 and Attorney Ad Litem Fees/Reimbursements of the Division of Dependency-
19 Neglect Representation appropriation herein for the payment of employees
20 and/or contractors providing legal services for the Division of Dependency-
21 Neglect Representation.
22 Determining the maximum number of employees and the maximum amount of
23 appropriation and general revenue funding for a state agency each fiscal year
24 is the prerogative of the General Assembly. This is usually accomplished by
25 delineating such maximums in the appropriation act(s) for a state agency and
26 the general revenue allocations authorized for each fund and fund account by
27 amendment to the Revenue Stabilization law. Further, the General Assembly
28 has determined that the Administrative Office of the Courts may operate more
29 efficiently if some flexibility is provided to the Administrative Office of
30 the Courts authorizing broad powers under this Section. Therefore, it is
31 both necessary and appropriate that the General Assembly maintain oversight
32 by requiring prior approval of the Legislative Council or Joint Budget
33 Committee as provided by this section. The requirement of approval by the
34 Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is not a severable part of this
35 section. If the requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint
36 Budget Committee is ruled unconstitutional by a court of competent
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As Engrossed: S4/7/25 SB72
1 jurisdiction, this entire section is void.
2 The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2024
3 2025 through June 30, 2025 2026.
4
5 SECTION 38. SPECIAL LANGUAGE. NOT TO BE INCORPORATED INTO THE ARKANSAS
6 CODE NOR PUBLISHED SEPARATELY AS SPECIAL, LOCAL AND TEMPORARY LAW.
7 MONTHLY INSTALLMENT. From July 1, 2024 2025 through June 20, 2025 2026, a
8 lump sum monthly installment of at least one-twelfth (1/12) of a portion of
9 the annual appropriation provided for in the Division of Dependency-Neglect
10 Representation appropriation of this Act, or so much thereof as may be made
11 available, shall be provided from the State Administration of Justice Fund to
12 the State Central Services Fund to provide a portion of the funds for that
13 appropriation.
14 The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2024
15 2025 through June 30, 2025 2026.
16
17 SECTION 39. SPECIAL LANGUAGE. NOT TO BE INCORPORATED INTO THE ARKANSAS
18 CODE NOR PUBLISHED SEPARATELY AS SPECIAL, LOCAL AND TEMPORARY LAW.
19 TRANSFER PROVISION. After receiving approval from the Chief Fiscal Officer
20 of the State and Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee, the
21 Agency is authorized to transfer appropriation from any line item authorized
22 in Court Automation Appropriation of the Administrative Office of the Courts
23 in this Act to any other line item authorized in Court Automation
24 Appropriation.
25 Determining the maximum number of employees and the maximum amount of
26 appropriation and general revenue funding for a state agency each fiscal year
27 is the prerogative of the General Assembly. This is usually accomplished by
28 delineating such maximums in the appropriation act(s) for a state agency and
29 the general revenue allocations authorized for each fund and fund account by
30 amendment to the Revenue Stabilization law. Further, the General Assembly
31 has determined that the Administrative Office of the Courts may operate more
32 efficiently if some flexibility is provided to the Administrative Office of
33 the Courts authorizing broad powers under this Section. Therefore, it is both
34 necessary and appropriate that the General Assembly maintain oversight by
35 requiring prior approval of the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee
36 as provided by this section. The requirement of approval by the Legislative
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As Engrossed: S4/7/25 SB72
1 Council or Joint Budget Committee is not a severable part of this section.
2 If the requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget
3 Committee is ruled unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction,
4 this entire section is void.
5 The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2024
6 2025 through June 30, 2025 2026.
7
8 SECTION 40. SPECIAL LANGUAGE. NOT TO BE INCORPORATED INTO THE ARKANSAS
9 CODE NOR PUBLISHED SEPARATELY AS SPECIAL, LOCAL AND TEMPORARY LAW. FUNDING
10 AND APPROPRIATION TRANSFER AUTHORITY FOR COUNTY JUROR REIMBURSEMENT. (i)
11 After receiving prior approval by the Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint
12 Budget Committee if meeting in a Legislative Session, the Director of the
13 Administrative Office of the Courts may direct the Chief Fiscal Officer of
14 the State to transfer appropriation to the County Juror Reimbursement
15 appropriation and State Central Services funding in the same amount to the
16 County Juror Reimbursement Fund from any State Central Services Fund
17 appropriation authorized for the Administrative Office of the Courts.
18 (ii) Determining the maximum amount of appropriation and funding for a state
19 agency each fiscal year is the prerogative of the General Assembly. This is
20 usually accomplished by delineating such maximums in the appropriation act(s)
21 for a state agency and the general revenue allocations authorized for each
22 fund and fund account by amendment to the Revenue Stabilization law.
23 Further, the General Assembly has determined that the Administrative Office
24 of the Courts may operate more efficiently if some flexibility is provided to
25 the Administrative Office of the Courts authorizing broad powers under this
26 Section. Therefore, it is both necessary and appropriate that the General
27 Assembly maintain oversight by requiring prior approval of the Legislative
28 Council or Joint Budget Committee, if meeting in a Legislative Session, as
29 provided by this section. The requirement of approval by the Legislative
30 Council or Joint Budget Committee is not a severable part of this section.
31 If the requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget
32 Committee is ruled unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction,
33 this entire section is void.
34 (iii) The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1,
35 2024 2025 through June 30, 2025 2026.
36
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As Engrossed: S4/7/25 SB72
1 SECTION 41. COMPLIANCE WITH OTHER LAWS. Disbursement of funds
2 authorized by this act shall be limited to the appropriation for such agency
3 and funds made available by law for the support of such appropriations; and
4 the restrictions of the State Procurement Law, the General Accounting and
5 Budgetary Procedures Law, the Revenue Stabilization Law, the Regular Salary
6 Procedures and Restrictions Act, or their successors, and other fiscal
7 control laws of this State, where applicable, and regulations promulgated by
8 the Department of Finance and Administration, as authorized by law, shall be
9 strictly complied with in disbursement of said funds.
10
11 SECTION 42. LEGISLATIVE INTENT. It is the intent of the General
12 Assembly that any funds disbursed under the authority of the appropriations
13 contained in this act shall be in compliance with the stated reasons for
14 which this act was adopted, as evidenced by the Agency Requests, Executive
15 Recommendations and Legislative Recommendations contained in the budget
16 manuals prepared by the Department of Finance and Administration, letters, or
17 summarized oral testimony in the official minutes of the Arkansas Legislative
18 Council or Joint Budget Committee which relate to its passage and adoption.
19
20 SECTION 43. EMERGENCY CLAUSE. It is found and determined by the
21 General Assembly, that the Constitution of the State of Arkansas prohibits
22 the appropriation of funds for more than a one (1) year period; that the
23 effectiveness of this Act on July 1, 2025 is essential to the operation of
24 the agency for which the appropriations in this Act are provided, and that in
25 the event of an extension of the legislative session, the delay in the
26 effective date of this Act beyond July 1, 2025 could work irreparable harm
27 upon the proper administration and provision of essential governmental
28 programs. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act
29 being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health
30 and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 2025.
31
32 /s/Joint Budget Committee
33
34
35
36
21 04-07-2025 17:31:37 JAR037Every fact on this page links to its source, starting with the official bill record.