HB1550

House Bill 1550 amends Arkansas law regarding the priority of installment payments made by defendants for criminal convictions. The bill establishes that when a defendant pays installments for criminal financial obligations, restitution must be paid in full before any funds are applied to court costs or fines. This rule applies to both general court and district court payment structures. The legislation specifically mandates that installment payments are applied first to restitution (excluding mandated monthly fees) and only after restitution is fully satisfied are remaining funds directed toward court costs and subsequently fines. The primary objective is to prioritize the financial recovery of victims of crimes over the collection of state-assessed fees and fines.