HB1798
To Allow A Town Or City To Use Funds From The Fine Levied On Certain Defendants For Transportation Costs And Certain Construction, Maintenance, And Operation Costs.
Last Action (May 1, 2023): Died in House Committee at Sine Die Adjournment
Sponsors
AI-Generated Summary
House Bill 1798 amends existing Arkansas law regarding the use of funds collected from supplemental fines levied by towns and cities on criminal defendants. Current law allows these funds to be used specifically to defray the costs of incarcerating city prisoners. The bill expands the permitted use of these funds to include the construction, maintenance, and operation of city jails, as well as the cost of transporting prisoners to county facilities. The legislation clarifies that these funds can also be applied toward the construction, maintenance, and operation of county jails that hold city prisoners. Essentially, the bill provides municipalities with more flexibility in using fine revenue to cover a broader range of jail-related infrastructure and logistical expenses.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries are municipal governments and city administrations in Arkansas, which gain greater flexibility to utilize revenue from court-levied fines to cover jail operational, construction, and prisoner transportation costs. County governments may also benefit indirectly, as cities are granted more legal avenues to help fund the upkeep of county jail facilities where city prisoners are housed.
Who Might Suffer?
The primary group negatively impacted are individuals convicted of crimes or traffic violations, as well as those entering plea deals or bond forfeitures in districts where these fines are levied. Since the fines are mandatory upon conviction or plea, these individuals face a direct financial burden that is now more broadly applied to support local jail infrastructure and transportation budgets.
Get Notified
Receive an email when this bill's status changes.