Overview

• The trial courts of Arkansas are funded through a mix of state and local funding.  The state judges, court reporters and all other trial court personnel are paid by the state; clerks are paid by the county. 
• The Judicial Branch FY11 appropriation was reduced during the fiscal year.  Its FY12 appropriation is the same as FY11.  To reduce spending, Arkansas has frozen the salaries of judges and staff.
• Arkansas has additional general fund money to fund up to 5 HOPE courts as a part of their Pew-sponsored legislative agenda and also received additional special (fee-based) revenue to roll out state-wide e-filing.  They are implementing e-filing, e-citation and e-payment of fines and fees.
• Arkansas is making dramatic changes to their limited jurisdiction court structure, including the elimination of city courts and the creation of "state district courts" served by full-time, state-funded judges who also have authority via Supreme Court rule to handle certain matters for general jurisdiction courts.
• Arkansas has been operating with static levels of funding and a continuing or increasing need for services. Three years of a pay freeze for judicial salaries is causing a decrease in the morale of those serving on the bench.

Reports and Articles

•  Press Release. "Chief Justice Seeks Surplus Money for Arkansas Courts." baxterbulletin.com. January 25, 2012

Gavel to Gavel

• Database. Search the Gavel to Gavel legislation database based on state, year, legislation category, or any combination.