Arkansas House Bill HB1872

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/20/25
• Refer: 3/20/25
• Report Pass: 4/2/25
• Engrossed: 4/3/25
• Refer: 4/3/25
• Report Pass: 4/8/25
• Enrolled: 4/10/25
• Chaptered: 4/16/25
• Passed: 4/16/25

Caption

To Amend The Law Concerning The Fees That May Be Collected By A County Sheriff; And To Allow A County Sheriff To Collect Fees For Attempted Service In Certain Circumstances.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will have a direct impact on county revenue generation by enabling sheriffs to collect additional fees for services performed, particularly when an attempt to serve legal documents is made but is unsuccessful. This legislative change is expected to help offset costs related to the workload of county sheriffs, which has been a growing concern as demands on local law enforcement continue to increase. The amendment could also encourage more diligent attempts to serve documents, as sheriffs will have a financial incentive to document their efforts.

Summary

House Bill 1872 aims to amend existing laws regarding the fees that can be collected by county sheriffs in Arkansas. The primary focus of the bill is to permit sheriffs to charge fees for the attempted service of legal documents, a practice that may not have been explicitly authorized in the past. By delineating specific fees associated with various services such as serving subpoenas and executing warrants, the bill seeks to clarify the financial framework under which county sheriffs operate, thereby providing more transparency and accountability in their fee structures.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1872 appears to be largely positive, especially among law enforcement and county officials who view the bill as a necessary update to better reflect the operational realities faced by sheriffs. Supporters argue that allowing for fees related to attempted services is a practical solution to budget constraints and will enhance the efficacy of law enforcement in carrying out their duties. However, concerns may be raised regarding the potential for the increased financial burden on individuals subject to legal actions, which could draw criticism from advocacy groups focused on civil rights and access to justice.

Contention

As the bill moves through the legislative process, points of contention may arise over the fairness and implications of charging fees for attempted service, particularly regarding its impact on low-income individuals who might already be facing difficulties in navigating the legal system. Critics may argue that this could lead to a system where access to justice becomes dependent on one's ability to pay these fees. Additionally, ensuring that the fee structures are reasonable and transparent will be critical to maintaining public trust in the law enforcement system.