Arkansas House Bill HB1664

Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/16/23
• Refer: 3/16/23
• Report Pass: 3/28/23
• Engrossed: 3/29/23
• Refer: 3/29/23
• Report Pass: 4/5/23
• Failed: 5/1/23

Caption

To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning The Membership Of County Law Library Boards.

Impact

The primary effect of this bill will be on the governance of county law libraries, enhancing their oversight by incorporating judges into the board. Specifically, it mandates the appointment of one circuit court judge and one district court judge residing in the county as members of the library board, destined to bolster the legal authority and operational integrity of these libraries. The judges will serve terms of two years, promoting a closer alignment of the library's functions with the judiciary's goals of improving access to legal resources.

Summary

House Bill 1664 seeks to amend existing Arkansas law concerning the structure and membership of county law library boards. The bill stipulates that each county law library board should consist of three to five practicing attorneys residing in the county who are appointed by the county court. This appointment process is to be conducted from nominations made by the county bar association or a regional bar association in areas lacking a local bar association. The bill further articulates procedures for counties with fewer than three attorneys, ensuring diversity in board membership while maintaining a focus on legal expertise.

Contention

Notably, the amendments proposed in HB1664 reflect broader discussions about the accessibility of legal resources in rural areas where attorney populations may be limited. Proponents argue that integrating judges onto the board will enhance the library's function and ensure that it meets community legal needs effectively. Some may contend, however, that the judicial appointments could create conflicts of interest or influence the neutrality of the library’s board, particularly in cases where legal disputes involve individuals using the library's resources.