To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning Certain Fees, Expenses, And Costs Imposed On A Juvenile Or The Parent, Guardian, Or Custodian Of A Juvenile.
Impact
If enacted, SB340 would significantly alter how financial penalties are assessed within the juvenile justice system. It allows an elimination of costs tied to juvenile court proceedings, including expenses related to diversion programs, which often require financial contributions from families for participation. Consequently, the bill seeks to ensure that financial barriers do not hinder access to various rehabilitative services or legal assistance for juveniles and their families. Moreover, the legislation mandates that, in cases of delinquency, no financial penalties should be incurred solely based on the juvenile's status, thus shifting the responsibility of costs away from families.
Summary
Senate Bill 340 amends certain provisions in Arkansas law concerning the fees, expenses, and costs imposed on juveniles or their parents, guardians, or custodians. The bill aims to reduce the financial burden on families involved in juvenile proceedings by prohibiting the imposition of court costs, fees, and fines on juveniles and their custodians for matters regarding delinquency and family services. This legislation intends to relieve some of the economic strain that legal proceedings can cause on families, especially those affected by the juvenile justice system.
Contention
While many view the bill as a progressive move toward more equitable treatment of juveniles within the legal system, there are concerns about its implementation, particularly regarding funding for juvenile programs that may rely on these fees for sustainability. Critics emphasize that without adequate resources, some of the programs designed to support at-risk youth may deteriorate. Additionally, the bill requires the state to establish protocols for vacating unresolved balances from prior fees in order to further aid families, thus sparking discussions about the fiscal implications for the state's budget and juvenile justice resources.
To Create The Protect Arkansas Act; To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning Sentencing And Parole; To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning Certain Criminal Offenses; And To Create The Legislative Recidivism Reduction Task Force.
To Increase Youth Voice And Allow A Juvenile's Preferences Concerning Foster Care Placements And Family Time To Be Considered Regardless Of Age If He Or She Is Of Sufficient Age And Capacity To Reason; And To Establish Samantha's Law.
Concerning The Right Of A Parent, Guardian, Or Custodian To Be Provided With The Medical Records Of A Child Who Has Been Removed From His Or Her Custody Or Is In The Custody Of The Department Of Human Services.
To Modernize Probate Proceedings; And To Amend And Update The Law Concerning Adoptions, Guardianships, And The Administration Of Decedents' Estates; And To Amend The Probate Code.
To Amend The Law Concerning The Goal Of A Case In A Dependency-neglect Action When The Juvenile Or The Mother Tested Positive For An Illegal Substance At The Time Of The Juvenile's Birth.
To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning The Establishment Of A Statewide Integrated System For The Assessment And Collection Of Fines, Penalties, Fees, Costs, And Restitution.
Crimes: prostitution; references to prostitute and prostitution; modify in the probate code of 1939. Amends secs. 2, 13a & 18k, ch. XIIA of 1939 PA 288 (MCL 712A.2 et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5841'24
Juveniles: other; juvenile fines, fees, and costs; eliminate. Amends secs. 2f, 18, 28 & 29, ch. XIIA of 1939 PA 288 (MCL 712A.2f et seq.); adds sec. 29a to ch. XIIA & repeals sec. 18m, ch. XIIA of 1939 PA 288 (MCL 712A.18m). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4635'23, HB 4636'23, HB 4637'23