AR HB1859

Amends installment payment fee provisions for circuit and district courts, establishing $5.00 monthly fees with half deposited to the Judicial Fine Collection Enhancement Fund and half to court automation funds for technology expenses

Modifies credit and debit card payment provisions to replace "service or convenience fee" terminology with "transaction fee" language and prohibits the state and political subdivisions from charging access fees for electronic fine payments through third-party entities

Adds new provisions allowing defendants to waive court appearance and enter guilty or nolo contendere pleas by signed statement with payment for traffic violations (excluding DWI and mandatory appearance offenses), including electronic submission through websites

Expands district court departments in Woodruff County (from 3 to 4), Conway County (from 3 to 4), Little River County (from 2 to 3), and Clark County (from 2 to 4), all effective January 1, 2012

Clarifies electronic fine payment fee terminology from "access fee" to "transaction fee" not to exceed $10.00 and specifies deposit procedures for county and city automation funds