AR SB310

Clarifies payment procedures for special judges appointed under Arkansas Constitution Amendment 80, addressing conflicts and gaps in existing law that have not been revised since the amendment's adoption.

Retired judges appointed as special judges receive compensation at one-half the rate of regularly elected circuit judges, in addition to retirement benefits, paid from appropriations for special and recalled judges.

Licensed attorneys elected as special judges may request compensation at one-half the rate of regularly elected circuit judges and receive reimbursement for actual expenses incurred, but only for days actually served.

Special judges receive travel expense reimbursement and mileage at the same rates as state employees, with separate provisions for judges appointed to hear cases outside their home jurisdiction.

District judges assigned as special judges receive expense reimbursement (rather than compensation) at rates specified in § 16-17-1108, clarifying the distinction between retired judges and active district judges serving in temporary special judge capacity.