AR SB568

Increases the Twenty-Fifth Judicial District from one to two state district court judges, with both judges elected districtwide.

Expands the district to include both St. Francis and Cross counties, with six total court departments located in Forrest City, Madison, Palestine, Wynne, Cherry Valley, and Parkin.

Governor shall appoint a qualified resident to temporarily fill the newly created judgeship until January 1, 2021, when the additional judge will be elected at the 2020 preferential primary election.

New district court judge will serve a four-year elected term with the same qualifications, salary, expenses, and allowances as other district judges.

Counties receiving the new judgeship must provide courtroom and office facilities; act becomes effective July 1, 2019, due to the immediate need for additional judicial resources in the district.