AR SB578

Create new Arkansas Code § 16-10-141 prohibiting courts from suspending a driver's license solely for failure to pay fines/fees or failure to appear, unless specific procedural requirements are met.

Allow license suspension only if the court orders suspension to begin within 15 days of the order and transmits the order electronically, by fax, or by letter to the Department of Finance and Administration.

Require the Department of Finance and Administration to notify the person by first class mail of the risk of license suspension and provide 15 days to make arrangements to pay or appear.

Permit courts to issue a new order rescinding the license suspension once the person makes sufficient arrangements to pay fines/fees or appear in court, with courts required to transmit the rescission order to the department.

Amend existing statutes (§ 16-13-708 and § 16-17-131) to require courts to comply with the new § 16-10-141 requirements before revoking or suspending driver's licenses for failure to pay debts or appear in court.