SB68 Summary

• Appropriates $4,848,216 for the Administrative Office of the Courts Operations for fiscal year 2019-2020, including $2,666,531 for regular salaries and authorized 42 maximum regular employees plus 2 temporary/part-time employees

• Appropriates $7,628,905 for the Division of Dependency-Neglect Representation, including $2,768,280 in regular salaries, $1,750,000 in local CASA program grants, and $396,750 for attorney ad litem fees/reimbursements with 38 maximum employees

• Appropriates $6,806,038 from the Judicial Fine Collection Enhancement Fund for Court Automation operations with 43 maximum employees for personal services and state court automation system costs

• Establishes funding for multiple specialized programs including dispute resolution ($314,462), court interpreter services ($25,000), specialty court programs ($300,000), drug court enhancement ($100,000), and various federal grant-funded initiatives

• Provides transfer authority and flexibility for the Administrative Office of the Courts to transfer funds between line items with prior approval from the Chief Fiscal Officer and Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee; effective July 1, 2019