AR SB47

Appropriates $4,829,570 from the State Central Services Fund for the Administrative Office of the Courts - Operations for fiscal year 2020-2021, supporting 42 regular employees and 2 temporary positions.

Establishes appropriations for multiple court-related programs totaling approximately $20.1 million, including court automation ($6,806,777), dependency-neglect representation ($7,630,138), alternative dispute resolution ($589,462), and various judicial education and specialty court programs.

Authorizes the Division of Dependency-Neglect Representation to contract with qualified attorneys including former state attorneys and part-time public defenders appointed by circuit judges for dependency-neglect cases.

Amends Arkansas Juvenile Code sections 9-27-327, 9-27-338, and 9-27-341 to allow courts to extend adjudication hearings, permanency planning hearings, and termination of parental rights hearings beyond normal time limits during extraordinary circumstances including national emergencies or statewide public health emergencies.

Grants transfer authority to the Administrative Office of the Courts for fund reallocation between line items in the Division of Dependency-Neglect Representation and Court Automation appropriations with approval from the Chief Fiscal Officer and Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee.