AR HB1119

Reduces the First District (Benton County) state district court departments from fourteen (14) to thirteen (13) by eliminating the Bethel Heights department location due to its August 2020 annexation into Springdale.

Maintains four (4) state district court judges serving the First District, each designated as Division 1, 2, 3, and 4, with assignments to departments determined by mutual agreement of the judges.

Keeps the Second District composed of Washington County and Springdale city limits (including portions extending into Benton County), with ten (10) departments and four (4) state district court judges.

Establishes districtwide election of judges and districtwide jurisdiction for both the First and Second Districts of the state district court system.

Declares an emergency effective immediately upon gubernatorial approval, citing the need for smooth transition of district courts following Bethel Heights' annexation into Springdale.