AR SB578

Eliminates the $5.00 per month installment fee assessed on defendants who pay court fines on an installment basis under Arkansas Code § 16-13-704.

Removes provisions directing remittance of installment fees to the Judicial Fine Collection Enhancement Fund and to circuit court and district court automation funds.

Deletes the additional $5.00 per month fee in circuit court used to defray fine collection costs and the additional $5.00 per month fee in district court remitted to the State Administration of Justice Fund.

Retains requirements that court costs be collected from the initial installment payment first and that courts issue orders requiring full payment by a specified date.

Maintains existing definitions and procedures for installment payment authorization, including requirements that courts find the defendant has ability to pay but would suffer severe hardship from immediate full payment.