AR HB1674

Amends Arkansas Code § 4-88-105(e) to clarify that the Consumer Education and Enforcement Account managed by the Consumer Protection Division cannot exceed $1,000,000 in balance and may be used for litigation support, expert witness fees, court costs, training, travel, consumer education, and investigation expenses.

Repeals Arkansas Code § 4-88-105(f) and creates new § 25-16-718 to establish comprehensive procedures for distributing settlement funds and court judgments where the state is a party, including restitution to consumers, cash designations to relevant state agencies, and attorney's fees or civil penalties.

Requires the Attorney General's office to provide quarterly reports to the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee detailing all cash funds received from court orders or settlements, including case names, amounts, disbursement plans, and current account balances, due no later than the fifteenth day of the month following each quarter.

Amends Arkansas Code § 19-4-817(b) to exempt cash funds whose distribution is controlled by court order or settlement agreement from the requirement that the General Assembly budget and appropriate such expenditures through separate appropriation bills.

Establishes detailed reporting requirements for funds given to specific entities, including whether court orders or settlement agreements directed such disbursements and the Attorney General's rationale for any discretionary distributions.