AR SB234

Creates one additional circuit judgeship in the Nineteenth Judicial District-West effective April 1, 2025, with jurisdiction over law, equity, probate, and juvenile matters

The new judge will be elected by district voters for 6-year terms, with the first election at the 2026 nonpartisan judicial general election and the judge taking office January 1, 2027

The county composing the Nineteenth Judicial District-West must provide courtroom facilities, office space, and supplies for the new judgeship, paid from county treasury funds

A court reporter and trial court administrator will be provided for the new judgeship, with salaries fixed and paid according to existing state law for circuit courts

Declares an emergency based on the Judicial Resources Assessment Committee's caseload review, making the act effective April 1, 2025