Bill > SB260

This bill amends Arkansas Code § 5-4-204 to expand the methods for collecting court-imposed financial obligations when a defendant defaults on payment. Previously, the law referred only to fines or costs, but the bill broadens the language to "fines, fees, or costs" and provides two specific collection methods. First, the court can collect unpaid financial obligations through any means authorized for enforcing a civil money judgment, which typically includes actions like wage garnishment or bank account levies. Second, the court can intercept the defendant's state income tax return, following the same procedures used for collecting unpaid restitution. Additionally, the bill clarifies that a judgment for unpaid fines, fees, or costs will create a legal lien on the defendant's real and personal property, similar to a civil money judgment. This expansion gives courts more flexibility and tools to ensure that financial penalties are ultimately paid, potentially improving the effectiveness of court-ordered financial assessments.

Justice

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=sb260&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R