Bill > HB1831

This bill amends Arkansas law to expand and clarify the Attorney General's responsibilities regarding settlement and civil penalty funds. The legislation modifies the existing statute to explicitly include civil penalty funds in the Attorney General's accounting requirements and provides more detailed guidelines for their distribution. Specifically, the bill allows the Attorney General to receive funds from settlements, judgments, and civil penalties where no specific use is mandated, and requires the creation of necessary accounts to manage these funds. The funds can be distributed for various purposes, including consumer restitution, payments to state agencies, attorney's fees, civil penalties, consumer education, and office expenses. The bill also strengthens transparency by mandating quarterly reports to the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee, which must include detailed information such as case names, fund amounts, disbursement plans, and rationales for fund allocation. These reports must be submitted by the 15th day of the month following each quarter and must provide comprehensive details about how settlement and civil penalty funds are being used, ensuring greater accountability and oversight of the Attorney General's financial management.

Justice

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1831&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R