Bill > HB1832

This bill amends the Rules of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals of Arkansas to establish the exclusive original jurisdiction of the Court of Appeals for facial constitutional challenges. Specifically, the bill gives the Court of Appeals the sole authority to hear initial legal challenges that seek to declare a provision of state law, the Arkansas Code, or an administrative rule unconstitutional in all of its applications under the U.S. or Arkansas Constitution. The bill modifies existing court rules to outline the procedure for such challenges, including filing requirements, summons issuance, and appeal processes. Additionally, the bill makes corresponding changes to the jurisdiction of circuit courts, removing their ability to hear these types of constitutional challenges. Other modifications include clarifying the Supreme Court's ability to review and transfer cases between the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court, and adjusting rules about petition for review processes. The changes are set to take effect on November 1, 2025, and are authorized under Arkansas Constitution Amendment 80, which allows the General Assembly to modify court rules through a two-thirds vote in each legislative house.

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https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1832&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R