The Arkansas legislative session is underway, and lawmakers are making decisions that will impact our communities for years to come. Right now, we have a critical opportunity to push for changes that eliminate harmful financial penalties, reduce unnecessary incarceration, and strengthen public health.​ And, Arkansans deserve the ability to easily access their process.
We're advocating for three key changes this session:
Drug Paraphernalia
Amending the law regarding charges for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. This bill simply moves any and all drug paraphernalia to a misdemeanor charge for the 2nd and 3rd occurrence to align with the DWI statutes that become a felony on the 4th occurrence.
End Youth Fines & Fees
This bill would eliminate cash bail for misdemeanor charges and put in place a system where misdemeanor charges are cited electronically or written with information on court appearance details.
Cash Bail
This bill would eliminate fines and fees for most youth court, excluding restitution and FINs cases, with an emphasis of accountability through other means including family and youth programs and services.
