Judicial bills making some headway

The House concurred in a Senate amendment today to grant five new circuit judge positions across the state. That bill (HB1400 filed by Robbie Wills) is headed to the Governor.

The courtroom security bill (SB89) passed through the Senate yesterday with 34 'yea' votes, and I'll be handling it in the House.

Even though it got through the Senate with no 'no' votes cast, we're headed for a showdown on the bill that overhauls the District court system in Arkansas (SB235). Rep. Mark Pate (D-Bald Knob) is unhappy with the bill on the basis that it consolidates city courts with district courts and on the belief that he thinks it to be the first step in removing all city court locations in the state. I intend to try and work with him on the bill, partly because he's Vice Chair of the House Judiciary Committee and carries a big stick, and partly because I served on the interim task force that developed this bill and have made it a central part of my legislative package this session. You can read more about this bill here. SB89 and SB235 will be on Tuesday's House Judiciary agenda.