SB89 (courtroom security) will be on Friday's agenda

This bill (link) has passed the Senate and House Judiciary but I've been keeping it from the House floor because of a lack of funding. I was notified this morning that the Governor has found some room in his balanced budget for this worthy cause, and I am having it placed on Friday's agenda.

Courtroom security has been thrust into the spotlight by several events across the nation, most notably the 2006 incident in Atlanta. Arkansas courtrooms (save Pulaski Co.) severely lack any sort of security presence outside of the occasional deputy sheriff or court bailiff. This will benefit not only the litigants, judges (and their staff) and attorneys but will prvide security for jurors and court staff. We noticeably lag other states' efforts in this area, which is apparent by visiting other courthouses across the border in Bowie County and Caddo/Bossier Parish.