Arkansas judges searching for solutions to budget shortfall

October 12, 2011

Arkansas: Arkansas' Administration of Justice Fund is running low, though no one is sure why. The fund, which pays the salaries of the state's trial court assistants, is fed by court fees and other costs. Now, Circuit Court judges want to make sure that their assistants don't bear the brunt of the shortage.

In late September, the Arkansas Judicial Council asked Governor Mike Beebe to dip into the rainy day fund in order to cover the budget gap. The governor, while open to all options, has asked the judiciary to identify long-term solutions for the shortfall. With many other state departments seeking financial aid as well, it is unclear how much the judiciary can expect to receive.

If the state government is unable or unwilling to bail out the judicial branch, trial court assistants may be subject to layoffs, furloughs, or reduced hours. The other option is for the counties to step in and help fund their circuit's operations.