CONCERNING THE NINETEENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT-WEST; TO CREATE AN ADDITIONAL CIRCUIT JUDGESHIP; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

SB 234 creates one additional circuit judgeship in Arkansas' Nineteenth Judicial District-West to address high caseloads. The new judge will be elected by district voters in the 2026 nonpartisan election, serve a six-year term, and handle all circuit court matters including law, equity, probate, and juvenile cases. The county must provide court facilities, staff (including a court reporter and trial court administrator), and funding for this position starting April 2025, paid from county resources. This bill directly affects the Nineteenth Judicial District-West and its residents by expanding judicial capacity.