TO AMEND ARKANSAS LAW CONCERNING CERTAIN FEES, EXPENSES, AND COSTS IMPOSED ON A JUVENILE OR THE PARENT, GUARDIAN, OR CUSTODIAN OF A JUVENILE.

Senate Bill 340 amends Arkansas law concerning fees, expenses, and costs for juveniles and their families within the juvenile justice system. The bill establishes a rebuttable presumption that a juvenile is indigent for the purpose of appointing legal counsel. It prohibits courts from ordering juveniles or their parents, guardians, or custodians to pay for the cost of court-appointed attorneys. Additionally, it ensures that copies of diversion agreements are provided at no cost to the juvenile or their family. However, the bill maintains that parents or guardians may still be subject to civil penalties, court costs, and reasonable fees in truancy-related "family in need of services" actions.