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Committee raises statutory fee for victim‑impact panel from $10 to $40 to align with neighboring states

JUDICIARY COMMITTEE - SENATE · March 22, 2021

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Summary

Lawmakers approved a change increasing the statutory fee for victim‑impact panels tied to DWI convictions from $10 to $40 to align with surrounding states and stabilize vendor availability after pandemic‑era disruptions.

The committee approved House Bill 15‑11, which raises the statutory fee for the victim‑impact panel (VIP) program tied to DWI/DUI convictions from $10 to $40. Sponsor Central (Bledsoe) introduced the measure and Kirk Lane, the state drug director, described vendor disruptions during the COVID period when a contractor charged $65 and then withdrew from Arkansas, creating service backlogs. Lane said neighboring states charge $40–$50 and the change would place Arkansas in parity and improve vendor stability.

There was no public opposition or extended questioning recorded. The committee adopted a due‑pass motion and advanced the bill on a voice vote.