Senate Judiciary Committee advances bill to add second full‑time district judge in Lonoke/Monroe area

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted to advance Senate Bill 511 on a voice vote after testimony that the Monroe/Lonoke judicial district needs a second full‑time district judge.

Sponsor and supporters told the committee the district spans roughly 875 square miles and covers six district court departments. Judge Clint McGough of Laurel County said the current configuration—two part‑time district judges in 2021 and the prospect of one full‑time judge—creates delays and confusion for residents. He said local leaders and the District Court Resource Assessment Board recommended the change without objection.

Senator Flowers and other committee members pressed about caseload and statutory authority. Judge McGough said the change is authorized by statute and Amendment 80 and that the district courts and circuit courts would continue to coordinate case handling. He also noted the fiscal contrast with adding a circuit judge, which proponents said carries an estimated placement cost in excess of $500,000; district judge costs are paid in part through local government contributions and had local support in writing.

Greg Parrish of the Arkansas Public Defender Commission cautioned that an additional court will increase demand on public defender resources and urged the legislature to plan accordingly. The sponsor said local governments, prosecutors and courts have discussed operational plans and that a written plan will be submitted to the Administrative Office of the Courts for approval.

After brief closing remarks from the sponsor, the committee moved the bill and the chair announced that the motion carried by voice vote. The bill will proceed from committee with the committee's endorsement.

The committee did not record a roll‑call tally in the hearing transcript; the chair announced the motion carried.