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The Folding Chair podcast is reporting live from the Arkansas State Legislature 95th General Assembly Regular Session in 2025.

On this episode of The Folding Chair we interviewed Thomas Nichols about the importance eliminating juvenile fines and fees, data collection and, building statewide engagement around the issue to introduce legislation that identifies funding to backfill courts without placing the financial burden on parents and children.

Thomas Nichols is the Director of Legal and Advocacy Services at Disability Rights Arkansas, Inc.  Disability Rights is the state’s protection and advocacy system for individuals with disabilities.  They are funded by federal grants and provide advocacy and representation to individuals with disabilities regarding abuse and neglect, vocational rehabilitation, education, Medicaid, and more.  

Thomas has been with Disability Rights since 2015, and has been a practicing attorney since 2009.  In his role with Disability Rights, he has represented individuals and their families regarding all areas of the organization’s work.

Senate Bill 340, sponsored by Senator Clark, would shift the focus of youth courts away from burdensome costs and toward supportive measures such as family and youth programs and services. Paired with SB340 is SB341, which covers the necessary reappropriations of funds. #arleg #youthadvocacy