(a) The Arkansas Judicial Council, hereinafter referred to as the “council”, is authorized and directed to develop criteria for new judgeships or redistricting of the circuit court districts of this state and to make recommendations to the regular session, fiscal session, or special session of the General Assembly regarding the number and boundaries of the circuit court districts in the state, the number of judges in each of such districts, and such other matters regarding circuit courts in the state as it determines to be appropriate.
(b) In establishing circuit court districts of this state, the council shall take into consideration caseload, geographic area to be served by the respective circuit courts, and such other matters as the council determines to be appropriate.
(c) The council shall meet on or before November 1 of each even-numbered year to finalize criteria for establishing additional judgeships or redistricting during the next regular session of the General Assembly.