IN RE RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC-RESUMPTION OF DEADLINES FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS ( 2021 )

Cite as 2021 Ark. 67SUPREME COURT OF ARKANSAS
IN RE RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 Opinion Delivered: March 18, 2021
PANDEMIC-RESUMPTION OF
DEADLINES FOR SERVICE OF
PROCESS
PER CURIAM
On April 28, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we suspended until
further notice the deadlines for service of process under Rule 4(i) of the Arkansas Rules of
Civil Procedure and Rule 3 of the Arkansas District Court Rules. See In re Response to the
COVID-19 Pandemic-Amendments to Court Rules, 2020 Ark. 164 (per curiam). Because we are
encouraged by the state’s recent downward trend in COVID-19 infections and by the
increase in vaccinations, we announce the resumption of the deadlines for service of process
under Rule 4(i) and Rule 3––effective immediately. As a transitional measure, we order that
service of process for pending cases shall be made on a defendant by May 31, 2021, within
the time remaining under Rule 4(i) (in circuit courts) or Rule 3 (in district courts), or within
the time remaining under any order extending time for service, whichever is later.
It is so ORDERED.