AR
Arkansas Senate Bill SB641

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas Senate Bill SB641

Introduced
4/9/25  
Refer
4/9/25  

Caption

To Amend The Law Concerning Work-release Programs; And To Allow A Sheriff To Elect To House Work-release Program Participants.

Impact

If enacted, SB641 will significantly impact state laws governing the corrections and rehabilitation of inmates in Arkansas. Specifically, the bill aims to modify how inmates are managed prior to their release, paving the way for more localized control over inmate housing by county sheriffs. This local discretion is aimed at improving the effectiveness of work-release programs and supports the broader goals of criminal justice reform. Reimbursement provisions for housing costs will alleviate financial burdens on counties, aligning local corrections efforts with state-level goals of reducing recidivism through effective programming.

Summary

Senate Bill 641 aims to amend the existing laws concerning work-release programs in Arkansas. The bill gives county sheriffs the authority to elect to house participants of these work-release programs in county jails. This change is intended to expedite inmates' access to evidence-based programming that can facilitate their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. For inmates eligible under specific conditions, the sheriff's election to house these individuals will be based on their earliest potential release date, provided they consent to this arrangement. Furthermore, the program will allow for flexibility in managing inmates' housing according to their rehabilitative needs.

Contention

The bill, however, does not come without points of contention. Some critics may argue that this local control could lead to disparities in how work-release programs are implemented across different counties, potentially affecting the quality and consistency of programming offered. Concerns about the eligibility criteria for inmates, particularly those convicted of felonies who are ineligible for earned release credits, may also arise. The balance between the need for effective rehabilitation and the risk management of housing inmates locally will be a key point of debate as the bill progresses through the legislative process.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR SB495

To Create The Protect Arkansas Act; To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning Sentencing And Parole; To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning Certain Criminal Offenses; And To Create The Legislative Recidivism Reduction Task Force.

AR HB1616

To Amend The Law Concerning Publication Of Notice; To Allow The Publication Of Notice On A Website; To Amend The Law Concerning Counties And Municipalities And Publication; And To Amend The Law Concerning Elections.

AR HB1360

To Allow Residential Electricians To Perform Work On Three And Four Family Homes; And To Amend The Law Concerning Definitions Of Electricians.

AR HB1430

To Amend The Division Of Workforce Services Law; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1648

To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning Runoff Elections And To Provide For A Runoff Election For Candidates For The Senate And The House Of Representatives.

AR SB206

To Amend The Law Concerning School Elections; And To Amend The Law Concerning Members Of Local School Boards Of Directors.

AR SB558

To Amend The Law Concerning Public Works Projects By The Department Of Parks, Heritage, And Tourism.

AR SB72

To Amend The Law Concerning Reimbursement Of County Costs For Holding State Inmates, Probationers, And Parolees; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1399

To Amend The Law Regarding Publication Requirements For Counties And Municipalities; To Amend The Law Concerning Elections; And To Amend The Law Concerning Tax Delinquency Lists.

AR HB1457

To Establish The Arkansas Poll Watchers Bill Of Rights Act Of 2023; To Amend The Law Concerning Poll Watchers; And To Amend The Law Concerning Election Procedures.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.