Arkansas House Bill HB1382

Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/8/23
• Refer: 2/8/23
• Failed: 5/1/23

Caption

To Create The Reboot Pilot Program; And To Create An Income Tax Credit For Businesses That Hire Certain Former Offenders.

Impact

The legislation is expected to impact state laws relating to tax credits and employability of former offenders. By creating a financial incentive for businesses who hire these individuals, the bill aims to promote inclusivity within the workforce and potentially reduce the burden on the correctional system. This initiative comes as a response to alarming statistics indicating that a significant number of ex-prisoners return to criminal behavior shortly after release. The income tax credits would not only benefit those who are hired but may also support local economies through increased employment opportunities.

Summary

House Bill 1382 proposes the creation of the Reboot Pilot Program which aims to provide assistance and incentives for businesses to hire individuals who have recently been incarcerated. It particularly targets 'qualifying former offenders'—those who have been convicted of a felony and released from their first term of incarceration within the last twelve months. The bill establishes criteria for tax credits that businesses can claim for hiring eligible individuals, intended to encourage workforce reintegration and reduce recidivism rates among this demographic. The overall purpose of the bill is to improve reintegration into society for former inmates, thereby addressing systemic issues related to high recidivism rates and lack of job opportunities for ex-offenders.

Sentiment

There seems to be a generally supportive sentiment towards HB 1382 from various stakeholders, including some lawmakers and community organizations focused on criminal justice reform. Proponents argue that providing tangible incentives like tax credits is a necessary step in creating pathways for former offenders to build stable lives after incarceration. However, there could be reservations or concerns from some sectors that might view the reliance on tax credits as insufficient for addressing broader systemic challenges related to reentry, such as job training and support services.

Contention

While the bill is largely seen as a positive step towards improving outcomes for former offenders, there is contention surrounding the implementation and effectiveness of such programs. Critics may question whether tax credits alone are effective in reducing recidivism, or if they adequately address the other barriers faced by former inmates in the job market, such as stigma and lack of skills. Additionally, concerns could arise regarding the limits set on the number of participants within the program, as it may restrict the potential reach of the initiative and fail to accommodate the high demand for employment support among this population.