The Arkansas 95th General Assembly has enacted three significant bills aimed at reducing recidivism rates among released felons, with an overarching goal of facilitating their successful reintegration into society.
House Bill 1931 focuses on initiating reentry preparations from the very first day of an inmate’s incarceration. The bill emphasizes the need for individualized programs that are continuously updated to optimize outcomes. These programs will offer incentives such as extended phone privileges or increased commissary spending limits to encourage participation. Additionally, post-release support is a critical component of this initiative.
Senate Bill 485 aims to enhance the rehabilitation process by refining the legal framework around suspended sentences, probation, and parole. It emphasizes the use of presentence needs assessments to tailor supervision and create incentives for positive behaviors, including education and community service.
Senate Bill 537 introduces a system where parolees can earn credits for employment. Specifically, for every 130 hours of verifiable work completed within 30 days, parolees can earn five credits, each reducing their sentence by one day. However, these credits are not available when a parolee has 60 days or less remaining on their sentence.
These legislative efforts are complemented by the Protect Arkansas Act, which was passed in 2023. This act removed the possibility of parole for violent crimes and established a task force to address recidivism, further highlighting the state’s commitment to lowering re-offending rates and enhancing public safety.
