The bill proposes an appropriation for the Department of Corrections for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, establishing a total of 4,742 employees, including 215 for Shared Services and 4,527 for the Division of Correction. It allocates approximately $340 million for various operational expenses, including salaries, overtime, and inmate care. New appropriations are introduced for programs such as the Inmate Welfare Program and Work Release Program, with specific funding for purchasing cattle and meat to promote self-sufficiency within the correctional system. The bill also allows for the use of contingent positions for medical services, pending approval from the Chief Fiscal Officer and the Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee.

Additionally, the bill amends Arkansas Code to enable the Division of Correction to enter cooperative agreements for juvenile sex offender assessments and mandates the submission of an annual inmate cost report. It modifies provisions related to the County Jail Reimbursement Fund, ensuring that unspent funds carry over to the next fiscal year with required justifications. New legal language is introduced to require the Association of Arkansas Counties to compile an annual report on costs incurred by local governments housing state inmates. The bill also includes provisions for additional compensation for emergency response unit employees, the deposit of proceeds from state property sales into the State Treasury for the Paws in Prison program, and sets limits on promotional spending for employee recruitment. An emergency clause is included for immediate effectiveness starting July 1, 2023.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1176 Original - 1-19-2023 12:12 PM: 12-27-123, 12-27-103(b)
Old version HB1176 V2 - 4-5-2023 03:54 PM: 12-27-123, 12-27-103(b)
HB 1176: 12-27-123, 12-27-103(b)
Act 890: 12-27-123, 12-27-103(b)