The bill seeks to reduce recidivism in Arkansas by amending laws related to suspended imposition of sentences, probation, parole, and post-release supervision. It introduces definitions for "criminogenic" and "prosocial," emphasizing the need for probation conditions to be tailored to the individual risks and needs of defendants. The legislation establishes the Evidence-based Practices and Quality Assurance Unit within the Department of Corrections to oversee the evaluation of correctional programs and mandates that courts consider presentence investigation findings when determining probation conditions. Additionally, a pilot program will be introduced to increase the number of presentence officers, focusing resources on moderate and high-risk offenders.

Further amendments include the creation of a feedback system by the Division of Community Correction to collect data on processes and outcomes, as well as the development of an "incentives and sanctions" grid to guide responses to both positive behaviors and violations. This grid will assign point values to various actions, promoting prosocial behaviors such as education and community service. The bill also requires annual evaluations of service providers by the Department of Corrections, disqualifying those that do not comply with evidence-based practices from receiving public funds. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance rehabilitation efforts and public safety by creating a more structured environment for individuals under supervision.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB485 V2 - 4-3-2025 09:20 AM: 5-4-101, 5-4-303(a), 5-4-303(c), 5-4-306, 12-27-103(b), 12-27-126(d), 12-27-127(a), 12-29-112, 16-10-103, 16-13-703(c), 16-90-102, 16-90-802(d), 16-90-1304(b), 04-03-2025, 16-93-101, 16-93-306(c), 16-93-306(d), 16-93-712(a), 16-93-712(c), 16-93-712(d), 16-93-1202(6), 16-93-1906(a), 16-93-1906(c), 16-93-1907(a)
Old version SB485 Original - 3-17-2025 04:13 PM: 5-4-101, 5-4-303(a), 5-4-303(c), 5-4-306, 12-27-103(b), 12-27-126(d), 12-27-127(a), 12-29-112, 16-10-103, 16-13-703(c), 16-90-102, 16-90-802(d), 16-90-1304, 16-93-101, 16-93-306(c), 16-93-306(d), 16-93-712(a), 16-93-712(c), 16-93-712(d), 16-93-1202(6), 16-93-1906(a), 16-93-1906(c)
SB 485: 5-4-101, 5-4-303(a), 5-4-303(c), 5-4-306, 12-27-103(b), 12-27-126(d), 12-27-127(a), 12-29-112, 16-10-103, 16-13-703(c), 16-90-102, 16-90-802(d), 16-90-1304, 16-93-101, 16-93-306(c), 16-93-306(d), 16-93-712(a), 16-93-712(c), 16-93-712(d), 16-93-1202(6), 16-93-1906(a), 16-93-1906(c)
Act 670: 5-4-101, 5-4-303(a), 5-4-303(c), 5-4-306, 12-27-103(b), 12-27-126(d), 12-27-127(a), 12-29-112, 16-10-103, 16-13-703(c), 16-90-102, 16-90-802(d), 16-90-1304(b), 04-03-2025, 16-93-101, 16-93-306(c), 16-93-306(d), 16-93-712(a), 16-93-712(c), 16-93-712(d), 16-93-1202(6), 16-93-1906(a), 16-93-1906(c), 16-93-1907(a)