The bill amends the law regarding work-release programs in Arkansas, specifically allowing county sheriffs the option to house work-release program participants in county jails. It introduces a new section, 12-30-408, which outlines the conditions under which a sheriff can elect to house inmates committed to the Department of Corrections at the county jail for up to twelve months before their earliest potential release date. The bill specifies that inmates convicted of certain felonies are ineligible for this housing option and establishes requirements for the sheriff, including obtaining written consent from the inmate, notifying relevant parties, conducting risk-needs assessments, and providing access to evidence-based programming.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the Department of Corrections to reimburse counties for housing costs and mandates that inmates working under this program must benefit local political subdivisions or nonprofit organizations. It also requires annual training for sheriffs on conducting risk-needs assessments and ensures that inmates receive medical care as needed. The bill modifies existing language in Arkansas Code 16-90-402 to clarify the sheriff's responsibilities in executing a judgment of confinement, specifically noting the new housing option under section 12-30-408.

Statutes affected:
SB 641: 16-90-402(a)