WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SR 65

Foderingham, Allison Adassa; condolences

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Matt Brass and 5 co-sponsors

Senate Resolution 65 supports adopting Justice Counts metrics in Arkansas, enhancing data use for informed policymaking to improve public safety and reduce crime rates.

Senate Read and Adopted
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 65

Summary of Senate Resolution 65 (SR 65)

Purpose and Intent

Senate Resolution 65 (SR 65) aims to support the implementation of the Justice Counts metrics in Arkansas. This initiative, led by the U.S. Department of Justice and various partners, seeks to provide state and local policymakers with consistent, timely, and accurate data regarding the criminal justice system. The resolution urges these policymakers to adopt and utilize these metrics to enhance decision-making and improve public safety.

Key Provisions

  • Support for Justice Counts: The resolution expresses the Senate's support for engaging with the Justice Counts metrics, which are designed to standardize data collection and reporting across criminal justice agencies.
  • Call to Action: It urges state and local government entities to implement these metrics and commit to making the latest criminal justice data available to inform policy decisions.
  • Data Availability: Emphasizes the need for up-to-date criminal justice data to help policymakers make informed decisions, particularly in light of Arkansas's high rates of violent crime and incarceration.

Background and Context

  • Arkansas ranks among the top five states in the U.S. for both violent crime rates and incarceration rates.
  • A significant percentage of violent crime arrests (16%) and prison admissions (62%) involve individuals on probation or parole.
  • The Justice Counts initiative has already been adopted by 29 states and 2 territories, including Georgia, Indiana, and Tennessee, showcasing a growing national trend towards data-driven criminal justice reform.

Impact

The resolution is expected to:
- Improve the quality of data available to Arkansas policymakers, enabling them to make better-informed decisions regarding public safety and criminal justice policies.
- Potentially reduce crime rates and recidivism by providing a clearer understanding of the factors contributing to these issues.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: April 7, 2025
  • Amendment Adopted: April 10, 2025 (corrected the number of partners involved in the Justice Counts initiative from 21 to 19)
  • Adopted: April 14, 2025
  • Sine Die Adjournment: May 5, 2025

Conclusion

Senate Resolution 65 represents a significant step towards enhancing the effectiveness of Arkansas's criminal justice system through improved data utilization. By supporting the Justice Counts metrics, the resolution aims to empower policymakers with the necessary tools to address the state's pressing public safety challenges.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.