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HB 1593

LITTLE FREE LIBRARIES ACT

104th Regular Session Introduced by Laura Faver Dias

Act 358 streamlines reporting for Arkansas' correctional system, enhancing transparency and accountability through detailed biennial and annual reports on operations and demographics.

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Bill Summary · HB 1593

Summary of House Bill 1593 (Act 358)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1593, now known as Act 358, aims to streamline and enhance the reporting requirements for the Board of Corrections, the Division of Correction, and the Division of Community Correction in Arkansas. The bill consolidates various reporting obligations into a more cohesive framework to improve transparency and accountability in the state's correctional system.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several significant changes to existing laws regarding reporting and oversight:

Reporting Requirements

  • Biennial and Annual Reports: The Board of Corrections is required to submit a biennial report six months prior to the regular session of the General Assembly, along with an annual report detailing the activities of both the Division of Correction and the Division of Community Correction.

  • Content of Reports:

    • Division of Correction: Reports must include:
    • Statistics and data on operations.
    • Income generated from agricultural activities and inmate labor.
    • A summary of expenditures.
    • Progress reports on internal issues such as:
      • Inmate discipline.
      • Program utilization.
      • Facility and bed space usage.
      • Maintenance and construction needs.
    • Division of Community Correction: Reports must detail:
    • The number of individuals sentenced or transferred to the division, categorized by criminal offense.
    • Demographic statistics, including racial breakdowns of those sentenced or transferred.

Administrative Changes

  • The Director of the Division of Correction is tasked with:
    • Administering the division and supervising all related institutions and services.
    • Reporting annually to the Board of Corrections, which will then forward the report to the Governor and the General Assembly.
    • Collaborating with various entities to ensure comprehensive correctional options are available statewide.

Quarterly Reporting

  • The Division of Community Correction is mandated to submit quarterly reports to the Legislative Council, detailing:
    • Current vacancies in parole and probation positions.
    • Average caseloads for parole and probation officers.

Affected Parties

This bill impacts:
- The Board of Corrections and its reporting obligations.
- The Division of Correction and the Division of Community Correction, which will have to adjust their reporting practices.
- The Governor and the General Assembly, who will receive more structured and comprehensive reports.
- Individuals involved in the correctional system, including inmates and community corrections clients, as the reports will provide insights into demographic trends and operational effectiveness.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: February 25, 2025
  • Passed: March 17, 2025
  • Enrolled and Transmitted to Governor: March 18, 2025
  • Notification of Act: March 20, 2025

Conclusion

House Bill 1593 (Act 358) represents a significant step towards improving the efficiency and clarity of reporting within Arkansas's correctional system. By consolidating reporting requirements and enhancing the content of these reports, the bill aims to foster greater accountability and transparency in the management of correctional facilities and community corrections.

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

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