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SB 633

LOCAL GOVERNMENT-TECH

104th Regular Session Introduced by Patrick Joyce

Senate Bill 633 proposed $375 million for Arkansas prison construction by reallocating funds, impacting corrections, state budgets, and the construction industry.

Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Pursuant to Senate Rule 3-9(b) / Referred to Assignments
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Bill Summary · SB 633

Summary of Senate Bill 633 (SB 633)

Title: Relating to Taxation
Introduced: April 07, 2025
Status: Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment on May 05, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Agricultural Development and Food Security Special Fund, Appropriation, Carbon Emissions, Carbon Emissions Tax and Dividend Special Fund, Energy, Environmental Response, Tax Credit, and Food Security Tax

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 633 aims to provide funding for the construction and operation of correctional facilities in Arkansas. The bill proposes the transfer of significant funds from the Securities Reserve Fund to the Correctional Facilities Set-Aside, addressing the state's needs for prison infrastructure and related services.

Key Provisions

  1. Funding Allocations:

    • The bill amends Arkansas Code § 19-5-905(a)(12) to allocate funds from the Securities Reserve Fund to the Correctional Facilities Set-Aside:
      • July 1, 2025: Up to $125 million or the remaining fund balance to the Correctional Facilities Set-Aside.
      • September 2, 2025: Any remaining balance to the General Revenue Allotment Reserve Fund.
      • July 1, 2026: Up to $45 million to the Correctional Facilities Set-Aside.
      • July 2, 2027: Any remaining balance to the General Revenue Allotment Reserve Fund.
      • For fiscal years starting July 1, 2028, remaining balances will also go to the General Revenue Allotment Reserve Fund.

  2. Immediate Fund Transfer:

    • Upon the bill's effective date, $250 million will be transferred from the General Revenue Allotment Reserve Fund to the Correctional Facilities Set-Aside.

  3. Reporting Requirements:

    • The Department of Corrections must provide quarterly reports to the Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee detailing:
      • Projected costs, design summaries, contract bidding processes, awarded contracts, timelines, and inmate programming plans.

  4. Conditions for Fund Transfer:

    • Transfers from the Restricted Reserve Fund will only occur after meeting specific criteria and pre-conditions established in the appropriation act.

  5. Emergency Clause:

    • The bill includes an emergency clause, allowing it to take effect immediately upon passage to ensure timely funding for prison construction and operations.

Impact

  • Who is Affected:

    • The bill primarily impacts the Arkansas Department of Corrections, state budget allocations, and the construction industry involved in prison facilities.
    • It also affects the management of state funds, particularly concerning the Securities Reserve Fund and General Revenue Allotment Reserve Fund.

  • Financial Implications:

    • The bill proposes a total of $375 million in funding over the next few years for correctional facilities, which could significantly influence the state's budget and financial planning.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Journey:
    • The bill was introduced and referred to the Joint Budget Committee on April 07, 2025.
    • It passed its first reading and was read a second time before being referred to the appropriate committees.
    • Ultimately, the bill died in committee on May 05, 2025, and did not progress further.

Related Legislation

  • Companion Bill: HB 760

This summary provides an overview of SB 633, detailing its purpose, key provisions, potential impacts, and legislative journey, making it accessible for readers seeking to understand the bill's implications for Arkansas's correctional facilities and funding mechanisms.

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

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