RELATING TO GENDER PARITY IN PROGRAMS FOR INCARCERATED WOMEN.

2024 Regular Session Introduced by Cory Chun and 5 co-sponsors

House Bill 1131 ensures incarcerated women in Arkansas receive equal access to programs as men, promoting gender parity and improving rehabilitation outcomes.

Received notice of discharge of all conferees (Hse. Com. No. 457).

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Summary of House Bill 1131: Gender Parity in Programs for Incarcerated Women

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: HB 1131
- Title: Relating to Gender Parity in Programs for Incarcerated Women
- Status: Received notice of discharge of all conferees (Hse. Com. No. 457)
- Introduced: January 15, 2025
- Classification: Bill
- Subject: Appropriation ($), Corrections, Gender Parity, Hawaiʻi Correctional System Oversight Commission, Inmates, Programming, Study

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1131 aims to address gender disparities in correctional programs for women in the state of Arkansas. The bill seeks to ensure that incarcerated women have access to programs and services that are equitable to those available to their male counterparts. This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote gender parity within the correctional system and improve outcomes for female inmates.

Key Provisions

Gender Parity Mandate: The bill mandates the establishment of programs specifically designed for incarcerated women, ensuring they receive the same quality and range of services as male inmates.

Oversight Commission: The Hawaiʻi Correctional System Oversight Commission will be tasked with monitoring the implementation of these programs and ensuring compliance with gender parity standards.

Funding Appropriation: The bill includes provisions for appropriating funds necessary to develop and sustain these programs, although specific dollar amounts are not detailed in the current version.

Study Requirement: A study will be conducted to assess the current state of programs available to incarcerated women and identify gaps in services compared to those offered to men.

Impact

Incarcerated Women: The primary beneficiaries of this legislation will be women currently incarcerated in Arkansas correctional facilities. By improving access to programs tailored to their needs, the bill aims to enhance rehabilitation and reintegration outcomes.

Correctional Facilities: Facilities will need to adapt their programming and resources to comply with the new requirements, which may involve additional training for staff and the development of new programs.

Oversight Commission: The Hawaiʻi Correctional System Oversight Commission will play a crucial role in ensuring that the implementation of this bill is effective and that gender parity is achieved.

Procedural Aspects

Legislative Timeline:

The bill was introduced on January 15, 2025, and has undergone several amendments and readings in both the House and Senate.
As of April 21, 2025, HB 1131 has been enacted as Act 959, indicating successful passage through the legislative process.

Amendments: The bill has been amended multiple times to refine its provisions and ensure clarity in its objectives.

Related Legislation

Companion Bills: HB 1131 is related to Senate Bills SB 1450 and SB 711, which may address similar issues regarding gender parity and corrections.

This summary provides an overview of House Bill 1131, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on incarcerated women and the correctional system in Arkansas.