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SB 485

TO REDUCE RECIDIVISM; AND TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE SUSPENDED IMPOSITION OF A SENTENCE, PROBATION, PAROLE, AND POST-RELEASE SUPERVISION.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Carol Dalby and 3 co-sponsors

Senate Bill 485 enhances rehabilitation for offenders by tailoring probation conditions to individual needs, aiming to reduce recidivism and improve community safety in Arkansas.

Notification that SB485 is now Act 670
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Bill Summary · SB 485

Summary of Senate Bill 485 (SB 485)

Overview

Senate Bill 485, now known as Act 670, was introduced on March 17, 2025, during the 95th General Assembly of Arkansas. The primary aim of this legislation is to reduce recidivism among offenders by amending laws related to the suspended imposition of sentences, probation, parole, and post-release supervision.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant amendments to existing laws, primarily focusing on the conditions of probation and the management of offenders:

1. Definitions and Concepts

  • Criminogenic Factors: The bill introduces a definition for "criminogenic," referring to both static and dynamic factors that increase the risk of criminal behavior and reoffending.

2. Conditions of Probation and Sentencing

  • Narrowly Tailored Conditions: Courts are required to impose conditions that are specifically designed to assist defendants in leading law-abiding lives, taking into account their criminogenic risks and needs.
  • Presentence Investigations: If a presentence investigation is conducted, its findings must be considered when determining probation conditions. If not, courts must rely on available information.

3. Permissible Conditions

The bill outlines various conditions that may be imposed on defendants, including:
- Supporting dependents and family responsibilities.
- Undergoing medical or psychiatric treatment.
- Participating in community-based rehabilitative programs that have proven effective in reducing recidivism.
- Refraining from certain places or associations deemed unlawful.
- Making restitution to victims.
- Posting a bond related to prescribed conditions.

4. Time Limits on Probation

  • The period of probation or suspended sentence is limited to a definite timeframe, not exceeding the maximum allowable sentence for the offense.

5. Evidence-Based Practices

  • The Department of Corrections is tasked with establishing an Evidence-based Practices and Quality Assurance Unit to conduct research and evaluation of programs aimed at improving offender treatment and reducing recidivism.

6. Community Correction Administration

  • The Director of the Division of Community Correction is given new responsibilities, including the administration of community correction programs and the development of training for personnel.

7. Inmate Transfer Protocols

  • New requirements are established for courts regarding the transfer of inmates to community correction centers, including the necessity for a written explanation if an inmate is not transferred.

Impact

The enactment of SB 485 is expected to have a significant impact on the Arkansas criminal justice system by:
- Enhancing the rehabilitation process for offenders through tailored conditions and evidence-based practices.
- Potentially reducing the rates of recidivism by addressing the specific needs and risks of individuals on probation or parole.
- Improving the overall effectiveness of community correction programs and ensuring better outcomes for offenders reintegrating into society.

Legislative Timeline

  • March 17, 2025: Bill filed and read for the first time.
  • April 3, 2025: Amendment #1 adopted and bill reported correctly engrossed.
  • April 10, 2025: Passed by both the House and Senate, ordered enrolled, and delivered to the Governor.
  • April 18, 2025: Notification that SB 485 is now Act 670.

This legislation represents a proactive approach to criminal justice reform in Arkansas, focusing on rehabilitation and community safety.

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

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