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SB 641

Updating time frame for scheduling of hearing on petition for eviction

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Woelfel

SB 641 allows Arkansas county sheriffs to house eligible inmates in local jails for work-release, enhancing rehabilitation through tailored programs and work opportunities.

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Bill Summary · SB 641

Summary of Senate Bill 641 (SB 641)

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 641 (SB 641) aims to amend existing laws regarding work-release programs in Arkansas. The primary intent of the bill is to provide county sheriffs with the option to house work-release program participants in county jails, thereby facilitating access to evidence-based programming for inmates and potentially improving rehabilitation outcomes.

Key Provisions

SB 641 introduces several significant changes to the current work-release framework:

  1. Sheriff's Election to House Inmates:

    • County sheriffs can choose to house eligible inmates committed to the Department of Corrections at the county jail for up to 12 months before their earliest potential release date.
    • Inmates convicted of felonies that disqualify them from earning release credits are not eligible for this program.

  2. Inmate Consent and Notification:

    • Sheriffs must obtain written consent from inmates wishing to participate in the program and notify the Department of Corrections and relevant parties, including the prosecuting attorney and victims.

  3. Risk-Needs Assessment:

    • A validated risk-needs assessment must be conducted for each inmate to tailor programming to their specific needs.

  4. Work Opportunities:

    • Inmates will be required to work in jobs that benefit the county jail or local political subdivisions, with supervision during work hours.

  5. Medical Care:

    • The bill mandates that inmates receive necessary medical, dental, and mental health care, with the Department of Corrections responsible for reimbursing counties for these expenses.

  6. Revocation of Housing Election:

    • Sheriffs can revoke their election to house an inmate, requiring the Department of Corrections to take custody of the inmate within ten days.

  7. Annual Training:

    • The Department of Corrections is tasked with providing annual training for county sheriffs on conducting validated risk-needs assessments.

  8. Reimbursement for Housing Costs:

    • The Department of Finance and Administration will reimburse counties for the costs associated with housing inmates under this program.

Affected Parties

  • Inmates: Eligible inmates may benefit from enhanced programming and work opportunities, potentially aiding in their rehabilitation.
  • County Sheriffs: Sheriffs gain additional authority and responsibility in managing work-release participants.
  • Victims and Prosecutors: Victims and prosecuting attorneys will be notified about the housing of inmates, ensuring transparency in the process.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: April 10, 2025
  • Reported from CPN: February 14, 2025, with recommendations for passage and amendments.
  • Passed Second Reading: February 14, 2025
  • Died in Senate Committee: May 5, 2025, at Sine Die adjournment.

Related Legislation

  • HB 939: A companion bill that may address similar issues related to work-release programs.

This summary provides an overview of SB 641, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on various stakeholders within the Arkansas criminal justice system.

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

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