CONCERNING THE BACKLOG OF INMATES AWAITING TRANSFER TO THE DIVISION OF CORRECTION; TO PROVIDE FOR A DESIGNATED DIAGNOSTIC INTAKE FACILITY; AND TO CREATE COUNTY JAIL-STATE INMATE CLOSE-TO-HOME PARTNERSHIPS.

SB 144 aims to address the backlog of inmates awaiting transfer to the Division of Correction. The bill allows the Board of Corrections to partner with specific counties to fund, construct, expand, or improve facilities to house these inmates. These partnerships are intended for the eight counties contributing the most inmates to the state system, or their adjoining counties, with local approval. Additionally, the bill mandates the establishment of a diagnostic intake facility for new adult inmates in one of four designated counties: Washington, Benton, Crawford, or Sebastian.