Criminal Justice (Probation & Parole)

This bill reappropriates approximately $167,641 to the Arkansas Public Defender Commission to cover expenses related to resentencing juvenile offenders who were previously sentenced to mandatory life without parole. The funds, drawn from the Development and Enhancement Fund, are specifically designated for this purpose and must be used in compliance with state purchasing and budgetary laws. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that these specific funds cannot be combined with the agency's general operating budget for maintenance and other unrelated expenses. By declaring an emergency, the bill ensures the money becomes available on July 1, 2026, to prevent any disruption to the commission's essential services.

HB 1010 authorizes funding for the Arkansas Department of Corrections' Division of Community Correction for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The bill establishes a maximum staff count of 912 employees, including community supervision officers and program specialists, and allocates approximately $78.2 million for salaries and state operations. Additional funds totaling about $14.9 million are provided for special revenue operations, such as asset forfeiture, while the legislation also grants the department director flexibility to transfer money between budget categories.

This bill allocates $506,000 in state funding to the Arkansas Department of Corrections for reentry center grants during the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The money will support programs that help individuals transitioning from incarceration to community life, with funds drawn from the Division of Community Correction Fund Account. The legislation includes standard state financial compliance requirements and declares an emergency to ensure the funding takes effect on July 1, 2026, regardless of legislative delays.