SB485

Senate Bill 485 aims to reduce recidivism in Arkansas by reforming sentencing, probation, parole, and post-release supervision practices. The bill mandates that court-ordered conditions for probation and suspended sentences be narrowly tailored based on criminogenic risks and needs, and requires courts to consider presentence investigations. It establishes an Evidence-based Practices and Quality Assurance Unit within the Department of Corrections to evaluate programs and train personnel. The legislation also provides guidance for re-entry planning, focusing on prosocial activities and mental health or substance abuse treatment. Additionally, it increases the daily credit for imprisonment in lieu of fines from $40 to $100 and creates a pilot program for expanded presentence reporting. Finally, the bill modifies procedures for earned discharge, allowing for judicial review in cases where prosecuting attorneys or the Post-Prison Transfer Board object to early release.