everything you want to know (and don't) about arkansas politics

Republican Sponsorship
Taxes & Budget

SB633

To Provide Funding For The Correctional Facilities Set-aside; To Provide For The Transfer Of Funds From The Securities Reserve Fund; And To Declare An Emergency.

Failed

Last Action (May 5, 2025): Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.

Sponsors

AI-Generated Summary

Senate Bill 633 facilitates the funding of Arkansas correctional facility construction and operations by directing specific transfers from the Securities Reserve Fund and the General Revenue Allotment Reserve Fund into the Correctional Facilities Set-Aside account. The bill mandates the transfer of up to $125 million in 2025 and $45 million in 2026 from the Securities Reserve Fund to the Correctional Facilities Set-Aside, with remaining balances subsequently funneled to the General Revenue Allotment Reserve Fund. Additionally, the bill mandates an immediate $250 million transfer from the General Revenue Allotment Reserve Fund to the correctional set-aside account. It imposes strict reporting requirements on the Department of Corrections, necessitating quarterly updates to the Arkansas Legislative Council or the Joint Budget Committee regarding construction costs, bidding, timelines, bed capacity, and inmate programming. The legislation also establishes auditing requirements for fund recipients and includes an emergency clause to ensure immediate implementation for the purpose of maintaining public safety.

Potential Impact Analysis

Who Might Benefit?

The primary beneficiaries are the Arkansas Department of Corrections and the state's correctional system, which gain access to significant capital for the construction, expansion, and operation of prison facilities. Construction firms, contractors, and vendors involved in the bidding and execution of these public prison projects also stand to benefit from the allocated funding.

Who Might Suffer?

The primary group negatively impacted is the state treasury's flexibility, as significant portions of the Securities Reserve Fund and the General Revenue Allotment Reserve Fund are restricted and committed to prison infrastructure. Consequently, other state-funded programs or agencies that might have otherwise drawn from these reserve funds for alternative public services may experience a reduction in available fiscal resources.

Read Full Bill on arkleg.state.ar.us