Arkansas Lawmaker Proposes Local Jail Funding Plan

Arkansas State Senator Bryan King is advocating for a new approach to address prison overcrowding, proposing to redirect funds from a planned 3,000-bed prison to enhance local correctional facilities. His draft bill suggests utilizing approximately $400 million already allocated for the prison, alongside an additional $200 million from state reserves, to renovate or expand jails in counties with significant inmate backlogs. King argues that the new prison, which has faced local opposition due to concerns over infrastructure and financial estimates, may ultimately cost much more than the projected $470 million. The current backlog of inmates in county jails is exacerbated by a recent law requiring longer sentences served, which could lead to increased overcrowding. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ administration is pushing for the new facility to alleviate this backlog, but King believes immediate investment in local facilities would be more effective. The Arkansas legislature will convene on January 13, 2025, where King's proposal will be discussed further.