AR HB1977

Modifies probation and suspended sentence conditions to require defendants to either work consistently in suitable employment for the full duration or for 3 years (whichever is earlier), or if unemployed, pursue education to at least 9th grade level and meet benchmarks like earning a Career Readiness Certificate or high school diploma.

Expands pre-adjudication probation program services to include the Adult Education Division of the Department of Career Education and allows courts to incorporate vocational schools, technical schools, community colleges, and public universities as program participants.

Adds education screening requirement for pre-adjudication program participants, mandating assessment of reading, literacy, and math skills by the Department of Career Education.

Establishes new probation conditions under Arkansas Code § 16-93-303 and § 16-93-1207 requiring first-time and other offenders to enroll in vocational, technical, or educational programs if lack of employable skills contributes to unemployment, with option to pay tuition in installments.

Amends the Comprehensive Criminal Record Sealing Act to include completion of court-ordered vocational or technical education or training programs as a requirement for sentence completion eligibility.