AR SB378

Allows the Arkansas Parole Board discretion to modify parole eligibility calculations for inmates sentenced for controlled substance offenses committed before Acts 2011, No. 570 took effect.

Permits the Parole Board to base parole eligibility calculations on the maximum term currently allowed by law for the type and amount of controlled substance involved, rather than the original sentencing calculation.

Allows the Parole Board to evaluate parole eligibility as if the inmate were sentenced under currently comparable offenses under §§ 5-64-402 — 5-64-444, notwithstanding § 16-93-612.

Requires inmates to bear the burden of establishing the type and amount of controlled substance involved in their conviction during parole applications.

Requires the Parole Board to promulgate rules implementing this act and file the final rule with the Secretary of State by December 31, 2019, or as soon as practicable after Legislative Council approval.