AR SB487

Legislative Council shall conduct a study including assessment and audit of the Arkansas Department of Correction's culture and climate through its Charitable, Penal and Correctional Institutions Subcommittee.

Study shall examine best practices for inmate care and treatment, operational efficiencies, correctional officer recruitment and retention, and recommend legislation to the General Assembly for the 2021 Regular Session.

Legislative Council shall study current best practices within the department, best practices in other state correction systems, inmate treatment, correctional officer experience including pay and benefits, and employee training and supervision.

Department of Correction must fully cooperate by providing access to documents and records and timely responses to requests from the Legislative Council, consultants, and Bureau of Legislative Research.

Legislative Council may contract with one or more consultants to assist with the study and must file a final report with findings and recommendations by December 1, 2020 to the Governor, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and Speaker of the House of Representatives.