AR HB1158

Amends Arkansas Code § 22-3-1225 to clarify that the Arkansas Development Finance Authority manages the Prison Construction Trust Fund, funded by annual license plate validation decal sales.

Establishes that the Authority must pay semiannually (two business days before July 1 and January 1) up to 25 cents per decal sold into the Public Facilities Debt Service Fund for principal and interest payments on certificates of indebtedness.

Authorizes the Authority to fund construction, purchasing, or equipping of correction facilities, regional jails operated by the Department of Corrections, and jointly-operated regional jail facilities through loans, leases, contracts, or bonds, subject to Secretary and Board of Corrections approval.

Requires projects to be reviewed and approved by the Building Authority Division before funding, and regional jail facilities must comply with state minimum standards.

Declares an emergency due to overcrowding in the Division of Correction and increasing parole/probation caseloads, allowing immediate utilization of the Prison Construction Trust Fund for acquisition of existing facilities, with the act effective upon Governor approval.