SB439 Summary

• Establishes the Legislative Recidivism Reduction Task Force consisting of 17 members including judges, law enforcement, legislators, prosecutors, victims' advocates, and corrections officials to address Arkansas's 46% three-year recidivism rate.

• Task force shall conduct comprehensive data analysis on drivers of recidivism, examine supervision practices, identify reentry barriers, and assess gaps in behavioral health and workforce training services.

• Members must convene by August 31, 2023, meet at least quarterly, with 8 members constituting a quorum and the Bureau of Legislative Research providing staff support.

• Task force shall submit preliminary report by December 31, 2023 and final report by December 1, 2024 to the Legislative Council, Governor, and Chief Justice, including recommendations for criminal justice improvements and projected state savings.

• Task force expires December 31, 2024.