High Priority Bills
BILL STATUS:
Currently in the Senate Judiciary Committee​
SB143 expands the role of the Arkansas State Police in probation, parole, and post-release supervision, directing $100 million in taxpayer funds toward crime reduction efforts that further entangle law enforcement with community correction. By allowing state police to coordinate with local sheriffs and the Division of Community Correction, the bill increases police involvement in areas traditionally handled by social services. While it prohibits certain abuses, such as no-knock warrants and warrantless searches, it still broadens the surveillance and control of people on probation and parole. Instead of investing in proven community-based solutions like housing, education, and mental health services, this bill reinforces a punitive approach that prioritizes policing over rehabilitation.
BILL STATUS:
Currently in the House Children and Youth Committee​
S340 eliminates fees and costs previously imposed on juveniles and their families in the justice system. It removes charges for services like probation, court-appointed counsel, and mental health treatment and establishes a presumption of indigence to ensure access to legal services. The bill also voids existing financial encumbrances related to juvenile court cases and redirects any savings to youth services. This bill helps remove financial barriers for children and their parents.
BILL STATUS:
Currently in the House Education Committee
SB451 criminalizes youth, undermines education, and expands punitive mental health interventions. By classifying juvenile detention centers as treatment facilities and removing requirements to work with local schools, it threatens detained students’ education and reintegration. The bill allows broad discretion to remove students from school and place them in restrictive settings, raising concerns about due process, racial and disability-based disparities, and the expansion of institutionalization over community-based support. Instead of investing in school-based mental health services, SB451 accelerates the school-to-prison pipeline under the guise of treatment.
BILL STATUS:
Currently in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
SB566 seeks to allocate $250 million in taxpayer funds to expand, improve, or construct state and county correctional facilities under the guise of addressing prison overcrowding. Rather than investing in proven alternatives such as mental health care, rehabilitation programs, and community-based solutions, this bill prioritizes incarceration over meaningful reform. SB566 represents a continuation of failed tough-on-crime policies that disproportionately harm marginalized communities while doing little to enhance public safety. Instead of building more cages, Arkansas should invest in real solutions that prevent incarceration in the first place.
BILL STATUS:
Currently in the Joint Budget Committee.
SB633 allocates over $420 million to expand Arkansas’s prison system—doubling down on mass incarceration instead of investing in solutions that actually improve public safety. This so-called "emergency" fast-tracks prison construction while ignoring root causes like poverty, mental illness, and lack of access to housing and healthcare. Arkansas doesn’t need more prisons—it needs care, community investment, and real alternatives to incarceration.
BILL STATUS:
Currently on the House Floor.
HB1504 makes it illegal to manufacture, modify, sell, transfer, or operate robotic devices or uncrewed aircraft equipped with weapons. However, this bill allows defense contractors under government contracts, law enforcement, and accredited bomb squads to use weaponized drones and robots, raising ethical and civil rights issues, as they could lead to a detachment from accountability in the use of force, increase surveillance capabilities without oversight, and potentially escalate violent encounters.
BILL STATUS:
Currently in the House Judiciary Committee.
​
HB1871 mandates incarceration for people who “repeatedly violate the terms of their probation or suspended sentences.” The bill’s emphasis on mandatory incarceration for repeated probation violations will exacerbate mass incarceration and place an undue burden on the state’s prison system. This approach fails to address the root causes of probation violations, such as mental health issues, substance abuse, or socioeconomic challenges. Instead of prioritizing punishment, they advocate for investing in rehabilitation, diversion programs, and community-based solutions that can more effectively address the needs of individuals while reducing recidivism.
BILL STATUS:
Currently in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
​
HB1979 threatens basic civil liberties by enabling law enforcement to conduct warrantless searches of individuals on parole or probation, including their homes, vehicles, and electronic devices. This bill removes the need for suspicion of criminal activity, effectively undermining due process. It imposes intrusive conditions on people already serving sentences, potentially violating privacy rights and increasing the risk of re-incarceration over minor violations. Instead of focusing on rehabilitation, it creates a punitive environment that disproportionately impacts marginalized communities.
BILL STATUS:
Currently in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
SB144 authorizes the state to fund, construct, expand, or improve jail facilities in the eight counties that contribute the most to the prison population—or in neighboring counties with local approval. It also establishes “close-to-home” partnerships, allowing counties to build or expand jails to house people awaiting transfer to state prisons. Rather than addressing the root causes of overcrowding, this bill expands incarceration capacity, placing financial burdens on counties and deepening Arkansas’s reliance on imprisonment over rehabilitation and sentencing reform. This bill deepens Arkansas’s reliance on imprisonment rather than addressing the root causes of overcrowding.
BILL STATUS:
Currently in the Joint Budget Committee.
SB341 allocates $140,000 to support the Administrative Office of the Courts in managing fees, expenses, and costs associated with juvenile cases. This funding is essential for maintaining the effective functioning of juvenile courts, which handle sensitive and critical matters related to young people. By providing the necessary financial resources, the bill ensures that the courts can continue to serve juveniles and their families in a timely and efficient manner without relying on fines and fees passed on to children and their families.
BILL STATUS:
Currently in the Senate Judiciary Committee
SB461 increases transparency and accountability in Arkansas prisons by requiring quarterly reports on solitary confinement. The Department of Corrections and other facilities must provide data on demographics, duration, health incidents, and reasons for segregation. By shedding light on these practices, SB461 ensures policymakers and the public can address concerns about the humane treatment of incarcerated individuals.
BILL STATUS:
Currently in the House Judiciary Committee.
SB590 would create a Recidivism Reduction System within the Arkansas Department of Corrections to address the state’s nearly 50% recidivism rate. It requires risk and needs assessments for every person upon intake and uses those to build individualized case plans focused on education, treatment, and job training. The bill establishes reentry staff at every facility, creates a reentry hotline, and offers incentives for participation in rehabilitative programs. It also mandates biennial audits to ensure accountability.
BILL STATUS:
Currently in the House Judiciary Committee.
HB1057 amends Arkansas law to permit the restoration of firearm possession rights to individuals convicted of nonviolent felonies. Under the proposed legislation, these individuals would become eligible to regain their firearm rights ten years after completing their sentence, provided they have not committed any additional offenses during that period.
BILL STATUS:
Currently in the House Judiciary Committee.
HB1535 is a harmful and ineffective bill that focuses on punitive measures like chemical castration rather than addressing the root causes of abuse. Chemical castration is a controversial practice that infringes on bodily autonomy and lacks evidence of preventing future offenses. The bill ignores the need for rehabilitation, therapy, and support for both survivors and offenders. Rather than focusing on retribution, Arkansas should invest in prevention, education, and restorative justice to create lasting solutions that prioritize healing and community well-being.
BILL STATUS:
Currently in the House Public Health Committee.
​
HB1908 places unnecessary barriers on vulnerable individuals seeking public assistance by imposing strict residency verification requirements. Many people in crisis—such as those experiencing homelessness, survivors of domestic violence, or recently displaced workers—may struggle to provide traditional forms of residency documentation. This bill risks delaying or denying essential aid to those who need it most, exacerbating poverty and hardship. Furthermore, there is little evidence to suggest widespread abuse of public assistance due to non-residents, making this measure a solution in search of a problem. Instead of adding bureaucratic hurdles, Arkansas should focus on expanding access to vital resources that help individuals and families achieve stability.
BILL STATUS:
Currently in the Senate State Agencies Committee.
SJR6 funnels revenue from medical marijuana and casino gaming into the Arkansas State Police and the Division of Community Correction, reinforcing a system that prioritizes policing and surveillance over true public safety. This measure directs resources toward law enforcement instead of addressing the root causes of harm—poverty, lack of healthcare, and inadequate housing. Rather than increasing police funding, these funds should be invested in community-led initiatives, mental health services, education, and economic support systems that actually prevent crime. Expanding police budgets under the guise of "crime reduction" only perpetuates cycles of incarceration and state violence rather than creating real safety.
BILL STATUS:
Currently in the Senate State Agencies Committee.
SB212 creates the Document Validity Division within the Secretary of State’s office to investigate the authenticity of documents related to elections and initiatives. The division is granted significant law enforcement powers, including the ability to issue subpoenas, compel witnesses, and declare documents invalid if found fraudulent. This could lead to invalidating petitions or election-related submissions. The division's broad powers may intimidate people involved in the petition process, deterring civic participation and undermining democracy. Rather than expanding government authority, resources should focus on promoting transparency and encouraging public involvement in the democratic process.
BILL STATUS:
Currently in the Joint Budget Committee.
SB350 seeks to expand drug task forces, funneling millions of dollars into law enforcement operations that only perpetuate the cycle of criminalization. This bill will lead to further over-policing, particularly of marginalized communities, and fails to offer any meaningful solutions to the drug crisis. The War on Drugs has long proven to be a failure, and this legislation will only deepen the harm it has already inflicted. Rather than investing in more law enforcement, Arkansas should be redirecting funds toward programs that offer real solutions, like rehabilitation, mental health services, and prevention.
BILL STATUS:
Currently in the Senate Judiciary Committee
SB462 establishes a Certificate of Employability for individuals with felony convictions, allowing the Division of Correction and circuit courts to formally recognize rehabilitation and workforce readiness. By reducing employment barriers, this bill could help formerly incarcerated individuals secure stable jobs, decreasing recidivism and promoting successful reintegration. SB462 not only benefits those seeking a second chance but also strengthens communities and the state’s economy.
BILL STATUS:
Currently in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
SB595 protects the rights of minors in Arkansas by ensuring that young people are not subjected to custodial interrogations without the opportunity to consult a parent or guardian. This bill recognizes that minors are particularly vulnerable in legal settings and may not fully understand their rights or the consequences of speaking with law enforcement without legal or parental guidance. By requiring that they have access to a trusted adult before questioning, this bill upholds due process, prevents coerced confessions, and promotes fairness in the justice system.
BILL STATUS:
Currently in House Rules Committee.
HB1192 seeks to prohibit the possession of tobacco, tobacco products, and e-cigarettes by public school students and imposes fines on their parents or guardians for violations. While the intent of the bill may be to discourage underage tobacco use, this bill penalizes parents for their children's actions by imposing excessive fines, disproportionately impacting low-income families. Instead of focusing on education and prevention, the bill takes a punitive approach that does little to address the root causes of youth tobacco use.
BILL STATUS:
Currently in the House Judiciary Committee.
HB1655 criminalizes transporting or sheltering undocumented individuals, making each act a separate felony offense. This bill promotes racial profiling, targets humanitarian aid, and fuels mass incarceration. It punishes community support and deepens fear among immigrant communities rather than addressing systemic immigration issues.
BILL STATUS:
Currently in the House Judiciary Committee.
​
HB1947 is a necessary reform that ensures Arkansas' drug laws are more proportional and fair. By reducing the penalties for first-time possession of drug paraphernalia, this bill acknowledges that addiction is a public health issue, not just a criminal one. The current harsh penalties disproportionately impact low-income individuals and those struggling with substance use disorders, often leading to cycles of incarceration rather than rehabilitation. By focusing resources on treatment and recovery rather than prolonged incarceration, this bill promotes a more just and effective approach to addressing drug-related issues in Arkansas.
BILL STATUS:
Currently in the Senate State Agencies Committee.
SJR18 seeks to amend the Arkansas Constitution to state that only citizens can vote in state elections. This measure could also disenfranchise immigrants who are not yet citizens but have lived and contributed to the community for years and impose administrative burdens by complicating voter registration and identification processes, potentially causing confusion and errors. While intended to clarify voter eligibility, it could unintentionally exclude individuals who are legally entitled to vote and create unnecessary obstacles for the state's election system.
BILL STATUS:
Currently in the House Judiciary Committee.
SB313 addresses the backlog of mental health evaluations in Arkansas but does so by creating problematic provisions. The bill allows courts to deem requests for mental health examinations “frivolous” even when there is reasonable suspicion that a defendant may have mental health issues. This risks dismissing legitimate concerns based on superficial judgments and could violate the rights of defendants. Instead of focusing on expanding the capacity of the State Hospital to provide necessary evaluations, the bill shifts blame to defendants and their attorneys, offering a quick fix that doesn’t solve the underlying problem. Additionally, Section 6 introduces further concerns that could undermine due process and the right to proper treatment. The bill’s approach is a cheap, ineffective solution that fails to address the root cause of the issue.
BILL STATUS:
Currently on the Senate Floor.
SB354 allocates up to $750 million from the Development and Enhancement Fund to build a new 3,000-bed mega-prison. Since purchasing land in Charleston on October 31, 2024, state officials have failed to present a clear financial plan, with estimates suggesting the total cost could exceed $1.5 billion when factoring in infrastructure and operational expenses. The Arkansas Department of Corrections is already struggling with severe staffing shortages, raising doubts about the sustainability of the project.
BILL STATUS:
Currently in the Senate Judiciary Committee
SB477 criminalizes the theft of rental equipment, classifying it as a Class D felony. This could result in up to 6 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000. This bill could lead to unnecessary legal complications and increased costs for businesses and consumers and may criminalize routine rental disputes and expand government intervention into private contracts, setting a troubling precedent for overregulation that could infringe on business autonomy and personal freedoms.
BILL STATUS:
Currently in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
SB630 strips juries of their role in sentencing, handing full power to judges and eroding a key safeguard in the criminal justice system. This move silences community voices, reduces transparency, and increases the risk of biased or overly harsh sentencing, especially for marginalized people. The right to a jury isn't just about guilt or innocence; it's about fairness in punishment. Arkansas should strengthen democratic oversight in the courts, not weaken it.
BILL STATUS:
Currently in the House Public Transportation Committee.
HB1284 ensures that driver’s licenses are not unfairly suspended solely due to unpaid court fines without a hearing. This bill prevents financial hardship by allowing restricted driving permits for essential travel, such as work and medical care. It also waives reinstatement fees for dismissed cases.
BILL STATUS:
Currently in House State Agencies Committee.
HB1667 amends the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) of 1967, specifically redefining what constitutes a "public meeting." The bill states that public meetings include gatherings of more than two members of any state or local government body that receives or spends public funds, except for grand juries. This change will allow smaller groups of officials to meet without being subject to transparency and government accountability under FOIA.
BILL STATUS:
Currently in the House Judiciary Committee.
​
HB1953 unfairly burdens incarcerated individuals and their families by imposing additional costs on phone calls. These surcharges exploit a vulnerable population who are already at a disadvantage, making it harder for them to maintain contact with loved ones. Communication with family and support networks is a vital part of rehabilitation, and this bill could undermine efforts to reduce recidivism by increasing the financial strain on both incarcerated people and their families. Many families are already struggling to support loved ones behind bars, and adding a surcharge will only widen the gap, further punishing those who are trying to stay connected.
BILL STATUS:
Currently in the House State Agencies Committee.
HJR1002 is a necessary step toward fully abolishing slavery in Arkansas by removing the constitutional exception that allows involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime. While slavery is often thought of as a relic of the past, this loophole has allowed forced labor to persist within the criminal punishment system. By eliminating this exception, Arkansas would align itself with fundamental human rights principles and ensure that no individual—regardless of their incarceration status—is subjected to involuntary servitude. Similar efforts have been passed in other states, reflecting a growing recognition that forced labor should have no place in a just society.