Arkansas senator introduces legislation to counter governor's prison plans

Arkansas Sen. Bryan King (R-Green Forrest) introduced legislation in the state capitol on Thursday to promote public safety at what he said was a counter to and a much lower cost than the governor’s prison plans.

By: Alex Kienlen
KNWA

Arkansas Sen. Bryan King (R-Green Forrest) introduced legislation in the state capitol on Thursday to promote public safety at what he said was a counter to and a much lower cost than the governor’s prison plans.

King said the six pieces of legislation were to counter the “three-headed monster” created by long-time state policy and underfunding that has led to a high incarceration rate, a high crime rate and a high prison overcrowding rate in the state. He said the legislature consistently underfunded corrections and public safety, which led to this crisis.

An initial piece of the proposed legislation was for county-state “close to home” partnerships to expand county jails to add beds. King explained the scope, stating that two out of every three inmates come from eight counties in the state.

The proposed legislation would create a steady revenue stream to support public safety, and that funding is included in the funding of public safety officers — officers whose only role is supporting public safety, King said.

The public safety plan will use the first $100 million in state general fund revenue. The senator said the revenue will come from medical marijuana and casino revenues paid to the state, provided voters approve a constitutional amendment for these revenue sources and settlement money from criminal litigation, such as embezzling funds.

King said his plan offered flexibility in hiring either Arkansas State Police public safety officers or partnering with counties in hiring deputies. Counties were targeted due to the traditional under-payment of deputies compared to other law enforcement officers, the senator said.

The public safety officers would also assist probation and parole officers in their duties, King said.

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