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Committee advances House Bill 1243 after Department of Community Corrections explains fund pressures
Summary
HB 1243, concerning community corrections funds, passed committee after testimony from Kevin Murphy, who said the revolving fund balance is about $12 million and that projected payouts this year will exceed $12 million due to rising caseloads and costs.
The Senate Judiciary Committee approved House Bill 1243 after hearing financial details from the Department of Community Corrections.
Senator Bond said he delayed running the measure while reviewing numbers with department officials. Kevin Murphy, identified for the record as "director of Arkansas Community Correction," told the committee the community corrections revolving fund is "probably about $12,000,000, I believe, today," and that the department paid "about 9,000,000" last year and expects to pay over $12,000,000 this year. Murphy attributed the higher payouts to an increasing parole and probation population, higher medical and drug‑treatment costs, and expanded transitional housing and GPS monitoring fees.
Committee members asked about defaults and fee collection; Murphy said collections are strong and that fee collection is being monitored monthly. With no registered opposition or public testimony, the sponsor closed and moved the bill 'do pass.' The committee approved HB 1243 by voice vote.
