State senator proposes alternative to halt governor’s prison expansion plan

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ark. (KATV) — State Senator Brian King is developing a new project aimed at halting Governor Sarah Sanders’ controversial prison expansion project in Franklin County, which he argues will fail to address the root causes of the state’s growing prison overcrowding, high incarceration rates, and rising crime.

King, who has a background in construction, described the current prison project as a “three-headed monster” that won’t solve the problem.

He says systemic issues of overcrowding, crime, and incarceration rates have been plaguing the state, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to the problem.

“It’s a triple headed monster. So if you tackle the prison overcrowding right now, the other part about high incarceration rates and high crime rates will continue.”

King criticized the state’s current prison expansion proposal, which he believes is financially irresponsible. He noted that the plan, which involves building a new facility in Franklin County, overlooks key considerations such as local infrastructure needs and cost estimates.

“My background in construction, if I would’ve done a job like this, I would’ve been fired by noon. We learned in construction you have sites and you do cost estimates before you purchase it. You look at things of like water and sewer, you look at electricity.”

In contrast to Sanders’ plan, which is largely focused on expanding prison capacity, King’s bill calls for a more multifaceted solution. It includes forming partnerships with counties experiencing high incarceration rates to create more efficient regional correctional facilities, as well as establishing a dedicated revenue stream to fund additional law enforcement officers focused exclusively on public safety.

“Work with those counties and try to form partnerships or board of corrections facilities. The second part is a crime part that takes a dedicated revenue stream to hire more officers only dedicated to public safety, not writing tickets, not working accidents.”

King says if we only tackle prison overcrowding, the other two issues of high incarceration rates and high crime will continue to spiral, saying we need to address the root cause of these issues, not just a band-aid solution.

“Where maybe your mother in Park Plaza can go in there safely instead of being in danger and trying to have a dedicated revenue stream to pay for it.”

King’s proposal comes at a time when the state is grappling with rising crime rates and a growing prison population, both of which have placed significant pressure on Arkansas’ criminal justice system. Advocates for criminal justice reform have raised concerns that expanding prisons without addressing the broader social factors contributing to crime and incarceration will only exacerbate the state’s challenges.

As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether King’s alternative plan will gain traction in the legislature or whether Governor Sanders’ prison expansion project will move forward as originally planned.