When it comes to criminal justice, conservatives understand that law and order must come first. But we also believe in personal responsibility, second chances, and most importantly — results. That’s exactly what Arkansas lawmakers had in mind with Senate Bill 485, now Act 670, a solid piece of legislation aimed at reducing recidivism while keeping Arkansans safe.

Sponsored by Arkansas Sens. Tucker and Gilmore, along with Reps. Gazaway and Dalby, this bill represents what conservative reform should look like — accountability with compassion, structure with opportunity, and public safety with cost-effectiveness.

Smarter Probation Rules

Let’s start with a small but meaningful change the bill makes to probation conditions. It amends sections of the law concerning probation or suspended imposition of sentence, allowing a court to prohibit association with certain individuals only if reasons are clearly stated in the order.

 This change matters.

 As a former prosecutor, I saw firsthand the problems with blanket bans on felons associating. One young woman I prosecuted for drug possession had nowhere to go but her grandmother’s house — and Grandma was a felon. I don’t know what for, but likely something drug related. Where I worked, generations of felons in a family weren’t uncommon.

 I thought: Why not let her live with Grandma? Maybe Grandma was sober. Maybe she could help her granddaughter recover. Surely, living with family is better than living on the streets. Act 670 gives courts the discretion to make those judgment calls. That’s smart justice.

Evidence-Based Reform

The bill also creates the Evidence-Based Practices and Quality Assurance Unit within the Department of Corrections. This team is tasked with finding real, data-driven strategies that reduce repeat offenses.

 It’s not about being soft — it’s about being smart — and this unit has the mission to make a meaningful impact.

Reentry Facilities That Work

One of the most innovative features of the bill is how it supports reentry facilities like Hidden Creek in Little Rock.

Section 13 amends state law to empower the Sentencing Commission to prioritize beds in nontraditional settings — specifically, reentry centers. These aren’t typical prisons. I recently toured Hidden Creek, and the difference is clear.

Hidden Creek is privately owned but authorized by Arkansas Community Corrections to house inmates approaching parole eligibility.

How It Works

  • When eligible, inmates are transferred to Hidden Creek.
  • Upon arrival, they receive regular clothes — either brought by family or provided through donations.
  • They get a job and engage in daily activities focused on addiction recovery, mental health counseling, and life skills.
  • While employed, inmates don’t directly access their wages. Their earnings are held in trust and distributed upon release — giving them enough for things like a deposit on housing.

This model directly supports housing stability, which is critical to staying out of the system.

Private, Not Government-Run

Even better? Hidden Creek is not run by the government. It’s privately operated, reimbursed by the state per inmate, and funded in part by inmate contributions.

It’s a self-sustaining, fiscally responsible solution — a model that reflects core conservative values: independence, accountability, and work over welfare.

A Model for Conservative Reform

SB 485 doesn’t just save taxpayer dollars — it saves lives, reunites families, and rebuilds communities.

It proves that conservative principles — fiscal responsibility, strong families, personal accountability — can and should guide criminal justice reform.

 I could go on about the great policies adopted in Act 670, but the bottom line is this: Arkansas is leading with smart, conservative solutions in criminal justice — and it’s working.