TO REDUCE RECIDIVISM; AND TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE SUSPENDED IMPOSITION OF A SENTENCE, PROBATION, PAROLE, AND POST-RELEASE SUPERVISION.

Senate Bill 485 amends Arkansas laws regarding suspended sentences, probation, parole, and post-release supervision. It requires courts to tailor probation conditions to an individual's "criminogenic risks and needs" - factors that increase the risk of reoffending - and to consider presentence investigation findings. The bill also allows courts to mandate participation in community-based rehabilitative programs proven to reduce recidivism. Additionally, it establishes an Evidence-based Practices and Quality Assurance Unit within the Department of Corrections to research and evaluate offender treatment programs. These changes aim to reduce reoffending by focusing on individualized, data-driven approaches to supervision and rehabilitation.