LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A newly filed legislative measure outlines the financial framework for constructing a new prison in Arkansas, with a significant price tag attached.

The filing mandates that the prison construction will have a Restricted Reserve Fund set at $1 billion, marking a substantial commitment to the state's criminal justice infrastructure.

Opposition Voices Growing Against Franklin County Prison Proposal

The bill, aimed at funding a $750 million plan for a 3,000-bed prison in Franklin County, includes a special language provision typically used to add temporary conditions to legislative measures. One of these conditions is the requirement that a $1 billion fund be established before any construction work can commence. Specifically, the filing states that the prison's construction cannot begin until the legislature creates this fund.

"Opponents of the governor's supported prison plan have expressed concerns about the project's costs," noting that the price has fluctuated significantly. Initially, the construction was estimated to cost $1.2 billion, later revised to $470 million after reducing the prison's square footage, and ultimately landing on the current estimate of $825 million.

Support for the Proposal from Law Enforcement Associations

Meanwhile, Arkansas Sheriff’s Association head, among others, has expressed their support for the prison plan, emphasizing the need for additional bed space to meet the growing demand within the state's correctional system.

The latest $750 million funding request builds on a previous allocation of $75 million already earmarked for the project.

The legislative measure also includes language that ensures the $1 billion fund will not be sourced from the catastrophic reserve fund or the existing Arkansas reserve fund that is meant for other financial contingencies. This stipulation reinforces the intent to protect the state's emergency funds for unforeseen needs.

To further solidify the fund's establishment, the special language filing requires approval from either three-fifths of a quorum or a majority of the membership of the Legislative Council. If the legislature is in session, approval must also come from the Joint Budget Committee.

Upcoming Legislative Review

The special language subcommittee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, where further discussion and potentially a vote on the funding and the prison proposal will take place.

Originally reported by Alex Kienlen in MSN News.