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Cabot Today
By the People, for the People
Arkansas Prison Plan Unlikely to Be Addressed in Fiscal Session
House Speaker says majority of lawmakers agree a new prison is needed, but are in a 'wait and see' mode on governor's proposal.
Mar. 30, 2026 at 4:30pm
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The Arkansas State Capitol stands alone, its grand architecture casting long shadows as lawmakers prepare to convene and weigh the governor's prison proposal.Cabot TodayThe fight over Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders' plan for a 3,000-bed prison in Franklin County is unlikely to be part of the agenda when Arkansas lawmakers convene for their fiscal session next month, according to House Speaker Brian Evans. The Republican from Cabot said a majority of House and Senate members agree that a prison needs to be built, but they are in a 'wait and see' pattern on the governor's specific proposal.
Why it matters
The proposed new prison has been a controversial topic, with concerns raised about the cost and location. The fiscal session provides an opportunity for lawmakers to address budget priorities, but the prison plan does not appear to be a top item on the agenda at this time.
The details
Funding for the prison was not included in the budget proposal Sanders outlined to lawmakers earlier this month. Evans agreed with Senate President Pro Tempore Bart Hester that tax cuts are expected to be the focus during the fiscal session that begins April 8. Other issues that could come up include school vouchers, public television, and Medicaid funding.
- The fiscal session in Arkansas begins on April 8, 2026.
- Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders outlined her budget proposal to lawmakers earlier this month.
The players
Brian Evans
The Republican House Speaker from Cabot, Arkansas, who said a majority of lawmakers agree a new prison is needed but are in a 'wait and see' mode on the governor's proposal.
Bart Hester
The Republican Senate President Pro Tempore who agrees that tax cuts are expected to be a focus during the upcoming fiscal session.
Sarah Huckabee Sanders
The Republican governor of Arkansas who has proposed a 3,000-bed prison in Franklin County.
What they’re saying
“A majority of House and Senate members agree that a prison needs to be built but are in a 'wait and see' pattern on the prison proposal.”
— Brian Evans, House Speaker
“Tax cuts are expected to be taken up after the fiscal session that begins April 8.”
— Bart Hester, Senate President Pro Tempore
What’s next
The fiscal session in Arkansas begins on April 8, 2026, where lawmakers will have the opportunity to address the governor's prison proposal and other budget priorities.
The takeaway
While there is agreement that a new prison is needed in Arkansas, the governor's specific plan appears unlikely to be a focus during the upcoming fiscal session. Lawmakers seem more inclined to prioritize tax cuts and other budget items on the agenda.