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Gov. Hutchinson To Discuss Prison Overcrowding Proposals

Michael Hibblen

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson plans to discuss proposals aimed at easing the overcrowding of thousands of state inmates at county jails.

Hutchinson planned a news conference Wednesday to discuss prison reform efforts, a major issue looming over the legislative session that began last month.

Hutchinson has said he's committed to finding money to open additional bed space for the inmates crowding local jails.

Corrections officials have said they need a 1,000-bed new prison, but legislative leaders say they've found little support for that proposal.

Hutchinson has said options could include expanding existing prisons or opening regional facilities in cooperation with the counties.

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