Arkansas lawmakers spent six hours on Thursday discussing changes to the state Board of Corrections’ lawyer’s contract and its overall business practices. The Joint Performance Review Committee criticized board leaders for handling the attorney’s hiring, and questioned attorney Abtin Mehdizadegan over changes made to the contract. The Legislative Joint Auditing Committee is also looking into the board’s contract with Mehdizadegan and the Hall Booth Smith law firm.
The board has been in dispute with Attorney General Tim Griffin, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, and former Corrections Secretary Joe Profiri over authority over Arkansas’ prison system. The board hired Mehdizadegan in December after a closed-door meeting, leading to questions on procurement procedures and legalities. The board has challenged state laws affecting its authority, with Pulaski County Circuit Judge Patricia James ruling in its favor in January.
Lawmakers expressed concerns over the hiring process, contract changes, and the lack of transparency in board meetings. They were particularly critical of the brief nature of the meeting in which Mehdizadegan was hired, and the potential financial implications for the state. The board faced questions about forming an attorney-client relationship and navigating legal disputes with the executive branch.
The Joint Performance Review Committee plans to continue its probe on April 11, with the possibility of issuing subpoenas for witnesses. The ongoing investigation highlights the need for accountability and transparency in the state’s correctional system.
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Photo credit arkansasadvocate.com
