What's Happening?
The Arkansas Board of Corrections is seeking to hire a new attorney to represent it in two ongoing lawsuits. This decision follows a recent vote by the board to dismiss their current legal counsel, Abtin Mehdizadegan, and his firm, Hall Booth Smith, which
they claim was hired illegally. The board's chairman, Jamie Barker, has requested permission from Attorney General Tim Griffin to proceed with hiring a new attorney, citing state law requirements. However, this move has sparked controversy as a Pulaski County Circuit judge previously ruled that the board has the authority to hire its own legal counsel. The board's decision to fire Mehdizadegan and the subsequent legal actions are part of a broader power struggle over control of the state's prison system, which has seen a shift in favor of Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders' appointees.
Why It's Important?
This development is significant as it highlights ongoing tensions within Arkansas' prison system governance and the legal complexities surrounding state agency representation. The board's decision to seek new legal counsel could impact the outcome of the lawsuits, which challenge the board's authority and the legality of its previous attorney's hiring. The situation underscores the broader political dynamics in Arkansas, where Governor Sanders' influence is growing. The outcome of these legal battles could set precedents for how state boards operate and are represented legally, potentially affecting governance and accountability in other state agencies.
What's Next?
The next steps involve awaiting a decision from Governor Sanders on whether to authorize the hiring of a new attorney for the board. Additionally, the Arkansas Supreme Court is expected to rule on the appeal filed by Sanders regarding the board's authority to hire its own counsel. These decisions will be crucial in determining the future legal strategy of the board and could influence the balance of power within the state's prison system. Stakeholders, including board members and state officials, will be closely monitoring these developments.
