Explain to me the legal time frames the state of Texas and the state of Arkansas have for processing emergency interstate impacts for a Texas parolee looking to transfer to Arkansas

Transferring parole supervision from one state to another, such as from Texas to Arkansas, involves a process governed by the Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision (ICAOS). Both Texas and Arkansas are members of this compact, which facilitates streamlined procedures for interstate parole and probation transfers. ### Texas 1. **Application Submission**: The parolee must submit a request for transfer to their Texas parole officer. This request typically includes documentation of the parolee's current status, as well as a proposed residence in Arkansas. 2. **Processing Time**: Texas has a statutory framework for processing transfers under the ICAOS. Generally, the receiving state (Arkansas, in this case) must be notified within 45 days of the submission of the transfer request. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) aims to process requests within this time frame, but the actual time can vary based on the complexity of the case and administrative workload. 3. **Decision**: After the request is sent to Arkansas, the Arkansas parole authority will review the application and decide whether to accept the transfer. They typically have 45 days to respond once the request has been received. ### Arkansas 1. **Review and Approval**: Upon receiving the transfer request from Texas, Arkansas will evaluate the application, which may include conducting a risk assessment and considering the nature of the offense and the parolee's history. 2. **Final Decision**: Arkansas must notify Texas of its decision, either approving or denying the transfer, typically within the same 45-day window stipulated by the ICAOS. ### Emergency Transfers In cases of emergency transfers, the rules can be different. Emergency transfer requests often arise in situations such as family emergencies or urgent health issues. 1. **Emergency Requests**: Generally, for emergency transfers, there is an expedited process. While the specific timelines can vary, both Texas and Arkansas are expected to act more swiftly than in standard transfer cases. 2. **Contacting the Interstate Compact Office**: The parolee or the current parole officer should reach out to the state’s ICOTS (Interstate Compact Offender Tracking System) office to initiate an emergency request. 3. **Timeline**: Emergency requests can sometimes be processed in days or even hours, but this depends on the circumstances and the specific policies of each state's parole authorities. ### Key Points to Remember - The typical processing time for standard transfers is about 45 days for both Texas and Arkansas, but emergencies can expedite this timeline. - The parolee's proposed residence and compliance with parole conditions in Texas will significantly influence the likelihood of approval in Arkansas. - The involvement of both the current and receiving state’s parole authorities is crucial, and effective communication is key. Given the complexity and variability of legal processes, it may also be advisable for the parolee to consult with a legal professional or a parole officer familiar with interstate transfer procedures to ensure they follow all necessary steps correctly.