Inactive does it mean a warrant was issued

There is not a one size fits all answer to this question.  In general, yes, inactive means there is a warrant for your brother. Not all warrants are created the same.  The local Sherrif's department may just not have it.  His best bet is to contact local counsel who can arrange to either get the warrant lifted or surrender him and help make sure he isnt detained.  Most likely it was an arrest warrant issued by the Local DJ and your local police department will get around to picking him eventually.  Consider counsel, makes the chances of him spending time in a jail cell significantly less.