West Virginia House Bill 5071, introduced on January 25, 2024, aims to reform the financial structure surrounding the costs of housing inmates in county jails. The bill establishes a base per day, per inmate rate of $54.48, which will be subject to annual adjustments based on the average operational costs of jail facilities over the previous three fiscal years. This adjustment process is intended to ensure that the funding reflects the actual costs incurred by counties in managing their jail populations.

A key provision of the bill outlines how each county's financial responsibility will be calculated. Starting July 1, 2023, the pro rata share of inmate days for each county will be determined using population data from the 2020 U.S. Census. Counties will pay 80% of the per diem rate for the first 80% of their pro rata share of billed inmate days, 100% for the next 20%, and 120% for any days exceeding their pro rata share. This tiered payment structure is designed to incentivize counties to manage their inmate populations effectively.

The bill also mandates that the commissioner of the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation publish detailed information on the pro rata shares and costs associated with each county on their official website. This transparency aims to provide counties with clear data regarding their financial obligations and inmate populations.

Debate surrounding House Bill 5071 has focused on its potential impact on county budgets and the fairness of the cost-sharing model. Some county officials have expressed concerns that the tiered payment structure could disproportionately burden smaller counties with lower populations, while others argue that the bill promotes accountability and efficiency in jail management.

The implications of this legislation are significant, as it seeks to address the rising costs of incarceration and the financial strain on local governments. By linking costs to population data and operational efficiency, the bill aims to create a more equitable system for funding jail operations across West Virginia.

As the bill progresses through the legislative process, stakeholders will be closely monitoring its potential effects on county budgets and the overall management of the state's correctional facilities. The next steps will involve further discussions and possible amendments as lawmakers consider the feedback from county officials and the public.