North Dakota Department of Corrections outlines $500M budget for facilities and technology upgrades

In a recent meeting of the North Dakota Legislature's House Appropriations Committee, significant discussions centered around the budget for the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DOCR) for the 2025-2027 biennium. The meeting highlighted the pressing need for funding to address various operational and infrastructural challenges faced by correctional facilities across the state.

A primary focus was on the budget allocation for facilities, which includes requests for substantial capital projects and extraordinary repairs. The DOCR presented a budget request that includes $30 million for the Heart River Correction Center and $9.4 million for staffing at a new 88-bed man camp at the Missouri River Correction Center (MRCC). The MRCC has been a topic of discussion for years, with ongoing debates about its future and the potential need for a new facility to better serve the state's correctional needs.

Committee members raised concerns about the adequacy of current facilities and the implications of staffing shortages. The DOCR acknowledged that staffing remains a critical issue, affecting operations at various locations, including the North Dakota State Penitentiary and the James River Correctional Center. The department emphasized that while they can recruit staff in Bismarck, retention remains a challenge, particularly in areas like Jamestown.

The meeting also addressed the importance of transitional facilities, which serve as a bridge for inmates reentering society. The DOCR reported that over 200 inmates are currently being served in these facilities, with plans to increase capacity from an average of 209 to 307 individuals. This increase is seen as vital for reducing recidivism rates, with statistics showing that 92% of violent offenders who transition through these facilities do not commit another violent act.

Additionally, the committee discussed the impact of legislative changes on the use of transitional facilities. Proposed legislation could restrict the department's ability to utilize these facilities, potentially leading to increased costs and a higher number of individuals being housed in more secure settings. The DOCR highlighted the cost-effectiveness of transitional facilities compared to traditional incarceration, arguing that maintaining these programs is essential for both public safety and fiscal responsibility.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the critical need for adequate funding and strategic planning within North Dakota's correctional system. As the state grapples with rising operational costs and staffing challenges, the decisions made in this budget cycle will have lasting implications for the effectiveness of rehabilitation efforts and the overall safety of communities across North Dakota. The committee is expected to continue discussions and refine budget proposals as they move forward.