The Judiciary Committee voted unanimously to favorably recommend draft legislation that creates a restricted account to fund future state correctional facility capacity needs.

Chair Lisenby and other legislators described the measure as a forward‑looking funding mechanism. The draft would deposit into the restricted account portions of appropriations tied to the capital facility impacts of enacted policy changes that increase correctional populations, plus interest and any discrete appropriations the legislature directs.

Sponsor and committee members cited past policy changes and population shifts to explain the need. The working‑group approach considered bed capacity across local jails, community corrections, and state prisons; the bill seeks to ensure funds are available for capital projects (new facilities or expansions) when policy changes increase facility demand.

Under the draft, the Legislature may appropriate account funds only for constructing or expanding state correctional facilities. Committee members said the restricted account preserves legislative flexibility while centralizing capital funding for anticipated future needs.

The motion to favorably recommend the correctional facility capacity amendments passed unanimously in committee. Committee staff and sponsors said the bill will continue to be refined through the budget and working‑group process.

Why it matters: The account creates a standing, dedicated funding vehicle to match capital impacts attributable to policy choices rather than relying on ad hoc one‑time appropriations.

What comes next: The committee recommendation advances the draft to the full legislature for further review and potential appropriation language in the budget process.