Appropriations panel approves amendments to 'Senate Bill 20 15,' removes 600‑bed language and adds diversion center funding

Chairman Nelson called the Human Resources section to order and the committee approved two amendment packages to "Senate Bill 20 15," voting unanimously on each measure.

The committee approved amendment 03006, then approved a further amendment that removed a specifically stated “600 bed” planning figure from page 5, line 25. Representative O'Brien moved the change to remove the 600‑bed language; Representative Mitscog seconded. The committee recorded the motion as carried, 8–0.

The panel then considered amendment 03007, which added funding for a diversion-and-deflection center and related language. The amendment includes a $5,000,000 grant for a diversion and deflection center with matching funds, and language tying state disbursement to a project plan and final approval by the DOCR. Alex, committee staff, described language in 03/2007 that creates a requirement that “the entity awarded the grant . . . shall submit a project plan to the DOCR and must receive final approval from the DOCR before any state funds are distributed.” Alex also told the committee that certain equipment items — body cameras, tasers and vests — appear in both versions of the bill and that, on paper, “that money is kind of double appropriated. But in…