Appropriators weigh $23 million MRCC planning, IT replacement and temporary beds as oil‑revenue SIF shortfall tightens choices

The House Appropriations Committee’s Human Resources Division spent a meeting weighing competing funding requests for the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, focusing on a proposed $23 million appropriation for planning at MRCC, an aging client‑management information system, deferred‑maintenance projects and a mix of short‑term bed options as members noted a 20% reduction in SIF oil‑revenue receipts.

Committee members and agency leaders said the decisions will shape whether the state can add long‑term prison capacity, shore up rapidly deteriorating facilities and keep essential IT and medical records functioning.

Michelle Zander, chief financial officer for the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, told the committee she estimated “our cash balance in this fund, June thirtieth of 2027, is approximately $2,900,000,” and noted the department normally carries between $1 million and $2 million into a new biennium. That balance — identified in committee materials as the “$3.79 fund” — is one area lawmakers said could provide savings as they review reductions across state budgets.

Colby Braun, director of the department, framed the larger planning request. He said the MRCC planning line in the governor’s budget is $23 million for design work and associated services and urged members to consider the timeline and alternatives if funding is reduced. “We know that the quantity of beds that we need, and we know a possible 3 locations,” Braun said during the discussion. Committee…