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Senate approves $27 million in corrections supplements and enhancements after debate over transport, mail and drone threats
Summary
The Idaho Senate approved supplemental and enhancement funding for the Department of Correction to address contraband, transport safety and data management.
The Idaho Senate on March 20 approved Senate Bill 11‑75, an appropriations package that provides supplemental and enhancement funding to the Idaho Department of Correction (DOC) for the current and upcoming fiscal years.
Senator Galloway, carrying the bill for Finance, described enhancements that include a mail‑scanning program, a drone‑detection system, transport‑safety training and software (Recidiviz) to consolidate case and program records. Galloway said the measures respond to recent incidents in which contraband and a transport breach harmed officers and inmates and that the technologies and staff funding would improve safety for both corrections staff and the public.
Senators described three specific threats during floor debate: illicit drugs carried into facilities via mailed material, drones delivering contraband to prison yards, and a hospital transport incident that resulted in injured officers. Several senators urged the need to professionalize transport teams, add trained full‑time staff to cover 24‑hour needs, and deploy software to reduce manual recordkeeping and speed case decisions.
Opponents said the package included too many new positions and risked upward pressure on public and private wages. Senator Adams said he opposed new enhancement budgets and questioned whether additional training dollars would prevent officers from being shot during transport. Other senators likewise raised the broader concern that state pay increases compete with private employers for employees.
Supporters emphasized public safety and operational needs. Senator Wintrow, a member of the Finance committee, said the committee had scrutinized the request and concluded the enhancements were required for public safety. Senator Woodward and others described contraband methods — including books or mail laced with drugs — and said new scanning and detection tools were necessary.
The Senate approved the bill on a roll call showing 18 in favor and 15 against with 2 absent. The majority voted in the affirmative and Senate Bill 11‑75 will be transmitted to the House for the next steps.
