The State Controlling Board on June 2 approved a Department of Rehabilitation and Correction request to purchase robotic welding arms for career‑technical programs in four correctional institutions, despite objections from at least two lawmakers who said the equipment should be prioritized for nonincarcerated career‑tech centers.

Representative Tom Stewart held the item to ask whether the robotics equipment is comparable to what is used in non‑prison career‑technical schools and whether those community programs already have the same product. The department’s school superintendent, Jennifer Sanders, told the board the department does not intend to expand the robotic welding arm program beyond adding units to existing prison welding programs and that not every community career‑tech center statewide currently has the product.

Rep. Stewart said he supports rehabilitation and career training but objected to approving the purchase without a broader discussion about statewide access: “I believe in rehabilitation. I believe in career tech. I think that having these programs in prison is a good thing. However, I'm gonna object to this today because I'd like to have a broader conversation about, where we stand in the state with this product for non incarcerated individuals.” Despite the objection, the Controlling Board approved the item and recorded objections from Representatives Stewart and Davila.

Why it matters: the item raised questions about the prioritization of state‑purchased technology for incarcerated programs versus community education providers and whether the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction should wait to expand in‑prison programs until broader statewide needs are examined.

Discussion vs. action: representatives argued for a statewide review of equipment distribution; the board approved the purchase but documented the objections.

What’s next: the department said it does not plan further expansions beyond the four institutions covered by this purchase and can provide more information on statewide career‑tech equipment availability if requested.