Delaware Department of Correction presents $468 million FY26 budget; officials highlight staffing gains, tablets, body‑worn camera pilot and treatment expansion

The Department of Correction told the Joint Finance Committee that the governor’s FY26 recommended operating budget totals about $468 million and continues to prioritize safety, rehabilitation and workforce retention. Commissioner Tara Taylor presented the budget overview and described recent investments and program changes aimed at improving security and reentry services.

The budget presentation combined routine maintenance items and a series of “door openers” and one‑time requests. The department’s FY26 personnel contingency was listed at roughly $33 million; operating line items highlighted included negotiated lease increases, a pharmacy inflation allowance and $312,800 recommended for additional licensing and cloud storage related to a body‑worn camera pilot. Jason, a department budget analyst, walked committee members through the line‑items and supplemental requests.

Why this matters: DOC accounts for the largest share of the state corrections system budget and nearly three‑quarters of its operating budget is personnel costs. Small changes to licensing, technology or pay can materially affect…