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Committee backs pilot payments and recommends added capital funds; flags need for Wi-Fi and staffing
Summary
The committee discussed several smaller appropriations and capital recommendations tied to corrections: approval of pilot payments to Newport and Springfield, recommending an added $70,000 for dry-hydrant-related capital work on top of an existing $55,000 request, and raising Wi-Fi and staffing as operational priorities.
During the Feb. 19 meeting, the Actions and Institutions Committee considered multiple smaller recommendations tied to corrections operations and facilities.
At one point the committee agreed to approve the pilot payments described in the meeting record for Newport and Springfield. Committee members characterized the pilot as imperfect but necessary to proceed and signaled approval to include the pilot payment in the committee's recommendation to Appropriations.
Members also revisited a capital request related to dry hydrants and associated design work. The original testimony to the committee identified a $55,000 ask; proponents had sought an additional $70,000 beyond that amount. Committee discussion noted that capital bond dollars cannot be used to pay ongoing salaries, and committee members weighed whether to recommend the additional $70,000. A majority indicated support for recommending increased capital funds to Appropriations; transcript remarks show the committee chose to recommend adding the $70,000 request on top of the previously discussed $55,000 ask.
Separately, members raised facility operational issues they believe warrant funding or programmatic attention, including a $3,000,000 request for installing Wi-Fi in correctional facilities and six positions proposed for sheriffs to address backlogs. Committee members and witnesses repeatedly cited inadequate Wi-Fi in facilities as a recurring barrier to programming and supervision; members asked staff to place those items on the committee's follow-up list and to consider them in final recommendations to Appropriations.
Ending: The committee directed staff to work with legislative counsel to fold these recommendations into the committee's Appropriations submission and to return language and prioritization for committee review at the next meeting.
