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Committee advances bill to raise matching cap for public-private prison education projects to 50 percent
Summary
HB 2,215, a DOC-request bill to raise the public-private partnership matching cap from 25% to 50% for projects such as correctional education or workforce training centers, was recommended favorably out of the Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice by voice vote.
The Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice voted to recommend HB 2,215 favorably after members debated public-private partnerships and potential religious sponsorship of program funding.
Representative Schlingen Seapen moved to recommend the Department of Corrections–requested HB 2,215 favorably. The bill changes the statutory cap on state matching contributions for public-private partnerships from 25 percent to 50 percent for projects that can include education and workforce training facilities connected to corrections programming. Representative Ressman seconded the motion.
Discussion focused on whether increased state matching could magnify private influence, including faith-based partners that have historically participated in prison-sponsored programs. Representative Carmichael expressed concern over faith-based organizations having greater presence or influence in corrections programming if public funding increases, saying he would not support the bill on that basis. Other members noted the bill does not alter existing rules about faith-based participation and that the statutory change simply raises the state match cap to encourage fundraising and construction of facilities such as workforce training centers.
A voice vote was taken; the chair declared the motion passed and HB 2,215 was recommended favorably for floor consideration. The committee did not record a roll-call tally in the hearing record provided.
Representative Carmichael asked for more information on the private donors and construction partners; committee staff said fundraising and donor specifics were part of prior DOC outreach and a consultant’s fundraising campaign. The committee approved the favorable recommendation and the bill will move to the House floor for further consideration.
