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Representative Burton seeks $750,000 ongoing for software tools to improve inmate reentry and reduce recidivism
Summary
Representative Burton said the corrections department needs ongoing funding for software that will better align inmates with programming and manage reentry, aiming to reduce recidivism among repeat offenders.
Representative Mike Burton asked the subcommittee to consider an ongoing appropriation of $750,000 to modernize software tools used by the Department of Corrections to manage inmate programming, casework and reentry planning.
Why it matters: Burton said roughly 60% of Utah’s prison population are returning inmates. He asserted the corrections department has historically focused on incarceration rather than integrated reentry services and that improved case‑management and programming software would help identify inmates’ needs earlier, match them to services and coordinate transfers and supervision to reduce the chance of return to prison.
Burton described the request as funding to build and maintain two software tools within one year that would allow staff to optimize programming and supervision and to manage ripple effects when inmates are moved or programming changes. He said earlier practice often delivered programming only when an inmate received a parole date, which limited effectiveness.
Ending: The committee had no immediate questions from members on the record; the request will be considered alongside other appropriations for corrections programming.
