IDOC requests staff and funding to expand community reentry operations, transitional housing and opioid‑use treatment pilots

On Feb. 4 the committee reviewed the Community Corrections Division budget requests from the Idaho Department of Correction, which include annualizing personnel at the Pocatello Community Reentry Center, funding transitional housing, expanded drug testing (including fentanyl), and a pilot to provide medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) to incarcerated individuals.

Division analyst Noah Peterson said Community Corrections has 511.35 FTP and that recent growth included 20 FTP and operating funding for community reentry centers. Specifically, IDOC seeks $680,700 to annualize personnel for 17 positions at the Pocatello Community Reentry Center (these positions were initially funded for six months in a prior action), bringing total ongoing costs for the center to about $2.4 million if approved. The division also requested $721,200 for expanded drug testing and $750,000 for transitional housing and reentry supports.

Probation and parole staffing: The agency reported prior increases to parole officer starting pay (an 85¢ increase to $25.85 per hour) and requested ongoing funding for six FTP and $616,500 for parole officer positions in specific districts (Districts 3 and 4). Peterson said roughly three quarters of the division’s expenses are personnel costs.

Medications for opioid use disorder pilot: The budget request also includes two FTP to run a pilot providing MOUD to incarcerated individuals while in custody and to coordinate community treatment after release; those positions would act as case managers for participants.

Why it matters: IDOC framed these requests as part of reducing recidivism and improving reintegration outcomes. Agency materials and the analyst note indicate prior investments and continuing efforts to match service capacity to community needs. No votes were taken; the governor recommended the listed items in the materials provided to the committee.