Idaho corrections seeks ongoing funding for Recidiviz, transparency tools and training

The Joint Finance Preparations Committee on Feb. 4 heard a request from the Idaho Department of Correction for ongoing funding to maintain and expand several Management Services functions, including a data partnership with the nonprofit Recidiviz, subscriptions that give residents digital access to court materials and improve public‑records responsiveness, and training equipment for correctional staff.

Department budget analyst Noah Peterson told the committee the Management Services Division, which houses administration, fiscal, facilities and placement staff, carries 37 full‑time positions and is seeking several ongoing and one‑time appropriations tied to office operations, IT replacement and program software. Director Josh Tewalt and analysts highlighted Recidiviz — a nonprofit that aggregates disparate corrections data — and a transparency package that includes GovQA (public‑records management), LexisNexis (legal content) and an access‑to‑courts database.

Committee members pressed the agency for measurable results and cost‑benefit data. “As far as hard data, that’s not something I have with me,” Noah Peterson said when Senator Cook asked for ROI on the Recidiviz work. Director Josh Tewalt told the committee…