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JFAC approves DOC body‑worn camera pilot with federal grant and small state match
Summary
The committee approved a supplemental appropriation to the Department of Correction to accept federal grant funds and cover a small state match for a body‑worn camera pilot. The motion passed by recorded vote.
The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee voted to approve a supplemental appropriation to the Department of Correction to implement a pilot program for body‑worn cameras at state prisons.
Noah Peterson, a budget policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office, told the committee the request represented a federal grant award and that the appropriation would hold the federal dollars in the current fiscal year so the Department of Correction could begin the pilot on schedule and remain compliant with the grant. Peterson described the appropriation as a one‑time addition and listed funding components during his presentation.
Peterson's presentation stated the “total appropriation is 1,051,000,” with the majority federal funds and a $27,000 general‑fund component. Later, during the motion, members read a slightly different breakdown: the motion described a one‑time addition of $27,000 from the general fund and $1,023,900 from federal funds for a total of $1,058,900. The transcript records both figures; committee minutes and the Department of Correction budget office should be consulted to confirm the final dollar amounts and the exact federal/general fund split.
Senator Galloway questioned why a pilot required a supplemental in the current fiscal year; Peterson explained the grant was received in federal fiscal year 2025 and the appropriation was necessary to comply with the grant timeline.
Senator Wintrow moved the supplemental; the motion was seconded by Representative Manmore. The roll call produced a majority in favor: according to the transcript the committee recorded 15 ayes, 4 nays and 1 absent and excused. The motion carried and the supplemental will proceed in the budget process.
The appropriation will be used to start the first year of the pilot; Peterson said additional requests for program continuation or state match would appear in fiscal years 2026 and 2027 budget requests.
