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JFAC approves multiple Department of Corrections supplementals; body‑worn camera pilot fails to clear Senate panel
Summary
The committee approved several one‑time supplementals for the Idaho Department of Correction to cover surveillance technology, transport safety, county/out‑of‑state housing and medical costs, while a three‑year body‑worn camera pilot failed to secure a Senate Finance majority in committee.
The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee on Feb. 28 considered a package of supplemental requests and FY2026 enhancements from the Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC). Several large supplemental requests were approved to address capacity and security problems following an escape attempt in March 2024 and rising inmate population pressures.
Noah Peterson, budget analyst for JFAC, summarized five supplemental requests for fiscal year 2025. Key approvals included:
• Advanced surveillance technology (digital mail scanning, drone detection, phone transcription/analysis): $795,000 one‑time from the General Fund. The motion carried in committee (combined tally: 17 ayes, 3 nays; Senate Finance: 9–1; House Appropriations: 8–2). Peterson said the request responds to vulnerabilities identified after the March 2024 incident.
• Transport safety expansion (expand transport bureau to cover…
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