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Senate committee backs $9.09 million correctional funding fix, approves technical reallocation
Summary
Senate File 3196, a Department of Corrections deficiency bill seeking $9,091,000 from the state general fund and legislative approval to reallocate $10,000,000 in previously appropriated funds for fiscal year 2025, was recommended to pass by the Minnesota Senate Finance Committee on April 21.
Senate File 3196, a Department of Corrections deficiency bill seeking $9,091,000 from the state general fund and legislative approval to reallocate $10,000,000 in previously appropriated funds for fiscal year 2025, was recommended to pass by the Minnesota Senate Finance Committee on April 21.
Chair Marty called the session to order and opened the discussion by moving the committee to consider Senator Latz’s deficiency request. "Senate file 3196 is the Department of Corrections deficiency request. The fiscal impact, is, $9,091,000, and then a $10,000,000 reallocation in fiscal year 25," Senator Latz said, asking for the committee's support.
The bill sponsor and Department witnesses told the committee the funding need stems from a sustained increase in staffing levels that has reduced reliance on vacancy savings. Paul Schnell, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Corrections, told the committee the agency has faced long-standing staffing challenges and that the recent hiring surge has improved safety but increased near-term costs. "This is, a critical funding need for the agency," Schnell said.
Senate staff clarified how the requested $9,091,000 relates to existing budget targets. Mr. Turner explained that the $9,000,000 portion was currently housed in the judiciary and public safety target and that the deficiency was being carried separately for the committee's consideration.
The committee adopted a technical A1 amendment intended to align the bill's reallocation language with the committee's budget rules. The motion to adopt the A1 amendment was carried by voice vote. After further brief discussion the committee moved, and approved by voice vote, the recommendation that Senate File 3196 as amended be recommended to pass.
The bill sponsor said the deficiency would be needed to avoid operational disruptions as early as June 2025 if the request is not approved. Senator Latz framed the bill as independent from the omnibus judiciary and public safety budget bill so the corrections agency could secure the targeted supplemental funding ahead of other budget actions.
Votes at a glance: The A1 technical amendment to conform reallocation language was adopted by voice vote. The committee then voted by voice to recommend passage of Senate File 3196 as amended.
The committee proceeded to the next bill after the vote; no further actions on SF 3196 were recorded during the meeting.
