State analysts flag Duval consent-decree shortfalls, rising assaults and federal contract costs in pretrial detention budget review

The Division of Pretrial Detention and Services— fiscal 2026 allowance totals $377.6 million, a $11.0 million (2.8%) reduction from the working appropriation, but analysts warned the subcommittee the budget still faces substantial cost and compliance risks.

DLS analyst Catherine Barber told the committee that personnel account for about 61% of the allowance, and inmate health care accounts for approximately 28%, or about $107.9 million. ‘‘The fiscal 26 allowance decreases by $11,000,000 overall from the working appropriation but after accounting for proposed deficiency appropriations for costs associated with fiscal 24 shortfalls the budget decreases by approximately $3,800,000,’’ Barber said.

Barber emphasized facility-safety trends in Baltimore City. The Baltimore Central Booking and Intake Center (BCBIC) processed 15,385 individuals in fiscal 2024, a 2% decline in arrestees processed, while commitments rose 8% and the share of…