Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Corrections Programs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Department of Corrections emphasizes programming space, partnerships and technology as ways to reduce recidivism
Summary
The Department of Corrections told the House Judiciary Committee it needs more programming space and partnerships (university, private sector) to deliver education, vocational training and treatment inside facilities; DOC officials said these steps can lower recidivism while limiting additional staff costs in the near term.
Scott Eichner, rehabilitation programs chief at the Montana Department of Corrections, told the House Judiciary Committee that meeting prison needs is not just about adding beds but about adding programming space to deliver education, treatment and vocational training.
"We don't have enough beds. We need places to house people," Eichner said, and he emphasized that the current construction plan includes programming space changes: the existing project adds three housing units, repurposes about 700 beds and will add roughly 117 beds; the DOC does not expect additional FTE for those units but said additional requested units in HB5 would require more staff and resources.
Eichner outlined five programming categories — general education, vocational training, post‑secondary education, occupational training and treatment — and described efforts to partner with the Montana University System and other providers. He cited examples such as renting a welding trailer from Great Falls College to deliver in‑facility welding classes and described an HB5 ask to remodel an MSP building for a construction‑education program. Eichner encouraged committee members to help identify public‑private partners and "champions" to support equipment, instructors and program design.
On technology, Eichner said the DOC is expanding tablet programs that can deliver content and curricula but that building materials limit live connectivity in older facilities; new construction will include controlled Wi‑Fi to enable more digital programming. He also raised regulatory flexibility as a potential lever, noting a placeholder LC (LC 856) that could alter licensing requirements and allow volunteers or contracted partners to deliver accredited instruction.
Eichner and legislators discussed outcomes: Eichner cited national studies showing education and vocational training can reduce recidivism by about 28% and said the DOC plans to track wage and recidivism outcomes as programs scale. The committee expressed support and offered follow‑up on HB5 provisions and possible sponsorship for volunteer or partnership arrangements.
The committee then moved to schedule executive action on additional bills and adjourned.
