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House passes bill to reimburse counties for some state-sent jail inmates after phased-in rollout
Summary
The House approved House Bill 473, which establishes a phased-in reimbursement mechanism for counties that incarcerate offenders sentenced by state courts. Debate centered on whether counties would remain liable for medical costs for prisoners the state sends to county jails.
The Utah House passed House Bill 473 as amended, a measure sponsors described as a step toward fairness in the state–county financial relationship over jail costs. Representative Christine Fox, sponsor of the bill, said it codifies contractual relationships between the Department of Corrections and county sheriffs and establishes an eight‑year phase-in to reach actual-cost reimbursement.
"At the county jail at Salt Lake County Jail the other day, approximately 1 in 6 of their prisoners fell under that category," Fox said, describing the population of inmates for which counties currently receive no reimbursement. Multiple members pressed the sponsor on medical liabilities: Representative Allen asked who would pay for costly medical care such as heart-bypass surgery for a state inmate housed in a county facility. Fox responded that counties are presently liable for medical care while the bill seeks to have the state assume liability within appropriation limits, and she said she would not oppose an amendment to clarify that point.
Supporters including Representative Garr called the measure one of "fairness and equity between the county and the state," and county commissions and sheriffs testified in favor during committee work, Fox said. Opponents raised concerns about the eight-year phase-in and the possibility counties could still bear high costs for expensive medical care. Representative Ellerton, a former opponent, said his county convinced him the changes were necessary and supported the bill.
The bill cleared the House unanimously as amended, with the clerk reporting the vote as 66 yes, 0 no. It will be sent to the Utah Senate for further consideration.
