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House adopts resolution supporting Garfield County jail expansion; critics warn against implied state commitment
Summary
The House passed HJR12 supporting Garfield County's plan to contract for 80 jail beds, 46-21. Opponents warned the resolution could be read as committing the state to fund contract beds, while the sponsor and statute cited say the resolution does not bind the Legislature or Department of Corrections.
The Utah House passed House Joint Resolution 12 by a vote of 46-21, a resolution that expresses legislative support for Garfield County’s proposed expansion of correctional facilities and its plan to contract for 80 beds.
Representative Noel explained the resolution is a necessary procedural step under statute for counties that wish to expand and contract for jail beds, saying the measure “is not a just a feel good bill” but a required hearing step (opening). Representative Bigelow and others warned that the resolution should not be interpreted as a state funding commitment. Representative Bigelow urged a ‘no’ vote, saying the Department of Corrections had not included the beds in its plan (analysis), while the sponsor read statutory language and emphasized that a resolution “does not bind or obligate the Legislature or the department regarding the proposed contract” (statute read aloud).
Representative Noel noted the daily estimated cost of housing inmates in county jails is substantially cheaper than state facilities, referencing a figure of about $42.32 per day as a per-diem comparative (floor exchange). The resolution passed and was referred to the Senate for further consideration.
Next steps: HJR12 goes to the Senate; the Department of Corrections and bond/appropriations processes remain separate steps before contracts or revenue bonds move forward.
