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House backs expanded Corrections refurbishing program to supply schools with low-cost computers
Summary
Senate Bill 70 was amended to broaden the Computers for Public Schools program: the Department of Corrections may refurbish or build computers to meet school specifications, provide inmate job training, and sell units competitively; passed 66–1.
The Utah House on Feb. 17 approved Senate Bill 70, expanding a program that refurbishes donated computers for sale to schools and enabling the Department of Corrections to build new machines when necessary. Proponents said the change will provide training for inmates, help schools get compatible machines at low cost and strengthen a public‑private donation pipeline.
Representative Allen, speaking for the bill, said the program began with a $500,000 startup appropriation and partners including the Utah Bankers Association and United Parcel Service. She explained that donated machines are taken to Gunnison Correctional Facility for refurbishment and that the bill allows Correctional Industries to build new computers to meet schools’ technical specifications when donors’ equipment is insufficient. "This is a win for private industry and individuals who can donate their computers. It's a win for the correctional system with an excellent training program. And it's a win for the schools," Allen said.
Members asked practical questions about compatibility and wiring in older schools; Allen and other supporters said schools are offered refurbished units compatible with their systems, and participation by schools is voluntary. Representative Bush described examples of schools with unused machines because of wiring incompatibility and pressed the sponsor on how to address that problem; sponsors noted refurbished units can be made compatible and urged communication between schools and program managers.
The floor discussion emphasized workforce training for inmates, competitive pricing (schools are offered units for about $100 historically) and the program’s non‑mandatory nature for schools. After floor debate, SB70 passed with a roll call of 66 yes and 1 no. The bill will enable Corrections to expand refurbishing and build capacity to meet school needs, with implementation details to be handled by agency partners and contractors.
