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House approves higher county jail reimbursements and treatment incentives
Summary
House Bill 153, which raises county reimbursement rates for contracted jail beds and adds a $2-per-day incentive for county treatment programs, passed the House 70–0 and will go to the Senate; sponsors urged appropriation support to cover implementation.
The Utah House on Feb. 28 approved House Bill 153, sponsored by Representative Noel, to increase state reimbursement for county correctional facility beds and add an additional $2 per day for county programs that provide treatment services such as drug and alcohol programs or sex-offender treatment.
Representative Noel said the change addresses strained contract‑bed capacity in state prisons and the financial burden counties carry when the contract rate does not cover operating costs: “The actual contract rate is $45 a day,” he noted, and counties pick up the remaining costs. He described the $2 treatment incentive and urged colleagues to support an appropriation during budget deliberations to fund the change, saying there is a $70,000 fiscal note to implement the program.
Members from both urban and rural districts rose in support, citing reduced recidivism from treatment programs and the fiscal stress counties face when reimbursed below actual cost. Representative Draxler and others framed the change as public‑safety and corrections policy that shifts dollars to evidence‑based treatment where appropriate.
HB153 passed the House unanimously, 70 yes and 0 no, and will be transmitted to the Senate for its consideration.
