Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Jail Reimbursement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senate approves jail reimbursement measure after debate over future costs
Summary
The Utah Senate passed House Bill 4 73 on Feb. 26, 1992, to reimburse counties for housing state prisoners after floor debate over long-term costs and program design. Supporters said it helps county facilities; opponents warned of escalating state obligations.
The Utah Senate passed House Bill 4 73, a measure to reimburse counties for housing state prisoners, after floor amendments and extended debate on Feb. 26, 1992.
Senator Carrie Peterson, handling the bill on the floor, explained the amendment would remove an appropriation for the current fiscal year and delay implementation until the next legislative session, arguing the state had already spent available funds. Senator Peterson said the bill asks the director of the Department of Corrections to track state prisoners placed in county jails and establish an appropriate fee for housing them.
Senator McAllister, focusing on the fiscal note, warned senators that the bill carried future costs. “The bill appropriates $500,000 fiscal year ’93,” he said, “and requires escalation of department budget requests by an additional $500,000 per year; estimates of cost ... for ’99 and beyond are 4 and a half million dollars.” He urged caution: “If we make any move toward paying these, we have, in effect, committed ourselves to this program.”
Supporters pushed back that the measure offered relief to counties that have been absorbing the cost of state prisoners. Peterson said the measure “gives us an opportunity to effectively reimburse the counties and at the same time provide a safety and secure public‑safety issue through proper utilization of our county facilities.” Chuck Peterson emphasized the money would remain taxpayers’ funds regardless of what level of government paid them.
After floor debate the Senate adopted the amendment and moved to final passage. The president announced the final roll call showing the bill passed (the chamber reported the passage numerically on the record). The bill will be returned to the House for further action or enrolled according to the normal process.
What happens next: The bill, as passed, directs a reimbursement framework and triggers future administration work and budget requests; lawmakers and budget staff will need to track and estimate ongoing fiscal exposure in subsequent budget cycles.
