Senate passes $31M capital bonding package, after negotiations to include juvenile detention funding

Senator McAllister led discussion of Senate Bill 286, the 1996 general obligation bonding bill. On the floor he walked senators through the capital list and revenue bond schedule, noting appropriations for correctional facilities, women’s corrections, forensic design work at state hospital, and a total capital development figure (listed on the floor as about $31,000,000). Several senators flagged the need for additional juvenile detention funding (the Carbon/CEU juvenile detention concern) and discussed whether that project could be included; leadership said they would attempt to accommodate the item in appropriations adjustments.

After a period of negotiation and assurances that adjustments would be considered, the Senate removed the circle on the bill and took it up under suspension of the rules for second and third reading. The floor vote produced 25 yeas, 3 nays and 1 absent, and the bill was transmitted to the House for their consideration. Senators emphasized the immediate need for corrections capacity, including women's facilities and forensic design, and noted some projects not included would be reconsidered in future funding cycles if not included in this package.