Joint Budget Committee approves $1.9M supplemental for community corrections caseload

The Joint Budget Committee on Monday approved a $1.9 million General Fund supplemental to the Department of Public Safety’s Division of Criminal Justice to cover mid‑year increases in community corrections placements.

Mister Brackie, presenting staff’s recommendation, said the request—labeled S1, BA1—includes $1,000,000 to fund roughly 39 additional standard residential beds and about $900,000 to implement a 3.3% per‑diem increase recommended by a third‑party budget evaluation of community corrections providers. “The Department requested about $1,900,000 General Fund and I’m recommending that you approve that,” he said.

Staff noted October billing data suggest spending may exceed the current appropriation by roughly $1,000,000 and that an uptick in average daily placements supports the request. Brackie also described a FY 2026‑27 component—an additional roughly $500,000 and higher per‑diem costs for a full year—should the committee approve ongoing funding.

Senators questioned whether reported increases in denials to community corrections would reduce placements, and staff responded the data show a slight increase in Department of Corrections placements to community corrections and that courts also place people directly, so placements may not fall. Brackie said the 3.3% per‑diem adjustment was a weighted inflationary approach consistent with the third‑party audit.

Senator Mable moved the staff recommendation; the committee approved the motion 5‑0 with Sirota excused.

The committee also authorized staff to adjust a related footnote as needed to give the Division of Criminal Justice the required spending authority. The committee’s action covers the current year caseload and gives staff latitude to address operational bookkeeping tied to provider contracts.