Committee pushes planning for correctional Wi‑Fi while debating whether to include $3.3M in the capital bill

The House Corrections & Institutions Committee spent substantial time on whether and how to fund Wi‑Fi in state correctional facilities, weighing direct capital appropriation against channeling funds through the Community Broadband Board.

Committee members said they want planning and staged reporting rather than an immediate installation mandate. One member summarized the committee's urgency: "Let's get this ball rolling. I don't want to be here next year not having made any movement on Wi‑Fi again in our correctional facilities," a remark the chair used to press for actionable planning and interim report backs.

Staff told the committee that Buildings & General Services would need to be involved where physical renovations or conduit work are required, and that ADS (the state technology office) has been engaged in prior conversations with DOC. Members noted the broadband board had declined a request the previous year and discussed whether placing the full $3.3 million in the capital bill could "let the broadband board off the hook" or, conversely, whether routing funding through the board risks denial.

The committee asked staff to consult with the Community Broadband Board and ADS staff about application processes and to report back on how other states have deployed prison Wi‑Fi. A committee member noted internet searches suggested "25 plus states have deployed prison safe Wi‑Fi," and members requested a verification and written memo about national practice and implementation challenges.

The panel did not adopt a final dollar amount during the session. Staff were asked to draft planning language for the capital bill that would authorize planning and require interim reports between now and January, and to return with recommended language on whether funding should be held in the capital bill or routed to the broadband board.