S_JUD_2020A 01/17/2020 12:06:20 PM Committee Summary

Representative Esgar, chair of the Joint Budget Committee, called the meeting to order.  The following other Joint Budget Committee members were present:  Senators Moreno, Rankin, and Zenzinger, and Representative Ransom. 

Greg Sobetski, Legislative Counsel Staff, presented a forecast of the state's adult male prison population (Attachment A).  He discussed factors that impact the prison population, such as Parole Board decisions, case filings, directions from the Governor, and new court committments.  He explained reasons for forecast uncertainty.    The committee discussed recent statutory changes that could impact the prison population, including diversion filings. 

Dean Williams, executive director of the Department of Corrections (DOC), presented the DOC's population management plan to address the inmates who will be impacted by the closure of the Cheyenne Mountain Re-entry Center (CMRC) (Attachment B).  He recapped some of the problems CMRC has been experiencing with staffing and security. 

Travis Trani, deputy director of DOC, discussed the number of inmates who will be impacted and prison capacity specifics, based on the closing of CMRC on March 7th.  He noted that DOC is starting to move offenders from CMRC.  He answered questions about early release and the Parole Board.  Mr. Williams noted that DOC does not have statutory authority to release inmates early.  Committee discussion turned to community corrections beds and increasing capacity or furlough out options. 

Mr. Trani and Mr. Williams presented the DOC supplemental budget request to open Centennial South (CSP-II).  They explained the process of redistributing the prison population among various prisons. 

Mr. Trani further presented the supplemental budget request, based on timing and authorization. The committee asked questions about the need to open two towers of CSP II.  Discussion followed about jail backlogs and retrofitting CSP II.  Mr. Trani explained the correlation between staffing, capacity, and vacancy rates.  The committee discussed recidivism rates.  Mr. Trani reported that the ultimate goal is to put high-risk inmates in one facility to focus on treatment and cognitive behavior approaches.  Mr. Williams reiterated that the it is not safe for inmates or staff to operate a prison at 100 percent.  

Mr. Trani presented information about the benefits of opening CSP II and addressed concerns if it is not authorized to house inmates.  He noted capacity issues plus other potential problems, such as the availability of community corrections beds and jail backlogs. 

Ms. Goheen, Director of Finance and Administration at DOC, discussed costs of opening CSP II, including staffing and overtime, transportation, medical staff, and start-up costs. 

Committee members asked questions about the use of sled beds and discussed other secondary impacts, such as family visitation.  Discussion followed about private prisons.  The DOC representatives summarized their request to open CSP II.