4469ECAD84C12E9987258942006BDC08 Hearing Summary

The committee was called to order. A quorum was present. Senator Gonzales, Chair, provided an overview of the day's agenda. Andre Stancil, Interim Executive Director, Ashley Clark, Director of Finance and Administration; Rich Thompkins, Chief Human Resources Officer; Christina Ortiz-Marquez, Equity, Diversion and Inclusion Coordinator; all of the Department of Corrections (DOC), appeared before the committee pursuant to the SMART Government Act and Joint Rule 25. Mr. Stancil provided some opening remarks. Mr. Thompkins discussed position openings in the department and the department's efforts to recruit and retain employees.

Mr. Thompkins continued to discuss DOC's hiring and retention efforts. Mr. Thompkins responded to questions regarding the efficacy of certain DOC hiring events, and the focus of the department's hiring efforts. Discussion ensued regarding the impact of an aging prison population on departmental hiring needs, and the impact of low staffing levels on safety for existing employees. Mr. Thompkins responded to questions regarding historic vacancy rates for corrections officers.

Ms. Clark provided an overview of the DOC FY 2023-24 budget request. Mr. Stancil discussed the department's legislative agenda for the current session. Ms. Clark responded to questions regarding the impact of inflation on the department's budget. Meredith McGrath, Director for the Division of Adult Parole, discussed funding for housing for offenders transitioning out of the criminal justice system. Mr. Stancil responded to questions regarding work programs in the DOC, and costs for therapeutic programming. Discussion centered on the department's Take TWO program.

Ms. Ortiz_Marquez discussed DOC's diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Ms. Clark discussed the use of federal stimulus funding by the department. Ms. Clark responded to questions regarding the use of federal stimulus funds, and the impact of prison population trends on health care needs. Leonard Woodson responded to questions regarding the DOC population impacted by certain health issues. Discussion ensued regarding to costs associated with medically assisted treatment. Discussion returned to the department's recruiting and retention issues and efforts, and corrections officer safety.