The Senate Appropriations II meeting held on January 8, 2025, focused on budget discussions for the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, as well as the Department of Water Resources.

The meeting began with a detailed overview of the proposed budget for the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The executive budget recommends a significant increase of 32.1% in general fund appropriations, correlating with an estimated 10.7% rise in the inmate population. Specifically, the budget proposes 42 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions to support various facilities, including the Missouri River Correctional Center and the Heart River Correctional Center. The anticipated increase in the male inmate count is projected at 164, while the female inmate count is expected to rise by 41.

Concerns were raised regarding the current capacity at the state penitentiary, with indications that many inmates are currently being housed in county jails. To address this issue, the executive budget includes approximately $18 million allocated for county jail reimbursements, which consists of both ongoing and one-time funding.

Senator Magrum inquired about the rationale behind the estimated increase in inmate counts, which was clarified as an estimate provided by the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The committee acknowledged the need for further information regarding the specific number of inmates currently held in county jails.

The discussion then shifted to the Department of Water Resources, where it was noted that funding is contingent on oil and gas tax collections. Variations in oil prices and production levels directly impact the budget for this department. The meeting highlighted a significant increase in the Resources Trust Fund, which is projected to grow from $352 million to $653 million, indicating a substantial carryover for future projects.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored critical budgetary needs for both the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Department of Water Resources, with a focus on addressing inmate capacity issues and the financial implications of fluctuating oil and gas revenues. Further follow-up actions were suggested to gather more precise data on inmate populations in county jails.