Montana lawmakers address prison overcrowding with $250M fund for women's facility

The Montana Legislature's House Appropriations Committee convened on March 25, 2025, to address pressing issues within the state's correctional and mental health systems. A significant focus of the meeting was the urgent need for increased capacity in the correctional facilities, particularly for female inmates, as current conditions have reached a critical point.

The committee discussed the challenges facing the women's prison population, which has seen a troubling rise in numbers. With the Billings facility at full capacity, there are currently between 60 and 80 female inmates awaiting placement, highlighting a dire need for additional resources. To address this, lawmakers are considering a proposal to allocate $250 million for the development of a new women's correctional facility. This funding would also include $30 million earmarked for immediate transition costs to repurpose existing facilities, such as the Riverside facility in Boulder, to accommodate female inmates.

The Department of Corrections has been proactive in seeking solutions, with plans to remodel Riverside to create space for approximately 80 to 90 female inmates. Additionally, temporary housing options are being explored at the Montana State Prison, which would require an investment of around $13 million. These measures aim to alleviate overcrowding and ensure that local jails can operate effectively without being burdened by state inmates.

During the meeting, various stakeholders voiced their support for the proposed funding, emphasizing the necessity of expanding bed space to improve public safety and reduce the strain on local law enforcement. However, concerns were raised by representatives from the American Civil Liberties Union and the Montana Budget and Policy Center, who argued that the focus should shift towards preventative measures, such as mental health and substance use treatment, to reduce the overall prison population.

The discussions underscored the complexity of the issues at hand, with lawmakers balancing immediate needs against long-term solutions. As the committee moves forward, the outcomes of these deliberations will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Montana's correctional system and addressing the needs of its most vulnerable populations. The proposed funding and strategic planning are seen as essential steps toward rectifying the current challenges and ensuring a more effective and humane correctional environment for all Montanans.