Senate committee amends jail reimbursement law to raise stipends for accredited jails

Senate Bill 186, presented by Senator Jackson on April 21, amends Tennessee’s reimbursement structure for counties that house state inmates. The bill as described by the sponsor sought two changes: (1) begin state reimbursement from the date of conviction rather than the sentencing date, and (2) increase per‑day reimbursement levels because counties say current rates often do not cover actual costs.

A finance amendment (drafting code 48‑77) adopted in committee removed the provision restarting reimbursement from the date of conviction and instead focused on increasing supplemental stipends for certain accredited jails. Under the amendment, jails certified as Tier 1 or Tier 2 would be eligible for additional stipend funding (described in testimony as $6 and $12 in the amendment language). The sponsor and staff explained that approximately 22 jails currently qualify for the tiered stipend, but the fiscal note cautioned that the number of qualifying jails could change if others achieve accreditation.

Committee members asked multiple clarifying questions about the relationship between the staple daily rate (the baseline $41 per day), the stipend levels, and which jails qualify. The sponsor clarified that the baseline $41 daily reimbursement remains unchanged by the amendment; the amendment creates an additional stipend only for accredited Tier 1 and Tier 2 facilities. Committee members also noted the fiscal uncertainty because the number of qualifying jails may expand.

The committee adopted the finance amendment and then recommended Senate Bill 186, as amended, for passage to the committee on the calendar; the committee vote was recorded as 10 ayes.

Ending: The amendment raises supplemental stipend levels for accredited jails and the bill was reported to the calendar for further action; counties not accredited do not receive the stipend increase under the amendment.