Montana lawmakers are considering reimbursing county jails for holding inmates waiting for beds at Montana State Hospital. The Senate Judiciary Committee heard from county officials in support of House Bill 643, which would allocate $6 million in one-time funding for reimbursement. Currently, the Department of Health and Human Services does not reimburse counties for holding inmates awaiting transfer to state facilities. The bill aims to address the financial burden on taxpayers and ensure inmates receive necessary resources. However, local officials believe the funding is not a long-term solution and are concerned about overcrowding in county jails due to state inmates. The bill passed the House on a 94-4 vote and was unanimously approved by the Senate committee. Missoula County Sheriff emphasizes the need for a sustainable solution to address the rising costs and stresses the importance of prioritizing criminal justice funding for the welfare of citizens. The Legislature is also considering projects to expand capacity at state facilities, but more funding and long-term solutions are needed to alleviate the strain on county jails.
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