That includes a $156 million project to rebuild several “low-side” housing units that currently hold more than 500 inmates needing lower levels of supervision. Several of the projects are anticipated to expand the available beds. A lot of work ahead of us, but it's all good.” “I cannot tell you how excited we are for the future. “Thank you all for the support this past session – historic for our department,” Gootkin said. “I believe providing this committee with the most updated data is probably the best way moving forward,” he said.ĭuring the 2023 legislative session, lawmakers approved extensive infrastructure spending for corrections projects – including more than $200 million at Montana State Prison alone. John Fitzpatrick, R-Anaconda.ĭepartment of Corrections Director Brian Gootkin agreed. “You've got to get some basic information pulled together if we're going to start talking about a future direction for the department,” said Rep. On Tuesday, lawmakers said there have been many changes since that report came out – from new laws and policies to the COVID pandemic – and they want to take another look at the data and possible new projections as their work goes on. It projected a need for 3,746 secure beds by 2039, though it said changes like the state’s criminal justice reinvestment initiative might mean the state wouldn’t need to build prison capacity. In 2020, the department commissioned a strategic planning report. The Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge currently has 1,572 inmates – 46 higher than its operational capacity, and significantly higher than what it was originally designed for. That’s higher than the theoretical “operational capacity” of 2,739.

11, the Montana Department of Corrections reported housing 2,784 inmates in secure facilities, either state-operated or contracted. “Corrections facilities is really something that should have been dealt with a long time ago, so I'm excited about this committee,” said Sen. That committee held its first meeting Tuesday at the State Capitol. Now, a new state committee is studying ways to move the correctional system forward.Īs a provision in one of this year’s main budget bills, the Montana Legislature established a select committee to start planning for the state’s corrections facilities – both immediate improvements and long-term needs. HELENA - Montana leaders say the state’s prisons have been operating at or above capacity for years.

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