Missouri House Bill HB170

Missouri 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/25
• Refer: 1/30/25

Caption

Increases the prisoner reimbursement amount that the state is required to pay to counties

Impact

The impact of HB 170 on state laws could be significant, particularly concerning the financial responsibilities of both local and state governments. By formalizing the process of expense calculation and reimbursement, the bill aims to standardize how costs are determined and billed. This could potentially ease the financial burden on counties, which often face disparities in funding and reimbursement processes depending on local governance structures and practices. As reimbursement rates tend to fluctuate based on various factors, establishing a more consistent approach could foster financial predictability for counties.

Summary

House Bill 170 seeks to amend existing statutes regarding the reimbursement amounts that the state of Missouri is required to pay to counties for the costs of incarcerating prisoners. The bill specifically repeals section 221.105 and enacts a new section that outlines the obligations of county and city governments in determining the per diem costs of incarceration for prisoners detained in jails or medium security institutions. Under this proposed legislation, local governing bodies are mandated to fix the expenses associated with the incarceration of prisoners, ensuring these costs are subject to review and approval by the Department of Corrections.

Contention

However, there may be points of contention surrounding this bill, especially regarding its fiscal implications and the auditing processes involved. Discussions may arise over whether the proposed reimbursement rates adequately reflect the true cost of prisoner housing and the resultant pressures that such costs put on county budgets. Stakeholders may also express concerns about the extent of oversight by the Department of Corrections, questioning if it could infringe upon local control or result in inadequate resource allocation for critical programs related to public safety and rehabilitation.