Idaho Jails Face Strain as State Inmate Population Rises; Funding Bill Falls Short

Idaho county jails are experiencing overcrowding due to a surge in state inmates awaiting transfer to state prison facilities, placing a significant financial and logistical burden on local counties. While the Idaho Senate recently passed House Bill 556 (HB 556) aimed at increasing reimbursement rates for housing these inmates, sheriffs across the state argue the increase is insufficient to cover the actual costs.

Overcrowding and Financial Strain

Currently, over 1,200 inmates sentenced to state custody are being held in county jails while awaiting space in state prisons, according to Canyon County Sheriff Kieran Donahue . Counties are assisting the state in managing this overflow, but are not receiving adequate compensation for the associated expenses.

Donahue estimates the daily cost of housing a state inmate at approximately $113. Prior to HB 556, Idaho reimbursed counties $55 per day for the first week and $75 per day thereafter .

HB 556: A Partial Solution?

HB 556, passed by the Idaho Senate on Monday, increases the reimbursement rate to $80 per inmate per day and . However, several sheriffs have voiced concerns that this increase is still inadequate.

Ada County Sheriff Matt Clifford stated it costs his county $134.08 per day to house an inmate . Both Clifford and Donahue emphasized the need for additional funding to ensure jail safety, infrastructure maintenance, and adequate resources for inmates.

The Root of the Problem: Lack of Prison Space

Sheriff Donahue attributes the overcrowding issue to years of insufficient funding for new prison facilities, hindering the Idaho Department of Correction’s ability to create adequate prison space . He urges the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee (JFAC) to prioritize funding for the construction of additional prison space.

The passage of HB 556 is seen as a temporary measure, with officials acknowledging that a long-term solution requires addressing the underlying issue of limited prison capacity.