What to Watch: Week 5

State Inmates in County Jails: Action Needed This Week

One of the Idaho Association of Counties’ (IAC) legislative priorities gained visibility during last Friday’s Joint Finance-Appropriation Committee (JFAC) meeting, signaling growing legislative attention to the issue of state inmates housed in county jails.

During the meeting, JFAC Co-Chair Representative Tanner referenced whether or not the state should do a supplemental budget request to pay for last year’s reimbursement costs for state inmates currently held in county jails and, in some cases, out-of-state facilities. He also mentioned the additional price tag of House Bill 556, which would increase the reimbursement rate to counties for state inmates in county jails to $80. (Click here to view a clip of Co-Chair Tanner’s comments on funding for Inmates in County Jails.)

Why This Matters to Counties

Counties across Idaho continue to house state-sentenced inmates due to capacity limitations in state correctional facilities. When these inmates remain in county jails, counties cover costs for housing, staffing, and assume additional liability. In many counties, the presence of state inmates in county jails also creates significant overcrowding. 

This situation:

• Puts additional strains on county budgets
• Creates a shift to county property taxpayers to cover the additional costs
• Increases pressure on sheriffs and detention staff

House Bill 556: What’s Next

House Bill 556, IAC’s priority legislation on increasing the reimbursement rates for state inmates in county jails, is expected to receive a full hearing in the House Judiciary and Rules Committee on Tuesday, February 17.

The bill focuses on better aligning responsibility and resources between the state and counties when state inmates remain in county jails. At its core, House Bill 556 seeks a workable solution that recognizes the operational realities the state and counties face with the limited bed space currently available throughout the state.

• Simplifies the System: Moves counties and the state to a one-rate billing structure
• Protects Property Taxpayers: Reduces disproportionate costs currently placed on local property taxes

County Outreach Is Critical

IAC encourages county commissioners and county sheriffs to contact members of the House Judiciary and Rules Committee this week and over the weekend.

Direct outreach from county officials is especially effective at this stage. Legislators value hearing firsthand how state policies affect:

• Jail capacity and operations
• Staffing challenges
• County budgets and public safety

When reaching out, clearly explain why House Bill 556 is necessary. Include local impacts if possible, and politely ask for the legislator’s support. Highlighting shared responsibility and long-term solutions can help present the issue constructively.

Learn More

House Bill 556 is available on the Legislature’s website:
https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/H0556/

IAC will continue to keep counties informed as this bill moves forward and appreciates continued engagement from county officials during this critical phase of the legislative process.