Indianapolis, In. — The House Ways and Means Committee today voted in support of Republican state representative from Greensburg Randy Frye’s legislation providing counties additional options to address jail overcrowding.
According to Frye, this legislation would give county sheriffs the option to transport non-violent, low-level felons to regional holding facilities operated by the Indiana Department of Corrections.
“Jail overcrowding is a growing problem in Indiana, and space for incoming inmates can be scarce,” Frye said. “In 2017, more than half of Indiana county jails were at or exceeding capacity. This proposed legislation ensures every county has the option to seek additional housing for inmates, if needed.”
Frye said the inmates would stay at the regional holding facility until room is available in their county jail or they complete their sentence. Additional funding would be provided to regional holding facilities housing these inmates.
In 2017, there were more than 1,300 Level 6 felons in Indiana, according to the Indiana Supreme Court. Under this legislation, those offenders would be eligible for transport to regional holding facilities.
House Bill 1065 now moves to the full House of Representatives for further consideration. For more information about the 2019 Indiana General Assembly click here.
