A0CCCBFB4A035242872584790060F28E Hearing Summary

Mr. Greg Sobetski, Legislative Council Staff, provided an update on the prison population forecast and population trajectory, Mr. Sobetski first explained how prison populations are forecast in other states, and the performance of forecasts. Mr. Sobetski responded to questions regarding the factors driving prison population forecast error in Tennessee.

Mr. Sobetski returned to discussing prison population forecasting in other states. Mr. Sobetski then discussed prison population trends since the December 2018 forecast. Mr. Sobetski responded to questions regarding the effect of prison admissions on the jurisdictional population, and a drop in technical parole violations in 2016. Discussion ensued regarding this second point. Mr. Sobetski responded to questions regarding the effect of certain legislation on a reduction of offenders in jail by contract, and trends in private prison utilization. Discussion followed regarding the shifting of populations between jails and prison.

Mr. Vance Roper, Joint Budget Committee Staff, addressed questions about jail utilization. Discussion continued regarding the shifting of offender populations between jail and prison. Discussion ensued regarding committee recommendations under SB 19-259.

The committee recessed.