A central Kentucky lawmaker is sponsoring legislation to help ease overcrowding at certain county jails. It’s based on an agreed-to transfer program between detention facilities.
Madison County Representative Deanna Frazier told a House committee the measure is designed to help reduce the pressure at overcapacity jails. She said some county jails are consistently under capacity while others, like hers, are well overcapacity. Kentucky Sheriff’s Association Director Jerry Wagner noted these jail agreements could reduce travel time for his agency. “It would be less mileage, less wear and tear on the car, less costs. You know if you’re moving one-two counties versus one across the state, big difference there,” said Wagner.
Among other things the bill allows for the transfer of state prisoners from jails at or over 150% of capacity and allows a jail to place county prisoners in an area usually reserved for state inmates if there are vacant beds.
While supporting efforts to reduce overcrowding, Amanda Hall with the ACLU would like to see more flexibility. “We think this bill is a step forward in so many ways, but we ask that that 150% be removed and just have it at capacity, be that chance for transfer. We think that will really help with overcrowding in a more meaningful way that I think all of you, the sponsors, and folks are trying to work toward,” explained Hall.
Legislation focusing on bail reform was also on the Judiciary Committee agenda, but there was not enough time to take up that bill.?
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