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Bill > SF2368
IA SF2368
IA SF2368A bill for an act requiring cost-benefit analyses of county jail projects, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly SSB 3137.)
summary
Introduced
02/18/2026
02/18/2026
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
91st General Assembly
Bill Summary
This bill requires a county to conduct a study before approving a project to build a new jail, renovate 50 percent or more of the existing jail property, or expand the grounds or structure of the jail. The study must compare the cost difference between the project and contracting with another county to utilize the other county’s jail facilities. The study shall include all of the following metrics: (1) the average monthly total prisoners booked into the current jail, including county residents, noncounty residents, those booked at the current jail, and those needing to be booked at a jail in a different county but whose case originated in the county; (2) the average food and medical costs per prisoner per year; (3) the average annual staffing costs; (4) the average annual equipment costs including depreciation, replacement costs, and required planning costs for the following five years; (5) the average costs for transporting prisoners to and from the jail; and (6) a list of surrounding counties’ jails including the rated capacities of each jail and the actual capacity of each jail. The study shall be made accessible to the public and available for review upon request and at each meeting at which the county considers the measure of the project. The bill takes effect upon enactment.
AI Summary
This bill requires any county considering a significant jail project, such as building a new jail, renovating more than half of an existing one, or expanding its grounds or structure, to first conduct a detailed cost-benefit analysis. This study must compare the projected costs of the proposed project against the costs of contracting with another county to house its prisoners in that other county's jail facilities. The analysis needs to include specific metrics like the average number of prisoners booked monthly (distinguishing between county residents and non-residents, and those whose cases originated in the county but were booked elsewhere), annual per-prisoner costs for food and medical care, annual staffing expenses, annual equipment costs over the next five years (including depreciation and replacement), prisoner transportation costs, and information on surrounding counties' jails, including their rated and actual capacities. The findings of this study must be made publicly accessible and available for review at any county meeting where the jail project is being considered, and the bill becomes effective immediately upon being signed into law.
Sponsors (0)
No sponsors listed
Other Sponsors (1)
Local Government (Senate)
Last Action
Committee report, approving bill. S.J. 319. (on 02/18/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF2368 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/SF2368.html |
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