Bill > H5403

This bill establishes a new section in Florida Statutes to address critical capital improvement needs for correctional facilities, recognizing that many existing facilities are old, costly to maintain, and pose safety concerns. It mandates an annual appropriation of $250 million from the General Revenue Fund, starting in the 2026-2027 fiscal year and continuing through 2066-2067, to fund a capital improvement plan for new and existing correctional facilities, with priority given to debt service on bonds issued for construction and then to addressing facility needs like new construction or maintenance. The Department of Corrections is required to begin planning and designing a new 4,800-bed correctional institution and a 600-bed hospital unit with mental health services by July 1, 2026, and to recommend closure of understaffed or excessively costly existing facilities upon completion of new ones. The Division of Bond Finance of the State Board of Administration is authorized to issue bonds specifically for the construction of new correctional facilities, not for maintenance or repairs, with these bonds being payable from the appropriated funds. To ensure efficient spending, a financing oversight committee will be created, composed of representatives from the Senate, House of Representatives, the Executive Office of the Governor's Office of Policy and Budget, the Department of Corrections, and the Division of Bond Finance, to recommend cost-beneficial financing methods for new capital facility construction. This act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Justice Budget Subcommittee (House)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/5403