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LEGISLATION FOR PRISONER HERS IBURSEMENT The Board reviewed a letter of March 8, 1995 and attached Fact Sheet: Board of County Commissioners ,ro llernendo Counsy Ray LosSng ON. Main teat, Room foo ftwhreille, It Sol Manch 8,1995 "1 Mew Fara) n4-0" The Honorable Chairman Indian Rive C&.mty Hoard of County Commissioners 1840 25th Street Vero Beaach, FL 32960 RE: Legislation for Prisoner 1ltoimbtnt «� , I neo sure Hernando County is not alone in its dilemma of balancing Gmwal Fund Expanses with available Revenue. Also, it canes as no surprise that taxpayers aro demanding more services at current taxing Levels. The slogan Otto increase in taxes" is being heard by elected officials nationwide. Aeeatdingly, balancing the General Fund is indeed challenging and requires innovative and aitcrnative funding sources. I learned of a prisoner rei�mbprogram is a small county In Michigan. I believe a similar plan may have merit in Florida. A "Prisoner Reimbursement to the County Aa" is being proposed for consideration during the spring Legislative Samoa by various Legislators, including Senator Locke Burt, whoa the Chairman of the Criminal Justice Committee, and Representative Jeff Stabins. In accordance with this act, local governments will be allowed to collect (5rom those able to bear the cost) costa of incarceration. Inmates awaiting trial and those found innocent of charges would not be charged for mimbursement. Attached is a fact sheet that I have prepared outlining a prisonerrtidrubueaneret program. Although you may not agm with all statements, it is a start. Also attached, is an inmate incarceration cost depicting Hernando FACTSHEET Inmate population in County Jails is increasing dramatically each year representing a major purtiun of county budget expenditures. The average inmate is incarcerated approximately thirty (30) days. The proposed "Prisoner Reimbursement to the County Act" being considered by the Legislature would allow County's to recoup some of the cost of maintaining prisoners in County Jails. Under this act, Iocal governments would he allowed to cnllect fees of up to $_per day, or actual per them costs, from sentenced inmates who can be shown able to bear the cost of inca=reidun during the er►tirc ptriud or their incarceration. both pre-trial and following conviction. No inmate awaiting trial or found innocent of charges during trial can be charged. Under this legislation, a County can Me a cW action suit up to six months following release from jail against an inmate who does not pay fees due to the County. 'The County can also seek a restraining order preventing an inmate, pending a hearing, from disposing of property or assets. MARCH 21, 1995 51 11 V