AR HB1111

Appropriates $369,072,651 to the Department of Correction Inmate Care and Custody Fund for personal services, operating expenses, jail contracts, and out-of-state beds for fiscal year 2016-2017.

Establishes maximum of 4,752 regular employees across multiple classifications and salary grades, plus authorization for 170 temporary/part-time employees as needed.

Appropriates additional funds for five specialized programs: Inmate Welfare Program ($13,411,332), Work Release Program ($7,238,920), Prison Industry Program ($11,571,873), Farm Operations Program ($20,239,195), and County Jail Reimbursement ($19,661,227).

Authorizes 462 contingent positions for medical services that may be activated if the Department cannot continue private medical contracts, requiring Chief Fiscal Officer and Legislative Council approval.

Grants the Department flexibility to transfer appropriations between line items for specific purposes including temporary bed operations, debt service, overtime, medical contracts, construction, and emergency needs, all requiring prior approval from the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee.