MT HB833

Establishes the "Future of Corrections Fund" in state special revenue, administered by the Department of Corrections, for securing additional correctional facilities through build-to-lease, lease-to-own agreements, or contracts with private facilities

Appropriates $4 million from the general fund to the Department of Corrections for prison system assessment, transitional costs, planning, construction expenses, security technology, and comprehensive corrections system planning

Transfers $246 million from the general fund to the capital developments long-range building program account by June 30, 2027, for construction of new state correctional facilities, renovation of existing facilities, or purchase of buildings for correctional capacity

Appropriates $3.5 million for the 2025-2027 biennium for program expansion, operations, and maintenance of new correctional facilities, intended to become part of the Department of Corrections base budget

Requires quarterly reporting to the Legislative Finance Committee and interim budget committees on expenditures and obligations until facility construction is completed; budget director may redirect the $246 million to alternative correctional capacity options if state construction is not in the state's best interests