Conference committee to add legislative intent language for MRCC planning; cost estimates discussed

Members of the conference committee on Senate Bill 2015 agreed to add legislative intent language describing the expected scope and an estimated construction cost for the new MRCC facility, committee members said.

The chair circulated department language intended to put legislators on notice about the planning scope ahead of a likely capital ask next biennium. The example language the department provided would state it is the legislature’s intent to appropriate $478,000,000 for construction of the MRCC in the next legislative session; committee members described that language as nonbinding guidance for future appropriations.

Committee discussion focused on facility size and security level. Representatives noted that earlier planning documents had identified a preferred alternative with a roughly $430,000,000 construction cost, and lawmakers discussed keeping the statutory code free of a precise bed count so the final design could vary. Representative Steeman explained the rationale: planners want flexibility so a 597- or 600-bed estimate does not create a conflict with final design decisions.

Representative Wagner and others stressed that intent language is intended to avoid “sticker shock” in future appropriations and to give the next session a clear planning baseline. Chairman Clary said the language is not binding and is meant to document what the legislature expects staff to study and plan.

Background and next steps: The governor had referenced a figure of about $499,000,000 in an address, committee members said; members emphasized the different figures represent planning-stage estimates that will change with design, inflators and timing. Staff were asked to add the draft intent language into the bill and circulate it to members for Monday’s meeting.

Ending: Committee members asked staff to circulate the draft intent language and to be prepared to discuss capital funding mechanisms if the MRCC request advances.