Lawmakers press DOC on contraband, capacity and implementation timelines; June follow‑ups set
March 18, 2026 | 2026 Legislature MT, Montana
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Helena — Committee members used DOC’s presentation to press the department on capacity projections, contraband/drug interdiction efforts and next steps on facility and software projects.
Eric Strauss, Director of the Department of Corrections, said in‑facility drug use and introduction are real operational concerns though public perception may overstate the scope. "I think probably the extent of the problem might be exaggerated, but it is certainly a concern that we have inside the organization," Strauss said. He described a renewed interdiction approach, participation in a Correctional Leaders Association drug‑interdiction committee and a dedicated MSP resource to assess vulnerabilities.
Members requested a more exhaustive report at the June meeting to outline scope, mitigation strategies and whether additional resources are needed. Senator McGilvray asked specifically for DOC to map the total scope of the problem and any resource shortfalls; Strauss agreed to provide more detail in June.
Capacity and capital projects
Staff briefed members on a recent capacity study that informed House Bill 5 and House Bill 833; the study recommended additional low‑side housing (about 512 beds) and a new women's prison. Staff said projections have fluctuated with population changes and that some increases were driven by available capacity; they offered a capacity update in June so the committee can review how new funding will align with projected population growth and avoid immediately filling new facilities.
Software and other operational items
Committee members also asked for updates on DOC’s planned software/automation (communications and case management) and requested quarterly implementation updates. Lawmakers asked DOC to brief community corrections, Native liaisons and the Board of Pardons and Paroles at the June meeting to coordinate veteran services, reentry and parole eligibility processes.
What’s next
Committee staff confirmed June 22–23 as the next two‑day IBC meeting (followed by Legislative Finance Committee on June 24) and said DOC will provide the requested breakdowns and more detailed reports on contraband interdiction, capacity modeling, and program inventories prior to the meeting.
Eric Strauss, Director of the Department of Corrections, said in‑facility drug use and introduction are real operational concerns though public perception may overstate the scope. "I think probably the extent of the problem might be exaggerated, but it is certainly a concern that we have inside the organization," Strauss said. He described a renewed interdiction approach, participation in a Correctional Leaders Association drug‑interdiction committee and a dedicated MSP resource to assess vulnerabilities.
Members requested a more exhaustive report at the June meeting to outline scope, mitigation strategies and whether additional resources are needed. Senator McGilvray asked specifically for DOC to map the total scope of the problem and any resource shortfalls; Strauss agreed to provide more detail in June.
Capacity and capital projects
Staff briefed members on a recent capacity study that informed House Bill 5 and House Bill 833; the study recommended additional low‑side housing (about 512 beds) and a new women's prison. Staff said projections have fluctuated with population changes and that some increases were driven by available capacity; they offered a capacity update in June so the committee can review how new funding will align with projected population growth and avoid immediately filling new facilities.
Software and other operational items
Committee members also asked for updates on DOC’s planned software/automation (communications and case management) and requested quarterly implementation updates. Lawmakers asked DOC to brief community corrections, Native liaisons and the Board of Pardons and Paroles at the June meeting to coordinate veteran services, reentry and parole eligibility processes.
What’s next
Committee staff confirmed June 22–23 as the next two‑day IBC meeting (followed by Legislative Finance Committee on June 24) and said DOC will provide the requested breakdowns and more detailed reports on contraband interdiction, capacity modeling, and program inventories prior to the meeting.
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