House inserts $3 million for Wi‑Fi in correctional facilities; bill ties installation to monthly reporting

The capital-bill cash section includes a $3,000,000 appropriation to the Department of Corrections to work with the Agency of Digital Services to install Wi‑Fi systems in state correctional facilities. John Gray described the appropriation as intended to address safety, security and confidentiality risks and to advance a multiyear effort to bring Wi‑Fi to facilities.

Gray said the appropriation is linked to enhanced oversight: “the commissioner of corrections and the chief information officer of digital services shall monthly report during adjournment in this calendar year to the joint legislative justice oversight committee in consultation with the institutions chairs on the installation of Wi‑Fi in state correctional facilities,” he said. The monthly reporting requirement is embedded in the bill text to push progress and provide the oversight committee frequent status updates.

Committee members noted prior frustrated attempts to install similar systems and requested follow‑up testimony from DOC and digital services on technical design, security protections, and whether the appropriation covers pilot sites or full‑facility rollouts. Counsel said letters and prior correspondence describe reasons for delay; this appropriation reflects the House’s desire to move installation forward. The committee asked departmental witnesses to appear to explain timelines and implementation plans before taking final action on the bill.