Committee adopts technical amendment and advances DOC bill clarifying TB testing in corrections

The House Finance and Policy Committee on March 18 adopted a technical amendment to and recommended House File 37 69 — a Department of Corrections omnibus bill updating procedures for tuberculosis (TB) screening in correctional settings.

Representative Curran introduced the bill and moved the A1 amendment to clarify that testing can occur at intake or annually as appropriate. Kelly Half, legislative director for the Department of Corrections, testified the bill removes ambiguity in current statute about how refusals to screening should be handled, adds newer testing methods aligned with federal guidance and clarifies timelines to reduce lengthy stays in restrictive housing that can result when screenings are delayed by court processes.

Members raised cost questions. One lawmaker said a traditional Mantoux TB skin test costs about $10 while an interferon‑gamma release assay (discussed in testimony as a higher‑cost alternative) can cost more—committee remarks cited roughly $80—prompting discussion about county responsibility for expenses. DOC testified that the bill is not intended to increase testing frequency but to clarify procedures and allow newer tests (such as interferon‑gamma options) so facilities can use appropriate screening methods and speed adjudication when tests are refused.

Representative questions centered on whether clearer language would increase county costs for segregation and court processing, and whether the DOC already had authority to order testing. DOC testimony said the commissioner already can order testing but the bill codifies a process to reduce ambiguity and to shorten the time individuals spend in restrictive housing while refusing testing is adjudicated.

The committee adopted the A1 amendment and voted to recommend HF 37 69 to be placed on the General Register as amended.

Next steps include committee follow‑up on any fiscal impacts for counties and a review of whether the updated testing methods change overall program costs.