Summary
The bill that would have required the state to pay more toward housing state inmates died in committee. Counties still get $35.34 a day per state inmate while the state prison system spends about $122 — leaving local taxpayers to cover the gap.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Apr 14, 2026.
Impact analysis
County taxpayers continue subsidizing state inmates at roughly $87 a day below state prison costs.
State government, which avoids paying its share; county jail operations bear the difference.
Hardin County taxpayers, who effectively subsidize the housing of state prisoners.
Mentions & discussions (2)
Fiscal Court - Apr 14, 2026
The bill that would have required the state to pay more toward housing state inmates died in committee. Counties still get $35.34 a day per state inmate while the state prison system spends about $122 — leaving local taxpayers to cover the gap.
Fiscal Court - Feb 10, 2026
The county's jail subsidy has exploded from about $2.5 million to nearly $6 million a year, against only about $11 million in total property tax. HB 557 would pay counties retroactively for state inmates from day one of conviction, incentivize regionalization, and require real contracts with the state — potentially saving millions. All five Hardin County representatives are co-sponsors.
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