The bill amends AS 33.30.061 to enhance the authority of the commissioner of corrections regarding the placement of prisoners and to mandate the Department of Corrections to estimate and report cost savings. New subsections are added, allowing the commissioner to investigate options for reducing housing costs, which includes consolidating existing facilities and designating the placement of prisoners at out-of-state facilities.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that if a prisoner's remaining term exceeds seven years and they are placed in an out-of-state facility, they must be housed separately from non-resident prisoners. The Department of Corrections is required to provide an annual estimate of the cost savings from these actions, which can be appropriated by the legislature for educational purposes.

Statutes affected:
HB0172A, AM HB 172, introduced 04/03/2025: 33.30.061