The bill amends West Virginia Code 15A-3-16 to require the state police to cover the costs associated with the incarceration of inmates they arrest until those inmates are either convicted or released. This change is reflected in the new legal language that states, "In cases in which the inmate was arrested by the state police, the state police shall pay the jail bill until the conviction or release of the incarcerated inmate." Additionally, the bill modifies existing language regarding the use of funds for jail operations, allowing for more flexibility in how funds can be utilized, particularly in relation to shared staff and operational expenses for facilities that serve dual purposes as both prisons and jails.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies the financial responsibilities of counties regarding the costs of housing inmates, specifying that counties are not liable for the costs of housing felony convicted inmates. It also outlines the process for determining the daily cost per inmate and establishes a framework for counties to manage their financial obligations related to inmate incarceration. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the funding and operational processes of jails while ensuring that the state police bear the financial responsibility for the inmates they arrest.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15A-3-16