This bill amends and reenacts section 15A-3-16 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, to clarify the financial responsibilities of counties regarding the costs associated with the incarceration of inmates. Specifically, it limits a county's financial responsibility for costs related to inmates who are incarcerated for felony convictions and awaiting transportation to a state correctional facility for a 60-day evaluation period to a maximum of 30 days from the date of incarceration. Additionally, the bill modifies existing language to allow for the use of funds for shared staff and operational expenses in facilities that serve both as prisons and jails, while ensuring that funds cannot be used to offset non-jail operations.

The bill also outlines the structure for the per diem costs associated with inmate incarceration, establishing a base rate and a tiered payment system based on the percentage of a county's pro rata share of total billed inmate days. It mandates that the State Budget Office annually review and adjust the per diem rate based on operational costs, and it requires the commissioner to provide detailed information regarding inmate days and costs on the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation's website. Furthermore, it includes provisions for reimbursement to counties from municipal corporations for certain costs incurred due to specific types of incarcerations.